Week 40, September 29 - October 5, 2019

New Testament
Mark 7

• The Pharisees were consistent in washing their hands before eating and considered that part of their obedience to God.  Why did Jesus say that they "have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions"? (Mark 7:8)
• In Mark 7:21-23 Jesus said that evil comes from out of our hearts.  How can we have a clean heart?
• Why did Jesus tell the Greek woman in Mark 7:27, "it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs"?

Mark 8

• In Mark 8:4 the disciples asked, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?"  Why did they ask that after seeing Jesus feed a large crowd in Mark, Chapter 6?
• Jesus touched a blind man and in Mark 8:24 he said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around."  Jesus touched him a second time and his sight was fully restored.  If you have prayed for something and you have seen a partial answer, what should you do?
• Why did Jesus say, "Get behind me, Satan!" to Peter?

Mark 9

• Why were Peter, James, and John allowed to see Moses and Elijah?
• Why weren't the disciples able to cast out the evil spirit in Mark 9:14-29?
• Jesus told His disciples in Mark 9:35, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all."  How does this statement impact how you live?

Mark 10

• When Jesus was asked about divorce, what did He base His answer on?
• Mark 10:15 shows that we need to "receive the kingdom of God like a little child."  What does this mean?
• When Jesus was asked in Mark 10:26, "Who then can be saved?" He said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."  What makes being saved impossible with man?
• Why did people want Bartimaeus to be quiet?

Mark 11

• How do you put into practice what Jesus said in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours"?
• Jesus said in Mark 11:25, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them."  Is there anyone you need to forgive?

Old Testament
Jeremiah 1 - 14

• When did God say He had appointed Jeremiah as a prophet? (Jeremiah 1:5)
• God says in Jeremiah 2:13, "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."  Why would anyone turn from living water to a broken cistern?
• In Jeremiah 3 God accuses Israel and Judah of unfaithfulness, considering their worship of idols to be like adultery.  In verse 14 He says, "Return, faithless people, for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion."  Why is God willing to forgive and restore people who have been unfaithful to Him?
• In Jeremiah 4 God is calling people to repentance.  In verse 4 He says, "circumcise your hearts"?  What does this mean?
• God says in Jeremiah 5:31, "The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way."  Why would people love lying prophets and priests who are not obedient to God?
• What is the meaning of the command in Jeremiah 6:16, "ask for the ancient paths"?
• In Jeremiah 7:1-11 God says that the people thought having a temple of the Lord kept them safe even though they were sinning.  What actions did God want them to change?
• In Jeremiah 8:4 God asks, "When people fall down, do they not get up? When someone turns away, do they not return?"  But in 8:5 God says of the people of Israel, "they refuse to return."  Why would someone refuse to return when they know they have turned away from what is right?
• God says in Jeremiah 9:24, "but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me."  What value do you place on knowing God?
• God speaks about idolatry in Jeremiah 10:5, "Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."  Why would anyone worship an idol which can neither talk nor walk?
• What threat were the people of Anathoth bringing in Jeremiah 11:21?
• What is the answer to Jeremiah's question in 12:1, "Why does the way of the wicked prosper?"
• What does the linen belt in Jeremiah 13 represent?
• In Jeremiah 14:12 God says of Judah, "Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them."  What did God want from the people so He would listen to their prayers?

Psalms
Psalms 108 - 110

• David wrote in Psalm 108:11, "Is it not you, God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies?"  When would David have felt that God no longer went out with Israel's army?
• In Psalm 109:6-15 David prays for harsh punishment for his enemy.  Jesus taught us to love our enemies.  Why would David ask for punishment for his enemy?
• Psalm 110 is referenced in the New Testament more than any other psalm.  Verse 1 was quoted by Jesus (Matthew 22:44, for example).  Verse 4 is quoted several times in Hebrews (Hebrews 5:6, for example).  Based on those quotations, who is Psalm 110 speaking about?

Week 39, September 22 - 28, 2019

New Testament
Mark 2

• When a paralyzed man was lowered through the roof in front of Jesus, why did Jesus tell the man his sins were forgiven before he healed him?
• What reason did Jesus give in Mark 2:17 for eating with tax collectors and sinners?
• What is the meaning of Jesus' statement in Mark 2:27, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath"?

Mark 3

• Mark 3 describes Jesus in the synagogue and verse 5 says He was "deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts."  What causes a person to be stubborn in a way that would distress Jesus?
• What purpose did Jesus have in appointing the twelve in Mark 3:13-18?

Mark 4

• In the parable of the sower Jesus describes four different responses to the Word.  He says that seed on rocky soil represents those who hear the Word and receive it with joy, but wither because "they have no root."  What do you need to do to develop healthy roots?
• In Mark 4:38 the disciples asked, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?"  Why would they question whether Jesus cared?

Mark 5

• Why did Jesus allow the demons to go into the pigs in Mark, chapter 5?
• How could a woman who had been to many doctors without success still have faith to believe that she would be healed if she touched Jesus' cloak?

Mark 6

• Mark 6:5-6 says, "He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.  He was amazed at their lack of faith."  Why would a lack of faith keep Jesus from doing miracles?
• Why did Jesus send out the 12 and tell them to take nothing for the trip, "no bread, no bag, no money in your belts"?
• Mark 6:52 says, "they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened."  What were the disciples failing to understand about Jesus?  What do we need to understand about Him?

Old Testament
Isaiah 51 - 66

• God says in Isaiah 51:12, "I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals?"  How does God's comfort overshadow our fears?
• Isaiah 52:2 says, "Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive."  How was Jerusalem to shake off their dust and free themselves from chains?
• Isaiah 53:5 says, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities."  How has the punishment that Jesus took freed us from sin?
• In Isaiah 54:17 God promised Israel, "no weapon forged against you will prevail."  Are you able to ignore the fear of others and trust God to keep and protect you?
• God says in Isaiah 55:9, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Are there things you need to trust God for that you don't fully understand?
• Isaiah 56:7 says, "my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."  What does this show you about God's heart toward people of other nations?
• In Isaiah 57:15 God says, "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."  How does God revive our spirits and hearts?
• How does Isaiah 58 define true fasting?
• What does Isaiah 59:2 say separates people from God?
• God tells Israel in Isaiah 60:1, "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."  The commands to "arise" and "shine" mean to stand up and let your light shine.  What would you need to do to obey these commands?
• Isaiah 61 makes great promises of restoration and concludes in verse 11 saying, "the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations."  How and when will these promises be fulfilled?
• Isaiah 62:6-7 says, "You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth."  What does it mean to give yourself no rest and to give God no rest?
• Isaiah 64 asks for God to intervene, "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down." (Isaiah 64:1)  But verse 6 acknowledges, "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags."  What basis does Isaiah have for asking God to intervene on Israel's behalf when they had been unrighteous?
• Why does God promise new heavens and a new earth in Isaiah 65:17?
• God gives the reason for coming judgement in Isaiah 66:4, "when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened."  How can you listen to God and answer when He calls?

Psalms
Psalm 107

• Psalm 107:2 says, "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story."  What opportunities do you have to tell your story?

Week 38, September 15 - 21, 2019

New Testament
Titus 1

• Why did Paul say he left Titus in Crete?
• Why did Paul want Titus to rebuke the people of Crete?

Titus 2

• In Titus 2:7-8 what qualities did Paul want Titus to have in his teaching?
• What does Paul refer to as the "blessed hope" in Titus 2:13?

Titus 3

• According to Titus 3:5 why did God save us?
• In Titus 3:9 Paul said to avoid foolish controversies.  How do you avoid them?

Philemon

• Why did Paul say he could order Philemon what to do, but he preferred to appeal to him?
• What was Paul asking Philemon to do?

Mark 1

• Whose prophecy did John the Baptist fulfill?
• What was the main point of John the Baptist's message?
• Jesus said to Simon and Andrew in Mark 1:17, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.”  Why would they leave their nets to follow Jesus in response to such a simple invitation?
• In Mark 1:24 a demon possessed man said to Jesus, "I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Mark 1:34 says, "he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was."  If what the demon said was true, why didn't Jesus allow him to speak?
• Jesus healed a leper and told him in Mark 1:44 not to tell anyone.  Why didn't Jesus want the man to tell anyone?

