Old Testament: Deuteronomy 1 - 12
In chapter 1 Moses describes the disobedience of the people when they heard from the spies and were afraid to enter the Promised Land. In 1:27, Moses said, "You grumbled in your tents." What is grumbling and why is it more likely to be done in your tent? How can you avoid becoming someone whose faith fails while grumbling in your tent?
According to 2:14, how long did it take for the generation that refused to enter the Promised Land to die off?
In 3:26, not only did God tell Moses "no" to something he was asking, but He told Moses to quit asking. Jesus has taught us to be persistent in prayer. How do you know when it is time to accept a "no" answer from God or when it is time to keep asking?
4:29 says, "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." Are you seeking God? with all your heart and soul?
In 5:2-3, Moses said, "The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. It was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today." The covenant at Horeb (Mt. Sinai) had been made nearly 40 years earlier with a generation that was now dead. Why does Moses say the Lord made this covenant with those who were living?
What method does 6:7 give for parents to impress on their children the commands of the Lord?
6:11-12 warns against turning away from God during good times, saying "when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord." How can you maintain a love for God during good times?
Why did God want Israel to completely destroy the seven nations he names in 7:1?
In 8:3 God says, "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." What does it mean to live on the word that comes from the mouth of the Lord?
According to 9:4 why was God going to drive out the inhabitants of the Promised Land?
How does Moses summarize God's requirements in 10:12-13?
11:8 says, "Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess." Why would obedience give someone strength?
In 11:18 God says, "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds." How would you do that?
Why did God command in chapter 12 that there was to be only one place of worship where sacrifices were to be offered?
Psalms 29 - 31
29:2 says, "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name." How do you do this?
30:5 says, "weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." When is it most important for you to keep this principle in mind?
31:19 says, "How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you," What do you think are the good things God has stored up?
New Testament: Romans 11 - 16
What does Paul mean in 11:17 referring to us as a wild olive shoot grafted in?
In 12:1 Paul tells us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. What does this mean and how do you do it?
12:5 says that among Christians, "each member belongs to all the others." Does your life reflect this? How are you using the gifts God has given you to serve other believers?
We are commanded in 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Are you able to do both of these?
Based on 13:1-7 what should our attitude be toward the government?
14:1 commands us, "Accept the one whose faith is weak." What does it mean to accept someone and why is this important?
Paul says in 14:10, "we will all stand before God’s judgment seat." How does knowing this affect the way you live and the way you treat others?
15:1 says, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak." What do you need to do to bear with someone's failings?
Paul warns us to watch out for "those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned." (16:17) What does he say motivates people to do that?
Sunday, March 05, 2017
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Week 9, February 26 - March 4, 2017
Old Testament: Numbers 19 - 36
Why did God require a cleansing process in chapter 19 for someone who came in contact with a corpse?
What did Moses do wrong in chapter 20? How important is it for you to be obedient to God?
In chapter 21 Moses put a bronze snake on a pole. If someone was bitten by a venomous snake and looked at the bronze snake they would live. Why did Jesus compare himself to the bronze snake in John 3:14?
What do you conclude from God's statement to Balaam in 22:12, "You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed." Should you be concerned about someone trying to put a curse on you? What do you need to do to walk in God's blessing?
Why was God angry in 22:22?
In 23:19 Balaam's word from the Lord included the statement, "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" Do you recognize that God keeps His promises? What promises of God shape the way you think and live?
Who is the star spoken of in 24:17 and the ruler spoken of in 24:19?
What caused a plague in chapter 25?
Why do you think God said in 26:55, "Be sure that the land is distributed by lot"? David wrote in Psalm 16:6, "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." What attitude should you take toward the life God has provided for you?
When the second census was taken in chapter 26, who was still living that had been counted in the first census?
What did Moses ask God for in 27:15-17?
In chapter 30, why did God give fathers and husbands the right to overrule vows made by their daughters or wives?
31:16 shows that Balaam advised the Midianites in how to lure Israel in to sin. This was after he was unable to curse Israel. This advice only worked because of the disobedience of the Israelites. How can you avoid being led astray by the enemy?
Were the Gadites and Reubenites right or wrong in wanting to live east of the Jordan?
Chapter 33 lists 42 places that the Israelites camped in the 40 years from the time they left Egypt to the time they camped across the Jordan River from Jericho. Why were they on the move for so long?
In chapter 35 God describes the purpose of the cities of refuge as a place people could go "so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly." Why wouldn't people be given this protection and the opportunity to stand trial anywhere in the land?
What restriction was given in chapter 36 to women who inherited land?
Psalms 25 - 28
David wrote in 25:4, "Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths." How eager are you to learn God's will for your life? How willing are you to go where He leads?
Why do you think David wrote in 26:8, " I love the house where you live"?
David wrote in 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" How can you develop a trust in the Lord that drives out the fear of other people?
David wrote in 28:7, "My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." How can you experience the joy that David was writing about?
New Testament: Romans 6 - 10
In 6:11 we are given the command, "count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." What does this mean and how do you obey it?
In 7:4 Paul says we have "died to the law through the body of Christ." What does it mean to be dead to the law?
In chapter 7 Paul describes the struggle with sin, summarized in verse 21, "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me." People studying this chapter have sometimes disagreed on whether Paul was describing his struggle before becoming a Christian or his struggle as a Christian. Which do you think he meant and why?
In 8:18 Paul wrote, " I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Are you able to take this attitude when you face suffering?
8:28 says, "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." Do you expect that God is doing something good even when you can't see the good at the time?
According to 9:32, why did people of Israel not obtain righteousness?
What does Paul say in 10:9 a person needs to do to be saved?
Why did God require a cleansing process in chapter 19 for someone who came in contact with a corpse?
What did Moses do wrong in chapter 20? How important is it for you to be obedient to God?
In chapter 21 Moses put a bronze snake on a pole. If someone was bitten by a venomous snake and looked at the bronze snake they would live. Why did Jesus compare himself to the bronze snake in John 3:14?
What do you conclude from God's statement to Balaam in 22:12, "You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed." Should you be concerned about someone trying to put a curse on you? What do you need to do to walk in God's blessing?
Why was God angry in 22:22?
In 23:19 Balaam's word from the Lord included the statement, "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" Do you recognize that God keeps His promises? What promises of God shape the way you think and live?
Who is the star spoken of in 24:17 and the ruler spoken of in 24:19?
What caused a plague in chapter 25?
Why do you think God said in 26:55, "Be sure that the land is distributed by lot"? David wrote in Psalm 16:6, "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." What attitude should you take toward the life God has provided for you?
When the second census was taken in chapter 26, who was still living that had been counted in the first census?
What did Moses ask God for in 27:15-17?
In chapter 30, why did God give fathers and husbands the right to overrule vows made by their daughters or wives?
31:16 shows that Balaam advised the Midianites in how to lure Israel in to sin. This was after he was unable to curse Israel. This advice only worked because of the disobedience of the Israelites. How can you avoid being led astray by the enemy?
Were the Gadites and Reubenites right or wrong in wanting to live east of the Jordan?
Chapter 33 lists 42 places that the Israelites camped in the 40 years from the time they left Egypt to the time they camped across the Jordan River from Jericho. Why were they on the move for so long?
In chapter 35 God describes the purpose of the cities of refuge as a place people could go "so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly." Why wouldn't people be given this protection and the opportunity to stand trial anywhere in the land?
What restriction was given in chapter 36 to women who inherited land?
Psalms 25 - 28
David wrote in 25:4, "Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths." How eager are you to learn God's will for your life? How willing are you to go where He leads?
Why do you think David wrote in 26:8, " I love the house where you live"?
David wrote in 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" How can you develop a trust in the Lord that drives out the fear of other people?
David wrote in 28:7, "My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." How can you experience the joy that David was writing about?
