Old Testament: Daniel 1 - 12
Was the diet of vegetables and water that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah had in chapter 1 actually better for them or did God intervene to make them healthier even while eating an inferior diet?
What was God's purpose in having the dream in chapter 2 interpreted for Nebuchadnezzar?
Why were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah) not willing to bow down to the image Nebuchadnezzar had built?
In chapter 4, what needed to change in Nebuchadnezzar before his sanity could be restored?
In 5:22, Daniel reminds Belshazzar that he knew how Nebuchadnezzar had been humbled. "But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this." Why did Belshazzar fail to learn the importance of being humble before God?
Why wasn't Darius able to repeal his own decree in chapter 6?
Chapter 7 describes a dream that depicts four great kingdoms on the earth. What is the final outcome in this dream?
What do the ram and the goat in chapter 8 represent?
What was Daniel asking for in his prayer in chapter 9?
In chapter 10, why was the response to Daniel's prayers delayed for 3 weeks?
Some refer to chapter 11 as the most detailed prophecy in the Bible. Much of it refers to the conflict between the "King of the North" and the "King of the South." The Jewish people who returned from exile were in the middle of the rivalry between Egypt and Syria, so this conflict impacted them. Verse 35 says, "Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end." What are the most important things for a believer to do in times of great conflict?
Daniel didn't fully understand his own book, "because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end." (12:9) However, he was given this promise, "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” (12:13) What should our attitude be toward things we don't fully understand?
Psalms 132 - 134
How has God fulfilled the promise of 132:11?
In Psalm 133 David says it is good and pleasant when God's people live together in unity. What is needed for God's people to be in unity? Do they all have to agree about everything? Do they have to agree about some things? How should they settle their differences?
Psalm 134 is written to those who attended the house of the Lord during the night, encouraging them to praise the Lord. What would your attitude be if you were assigned to work nights in the temple when the crowd was gone and it was mostly quiet?
New Testament: James 1 - 5
Why does James tell us to consider it joy when we face trials?
What is the source of temptation, according to 1:14?
How can you become a person who is "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (1:19)?
Why does James say, in 2:10, that if you stumble in one point you are guilty of breaking the whole Law?
James says that faith without works is dead, but Paul says in Ephesians 2:9 that our salvation is "not by works, so that no one can boast." How can both of these statements be true?
James says, "Not many of you should become teachers." (3:1) Paul says in Romans 12:7 "if it [your gift] is teaching, then teach." How do you know whether you should be teaching?
In 4:2 James says, "You do not have because you do not ask God." Why would God wait to be asked if there was something He was willing to do for you?
4:7 says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God." What does that mean and how do you do it?
Why does 5:1-6 rebuke the rich? Is it wrong to be rich?
5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." What do you need to do to have a powerful and effective prayer life?
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Week 46, November 12 - 18, 2017
Old Testament: Ezekiel 33 - 48
God told Ezekiel that He had made him a watchman. What did
God say was the watchman's responsibility? What was not his
responsibility?
33:31-32 shows that people liked to listen to Ezekiel, but not to
heed what he said. Why would someone enjoy listening to him, but not want
to take his words seriously?
Based on 34:4, what is the job of a shepherd?
God says in 36:26-27, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." How can a person today get a new heart and a new spirit?
What do the bones in chapter 37 represent?
Chapter 38 describes an invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations. This will happen "after many days"..."in future years" (vs. 8). What does God say will happen to this invading army?
In 39:28 God says of Israel, "for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land." What is the importance of Israel possessing their own land?
In chapter 40, after the temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed, God gave Ezekiel a vision of a temple. What was the purpose of this vision?
According to 42:14, the priests had to change clothes before going from the sanctuary to the outer court. What was the purpose of this requirement?
How does Ezekiel describe the glory of God in 43:2?
In 43:10 God told Ezekiel, "Son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins." Why would the description of the temple make someone ashamed of their sin?
What is the meaning of the statement in 44:28, "I will be their possession"?
What does God accuse the Israel's princes of in 45:9?
What do you think is the purpose of the requirement in 46:9, "No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate"?
What does the water flowing from the sanctuary in chapter 47 represent?
What is the name of the city that Ezekiel concludes his book describing?
What do the bones in chapter 37 represent?
Chapter 38 describes an invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations. This will happen "after many days"..."in future years" (vs. 8). What does God say will happen to this invading army?
In 39:28 God says of Israel, "for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land." What is the importance of Israel possessing their own land?
In chapter 40, after the temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed, God gave Ezekiel a vision of a temple. What was the purpose of this vision?
According to 42:14, the priests had to change clothes before going from the sanctuary to the outer court. What was the purpose of this requirement?
How does Ezekiel describe the glory of God in 43:2?
In 43:10 God told Ezekiel, "Son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins." Why would the description of the temple make someone ashamed of their sin?
What is the meaning of the statement in 44:28, "I will be their possession"?
What does God accuse the Israel's princes of in 45:9?
What do you think is the purpose of the requirement in 46:9, "No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate"?
What does the water flowing from the sanctuary in chapter 47 represent?
What is the name of the city that Ezekiel concludes his book describing?
Psalms 128 - 131
Psalm 128 promises blessing to those who fear the Lord and walk in
obedience to Him. How can you maintain a
life of obedience?
129:2 says, "
130:6 says, "I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning." What does it mean to wait for the Lord in this way?
David wrote, "But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother." (131:2) What is the value of calming and quieting yourself and how do you do it?
130:6 says, "I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning." What does it mean to wait for the Lord in this way?
David wrote, "But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother." (131:2) What is the value of calming and quieting yourself and how do you do it?
New Testament: Hebrews 8 - 13
8:6 says that "the new covenant is established on better promises." What are these better promises?According to 9:7, who entered the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle and how often? How does this contrast with what 9:12 says about Jesus entering the Most Holy Place?
Why does 9:22 say, "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness"?
If "it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (10:4) why did the Old Testament Law require animal sacrifices?
Why does 10:25 urge us not to give up meeting together?
Why is it impossible to please God without faith (11:6)?
12:1 teaches us to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us." What do you have to do to obey this? How will you know what has been marked out for you?
12:7 commands us to "endure hardship as discipline." Should a person facing hardship pray for God to remove the hardship or should they just accept the hardship as discipline?
How have some "shown hospitality to angels without knowing it"? (13:2)
13:4 says, "Marriage should be honored by all." How do people honor marriage?
What basis for contentment do we have in 13:5-6?
Sunday, November 05, 2017
Week 45, November 5 - 11, 2017
Old Testament: Ezekiel 17 - 32
What is the point of the parable in chapter 17 involving two eagles and a vine?
What is the meaning of the statement in 18:4, "everyone belongs to me"?
In 18:30 God calls the people of Israel to "Repent! Turn away from all your offenses," and in 18:31 to "get a new heart and a new spirit." Why is God willing to forgive our sins and to change our heart?
Why does God say, "I will not let you inquire of me," in 20:3 and 20:31?
Why did God tell Ezekiel to groan in chapter 21?
In 22:30 God says, "I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one." What does it mean to stand in the gap?
What is the point of the allegory in chapter 23 of the two prostitutes named Oholah and Oholibah?
Why was Ezekiel not to mourn openly when his wife died?
In chapter 25, what did God say was going to happen to Ammon? Why?
27:12-24 describes the nations that Tyre traded with and what they traded for. 27:33 says, "When your merchandise went out on the seas, you satisfied many nations; with your great wealth and your wares you enriched the kings of the earth." Why did this come to an end?
According to 28:5, what did wealth do to the heart of the king of Tyre?
Chapters 25-28 are prophecies of judgement on four nations (Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia) and two cities (Tyre and Sidon). Based on 28:25-26, what is the reason for God bringing judgement on these neighbors of Israel?
Chapter 29 speaks of Babylon's conquest of Tyre and Egypt. What does God say, "he and his army did it for me" (29:20)?
Chapter 31 is aimed at Pharaoh king of Egypt, but it speaks mostly of what happened to "Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon" (31:3). What was the point of speaking to Egypt about what happened to Assyria?
32:10 says that Egypt's destruction will cause "many peoples" to be appalled and fearful. Why would others outside of Egypt be afraid after hearing of Egypt being conquered?
Psalms 124 - 127
Psalm 124:2-3 says, "if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive." The psalm goes on to say in 124:7, "We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped." This shows that God's provision is not always an overwhelming victory, but can be more like a small tear in a net, just enough to allow a bird to escape. Do you thank God for small, simple victories?
125:1 says, "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." How do you build a trust in the Lord that will not be shaken?
126:5-6 says, "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." What are you sowing that may be challenging and even sorrowful now that will result in joyful reaping later?
How should the principle in 127:1, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain," impact the way you pursue goals in your life?
New Testament: Hebrews 1 - 7
Based on chapter 1, who is Jesus and what are angels?
2:17 says that Jesus became fully human. 1:3 says, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." How can both of these views of Jesus both be true?
2:18 says, "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." How does Jesus help us when we are being tempted?
3:1 commands, "fix your thoughts on Jesus." How do you do that?
Why are we told in 3:13 to encourage one another daily? Do we need encouragement every day?
4:16 teaches us to "approach God’s throne of grace with confidence." Why are we able to do this? What do we have to do to maintain that confidence?
5:12-14 contrasts milk and solid food. What does a person need to do to be ready for solid food?
What is the anchor referred to in 6:19?
Based on chapter 7, what is the most important difference between Old Testament priests and Jesus our High Priest?
What is the point of the parable in chapter 17 involving two eagles and a vine?
What is the meaning of the statement in 18:4, "everyone belongs to me"?
In 18:30 God calls the people of Israel to "Repent! Turn away from all your offenses," and in 18:31 to "get a new heart and a new spirit." Why is God willing to forgive our sins and to change our heart?
Why does God say, "I will not let you inquire of me," in 20:3 and 20:31?
Why did God tell Ezekiel to groan in chapter 21?
In 22:30 God says, "I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one." What does it mean to stand in the gap?
What is the point of the allegory in chapter 23 of the two prostitutes named Oholah and Oholibah?
Why was Ezekiel not to mourn openly when his wife died?
In chapter 25, what did God say was going to happen to Ammon? Why?
27:12-24 describes the nations that Tyre traded with and what they traded for. 27:33 says, "When your merchandise went out on the seas, you satisfied many nations; with your great wealth and your wares you enriched the kings of the earth." Why did this come to an end?
According to 28:5, what did wealth do to the heart of the king of Tyre?
Chapters 25-28 are prophecies of judgement on four nations (Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia) and two cities (Tyre and Sidon). Based on 28:25-26, what is the reason for God bringing judgement on these neighbors of Israel?
Chapter 29 speaks of Babylon's conquest of Tyre and Egypt. What does God say, "he and his army did it for me" (29:20)?
Chapter 31 is aimed at Pharaoh king of Egypt, but it speaks mostly of what happened to "Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon" (31:3). What was the point of speaking to Egypt about what happened to Assyria?
32:10 says that Egypt's destruction will cause "many peoples" to be appalled and fearful. Why would others outside of Egypt be afraid after hearing of Egypt being conquered?
Psalms 124 - 127
Psalm 124:2-3 says, "if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive." The psalm goes on to say in 124:7, "We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped." This shows that God's provision is not always an overwhelming victory, but can be more like a small tear in a net, just enough to allow a bird to escape. Do you thank God for small, simple victories?
125:1 says, "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." How do you build a trust in the Lord that will not be shaken?
126:5-6 says, "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." What are you sowing that may be challenging and even sorrowful now that will result in joyful reaping later?
How should the principle in 127:1, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain," impact the way you pursue goals in your life?
New Testament: Hebrews 1 - 7
Based on chapter 1, who is Jesus and what are angels?
2:17 says that Jesus became fully human. 1:3 says, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." How can both of these views of Jesus both be true?
2:18 says, "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." How does Jesus help us when we are being tempted?
3:1 commands, "fix your thoughts on Jesus." How do you do that?
Why are we told in 3:13 to encourage one another daily? Do we need encouragement every day?
4:16 teaches us to "approach God’s throne of grace with confidence." Why are we able to do this? What do we have to do to maintain that confidence?
5:12-14 contrasts milk and solid food. What does a person need to do to be ready for solid food?
What is the anchor referred to in 6:19?
Based on chapter 7, what is the most important difference between Old Testament priests and Jesus our High Priest?
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Week 44, October 29 - November 4, 2017
Old Testament: Ezekiel 1 - 16
Where was Ezekiel when he had the vision he begins describing in chapter 1?
What did Ezekiel see on the throne in chapter 1?
According to chapter 2, what was Ezekiel's responsibility? What was he not responsible for?
Why did God tell Ezekiel, "I will make your forehead like the hardest stone" (3:9)?
What did Ezekiel's diet in chapter 4 represent?
Based on 5:6, why was God going to bring destruction to Jerusalem?
According to 6:8-10, what will happen to those who escape the sword but are scattered?
Chapter 7 describes "the end." In 7:3 God says, "I will judge you according to your conduct." What is the reason for the judgement described in this chapter?
Why does God say in 8:18, "Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them"?
In chapter 9 who did Ezekiel see receiving a mark on their forehead? What was the purpose of the mark?
Why did the glory of the Lord depart the temple in chapter 10?
God says in 11:19, "I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh." Why is the condition of our heart so important? What do you need to do to have an undivided heart?
What was the saying in 12:22 that God said he would put an end to?
In chapter 13 God speaks against false prophets. What were false prophets saying that was not true?
In chapter 14 God mentions Noah, Daniel, and Job as great intercessors, but shows that a country can reach a state where their intercession would not help. What did these three men have in common?
Why does God describe Jerusalem as an abandoned newborn baby in chapter 16?
Psalms 120 - 123
120:6-7 says, "Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war." How do you respond to conflict you did not want or initiate?
121:4 says that God never sleeps. Why do you think he created us to need sleep?
Why did David write in 122:6 to pray for the peace of Jerusalem?
123:2 says, "As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God." What do we have in common with slaves looking to the hand of their master?
New Testament: 2 Timothy 1 - 4, Titus 1 - 3, Philemon
In 2 Timothy 1:3 Paul says he serves God with a clear conscience. What must you do to live with a clear conscience?
Paul tells Timothy in 1:6 to "fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you." How is this done?
In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instruct Timothy to teach the things he learned from Paul to others who will be able to teach others. What responsibility do you have to learn and to pass on to others what you have learned?
2:15 says, " Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." Are you doing this?
2:24 says that the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome. Why not?
Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." What do you need to do to be thoroughly equipped?
In 4:7 Paul says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." What does this mean? Will you be able to say this?