Old Testament
Isaiah 34 - 50

• Isaiah 34 describes Edom being destroyed and turned over to desert creatures to "dwell there from generation to generation."  (Isaiah 34:17)  What is the purpose of this destruction?
• Isaiah 35:4 says, "say to those with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, do not fear; your God will come.'" How can you obey a command to not fear?
• In how many different ways did the Assyrian field commander attack the faith of Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem in Isaiah 36?
• How did God end the threat from Assyria on Jerusalem in Isaiah 37?
• If you were Hezekiah, how would you have responded to what Isaiah told him in Isaiah 38:1?
• What was wrong with Hezekiah showing everything in his palace to the Babylonians in Isaiah 39?
• Why does Isaiah 40:6-8 compare people to grass?
• What do you need to do to gain the strength that Isaiah 40:31 talks about?
• God told Israel in Isaiah 41:12, "Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all."  Do you have a fearlessness from knowing that God alone has all power?
• God says in Isaiah 42:8, "I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols."  Do you give all glory to God?
• According to Isaiah 43:10 and 44:6 how many gods are there?
• Isaiah 45:22 says, "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other."  What opportunity did other nations have to turn to God?
• God says in Isaiah 46:4, "I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."  Do you recognize God's hand in sustaining you?
• Why does God say in Isaiah 48:22 that there is no peace for the wicked?
• Who is the "light for the Gentiles" mentioned in Isaiah 49:6?
• God says to Israel in Isaiah 50:2, "When I called, why was there no one to answer?"  How open are you to God's call?

Psalms
Psalm 106

• Psalm 106:13 is speaking of Israel and says, "But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold."  What situations have you been in when you needed to wait for God's plan to unfold?

Week 37, September 8 - 14, 2019

New Testament
1 Timothy 6

• Why would Paul teach slaves to respect their masters?
• In 1 Timothy 6:8 Paul teaches us to be content if we have food and clothing.  Are you able to be content when your basic needs are met?
• What commands did Paul tell Timothy to give to rich people in 1 Timothy 6:17-19?

2 Timothy 1

• In 2 Timothy 1:5, whose influence on Timothy did Paul recognize?
• 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." In what ways has God given you power, love, and self-discipline?

2 Timothy 2

• In 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul instructed Timothy to teach others who would be capable of teaching others.  What part do you have in this process of passing on truth to others who will be able to pass it on to others?
• Paul told Timothy to warn people "against quarreling about words."  (2 Timothy 2:14)  How would you recognize when a conversation has become a quarrel about words?
• 2 Timothy 2:24 teaches us not to be quarrelsome.  What causes a person to be quarrelsome?  How can you avoid it?

2 Timothy 3

• What will make the last days "terrible times"?
• What does it mean to be "always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth"? (2 Timothy 3:7)
• What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teach us about Scripture?

2 Timothy 4

• What is the meaning of Paul's instruction in 2 Timothy 4:2, "be prepared in season and out of season"?
• Why does Paul compare himself to a drink offering in 2 Timothy 4:6?

Old Testament
Isaiah 18 - 33

• What does the Lord say in Isaiah 18 that will happen to Cush?  What will the result be?
• Isaiah 19:21 says that "the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians."  When and how will that happen?
• In Isaiah 20, how did God show Israel not to trust in Cush or Egypt?
• In Isaiah 22:10-11, Isaiah describes Jerusalem making plans for their defense, but failing to rely on God, "You counted the buildings in Jerusalem and tore down houses to strengthen the wall. You built a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the Old Pool, but you did not look to the One who made it, or have regard for the One who planned it long ago."  Are there ways in which you are relying on your own plans but not on God?
• God refers to the economy of Tyre as "lucrative prostitution." (Isaiah 23:17)  But He says in verse 18, "Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord," and "Her profits will go to those who live before the Lord."  How could God use profits gained in an ungodly way to help those who are following the Lord?
• Isaiah 24:3 says, "The earth will be completely laid waste."  Why will this happen?
• Isaiah 25:8 says that God, "will swallow up death forever," and "will wipe away the tears    from all faces."  How will God accomplish this?
• Isaiah 26:12 says, "all that we have accomplished you have done for us."  Do you have this attitude toward whatever you have accomplished?
• Isaiah 27:2-3 says, "Sing about a fruitful vineyard: I, the Lord, watch over it; I water it continually.  I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it." Jesus said that he is the vine and we are the branches.  In what ways have you seen God watch over, water, and guard you?
• What is the cornerstone Isaiah speaks of in Isaiah 28:16?
• God says in Isaiah 29:13,"These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."  How can you draw near to God with your whole heart?
• Isaiah 30:1 rebukes "those who carry out plans that are not mine."  How likely are you to seek God's direction when you make plans?
• Isaiah 31:6 says, "Return, you Israelites, to the One you have so greatly revolted against."  What would Israel need to do to return to God?
• Isaiah 32:17 says, "The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever."  Why does righteousness bring peace, quietness, and confidence?
• Isaiah 33:24 says, "No one living in Zion will say, 'I am ill'; and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven."  When will this be fulfilled?

Psalms
Psalms 104 - 105

• Psalm 104:33 says, "I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."  Do you sing to God?
• Psalm 105:5 says, "Remember the wonders he has done."  What benefit do you get from remembering what God has done for you?

Week 36, September 1 - 7, 2019

New Testament
1 Timothy 1

• What did Paul have Timothy stay in Ephesus to do?
• According to 1 Timothy 1:15, why did Christ Jesus come into the world?

1 Timothy 2

• According to 1 Timothy 2:2 what is the point of praying for those in authority?
• 1 Timothy 2:4 says that God wants all people to be saved.  Why aren't they?

1 Timothy 3

• Are the qualifications for an overseer mostly character qualities or talents?
• Why are overseers and deacons expected to manage their own households well?

1 Timothy 4

• What does 1 Timothy 4:1 say will happen in later times?
• Why does Paul say that godliness is more valuable than physical training?
• Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young."  How can you keep someone from looking down on you?

1 Timothy 5

• Why did Paul have specific limits on the church supporting widows?
• Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:21, "keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism."  What is wrong with favoritism?

Old Testament
Isaiah 1 - 17

• In Isaiah 1:18 God offers to cleanse the people from sin, "'Come now, let us settle the matter,'  says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'"  What did they need to do to be cleansed from sin?
• Isaiah 2 describes a time when all human pride will be brought low and "the Lord alone will be exalted in that day." (verse 11 and again in verse 17)  Verse 22 then commands us, "Stop trusting in mere humans."  How can you put your trust in God alone?
• Isaiah 3:2-3 speaks of God removing good leaders from Jerusalem and Judah and says in verse 4, "children will rule over them,"  The result in verse 5 is that "People will oppress each other."  How should we be praying for leaders in our country now?
• What does God promise to do for Jerusalem in Isaiah 4:2-6?
• What does the vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7 represent?
• What did Isaiah volunteer for in chapter 6?
• God had Isaiah command Ahaz, "keep calm and don’t be afraid." (Isaiah 7:4)  What can you do to keep calm when your circumstances make you afraid?
• Isaiah also told Ahaz, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."  (Isaiah 7:9)  What does this mean?
• What does God say in Isaiah 8:19 about consulting the dead through mediums or spiritists?
• What promise was made in Isaiah 9:6-7?  How has Jesus fulfilled this?
• Why does God say in Isaiah, chapter 10, that He would punish Assyria?
• Who is the Branch described in Isaiah 11:1-5?
• Isaiah 12:6 says, "Shout aloud and sing for joy."  In what circumstances do you praise God with exuberance?
• Who does God say, in Isaiah 13:17, He will stir up to oppose Babylon?
• Isaiah 14:1 promises that Israel, after being taken into captivity, would be restored to the land, "The Lord will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land."  Why was being restored to the land an important promise?
• Isaiah, chapters 15 and 16 prophesied of the destruction of Moab.  How long would it be until this was fulfilled, according to Isaiah 16:14?
• Isaiah 17:10 says, "You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress."  Why would anyone forget God?

Psalms
Psalm 102 - 103

• Psalm 102 is the prayer of an afflicted person.  What reason for hope is given in this psalm?
• Psalm 103:12 says, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."  What does it mean to have our transgressions removed?

