Saturday, August 31, 2013

August 31, 2013

Read:  Genesis 11:4, 12:2-4

What was the sin of the Babylonians in Genesis 11:4? Be specific. Why was it sinful?

What was similar in Genesis 11:4 to God’s promises to Abram in Genesis 12:2-4? Why was it not sinful?

What important lesson does this teach about humility and priorities? Take time to pray about your priorities.

Friday, August 30, 2013

August 30, 2013

Read:  Genesis 12:1-4, John 17:15-17

What could have been Abram’s concern about God’s promises in Genesis 12:2-3? Be specific.

Given Abram’s response in Genesis 12:4a, what can you learn about biblical obedience to God’s word?

How did Jesus pray the same principle in John 17:17? How do you need to apply God’s word in your life?

Thursday, August 29, 2013

August 29, 2013

Read:  Genesis 11:31-12:1, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:31-34, Ephesians 3:20-21

What was God telling Abram to do? (i.e. leave behind) What questions would you have had for God?

What does this reveal about your approach to obedience and following the Lord?

What specifically is God calling you to trust Him for and how can you step forward in obedience? Pray and commit.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

August 28, 2013

Read:  Daniel 1

Why was Daniel captured? How could he have questioned God’s provision? What did he do instead?

If you were in Daniel’s situation, how would you have viewed God’s faithfulness? Why?

What does Daniel’s response teach you about the “silent” times in your life? How is God speaking to you?

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

August 27, 2013

Read:  Genesis 11:10-26, Psalm 27:10-14, 38:12-15, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 3:20-21

How do you typically feel when God doesn’t seem to be responding to your prayers? Why?

Explain how a biblical understanding of God’s silence will help every Christian.

How has today’s reading helped you? How would you counsel someone struggling with God’s silence?

Monday, August 26, 2013

August 26, 2013

Read:  Genesis 4:1-11, 25-26, 5:29-32, 9:8-11, 18-27, 10:21-25, 11:10-26

Why did Moses spend so much time writing about genealogies? (Hint: the context of his audience)

How does Genesis 1-11 reflect God’s continued work during the many “silent” years? Be specific.

In what way has today’s reading helped you redefine how you view God working in your life?

Saturday, August 24, 2013

August 24, 2013

Read:  Genesis 11:5-9, Acts 2:5-13, Romans 10:17, Colossians 3:11-12

In what way is language a divine blessing from God? How does it develop culture and worldview?

How did Acts 2:5-13 reverse Genesis 11:5-9? What does it tell you about the work of Christ, redemption, etc.?

How are Christians a part of a new people group? (i.e. Connected Together in Christ) How about you?

Friday, August 23, 2013

August 23, 2013

Read:  Genesis 11:5-9, Matthew 5:28-30, Philippians 4:8

What was Jesus saying in Matthew 5:28-30? How does Genesis 11:5-9 illustrate the same truth?

Why is this approach necessary when battling sin? Give an example.

Where in your life do you need to take a preventative approach to sin? What steps will you take this week?

Thursday, August 22, 2013

August 22, 2013

Read:  Genesis 11:5-9, Matthew 26:69-75

Why did God confuse humanity by creating different languages? What was the result?

How does Peter’s denial of Jesus demonstrate this same truth? How can this be a trap for every Christian?

What are some ways you fall into this same trap? Be specific. How can you take precautions?

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

August 21, 2013

Read:  Genesis 3:1-6, 11:1-4, Proverbs 16:18

In what way was the sin of Adam and Eve the same as the sin in Genesis 11:1-4? What was the root issue?

Why is this important when it comes to temptation and sin? What is at risk if this isn’t recognized?

What does this look like in your life? Be specific. Take some time and pray about your Genesis 11 struggle.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

August 20, 2013

Read:  Genesis 11:1-4, Romans 7:14-25, Galatians 5:16-25, 6:10-18

What battle does every Christian face on a daily basis? Why is it a “battle”?

How does spiritual victory or defeat take place? What is the outcome of both scenarios?

How does this relate to a spiritual “boiling frog”? In what way are you at risk now? What will you do?

Monday, August 19, 2013

August 19, 2013

Read:  Genesis 4:12-24, 10:8-10, 11:1-4

Why did Cain build a city? (hint: city name) How is this similar to Genesis 11:1-4?

In what way were Cain and Nimrod similar in their ambitions and rebellion against God?

Given that building a city takes a lot of people, what does this teach about sin’s attractiveness?

Saturday, August 17, 2013

August 17, 2013

Read:  Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Colossians 1:8

How does “the body” metaphor of the church highlight what you see happening in Acts 2:42-47?

Why is this important when it comes to your individual walk with the Lord? (c.f. Colossians 1:8)

Describe two ways you can make a deeper connection to PCC. What can you do today?