Why did Paul say he left Titus in Crete?
Paul wrote in Titus 1:15, "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure." Why is this true?
What does Paul refer to as the "blessed hope" in Titus 2:13?
According to Titus 3:5, why did God save us?
What did Paul ask Philemon to do in the book of Philemon?
Where was Ezekiel when he had the vision he begins describing in chapter 1?
What did Ezekiel see on the throne in chapter 1?
According to chapter 2, what was Ezekiel's responsibility? What was he not responsible for?
Why did God tell Ezekiel, "I will make your forehead like the hardest stone" (3:9)?
What did Ezekiel's diet in chapter 4 represent?
Based on 5:6, why was God going to bring destruction to Jerusalem?
According to 6:8-10, what will happen to those who escape the sword but are scattered?
Chapter 7 describes "the end." In 7:3 God says, "I will judge you according to your conduct." What is the reason for the judgement described in this chapter?
Why does God say in 8:18, "Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them"?
In chapter 9 who did Ezekiel see receiving a mark on their forehead? What was the purpose of the mark?
Why did the glory of the Lord depart the temple in chapter 10?
God says in 11:19, "I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh." Why is the condition of our heart so important? What do you need to do to have an undivided heart?
What was the saying in 12:22 that God said he would put an end to?
In chapter 13 God speaks against false prophets. What were false prophets saying that was not true?
In chapter 14 God mentions Noah, Daniel, and Job as great intercessors, but shows that a country can reach a state where their intercession would not help. What did these three men have in common?
Why does God describe Jerusalem as an abandoned newborn baby in chapter 16?
Psalms 120 - 123
120:6-7 says, "Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war." How do you respond to conflict you did not want or initiate?
121:4 says that God never sleeps. Why do you think he created us to need sleep?
Why did David write in 122:6 to pray for the peace of Jerusalem?
123:2 says, "As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God." What do we have in common with slaves looking to the hand of their master?
New Testament: 2 Timothy 1 - 4, Titus 1 - 3, Philemon
In 2 Timothy 1:3 Paul says he serves God with a clear conscience. What must you do to live with a clear conscience?
Paul tells Timothy in 1:6 to "fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you." How is this done?
In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instruct Timothy to teach the things he learned from Paul to others who will be able to teach others. What responsibility do you have to learn and to pass on to others what you have learned?
2:15 says, " Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." Are you doing this?
2:24 says that the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome. Why not?
Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." What do you need to do to be thoroughly equipped?
In 4:7 Paul says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." What does this mean? Will you be able to say this?
Why did Paul say he left Titus in Crete?
Paul wrote in Titus 1:15, "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure." Why is this true?
What does Paul refer to as the "blessed hope" in Titus 2:13?
According to Titus 3:5, why did God save us?
What did Paul ask Philemon to do in the book of Philemon?
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Week 43, October 22 - 28, 2017
Old Testament: Jeremiah 43 - 52, Lamentations 1 - 5
How did Jeremiah end up in Egypt when he had told people not to go there?
What logic did people use in telling Jeremiah in chapter 44 that they were going to burn incense to the Queen of Heaven, even though Jeremiah had prophesied that they would be punished for it?
What did God promise Israel at the end of Jeremiah, chapter 46?
In chapter 47, what did God tell Jeremiah would happen to the Philistines?
In chapters 47 through 51, Jeremiah prophesies of coming destruction for several of the nations surrounding Israel. But for Moab, Ammon, and Elam, God also promises to restore their fortunes in the future. (48:47, 49:6, and 49:39) Why would God choose to destroy nations and then restore them?
In 50:4 Jeremiah prophesied that after the destruction of Babylon, "the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the Lord their God." What causes people to turn away from God? What causes them to return to Him?
At the end of chapter 51, what did Jeremiah tell Seraiah to do with the scroll Jeremiah had written concerning the destruction of Babylon?
What did the Babylonians do with the gold, silver, and bronze items in the temple in chapter 52?
The book of Lamentations mourns the destruction of Jerusalem. 1:6 says, "All the splendor has departed from Daughter Zion." Why did God allow this destruction?
Lamentations 2:14 says, "The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity. The prophecies they gave you were false and misleading." Why might people prefer to listen to misleading prophecy that does not expose sin?
In the midst of describing trouble and heartache, Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." In what ways has God shown you new compassion?
Lamentations 5:15-16 says, "Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!" What needs to happen for a person to recognize the consequences of their sin?
Psalm 119
Verse 11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." How do you hide God's Word in your heart? How does having God's Word in your heart keep you on a path of obedience?
Verse 37 says, "Turn my eyes away from worthless things." What worthless things do you need God's help turning your eyes away from?
Verse 105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Without light we walk in darkness. What are you doing to understand God's Word and walk by it?
New Testament: 1 Timothy 1 - 6
According to chapter 1, what assignment did Paul give Timothy in Ephesus?
Why does Paul call himself the worst of sinners?
In 2:1 Paul uses four words to describe prayer, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people." What do these four words mean?
According to 2:4, who does God want to be saved?
What reason does Paul give in chapter 3 for not appointing a new convert as an overseer?
In 4:8, how does Paul compare physical training to godliness?
Why does Paul place some specific limits on which widows can be supported?
Paul says, "if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." (6:8) Do you have the contentment he is talking about?
How did Jeremiah end up in Egypt when he had told people not to go there?
What logic did people use in telling Jeremiah in chapter 44 that they were going to burn incense to the Queen of Heaven, even though Jeremiah had prophesied that they would be punished for it?
What did God promise Israel at the end of Jeremiah, chapter 46?
In chapter 47, what did God tell Jeremiah would happen to the Philistines?
In chapters 47 through 51, Jeremiah prophesies of coming destruction for several of the nations surrounding Israel. But for Moab, Ammon, and Elam, God also promises to restore their fortunes in the future. (48:47, 49:6, and 49:39) Why would God choose to destroy nations and then restore them?
In 50:4 Jeremiah prophesied that after the destruction of Babylon, "the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the Lord their God." What causes people to turn away from God? What causes them to return to Him?
At the end of chapter 51, what did Jeremiah tell Seraiah to do with the scroll Jeremiah had written concerning the destruction of Babylon?
What did the Babylonians do with the gold, silver, and bronze items in the temple in chapter 52?
The book of Lamentations mourns the destruction of Jerusalem. 1:6 says, "All the splendor has departed from Daughter Zion." Why did God allow this destruction?
Lamentations 2:14 says, "The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity. The prophecies they gave you were false and misleading." Why might people prefer to listen to misleading prophecy that does not expose sin?
In the midst of describing trouble and heartache, Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." In what ways has God shown you new compassion?
Lamentations 5:15-16 says, "Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!" What needs to happen for a person to recognize the consequences of their sin?
Psalm 119
Verse 11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." How do you hide God's Word in your heart? How does having God's Word in your heart keep you on a path of obedience?
Verse 37 says, "Turn my eyes away from worthless things." What worthless things do you need God's help turning your eyes away from?
Verse 105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Without light we walk in darkness. What are you doing to understand God's Word and walk by it?
New Testament: 1 Timothy 1 - 6
According to chapter 1, what assignment did Paul give Timothy in Ephesus?
Why does Paul call himself the worst of sinners?
In 2:1 Paul uses four words to describe prayer, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people." What do these four words mean?
According to 2:4, who does God want to be saved?
What reason does Paul give in chapter 3 for not appointing a new convert as an overseer?
In 4:8, how does Paul compare physical training to godliness?
Why does Paul place some specific limits on which widows can be supported?
Paul says, "if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." (6:8) Do you have the contentment he is talking about?
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Week 42, October 15 - 21, 2017
Old Testament: Jeremiah 29 - 42
What did Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon in chapter 29 tell them to do?
29:11 is a favorite verse of many people, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." However this was part of a letter to exiles saying that their captivity was going to last longer than they had hoped. Can you trust God and His good plans when life is harder than you'd expected?
30:22 says, "So you will be my people, and I will be your God." This is God's desire He expresses many times throughout the Bible. What does it mean for you to be one of His people?
Chapter 31 describes a new covenant. Verse 33 says, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." What do you need to do to have God's law in your mind and heart?
What was the significance of Jeremiah buying a field from his cousin in chapter 32?
33:3 says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." How should you call on God to hear the things He wants to tell you?
What promise did God make to Zedekiah in chapter 34?
In chapter 34 the people agreed to free their Hebrew slaves, but later changed their minds and took their slaves back. Why would anyone do the right thing and then change their mind to do something they knew was wrong?
What was the point of having Jeremiah offer wine to the Rekabites?
How did Jehoiakim respond when the words of Jeremiah were read to him?
What did Jeremiah do after the scroll with his prophecies had been burned?
Why was Jeremiah put in prison in chapter 37? Why was he thrown in a cistern in chapter 38?
When the Babylonians broke down the walls of Jerusalem, who did they take into exile in Babylon? Who did they leave behind?
Why was Jeremiah given permission to go wherever he wanted in chapter 40?
In chapter 41, why did Johanan son of Kareah and those who were with him want to flee to Egypt?
Why did Johanan son of Kareah and those with him ask Jeremiah to pray for God's guidance in chapter 42, when they had already made up their mind what they planned to do?
Psalms 115 - 118
115:1 says, "Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory." How does it change your life to live for God's glory and not your own?
116:7 says, "Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." This is written as a command. The Hebrew verb, "shuwb," means to turn back. The noun, "manowach" means a resting place. What must you do to return to a condition of rest?
118:6 says, "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" Are you free of the fear of man?
New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 1 - 5, 2 Thessalonians 1 - 3
What does Paul mean in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 saying, "our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction"?
In 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Paul says, "We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts." How is your life different when you live to please only God?
Why did Paul send Timothy to the Thessalonians?
What reasons does 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4, give for avoiding sexual immorality?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands us to pray continually. How can you do this?
In 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Paul wrote, "we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling." Jesus died for us when we were sinners. What would make us worthy of His calling?
According to 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2, what will the "man of lawlessness" do? How will he be overthrown?
2 Thessalonians 2:15 commands us to stand firm. What do you have to do to obey this command?
Why would Paul write, "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
What did Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon in chapter 29 tell them to do?
29:11 is a favorite verse of many people, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." However this was part of a letter to exiles saying that their captivity was going to last longer than they had hoped. Can you trust God and His good plans when life is harder than you'd expected?
30:22 says, "So you will be my people, and I will be your God." This is God's desire He expresses many times throughout the Bible. What does it mean for you to be one of His people?
Chapter 31 describes a new covenant. Verse 33 says, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." What do you need to do to have God's law in your mind and heart?
What was the significance of Jeremiah buying a field from his cousin in chapter 32?
33:3 says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." How should you call on God to hear the things He wants to tell you?
What promise did God make to Zedekiah in chapter 34?
In chapter 34 the people agreed to free their Hebrew slaves, but later changed their minds and took their slaves back. Why would anyone do the right thing and then change their mind to do something they knew was wrong?
What was the point of having Jeremiah offer wine to the Rekabites?
How did Jehoiakim respond when the words of Jeremiah were read to him?
What did Jeremiah do after the scroll with his prophecies had been burned?
Why was Jeremiah put in prison in chapter 37? Why was he thrown in a cistern in chapter 38?
When the Babylonians broke down the walls of Jerusalem, who did they take into exile in Babylon? Who did they leave behind?
Why was Jeremiah given permission to go wherever he wanted in chapter 40?
In chapter 41, why did Johanan son of Kareah and those who were with him want to flee to Egypt?
Why did Johanan son of Kareah and those with him ask Jeremiah to pray for God's guidance in chapter 42, when they had already made up their mind what they planned to do?
Psalms 115 - 118
115:1 says, "Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory." How does it change your life to live for God's glory and not your own?
116:7 says, "Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." This is written as a command. The Hebrew verb, "shuwb," means to turn back. The noun, "manowach" means a resting place. What must you do to return to a condition of rest?
118:6 says, "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" Are you free of the fear of man?
New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 1 - 5, 2 Thessalonians 1 - 3
What does Paul mean in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 saying, "our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction"?
In 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Paul says, "We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts." How is your life different when you live to please only God?
Why did Paul send Timothy to the Thessalonians?
What reasons does 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4, give for avoiding sexual immorality?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands us to pray continually. How can you do this?
In 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Paul wrote, "we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling." Jesus died for us when we were sinners. What would make us worthy of His calling?
According to 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2, what will the "man of lawlessness" do? How will he be overthrown?
2 Thessalonians 2:15 commands us to stand firm. What do you have to do to obey this command?
Why would Paul write, "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
Sunday, October 08, 2017
Week 41, October 8 - 14, 2017
Old Testament: Jeremiah 15 - 28
We know that God hears and answers prayer. Why does He say in chapter 15 that even Moses and Samuel interceding for Judah would not help?
Why was Jeremiah told in chapter 16 not to enter a home where there was a funeral meal or not to enter a home where there was feasting?
17:5 says, "cursed is the one who trusts in man," but 17:7 says, "blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord." How can you learn to put your trust in God?
What was the lesson of the potter in chapter 18?
What did the jar in chapter 19 represent?
What did Jeremiah mean in 20:9 saying, "his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones"?
In chapter 21 Zedekiah sent messengers to Jeremiah, hoping to get a good word. Why didn't he get what he wanted?
Why did God rebuke the king in 22:13-14 for building himself a large palace?
Who is the Branch spoken of in 23:5-6?
According to 23:23-24, where is God?
In chapter 24 who was compared to good figs? Who was compared to bad figs?
25:4-7 says that God had warned Israel and Judah repeatedly to repent from sin and they had refused. Why would someone refuse to take warning that they had been given repeatedly?
How long did Jeremiah say that the people of Judah would be in captivity?
In chapter 26, why did people want to put Jeremiah to death?
What did Jeremiah tell Zedekiah to do about Babylon in 27:12?
Why did Hananiah break the yoke that Jeremiah had put on his own neck?
Psalms 111 - 114
111:2 says that the works of the Lord are "pondered by all who delight in them." What benefit will you gain from delighting in the works of the Lord?
112:5 says, "Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely." In what way does God want you to be generous?
113:7 says that God raises the poor from the dust. What does this show you about the nature of God?
New Testament: John 17 - 21
Beginning in 17:20 Jesus prays for all believers. What does He ask for?
Why did the people who had come to arrest Jesus fall down in 18:6?
Why did the Jewish leaders who wanted Jesus killed have to get the Romans involved?
In chapter 19, why do you think Pilate refused to change the notice he had attached to Jesus' cross when the Jews objected to it?
Why were the legs of those crucified beside Jesus broken, but His were not?