New Testament: Romans 6 - 10
In 6:11 we are given the command, "count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." What does this mean and how do you obey it?
In 7:4 Paul says we have "died to the law through the body of Christ." What does it mean to be dead to the law?
In chapter 7 Paul describes the struggle with sin, summarized in verse 21, "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me." People studying this chapter have sometimes disagreed on whether Paul was describing his struggle before becoming a Christian or his struggle as a Christian. Which do you think he meant and why?
In 8:18 Paul wrote, " I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Are you able to take this attitude when you face suffering?
8:28 says, "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." Do you expect that God is doing something good even when you can't see the good at the time?
According to 9:32, why did people of Israel not obtain righteousness?
What does Paul say in 10:9 a person needs to do to be saved?
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Week 8, February 19 - 25, 2017
Old Testament: Numbers 1 - 18
In chapter 1, how long had Israel been gone from Egypt when God had them take a census? Why weren't the Levites included in this census?
When Israel camped each tribe was assigned a specific location. What was at the center of the camp?
In chapter 4, whose job was it to cover and wrap the furnishings and articles in the tabernacle? Whose job was it to move them?
The Levites were counted twice. The males a month old or more numbered 22,000. The males between ages 30 and 50 numbered 8,580. Why were they counted two different ways?
In chapter 6, how was the priest to bless the Israelites?
In chapter 7 carts and oxen were given to the Gershonites and Merarites. Why were there no carts given to the Kohathites?
The cloud described in chapter 9 gave Israel very clear guidance on when to camp and when to move on. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this very specific type of guidance?
What was the purpose of the trumpets described in chapter 10?
In chapter 11 the people complained that they didn't have meat and that they were tired of manna. In verse 20 God says, "you have rejected the Lord, who is among you." Why would complaining about manna be considered a rejection of God? Are you able to appreciate God's provision and direction rather than complain?
Why was Miriam stricken with leprosy in chapter 12?
All the men who explored the land in chapter 13 agreed that it was a good land. All agreed that the people were strong. Caleb had a different opinion from the others on whether they could and should take the land. Why did he have a different opinion?
In 14:24 God said, "Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly." How can you be like Caleb and follow the Lord wholeheartedly, not being discouraged by what you see?
In chapter 14 God said that it would be 40 years before Israel entered the Promised Land, because of their disobedience. In 15:2 God returns to giving commands for "After you enter the land I am giving you as a home..." How had Israel's disobedience impacted God's plan to give Israel the Promised Land?
Why were Korah, Dathan and Abiram punished in chapter 16?
What caused the Israelites to complain in 17:12, "We will die! We are lost, we are all lost!"?
God told Aaron, in 18:20, "I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites." How would it affect your life to consider the Lord your inheritance?
Psalms 22 - 24
On the cross Jesus said, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Why did David write that in Psalm 22?
What is the significance of David's statement in 23:5, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies"? Why would God prepare a table in front of enemies?
In 24:1 David proclaims, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it." How does understanding this change the way you think and live?
New Testament: Romans 1 - 5
In 1:14 Paul wrote, "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks." What made him obligated to anyone?
1:19-20 teaches that God's power and nature are clearly seen by everyone. How do some people consider themselves atheists?
Why does Paul warn us in chapter 2 that when we judge others we condemn ourselves?
How can 2:13, "it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous" and 3:20, "no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law" both be true statements?
How is a person "justified by faith apart from the works of the law" (3:28)?
Was Abraham justified by faith or by works?
Paul says in 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." What does it mean to have peace with God?
In chapter 1, how long had Israel been gone from Egypt when God had them take a census? Why weren't the Levites included in this census?
When Israel camped each tribe was assigned a specific location. What was at the center of the camp?
In chapter 4, whose job was it to cover and wrap the furnishings and articles in the tabernacle? Whose job was it to move them?
The Levites were counted twice. The males a month old or more numbered 22,000. The males between ages 30 and 50 numbered 8,580. Why were they counted two different ways?
In chapter 6, how was the priest to bless the Israelites?
In chapter 7 carts and oxen were given to the Gershonites and Merarites. Why were there no carts given to the Kohathites?
The cloud described in chapter 9 gave Israel very clear guidance on when to camp and when to move on. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this very specific type of guidance?
What was the purpose of the trumpets described in chapter 10?
In chapter 11 the people complained that they didn't have meat and that they were tired of manna. In verse 20 God says, "you have rejected the Lord, who is among you." Why would complaining about manna be considered a rejection of God? Are you able to appreciate God's provision and direction rather than complain?
Why was Miriam stricken with leprosy in chapter 12?
All the men who explored the land in chapter 13 agreed that it was a good land. All agreed that the people were strong. Caleb had a different opinion from the others on whether they could and should take the land. Why did he have a different opinion?
In 14:24 God said, "Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly." How can you be like Caleb and follow the Lord wholeheartedly, not being discouraged by what you see?
In chapter 14 God said that it would be 40 years before Israel entered the Promised Land, because of their disobedience. In 15:2 God returns to giving commands for "After you enter the land I am giving you as a home..." How had Israel's disobedience impacted God's plan to give Israel the Promised Land?
Why were Korah, Dathan and Abiram punished in chapter 16?
What caused the Israelites to complain in 17:12, "We will die! We are lost, we are all lost!"?
God told Aaron, in 18:20, "I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites." How would it affect your life to consider the Lord your inheritance?
Psalms 22 - 24
On the cross Jesus said, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Why did David write that in Psalm 22?
What is the significance of David's statement in 23:5, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies"? Why would God prepare a table in front of enemies?
In 24:1 David proclaims, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it." How does understanding this change the way you think and live?
New Testament: Romans 1 - 5
In 1:14 Paul wrote, "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks." What made him obligated to anyone?
1:19-20 teaches that God's power and nature are clearly seen by everyone. How do some people consider themselves atheists?
Why does Paul warn us in chapter 2 that when we judge others we condemn ourselves?
How can 2:13, "it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous" and 3:20, "no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law" both be true statements?
How is a person "justified by faith apart from the works of the law" (3:28)?
Was Abraham justified by faith or by works?
Paul says in 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." What does it mean to have peace with God?
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Week 7, February 12 - 18, 2017
Old Testament: Leviticus 15 - 27
In chapter 16, how often was the priest to go into the Most Holy Place and make atonement for the sins of Israel?
What is the meaning of the statement in 17:11, "it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life"?
In chapter 18 God spells out sexual relationships, including incest and homosexuality, that are forbidden. Before listing these He says, "You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God." Why does God consider some sexual relationships right and others wrong?
In 19:2 God says, "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy." What does this mean to you? What do you need to do to be more like God?
The punishment for adultery (20:10) and homosexuality (20:13) were the same. What do they have in common?
In chapter 21, why wouldn't God permit someone with a physical defect to be a priest?
In 22:32, God says to Israel, "I am the Lord, who made you holy." When and how did God make Israel holy?
In 23:22 God told Israel not to reap to the very edges of their fields, nor to gather the gleanings of their harvest. These were to be left for the poor. How can you apply this principle to the way you live?
Why did God require the Israelites to live in temporary shelters for a week each year?
In chapter 24 a man with an Egyptian father and an Israelite mother blasphemed the name of the Lord. In making His will known, God said, "You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born." (24:22) So the fact that the man had an Egyptian father did not change the decision. Why would God have the same law for a foreigner as for someone who is native born?
In chapter 25 God required that every 7th year be a Sabbath year for the land, when crops were not sown or trees pruned. Was this for the benefit of the land or for the people living on the land?
In chapter 26 what blessings did God promise Israel if they would obey the Lord's commands? What consequences did He promise Israel if they disobeyed the Lord?
Psalms 19 - 21
19:1 says the heavens declare the glory of God. How do the heavens show us God's glory?
19:10 says that God's commands "are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb." Do you experience this sweetness? How?
