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?
Sunday, September 24, 2017
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?
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Week 22, May 28 - June 3, 2017
Old Testament: 2 Kings 1 - 13
Why did the angel have Elijah go with the third group of 50 men after God sent fire down on the first two groups?
In chapter 2, why did Elisha refuse to stay behind as Elijah went from one place to another?
Why did Elisha call for a harpist in chapter 3?
In chapter 4 God did a miracle through Elisha for a widow. Why do you think God chose to use something the woman already had (the oil) and something she had to get from friends (the vessels) to do something only God could do?
Why was Naaman going away angry in 5:11 after Elisha gave him simple directions for how he could be cleansed of leprosy?
What was wrong with what Gehazi did in chapter 5?
In 6:16 Elisha declared, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." This is similar to what John wrote in 1 John 4:4, "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." How does knowing this change the way you look at challenges?
In 7:9 one of the four men with leprosy recognized that it would be wrong for them to keep good news to themselves. Who should you be sharing good news with?
In chapter 8 when Elisha could see all the evil that Hazael would do, why wasn't there something Elisha could have done to stop him?
Who killed Jezebel?
Why were the "guardians of Ahab’s children" willing to execute all of Ahab's sons in chapter 10?
How did Jehu put a stop to Baal worship in chapter 10?
Why did Jehoiada crown Joash at shift change? How old was Joash when he was crowned king?
In chapter 12 why did the priests collect money intended for the repair of the temple, but fail to repair the temple?
Why was Elisha angry in 13:19?
Psalms 64 - 66
David wrote in 64:9, "The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him." How can you keep yourself rejoicing and taking refuge in the Lord?
David wrote, "When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions." (Psalm 65:3) How does recognizing God's forgiveness change the way you look at yourself and at others?
66:18 says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." How does holding onto sin, refusing to repent, impact your prayer life?
New Testament: Luke 9 - 12
9:10 says that Jesus and the disciples withdrew by themselves, but 9:11 says the crowds followed and Jesus welcomed them. When the disciples wanted to send the crowd away to get something to eat, Jesus told the disciples to feed them. What attitude should you take toward the needs of those around you when they conflict with your own desire to be left alone?
Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." What do you need to do to take up your cross today?
In 10:2 Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Are you praying this prayer?
After Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan He said, in 10:37, "Go and do likewise." What opportunities do you have to obey this command?
In chapter 11 Jesus told a parable of a person who couldn't get their neighbor to get up and help them without being persistent. Jesus used this parable to teach us to be persistent in prayer. In the same chapter, in verses 11 through 13, He shows that the Father can be expected to give His children the good things that they ask for. Should we expect quick answers to prayer or should we expect to have to be persistent?
In 12:15 Jesus said, "life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." What is most important in life? Are you putting first things first?
What does Jesus' warning in 12:58, "try hard to be reconciled on the way" mean?
Why did the angel have Elijah go with the third group of 50 men after God sent fire down on the first two groups?
In chapter 2, why did Elisha refuse to stay behind as Elijah went from one place to another?
Why did Elisha call for a harpist in chapter 3?
In chapter 4 God did a miracle through Elisha for a widow. Why do you think God chose to use something the woman already had (the oil) and something she had to get from friends (the vessels) to do something only God could do?
Why was Naaman going away angry in 5:11 after Elisha gave him simple directions for how he could be cleansed of leprosy?
What was wrong with what Gehazi did in chapter 5?
In 6:16 Elisha declared, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." This is similar to what John wrote in 1 John 4:4, "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." How does knowing this change the way you look at challenges?
In 7:9 one of the four men with leprosy recognized that it would be wrong for them to keep good news to themselves. Who should you be sharing good news with?
In chapter 8 when Elisha could see all the evil that Hazael would do, why wasn't there something Elisha could have done to stop him?
Who killed Jezebel?
Why were the "guardians of Ahab’s children" willing to execute all of Ahab's sons in chapter 10?
How did Jehu put a stop to Baal worship in chapter 10?
Why did Jehoiada crown Joash at shift change? How old was Joash when he was crowned king?
In chapter 12 why did the priests collect money intended for the repair of the temple, but fail to repair the temple?
Why was Elisha angry in 13:19?
Psalms 64 - 66
David wrote in 64:9, "The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him." How can you keep yourself rejoicing and taking refuge in the Lord?
David wrote, "When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions." (Psalm 65:3) How does recognizing God's forgiveness change the way you look at yourself and at others?
66:18 says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." How does holding onto sin, refusing to repent, impact your prayer life?
New Testament: Luke 9 - 12
9:10 says that Jesus and the disciples withdrew by themselves, but 9:11 says the crowds followed and Jesus welcomed them. When the disciples wanted to send the crowd away to get something to eat, Jesus told the disciples to feed them. What attitude should you take toward the needs of those around you when they conflict with your own desire to be left alone?
Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." What do you need to do to take up your cross today?