Who put Jesus' body in a tomb?
In chapter 20, who was the first to see Jesus after He rose from the dead?
According to 20:31, what is the purpose of the gospel of John?
Why did Jesus repeatedly ask Peter if he loved Jesus?
We know that God hears and answers prayer. Why does He say in chapter 15 that even Moses and Samuel interceding for Judah would not help?
Why was Jeremiah told in chapter 16 not to enter a home where there was a funeral meal or not to enter a home where there was feasting?
17:5 says, "cursed is the one who trusts in man," but 17:7 says, "blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord." How can you learn to put your trust in God?
What was the lesson of the potter in chapter 18?
What did the jar in chapter 19 represent?
What did Jeremiah mean in 20:9 saying, "his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones"?
In chapter 21 Zedekiah sent messengers to Jeremiah, hoping to get a good word. Why didn't he get what he wanted?
Why did God rebuke the king in 22:13-14 for building himself a large palace?
Who is the Branch spoken of in 23:5-6?
According to 23:23-24, where is God?
In chapter 24 who was compared to good figs? Who was compared to bad figs?
25:4-7 says that God had warned Israel and Judah repeatedly to repent from sin and they had refused. Why would someone refuse to take warning that they had been given repeatedly?
How long did Jeremiah say that the people of Judah would be in captivity?
In chapter 26, why did people want to put Jeremiah to death?
What did Jeremiah tell Zedekiah to do about Babylon in 27:12?
Why did Hananiah break the yoke that Jeremiah had put on his own neck?
Psalms 111 - 114
111:2 says that the works of the Lord are "pondered by all who delight in them." What benefit will you gain from delighting in the works of the Lord?
112:5 says, "Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely." In what way does God want you to be generous?
113:7 says that God raises the poor from the dust. What does this show you about the nature of God?
New Testament: John 17 - 21
Beginning in 17:20 Jesus prays for all believers. What does He ask for?
Why did the people who had come to arrest Jesus fall down in 18:6?
Why did the Jewish leaders who wanted Jesus killed have to get the Romans involved?
In chapter 19, why do you think Pilate refused to change the notice he had attached to Jesus' cross when the Jews objected to it?
Why were the legs of those crucified beside Jesus broken, but His were not?
Who put Jesus' body in a tomb?
In chapter 20, who was the first to see Jesus after He rose from the dead?
According to 20:31, what is the purpose of the gospel of John?
Why did Jesus repeatedly ask Peter if he loved Jesus?
Sunday, October 01, 2017
Week 40, October 1 - 7, 2017
Old Testament: Jeremiah 1 - 14
When did God say He had appointed Jeremiah as a prophet?
God told Jeremiah, "Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you." Are you willing to obey the Lord and set aside any feelings of inadequacy?
God says in 2:11, "my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols." Why would anyone make such an exchange?
In 3:22 God says, "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding." This command includes a choice that people must make (return) and a miracle that only God can do (cure you). This is similar to 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." What needs to happen to a person who has turned away from God for them to turn back to God?
In rebuking Israel for their sins, God says in 5:28, "they do not defend the just cause of the poor." Why does someone who is not poor have a responsibility toward someone who is?
6:14 accuses prophets and priests saying they, "dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious." What is the danger in treating a serious problem as though it was not serious?
In chapter 7 God had Jeremiah stand at the gate of the temple and call people to repentance. He said that people thought they were safe because they went to the Lord's temple even while they were doing things they knew were wrong. What did Jeremiah call the people to repent from?
God told Jeremiah in 7:27, "When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you." If God knew they wouldn't listen, why did he have Jeremiah speak?
Isaiah compares people to sheep who have gone astray, but Jeremiah says, "Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle." (8:6) Why would anyone charge down the wrong path?
In 9:24 God says, "let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight." The Hebrew word halal, is translated "boast." The KJV translates is as "glory," and it can also be translated "celebrate." In what way should we celebrate that we know the Lord?
Why does Jeremiah ask for discipline (or correction) in 10:24?
Why did God say He would punish the people of Anathoth?
What did the linen belt in chapter 13 represent?
Chapter 14 shows that there were false prophets in Jeremiah's time who had a more favorable message than Jeremiah did. God says of them, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them." (14:14) How can you avoid believing a false prophet?
Psalms 108 - 110
What does David mean in 108:2 saying, "I will awaken the dawn"?
David wrote, "While they curse, may you bless." (109:28) What is the benefit of turning your attention to God when people have insulted or mistreated you?
Why did Jesus quote Psalm 110:1 in Matthew 22:44?
New Testament: John 13 - 16
Why did Jesus wash His disciples feet? Why did Peter object? What do you need to do to follow the example that Jesus gave us?
What do you need to do to fulfill Jesus' command in 13:34, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another"?
In 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." What should our attitude be toward people of other religions that do not recognize Jesus?
Jesus said, "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me." (14:21) Why are love for Jesus and obedience to His commands connected?
In chapter 15 when Jesus refers to us as branches, what is the one command He gives us that assures we will bear much fruit?
Did Jesus teach His followers to expect that everyone will like them?
Jesus said, "My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (16:23) What does it mean to ask something in Jesus' name?
In 16:33 Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." How can we have peace in the midst of trouble?
When did God say He had appointed Jeremiah as a prophet?
God told Jeremiah, "Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you." Are you willing to obey the Lord and set aside any feelings of inadequacy?
God says in 2:11, "my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols." Why would anyone make such an exchange?
In 3:22 God says, "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding." This command includes a choice that people must make (return) and a miracle that only God can do (cure you). This is similar to 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." What needs to happen to a person who has turned away from God for them to turn back to God?
In rebuking Israel for their sins, God says in 5:28, "they do not defend the just cause of the poor." Why does someone who is not poor have a responsibility toward someone who is?
6:14 accuses prophets and priests saying they, "dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious." What is the danger in treating a serious problem as though it was not serious?
In chapter 7 God had Jeremiah stand at the gate of the temple and call people to repentance. He said that people thought they were safe because they went to the Lord's temple even while they were doing things they knew were wrong. What did Jeremiah call the people to repent from?
God told Jeremiah in 7:27, "When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you." If God knew they wouldn't listen, why did he have Jeremiah speak?
Isaiah compares people to sheep who have gone astray, but Jeremiah says, "Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle." (8:6) Why would anyone charge down the wrong path?
In 9:24 God says, "let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight." The Hebrew word halal, is translated "boast." The KJV translates is as "glory," and it can also be translated "celebrate." In what way should we celebrate that we know the Lord?
Why does Jeremiah ask for discipline (or correction) in 10:24?
Why did God say He would punish the people of Anathoth?
What did the linen belt in chapter 13 represent?
Chapter 14 shows that there were false prophets in Jeremiah's time who had a more favorable message than Jeremiah did. God says of them, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them." (14:14) How can you avoid believing a false prophet?
Psalms 108 - 110
What does David mean in 108:2 saying, "I will awaken the dawn"?
David wrote, "While they curse, may you bless." (109:28) What is the benefit of turning your attention to God when people have insulted or mistreated you?
Why did Jesus quote Psalm 110:1 in Matthew 22:44?
New Testament: John 13 - 16
Why did Jesus wash His disciples feet? Why did Peter object? What do you need to do to follow the example that Jesus gave us?
What do you need to do to fulfill Jesus' command in 13:34, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another"?
In 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." What should our attitude be toward people of other religions that do not recognize Jesus?
Jesus said, "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me." (14:21) Why are love for Jesus and obedience to His commands connected?
In chapter 15 when Jesus refers to us as branches, what is the one command He gives us that assures we will bear much fruit?
Did Jesus teach His followers to expect that everyone will like them?
Jesus said, "My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (16:23) What does it mean to ask something in Jesus' name?
In 16:33 Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." How can we have peace in the midst of trouble?
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Week 39, September 24 - 30, 2017
Old Testament: Isaiah 51 - 66
51:7 instructs us, "Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults." How can you avoid fearing the opinion or the insults of people?
52:7 says, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news." Who would God have you bring good news to?
Hundreds of years before Jesus died on the cross Isaiah wrote, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (53:6) He says we are all sinners, but there was One who bore our sin. How should this understanding affect the way you look at yourself and your neighbor?
In 54:7 God tells Israel, "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back." What does this verse show you about the nature of God?
What kind of thirst is 55:1 talking about?
55:8-9 shows that God's thoughts are much higher than ours. What benefit is there in keeping that in mind?
In 56:7 God says, "my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." What does this show us about God's view of prayer? about His view of the nations?
57:1-2 says, "the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death." This implies that when the righteous die they truly are in a better place. What should our attitude be toward death?
God says in 57:15, "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." What does it mean to be contrite and lowly? Why is God with those who are contrite and lowly?
In chapter 58 what did God say was missing in the fasting that people in Israel were doing?
According to 59:2, what separates a person from God?
The words "Arise, shine" in 60:1 are written as commands. How do you do that?
60:19 says, "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." When and how will this be fulfilled?
Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1-2 in Luke 4:17-21. How does this passage describe Jesus' ministry?
What is the meaning of the command in 62:6-7, "give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest"?
Why does Isaiah say in 64:5, "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags"?
In 65:17 God says He will create new heavens and a new earth. Why will He do this?
God says, in 66:18, that He will "gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory." What part do you have in reaching the nations?
Psalm 107
107:2 says, "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story." Are you able to tell your story? Who should you be telling it to?
New Testament: John 9 - 12
Why did the disciples assume that the man in chapter 9 was born blind because of sin?
In chapter 10, why did Jesus refer to Himself as both the gate (or door) and the good shepherd?
In 10:10 Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Have you given your life to Jesus and are you living the life He intended?
Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (10:27) How do you listen to the voice of Jesus?
In 11:25-26 Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” How does knowing that we can live eternally change the way you look at this life?
Why did the chief priests want to kill Lazarus in chapter 12?
What is the meaning of the statement Jesus made in 12:25, "anyone who loves their life will lose it"? How does this apply to you?
51:7 instructs us, "Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults." How can you avoid fearing the opinion or the insults of people?
52:7 says, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news." Who would God have you bring good news to?
Hundreds of years before Jesus died on the cross Isaiah wrote, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (53:6) He says we are all sinners, but there was One who bore our sin. How should this understanding affect the way you look at yourself and your neighbor?
In 54:7 God tells Israel, "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back." What does this verse show you about the nature of God?
What kind of thirst is 55:1 talking about?
55:8-9 shows that God's thoughts are much higher than ours. What benefit is there in keeping that in mind?
In 56:7 God says, "my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." What does this show us about God's view of prayer? about His view of the nations?
57:1-2 says, "the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death." This implies that when the righteous die they truly are in a better place. What should our attitude be toward death?
God says in 57:15, "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." What does it mean to be contrite and lowly? Why is God with those who are contrite and lowly?
In chapter 58 what did God say was missing in the fasting that people in Israel were doing?
According to 59:2, what separates a person from God?
The words "Arise, shine" in 60:1 are written as commands. How do you do that?
60:19 says, "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." When and how will this be fulfilled?
Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1-2 in Luke 4:17-21. How does this passage describe Jesus' ministry?
What is the meaning of the command in 62:6-7, "give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest"?
Why does Isaiah say in 64:5, "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags"?
In 65:17 God says He will create new heavens and a new earth. Why will He do this?
God says, in 66:18, that He will "gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory." What part do you have in reaching the nations?
Psalm 107
107:2 says, "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story." Are you able to tell your story? Who should you be telling it to?
New Testament: John 9 - 12
Why did the disciples assume that the man in chapter 9 was born blind because of sin?
In chapter 10, why did Jesus refer to Himself as both the gate (or door) and the good shepherd?
In 10:10 Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Have you given your life to Jesus and are you living the life He intended?
Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (10:27) How do you listen to the voice of Jesus?
In 11:25-26 Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” How does knowing that we can live eternally change the way you look at this life?
Why did the chief priests want to kill Lazarus in chapter 12?
What is the meaning of the statement Jesus made in 12:25, "anyone who loves their life will lose it"? How does this apply to you?
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Week 38, September 17 - 23, 2017
Old Testament: Isaiah 34 - 50
34:2 says, "The Lord is angry with all nations." What do all nations have in common that the Lord should be angry with?
35:5-6 say, "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert." When and how will this be fulfilled?
In chapter 36 the Assyrians attempted to attack Jerusalem by first attacking their faith and confidence. How can you remain strong in faith in the face of opposition or ridicule?
In chapter 37 what did Isaiah say to do about the threats the Assyrians were making toward Jerusalem?
What sign did God give Hezekiah in chapter 38 that he would be healed?
Was Hezekiah wrong in chapter 39 to show his visitors from Babylon the things he had stored up?
How does chapter 40 contrast the word of God with human beings?
How can we gain the renewed strength that 40:31 describes?
Who is being spoken to in 41:24, "But you are less than nothing"?
Who is 42:1-4 speaking about?
According to what God says in 43:10 and 44:6, how many Gods are there? How many will there ever be?
45:9 says, "Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker." Why would anyone think they could quarrel with God?
God says in 46:11, "What I have said, that I will bring about." How does having confidence in God keeping His word change the way you look at life?
What two things does 47:9 say will overcome Babylon in a single day?
48:18 says, "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river," and 48:22 says, “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” Why are obedience and peace related?
In 49:15 God shows that a nursing mother is more likely to forget her child than God is to forget His people. Are you confident that God has not and will not forget you?
Who is speaking in 50:6?
Psalm 106
106:13 describes Israel in the wilderness, "But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold." When are you faced with the challenge of remembering what God has done and waiting for His plan to unfold?
106:23 says that Moses stood in the breach for Israel. What does this mean?
New Testament: John 5 - 8
Why would Jesus ask the lame man in chapter 5 if he wanted to get well?
How did Jesus respond in chapter 5 to being accused of making Himself equal with God?
Philip's answer in 6:7 focused on the size of the need. Andrew's statement in 6:9 focused on what was available. Where should their focus have been?
In 6:26 Jesus told people they were looking for Him for the wrong reason. How can you have a healthy motive for following the Lord?
Why did people turn back from following Jesus in 6:66?
In chapter 7, why did Jesus first go the festival secretly and then, halfway through the week-long festival, go to the temple courts to teach?
In 7:17 Jesus said, "Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." Why are choosing to do God's will and knowing that Jesus is teaching the truth connected?
In 7:37 Jesus invites the thirsty to come to Him and drink. How do you do that?
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (8:31-32) What do you have to do to hold to Jesus' teaching? What will you be set free from?
34:2 says, "The Lord is angry with all nations." What do all nations have in common that the Lord should be angry with?