In 20:7 David wrote, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Is your trust in the Lord or is it in something else like your job, the economy, your own strength, etc.?
In 21:6 David wrote that God had made him "glad with the joy of your presence." How can you experience the joy of God's presence?
New Testament: Matthew 25 - 28
In the parable of the ten virgins in chapter 25, what do you think the oil represents? How do you obey the command that Jesus concludes the parable with, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour"?
Why were the disciples indignant at the woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus?
In 26:41 Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." What should the disciples have been praying about? How does prayer change the balance of power between your willing spirit and your weak flesh?
Why didn't Jesus answer the charges when He was brought before Pilate?
What was the significance of the curtain in the temple being torn in 27:51 and of people who had died being raised to life in 27:52?
28:18-20 is often called, "The Great Commission." What part do you have in the fulfillment of this command?
In chapter 16, how often was the priest to go into the Most Holy Place and make atonement for the sins of Israel?
What is the meaning of the statement in 17:11, "it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life"?
In chapter 18 God spells out sexual relationships, including incest and homosexuality, that are forbidden. Before listing these He says, "You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God." Why does God consider some sexual relationships right and others wrong?
In 19:2 God says, "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy." What does this mean to you? What do you need to do to be more like God?
The punishment for adultery (20:10) and homosexuality (20:13) were the same. What do they have in common?
In chapter 21, why wouldn't God permit someone with a physical defect to be a priest?
In 22:32, God says to Israel, "I am the Lord, who made you holy." When and how did God make Israel holy?
In 23:22 God told Israel not to reap to the very edges of their fields, nor to gather the gleanings of their harvest. These were to be left for the poor. How can you apply this principle to the way you live?
Why did God require the Israelites to live in temporary shelters for a week each year?
In chapter 24 a man with an Egyptian father and an Israelite mother blasphemed the name of the Lord. In making His will known, God said, "You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born." (24:22) So the fact that the man had an Egyptian father did not change the decision. Why would God have the same law for a foreigner as for someone who is native born?
In chapter 25 God required that every 7th year be a Sabbath year for the land, when crops were not sown or trees pruned. Was this for the benefit of the land or for the people living on the land?
In chapter 26 what blessings did God promise Israel if they would obey the Lord's commands? What consequences did He promise Israel if they disobeyed the Lord?
Psalms 19 - 21
19:1 says the heavens declare the glory of God. How do the heavens show us God's glory?
19:10 says that God's commands "are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb." Do you experience this sweetness? How?
In 20:7 David wrote, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Is your trust in the Lord or is it in something else like your job, the economy, your own strength, etc.?
In 21:6 David wrote that God had made him "glad with the joy of your presence." How can you experience the joy of God's presence?
New Testament: Matthew 25 - 28
In the parable of the ten virgins in chapter 25, what do you think the oil represents? How do you obey the command that Jesus concludes the parable with, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour"?
Why were the disciples indignant at the woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus?
In 26:41 Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." What should the disciples have been praying about? How does prayer change the balance of power between your willing spirit and your weak flesh?
Why didn't Jesus answer the charges when He was brought before Pilate?
What was the significance of the curtain in the temple being torn in 27:51 and of people who had died being raised to life in 27:52?
28:18-20 is often called, "The Great Commission." What part do you have in the fulfillment of this command?
Sunday, February 05, 2017
Week 6, February 5 - 11, 2017
Old Testament: Leviticus 1 - 14
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16) That's the reason we believe in reading all of Scripture. Leviticus is not the easiest book to read and it's the place where some get bogged down in the their plan to read through the Bible. Ask God to let you see something new in this book as you read it this year.
Chapter 1 explains how to present burnt offerings. These were completely burned on the altar. For other types of offerings some of the meat was eaten by the priests or by the person making the offering. What is the purpose of an offering that is burned completely with none of the meat eaten?
According to 2:11, what could not be included in a grain offering? According to 2:13, what had to be included?
What two things were forbidden to be eaten in 3:17?
Chapter 4 describes sin offerings to be made when someone sins unintentionally but later becomes aware that they had broken God's commands. How do you react when you become aware that you have been doing something that God says is wrong?
According to chapter 6, how was a person to repay a neighbor that they had cheated?
Why do you think God wanted the fire of the altar to be kept burning at all times?
How long did the ordination of Aaron and his sons last in chapter 8?
In chapter 9 what caused the people to shout for joy and fall facedown?
Why was God so harsh with Nadab and Abihu in chapter 10?
Why were Aaron and his sons told not to drink wine or other fermented drink?
In chapter 11, why did God allow Israel to eat certain animals and not others?
Chapter 13 gives guidelines for a priest to determine whether a skin condition warrants a person being considered unclean and living alone. What was the purpose of isolating someone with such a condition?
The process in chapter 14 for restoring someone who had healed from a skin disease was quite complicated. There was a bird sacrificed. Then the person was washed and shaved and had to stay outside their tent for seven days. Then they were washed and shaved again. Then they were to present a guilt offering, a sin offering, and a burnt offering. Why did God make this so complicated?
Psalm 18
There are 150 Psalms. That's about 3 per week to read them all in a year. But they are not all the same length. Many are quite short, but Psalm 18 is 50 verses long. That's the reason we only have one Psalm on the schedule this week.
David wrote in verse 16, "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters." Are you able to trust God when you find yourself in "deep waters"?
New Testament: Matthew 21 - 24
What prophet foretold that Zion's king would arrive on a donkey?
In 21:22 Jesus said, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." What do you need to do to see answered prayer in your life?
In chapter 22 Jesus said that the greatest commandment is, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." What do you need to do to fulfill this command?
Based on what Jesus said in 23:8-12, what is the job of Christian leaders?
Jesus compared the hypocrisy of the Pharisees to straining out a gnat while swallowing a camel (23:24) and cleaning the outside of a cup and dish while the inside is dirty (23:25). How can you avoid becoming hypocritical in this way?
According to Jesus, who knows the day and hour of His second coming?
In 24:42, Jesus said, "Therefore keep watch." What do you need to do to obey this command?
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16) That's the reason we believe in reading all of Scripture. Leviticus is not the easiest book to read and it's the place where some get bogged down in the their plan to read through the Bible. Ask God to let you see something new in this book as you read it this year.
Chapter 1 explains how to present burnt offerings. These were completely burned on the altar. For other types of offerings some of the meat was eaten by the priests or by the person making the offering. What is the purpose of an offering that is burned completely with none of the meat eaten?
According to 2:11, what could not be included in a grain offering? According to 2:13, what had to be included?
What two things were forbidden to be eaten in 3:17?
Chapter 4 describes sin offerings to be made when someone sins unintentionally but later becomes aware that they had broken God's commands. How do you react when you become aware that you have been doing something that God says is wrong?
According to chapter 6, how was a person to repay a neighbor that they had cheated?
Why do you think God wanted the fire of the altar to be kept burning at all times?
How long did the ordination of Aaron and his sons last in chapter 8?
In chapter 9 what caused the people to shout for joy and fall facedown?
Why was God so harsh with Nadab and Abihu in chapter 10?
Why were Aaron and his sons told not to drink wine or other fermented drink?
In chapter 11, why did God allow Israel to eat certain animals and not others?
Chapter 13 gives guidelines for a priest to determine whether a skin condition warrants a person being considered unclean and living alone. What was the purpose of isolating someone with such a condition?
The process in chapter 14 for restoring someone who had healed from a skin disease was quite complicated. There was a bird sacrificed. Then the person was washed and shaved and had to stay outside their tent for seven days. Then they were washed and shaved again. Then they were to present a guilt offering, a sin offering, and a burnt offering. Why did God make this so complicated?
Psalm 18
There are 150 Psalms. That's about 3 per week to read them all in a year. But they are not all the same length. Many are quite short, but Psalm 18 is 50 verses long. That's the reason we only have one Psalm on the schedule this week.