Week 35, August 25 - 31, 2019

New Testament
1 Thessalonians 4

• What reasons does Paul give in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 for avoiding sexual immorality?
• According to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, what will happen to Christians who have died?

1 Thessalonians 5

• 1 Thessalonians 5:1 says, "the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."  What does this mean?  How should you prepare for it?
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually.  How do you do this?

2 Thessalonians 1

• What does Paul say, in 2 Thessalonians 1:3, is growing and increasing among the Thessalonians?
• According to 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, how will God punish those "who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus"?

2 Thessalonians 2

• What does Paul say must happen before the coming of the Lord Jesus?
• In 2 Thessalonians 2:10 Paul speaks about those who will be deceived, "They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved."  What would cause someone to refuse to love the truth?
• Paul encourages the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, "stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you."  What do you need to do to stand firm?

2 Thessalonians 3

• What does Paul ask the Thessalonians to pray for in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2?
• What rule does Paul give for the person who is unwilling to work?

Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 1 - 12, Song of Solomon 1 - 8

• Why does the writer of Ecclesiastes declare that everything is meaningless in chapter 1?  What gives our lives meaning?
• What did the writer try in chapter 2 that he found meaningless?
• What does Ecclesiastes 3:11 mean saying that God has, "set eternity in the human heart"?
• According to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, why are two better than one?
• Why does Ecclesiastes 5:5 say it is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it?
• Ecclesiastes 6:2 says that some people have great wealth but lack the ability to enjoy it.  Why would a person lack this ability?
• Ecclesiastes 7:9 says, "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools."  How can you avoid being a person who is easily angered?
• Why would the author say, in Ecclesiastes 8:15, "there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad"?
• Ecclesiastes 9:17 says, "The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools."  How can you hear the quiet words of the wise?
• Ecclesiastes 10:1 says, "As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor."  Can you think of examples of people whose little folly outweighed their wisdom and honor?
• Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap."  This shows we can be too reluctant to act while waiting for perfect conditions.  How can you know when it is time to act and when you should wait?
• What is the conclusion of Ecclesiastes?

• Song of Solomon or Song of Songs is a love poem.  Some parts are spoken by a man, some by a woman, and some by others.  The woman has experienced rejection, "My mother’s sons were angry with me and made me take care of the vineyards," (Song of Solomon 1:6) but is the object of delight in this book.  Can the love God has for you overshadow whatever rejection and pain you may have experienced in life?
• What is the meaning of the statement in Song of Solomon 2:4, "let his banner over me be love"?
• What is the meaning of the statement in Song of Solomon 3:5, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires"?
• The man says to the woman in Song of Solomon 4:7, "there is no flaw in you."  Is the woman flawless or has the man chosen to view her as flawless?
• The woman says in Song of Solomon 5:2, "I slept but my heart was awake."  Do you have a devotion to God that is strong whether you are sleeping or awake?
• Song of Solomon 6:3 says, "I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine."  What is the value of  a stable, committed, relationship between a man and a woman?  What is the value of a stable, committed, relationship between you and God?
• Song of Solomon 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."  Do you have an unquenchable love for God?

Psalms
Psalms 98 - 101

• Psalm 98:4 says to "burst into jubilant song."  What should you do if you aren't feeling jubilant?
• Psalm 99:4 says, "The King is mighty, he loves justice."  Since each of us is a unique creation, what is justice?
• Psalm 100:1-2 says, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness;  come before him with joyful songs."  What helps you worship with joy and gladness?  What hinders you?
• David wrote in Psalm 101:3, "I will not look with approval on anything that is vile."  What should your attitude be toward people whose behavior could be called vile?

Week 34, August 18 - 24, 2019

New Testament
Colossians 3

• In Colossians 3 Paul tells us in verse 1, "set your hearts on things above," and in verse 2, "Set your minds on things above."  How can you do this?
• What reasons does Paul give us in Colossians 3:9-10 to not lie?
• We are commanded in Colossians 3:14, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Is there anyone you need to forgive?

Colossians 4

• Colossians 4:2 says, "Devote yourselves to prayer."  What do you need to do to be devoted to prayer?
• Colossians 4:6 says that our conversation should be "full of grace, seasoned with salt."  How can you learn to say the right thing, neither saying too much or too little?

1 Thessalonians 1

• Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 that the gospel came to the Thessalonians, "with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction."  What does this mean?
• What does Paul say the Thessalonians turned to God from?

1 Thessalonians 2

• Paul describes his motives for preaching the gospel, "We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts." (1 Thessalonians 2:4)  What motivates you?
• Paul describes his ministry among the Thessalonians as "encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God." (1 Thessalonians 2:12)  Who has encouraged, comforted, and urged you to live for God?

1 Thessalonians 3

• Paul says he told the Thessalonians that they would be persecuted.  (1 Thessalonians 3:4)  Why would God allow believers to be persecuted?
• What report did Timothy bring Paul that was so encouraging to him?

Old Testament
Proverbs 17 - 31

• Proverbs 17:5 says, "Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker."  Why would someone want to mock the poor?  What attitude should you have toward the poor?
• Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."  How do you run to the name of the Lord?
• Proverbs 19:3 says, "A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord."  Why would someone be mad at God for the consequences of their own folly?
• Proverbs 20:10 says the Lord hates differing weights and measures.  Why would He?
• Proverbs 21:30 says, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."  How does this truth impact the way you face trouble and opposition?
• We are encouraged to be generous in Proverbs 22:9.  "The generous will themselves be blessed for they share their food with the poor."  What opportunities do you have to be generous toward the poor?
• What warnings do you find about drinking in Proverbs 23:29-35?
• What reason does Proverbs 24:19-20 give for not envying the wicked?
• Why does Proverbs 25:21 tell us to give food and drink to our enemy?
• Why do verses 4 and 5 of Proverbs 26 seem to point in opposite directions?
• Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."  What opportunities do you have to be sharpened by others and to sharpen others?
• Proverbs 28:1 says, "The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."  Why would being righteous make a person bold?
• "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end." (Proverbs 29:11)  Are you more likely to give vent to your rage to bring calm?
• Why does Proverbs 30:8 ask God for neither poverty nor riches?
• Why does Proverbs 31:4 say it is not for kings to drink beer and wine?

Psalms
Psalms 94 - 97

• Psalm 94:19 says, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."  When and how has God turned your anxiety into joy for you?
• Psalm 95 is a call to worship with others.  The phrase "let us" is used five times.  "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation." (verse 1)  "Let us come before him with thanksgiving." (verse 2)  "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."  What is the value of worshiping with others?
• "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth." (Psalm 96:1)  Why does this verse specify a new song?
• "Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."  (Psalm 97:12)  Why are we commanded to rejoice?  Why is it important?

Week 33, August 11 - 17, 2019

New Testament
Philippians 2

• Philippians 2:3-4 says, "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."  How can you develop an attitude of valuing others?
• Philippians 2:13 says, "it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."  How has God worked in you to fulfill His purpose?

Philippians 3

• Paul says in Philippians 3:8 that it is worth giving up everything else for the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."  Do you put that value on knowing the Lord?  What can you do to know Him better?
• In Philippians 3 verses 12 and 14, Paul twice uses the phrase, "I press on."  What does this mean?  What is he pressing on toward?

Philippians 4

• We are commanded in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always."  How can a person rejoice when they are having trouble?  Are you able to rejoice when you are having trouble?
• What does Philippians 4:6 tell us to do instead of being anxious?  What are we promised if we pray with thanksgiving?

Colossians 1

• What does Paul mean in Colossians 1:6 when he says, "the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world"?
• What does Paul say, in Colossians 1:9-12, that he is praying for the Colossians?
• Paul says in Colossians 1:21 that we were once alienated from God.  He says in verse 22 that we have been reconciled.  What does this mean?

Colossians 2

• Colossians 2:7 urges us to be "rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith."  What do you need to do to have this happen in your life?
• Paul tells us in Colossians 2:16 "do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day."  How do you keep someone else from judging you?