35:5-6 say, "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert." When and how will this be fulfilled?
In chapter 36 the Assyrians attempted to attack Jerusalem by first attacking their faith and confidence. How can you remain strong in faith in the face of opposition or ridicule?
In chapter 37 what did Isaiah say to do about the threats the Assyrians were making toward Jerusalem?
What sign did God give Hezekiah in chapter 38 that he would be healed?
Was Hezekiah wrong in chapter 39 to show his visitors from Babylon the things he had stored up?
How does chapter 40 contrast the word of God with human beings?
How can we gain the renewed strength that 40:31 describes?
Who is being spoken to in 41:24, "But you are less than nothing"?
Who is 42:1-4 speaking about?
According to what God says in 43:10 and 44:6, how many Gods are there? How many will there ever be?
45:9 says, "Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker." Why would anyone think they could quarrel with God?
God says in 46:11, "What I have said, that I will bring about." How does having confidence in God keeping His word change the way you look at life?
What two things does 47:9 say will overcome Babylon in a single day?
48:18 says, "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river," and 48:22 says, “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” Why are obedience and peace related?
In 49:15 God shows that a nursing mother is more likely to forget her child than God is to forget His people. Are you confident that God has not and will not forget you?
Who is speaking in 50:6?
Psalm 106
106:13 describes Israel in the wilderness, "But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold." When are you faced with the challenge of remembering what God has done and waiting for His plan to unfold?
106:23 says that Moses stood in the breach for Israel. What does this mean?
New Testament: John 5 - 8
Why would Jesus ask the lame man in chapter 5 if he wanted to get well?
How did Jesus respond in chapter 5 to being accused of making Himself equal with God?
Philip's answer in 6:7 focused on the size of the need. Andrew's statement in 6:9 focused on what was available. Where should their focus have been?
In 6:26 Jesus told people they were looking for Him for the wrong reason. How can you have a healthy motive for following the Lord?
Why did people turn back from following Jesus in 6:66?
In chapter 7, why did Jesus first go the festival secretly and then, halfway through the week-long festival, go to the temple courts to teach?
In 7:17 Jesus said, "Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." Why are choosing to do God's will and knowing that Jesus is teaching the truth connected?
In 7:37 Jesus invites the thirsty to come to Him and drink. How do you do that?
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (8:31-32) What do you have to do to hold to Jesus' teaching? What will you be set free from?
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Week 37, September 10 - 16, 2017
Old Testament: Isaiah 18 - 33
In chapter 18 God calls Cush an aggressive nation. What does He say will happen to them?
In 19:22 Isaiah prophesies that Egypt will turn to the Lord. When and how will this happen?
In prophesying about Arabia, Isaiah uses the phrase, "Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it." (21:16) What is the meaning of this phrase?
Chapter 22 speaks about trying to strengthen the defenses of Jerusalem but verse 11 says, "but you did not look to the One who made it." How can you rely on God and avoid becoming self-reliant?
What does chapter 23 say will happen to Tyre?
24:1-3 says that the Lord will devastate the earth. Why will this happen?
25:8 describes God swallowing up death forever and wiping away the tears from all faces. When will this be fulfilled?
There is a promise of "perfect peace" in 26:3. "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." What do you need to do to have this peace?
What is the stone referred to in 28:16?
In 29:13 the Lord says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Why would anyone want to pretend to honor God when their heart is far from Him? How can you draw near to God from your heart?
In chapters 30 and 31, Israel is rebuked for trying to get help from Egypt without consulting God. How can you avoid making a similar mistake?
In 30:15 God says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it." How do you pursue repentance and rest in a time of trouble?
What is the significance of the phrase in 32:15, "till the Spirit is poured on us from on high"?
The founders of the United States referred to 33:22 in devising three branches of government with a separation of powers. What does it mean that God is ultimately our judge, lawgiver, and king?
Psalms 104 - 105
104:33 says, "I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live." Can you give praise to God through all the seasons of your life?
105:4 says, "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." What daily habits will help you always seek the Lord's face?
New Testament: John 1 - 4
According to 1:12-13, how does someone become a child of God?
When Jewish leaders asked John the Baptist who he was, what was his answer?
What motivated Jesus to turn water into wine?
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days”?
According to chapter 3, what does a person need to do to be born again?
According to 3:18 and 3:36, what happens to those who don't believe in the Son?
What did Jesus mean in 4:32 when he said, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about"?
In chapter 18 God calls Cush an aggressive nation. What does He say will happen to them?
In 19:22 Isaiah prophesies that Egypt will turn to the Lord. When and how will this happen?
In prophesying about Arabia, Isaiah uses the phrase, "Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it." (21:16) What is the meaning of this phrase?
Chapter 22 speaks about trying to strengthen the defenses of Jerusalem but verse 11 says, "but you did not look to the One who made it." How can you rely on God and avoid becoming self-reliant?
What does chapter 23 say will happen to Tyre?
24:1-3 says that the Lord will devastate the earth. Why will this happen?
25:8 describes God swallowing up death forever and wiping away the tears from all faces. When will this be fulfilled?
There is a promise of "perfect peace" in 26:3. "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." What do you need to do to have this peace?
What is the stone referred to in 28:16?
In 29:13 the Lord says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Why would anyone want to pretend to honor God when their heart is far from Him? How can you draw near to God from your heart?
In chapters 30 and 31, Israel is rebuked for trying to get help from Egypt without consulting God. How can you avoid making a similar mistake?
In 30:15 God says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it." How do you pursue repentance and rest in a time of trouble?
What is the significance of the phrase in 32:15, "till the Spirit is poured on us from on high"?
The founders of the United States referred to 33:22 in devising three branches of government with a separation of powers. What does it mean that God is ultimately our judge, lawgiver, and king?
Psalms 104 - 105
104:33 says, "I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live." Can you give praise to God through all the seasons of your life?
105:4 says, "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." What daily habits will help you always seek the Lord's face?
New Testament: John 1 - 4
According to 1:12-13, how does someone become a child of God?
When Jewish leaders asked John the Baptist who he was, what was his answer?
What motivated Jesus to turn water into wine?
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days”?
According to chapter 3, what does a person need to do to be born again?
According to 3:18 and 3:36, what happens to those who don't believe in the Son?
What did Jesus mean in 4:32 when he said, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about"?
Sunday, September 03, 2017
Week 36, September 3 - 9, 2017
Old Testament: Isaiah 1 - 17
In chapter 1, what does God say He wants rather than more offerings and religious festivals?
2:17 says, "The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day." What is wrong with human pride and arrogance?
Isaiah prophesies about a time when it will be difficult to find anyone to lead (3:6-7). Why will people want to avoid leadership in that time?
What does the vineyard in 5:1-7 represent? (Notice the similarity to the parable Jesus told in Mark 12:1-12.)
5:21 says, "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight!" How can you avoid having an inflated opinion of yourself?
What was Isaiah sent to do in chapter 6?
In chapter 7, Jerusalem was under attack. Verse 2 says, "the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind." Isaiah told Ahaz, "keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart." (7:4) and "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." If you were Ahaz, how would you find strength to stand firm in your faith?
When and how was 9:6 fulfilled?
God speaks against withholding justice from the oppressed in 10:2. Who is oppressed that you have the opportunity to help?
What is the remnant mentioned in 10:21-22?
When and how will 11:6-9 be fulfilled?
What does 12:3 mean, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation"?
What does chapter 13 say will happen to Babylon?
Chapter 14 promises that God will restore the people of Israel to their land and says in 14:32, "The Lord has established Zion, and in her his afflicted people will find refuge." Why is God compassionate toward those who are afflicted?
Who is 16:5 referring to?
17:7 says, "In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel." What causes people to turn to God when they have been turned away from Him?
Psalms 102 - 103
Psalm 102 describes a bad situation, "For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside." (102:9-10), but faith for the future, "You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come." (102:13) What is the basis for this faith?
103:12 says, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." What attitude should you have toward your past sins in light of God's forgiveness?
New Testament: Colossians 1 - 4
In 1:9-12, what does Paul say he has been praying for the Colossians?
Paul says he admonishes and teaches so that he can "present every man complete in Christ." (1:28) What is needed for you to be complete in Christ?
What does 2:9-10 teach us about Jesus?
Why does Paul refer to requirements of the Law as a "shadow of the things that were to come" but says that the "reality, however, is found in Christ"? What is the reality that Paul is urging us to live in?
Paul tells us in 3:1 to "set your hearts on things above." What does this mean and how do you do it?
We are commanded in 3:13, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Is there anyone you need to forgive?
4:2 says, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." What do you need to do to be devoted to prayer? Why are being watchful and thankful important when you pray?
In chapter 1, what does God say He wants rather than more offerings and religious festivals?
2:17 says, "The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day." What is wrong with human pride and arrogance?
Isaiah prophesies about a time when it will be difficult to find anyone to lead (3:6-7). Why will people want to avoid leadership in that time?
What does the vineyard in 5:1-7 represent? (Notice the similarity to the parable Jesus told in Mark 12:1-12.)
5:21 says, "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight!" How can you avoid having an inflated opinion of yourself?
What was Isaiah sent to do in chapter 6?
In chapter 7, Jerusalem was under attack. Verse 2 says, "the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind." Isaiah told Ahaz, "keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart." (7:4) and "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." If you were Ahaz, how would you find strength to stand firm in your faith?
When and how was 9:6 fulfilled?
God speaks against withholding justice from the oppressed in 10:2. Who is oppressed that you have the opportunity to help?
What is the remnant mentioned in 10:21-22?
When and how will 11:6-9 be fulfilled?
What does 12:3 mean, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation"?
What does chapter 13 say will happen to Babylon?
Chapter 14 promises that God will restore the people of Israel to their land and says in 14:32, "The Lord has established Zion, and in her his afflicted people will find refuge." Why is God compassionate toward those who are afflicted?
Who is 16:5 referring to?
17:7 says, "In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel." What causes people to turn to God when they have been turned away from Him?
Psalms 102 - 103
Psalm 102 describes a bad situation, "For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside." (102:9-10), but faith for the future, "You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come." (102:13) What is the basis for this faith?
103:12 says, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." What attitude should you have toward your past sins in light of God's forgiveness?
New Testament: Colossians 1 - 4
In 1:9-12, what does Paul say he has been praying for the Colossians?
Paul says he admonishes and teaches so that he can "present every man complete in Christ." (1:28) What is needed for you to be complete in Christ?
What does 2:9-10 teach us about Jesus?
Why does Paul refer to requirements of the Law as a "shadow of the things that were to come" but says that the "reality, however, is found in Christ"? What is the reality that Paul is urging us to live in?
Paul tells us in 3:1 to "set your hearts on things above." What does this mean and how do you do it?
We are commanded in 3:13, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Is there anyone you need to forgive?
4:2 says, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." What do you need to do to be devoted to prayer? Why are being watchful and thankful important when you pray?
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Week 35, August 27 - September 2, 2017
Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 1 - 12, Song of Solomon 1 - 8
Why does the book of Ecclesiastes start by declaring everything meaningless?
Ecclesiastes 2:17 says, "So I hated life." What would cause a person to come to this conclusion?
What benefit do you gain from understanding the principle in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity"?
What is the meaning of the statement in Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has also set eternity in the human heart"?
Ecclesiastes 4 says that two are better than one. Verse 10 says, "If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." What opportunities do you have to help one who has fallen?
Why does Ecclesiastes 5:2 say, "God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few"?
Ecclesiastes 7:21 warns us not to take too seriously things that are spoken against us. How can you practice this?
Ecclesiastes 8:12 says, "Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him." What is this statement based on?
Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed." What can you do that would be like sharpening your ax, making you more effective in what you have to do?
Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." This suggests that someone who is waiting for the perfect time to do something will never find the perfect time. Is there anything you have put off that you need to be doing?
What is the conclusion of the book of Ecclesiastes?
The first verse of Song of Solomon says, "Solomon’s Song of Songs." So the book is called Song of Solomon or Song of Songs. The book is a love poem. Because the Bible often uses marriage as an image of our relationship with the Lord, there are some verses in Song of Solomon that remind us of our love for God and His love for us. The book also presents the healthy relationship between a man and woman that God intended when He said, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
Song of Solomon 1:3 says, "your name is like perfume poured out." What causes a person to take that much delight in another? What does it take for us to take that kind of delight in God?
What is the meaning of the statement in Song of Solomon 2:7, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires"?
God is everywhere and He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. However, the Bible often urges us to seek Him. He hasn't gone anywhere, but we need to set our hearts on Him to experience His presence in a real and personal way. Song of Solomon 3:2 says, "I will search for the one my heart loves." How and when do you seek God's presence?
Song of Solomon 4:9 says, "You have stolen my heart." The King James Version says, "Thou hast ravished my heart." How much devotion did God intend for a husband and wife to have for each other?
What is the meaning of the statement in Song of Solomon 5:2, "I slept but my heart was awake"?
7:10 says, "I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me." Movies often feature unstable romantic relationships to keep you guessing what will happen and to keep you interested. What is the value of a stable relationship between a man and a woman where they have given each other confidence in their love for each other?
8:7 says, "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned." How does one develop that kind of love for God? for a spouse? for family members?
Psalms 98 - 101
98:1 says, "Sing to the Lord a new song." What is the benefit of a new song?
99:1 says, "The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble." Who should be trembling and why?
100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving." Why is important to give thanks when we come to God in prayer?
David wrote, "I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart." (101:2) What do you have to do to maintain a "blameless heart"?
New Testament: Philippians 1 - 4
In 1:6 Paul says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." What do you expect God to carry on to completion in you?
What benefit did Paul say there was to him being imprisoned?
We are commanded, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (2:3-4) Who has God put in your life whose interests you need to be looking out for?
Paul was already a Christian and actively serving the Lord. What does he mean when he says, "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (3:12)?
What does 4:6 say we should do instead of being anxious or worrying? What are we promised in verse 7 if we obey verse 6?
Why does the book of Ecclesiastes start by declaring everything meaningless?
Ecclesiastes 2:17 says, "So I hated life." What would cause a person to come to this conclusion?
What benefit do you gain from understanding the principle in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity"?
What is the meaning of the statement in Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has also set eternity in the human heart"?
Ecclesiastes 4 says that two are better than one. Verse 10 says, "If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." What opportunities do you have to help one who has fallen?
Why does Ecclesiastes 5:2 say, "God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few"?
Ecclesiastes 7:21 warns us not to take too seriously things that are spoken against us. How can you practice this?
Ecclesiastes 8:12 says, "Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him." What is this statement based on?
Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed." What can you do that would be like sharpening your ax, making you more effective in what you have to do?
Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." This suggests that someone who is waiting for the perfect time to do something will never find the perfect time. Is there anything you have put off that you need to be doing?
What is the conclusion of the book of Ecclesiastes?
The first verse of Song of Solomon says, "Solomon’s Song of Songs." So the book is called Song of Solomon or Song of Songs. The book is a love poem. Because the Bible often uses marriage as an image of our relationship with the Lord, there are some verses in Song of Solomon that remind us of our love for God and His love for us. The book also presents the healthy relationship between a man and woman that God intended when He said, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
Song of Solomon 1:3 says, "your name is like perfume poured out." What causes a person to take that much delight in another? What does it take for us to take that kind of delight in God?
What is the meaning of the statement in Song of Solomon 2:7, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires"?
God is everywhere and He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. However, the Bible often urges us to seek Him. He hasn't gone anywhere, but we need to set our hearts on Him to experience His presence in a real and personal way. Song of Solomon 3:2 says, "I will search for the one my heart loves." How and when do you seek God's presence?
Song of Solomon 4:9 says, "You have stolen my heart." The King James Version says, "Thou hast ravished my heart." How much devotion did God intend for a husband and wife to have for each other?
What is the meaning of the statement in Song of Solomon 5:2, "I slept but my heart was awake"?
7:10 says, "I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me." Movies often feature unstable romantic relationships to keep you guessing what will happen and to keep you interested. What is the value of a stable relationship between a man and a woman where they have given each other confidence in their love for each other?
8:7 says, "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned." How does one develop that kind of love for God? for a spouse? for family members?
Psalms 98 - 101
98:1 says, "Sing to the Lord a new song." What is the benefit of a new song?
99:1 says, "The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble." Who should be trembling and why?
100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving." Why is important to give thanks when we come to God in prayer?
David wrote, "I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart." (101:2) What do you have to do to maintain a "blameless heart"?
New Testament: Philippians 1 - 4
In 1:6 Paul says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." What do you expect God to carry on to completion in you?
What benefit did Paul say there was to him being imprisoned?
We are commanded, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (2:3-4) Who has God put in your life whose interests you need to be looking out for?
Paul was already a Christian and actively serving the Lord. What does he mean when he says, "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (3:12)?
What does 4:6 say we should do instead of being anxious or worrying? What are we promised in verse 7 if we obey verse 6?
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Week 34, August 20 - 26, 2017
Old Testament: Proverbs 17 - 31
17:14 says, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." What opportunities do you have to apply this in your relationships with others?
18:2 says, "Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions." Why would someone be eager to state their opinion while being disinterested in gaining understanding?
19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." How can you give more attention to the Lord's purpose than to your own plans?
How can 20:13, "Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare," and Psalm 127:2, "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves," both be true?
21:30 says, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." How, then, should you make decisions about what you will do in life?
"The generous will themselves be blessed." (22:9) In what ways would God have you be generous?
23:29-35 warns us about wine. How should you respond to this warning?
Why does 24:27 put first priority on one's fields over one's house? How does this apply to you?
What reasons are given in 25:21-22 for feeding your enemy?
In chapter 26, verses 4 and 5 seem to say the opposite of each other. Why?
27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Who in your life is sharpening you? Who are you sharpening?
28:1 says, "the righteous are as bold as a lion." Where does this boldness come from?
29:23 says, "Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor." How can you lead a life of humility?
What is the reason for the statement in 30:8, "give me neither poverty nor riches"?
In 31:4-7, who is wine and beer not for? Who is it for?
Psalms 94 - 97
94:17 says, "Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death." Do you view your life as a gift from God?
Psalm 95 is a call to worship, "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." What is the purpose of praising God with others?
How does 96:5 distinguish the Lord from idols?
97:10 says, "Let those who love the Lord hate evil." How do you hate evil without hating people who are guilty of evil?
New Testament: Ephesians 1 - 6
According to 1:13, when were you "included" in Christ?
What is the importance of the phrase "not by works" in 2:9?
Paul wrote in 3:12, "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Are you using this freedom?
We are taught to "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (4:3) Are you willing to make effort to improve a strained relationship or do you tend to turn your back and move on?
What does 4:28 teach a person to do instead of stealing?
What does 5:18 say to do instead of getting drunk?
How are husbands to treat their wives?
6:11 commands us to put on the full armor of God. How is this done? Are you doing it?
17:14 says, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." What opportunities do you have to apply this in your relationships with others?
18:2 says, "Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions." Why would someone be eager to state their opinion while being disinterested in gaining understanding?
19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." How can you give more attention to the Lord's purpose than to your own plans?
How can 20:13, "Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare," and Psalm 127:2, "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves," both be true?
21:30 says, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." How, then, should you make decisions about what you will do in life?
"The generous will themselves be blessed." (22:9) In what ways would God have you be generous?
23:29-35 warns us about wine. How should you respond to this warning?
Why does 24:27 put first priority on one's fields over one's house? How does this apply to you?
What reasons are given in 25:21-22 for feeding your enemy?
In chapter 26, verses 4 and 5 seem to say the opposite of each other. Why?
27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Who in your life is sharpening you? Who are you sharpening?
28:1 says, "the righteous are as bold as a lion." Where does this boldness come from?
29:23 says, "Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor." How can you lead a life of humility?
What is the reason for the statement in 30:8, "give me neither poverty nor riches"?
In 31:4-7, who is wine and beer not for? Who is it for?
Psalms 94 - 97
94:17 says, "Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death." Do you view your life as a gift from God?
Psalm 95 is a call to worship, "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." What is the purpose of praising God with others?
How does 96:5 distinguish the Lord from idols?
97:10 says, "Let those who love the Lord hate evil." How do you hate evil without hating people who are guilty of evil?
New Testament: Ephesians 1 - 6
According to 1:13, when were you "included" in Christ?
What is the importance of the phrase "not by works" in 2:9?
Paul wrote in 3:12, "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Are you using this freedom?
We are taught to "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (4:3) Are you willing to make effort to improve a strained relationship or do you tend to turn your back and move on?
What does 4:28 teach a person to do instead of stealing?
What does 5:18 say to do instead of getting drunk?
How are husbands to treat their wives?
6:11 commands us to put on the full armor of God. How is this done? Are you doing it?
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Week 33, August 13 - 19, 2017
Old Testament: Proverbs 1 - 16
What does 1:19 say happens to those who go after ill-gotten gain?
1:20-23 pictures wisdom in plain view calling out to everyone and then describes what will happen to those who ignore wisdom. Why do people choose to ignore wisdom?
2:12 says, "Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men." What do you need to do to live based on God's wisdom?
3:3 says, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." What do you have to do to obey this command?
3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Whose responsibility is it to direct your path? What is your responsibility?
4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." How do you guard your heart?
Proverbs 5 warns of the consequences of adultery and advises on how to avoid it. 5:8 says, "Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house." Avoiding potential temptation protects a person from sinful choices. To what other situations does this principle apply?
What does 6:6-8 say was can learn from the ant?
Why does 7:22 compare a man committing adultery to an ox going to the slaughter?
8:11 says that wisdom is more precious than rubies. How should you live if you place a high value on wisdom?
Chapter 9 pictures wisdom and folly both crying out from the highest point in the city. In what ways does folly try to compete with wisdom? Why are people sometimes drawn to folly?
11:24 says, "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty." Why does this happen? (Note the next verse, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.")
12:11 says, "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense." For you personally, what would it mean to work your land? What fantasies are you tempted to chase?
12:16 says, "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." What makes a person easily annoyed and quick to feel insulted?
13:3 says, "Those who guard their lips preserve their lives." What do you need to do to guard you lips?
14:1 says that a foolish woman tears down her house with her own hands. How does this happen? Why does it?
15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath." Are you able to give a gentle answer to someone who is speaking to you in anger?
15:10 says, "Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path." How do you know when you are on the path and when you are leaving it?
16:7 says, "When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them." Is there anyone who you would like to make peace with? What can you do to cause this to happen?
Psalms 91 - 93
91:1 says, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." What do you need to do to dwell in the shelter of the Most High?
92:4 says, " I sing for joy at what your hands have done." When and why do you sing for joy?
93:1 says that God is robed in majesty. What does this mean?
New Testament: Galatians 1 - 6
Why does Paul warn the Galatians in chapter 1 about anyone preaching a different gospel? How can you be assured that you have believed the truth?
What does Paul mean in 2:20 when he says he has been crucified with Christ?
According to chapter 3 how did Jesus redeem us from the curse of the Law?
What does 3:28 mean saying, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female"?
What is the point Paul makes in chapter 4 using Hagar and Sarah as an illustration?
What do you need to do to obey the command in 5:1, "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery"?
5:22 - 23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." What do you need to do to see the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
6:7 says, "A man reaps what he sows." What are you sowing?
What does 1:19 say happens to those who go after ill-gotten gain?
1:20-23 pictures wisdom in plain view calling out to everyone and then describes what will happen to those who ignore wisdom. Why do people choose to ignore wisdom?
2:12 says, "Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men." What do you need to do to live based on God's wisdom?
3:3 says, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." What do you have to do to obey this command?
3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Whose responsibility is it to direct your path? What is your responsibility?
4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." How do you guard your heart?
Proverbs 5 warns of the consequences of adultery and advises on how to avoid it. 5:8 says, "Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house." Avoiding potential temptation protects a person from sinful choices. To what other situations does this principle apply?
What does 6:6-8 say was can learn from the ant?
Why does 7:22 compare a man committing adultery to an ox going to the slaughter?
8:11 says that wisdom is more precious than rubies. How should you live if you place a high value on wisdom?
Chapter 9 pictures wisdom and folly both crying out from the highest point in the city. In what ways does folly try to compete with wisdom? Why are people sometimes drawn to folly?
11:24 says, "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty." Why does this happen? (Note the next verse, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.")
12:11 says, "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense." For you personally, what would it mean to work your land? What fantasies are you tempted to chase?
12:16 says, "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." What makes a person easily annoyed and quick to feel insulted?
13:3 says, "Those who guard their lips preserve their lives." What do you need to do to guard you lips?
14:1 says that a foolish woman tears down her house with her own hands. How does this happen? Why does it?
15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath." Are you able to give a gentle answer to someone who is speaking to you in anger?
15:10 says, "Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path." How do you know when you are on the path and when you are leaving it?
16:7 says, "When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them." Is there anyone who you would like to make peace with? What can you do to cause this to happen?
Psalms 91 - 93
91:1 says, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." What do you need to do to dwell in the shelter of the Most High?
92:4 says, " I sing for joy at what your hands have done." When and why do you sing for joy?
93:1 says that God is robed in majesty. What does this mean?
New Testament: Galatians 1 - 6
Why does Paul warn the Galatians in chapter 1 about anyone preaching a different gospel? How can you be assured that you have believed the truth?
What does Paul mean in 2:20 when he says he has been crucified with Christ?
According to chapter 3 how did Jesus redeem us from the curse of the Law?
What does 3:28 mean saying, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female"?
What is the point Paul makes in chapter 4 using Hagar and Sarah as an illustration?
What do you need to do to obey the command in 5:1, "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery"?
5:22 - 23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." What do you need to do to see the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
6:7 says, "A man reaps what he sows." What are you sowing?
Sunday, August 06, 2017
Week 32, August 6 - 12, 2017
Old Testament: Job 22 - 42
Job's friends went from visiting him in silence to telling him he needed to pray more to telling him his troubles were caused by his sin. In 22:5 Eliphaz says, "Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless?" He goes on in chapter 22 to accuse Job of specific sins. He then says, "If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored." (22:23) What caused Job's friends to go from comforters to accusers?
In chapter 23 Job complains of his inability to take his case to God and says in verse 3, "If only I knew where to find him." Why did Job speak this way when God says in Jeremiah, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13)?
In 25:4 Bildad asks, "How then can a mortal be righteous before God?" How would you answer this question?
Job's friends had concluded that Job's problems were a result of his sin. In 27:5 Job says, "I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity." Was Job claiming to be a perfect man with no sin?
In chapter 28 Job says that only God knows true wisdom. He concludes the chapter saying in verse 28, "And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”" Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." How do respect for God and obedience to Him bring wisdom to your life?
In chapter 29 Job is longing for former days when times were good. In verse 4 he says, "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime." What should your attitude be toward the past if it seems like things used to be better than they are now?
In 30:20 Job says, "I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer." What should you do if you pray but don't see the answer?
Job says in 31:1, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman." Why does he call this a covenant?
Why did Elihu wait until everyone else was done speaking before he spoke?
Elihu said that Job "keeps company with evildoers." (34:8) and that God "repays everyone for what they have done." (34:11) His reasoning was that very bad things could only happen to Job if he had done very bad things. What did Elihu not understand?
Elihu also believed that good things happen to good people. He said, "If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity." (36:11) Why wasn't Job enjoying prosperity?
What did Elihu say in chapter 37 that was true?
God begins speaking to Job in chapter 38. He shows that Job couldn't possibly understand all that God has done. What benefit is there to you in knowing that God's knowledge and wisdom are infinite and yours are not?
In 40:4-5 Job has nothing to say in response to God. Why was this a good answer?
Job says in 42:3, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand." Are you able to recognize that there are things you don't understand and that you need to trust God even when you don't know why things are the way they are?
Why did the Lord say he was angry with Eliphaz and his two friends?
Psalms 89 - 90
Psalm 89 reminds God of His promise to David, "I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure." (verse 29) But verse 38 says, "you have been very angry with your anointed one." Verse 46 then asks, "How long, Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?" How will God's promise to David be fulfilled?
90:2 says, "from everlasting to everlasting you are God." What does this mean?
New Testament: Acts 25 - 28
Why did Paul appeal to Caesar in chapter 25?
In 26:9 Paul says, "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth." How is it possible to be sincere and be wrong?
What did Agrippa think of Paul and the charges made against him?
In chapter 27, why do you think the centurion ignored Paul's advice and followed the advice of the pilot and ship owner? What were the consequences of his decision?
How long did Paul spend on the island of Malta?
How did the Jews in Rome respond to Paul?
Job's friends went from visiting him in silence to telling him he needed to pray more to telling him his troubles were caused by his sin. In 22:5 Eliphaz says, "Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless?" He goes on in chapter 22 to accuse Job of specific sins. He then says, "If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored." (22:23) What caused Job's friends to go from comforters to accusers?
In chapter 23 Job complains of his inability to take his case to God and says in verse 3, "If only I knew where to find him." Why did Job speak this way when God says in Jeremiah, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13)?
In 25:4 Bildad asks, "How then can a mortal be righteous before God?" How would you answer this question?