David wrote in verse 16, "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters." Are you able to trust God when you find yourself in "deep waters"?
New Testament: Matthew 21 - 24
What prophet foretold that Zion's king would arrive on a donkey?
In 21:22 Jesus said, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." What do you need to do to see answered prayer in your life?
In chapter 22 Jesus said that the greatest commandment is, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." What do you need to do to fulfill this command?
Based on what Jesus said in 23:8-12, what is the job of Christian leaders?
Jesus compared the hypocrisy of the Pharisees to straining out a gnat while swallowing a camel (23:24) and cleaning the outside of a cup and dish while the inside is dirty (23:25). How can you avoid becoming hypocritical in this way?
According to Jesus, who knows the day and hour of His second coming?
In 24:42, Jesus said, "Therefore keep watch." What do you need to do to obey this command?
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Week 5, January 29 - February 4, 2017
Old Testament: Exodus 21 - 40
In chapter 21, for what purpose would a man get his ear pierced?
In 22:2-3 there were two different rules for killing an intruder in someone's home. Why is there a different rule for daytime than at night?
God says in 23:3-4, "If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it." This shows that treating others with respect should outweigh negative feelings we might have toward someone. Are you able to do this?
In chapter 24 Moses and others saw God and describe, "Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky." Ezekiel 1:22 describes, "something like a vault (This can mean an arched roof. The NASB calls it an "expanse"), sparkling like crystal, and awesome." Ezekiel was looking from below up through the "vault" to see God on a throne. John describes, "and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal." (Revelation 4:6). These men, centuries apart, describe something similar (though Ezekiel is viewing it from below, Moses and John from above). Why is this in the Bible?
How were the materials for the tabernacle obtained?
What was the purpose of the veil in chapter 26?
In 28:2 God said, "Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor." Why was it important for Aaron, as high priest, to have dignity and honor?
What was the purpose in chapter 29 of putting blood on the right ear lobes, thumbs, and big toes of Aaron and his sons?
In chapter 30, why do you think God required each person to make a payment when they were counted in a census?
Why were the formulas for sacred anointing oil and sacred incense not to be used for anything else?
For what purpose was Bezalel filled with the Spirit of God?
Why did the people want Aaron to make them gods in chapter 32? Why would anyone worship a god who had been made by hand?
In 33:15 Moses said, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." Do you have the same desire for God's presence?
Why didn't God want Israel to make treaties with the nations that they were to drive out of the Promised Land?
Why did Moses have people stop contributing materials for the tabernacle in chapter 36?
Was there more gold or silver in the tabernacle? What was most of the silver used for?
At the end of chapter 39 Moses inspected everything that had been made for the tabernacle. What did he find?
What was the significance in chapter 40 when "the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle"?
Psalms 15 - 17
Psalm 15 teaches that the blameless may live in God's presence and gives examples of righteous living like speaking the truth, keeping an oath, or not accepting a bribe. What is the purpose of this psalm if all have sinned and there is no one who is blameless?
David wrote in 16:2, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." Do you have this same attitude? Does this attitude change the way you set priorities?
What does the prayer in 17:8 mean, "Keep me as the apple of your eye"?
New Testament: Matthew 17 - 20
In chapter 17 why did Jesus tell Peter they were exempt from the two-drachma temple tax and then do a miracle so they could pay the tax?
In chapter 18, what did Jesus promise if two or three people would gather in His name?
How is marriage defined in 19:4-6?
In chapter 19 the disciples rebuked those who were bringing children to Jesus. Why did Jesus display a different attitude toward children than His disciples?
In 20:26 Jesus said, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." What opportunities do you have to serve others?
In chapter 21, for what purpose would a man get his ear pierced?
In 22:2-3 there were two different rules for killing an intruder in someone's home. Why is there a different rule for daytime than at night?
God says in 23:3-4, "If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it." This shows that treating others with respect should outweigh negative feelings we might have toward someone. Are you able to do this?
In chapter 24 Moses and others saw God and describe, "Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky." Ezekiel 1:22 describes, "something like a vault (This can mean an arched roof. The NASB calls it an "expanse"), sparkling like crystal, and awesome." Ezekiel was looking from below up through the "vault" to see God on a throne. John describes, "and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal." (Revelation 4:6). These men, centuries apart, describe something similar (though Ezekiel is viewing it from below, Moses and John from above). Why is this in the Bible?
How were the materials for the tabernacle obtained?
What was the purpose of the veil in chapter 26?
In 28:2 God said, "Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor." Why was it important for Aaron, as high priest, to have dignity and honor?
What was the purpose in chapter 29 of putting blood on the right ear lobes, thumbs, and big toes of Aaron and his sons?
In chapter 30, why do you think God required each person to make a payment when they were counted in a census?
Why were the formulas for sacred anointing oil and sacred incense not to be used for anything else?
For what purpose was Bezalel filled with the Spirit of God?
Why did the people want Aaron to make them gods in chapter 32? Why would anyone worship a god who had been made by hand?
In 33:15 Moses said, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." Do you have the same desire for God's presence?
Why didn't God want Israel to make treaties with the nations that they were to drive out of the Promised Land?
Why did Moses have people stop contributing materials for the tabernacle in chapter 36?
Was there more gold or silver in the tabernacle? What was most of the silver used for?
At the end of chapter 39 Moses inspected everything that had been made for the tabernacle. What did he find?
What was the significance in chapter 40 when "the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle"?
Psalms 15 - 17
Psalm 15 teaches that the blameless may live in God's presence and gives examples of righteous living like speaking the truth, keeping an oath, or not accepting a bribe. What is the purpose of this psalm if all have sinned and there is no one who is blameless?
David wrote in 16:2, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." Do you have this same attitude? Does this attitude change the way you set priorities?
What does the prayer in 17:8 mean, "Keep me as the apple of your eye"?
New Testament: Matthew 17 - 20
In chapter 17 why did Jesus tell Peter they were exempt from the two-drachma temple tax and then do a miracle so they could pay the tax?
In chapter 18, what did Jesus promise if two or three people would gather in His name?
How is marriage defined in 19:4-6?
In chapter 19 the disciples rebuked those who were bringing children to Jesus. Why did Jesus display a different attitude toward children than His disciples?
In 20:26 Jesus said, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." What opportunities do you have to serve others?
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Week 4, January 22 - 28, 2017
Old Testament: Exodus 1 - 20
In chapter 1, why did the Egyptians want to oppress the Israelites?
Did Moses' mother have reason to believe that things would work out if she put her baby in a basket in the river?
What do you learn about God from what He says in 3:7-8, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.."?
In 3:12 God gave Moses a "sign" to confirm that it was really God speaking to him. The sign was that after he led Israel out of Egypt, he would worship God on the mountain where he was. This was a sign, but one that he only got after he obeyed the Lord. Are you willing to obey the Lord when you aren't sure of the outcome?
What is wrong with Moses saying in 4:13, "Please send someone else"? Are you willing to do what God gives you to do or would your rather He sent someone else?
In chapter 5, when Moses and Aaron first told Pharoah, "Let my people go," did things get better or worse?
In chapter 6 God renewed His promise to bring the people out of Egypt, but verse 9 says, "Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor." How can you keep discouragement from causing you not to listen to the Lord?
Why do you think Pharaoh had the Egyptian magicians duplicate the miraculous signs that Moses and Aaron were doing?
When Moses asked Pharaoh when he wanted to be rid of the frogs, why did he say "Tomorrow"?
What does it mean in 9:16 when God had Moses tell Pharaoh, "I have raised you up for this very purpose"?
What was the final plague that Moses foretold in chapter 11?
Some of the previous plagues only affected the Egyptians and not the Israelites. Who was and wasn't affected by the final plague?
13:18 says that Israel "went up out of Egypt ready for battle." But in 3:17 God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." Were they ready or not?