Old Testament
Proverbs 1 - 16

• Proverbs 1:20-33 pictures wisdom speaking.  Verse 24 says, "no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand."  Why would anyone fail to pay attention to wisdom?
• What benefits of having wisdom are described in chapter 2?
• Proverbs 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 need to do to keep love and faithfulness?
• Proverbs 3:11 says to not despise the Lord's discipline.  How would you know when you are being disciplined by the Lord?
• Proverbs 4:16 says that the wicked, "cannot rest until they do evil."  What would cause a person to be so inclined to evil?
• "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23)  How do you guard your heart?
• Proverbs 5 warns of the consequences of adultery.  What strategies do you find in the chapter for avoiding adultery?
• In Proverbs 6:6-8, what are we supposed to learn from ants?
• Chapter 7 has further warnings against adultery.  Why does verse 23 say that adultery will cost the adulterer his life?
• Proverbs 8:11 says, "wisdom is more precious than rubies."  Do you place a high value on wisdom?
• In chapter 9, both wisdom and folly are pictured calling out from the highest point in the city, inviting people saying, "Let all who are simple come to my house!" (verse 4, wisdom; verse 16, folly)  Why do the invitations of wisdom and folly look so similar?
• Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it."  How do you obtain that blessing?
• According to Proverbs 11:2, what does pride bring?  What does humility bring?
• Proverbs 12:11 says, "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense."  This shows the contrast between steady labor and get-rich-quick schemes.  For you, what would be the equivalent of working your land?
• Proverbs 13:10 says, "Where there is strife, there is pride."  Why does pride bring strife?
• Proverbs 14:1 says a foolish woman tears her house down with her own hands.  What is an example of a foolish woman tearing her own house down?
• Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."  How can you avoid ways that appear to be right but aren't?
• Proverbs 15:8 says, "The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked."  Since a sacrifice is an act of worship, why would the Lord detest it?
• "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3)  What do you have to do to commit whatever you do to the Lord?

Psalms
Psalms 91 - 93

• Psalm 91 promises protection and long life to the one who dwells in the "shelter of the Most High."  How does a person dwell in God's shelter?
• Psalm 92:4 says, "I sing for joy at what your hands have done."  What has God done that brings you joy?
• According to Psalm 93:2 when was God's throne established?

Week 32, August 4 - 10, 2019

New Testament
Ephesians 3

• In Ephesians 3:6 what mystery does Paul say has been revealed?
• Ephesians 3:12 says, "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."  Do you approach God with freedom and confidence?  What is that freedom based on?
• What does Paul say in Ephesians 3:16-19 he is praying for the Ephesian Christians?

Ephesians 4

• Paul says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."  (Ephesians 4:3)  What kind of effort is needed to keep unity?
• According to Ephesians 4:13-16, what does God want us to become?
• In Ephesians 4:22-23, Paul tells us to put off the old self and put on the new self.  How do we do this?
• What does Ephesians 4:29 say we should do with our ability to speak?

Ephesians 5

• Ephesians 5:10 says, "and find out what pleases the Lord."  How do you find out what pleases the Lord?
• Ephesians 5:18 tells us not to get drunk on wine.  What are we told to do instead?
• In what way are husbands told to love their wives?

Ephesians 6

• What are children taught to do in Ephesians 6:1?
• Ephesians 6:11-17 teaches us to put on the full armor of God.  How do you do this?

Philippians 1

• Paul says he is praying for the Philippians and 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."  How does confidence that God will continue to work in you impact your desire to know and obey the Lord?
• Why does Paul say to die is gain?

Old Testament
Job 22 - 42

• Eliphaz and his friends assumed that bad things happened to Job because he had been bad.  In Job 22:5-9 Eliphaz starts naming specific sins that he assumes Job has committed.  Why did Eliphaz feel a need to condemn Job?
• Job says in Job 23:10, "when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."  What did he base this confidence on?
• In Job 24:1 Job wonders, "Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment?"  He then describes many injustices that take place in the world that seem to go without punishment.  How would you answer Job's question in verse 1?
• Bildad asks in Job 25:4, "How then can a mortal be righteous before God?"  What is the answer to his question?
• Job said, "I will maintain my innocence and never let go of it." (Job 27:6)  He was disagreeing with his friends who thought his problems were the result of his sin.  Was Job right in saying this?
• In chapter 28 Job describes wisdom as harder to find than precious metals that are mined far below ground.  This seems to contrast with Proverbs 9:1-6 which depicts wisdom calling out from the highest point of the city, inviting everyone to come.  Which view of wisdom is most accurate?
• In chapter 29 Job remembers the days when he was deeply respected and in chapter 30 he describes being mocked now that he is suffering.  How can you keep a consistent love for God and understanding of His purpose when people's opinions of you may change?
• "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman. (Job 31:1)  What does it mean to make a covenant with your eyes?
• In Job 31:15 Job gives the reason he must treat his servants with justice.  "Did not he who made me in the womb make them?"  Do you look at others with this understanding and treat others the way you would like to be treated?
• In chapter 32 Elihu speaks up after Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar because, "not one of you has proved Job wrong." (Job 32:12)  Why did he want to prove Job wrong?
• It troubled Elihu for Job to claim to be innocent and like the three men before him, Elihu assumed that Job's problems were the result of his sin.  "Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water? He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with the wicked." (Job 34:7-8)  Why were these men unable to believe Job's claim to being innocent?
• Elihu thought that Job merely needed to repent to be set free from his suffering, "He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food." (Job 36:16)  Elihu didn't understand what was really happening.  What should we do when we want to encourage someone whose situation we don't fully understand?
• In chapter 38 God begins to speak.  He says in verse 4, "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?"  He then begins to describe some of the complexity of creation.  What value is there in remembering that God knows infinitely more than we do and that He created everything we see?
• How did Job answer God in Job 40:3-5?
• God says in Job 41:11, "Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me."  Why is it important for us to recognize that God owns everything?
• Job said to Eliphaz in Job 42:7, "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has."  At times Job complained and wanted to die.  Some of the things that Eliphaz and his two friends said are true.  Why does God summarize by saying that Eliphaz and his friends did not speak the truth and Job did?
• What happened after Job prayed for his friends?

Psalms
Psalms 89 - 90

• Psalm 89 has these themes 
• verses 1-18, God is great and mighty
• verses 19- 37, God made great promises to David
• verses 38-45, We are defeated and in trouble
• verses 46-52, a prayer for God's intervention, Why does this psalm begin by declaring God's greatness and remembering His promises, when it was written in a time of great trouble?
• Psalm 90 shows that God is eternal, "from everlasting to everlasting you are God," (Psalm 90:2).  It also shows that our lives are short by comparison, "Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures." (Psalm 90:10).  Moses prayed, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."  (Psalm 90:12)  What does it mean to number your days?  What is the benefit?

Week 31, July 28 - August 3, 2019

New Testament
Galatians 4

• Galatians 4:6 says, "God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts."  What does it mean to have Jesus in your heart?
• Why does Paul say in Galatians 4:25 that the present city of Jerusalem is in slavery?

Galatians 5

• In Galatians 5:4 Paul says, "You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ."  He is speaking to people who had been told that they had to be circumcised to be saved.  Are there ways in which you are trying to be justified by works rather than trusting in Jesus who paid for your sins?
• Paul tells us to walk by the Spirit and says, "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." (Galatians 5:17)  What do you need to do to walk by the Spirit and not be controlled by the flesh?
• What examples of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) do you see in your life or the lives of others?

Galatians 6

• What attitude are we to take in restoring someone caught in a sin?  (Galatians 6:1)
• Why does Paul tell us in Galatians 6:9 to "not become weary in doing good."  Why should doing good make us weary?

Ephesians 1

• According to Ephesians 1:13-14, what happened when you heard the gospel and believed?
• What does Paul say he is praying for the Ephesians?

Ephesians 2

• Why does Ephesians 2:1 say we were dead in transgressions and sins?  What does this mean?
• According to Ephesians 2:2-3, what three things controlled us when we were dead in sin?
• Why does Ephesians 2:9-10 say that we were not saved by works, but we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works?