Job's friends had concluded that Job's problems were a result of his sin. In 27:5 Job says, "I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity." Was Job claiming to be a perfect man with no sin?
In chapter 28 Job says that only God knows true wisdom. He concludes the chapter saying in verse 28, "And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”" Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." How do respect for God and obedience to Him bring wisdom to your life?
In chapter 29 Job is longing for former days when times were good. In verse 4 he says, "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime." What should your attitude be toward the past if it seems like things used to be better than they are now?
In 30:20 Job says, "I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer." What should you do if you pray but don't see the answer?
Job says in 31:1, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman." Why does he call this a covenant?
Why did Elihu wait until everyone else was done speaking before he spoke?
Elihu said that Job "keeps company with evildoers." (34:8) and that God "repays everyone for what they have done." (34:11) His reasoning was that very bad things could only happen to Job if he had done very bad things. What did Elihu not understand?
Elihu also believed that good things happen to good people. He said, "If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity." (36:11) Why wasn't Job enjoying prosperity?
What did Elihu say in chapter 37 that was true?
God begins speaking to Job in chapter 38. He shows that Job couldn't possibly understand all that God has done. What benefit is there to you in knowing that God's knowledge and wisdom are infinite and yours are not?
In 40:4-5 Job has nothing to say in response to God. Why was this a good answer?
Job says in 42:3, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand." Are you able to recognize that there are things you don't understand and that you need to trust God even when you don't know why things are the way they are?
Why did the Lord say he was angry with Eliphaz and his two friends?
Psalms 89 - 90
Psalm 89 reminds God of His promise to David, "I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure." (verse 29) But verse 38 says, "you have been very angry with your anointed one." Verse 46 then asks, "How long, Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?" How will God's promise to David be fulfilled?
90:2 says, "from everlasting to everlasting you are God." What does this mean?
New Testament: Acts 25 - 28
Why did Paul appeal to Caesar in chapter 25?
In 26:9 Paul says, "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth." How is it possible to be sincere and be wrong?
What did Agrippa think of Paul and the charges made against him?
In chapter 27, why do you think the centurion ignored Paul's advice and followed the advice of the pilot and ship owner? What were the consequences of his decision?
How long did Paul spend on the island of Malta?
How did the Jews in Rome respond to Paul?
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Week 31, July 30 - August 5, 2017
Old Testament: Job 1 - 21
What did Satan believe would cause Job to curse God?
How did Job respond when his children were killed and his animals were killed or stolen?
Why did Job's wife tell him he should curse God?
If Job refused to curse God, why would he curse the day of his birth in chapter 3?
In 4:8 Eliphaz implies that Job was reaping what he had sown. What his basis for saying this?
What do you think of Eliphaz's advice in 5:8, "But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him"?
According to 6:21, why did Job think his friends had failed to be helpful?
Why does Job say in 7:11, "I will complain in the bitterness of my soul"?
In 8:5-6, Bildad says, "But if you will seek God earnestly and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your prosperous state." Why was Bildad convinced that Job just needed more earnest prayer?
In 9:33 Job wishes he had a mediator. Who is our mediator?
11:13-16 shows that Zophar also believed that Job needed to pray and repent and his troubles would be over. What do you think motivated these three men to continue to argue with Job when they initially had come to comfort him?
In 12:5 Job says, "Those who are at ease have contempt for misfortune." This was evident in Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. How can you avoid having contempt for misfortune and be compassionate toward those in difficult circumstances?
Job says in 13:15, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." What did Job base this hope in?
Job describes God's forgiveness in 14:17, "My offenses will be sealed up in a bag; you will cover over my sin." Do you believe that God has forgiven your sin and has put them in the past?
In 15:4, Eliphaz told Job, "you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God." What did he mean by this and was it true?
Job told his friends that if their situation was reversed "my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief." (16:5) How would your encourage and comfort someone in Job's situation?
18:21 implies that Bildad thought Job was an evil man who did not know God. Why did he say this?
In chapter 19, even though Job says, "All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me," (19:19) he also says, "I know that my redeemer lives." (19:25) Who did he think was his redeemer?
What was Zophar's purpose in chapter 20 in describing all the bad things that will happen to the wicked?
Psalms 86 - 88
David wrote in 86:11, "give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." What is an undivided heart and what do you have to do to have one?
Psalm 87 proclaims that God will record, "This one was born in Zion," of people from other nations who had been enemies of Israel. What is the significance of God saying that these were born in Zion?
Psalm 88 is written in a place of deep trouble. Verse 3 says, "I am overwhelmed with troubles." But verse 9 says, "I call to you, Lord, every day." How can you pray with persistence and faith even when you are going through great trouble?
New Testament: Acts 21 - 24
Did Agabus tell Paul not to go to Jerusalem?
Why was Paul dragged from the temple and beaten in chapter 21?
In chapter 22 the crowd listened quietly until Paul said one word that enraged them. They began to shout and throw dirt in their anger. What was the word that angered the crowd?
What did the Sadducees and Pharisees disagree about in chapter 23?
Why was Paul sent to Caesarea?
In 24:25 Felix stopped Paul because Felix was afraid. What was he afraid of?
What did Satan believe would cause Job to curse God?
How did Job respond when his children were killed and his animals were killed or stolen?
Why did Job's wife tell him he should curse God?
If Job refused to curse God, why would he curse the day of his birth in chapter 3?
In 4:8 Eliphaz implies that Job was reaping what he had sown. What his basis for saying this?
What do you think of Eliphaz's advice in 5:8, "But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him"?
According to 6:21, why did Job think his friends had failed to be helpful?
Why does Job say in 7:11, "I will complain in the bitterness of my soul"?
In 8:5-6, Bildad says, "But if you will seek God earnestly and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your prosperous state." Why was Bildad convinced that Job just needed more earnest prayer?
In 9:33 Job wishes he had a mediator. Who is our mediator?
11:13-16 shows that Zophar also believed that Job needed to pray and repent and his troubles would be over. What do you think motivated these three men to continue to argue with Job when they initially had come to comfort him?
In 12:5 Job says, "Those who are at ease have contempt for misfortune." This was evident in Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. How can you avoid having contempt for misfortune and be compassionate toward those in difficult circumstances?
Job says in 13:15, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." What did Job base this hope in?
Job describes God's forgiveness in 14:17, "My offenses will be sealed up in a bag; you will cover over my sin." Do you believe that God has forgiven your sin and has put them in the past?
In 15:4, Eliphaz told Job, "you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God." What did he mean by this and was it true?
Job told his friends that if their situation was reversed "my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief." (16:5) How would your encourage and comfort someone in Job's situation?
18:21 implies that Bildad thought Job was an evil man who did not know God. Why did he say this?
In chapter 19, even though Job says, "All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me," (19:19) he also says, "I know that my redeemer lives." (19:25) Who did he think was his redeemer?
What was Zophar's purpose in chapter 20 in describing all the bad things that will happen to the wicked?
Psalms 86 - 88
David wrote in 86:11, "give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." What is an undivided heart and what do you have to do to have one?
Psalm 87 proclaims that God will record, "This one was born in Zion," of people from other nations who had been enemies of Israel. What is the significance of God saying that these were born in Zion?
Psalm 88 is written in a place of deep trouble. Verse 3 says, "I am overwhelmed with troubles." But verse 9 says, "I call to you, Lord, every day." How can you pray with persistence and faith even when you are going through great trouble?
New Testament: Acts 21 - 24
Did Agabus tell Paul not to go to Jerusalem?
Why was Paul dragged from the temple and beaten in chapter 21?
In chapter 22 the crowd listened quietly until Paul said one word that enraged them. They began to shout and throw dirt in their anger. What was the word that angered the crowd?
What did the Sadducees and Pharisees disagree about in chapter 23?
Why was Paul sent to Caesarea?
In 24:25 Felix stopped Paul because Felix was afraid. What was he afraid of?
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Week 30, July 23 - 29, 2017
Old Testament: Esther 1 - 10
How did Vashti lose her position?
Why do you think Mordecai told Esther not to let anyone know she was Jewish?
Why did the king agree to Haman's plan to have all the Jews killed?
Why did Esther fast and want others to fast before she appealed to the king?
In chapter 5 Haman illustrates an odd feature of human nature. There were many things he was happy about, but one thing he wasn't happy about that overshadowed everything. He said in verse 13, "But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai..." Is there anyone in your life that you have given the ability to overshadow your happiness? What should our happiness be based on?
In 6:13 Haman's wife and advisers told him, "Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!" Why did they come to this conclusion?
Why did the king have Haman executed in chapter 7?
8:17 says that wherever the kings new edict came giving the Jews the right to defend themselves, "there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating." Which was more important, celebration or making sure everyone heard the news?
How did Purim become a two-day celebration?
Psalms 82 - 85
82:3 says, "Defend the weak and the fatherless." What opportunities do you have to do this?
Psalm 83 is a prayer for God to act against those who say, "let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more." (83:4) What do you expect from God today for those who now want to destroy Israel as a nation?
84:10 says, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." How can you experience God's presence in a way that one day in His presence would be better than a thousand doing anything else?
85:6 says, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" Revive means to restore to life. Who or what should you be asking God to restore to life?
New Testament: Acts 17 - 20
What did the Jews in Berea do that showed that they were of "more noble character than those in Thessalonica"?
In 17:30 Paul says that God, "commands all people everywhere to repent." How do people everywhere know that God commands them to repent?
God encouraged Paul in 18:9-10. Why did He do this? Do you need to hear God's encouragement? What can you do to be more receptive to His encouragement?
What happened to the twelve men in chapter 19 after they were baptized and prayed for by Paul?
Why did the sons of Sceva get beat up after using the name of Jesus? What should we learn from their experience?
In chapter 19 new believers who had practiced sorcery burned scrolls that would have been worth millions of dollars in today's currency. Are you willing to put the old life behind even if there is sacrifice involved?
Who started the riot in chapter 19 and why?
In 20:24 Paul said, "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Do you know that task the Lord has given you? Do you aim to complete it?
How did Vashti lose her position?
Why do you think Mordecai told Esther not to let anyone know she was Jewish?
Why did the king agree to Haman's plan to have all the Jews killed?
Why did Esther fast and want others to fast before she appealed to the king?
In chapter 5 Haman illustrates an odd feature of human nature. There were many things he was happy about, but one thing he wasn't happy about that overshadowed everything. He said in verse 13, "But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai..." Is there anyone in your life that you have given the ability to overshadow your happiness? What should our happiness be based on?
In 6:13 Haman's wife and advisers told him, "Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!" Why did they come to this conclusion?
Why did the king have Haman executed in chapter 7?
8:17 says that wherever the kings new edict came giving the Jews the right to defend themselves, "there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating." Which was more important, celebration or making sure everyone heard the news?
How did Purim become a two-day celebration?
Psalms 82 - 85
82:3 says, "Defend the weak and the fatherless." What opportunities do you have to do this?
Psalm 83 is a prayer for God to act against those who say, "let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more." (83:4) What do you expect from God today for those who now want to destroy Israel as a nation?
84:10 says, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." How can you experience God's presence in a way that one day in His presence would be better than a thousand doing anything else?
85:6 says, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" Revive means to restore to life. Who or what should you be asking God to restore to life?
New Testament: Acts 17 - 20
What did the Jews in Berea do that showed that they were of "more noble character than those in Thessalonica"?
In 17:30 Paul says that God, "commands all people everywhere to repent." How do people everywhere know that God commands them to repent?
God encouraged Paul in 18:9-10. Why did He do this? Do you need to hear God's encouragement? What can you do to be more receptive to His encouragement?
What happened to the twelve men in chapter 19 after they were baptized and prayed for by Paul?
Why did the sons of Sceva get beat up after using the name of Jesus? What should we learn from their experience?
In chapter 19 new believers who had practiced sorcery burned scrolls that would have been worth millions of dollars in today's currency. Are you willing to put the old life behind even if there is sacrifice involved?
Who started the riot in chapter 19 and why?
In 20:24 Paul said, "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Do you know that task the Lord has given you? Do you aim to complete it?
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Week 29, July 16 - 22, 2017
Old Testament: Nehemiah 1 - 13
What did Nehemiah ask for when he prayed in chapter 1?
In chapter 1 Nehemiah spent days praying with fasting and mourning. In chapter 2, verse 4 and 5 he says, "The king said to me, 'What is it you want?' Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king..." How do you think this prayer was different from his prayer in chapter 1?
If Nehemiah believed that God was calling him to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem, why did he ask the king for permission instead of just acting on his own in obedience to God?
Chapter 3 describes the many people who went to work rebuilding the wall. The builders included goldsmiths, merchants, a perfume maker, priests, and several district rulers. But verse 5 says of the men of Tekoa, "but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work." When so many people were pitching in why would this group of men refuse?
How did Nehemiah respond to opposition in chapter 4?
Nehemiah did not place the same tax burden on people that earlier governors had. In 5:15 he said that this was "out of reverence for God." What does this have to do with reverence for God?
How long did it take to complete the rebuilding of the wall?
What does the phrase Nehemiah used in 8:10, "for the joy of the Lord is your strength" mean?
9:2 says that the people "confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors." In their prayer of chapter 9, they recall many of the sins throughout Israel's history. What was the purpose of confessing sins of generations past?
What did the people commit to in chapter 10?
Why were people chosen by lot to move into Jerusalem in chapter 11?
The completion of the wall was celebrated in chapter 12 with two large choirs singing praises on top of the wall. In chapter 4, the builders had been ridiculed by one of their opponents who said, "even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!" What is the value of celebrating what God has done for you?
Why did Nehemiah throw out all of Tobiah's household goods?
Psalms 79 - 81
79:8 says, "may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need." What basis do we have for asking God for mercy?
Psalm 80 is a prayer for restoration. Verses 3, 7, and 19 say "Restore us." The King James Version says, "Turn us again." This Hebrew verb, shuwb, could be translated, "Cause us to repent," or "Turn us around." How much does repentance depend on your decision and how much depends on God's action?
In 81:13-14 God says, "If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" If this is true, why were there times when Israel didn't listen to God? (In 81:11 he says, "But my people would not listen to me.")
New Testament: Acts 13 - 16
Why did Paul call Elymas a child of the devil?
Why were the disciples filled with joy in 13:52? Do you have that joy?
In 14:9 as Paul was speaking he looked at a lame man and "saw that he had faith to be healed." What did Paul see that made him believe that this man had faith to be healed?
How could a crowd go from wanting to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas to stoning Paul, thinking they had killed him?
Why did Paul and Barnabas sharply dispute the teaching that people had to be circumcised to be saved? Why was this so important?