Friday, August 16, 2013

August 16, 2013

Read:  Acts 2:42-47

Describe how the 1st century church interacted with one another. Give specific examples from the text.

How does today’s Christian church compare? (i.e., what do you see that is similar or lacking?)

In what way can your comfort zone prevent you from living out Acts 2:42-47? How will you avoid this?

Thursday, August 15, 2013

August 15, 2013

Read:  Matthew 28:19a-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-21

Explain why it is important to learn the truths of God’s word. What can happen when you don’t?

How was the Corinthian church an example of this taking place? What has been your experience?

What specific steps will you take toward spiritual maturity and growth? When will you take these steps?

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

August 14, 2013

Read:  Matthew 28:19b-20, Ephesians 4:11-15, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 10:24-25

What is the primary role of a pastor/teacher? How does this relate to God’s bottom line for PCC?

In what way is everyone involved in the pastor/teacher role? Where does this typically take place?

How does spiritual growth relate to evangelism? How is God challenging you? Take time to pray.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

August 13, 2013

Read:  Matthew 28:16-19a, 10:1-11:1

Why did Jesus send out His disciples? How did He prepare them? Why?

In what way was this training for the future? How does it make you feel knowing you have been “sent”?

Why is this a bottom line issue for God? Give examples of how this can look in your life.

Monday, August 12, 2013

August 12, 2013

Read:  Matthew 28:16-19a, 4:18-20, 9:36-38, Romans 10:13-15

Describe what Jesus meant by “making” disciples. How was he essentially repeating himself?

Given that this was a large group (i.e. 500 people), what does this imply about why PCC should exist?

How did you become a Christian and who was involved? How are you reflecting Romans 10:15? Why?

Saturday, August 10, 2013

August 10, 2013

Read:  Acts 16:22-26

What does Paul’s and Silas’ traumatic experience highlight about when to be thankful to God?

How does the one leper returning highlight the same truth? Why is this important?

What is God teaching you about your gratitude toward God? (i.e. priorities, timing, being public, etc.)

Friday, August 9, 2013

August 9, 2013

Read:   Luke 17:15-19, Psalm 63

In what way does the Book of Psalms teach the importance of public gratitude and thanksgiving to God?

How comfortable are you with a Psalm 63 approach to thanking God? What do you find hinders you?

Beyond worship songs, what are some other ways you can publically say thank you to God?

Thursday, August 8, 2013

August 8, 2013

Read:  Luke 17:15-19, John 12:1-8

How did the returning leper approach Jesus to say thank you? How was Mary’s approach similar?

Why were they not embarrassed given the significant social stigmas and critical opinions of them?

Given Jesus’ response, what does this reveal about God’s expectations? Be specific.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

August 7, 2013

Read:  Luke 17:11-15a, John 4:3-24

Based on today’s reading, what does God require when it comes to worship and a thankful heart? Why?

How can worshiping God prevent a self-serving attitude? How did the nine lepers reflect this dynamic?

What steps can you take in order to be more thankful and prioritize worship in your walk with the Lord?

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

August 6, 2013

Read:   Luke 17:11-15a, Ephesians 2:3-9, 2 Corinthians 5:15-19

Describe how sin is a spiritual disease in the same way leprosy was a physical disease in the ancient world.

How is becoming a “new creation” in Christ, similar to a leper becoming clean? (i.e. what is required?)

Why is this important for Christians to remember? How should this cultivate a thankful heart?

Monday, August 5, 2013

August 5, 2013

Read:  Luke 17:11-15a, Leviticus 13:38-14:9

Describe what was involved in becoming spiritually/socially clean after having an infectious disease.

Given this background, what was Jesus essentially telling the leper to do in Luke 17:14? Why?

What was significant about the healed leper’s gratitude toward God? How does this challenge you?

Saturday, August 3, 2013

August 3, 2013

Read:  Genesis 10:21, John 3:16, Matthew 28:18-19

How does Seth’s line highlight that God’s global plan of salvation is still rooted in family?

Explain the importance this places on a parenting style that will impact future generations.

How does your style need to change? How will seeing your son or daughter as a man or woman help?

Friday, August 2, 2013

August 2, 2013

Read:  Genesis 9:24-27, 10:6-12, Exodus 20:4-5

Explain how Ham’s sin affected his son Canaan and his extended family. What does this say to parents?

What is one way your parents influenced you? (good or bad) How do you see this being passed on?

How is God challenging you to be more future-oriented in your parenting? Be specific.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

August 1, 2013

Read:  Genesis 10, James 2:1-9

How does it make you feel knowing that all of us originated from Noah’s family?

What does this say about the value of others and the sin of discrimination? Why is this important?

Given that everyone is essentially your “in-law”, how does God want your perspective to change?