In 10:2 Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Are you praying this prayer?
After Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan He said, in 10:37, "Go and do likewise." What opportunities do you have to obey this command?
In chapter 11 Jesus told a parable of a person who couldn't get their neighbor to get up and help them without being persistent. Jesus used this parable to teach us to be persistent in prayer. In the same chapter, in verses 11 through 13, He shows that the Father can be expected to give His children the good things that they ask for. Should we expect quick answers to prayer or should we expect to have to be persistent?
In 12:15 Jesus said, "life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." What is most important in life? Are you putting first things first?
What does Jesus' warning in 12:58, "try hard to be reconciled on the way" mean?
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Week 21, May 21 - 27, 2017
Old Testament: 1 Kings 12 - 22
In chapter 12 the elders advised Rehoboam to be a leader who serves the people. His young friends advised him to be harsh and demanding. Why did he reject the advice of the elders?
Why did the prophet in chapter 13 refuse to go home and eat with Jeroboam?
In chapter 14 Abijah son of Jeroboam died. Verse 13 says that he was the only one in the house of Jeroboam in whom the Lord found anything good. Why then did he die?
Why did God keep Jerusalem strong during the reign of Abijah even though Abijah was not a good king?
What did Ahab do in chapter 16 that was worse than what other bad kings before him had done?
In 17:9 God told Elijah, "I have directed a widow there to supply you with food." When Elijah spoke to the widow in verses 10 and 11, she gave him the reasons she wouldn't be able to help him. When God says He had directed the widow, does this means He had been speaking to her but she hadn't yet accepted what God had been saying?
Part of Elijah's prayer in 18:36 was, "let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command." How does God want to work through you to make Himself known to others?
How could Elijah be so bold in chapter 18 and then be afraid and running for his life in chapter 19?
What was Ahab meant to learn in chapter 20?
Why did Naboth refuse to sell his vineyard in chapter 21?
How did God respond to Ahab's repentant attitude at the end of chapter 21?
In chapter 22 Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing from a prophet of the Lord. Why did he still go to battle after Micaiah prophesied that they would not be successful?
Psalms 60 - 63
Why does David say in 60:11, "human help is worthless."
In 61:5 David wrote, "you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name." What is the heritage that David is speaking about?
David said in 62:5, "Yes, my soul, find rest in God." What does it mean to find rest in God? How do you do it?
David wrote in 63:1, "my whole being longs for you." How can you nurture that kind of hunger for God?
New Testament: Luke 5 - 8
In 5:10 Jesus told His first disciples that they would fish for people. Is this something He has called you to do?
5:16 says, "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Do you do this? Where are you able to go to be alone with the Lord?
What did Jesus do the night before He chose the 12?
What opportunities do you have to apply 6:36, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful"?
John the Baptist's job was to point people to Jesus. Why did he reach a place in 7:19, where he wanted to ask, "Are you the one who is to come?"
Why did the people of the region of the Gerasenes want Jesus to leave after He cast demons out of man and restored him to his right mind?
In chapter 12 the elders advised Rehoboam to be a leader who serves the people. His young friends advised him to be harsh and demanding. Why did he reject the advice of the elders?
Why did the prophet in chapter 13 refuse to go home and eat with Jeroboam?
In chapter 14 Abijah son of Jeroboam died. Verse 13 says that he was the only one in the house of Jeroboam in whom the Lord found anything good. Why then did he die?
Why did God keep Jerusalem strong during the reign of Abijah even though Abijah was not a good king?
What did Ahab do in chapter 16 that was worse than what other bad kings before him had done?
In 17:9 God told Elijah, "I have directed a widow there to supply you with food." When Elijah spoke to the widow in verses 10 and 11, she gave him the reasons she wouldn't be able to help him. When God says He had directed the widow, does this means He had been speaking to her but she hadn't yet accepted what God had been saying?
Part of Elijah's prayer in 18:36 was, "let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command." How does God want to work through you to make Himself known to others?
How could Elijah be so bold in chapter 18 and then be afraid and running for his life in chapter 19?
What was Ahab meant to learn in chapter 20?
Why did Naboth refuse to sell his vineyard in chapter 21?
How did God respond to Ahab's repentant attitude at the end of chapter 21?
In chapter 22 Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing from a prophet of the Lord. Why did he still go to battle after Micaiah prophesied that they would not be successful?
Psalms 60 - 63
Why does David say in 60:11, "human help is worthless."
In 61:5 David wrote, "you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name." What is the heritage that David is speaking about?
David said in 62:5, "Yes, my soul, find rest in God." What does it mean to find rest in God? How do you do it?
David wrote in 63:1, "my whole being longs for you." How can you nurture that kind of hunger for God?
New Testament: Luke 5 - 8
In 5:10 Jesus told His first disciples that they would fish for people. Is this something He has called you to do?
5:16 says, "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Do you do this? Where are you able to go to be alone with the Lord?
What did Jesus do the night before He chose the 12?
