June 24, 2023

Catch-Up Day! 

Catch-up day! No new Reading! no new questions!

If you are all caught up, first, WAY TO GO. You can pick something on your own to Read from Scripture.

June 23, 2023

 Being Flexible

Reminder: In last Sunday’s message, flexibility was shown to be an expression of wisdom. We can’t treat every situation the same! We must be flexible. Sometimes we must “wait” for others to come to us. At other times, we must “go” to them and plead our case. 

Read:  Proverbs 26:4-5. How can we know which is wiser: to correct a fool or be silent?

Read:  Job 34:1-4. In this passage, discernment is compared to tasting food and testing words. In your experience, what has been the best way for you to discern what is right?

June 22, 2023

 Being Compassionate

Read:  Psalm 103:8-14. In this passage, how does God express his compassion? In your opinion, what is the connection between God as our creator and his compassion?

Read:  Matthew 9:36. What moved Jesus to compassion? How can this kind of Christlike compassion show up in your life next week?

June 21, 2023

Being Charitable

Read:  2 Corinthians 8:7-8. Based on this passage, write a single-sentence definition of generosity. 

Describe a time when a person was extravagantly generous with you. How would the people who know you best describe your generosity?

Read:  Ecclesiastes 5:13. When a person lacks generosity, how does this harm them?

June 20, 2023

Being Approachable

Read:  Romans 12:14-21. The character qualities listed in this passage are fundamental for healthy relationships. Pick one and consider how it is displayed in your life. Where is one area mentioned in this Scripture where you need to grow?

Read:  Proverbs 18:19. Respond to the following statement: It’s difficult to have a positive impact on a person who offends you–as your offense increases, your chances for influence decrease.

Read:  Philippians 4:5. Gentle people are attractive! When is it most difficult to be gentle with others? Under what circumstances do you typically have a “short fuse?”

June 19, 2023

Review

Read: Luke 15:11-31. In this passage, we see four qualities of a loving father: Being approachable, charitable, compassionate, and flexible. As you consider your life, what do you “need most” from God right now, and why?

Read Jeremiah 31:7-9. In what ways is God like a father to his people?

Four “tests” were mentioned at the end of the message: Am I safe? Am I generous? Am I caring? Am I wise? Which of these tests do you pass with flying colors? Why? Which of these tests represents a growth area for you? What can you do differently this week?

 

June 17, 2023

Read:  John 11:25-27, 14:6, 2 Cor. 5:1, Heb. 9:27, Rom. 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-10, 1 Cor. 15:54-56

In what way does a perspective on the afterlife relate to the Gospel? Be specific.

How does this explain why a Christian should grieve death very differently than a non-Christian?

How do you feel when you consider your own death? What steps of hope do you need to take?

June 16, 2023

Read:  John 11:35, Matthew 11:28-29

Describe a current situation where you are dealing with grieving a death. (Physical or relational)

How does the promise of Matthew 11:28-29 and the example of John 11:35 encourage you?

Spend some time right now with the Lord and journal how the Lord provides you rest.

June 15, 2023

Read:  John 11:32-35, Isaiah 53:3, Hebrews 4:15

How did Jesus respond to the weeping of Mary and the Jews? (c.f. John 11:35) Why? 

What does this highlight about a healthy way of grieving? (i.e., emotions)

How can you be tempted to stifle your emotions in grief? Why? How does Jesus encourage you?

June 14, 2023

Read:  John 11:17-23, 32, 37, Romans 11:33-36

Why was Martha essentially disappointed with Jesus? How was timing the primary issue?

What does this highlight about trying to figure out God? Why will this also impact grief?

In what way did Martha also show a continued hope in Jesus? How does this encourage you?

June 13, 2023

Read:  John 11:17-23, Ecclesiastes 7:2, Matthew 16:24-26, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18

Explain why Jesus put such an emphasis on the afterlife. How does Matthew 16:24-26 relate?

What can be learned about going to a memorial service? (i.e., Ecc. 7:2 “house of mourning”)

How do you feel about the idea of death? Why? How does today’s reading adjust your approach?

June 12, 2023

Read:  John 11:17-23, Daniel 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:1-9

In what way did Jesus address an Old Testament perspective on death with Martha?

How is it different than a Christian perspective? (Hint: timing) Why would this matter to Martha?

How will a Jesus perspective on death impact how to grieve? How does this help you?

June 10, 2023

Read:  John 11:7-16, Hebrews 11:6-11, 17-34

Explain why the disciples struggled with Jesus’ response to hearing about Lazarus. How does this relate to faith?

Why will faith always be an area of growth for Christians? Why will it relate to challenging times? (c.f. Heb. 11)

What steps of faith is God challenging you to take? (i.e., practically, relationally, emotionally, etc.) Be specific.

June 9, 2023

Read:  John 11:4, 15, 2 Corinthians 12:8-19

What was the ultimate reason why Jesus delayed going to Lazarus? Why would the disciples have easily missed it?

What does this highlight about faith opportunities during challenging times? How can this be achieved? Be specific.

In what way have you experienced this truth? How might this apply to a current challenge you are facing?

June 8, 2023

Read:  John 11:11-14, 1 Kings 2:10, 11:43, Daniel, 12:2, Acts 7:60, 1 Cor. 15:51, 1 Thess. 4:13

What did Jesus mean by saying Lazarus is “sleeping”? What does this imply about the permanence of death?

Given “sleeping” was a common term among Jews for death, why do you think the disciples missed it?

What does this highlight about faith during challenging times? How does this help adjust your perspective?

June 7, 2023

Read:  John 11:7-10, Matthew 14:22-31a, 2 Corinthians 10:5

How did Peter succeed as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord? What happened when his focus changed?

In what way does everyone have a choice of focus during challenging times? Give an example.

What has been your experience with this truth? How is God encouraging you to change your focus today?

June 6, 2023

Read:  John 11:7-10, 1:9, 3:19-21, 8:12, 9:5, Psalm 119:105, Philippians 4:6-8

Explain what Jesus meant by “12 hours in a day”, “light”, and “darkness”. How does stumbling relate?

Why is this important for every Christian to understand when facing challenging times? Be specific.

Describe a challenging time you are currently facing. What are some specific ways you can apply this truth?

June 5, 2023

Read:  John 11:7-8, 8:53-59, 10:22-31

What do you know about the risk Jesus would have to take going to help Lazarus? Be specific.

How did the response of the disciples demonstrate smart and strategic thinking? How would you have responded?

In what way did Jesus respond? Why? What does this highlight about looking to God in challenging times?