In chapter 14 the Israelites were terrified and began to complain to Moses. But Moses said, "Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today." What does it mean for you to "stand firm" and when do you need to do so?
In chapter 15, under what conditions did God say He would not bring on the Israelites the diseases He brought on the Egyptians?
What happened to manna that was kept for the next day (except on the Sabbath)? Why did people keep it until the next day when Moses told them not to?
How did Aaron and Hur help defeat the Amalekites?
Moses obeyed the Lord, but when Jethro, his father-in-law, saw how he was judging every dispute, he said, "What you are doing is not good." Why did Moses need someone else to help him see he needed to delegate responsibility?
Why did God have Moses put limits around the mountain in chapter 19?
What promise does God give in chapter 20 for those who honor their father and mother? How do you honor your parents if they are not honorable people?
Psalms 11 - 14
The Bible teaches that God is love. Why does 11:5 say, "but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion"?
Why would David pray in 12:1, "Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore"?
David wrote in 13:6, "I will sing the Lord’s praise for he has been good to me." What value does singing have in praising the Lord?
14:1 says, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'” This shows that atheism starts in the heart, not in the head. Why would a person choose to believe there is no God?
New Testament: Matthew 13 - 16
In the parable of the sower in chapter 13, Jesus said that the rocky soil represented people who lack roots and "when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away." What are the roots in your life that keep you from falling away in times of trouble?
14:29 says that Peter walked on water. When did he begin to sink?
In 15:26 why did Jesus speak to the Canaanite woman as though she was no better than a dog?
In chapter 16 when Peter said that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus said it had been revealed to Peter by the Father in heaven. Do you need this first hand understanding of who Jesus is? Do you have it?
Why did Jesus tell Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!"?
In chapter 1, why did the Egyptians want to oppress the Israelites?
Did Moses' mother have reason to believe that things would work out if she put her baby in a basket in the river?
What do you learn about God from what He says in 3:7-8, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.."?
In 3:12 God gave Moses a "sign" to confirm that it was really God speaking to him. The sign was that after he led Israel out of Egypt, he would worship God on the mountain where he was. This was a sign, but one that he only got after he obeyed the Lord. Are you willing to obey the Lord when you aren't sure of the outcome?
What is wrong with Moses saying in 4:13, "Please send someone else"? Are you willing to do what God gives you to do or would your rather He sent someone else?
In chapter 5, when Moses and Aaron first told Pharoah, "Let my people go," did things get better or worse?
In chapter 6 God renewed His promise to bring the people out of Egypt, but verse 9 says, "Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor." How can you keep discouragement from causing you not to listen to the Lord?
Why do you think Pharaoh had the Egyptian magicians duplicate the miraculous signs that Moses and Aaron were doing?
When Moses asked Pharaoh when he wanted to be rid of the frogs, why did he say "Tomorrow"?
What does it mean in 9:16 when God had Moses tell Pharaoh, "I have raised you up for this very purpose"?
What was the final plague that Moses foretold in chapter 11?
Some of the previous plagues only affected the Egyptians and not the Israelites. Who was and wasn't affected by the final plague?
13:18 says that Israel "went up out of Egypt ready for battle." But in 3:17 God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." Were they ready or not?
In chapter 14 the Israelites were terrified and began to complain to Moses. But Moses said, "Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today." What does it mean for you to "stand firm" and when do you need to do so?
In chapter 15, under what conditions did God say He would not bring on the Israelites the diseases He brought on the Egyptians?
What happened to manna that was kept for the next day (except on the Sabbath)? Why did people keep it until the next day when Moses told them not to?
How did Aaron and Hur help defeat the Amalekites?
Moses obeyed the Lord, but when Jethro, his father-in-law, saw how he was judging every dispute, he said, "What you are doing is not good." Why did Moses need someone else to help him see he needed to delegate responsibility?
Why did God have Moses put limits around the mountain in chapter 19?
What promise does God give in chapter 20 for those who honor their father and mother? How do you honor your parents if they are not honorable people?
Psalms 11 - 14
The Bible teaches that God is love. Why does 11:5 say, "but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion"?
Why would David pray in 12:1, "Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore"?
David wrote in 13:6, "I will sing the Lord’s praise for he has been good to me." What value does singing have in praising the Lord?
14:1 says, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'” This shows that atheism starts in the heart, not in the head. Why would a person choose to believe there is no God?
New Testament: Matthew 13 - 16
In the parable of the sower in chapter 13, Jesus said that the rocky soil represented people who lack roots and "when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away." What are the roots in your life that keep you from falling away in times of trouble?
14:29 says that Peter walked on water. When did he begin to sink?
In 15:26 why did Jesus speak to the Canaanite woman as though she was no better than a dog?
In chapter 16 when Peter said that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus said it had been revealed to Peter by the Father in heaven. Do you need this first hand understanding of who Jesus is? Do you have it?
Why did Jesus tell Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!"?
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Week 3, January 15 - 21, 2017
Old Testament: Genesis 34 - 50
How do you think Jacob's sons should have responded to their sister being raped in chapter 34?
Why did Jacob and Rachel call their youngest son by two different names?
What three things are mentioned in chapter 37 that caused Joseph's brothers to hate him?
Why did Tamar want to become pregnant, so much that she resorted to deception?
In chapter 39 Joseph was put in prison unjustly. This was after his brothers had sold him into slavery. But verse 21 says, "the Lord was with him." What does this mean when he was in such difficult circumstances?
What gave Joseph confidence in chapter 40 that he could interpret dreams?
Joseph's circumstances changed completely in chapter 41. But Joseph was ready for the new responsibility because God had been preparing him for it for years. Jesus taught, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." (Luke 16:10) What responsibility has God given you and what are you doing with it?
In 42:36 Jacob said, "Everything is against me!" This wasn't true because God was at work providing for Jacob's family and fulfilling God's promises. Are you able to trust God when your circumstances seem to be against you?
In chapter 44, why did Joseph want to make it look like Benjamin had stolen his cup?
In 45:8 Joseph said, "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God." How do you think this perspective affected his ability to forgive his brother?
In chapter 46, why did Joseph want his family to tell Pharaoh they were shepherds when he said, "all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians"?
Where did Jacob want to be buried?
Why did Jacob cross his arms when he was blessing Ephraim and Manasseh?
In 50:20 Joseph said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Are you able to look for good that God wants to bring out of hard times that you have gone through?
Psalms 8 - 10
David wrote in 8:2, "Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies," What does this mean?
9:9 says, "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." When and how have you found this to be true in your own time of trouble?
10:1 says, "Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" but 10:17-18 says, "You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed." How can these seemingly contradictory views of God appear in the same Psalm?
New Testament: Matthew 9 - 12
How did Jesus answer in chapter 9 when He was criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners?
In 9:38 Jesus commanded us, "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Are you obeying this command and praying for workers?
In chapter 10, when Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, heal the sick, and cast out demons, He told them, "Freely you have received; freely give." How does the principle of freely giving what you have freely received apply to you?
If John the Baptist's job was to announce the coming of the Messiah, why was he having his disciples ask in 11:3, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
In 11:28 Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Do you have the rest Jesus was talking about?
What does Jesus refer to in chapter 12 as the sign of the prophet Jonah?
How do you think Jacob's sons should have responded to their sister being raped in chapter 34?
Why did Jacob and Rachel call their youngest son by two different names?
What three things are mentioned in chapter 37 that caused Joseph's brothers to hate him?
Why did Tamar want to become pregnant, so much that she resorted to deception?
In chapter 39 Joseph was put in prison unjustly. This was after his brothers had sold him into slavery. But verse 21 says, "the Lord was with him." What does this mean when he was in such difficult circumstances?
What gave Joseph confidence in chapter 40 that he could interpret dreams?
Joseph's circumstances changed completely in chapter 41. But Joseph was ready for the new responsibility because God had been preparing him for it for years. Jesus taught, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." (Luke 16:10) What responsibility has God given you and what are you doing with it?