What caused Paul and Barnabas to disagree with each other so strongly that they parted company?
After Paul contended in chapter 15 that believers didn't have to be circumcised, why did he circumcise Timothy in chapter 16?
In chapter 16 why did the Holy Spirit tell Paul not to go into the province of Asia or Mysia before Paul got direction to go to Macedonia?
How could Paul and Silas sing after they had been beaten and thrown into prison?
What did Nehemiah ask for when he prayed in chapter 1?
In chapter 1 Nehemiah spent days praying with fasting and mourning. In chapter 2, verse 4 and 5 he says, "The king said to me, 'What is it you want?' Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king..." How do you think this prayer was different from his prayer in chapter 1?
If Nehemiah believed that God was calling him to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem, why did he ask the king for permission instead of just acting on his own in obedience to God?
Chapter 3 describes the many people who went to work rebuilding the wall. The builders included goldsmiths, merchants, a perfume maker, priests, and several district rulers. But verse 5 says of the men of Tekoa, "but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work." When so many people were pitching in why would this group of men refuse?
How did Nehemiah respond to opposition in chapter 4?
Nehemiah did not place the same tax burden on people that earlier governors had. In 5:15 he said that this was "out of reverence for God." What does this have to do with reverence for God?
How long did it take to complete the rebuilding of the wall?
What does the phrase Nehemiah used in 8:10, "for the joy of the Lord is your strength" mean?
9:2 says that the people "confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors." In their prayer of chapter 9, they recall many of the sins throughout Israel's history. What was the purpose of confessing sins of generations past?
What did the people commit to in chapter 10?
Why were people chosen by lot to move into Jerusalem in chapter 11?
The completion of the wall was celebrated in chapter 12 with two large choirs singing praises on top of the wall. In chapter 4, the builders had been ridiculed by one of their opponents who said, "even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!" What is the value of celebrating what God has done for you?
Why did Nehemiah throw out all of Tobiah's household goods?
Psalms 79 - 81
79:8 says, "may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need." What basis do we have for asking God for mercy?
Psalm 80 is a prayer for restoration. Verses 3, 7, and 19 say "Restore us." The King James Version says, "Turn us again." This Hebrew verb, shuwb, could be translated, "Cause us to repent," or "Turn us around." How much does repentance depend on your decision and how much depends on God's action?
In 81:13-14 God says, "If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" If this is true, why were there times when Israel didn't listen to God? (In 81:11 he says, "But my people would not listen to me.")
New Testament: Acts 13 - 16
Why did Paul call Elymas a child of the devil?
Why were the disciples filled with joy in 13:52? Do you have that joy?
In 14:9 as Paul was speaking he looked at a lame man and "saw that he had faith to be healed." What did Paul see that made him believe that this man had faith to be healed?
How could a crowd go from wanting to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas to stoning Paul, thinking they had killed him?
Why did Paul and Barnabas sharply dispute the teaching that people had to be circumcised to be saved? Why was this so important?
What caused Paul and Barnabas to disagree with each other so strongly that they parted company?
After Paul contended in chapter 15 that believers didn't have to be circumcised, why did he circumcise Timothy in chapter 16?
In chapter 16 why did the Holy Spirit tell Paul not to go into the province of Asia or Mysia before Paul got direction to go to Macedonia?
How could Paul and Silas sing after they had been beaten and thrown into prison?
Sunday, July 09, 2017
Week 28, July 9 - 15, 2017
Old Testament: Ezra 1 - 10
Why did a Persian king allow and provide for the rebuilding of the temple?
In chapter 2, how many people returned to rebuild the temple?
Why was the altar rebuilt before the temple was?
Why were there both joy and weeping when the foundation of the temple was laid?
Why did Zerubbabel and Joshua turn down help in chapter 4?
What stopped the building of the temple in chapter 4?
What caused work on the temple to start again in chapter 5?
What was Ezra gifted with that made it useful for him to come to Jerusalem?
Why did Ezra proclaim a fast in chapter 8?
Why was it wrong for people of Israel to intermarry with people from neighboring groups?
Psalm 78
Psalm 78 emphasizes the impact one generation has upon the next. Verses 6 and 7 say, "so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." What does an older generation need to do to pass their faith along to a younger generation?
New Testament: Acts 9 - 12
If God's intent in chapter 9 was to heal Saul of his blindness, why would he do it through a reluctant man, Ananias, instead of just healing him in response to Saul's own prayer?
Who helped Saul join the disciples in Jerusalem when they were afraid of him?
Why would the angel have Cornelius bring Peter to present the gospel when the angel could have presented the gospel himself?
What convinced those who had come with Peter that Cornelius and his household had received the Holy Spirit?
Why did Barnabas bring Saul to Antioch?
How did Peter get out of prison in chapter 12?
Why did a Persian king allow and provide for the rebuilding of the temple?
In chapter 2, how many people returned to rebuild the temple?
Why was the altar rebuilt before the temple was?
Why were there both joy and weeping when the foundation of the temple was laid?
Why did Zerubbabel and Joshua turn down help in chapter 4?
What stopped the building of the temple in chapter 4?
What caused work on the temple to start again in chapter 5?
What was Ezra gifted with that made it useful for him to come to Jerusalem?
Why did Ezra proclaim a fast in chapter 8?
Why was it wrong for people of Israel to intermarry with people from neighboring groups?
Psalm 78
Psalm 78 emphasizes the impact one generation has upon the next. Verses 6 and 7 say, "so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." What does an older generation need to do to pass their faith along to a younger generation?
New Testament: Acts 9 - 12
If God's intent in chapter 9 was to heal Saul of his blindness, why would he do it through a reluctant man, Ananias, instead of just healing him in response to Saul's own prayer?
Who helped Saul join the disciples in Jerusalem when they were afraid of him?
Why would the angel have Cornelius bring Peter to present the gospel when the angel could have presented the gospel himself?
What convinced those who had come with Peter that Cornelius and his household had received the Holy Spirit?
Why did Barnabas bring Saul to Antioch?
How did Peter get out of prison in chapter 12?
Sunday, July 02, 2017
Week 27, July 2 - 8, 2017
Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 19 - 36
When Jehoshaphat appointed judges, he told them, "with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." Why is this true?
In chapter 20, when Jehoshaphat was about to be attacked, he assembled the people for prayer and fasting. In his prayer he said, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." What is the benefit of praying without a plan rather than making a plan and asking God to bless it?
What is the meaning of the statement in 20:15, "the battle is not yours, but God’s"?
How did Jehoram die and why?
When Ahaziah was king, 22:3 says, "his mother encouraged him to act wickedly." Why would someone's mother encourage them to act wickedly?
What changes were made immediately when Joash was proclaimed king in chapter 23?
Why did Joash and the people of Judah turn away from God after the death of Jehoiada?
In chapter 25 a prophet told Amaziah to send troops home that Amaziah had hired. He said that God was not with them and Amaziah would not succeed if he took them into battle. Amaziah was reluctant to send them home because of the money he had spent on them. Are you able to obey the Lord and not let money you have already spent affect your decisions?
26:5 says of Uzziah, "As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success." Then verse 16 says, "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall." How can a person enjoy God-given success without becoming prideful?
According to 27:6, why did Jotham grow powerful?
In chapter 28 what stopped Israel from keeping slaves they had captured from Judah?
What did Hezekiah have to do in chapter 29 to reestablish worship at the temple?
What responses did the couriers get in chapter 30 when they went from town to town inviting people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover?
In chapter 31 the people brought tithes, which they had previously neglected to do. The priest said in 31:10, "Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over." Have you experienced God's blessing in response to obedient giving?
What did Hezekiah mean in 32:7 when he said, "there is a greater power with us than with him"?
What did Manasseh do that was wrong? What caused him to repent?
How did Josiah respond in chapter 34 when he heard the Law read?
In chapter 35 Josiah celebrated the Passover. How long had it been since it had been celebrated in the way it was this time? What do you think had been different in all those years past?
What is the meaning of the statement in 36:16, "there was no remedy"?
Psalms 76 - 77
In 76:7 Asaph said, "It is you alone who are to be feared." Does God want you to fear Him?
In Psalm 77, Asaph describes a difficult time and said in verses 11 and 12, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds." What is the value of remembering the things that God has done in the past?
New Testament: Acts 5 - 8
What do you think motivated Ananias and Sapphira to lie about the sale of their property?
Why did the apostles rejoice in 5:41?
In chapter 6, how was the apparent conflict between the Greek speaking Jews and the Hebraic Jews settled?
Why did people bring accusation against Stephen?
In chapter 7 Stephen summarizes the history of Israel. He said that after the Israelites left Egypt, "in their hearts turned back to Egypt." What does it mean to turn back in your heart?
Why did the members of the Sanhedrin cover their ears in 7:57?
8:13 says that Simon believed and was baptized. Why then did Peter tell him in verse 21 that his heart was not right before God?
If you were Philip how would you feel about being told by an angel to go down a desert road if it meant leaving all the exciting things that were happening in Samaria?
When Jehoshaphat appointed judges, he told them, "with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." Why is this true?
In chapter 20, when Jehoshaphat was about to be attacked, he assembled the people for prayer and fasting. In his prayer he said, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." What is the benefit of praying without a plan rather than making a plan and asking God to bless it?
What is the meaning of the statement in 20:15, "the battle is not yours, but God’s"?
How did Jehoram die and why?
When Ahaziah was king, 22:3 says, "his mother encouraged him to act wickedly." Why would someone's mother encourage them to act wickedly?
What changes were made immediately when Joash was proclaimed king in chapter 23?
Why did Joash and the people of Judah turn away from God after the death of Jehoiada?
In chapter 25 a prophet told Amaziah to send troops home that Amaziah had hired. He said that God was not with them and Amaziah would not succeed if he took them into battle. Amaziah was reluctant to send them home because of the money he had spent on them. Are you able to obey the Lord and not let money you have already spent affect your decisions?
26:5 says of Uzziah, "As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success." Then verse 16 says, "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall." How can a person enjoy God-given success without becoming prideful?
According to 27:6, why did Jotham grow powerful?
In chapter 28 what stopped Israel from keeping slaves they had captured from Judah?
What did Hezekiah have to do in chapter 29 to reestablish worship at the temple?
What responses did the couriers get in chapter 30 when they went from town to town inviting people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover?
In chapter 31 the people brought tithes, which they had previously neglected to do. The priest said in 31:10, "Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over." Have you experienced God's blessing in response to obedient giving?
What did Hezekiah mean in 32:7 when he said, "there is a greater power with us than with him"?
What did Manasseh do that was wrong? What caused him to repent?
How did Josiah respond in chapter 34 when he heard the Law read?
In chapter 35 Josiah celebrated the Passover. How long had it been since it had been celebrated in the way it was this time? What do you think had been different in all those years past?
What is the meaning of the statement in 36:16, "there was no remedy"?
Psalms 76 - 77
In 76:7 Asaph said, "It is you alone who are to be feared." Does God want you to fear Him?
In Psalm 77, Asaph describes a difficult time and said in verses 11 and 12, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds." What is the value of remembering the things that God has done in the past?
New Testament: Acts 5 - 8
What do you think motivated Ananias and Sapphira to lie about the sale of their property?
Why did the apostles rejoice in 5:41?
In chapter 6, how was the apparent conflict between the Greek speaking Jews and the Hebraic Jews settled?
Why did people bring accusation against Stephen?
In chapter 7 Stephen summarizes the history of Israel. He said that after the Israelites left Egypt, "in their hearts turned back to Egypt." What does it mean to turn back in your heart?
Why did the members of the Sanhedrin cover their ears in 7:57?
8:13 says that Simon believed and was baptized. Why then did Peter tell him in verse 21 that his heart was not right before God?
If you were Philip how would you feel about being told by an angel to go down a desert road if it meant leaving all the exciting things that were happening in Samaria?
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Week 26, June 25 - July 1, 2017
Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 1 - 18
Solomon knew that he needed wisdom and knowledge to lead his people, so that is what he asked for. What responsibilities do you have that you need God's help to fulfill? Are you asking for His help?
What does Solomon's statement in 2:6, "the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him" tell you about God?
According to chapter 3, where did Solomon build the temple?
What happened in the temple in chapter 5 after the ark of the covenant was placed in the temple and the musicians and singers praised the Lord with music?
In 6:30 Solomon prayed, "you alone know the human heart." Are you comforted or fearful to know that God knows your heart?
7:14 says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." What does it mean to humble yourself? What does it mean to seek God's face?
9:25 says that Solomon had 12,000 horses. Long before Israel had a king God had said in Deuteronomy 17:16, "The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them." Why did Solomon disobey this command?
10:15 says, "the king did not listen to the people." Does a king have a responsibility to listen to the people?
Why did priests and Levites from throughout Israel side with Rehoboam?
In 12:8 God said that Rehoboam and his kingdom would become subject to Shishak to "learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands." Why was it necessary to learn this?
According to 13:18, why was Judah victorious over Israel in the time of Abijah?
14:4 says that Asa "commanded Judah to seek the Lord." Can you sincerely seek the Lord if someone commanded you to?
In chapter 15 Azariah told Asa, "The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you." How does what Azariah said apply to you?
What had changed in Asa's heart and mind in chapter 16 that he no longer relied on God the way he had when we was younger (chapter 14)?
Hanani said, in 16:9, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." How does this promise change the way you approach adversity?
In chapter 17, why did Jehoshaphat send out officials and Levites to teach the people?
When Micaiah the prophet was encouraged to give the king a favorable answer, he said, in 18:13, "I can tell him only what my God says." Why did he have this courage?
Psalms 74 - 75
74:9 says, "We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be." What should you do if you feel like you haven't heard from God and don't know when He will answer?
Psalm 75 describes God's sovereignty, saying, "It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another." How do you respond to God's authority?
New Testament: Acts 1 - 4
In 1:4-5 Jesus told His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” How would they know when they received the promise and could quit waiting for it?
What supernatural things occurred on the Day of Pentecost? Were the languages being spoken by the believers human languages, heavenly languages, or unrecognizable sounds?
What four things did the new believers devote themselves to in 2:42?
If the lame man in chapter 3 was placed at the temple gate every day, Peter and John must have seen him before. Why on this particular day did Peter tell him in the name of Jesus to walk?
In 4:12, Peter said, "there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." What should we as Christians say to people who have placed their faith in non-Christian religious teaching?
How did Peter and John respond when they were told not to speak any more in the name of Jesus?
Solomon knew that he needed wisdom and knowledge to lead his people, so that is what he asked for. What responsibilities do you have that you need God's help to fulfill? Are you asking for His help?
