Saturday, April 30, 2011

April 30, 2011

Read:  1 Peter 1:3-5, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Explain how the two passages today relate to one another. Why is this important?

Why do most people fear death and dying? How comfortable are you with the topic?

How can Easter impact how we view our mortality and actually bring hope when facing death?

Friday, April 29, 2011

April 29, 2011

Read:  John 20:19-31

What did Jesus offer the disciples when he first appeared to them? What does this say about their mindset?

Explain how Thomas highlights the importance of experiencing Jesus rather than just hearing about it.

What does Easter teach about how God works? Take time to pray and thank God for His work in your life.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

April 28, 2011

Read:  Matthew 26:69-75, Acts 4:1-13

Describe the change that took place in Peter’s life as a result of encountering the resurrected Christ.

Describe the change you have experienced as a result of becoming a Christian. (i.e. before and after)

What does this teach you about the impact of Easter? How can you incorporate Easter into your testimony?

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

April 27, 2011

Read:  1 Peter 1:3-5, 1 Corinthians 15:14-19

Why is Easter the cornerstone for Christianity? Why does Paul say that without Easter we have no hope?

How often do you talk about the resurrection when talking to others about Jesus? Why?

What is the danger of only focusing on the cross? (Hint: Remember others were crucified with Jesus)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

April 26, 2011

Read:  John 21:7-13, John 15:15

Why do you think Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him? What does this teach you about the Lord?

When you read today’s devotions, what strikes you as both encouraging and convicting?

How would you describe your “personal” relationship with Jesus currently? What needs to change?

Monday, April 25, 2011

April 25, 2011

Read:  1 Peter 1:3-5, John 3:16-18, Mark 10:45

In your own words, explain God’s plan of redemption. How does Easter relate?

In your own words, explain how Good Friday relates to Easter and the need to emphasize both.

In what way can the spiritual impact of Easter be missed when it comes to your family celebrations?

Saturday, April 16, 2011

April 16, 2011

Read:  Mark 2:13-27 – Pt2 (Jesus Stretching View During His Ministry–Comfort Zone)

Explain why the Pharisees were struggling with Jesus? What was Jesus trying to expose?

Often legalism is rooted in “fear”. Explain how this happens and what it does to unity and love.

What can you do to prevent this from happening in your walk with the Lord and other Christians?

Friday, April 15, 2011

April 15, 2011

Read:  John 9:1-7, Mark 8:22-26 – Pt 2 (Another Blind Man Healed by Jesus)

Describe the details surrounding “how” Jesus healed each blind man. What was similar or different?

Why is it important to see that God works in different ways? (i.e. unity vs. division)

How can you be tempted to box God into a method or approach? Ask God to show you how to change.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

April 14, 2011

Read:  Eph 4:6, 1 Cor 8:4-13 (Broad View to Who  God Is)

Explain what Paul is teaching about flexibility and liberty when it comes to unity for Christians.

How can a broad view of how God works around the world help protect our gift of love and unity?

What specific steps can you take in order to broaden your Christian “Norm”?

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

April 13, 2011

Read:  Eph 2:11-22, 1 Cor3:1-9 – Pt 1 (Reasons for Division Today)

What do you see as the Corinthians’ primary problem when compared with the truth in Ephesians?

Given the Corinthian conflict was happening in the church, what does this say about our risk?

How have you seen this take place today? (i.e. personal examples or your observations)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

April 12, 2011

Read:   Eph 4:4-5, Rom 16:17-20, 2 John 6-10, Gal 1:6-10 (No Compromise of God’s Word)

When is division allowed and even necessary among professing Christians? How does this actually unify?

What does this say about the importance of knowing God’s word? (i.e. the essentials and non-essentials)

In what way does this challenge your commitment and study of God’s Word? How can you grow?

Monday, April 11, 2011

April 11, 2011

Read:  Eph 4:4-5, 1 Cor 12:12-13, Gal 3:27-28 – Pt 1 (Our Unity is Based on God’s Work)

Explain what Paul means by one body, one spirit, one baptism?

What does this teach about unity among churches and Christians today?

How does this challenge your perspective on when to “move your chair”? (i.e. sermon illustration)

Saturday, April 9, 2011

April 9, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:1-3, Matthew 5:21-24

How does Jesus’ teaching relate to Paul’s teaching? What bottom-line principle is being taught?

How should Christian relationships look when compared to worldly relationships? What do you see today?

How do you deal with conflict and division? How can you grow in making “every effort”?

Friday, April 8, 2011

April 8, 2011

Read: Ephesians 2:11-22, 4:1-3

What do you know about Jews and Gentiles that would require a work of God for them to be unified?

How do their relational challenges compare to yours? What does this reveal about your spiritual maturity?

Why is love and unity a visible statement of what it means to “live a life worthy”? (Hint: Jesus model)

Thursday, April 7, 2011

April 7, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:2b-3, Luke 6:32-36

Explain the difference between God’s call to love and how the world loves. (Hint: choice, emotion, etc.)

Given that God calls Christians to love their enemies, what does this say about loving one another?

Bring a relationship you are currently struggling with before the Lord, and ask Him how to love.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

April 6, 2011

Read:  Matthew 21:12-17, Ephesians 4:2b, 4:26-27

Why was Jesus angry in the Temple area? Explain the difference between sinful anger and righteous anger.

What typically makes you mad or tests your tolerance? How does this line up with Jesus?

What is the distinction between tolerance and compromise? How does God’s word relate?

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

April 5, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:2b, Proverbs 15:1 & 18, 26:21

Why is anger and impatience related to fire? What are the practical implications of this truth?

Why is it important to recognize that impatience and intolerance is an emotionally based response?

Specifically, how have you experienced the truth of today’s devotion? Positive or negative?

Monday, April 4, 2011

April 4, 2011

Read:  Psalm 37:1-11

How do you think the Israelites struggled, given they used to sing Psalm 37 as a reminder to trust God?

How do you handle having to wait when things are unresolved or difficult? (i.e. patience)

What connection do you see between being patient and trusting God? How can you work on this today?

Saturday, April 2, 2011

April 2, 2011

Read:  Matthew 26:36-56

Explain how Peter’s response was both noble and prideful. How could he have been more humble?

Explain how Jesus’ response was both humble and gentle. How could Jesus have been more prideful?

Which response would you find most difficult? Why? Pray about your primary area of conflict with others.

Friday, April 1, 2011

April 1, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:1-2a, Matthew 5:5, 11:25-30, Galatians 5:23

Describe what it means to be “gentle” and how it relates to both humility and self-control.

Knowing that Jesus was both humble and gentle, how does this redefine or clarify your perspective?

Why is a wimpy Christian an oxymoron when it comes to biblical humility, unity, and gentleness?