In 42:36 Jacob said, "Everything is against me!" This wasn't true because God was at work providing for Jacob's family and fulfilling God's promises. Are you able to trust God when your circumstances seem to be against you?
In chapter 44, why did Joseph want to make it look like Benjamin had stolen his cup?
In 45:8 Joseph said, "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God." How do you think this perspective affected his ability to forgive his brother?
In chapter 46, why did Joseph want his family to tell Pharaoh they were shepherds when he said, "all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians"?
Where did Jacob want to be buried?
Why did Jacob cross his arms when he was blessing Ephraim and Manasseh?
In 50:20 Joseph said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Are you able to look for good that God wants to bring out of hard times that you have gone through?
Psalms 8 - 10
David wrote in 8:2, "Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies," What does this mean?
9:9 says, "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." When and how have you found this to be true in your own time of trouble?
10:1 says, "Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" but 10:17-18 says, "You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed." How can these seemingly contradictory views of God appear in the same Psalm?
New Testament: Matthew 9 - 12
How did Jesus answer in chapter 9 when He was criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners?
In 9:38 Jesus commanded us, "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Are you obeying this command and praying for workers?
In chapter 10, when Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, heal the sick, and cast out demons, He told them, "Freely you have received; freely give." How does the principle of freely giving what you have freely received apply to you?
If John the Baptist's job was to announce the coming of the Messiah, why was he having his disciples ask in 11:3, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
In 11:28 Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Do you have the rest Jesus was talking about?
What does Jesus refer to in chapter 12 as the sign of the prophet Jonah?
Sunday, January 08, 2017
Week 2, January 8 - 14, 2017
Old Testament: Genesis 19 - 33
When Lot first parted ways with Abraham, Lot "pitched his tents near Sodom." (Genesis 13:12). By chapter 19 Lot was living in a house in Sodom. Two things in chapter 19 show that Lot's judgement had eroded, probably from living in Sodom. 1) He was willing to send his virgin daughters to the mob outside his door, and 2) His sons-in-law to be did not take him seriously. Yet, he was somehow considered righteous and was rescued before Sodom was destroyed. How can you avoid having your judgement be negatively influenced by others who are not walking with God?
Abraham is known for his faith and obedience. Why then did he lie about Sarah being his sister in chapter 20?
Why would God tell Abraham to sacrifice his son (chapter 22)? Would God put you through something challenging to test your faith?
How old was Sarah when she died?
In chapter 24, why was Abraham so opposed to Isaac marrying someone from the land Abraham was living in? Why was he also opposed to Isaac going back to the land Abraham had come from?
Why was Esau willing to trade his birthright for stew?
Why did Isaac have to reopen wells his father had dug?
If blessings ultimately come from God (James 1:17), how was Jacob able to steal a blessing through trickery in chapter 27?
What was Esau trying to accomplish when he married Mahalath in chapter 28?
Why did Laban want Jacob to marry Leah before Rachel?
Why did Bilhah and Zilpah have sons with Jacob?
In chapter 31, God told Jacob to go back to his home land and said, "and I will be with you." What does it mean for God to be with you? What do you need to do to have this promise active in your life?
What was Jacob expecting or hoping for when he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” in chapter 32?
Psalms 5 - 7
5:11 says, "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy." Are you taking refuge in the Lord and is it producing gladness?
In 6:3, David wrote, "My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?" How should you respond when adversity lasts longer than you expected?
7:9 describes God as "the righteous God who probes minds and hearts." Do you find it comforting or fearful to know that God probes your mind and heart?
New Testament: Matthew 5 - 8
Jesus taught, in 5:11, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." Do you regard it as a blessing if your are insulted for your faith?
Jesus said in 6:14, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Is there anyone you need to forgive?
In 7:7 Jesus said, "seek and you will find." What should you be seeking and how should you be doing it?
Jesus said that the person who hears His words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock, which did not fall when there was a great storm. What results in your life can be compared to your house standing in the face of a storm?
What caused Jesus to be amazed in 8:10?
When Lot first parted ways with Abraham, Lot "pitched his tents near Sodom." (Genesis 13:12). By chapter 19 Lot was living in a house in Sodom. Two things in chapter 19 show that Lot's judgement had eroded, probably from living in Sodom. 1) He was willing to send his virgin daughters to the mob outside his door, and 2) His sons-in-law to be did not take him seriously. Yet, he was somehow considered righteous and was rescued before Sodom was destroyed. How can you avoid having your judgement be negatively influenced by others who are not walking with God?
Abraham is known for his faith and obedience. Why then did he lie about Sarah being his sister in chapter 20?
Why would God tell Abraham to sacrifice his son (chapter 22)? Would God put you through something challenging to test your faith?
How old was Sarah when she died?
In chapter 24, why was Abraham so opposed to Isaac marrying someone from the land Abraham was living in? Why was he also opposed to Isaac going back to the land Abraham had come from?
Why was Esau willing to trade his birthright for stew?
Why did Isaac have to reopen wells his father had dug?
If blessings ultimately come from God (James 1:17), how was Jacob able to steal a blessing through trickery in chapter 27?
What was Esau trying to accomplish when he married Mahalath in chapter 28?
Why did Laban want Jacob to marry Leah before Rachel?
Why did Bilhah and Zilpah have sons with Jacob?
In chapter 31, God told Jacob to go back to his home land and said, "and I will be with you." What does it mean for God to be with you? What do you need to do to have this promise active in your life?
What was Jacob expecting or hoping for when he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” in chapter 32?
Psalms 5 - 7
5:11 says, "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy." Are you taking refuge in the Lord and is it producing gladness?
In 6:3, David wrote, "My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?" How should you respond when adversity lasts longer than you expected?
7:9 describes God as "the righteous God who probes minds and hearts." Do you find it comforting or fearful to know that God probes your mind and heart?
New Testament: Matthew 5 - 8
Jesus taught, in 5:11, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." Do you regard it as a blessing if your are insulted for your faith?
Jesus said in 6:14, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Is there anyone you need to forgive?
In 7:7 Jesus said, "seek and you will find." What should you be seeking and how should you be doing it?
Jesus said that the person who hears His words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock, which did not fall when there was a great storm. What results in your life can be compared to your house standing in the face of a storm?
What caused Jesus to be amazed in 8:10?
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Through the Bible in 2017
If you read about 15 minutes each day, you can read through the entire Bible in a year. In this blog we'll provide suggested passages each week from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. We'll offer questions each week to help you think about what you're reading.
Week 1, January 1 - 7, 2017
Old Testament: Genesis 1 - 18
Since God spoke everything into existence, what does it mean in chapter 2 to say that He rested?
Why did God forbid Adam to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil? Are you able to obey the Lord when you aren't sure of the reason for it?
Why do you think God made the woman from the rib of the man rather than out of the ground as he had the man and the animals?
What tempted Eve to eat the fruit God said not to eat?
Why do you think Cain wanted to kill Abel when God didn't approve of Cain's offering?
According to 5:27, how long did Methuselah live?
In chapter 6, why did God come to regret that He had made mankind?
Did the animals come to Noah or did he have to go out and round them up?
In chapter 9, what did God say would never happen again?
Why did God confuse the language in chapter 11?
In chapter 12, what did God tell Abram to do? What promises did He make to Abram?
God told Abram to go to a new land without telling him where he was going. To be followers of Jesus, we need to obey Him without knowing the future. How well are you able to obey the Lord when you aren't sure of the outcome or where He is leading you?
Abram was Lot's uncle. He had specific promises and direction from God concerning the land. Why do you think he allowed Lot to choose in 13:9, saying, "If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left," instead of Abram choosing and letting Lot go the other direction?
In chapter 14, what percentage of the goods Abram recovered did he give to Melchizedek? What percentage did he keep for himself?