Old Testament
Job 1 - 21

• What was Satan's objective when he attacked Job in chapter 1?
• Job asked his wife in Job 2:10, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"  What is your attitude when you face trouble?
• Why did Job's friends sit silently with him for 7 days?
• In Job 3:11 Job said, "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?"  If you could answer Job, what would you tell him?
• In Job 4 Eliphaz assumes that bad things only happen to people who have been bad.  He says, "Who, being innocent, has ever perished?"  What do you think of his reasoning?
• Eliphaz, in Job 5:8 tells Job he should pray about his situation, "But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him."  Do you think this advice was helpful to Job?
• In Job 6:8-9 what does Job say he has prayed for?
• Job describes life as "like a slave longing for the evening shadows." (Job 7:2)  What allows a person to enjoy life and not look at it only as a struggle to get through?
• Bildad told Job that if he would pray God would restore him, "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." (Job 8:5-6)  What was wrong with Bildad's advice?
• In Job 9:33, Job says he needs a mediator but does not have one.  Who is our mediator?
• In Job 10:13-14, Job speaks as though God is looking for an opportunity to condemn and punish him.  Why did Job think this?
• Zophar, like Eliphaz and Bildad, assumed that Job was suffering because of his sin.  If you read chapter 1 and 2, you know this isn't true.  Zophar said, "God has even forgotten some of your sin." (Job 11:6)  This is a true statement, but what was wrong with what Zophar was saying?
• Job said in Job 12:5, "Those who are at ease have contempt for misfortune."  If you are at ease, how can you avoid having contempt for others in misfortune?
• Job said to his friends, "If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom." (Job 13:5)  His friends had been silent for the first week they were with him,  (Job 2:13)  Why do you think they started speaking the things they did?
• In his suffering Job expressed a desire to just be left alone, "So look away from him and let him alone, till he has put in his time like a hired laborer." (Job 14:6)  Why wasn't he finding comfort from his friends, his wife, or even from God?
• Eliphaz accuses Job, "But you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God." (Job 15:4)  His reasoning must have been that if Job claimed to have been devoted to God, but was still suffering greatly, it would discourage others from wanting to be devoted to God.  How would you answer his argument?
• Job calls his friends "miserable comforters" (Job 16:2) and says that if their situations were reversed, "my mouth would encourage you." (Job 16:5)  If you had been with Job what could you say with your mouth that could encourage him?
• Job 17:1 says, "My spirit is broken."  What does this mean?  Is it possible to have an unbroken spirit in spite of great suffering?
• What is Bildad's purpose in describing what happens to the wicked man in Job 18:5-21?
• Job describes his hope in a redeemer in Job 19:25-27.  This seems to contrast with his earlier statements that he wants to die and be no more.  Where does he get this hope?
• Zophar says in Job 20:3, "I hear a rebuke that dishonors me."  Job's friends had originally come to comfort him, but continued to argue with him in ways that were of no comfort.  Zophar seems to be interested in defending himself.  How can we show people compassion without worrying about ourselves?
• Job points out that sometimes the wicked seem to have an easy life, "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?" (Job 21:7)  His friends assumed that bad things happen to bad people and therefore Job must have been bad.  Why don't bad things always happen to bad people?

Psalms
Psalms 86 - 88

• In Psalm 86:11 David prays for an undivided heart.  To what extent has God given you an undivided heart? 
• What is the meaning in Psalm 87 of saying, "This one was born in Zion," of people  from other nations?
• Psalm 88 has been called the saddest Psalm because it is a prayer offered in suffering.  Can you find an expression of hope and faith in this psalm?

Week 30, July 21 - 27, 2019

New Testament
2 Corinthians 12

• Why does Paul say he was given a thorn in the flesh?  Why wasn't it taken away?
• What does Paul mean when he says, "For when I am weak, then I am strong"?

2 Corinthians 13

• Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves."  How do you do this?
• Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:9 that he is praying for the Christians in Corinth.  What he asks for is translated "that you may be fully restored" in the NIV, "that you will become mature" in the NLT, "that you be made complete" in the NASB, and "perfection" in the KJV.  What would it mean for you to become fully restored or complete?

Galatians 1

• Paul says he is astonished to learn that the Galatians are "turning to a different gospel."  How can you maintain your understanding of the true gospel and not be turned aside?
• Where does Paul say he learned the gospel?

Galatians 2

• How does Paul describe his meeting with the apostles in Jerusalem in Galatians 2?
• Why did Paul confront Cephas in Antioch?
• In Galatians 2:20 Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  How will it change the way you live to have the same attitude Paul describes?

Galatians 3

• Why does Paul say in Galatians 3:10, "all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse"?
• Paul says in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  How should this direct the way we relate to each other?

Old Testament
Esther 1 - 10

• Why did Vashti lose her position as queen in chapter 1 of Esther?
• Why did Esther keep her nationality secret when she became queen?
• Why did Haman want to kill all the Jews?
• Why did Esther want to fast and have others fast before trying to speak to the king?
• In Esther 5 Haman boasted to his wife and friends of his wealth and prestige, but said in verse 13, "But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate."  Why did one man who didn't show Haman respect outweigh and the things he could have been thankful for?
• In Esther 6:13 Haman's advisers told him that since Mordecai was Jewish, "you cannot stand against him."  Did these advisers understand that God's favor was on the Jews?  How would they have come to that conclusion?
• How did Haman die in Esther 7?
• What did the new edict in Esther 8 say?  Who wrote it?
• How did Purim become a two-day celebration?
• According to Esther 10:3 what was Mordecai's position under king Xerxes?
• The Jews had been scattered during captivity and were forced to live in a foreign land.  Yet they maintained an identity as a people so that Haman knew who they were and wanted to kill them.  How did they maintain their identity as a people?

Psalms
Psalms 82 - 85

• Psalm 82:3 is speaking to judges and says, "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed."  How can you be of help to the weak, fatherless, poor, or oppressed?
• Psalm 83:1 says, "O God, do not remain silent."  Why would it ever seem like God is silent?  What should you do if you feel like God is being silent in response to your prayer?
• Psalm 84:10 says, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere."  What value do you place on being close to God?  What do you do to draw near to Him?
• Psalm 85:1-3 describes God restoring the nation by forgiving their sins.  Verse 4 says, "Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us."  Why is it possible to ask a holy God to forgive our sin?

Week 29, July 14 - 20, 2019

New Testament
2 Corinthians 7

• Paul urges us in 2 Corinthians 7:1 to "purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit."  What do you need to do this?
• What does Paul say is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow?

2 Corinthians 8

• In 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 how does Paul explain the purpose of collecting money to help other Christians?
• Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:21, "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man."  Why would Paul be concerned, in this case, about the eyes of man?

2 Corinthians 9

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."  How can you develop a heart that allows you to give to others generously and cheerfully?
• 2 Corinthians 9:8 goes on to say, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."  How have you seen God bless you in ways that make you able to give to others?

2 Corinthians 10

• Paul says, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world." (2 Corinthians 10:4)  What weapons is he speaking of and how are they used?
• 2 Corinthians 10:18 says, "it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."  What do you need to do to live for God and not try to impress yourself?

2 Corinthians 11

• Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that Satan masquerades as an angel of light and in verse 15 he says that Satan's servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.  How can you tell the truth from a masquerade?
• How many times does Paul say he was given 39 lashes ("forty lashes minus one")?

Old Testament
Nehemiah 1 - 13

• Nehemiah was 1000 miles from Jerusalem in what is now Iran.  How did he react when he heard about the conditions in Jerusalem?  What did he ask for in Nehemiah 1:11?
• In Nehemiah 2:4, how could Nehemiah pray between being asked a question and answering it?
• In Nehemiah 2:19, how did Nehemiah's enemies first respond to the building of the wall?
• Chapter 3 of Nehemiah describes all the people involved in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.  This included people normally not involved in physical labor, such as perfume-makers and goldsmiths.  Why were so many people willing to get involved in this project?
• How did Nehemiah respond to the opposition from his enemies in chapter 4?
• What changes did Nehemiah make in chapter 5 to keep the work on the wall going?
• How long did it take to complete the rebuilding of the wall?
• In Nehemiah 8, Ezra and others read from the Law and explained its meaning.  The people were weeping when they heard the Law, but Nehemiah and Ezra told them not to mourn or weep.  What did they mean in verse 10, "the joy of the Lord is your strength"?
• Nehemiah 9:28 summarizes much of the history of Israel, "But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight."  Can you be at rest and remain faithful to God?
• The people agreed in Nehemiah 10:39, "We will not neglect the house of our God."  What was required of them to not neglect the house of God?
• What was done in Nehemiah 11 to populate the city of Jerusalem?
• In Nehemiah 12 two choirs stood on the wall to sing and celebrate.  While the wall was being built, the builders had been ridiculed, "What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!" (Nehemiah 4:3)  What is the value of celebrating what God has done?  Are there things you need to celebrate?
• In chapter 13, why did Nehemiah stop people from bringing goods into the city on the Sabbath?