What does Solomon's statement in 2:6, "the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him" tell you about God?
According to chapter 3, where did Solomon build the temple?
What happened in the temple in chapter 5 after the ark of the covenant was placed in the temple and the musicians and singers praised the Lord with music?
In 6:30 Solomon prayed, "you alone know the human heart." Are you comforted or fearful to know that God knows your heart?
7:14 says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." What does it mean to humble yourself? What does it mean to seek God's face?
9:25 says that Solomon had 12,000 horses. Long before Israel had a king God had said in Deuteronomy 17:16, "The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them." Why did Solomon disobey this command?
10:15 says, "the king did not listen to the people." Does a king have a responsibility to listen to the people?
Why did priests and Levites from throughout Israel side with Rehoboam?
In 12:8 God said that Rehoboam and his kingdom would become subject to Shishak to "learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands." Why was it necessary to learn this?
According to 13:18, why was Judah victorious over Israel in the time of Abijah?
14:4 says that Asa "commanded Judah to seek the Lord." Can you sincerely seek the Lord if someone commanded you to?
In chapter 15 Azariah told Asa, "The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you." How does what Azariah said apply to you?
What had changed in Asa's heart and mind in chapter 16 that he no longer relied on God the way he had when we was younger (chapter 14)?
Hanani said, in 16:9, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." How does this promise change the way you approach adversity?
In chapter 17, why did Jehoshaphat send out officials and Levites to teach the people?
When Micaiah the prophet was encouraged to give the king a favorable answer, he said, in 18:13, "I can tell him only what my God says." Why did he have this courage?
Psalms 74 - 75
74:9 says, "We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be." What should you do if you feel like you haven't heard from God and don't know when He will answer?
Psalm 75 describes God's sovereignty, saying, "It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another." How do you respond to God's authority?
New Testament: Acts 1 - 4
In 1:4-5 Jesus told His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” How would they know when they received the promise and could quit waiting for it?
What supernatural things occurred on the Day of Pentecost? Were the languages being spoken by the believers human languages, heavenly languages, or unrecognizable sounds?
What four things did the new believers devote themselves to in 2:42?
If the lame man in chapter 3 was placed at the temple gate every day, Peter and John must have seen him before. Why on this particular day did Peter tell him in the name of Jesus to walk?
In 4:12, Peter said, "there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." What should we as Christians say to people who have placed their faith in non-Christian religious teaching?
How did Peter and John respond when they were told not to speak any more in the name of Jesus?
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Week 25, June 18 - 24, 2017
Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 16 - 29
16:3 says that David gave each Israelite man and woman "a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins." Why do you think he did this?
How did David react in chapter 17 to Nathan telling him that David's son and not David would be the one to build the temple?
18:14 says, "David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people." What difference does it make in the life of an average man to have the king doing what is just and right?
What prompted war with the Ammonites in chapter 19?
Who killed the six-fingered man?
Chapter 21 says that Satan incited David to take a census. The account of this event in 2 Samuel 24 says that the Lord incited David to take a census. How are both true?
In chapter 22 David told Solomon that God told him he was not the one to build the house of the Lord because of the wars he had fought and the blood he had shed. Does this mean that David was at fault for the wars he fought?
23:30 says that the Levites "were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening." If this was your responsibility, what would your attitude be each day?
How many men were set apart in chapter 25 to prophesy accompanied by musical instruments?
According to chapter 26 how many guards or gatekeepers were on duty at a time in Jerusalem?
In chapter 28 David assembled all the officials of Israel and told them, "Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever." How does your obedience to God influence the next generation?
In 28:9 David told Solomon, "If you seek him, he will be found by you." Are you diligent in seeking the Lord? What does this mean?
David and the leaders of Israel gave generously to provide materials for the construction of the temple. In 29:16 David said, "all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you." David acknowledged that whatever they gave already belonged to God. Do you have this attitude toward your possessions?
Psalms 72 - 73
Psalm 72 was a prayer of Solomon for the king to live long, to be prosperous, righteous, and just, and to "take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death." How is this prayer ultimately answered?
In Psalm 73, the psalmist explains how he "almost slipped." What is the turning point in this psalm that changes the psalmist from self-pity to gratitude?
New Testament: Luke 21 - 24
Why did Jesus say that the poor widow with two copper coins had put in more to the temple treasury than all the others?
In 21:36 Jesus said, "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." What do you have to do to obey this command?
Jesus told his disciples in 22:27, "I am among you as one who serves." He taught them to serve others rather than argue about which of them was the greatest. What opportunities do you have to serve others?
In 22:44 Jesus was on the Mount of Olives and the Bible says, "he prayed more earnestly." How do you pray more earnestly?
Why did Jesus tell the criminal who was being executed next to him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise"?
Why was the curtain in the temple torn in two?
What did the women in chapter 24 find when they went to the tomb?
In 24:49, what did Jesus tell the disciples to wait for in the city?
16:3 says that David gave each Israelite man and woman "a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins." Why do you think he did this?
How did David react in chapter 17 to Nathan telling him that David's son and not David would be the one to build the temple?
18:14 says, "David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people." What difference does it make in the life of an average man to have the king doing what is just and right?
What prompted war with the Ammonites in chapter 19?
Who killed the six-fingered man?
Chapter 21 says that Satan incited David to take a census. The account of this event in 2 Samuel 24 says that the Lord incited David to take a census. How are both true?
In chapter 22 David told Solomon that God told him he was not the one to build the house of the Lord because of the wars he had fought and the blood he had shed. Does this mean that David was at fault for the wars he fought?
23:30 says that the Levites "were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening." If this was your responsibility, what would your attitude be each day?
How many men were set apart in chapter 25 to prophesy accompanied by musical instruments?
According to chapter 26 how many guards or gatekeepers were on duty at a time in Jerusalem?
In chapter 28 David assembled all the officials of Israel and told them, "Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever." How does your obedience to God influence the next generation?
In 28:9 David told Solomon, "If you seek him, he will be found by you." Are you diligent in seeking the Lord? What does this mean?
David and the leaders of Israel gave generously to provide materials for the construction of the temple. In 29:16 David said, "all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you." David acknowledged that whatever they gave already belonged to God. Do you have this attitude toward your possessions?
Psalms 72 - 73
Psalm 72 was a prayer of Solomon for the king to live long, to be prosperous, righteous, and just, and to "take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death." How is this prayer ultimately answered?
In Psalm 73, the psalmist explains how he "almost slipped." What is the turning point in this psalm that changes the psalmist from self-pity to gratitude?
New Testament: Luke 21 - 24
Why did Jesus say that the poor widow with two copper coins had put in more to the temple treasury than all the others?
In 21:36 Jesus said, "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." What do you have to do to obey this command?
Jesus told his disciples in 22:27, "I am among you as one who serves." He taught them to serve others rather than argue about which of them was the greatest. What opportunities do you have to serve others?
In 22:44 Jesus was on the Mount of Olives and the Bible says, "he prayed more earnestly." How do you pray more earnestly?
Why did Jesus tell the criminal who was being executed next to him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise"?
Why was the curtain in the temple torn in two?
What did the women in chapter 24 find when they went to the tomb?
In 24:49, what did Jesus tell the disciples to wait for in the city?
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Week 24, June 11 - 17, 2017
Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 1 - 15
How many sons did Noah have?
Why does chapter 3 list the kings of Judah from Solomon to Jehoiachan?
In chapter 4, why did Jabez pray to be free from pain?
What is the meaning of the statement in 5:22, "because the battle was God’s"?
Why did David put people in charge of music in the house of the Lord (6:31)?
Why do the genealogies in chapters 7 and 8 vary in their level of detail?
According to 9:1, why were the people taken captive to Babylon?
According to 10:13-14, why did Saul die resulting in the kingdom being turned over to David?
What do you think motivated Benaiah to go into a pit on a snowy day to kill a lion?
What happened when the Spirit came on Amasai in chapter 12?
Why did Uzzah die in chapter 13?
Why do you think the Philistines wanted to attack David in chapter 14 when they heard that he had become king?
What does 15:13 show that David had learned since his first attempt to bring back the Ark of the Lord?
Psalms 69-71
David wrote in 69:16, "in your great mercy turn to me." Do you believe that God will turn to you when you call on Him?
In 70:4, David wrote, "But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you." Does your seeking of God result in you rejoicing and being glad?
71:18 says, "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation." What is the importance of declaring God's power to the next generation?
New Testament: Luke 17 - 20
In 17:4 Jesus said, "Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them." Why should you be willing to repeatedly forgive someone?
Why did only one of the ten lepers who were cleansed come back to thank Jesus?
In 18:13-14 why was the tax collector justified?
Why would the disciples rebuke those who brought children to Jesus?
Jesus said in 19:40, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." What does this tell you about Jesus?
What is the meaning of the statement in 20:38, "for to him all are alive"?
How many sons did Noah have?
Why does chapter 3 list the kings of Judah from Solomon to Jehoiachan?
In chapter 4, why did Jabez pray to be free from pain?
What is the meaning of the statement in 5:22, "because the battle was God’s"?
Why did David put people in charge of music in the house of the Lord (6:31)?
Why do the genealogies in chapters 7 and 8 vary in their level of detail?
According to 9:1, why were the people taken captive to Babylon?
According to 10:13-14, why did Saul die resulting in the kingdom being turned over to David?
What do you think motivated Benaiah to go into a pit on a snowy day to kill a lion?
What happened when the Spirit came on Amasai in chapter 12?
Why did Uzzah die in chapter 13?
Why do you think the Philistines wanted to attack David in chapter 14 when they heard that he had become king?
What does 15:13 show that David had learned since his first attempt to bring back the Ark of the Lord?
Psalms 69-71
David wrote in 69:16, "in your great mercy turn to me." Do you believe that God will turn to you when you call on Him?
In 70:4, David wrote, "But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you." Does your seeking of God result in you rejoicing and being glad?
71:18 says, "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation." What is the importance of declaring God's power to the next generation?
New Testament: Luke 17 - 20
In 17:4 Jesus said, "Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them." Why should you be willing to repeatedly forgive someone?
Why did only one of the ten lepers who were cleansed come back to thank Jesus?
In 18:13-14 why was the tax collector justified?
Why would the disciples rebuke those who brought children to Jesus?
Jesus said in 19:40, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." What does this tell you about Jesus?
What is the meaning of the statement in 20:38, "for to him all are alive"?
Sunday, June 04, 2017
Week 23, June 4 - 10, 2017
Old Testament: 2 Kings 14 - 25
Why did the people conspire against Amaziah to kill him?
Chapter 15 lists 5 consecutive kings of Israel, from Zechariah to Pekah, who are all described as evil. Why did God allow one bad king after another to rule Israel?
Why did Ahaz want to duplicate an altar he had seen in Damascus?
According to chapter 17 why were the people of Israel taken away captive by the Assyrians?
What happened in chapter 17 that resulted in Samaria becoming a place that mixed elements of many religions?
In 18:30, the Assyrian commander called out to the people, "Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord." What would your response be if you heard his reasons for not believing that God would save Jerusalem?
In chapter 19, what did God say He would do with the Assyrian threat? Why?
God's command to Hezekiah in 20:1 was "put your house in order." Was Hezekiah's response in verse 3 healthy?
21:3 says, Manasseh "rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed." The high places were used to offer sacrifices, but not in obedience to God. Why would Manasseh purposely undo the good his father had done?
What promise did God make to Josiah through the prophet Huldah because Josiah's heart had been responsive when he heard the Word of God being read?
In chapter 23, how did Josiah fulfill prophesy that had been given in 1 Kings 13 (approximately 300 years earlier)?
In chapter 24 who did the Babylonians take into captivity? Who did they leave in the land?
What happened to the temple in chapter 25?
Psalms 67 - 68
Psalm 67 says, "may all the peoples praise you." What will the result be if all people in all places are praising God?
68:5 says, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." What does this reveal about God's character?
68:19 says, "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." How does the Lord bear your burdens?
New Testament: Luke 13 - 16
Why did the synagogue leader criticize Jesus for healing on the Sabbath in chapter 13?
In praying over Jerusalem, Jesus said, "how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing." What does it mean for Jesus to "gather" you and have you been willing?
How does Jesus' command in 14:10 to "take the lowest place" apply to you?
In the parable of the lost coin in chapter 15, the lost coin represent the "one sinner" who, although lost, still is valuable. Why does Jesus value a person who is lost?
What was missing in the understanding of the older brother who was angry in 15:28?
In 16:13 Jesus said, "You cannot serve both God and money." How can you avoid becoming a servant of money?
Why did the people conspire against Amaziah to kill him?
Chapter 15 lists 5 consecutive kings of Israel, from Zechariah to Pekah, who are all described as evil. Why did God allow one bad king after another to rule Israel?
Why did Ahaz want to duplicate an altar he had seen in Damascus?
According to chapter 17 why were the people of Israel taken away captive by the Assyrians?
What happened in chapter 17 that resulted in Samaria becoming a place that mixed elements of many religions?
In 18:30, the Assyrian commander called out to the people, "Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord." What would your response be if you heard his reasons for not believing that God would save Jerusalem?
In chapter 19, what did God say He would do with the Assyrian threat? Why?
God's command to Hezekiah in 20:1 was "put your house in order." Was Hezekiah's response in verse 3 healthy?
21:3 says, Manasseh "rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed." The high places were used to offer sacrifices, but not in obedience to God. Why would Manasseh purposely undo the good his father had done?
What promise did God make to Josiah through the prophet Huldah because Josiah's heart had been responsive when he heard the Word of God being read?
In chapter 23, how did Josiah fulfill prophesy that had been given in 1 Kings 13 (approximately 300 years earlier)?
In chapter 24 who did the Babylonians take into captivity? Who did they leave in the land?
What happened to the temple in chapter 25?
Psalms 67 - 68
Psalm 67 says, "may all the peoples praise you." What will the result be if all people in all places are praising God?
68:5 says, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." What does this reveal about God's character?
68:19 says, "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." How does the Lord bear your burdens?
New Testament: Luke 13 - 16
Why did the synagogue leader criticize Jesus for healing on the Sabbath in chapter 13?
In praying over Jerusalem, Jesus said, "how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing." What does it mean for Jesus to "gather" you and have you been willing?
How does Jesus' command in 14:10 to "take the lowest place" apply to you?
In the parable of the lost coin in chapter 15, the lost coin represent the "one sinner" who, although lost, still is valuable. Why does Jesus value a person who is lost?
What was missing in the understanding of the older brother who was angry in 15:28?
In 16:13 Jesus said, "You cannot serve both God and money." How can you avoid becoming a servant of money?
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