In chapter 15, Abram still had no children of his own. Yet God took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be." Are you able to believe God for things that seem impossible?
Ishmael was the result of Abram and Sarai not seeing how God could fulfill His promise. They devised a plan of their own. What is the danger of relying on your own plans rather than trusting God?
Why did God change Abram's name to Abraham in chapter 17?
In chapter 18, why did God want to let Abraham know what He was about to do to Sodom?
Psalms 1 - 4
Do you see the fruit in your life that Psalm 1:3 speaks of?
What is the Lord laughing at in Psalm 2:4?
Why is David able to be free from fear, even when being assailed by tens of thousands of enemies (3:6)?
What does it mean in 4:3 that "the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself"?
New Testament: Matthew 1 - 4
In the genealogy in chapter 1, more than 40 men are listed, but only five women are mentioned. The women are Tamar, who pretended to be a prostitute to get pregnant by her father-in-law, Rahab, a prostitute who was commended for her faith in Hebrews 11:31, Ruth, a Moabite, Bathsheba, who David committed adultery with, and Mary. Why do you think these specific women are mentioned?
Why do you think the Magi were able to see a star that convinced them that a king of the Jews had been born?
Why was John the Baptist reluctant to baptize Jesus?
What can you learn from the temptation of Jesus in chapter 4 that will help you be victorious over temptation?
Week 1, January 1 - 7, 2017
Old Testament: Genesis 1 - 18
Since God spoke everything into existence, what does it mean in chapter 2 to say that He rested?
Why did God forbid Adam to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil? Are you able to obey the Lord when you aren't sure of the reason for it?
Why do you think God made the woman from the rib of the man rather than out of the ground as he had the man and the animals?
What tempted Eve to eat the fruit God said not to eat?
Why do you think Cain wanted to kill Abel when God didn't approve of Cain's offering?
According to 5:27, how long did Methuselah live?
In chapter 6, why did God come to regret that He had made mankind?
Did the animals come to Noah or did he have to go out and round them up?
In chapter 9, what did God say would never happen again?
Why did God confuse the language in chapter 11?
In chapter 12, what did God tell Abram to do? What promises did He make to Abram?
God told Abram to go to a new land without telling him where he was going. To be followers of Jesus, we need to obey Him without knowing the future. How well are you able to obey the Lord when you aren't sure of the outcome or where He is leading you?
Abram was Lot's uncle. He had specific promises and direction from God concerning the land. Why do you think he allowed Lot to choose in 13:9, saying, "If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left," instead of Abram choosing and letting Lot go the other direction?
In chapter 14, what percentage of the goods Abram recovered did he give to Melchizedek? What percentage did he keep for himself?
In chapter 15, Abram still had no children of his own. Yet God took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be." Are you able to believe God for things that seem impossible?
Ishmael was the result of Abram and Sarai not seeing how God could fulfill His promise. They devised a plan of their own. What is the danger of relying on your own plans rather than trusting God?
Why did God change Abram's name to Abraham in chapter 17?
In chapter 18, why did God want to let Abraham know what He was about to do to Sodom?
Psalms 1 - 4
Do you see the fruit in your life that Psalm 1:3 speaks of?
What is the Lord laughing at in Psalm 2:4?
Why is David able to be free from fear, even when being assailed by tens of thousands of enemies (3:6)?
What does it mean in 4:3 that "the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself"?
New Testament: Matthew 1 - 4
In the genealogy in chapter 1, more than 40 men are listed, but only five women are mentioned. The women are Tamar, who pretended to be a prostitute to get pregnant by her father-in-law, Rahab, a prostitute who was commended for her faith in Hebrews 11:31, Ruth, a Moabite, Bathsheba, who David committed adultery with, and Mary. Why do you think these specific women are mentioned?
Why do you think the Magi were able to see a star that convinced them that a king of the Jews had been born?
Why was John the Baptist reluctant to baptize Jesus?
What can you learn from the temptation of Jesus in chapter 4 that will help you be victorious over temptation?
Saturday, February 16, 2013
February 17-23, 2013
February 17 – 23 2013
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Old Testament, Leviticus 15-27
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What was the purpose of the day of atonement described in chapter 16?
In chapter 18, God rules out a number of sexual relationships, including close relatives, same-sex relationships, and humans with animals. What was God’s purpose in making these rules?
God told the people not to reap to the very edges of their fields or gather the gleanings. How would this principle apply to the way you manage your finances today?
In 20:7, God says, “Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God.” What does it mean for you to be holy?
Why didn’t God allow Israelites to offer animals that had a defect?
Chapter 23 describes a series of feasts and holy days that Israelites were to observe. What benefit would there be for people to faithfully observe these?
What was the purpose of the year of Jubilee?
Did the promises in chapter 26 that God said would result from obedience apply to the nation as a whole or to individuals?
Why did God promise such harsh punishments for disobedience?
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Psalms 21-23
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Jesus quoted the first sentence of Psalm 22 when He was on the cross. Why did David write it? What reason did he have for thinking he had been forsaken?
Psalm 22:14-18 sounds more like Jesus’ experience on the cross than anything David experienced. How could David have written this?
What does it mean to you to have the Lord as your shepherd?
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New Testament, Acts 1-5
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What did Jesus say would happen to the disciples when the Holy Spirit came on them? Why didn’t He want them to leave Jerusalem until they had received what He promised?
Was selecting Matthias to replace Judas a worthwhile idea?
What miraculous things happened on the day of Pentecost?
On the night that Jesus was betrayed, Peter denied Him three times. On the day of Pentecost Peter stood before a crowd and boldly proclaimed, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” How do you account for this difference?
Acts 2:42 summarizes what the first Christians’ fellowship was like. Which of these elements are important to you: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer?
The man who was healed in chapter 3 had been placed at the temple gate daily. Peter and John had probably seen him before. Why was he healed on this particular day?
Why did Ananias and Sapphira die?
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February 10-16, 3013
February 10 – 16 2013
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Old Testament, Leviticus 1-14
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Leviticus is not the easiest book of the Bible to read. It includes rules for offering sacrifices that were required under Old Testament Law and the New Testament teaches us that we are no longer under the Law. But don’t skip Leviticus. In it you will learn things about the character of God and his relationship with us.
Why would God give specific instructions on how to offer animal sacrifices? Shouldn’t a pure heart make anything a person offers to God acceptable?
Chapter 2 explains how to bring a grain offering. What is the point of a grain offering when Leviticus later says, “it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” (Leviticus 17:11)?
Why were there different requirements in chapter 4 for offerings for sin for a priest, the whole community, a leader, or a member of the community?
What was the penalty (in chapter 6) for cheating your neighbor out of something?
Why do you think God told people they could not eat fat or blood?
What was the significance of the glory and fire mentioned in Leviticus 9:23-24?
What was wrong with what Nadab and Abihu did in chapter 10? Why do you think they did it?
What kinds of animals were people not permitted to eat under the Law?
Why were the rules regarding infectious skin diseases so stringent?
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Psalms 19-20
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How do the heavens declare the glory of God?
Psalm 19:14 is a prayer with a specific request from God. How would asking God to do this in you change your life?
Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” What might you be tempted to trust in that would be like trusting in horses and chariots?
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New Testament, John 20-21
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When Peter and John got to the tomb, why was Jesus gone, but His burial clothes still there?
Why didn’t Thomas believe it when the other disciples told him they had seen Jesus?
According to John 20:31, what is the purpose of the book of John?
Jesus told his disciples to make a simple change, using what they already had in hand, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” The results were amazing. What other Biblical examples can you think of where God gave simple directions that had amazing results? What do these examples mean to the way you approach prayer and obedience?
Why did Jesus tell Peter that if he loved Jesus, he should feed His sheep?
In verse 23, Jesus asked Peter, “what is that to you?” What benefit will you get from obeying the Lord without worrying if others have to do the same thing you are doing?