Psalms
Psalms 79 - 81

• What is Psalm 79 asking for?
• Psalm 80 says, "revive us," (verse 18) and "restore us." (verse 19)  Are you praying for God to revive and restore America?
• Psalm 81:1 urges us to sing and shout.  What benefit is there to praising God out loud with enthusiasm?

Week 28, July 7 - 13, 2019

New Testament
2 Corinthians 2

• In 2 Corinthians 2:6 Paul refers to someone who had been punished by the church in Corinth.  What did Paul tell them in verse 7 they should do now?
• What does Paul mean in 2 Corinthians 2:15, "we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ"?

2 Corinthians 3

• What does 2 Corinthians 3:16 mean, "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away"?
• How does the transformation that Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 3:18 happen?

2 Corinthians 4

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 shows that while we may have trouble, God will prevent it from being overwhelming, "hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."  How has God worked in your life to keep you from being destroyed even though you may have been struck down?
• Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:18, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  What do you need to do to fix your eyes on things that are unseen but eternal?

2 Corinthians 5

• Why does Paul say he would "prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord"?
• 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."  Are you living for the one who died for you?
• "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)  What does it mean that Jesus was made to be sin for us?

2 Corinthians 6

• Paul refers to having "weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left."  (2 Corinthians 6:7.  What does this mean?  Do you have the weapons he is talking about?
• What does the command in 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers" apply to?

Old Testament
Ezra 1 - 10

• Ezra 1:1 says, "the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation."  How does God move the heart of a king?
• How many people returned from captivity to Israel in Ezra, chapter 2?
• Why were there two different reactions to the laying of the foundation of the temple in Ezra 3:12?
• Why did work on the temple stop in Ezra, chapter 4?
• How did work on the temple start again in chapter 5?
• Ezra 6:22 says, "For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel."  King Darius had made it possible for the temple to be completed, but the people recognized that it was God who changed his heart.  Do you recognize God's hand when people show you favor?
• What was Ezra commissioned to do in chapter 7?
• In Ezra 8:21-23, Ezra and those with him fasted and prayed for a safe journey.  Why didn't he ask for soldiers and horsemen to protect them?
• Why was Ezra so troubled in chapter 9 at the fact that Israelites had intermarried with neighboring people?
• Chapter 10 names more than 100 men who had married foreign wives.  Verses 16 and 17 shows that the leaders spent 2 months determining what to do in each case.  Why would it take this long?

Psalms
Psalm 78

• Psalm 78:5-8 describes the importance of telling the next generation God's Word.  What opportunities do you have to pass faith on the next generation?
• Psalm 78:38 says, "Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath."  Why is God slow to anger?

Week 27, June 30 - July 6, 2019

New Testament
1 Corinthians 13

• Why does Paul say that if he had spiritual gifts, but lacked love, "I gain nothing"?
• Based on the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, when have you shown genuine love?  When have you failed to?
• Why does Paul say that of faith, hope and love, the greatest is love?

1 Corinthians 14

• What does 1 Corinthians 14:14 mean, "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful"?
• According to 1 Corinthians 14:26, what is the purpose we should have in mind when Christians are gathered?

1 Corinthians 15

• How many people does Paul say Jesus appeared to after His resurrection?
• What does Paul say would be the result if you eliminated the resurrection of Jesus and our resurrection from what we believe?
• How does Paul contrast the body we have now with the one we will have in heaven?

1 Corinthians 16

• What was Paul having the Corinthians set money aside for?
• 1 Corinthians 16:14 says, "Do everything in love."  How can you develop an attitude such that you can do everything in love?

2 Corinthians 1

• 2 Corinthians 1:4 says that God "comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."  In what ways have you experienced God's comfort?  What opportunities do you have to comfort others?
• Paul says that his troubles "happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God." (2 Corinthians 1:9)  Are there ways that you rely on yourself when you should rely on God?
• What is the meaning of the statement in 2 Corinthians 1:20, "no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ"?

Old Testament
2 Chronicles 19 - 36

• How did  Jehoshaphat instruct the judges in 2 Chronicles 19:6-7?
• Why did  Jehoshaphat have singers at the head of the army in 2 Chronicles 20?
• Why was Jehoram a worse king than his father?  What were the results?
• Who ruled Judah after Ahaziah died in 2 Chronicles 22?
• Why did the people kill Athaliah in 2 Chronicles 23?
• How was the restoration of the temple paid for in 2 Chronicles 24?
• How would you explain Joash turning from good to evil after the death of Jehoiada?
• Why was Amaziah defeated when he went to war against Jehoash in 2 Chronicles 25?
• 2 Chronicles 26:5 says of Uzziah, "As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."  Verse 15 says, "His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful."  But verse 16 says, "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall."  How can you become successful without becoming prideful?
• How does 2 Chronicles 27:2 describe the reign of Jotham?
• In 2 Chronicles 28 how many prisoners did Israel take from Judah?  Who told them to send them back?
• What changes did Hezekiah make in 2 Chronicles 29?
• In 2 Chronicles 30:6-9 messengers went throughout Judah and Israel inviting people to return to God and to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.  How did people react to the invitation?
• What was the result of the generous giving in 2 Chronicles 31?
• When the Assyrians were going to attack Jerusalem, Hezekiah told the people, "there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)  How does it affect you to recognize God's power at work in you?
• What happened when Manasseh repented in 2 Chronicles 33?
• When the book of the Law was read to Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34, he was troubled, saying in verse 21, "those who have gone before us have not kept the word of the Lord."  What do you think he heard in the Law that caused him to say this?
• How long had Josiah been king when he celebrated the Passover in 2 Chronicles 35?
• The book of 2 Chronicles ends with people of Israel being allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.  Who decreed that they could return?

Psalms
Psalms 76 - 77

• Psalm 76:7 says, "It is you alone who are to be feared."  Do you have fear of others that God wants to free you from?
• Psalm 77 was written in a time of trouble.  Verse 7 asks, "Will he never show his favor again?"  But verse 11 says, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago."  What is the value of remembering what God has done in time past?

Week 26, June 23 - 29, 2019

New Testament
1 Corinthians 8

• How does Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 8:1, "knowledge puffs up while love builds up," apply to what Paul teaches about food sacrificed to idols?
• In 2 Corinthians 8:11 Paul says, "So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge."  He places a high value on a weak believer by saying, "for whom Christ died."  Do you value your Christian brothers and sisters this way?

1 Corinthians 9

• Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 9:14, "the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel."  Why, then, did Paul sometimes do without being supported by others?
• What does Paul mean when he says in verse 20, "I myself am not under the law," but says in verse 21, "I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law"?
• Paul says in verse 27 that he makes his body his slave.  What does he mean and how is that done?

1 Corinthians 10

• 1 Corinthians 10:10 tells us not to grumble.  What does this mean?  How do you avoid it?
• What does 1 Corinthians 10:13 promise that God will provide when you are tempted?
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  If you do everything for God's glory will it make life harder or easier?

1 Corinthians 11

• What was wrong with the way the Corinthians were observing the Lord's Supper?
• What did Paul teach us to do before we "eat of the bread and drink from the cup"?

1 Corinthians 12

• What is the purpose of the gifts of the Spirit that Paul discusses in 1 Corinthians 12?
• What does Paul say in 1 Corinthians 12:15 to Christians who might think they are unimportant or unneeded?
• What does Paul say in 1 Corinthians 12:21 to Christians who think another Christian is unimportant or unneeded?