What opportunities do you have to apply 6:36, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful"?
John the Baptist's job was to point people to Jesus. Why did he reach a place in 7:19, where he wanted to ask, "Are you the one who is to come?"
Why did the people of the region of the Gerasenes want Jesus to leave after He cast demons out of man and restored him to his right mind?
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Week 20, May 14 - 20, 2017
Old Testament: 1 Kings 1 - 11
Why did David make Solomon king while David was still living?
In chapter 2, why did David give Solomon the responsibility of taking vengeance on Joab and Shimei?
How did Solomon decide between two women who claimed the same baby?
4:20 describes the conditions in Israel during Solomon's reign, "they ate, they drank and they were happy." 4:25 says the people, "lived in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree." Are these ideal conditions?
What did Hiram and Solomon exchange in chapter 5? Solomon told Hiram "I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set." This was a simple transaction. Today when companies make transactions like this, lawyers draw up contracts that are many pages long. Why were Solomon and Hiram able to keep it simple?
As Solomon was building the temple, what did God say in 6:11-13 were the conditions under which He would live among the Israelites?
Why do you think Solomon's palace was larger and took more time to build than the temple?
What was in the ark of the covenant when it was brought into the temple that Solomon built?
Solomon prayed in 8:27, "The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!" What then was the purpose of the temple?
In chapter 9, what did God say would happen to the temple if Israel turned away from God?
What impressed the Queen of Sheba when she visited Solomon in chapter 10?
According to 11:3-4, what led Solomon astray? If he had great wisdom, how could he act to unwisely?
Psalms 56 - 59
In 56:8 David wrote, "Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll." Why does David want these things recorded and remembered? How does this compare with Isaiah 65? "For the past troubles will be forgotten" (65:16) "See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." (65:17)
Psalm 57 was written when David had fled from Saul into a cave. He wrote in verse 9, "I will praise you, Lord, among the nations." How was he able to praise God in such challenging circumstances? Are you able to praise God when you are in difficulty?
What is David asking for in Psalm 58?
In 59:16 David wrote, "I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love." How would doing this regularly impact your life?
New Testament: Luke 1 - 4
What is Luke's stated purpose for writing this book?
In 1:37 the angel Gabriel said to Mary, "For no word from God will ever fail." (The King James Version says, "For with God nothing shall be impossible.") Do you have this truth in your heart? How does it change the way you live?
Why do you think the birth of Jesus was made known to the shepherds but to few others?
Why was John put in prison in chapter 3?
Why would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted?
In chapter 4 Jesus read from Isaiah and said the anointing that Isaiah wrote about was on Jesus. Is this something that is unique to Jesus or can this same anointing be on you?
Why did David make Solomon king while David was still living?
In chapter 2, why did David give Solomon the responsibility of taking vengeance on Joab and Shimei?
How did Solomon decide between two women who claimed the same baby?
4:20 describes the conditions in Israel during Solomon's reign, "they ate, they drank and they were happy." 4:25 says the people, "lived in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree." Are these ideal conditions?
What did Hiram and Solomon exchange in chapter 5? Solomon told Hiram "I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set." This was a simple transaction. Today when companies make transactions like this, lawyers draw up contracts that are many pages long. Why were Solomon and Hiram able to keep it simple?
As Solomon was building the temple, what did God say in 6:11-13 were the conditions under which He would live among the Israelites?
Why do you think Solomon's palace was larger and took more time to build than the temple?
What was in the ark of the covenant when it was brought into the temple that Solomon built?
Solomon prayed in 8:27, "The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!" What then was the purpose of the temple?
In chapter 9, what did God say would happen to the temple if Israel turned away from God?
What impressed the Queen of Sheba when she visited Solomon in chapter 10?
According to 11:3-4, what led Solomon astray? If he had great wisdom, how could he act to unwisely?
Psalms 56 - 59
In 56:8 David wrote, "Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll." Why does David want these things recorded and remembered? How does this compare with Isaiah 65? "For the past troubles will be forgotten" (65:16) "See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." (65:17)
Psalm 57 was written when David had fled from Saul into a cave. He wrote in verse 9, "I will praise you, Lord, among the nations." How was he able to praise God in such challenging circumstances? Are you able to praise God when you are in difficulty?
What is David asking for in Psalm 58?
In 59:16 David wrote, "I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love." How would doing this regularly impact your life?
What is Luke's stated purpose for writing this book?
In 1:37 the angel Gabriel said to Mary, "For no word from God will ever fail." (The King James Version says, "For with God nothing shall be impossible.") Do you have this truth in your heart? How does it change the way you live?
Why do you think the birth of Jesus was made known to the shepherds but to few others?
Why was John put in prison in chapter 3?
Why would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted?
In chapter 4 Jesus read from Isaiah and said the anointing that Isaiah wrote about was on Jesus. Is this something that is unique to Jesus or can this same anointing be on you?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)