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Sunday, January 27, 2013
January 27 - February 2, 2013
January 27 – February 2, 2013
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Old Testament, Exodus 1-20
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What caused life to get harsher for the Israelites in Egypt?
How did Moses happen to grow up as a grandson of Pharaoh? How did he end up running away to Midian?
Why was Moses reluctant to obey God when God told him to go back to Egypt to lead the people out of slavery?
What did Moses do after he went to Pharaoh the first time and Pharaoh made things harder for Israel?
When Moses asked Pharaoh when he wanted to be rid of the frogs, why did he say “tomorrow” instead of “right now”?
Various passages describing the plagues say that Pharaoh’s heart was hard, Pharaoh hardened his heart, and God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Was he acting on his own will or was God making him stubborn?
Being spared from losing your firstborn required a simple act of faith and obedience. What would your attitude have been if Moses told you to put lamb’s blood on the sides and top of your doorframe?
In chapter 14 the Israelites seemed like they were in an impossible situation, with the sea in front of them and an army behind them. If you find yourself in an impossible situation, what attitude should you take and what should you do?
Why wouldn’t manna keep overnight, except on the Sabbath? What do you need to believe God for on a daily basis?
What promise did God attach to the command to honor your father and mother?
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Psalms 12-16
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Psalm 13:1, written by David, asks, “Will you forget me forever?” The Bible clearly tells us that He won’t forget us. (Isaiah 49:15, for example). Why is David’s question in the Bible?
Who is it who thinks there is no God?
What does Psalm 16:8 mean saying, “I have set the Lord always before me”?
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New Testament, John 11-15
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John 11:25 says that a person can live even though they die. What does this mean?
At a dinner to honor Jesus, Mary was accused of overdoing it. What is an appropriate way to honor Jesus?
In John 13:14, Jesus told us to wash one another’s feet. Some churches do this with foot washing ceremonies. What other ways might you obey Jesus’ command?
Jesus says He is the way, the truth, and the life. What does this mean?
What one command did Jesus give us in chapter 15 that He said would assure that we would bear fruit? What does this mean?
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Sunday, January 20, 2013
January 20-26, 2013
January 20 – 26, 2013
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Old Testament, Genesis 34-50
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Do you think Jacob’s sons did right or wrong in chapter 34? Why?
God calls Himself by a variety of names in the Bible, often names that emphasize His relationship with us. Why do you think, when talking to Jacob in 35:1, He calls Himself “God, who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother Esau”?
Why did Joseph’s brothers want to kill him?
Joseph was sold as a slave by his own brothers. What does is mean in 39:2, “The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered”? What does 39:21, when Joseph was in prison, mean saying “the Lord was with him”?
In 41:51-52 Joseph names his sons. By this time in his life he had experienced unusual favor and unusual suffering. The names he chose for his sons show that he was still thinking of his suffering, but thanking God for favor. Do you think Joseph was healed from the pain of being sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned? What do you think it takes to be healed from past hurt?
In 42:36 Jacob says, “Everything is against me.” This was far from true. God had made great promises to Jacob and was working to fulfill them. What do you need to do to keep your eyes on God’s promises and plan in the face of adversity?
What was Joseph’s motive in chapter 44 for having his cup put in Benjamin’s sack?
In chapter 44 Judah offers to become a slave in place of his brother Benjamin. Back in chapter 37 Judah was the one who introduced the idea of selling Joseph into slavery. How had he changed?
Why was Joseph able to forgive his brothers? We are commanded to forgive as the Lord forgave us. Is there anyone you need to forgive?
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Psalms 9-11
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David says, “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart.” What does it mean to praise the Lord with all your heart?
In Psalm 10, the psalmist wonders why God doesn’t intervene when wicked men are leaving God out of their lives. He says, “in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” What should your attitude be toward people who seem to be ignoring God?
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New Testament, John 8-10
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What does Jesus’ response to the woman caught in adultery show you about His attitude toward sin and mercy?
What did Jesus mean when He said the truth would set us free? What do we have to do to be set free by the truth?
Why did the disciples assume that the man in chapter 9 was born blind either because of his sin or his parents’ sin?
What does Jesus say is the distinct characteristic of His sheep?
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Wednesday, January 16, 2013
January 13-19, 2013
January 13 – 19, 2013
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Old Testament, Genesis 20-33
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How could Abraham trust God in some areas that required great faith and then tell a lie about Sarah being his sister because he was afraid?
Why did Sarah say that everyone who heard about her having a son in her old age would laugh with her? What has God done in your life that is cause for laughter?
Why would God tell Abraham to sacrifice his son? What has been the hardest thing you needed to do to obey God?
Abraham was insistent that his son, Isaac, not marry a Canaanite from where they were living. But he was just as insistent that Isaac not be taken back to where they used to live. Why did he want a daughter-in-law from among his own people, but not want his son to live or even go there?
Why was Esau willing to give up his birthright for some stew? What examples can you think of where someone has given up a great deal for short-term satisfaction?
Why did Rebekah and Jacob think of Isaac’s blessing as something that could be taken by deception?
In chapter 28, God made promises to Jacob that essentially repeated promises He made to Abraham. Why did God need to renew or repeat these promises He had already made to Jacob’s grandfather?
Look at Jacob’s prayer in Genesis 32:9-12. He was fearful of his brother Esau, but what was in his prayer that helped move him from fear to peace?
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Psalms 6-8
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In Psalms we find high praise, such as “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (8:1) and desperate complaint, such as, “My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?” Why are these extremes both included in the Psalms?
How would you answer the question in Psalm 8:4, “what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”
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New Testament, John 5-7
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Why did Jesus ask the man at the pool if he wanted to get well? Shouldn’t that have been obvious?
In chapter 5, the Jews wanted to kill Jesus because they said he was making Himself equal with God. Was He?
In John 6:26 Jesus told people they were following him for the wrong reason. What motivates you to follow Jesus?
In John 6:47 Jesus states very simply, “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” Have you received this free gift of eternal life?
What are the streams of living water Jesus spoke of in chapter 7? What do you need to do to have springs of living water?
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Sunday, January 06, 2013
January 6-12, 2013
January 6 – 12, 2013
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Old Testament, Genesis 1-19
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Genesis clearly teaches that God spoke things into existence. He created the heavens and the earth. You may meet people who don’t believe in a Creator, or at least they may say they don’t. Why do you believe in a Creator?
How does believing that you are created change the way you live?
Where does the idea of marriage come from? What do you learn from Genesis, chapter 2, about what God had in mind when He made us male and female?
What caused Adam and Eve to hide from God? What makes you want to draw near or turn away from God?
The first murder recorded in the Bible is Cain killing Abel. What was his motive? What should he have done instead? Are there times that you are angry with another person when the real issue is that you need to obey God?
Genesis 6:6 says, “The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.” How is it possible that our behavior can cause God pain?
Abraham did some unusual things in obedience to God. How willing are you to obey God, even if He tells you to do something others might think was unwise?
In Genesis 15:1, God spoke a simple message of encouragement to Abram, ““Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” How would this message change your life if you took it to heart?
Why did God change Abraham and Sarah’s names?
Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?
If you could be Lot, what choices would you want to make that would be wiser than the ones he made?
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Psalms 1-5
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What does it mean to take refuge in the Lord? (Psalm 2:12, and 5:11)
Are you able to lie down and sleep in peace? (Psalm 4:8) Why or why not?
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New Testament, John 1-4
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Who or what is “the Word”? How do you know?
John 1:12 says that has given the right to become children of God to those who have received Jesus. Have you received Jesus? When and how?
What does it mean to be born again?
What does chapter 3 say will happen to those who don’t believe in Jesus?
According to Jesus in 4:10, what were the only two things in the way of the Samaritan woman having living water?
In 4:35, Jesus tells us to open our eyes. What does this mean and how do you do it?
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