Old Testament
2 Chronicles 1 - 18

• Why were the ark of the covenant and the bronze altar in separate tents, in Jerusalem and in Gibeon, in the time of Solomon?
• Why did Hiram send Huram-Abi to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 2?
• According to 2 Chronicles 3, what was the location of the temple Solomon built?
• In 2 Chronicles 5, after the temple was built and the musicians and singers gave praise to God, what happened?
• In 2 Chronicles 6:18 Solomon said, "But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built."  If Solomon recognized that the temple could not contain God, what was the purpose of the temple?
• God made a promise to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "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."  How does this promise apply today?
• In 2 Chronicles 8, what did Hiram and Solomon's men go to sea to bring back to Israel?
• According to 2 Chronicles 9, how long was Solomon king?
• In 2 Chronicles 10, Rehoboam made a foolish decision, ignoring the advice of his elders.  What does the statement in verse 15 mean, "this turn of events was from God"?  How can the king's bad decision be from God?
• Why did Rehoboam gather an army in 2 Chronicles 11 and then go home?
• Why did Rehoboam have bronze shields made in 2 Chronicles 12?
• What happened when the army of Judah cried out to the Lord in 2 Chronicles 13:14?
• What happened when Asa faced a much larger army than his in 2 Chronicles 14 and called to the Lord in verse 11?
• In 2 Chronicles 15:1-7, Azariah brought Asa a message of encouragement to "be strong and do not give up."  Do you need this type of encouragement?  Where will you get it?
• As a young king Asa relied on the Lord and did right.  When he had been king a long time he relied on help from the king of Aram.  Hanani rebuked him for this and said in 2 Chronicles 16:9, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."  Are you fully committed to relying on the Lord?
• Who did Jehoshaphat send out to teach in 2 Chronicles 17?  What do you think was his purpose?
• In 2 Chronicles 18 why did Jehoshaphat insist on consulting a prophet of the Lord, but still go to war after the prophet said that it would end in defeat?

Psalms
Psalms 74 - 75

• Psalm 74 is written in a time of great trouble.  "They burned your sanctuary to the ground." (vs. 7)  "We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be."  (vs. 9)  What does this Psalm ask God to do?
• Psalm 75:6-7 say, "No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.  It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another."  In light of this truth, how should we pray for our nation?

Week 25, June 16 - 22, 2019

New Testament
1 Corinthians 3

• In 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Paul explains that the Corinthians' arguments over which leader they follow were a sign of their immaturity.  What attitude toward leaders or teachers does he say we should have instead?
• What is the reward Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 3:14?
• Paul specifically commands us in 1 Corinthians 3:21, "no more boasting about human leaders."  Do you have any tendency to boast about human leaders?

1 Corinthians 4

• Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:3, "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself."  He only cared about what God thought.  What is the benefit of only caring about God's judgement and not caring what people think?
• Why did Paul send Timothy to Corinth?

1 Corinthians 5

• What does Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 5:5 when he says, "hand this man over to Satan"?
• Why does Paul instruct Christians not to associate with someone who claims to be a Christian but who is "sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler"?

1 Corinthians 6

• What does Paul say would be better than a believer suing another believer in front of a judge who is an unbeliever?
• What reasons does Paul give for fleeing sexual immorality?

1 Corinthians 7

• What does Paul say a believer who is married to an unbeliever should do?
• Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:23, "do not become slaves of human beings."  Are there ways you could become enslaved to another human being?  How should you avoid it?
• 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 teaches us how to live in light of the fact that "the time is short."  How does this apply to you?

Old Testament
1 Chronicles 16 - 29

• What were Asaph and his associates appointed to do in 1 Chronicles 16?
• In 1 Chronicles 17 David wanted to build a house for God.  Instead God had Nathan tell David, "I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you."  (1 Chronicles 17:10)  What did God mean that He would build a house for David?
• Twice in 1 Chronicles 18, the Bible says, "The Lord gave David victory wherever he went."  Why was God willing to give him victory again and again?
• Why did the Ammonites think David had sent a delegation to spy on them in 1 Chronicles 19 when he had sent a delegation to express sympathy?
• Who killed the six fingered man?
• Why did God send a plague on Israel in 1 Chronicles 21?
• In 1 Chronicles 22:19 David told the leaders of Israel, "Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God."  How would you devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord?
• In 1 Chronicles 23:4-5 David divided the Levites into four groups, each with a different responsibility.  Which group would you have preferred to be in?
• 1 Chronicles 25:1 says that David set aside some of the Levites "for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals."  What would you need to do if your job was to prophesy?
• According to 1 Chronicles 26:17-18, how many guards were present at one time?
• David told his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:9, "the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought."  How does knowing that God searches your thoughts affect the way you think?
• In 1 Chronicles 29 David and the people of Israel willingly contributed large quantities of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones for the construction of the temple.  In verse 14 David, prayed, "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."  Do you give with the same attitude, recognizing that everything you have comes from God?

Psalms
Psalms 72 - 73

• Psalm 72:12 says, "For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help."  Why does God have concern for the person who has no one else to help?
• Psalm 73 was written by Asaph.  What does he say in verses 2 and 3 that almost caused him to lose his foothold?

Week 24, June 9 - 15, 2019

New Testament
Romans 14

• What attitude does Paul tell us to have toward another believer who has a different opinion on what he calls "disputable matters"?  
• The examples of "disputable matters" that Paul uses are eating meat and observing certain days as sacred.  What would be good examples today?
• Paul instructs us to "make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."  Is there anything you need to do or not do to avoid causing a brother to stumble?

Romans 15

• Romans 15:2 says, "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."  What opportunities do you have to build up others?
• Paul says in Romans 15:7, "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you."  What does it mean to accept someone else?  What example does Jesus give us in how to accept others?

Romans 16

• In Romans 16:17-18, how does Paul teach us to respond to people who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way?
• Romans 16:20 says, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."  When and how will this happen?

1 Corinthians 1

• In 1 Corinthians Paul writes to correct several things in the church in Corinth.  In 1:11 he writes about "quarrels among you."  But before he writes about what is wrong he says in 1:7, "you do not lack any spiritual gift," and in 1:8, "He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."  How can Paul be confident of their spiritual gifts and that they will be blameless before God, when he wants to write to them about things they are doing wrong?
• How did Paul tell the Corinthians to settle their quarrels over which leader to follow?

1 Corinthians 2

• What does Paul mean when he says in 1 Corinthians 2:2, "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified"?
• Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:12, "What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us."  He summarizes in 2:16, "we have the mind of Christ."  What do you need to do to have the mind of Christ?

Old Testament
1 Chronicles 1 - 15

• According to 1 Chronicles 1:34, how was Israel related to Abraham?
• Abishai, Joab and Asahel, are included in stories about the life of David.  According to 1 Chronicles 2:16, how were they related to David?
• What is the purpose in 1 Chronicles 3 of describing David's descendants even after the exile?
• Why did Jabez's mother name him Jabez?  What do you think of his prayer in 1 Chronicles 4:10?
• How did Reuben lose his rights as the firstborn son according to 1 Chronicles 5:1?
• 1 Chronicles 5:25-26 describes the two and a half tribes that settled east of Jordan being taken into exile.  What reason is given for their exile?
• Chapters 6 through 8 list genealogies of some of the tribes of Israel.  These were written after people returned from captivity.  What was the benefit or purpose of these lists?
• 1 Chronicles 9 lists some of the first people to resettle after the captivity.  Responsibilities of the temple were given to descendants of Levi.  Why were these jobs reserved for Levites?
• What reason does 1 Chronicles 10:13 give for Saul's death?
• Why wouldn't David drink the water David's men brought him in 1 Chronicles 11?
• Men of Issachar are described in 1 Chronicles 12:32 as "men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do."  Where would they have gained their understanding?
• 1 Chronicles 13:11 describes David as angry and verse 12 describes him as afraid of God.  What should David have done about his anger and fear?
• What did David do with the gods that the Philistines abandoned in 1 Chronicles 14:12?
• What did David do differently in 1 Chronicles 15 compared to the previous time he tried to move the ark?

Psalms
Psalms 69 - 71

• David wrote in Psalm 69:3, "I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God."  Why would it be this difficult for David to get an answer from God?  What should you do if you feel like he did?
• In Psalm 70 David prays for God to hurry up.  "Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me." (verse 1)  "But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay." (verse 5)  What should you do if God doesn't answer as quickly as you'd hoped?
• Psalm 71:15 says, "My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long."  What opportunities do you have to tell of God's righteous deeds and saving acts?

Week 23, June 2 - 8, 2019

New Testament
Romans 9

• What was the reason for the "great sorrow and unceasing anguish" Paul spoke about in Romans 9:2?
• According to Romans 9:31-32, why were there people in Israel who did not attain righteousness?

Romans 10

• What is Paul's point in Romans 10:8 when he says, "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart"?
• What does Romans 10:9 say you need to do to be saved?

Romans 11

• What is the "remnant" Paul speaks of in Romans 11:5?
• What are the wild branches and the natural branches in Romans 11:24?

Romans 12

• In Romans 12:1 Paul urges us to offer our "bodies as a living sacrifice."  How do you do this?
• Romans 12:2 commands us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world."  Why might we have a tendency to conform to the pattern of this world?
• Romans 12:6-8 tells us to use our gifts.  How do you know what your gift is?  Are you using yours?

Romans 13

• According to Romans 13:1-7, what should our attitude be toward governing authorities?
• Why does Paul call loving others a "continuing debt"?
• Romans 13:11 tells us to "wake up from your slumber"?  What does this mean and how do you do it?

Old Testament
2 Kings 14 - 25

• In 2 Kings 14:19-21 the people of Jerusalem assassinated their king, Amaziah, and made his son the king.  Amaziah had become king in chapter 12 when people assassinated his father and made him king.  Why would people assassinate a king and make his son the king?
• 2 Kings 15 describes a man who became king when he was 16 years old and was king for 52 years.  He is called by two different names in this chapter.  What are they?
• Why would Ahaz, in 2 Kings 16, want to copy an altar he had seen in Damascus?
• According to 2 Kings 17:7-20, why did God allow Israel to be taken into captivity by the Assyrians?
• How did Samaria become a place of mixed religious practices that included worshiping the Lord, while practicing idolatry?
• In 2 Kings 18 how did the field commander try to undermine faith in the Lord?  Why would he want to?
• What did Hezekiah pray for in 2 Kings 19?  How did God answer?
• Why did Hezekiah weep bitterly in 2 Kings 20:3?
• In 2 Kings 21, why did God say He would bring disaster on Jerusalem?
• How did Josiah react when the Book of the Law was read to him?
• In 2 Kings 23 Josiah destroyed many idols and altars that had been used for idol worship.  Why had these things accumulated in Judah?
• What reason does 2 Kings 24:3 give for Judah's destruction?
• When the people of Judah were taken captive in 2 Kings 25, who was left behind?

Psalms
Psalms 67 - 68

• Psalm 67 is a prayer.  Verse 2 says, "so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."  What needs to happen for God's ways to be known on earth?
• Psalm 68:5 calls God "a father to the fatherless."  How does God care for the fatherless?

Week 22, May 26 - June 1, 2019

New Testament
Romans 4

• According to Paul in Romans 4, how was Abraham justified (considered righteous)?
• In what sense is Abraham our father?

Romans 5

• Romans 5:5 says, "God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit."  How does having God's love poured into your heart change you?
• What is the significance of the fact that Jesus died for us while we were still His enemies (Romans 5:10)?
• Romans 5:19 says, "through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous."  How has Christ's obedience made you righteous?

Romans 6

• What does it mean that we were "buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life"? (Romans 6:4)
• We are commanded in Romans 6:11 to "count yourselves dead to sin," and in verse 12, "do not let sin reign in your mortal body," and in verse 13, "do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness."  How do you obey these commands?
• Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  What is the difference between wages and a gift?

Romans 7

• Romans 7:6 says, "we have been released from the law."  What does this mean?
• Paul says in Romans 7:15, "For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."  Why would a person do what they hate?

Romans 8

• Paul writes, "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."  (Romans 8:6)  How can you make sure that your mind is governed by the Spirit?
• Romans 8:13 says, "if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."  How do you put to death the misdeeds of the body?
• Since "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children," (Romans 8:16) what should we be doing to hear that testimony?
• "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)  Does this mean that all things should be easy and pleasant for us?

Old Testament
2 Kings 1 - 13

• In 2 Kings 1, why did Elijah call down fire on the first two groups of men who came for him, but go willingly with the third group?
• What did Elisha tell Elijah he wanted from him before he was taken away by God in 2 Kings 2?
• Why did Elisha call for a harpist in 2 Kings 3:15?
• In 2 Kings 4:2 Elisha asked an impoverished widow, "Tell me, what do you have in your house?"  Why would he assume that a miracle for a woman who had so little would begin with something she already had?
• Why did Naaman go away angry when Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan River in 2 Kings 5?
• How did Gehazi become leprous?
• When Elisha said in 2 Kings 6:16, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them," he was recognizing unseen forces.  1 John 4:4 tells us, "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."  How does this truth impact the way you view the challenges of life?
• What action were the four men with leprosy in 2 Kings 7 willing to take because they assumed they would die if they did nothing?
• What prompted the king to give a woman back her land in 2 Kings 8:6?
• How did Jezebel die?
• 2 Kings 10:28 says that Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel, but allowed the worship of golden calves at Dan and Bethel to continue.  Why would he stop one form of idolatry and not the other?
• How old was Joash when he became king in 2 Kings 11?
• In 2 Kings 12 the priests were collecting money to repair the temple, but years went by without the repairs being done.  How is this possible?
• 2 Kings 13:4 says, "Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord listened to him."  If Jehoahaz was a wicked king, why did God listen to him when he prayed?

Psalms
Psalms 64 - 66

• David wrote in Psalm 64:3, "They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows."  In verse 8 he says, "He will turn their own tongues against them."  What does this mean?
• Psalm 65:3 says, "When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions."  How has forgiveness from God changed your outlook on life?
• Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened."  Why would cherishing sin hinder our prayers?

Week 21, May 19 - 25, 2019

New Testament
Acts 27

• Who did the centurion listen to instead of Paul?
• What basis did Paul have in Acts 27:22 for telling the people on the ship that none of them would be lost?
• Why did the soldiers want to kill the prisoners in Acts 27:42?

Acts 28

• Why didn't Paul die from being bitten by a snake in Acts 28?
• What caused all the sick people on the island of Malta to come to Paul to be healed?
• What had the Jewish leaders in Rome heard about Paul?  What had they heard about Christianity?

Romans 1

• What does Paul mean in Romans 1:14 when he says he is, "obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish"?
• According to Romans 1:18-20, who knows that there is a God?

Romans 2

• Why does Paul warn us against passing judgement on others?
• What is the meaning of the statement in Romans 2:11, "For God does not show favoritism"?

Romans 3

• Romans 3:20 says, "no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law."  However Romans 2:13 said, "it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous."  How can both of these statements be true?
• Paul says in Romans 3:21, "apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known."  How does a person obtain this righteousness?
• According to Romans 3:25-26 what does the sacrifice of Jesus demonstrate?

Old Testament
1 Kings 12 - 22

• 1 Kings 12:8 says, "Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him."  This led to trouble in his kingdom.  Whose advice are you most likely to listen to?
• What was Jeroboam's motive for placing golden calves in Bethel and Dan?
• The man of God in 1 Kings 13 was commanded by God to deliver his message at Bethel and return home without eating or drinking there (verses 8 and 9).  He obeyed when Jeroboam invited him to come home for a meal, but disobeyed when an old prophet invited him.  What do you learn from this unusual story?
• In 1 Kings 14 Jeroboam wanted to hear from God, but sent his wife in disguise to consult with the prophet Ahijah, who was blind (making the disguise pointless).  What should Jeroboam have done in this situation?
• What happened to Jeroboam's descendants in 1 Kings 15?
• How did Zimri die?
• What was the purpose of the drought in 1 Kings 17?
• What would you have done if you had been the widow Elijah spoke to in 1 Kings 17:13-14?
• 1 Kings 18:46 says that Elijah "ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel."  From Mt. Carmel to Jezreel is about a 20 mile run.  Ahab was in a chariot.  How was Elijah able to do this?
• Why did Elijah run for his life in 1 Kings 19:3, when by verse 4 he was ready to die anyway?
• What was wrong with Ahab making a treaty with Ben-Hadad in 1 Kings 20?
• Why did Ahab want Naboth's vineyard?  Why did Naboth want to keep it?
• Why did Ahab say he hated Micaiah in 1 Kings 22:8?

Psalms
Psalms 60 - 63

• What does David mean in Psalm 60:11 when he says "human help is worthless"?
• In Psalm 61:2 David wrote, "From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint."  How are you able to pray when God seems distant or you feel weak?
• David said,"Yes, my soul, find rest in God." (Psalm 62:5)  What do you need to do to find rest in God?
• Psalm 63:1 says, "I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."  Was thirst for God something that was unique to David or does everyone thirst for God?