December 25, 2011

Read: Luke 2:1-20

Merry Christmas. May the joy brought through Christ's birth fill your heart today.

December 23, 2011

Advent Readings:  Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97, Luke 2:8-20, Titus 3:4-7

December 22, 2011

Advent Readings:  Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Luke 2:1-7, Titus 2:11-14

December 21, 2011

Read:  Luke 1:46-55, Isaiah 33:17-22, Revelation 22:6-7, 18-20

December 20, 2011

Advent Readings:  Isaiah 11:1-9, John 5:31-47, Galatians 4:21-5:1

December 19, 2011

Advent Readings: Isaiah 42:1-12, John 3:16-21, Galatians 4:8-20

December 17, 2011

Read:  Matthew 1:24-25, Romans 10:1-13 (Advent Reading: 2 Samuel 7:23-29)

What does it mean to be saved from your sins? How is this accomplished?

In what ways does Joseph model for us what it means to trust and follow Christ?

How do you think being a Christian should impact the way Christmas is celebrated?

December 16, 2011

Read:  Matthew 1:21-23, Colossians 1:15-23, Ephesians 2:1-10 (Advent Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-16)

How does Christmas relate to the cross? (i.e. message from the angel)

What is at stake if we only focus on the birth of Christ at Christmas?

How do you see culture gradually changing and reducing the significance of Christmas today? Why?

December 15, 2011

Read:  Matthew 1:1-20, Luke 3:23-37, Jeremiah 22:24-30 (Advent Reading: Psalm 80:1-7)

What is the difference between Luke’s and Matthew’s genealogy listings for Jesus? Why is this important?

What do you know about Jechoniah that would pose a problem for him to be listed? (i.e., Matthew 1:11-12)

Why is the virgin birth necessary to solve this problem? (Hint: bypass Jechoniah’s curse)

December 14, 2011

Read:  Matthew 1:18-23, John 3:16-17, 14:6, Mark 10:45 (Advent Reading: Zechariah 8:1-8)

How does the virgin birth relate to Christ coming to save people from their sins? (Hint: sinless sacrifice)

What does this say about Jesus’ role and purpose for Christmas?

Consider how your Christmas celebration can highlight this truth and make plans on how to do it.

December 13, 2011

Read:  Matthew 1:18-20, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 (Advent Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24)

Describe why Adam and Jesus have similar birth stories. In what way are they very different?

How can Adam’s birth help you explain the miracle of Jesus’ birth?

How does the virgin birth of Jesus relate with how God works in the life of a Christian? (Hint: supernatural)

December 12, 2011

Read:  Matthew 1:18-20, John 1:1-14 (Advent ReAding: Psalm 42)

How is Jesus described before the first Christmas? What was his role?

What are the implications of this truth when compared to other religious leaders of the past or present?

In what way does this elevate your perspective of Jesus and celebrating Christmas?

December 10, 2011

Read:  1 Peter 1:1-9 (Advent Reading: Luke 3:1-18)

What perspective does Peter give his readers in order to help them endure challenging times?

How does this once again relate to the principle of God working in challenging times?

Describe a time of personal spiritual growth and surrounding circumstances. What do you see?

December 9, 2011

Read:  Genesis 37:12-26, 39:1-23, 41:1-43 (Advent Reading: Psalm 146:5-10)

What is especially important about Joseph’s journey when it comes to trusting God?

How would you have been tempted to respond differently if you were in Joseph’s situation?

How does timing and patience play into the struggle? What specifically is God teaching you?

December 8, 2011

Read:  2 Corinthians 11:24-12:10 (Advent Reading: Psalm 21)

How does Paul describe his many challenges in light of spiritual growth and a walk with the Lord?

What does this teach you about expectations and how to recognize God’s leading?

Consider a Christmas challenge you will be facing this year and ask God for His perspective.

December 7, 2011

Read:  1 Samuel 23:7-24:22 (Advent Reading: Matthew 22:34-46)

Knowing God promised David would be the next king, how could he have responded to Saul’s resistance?

In what way was David trusting in the Lord rather than taking things into his own hands?

How well do you do in difficult situations and trusting God? Why? What are you learning about faith?

December 6, 2011

Read:  Luke 1:5-25, 57-66 (Advent Reading: Matthew 22:23-33)

In what way was Zechariah & Elizabeth’s experience similar to Joseph & Mary’s experience? (i.e. Monday’s devotional)

Why do you think God does His greatest work during challenging times?

How do you typically feel during the Christmas season? How are Zechariah & Elizabeth an encouragement?

December 5, 2011

Read:  Matthew 1:18-24 (Advent Reading: Luke 1:57-80)

Why would Joseph have been tempted to divorce Mary when he found out she was pregnant?

Why would Mary’s pregnancy have been especially challenging? (i.e. cultural implications)

What can we learn about God, given He provided the Savior of the world through difficult circumstances?

December 3, 2011

Read:  Numbers 20 (Advent Reading: Matthew 22:15-22)

What were the set of circumstances?

How did the leaders respond? Why was this an issue for God?

What does this teach you? How does it motivate you to trust God when you might normally get frustrated or angry?

December 2, 2011

Read:  Exodus 17:1-7 (Advent Reading: Matthew 22:1-14)

Here we see the 1st historical account of Meribah & Massah. What was going on? What were God’s people doing?

What was God’s purpose for their current circumstance?

How do you handle trials and disappointment? What can you learn from this?

December 1, 2011

Read:  Psalm 95:8-11 (Advent Reading: Matthew 21:33-46)

How has the tone changed from the first seven verses? What is being communicated by this sudden transition?

What is the major warning here and how does it relate to the first seven verses?

How does God react? How does that challenge your thinking? Do you need to realign any values?

Which of these two sections creates the biggest issue for you? Pray and ask God for the grace to grow in that area.

November 30, 2011

Read:  Psalm 95:1-7, Psalm 100 (Advent Reading: Matthew 21:23-32)

What similarities do you find in these two Psalms? Write them down and pray through them.

Are there any new thoughts in Psalm 100 that aren’t in Psalm 95? Write them down and pray through them.

November 29, 2011

Read:  Psalm 95:1-7 (Advent Reading: Matthew 21:12-22)

Three times in these seven verses God is inviting us to “come”. Write down what He is calling us to come to do.

We all have countless things for which we are to be thankful. What are the points of focus in this passage?

Think about each one of these points of worship and gratitude. Pray and thank God for each one and what
they mean to you.

November 28, 2011

Read:  Psalm 95:1-7, Romans 11:33-36, Colossians 1:15-20 (Advent Reading: Matthew 21:1-11)

What does it mean to be Christ-centered?

How do you get distracted from God and become self-centered?

How can we, as a church, get distracted from God and become man-centered?

November 26, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4, Acts 17:11-12, 1 Corinthians 13:12

In what way does Paul describe spiritual maturity and the way to recognize it?

Why is it important for Christians to own their own faith (i.e., be critical thinkers)? How does it happen?

In what way can protective Christian parents actually hinder spiritual growth with their children?

November 25, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4, Hebrews 12:4-11

What is implied by the fact that “train” and “discipline” are actually the same Greek word?

From a parenting perspective, how do consequences and expectations work together for a child’s benefit?

How do you see this play out in culture today? How can Christians be different?

November 24, 2011

Read: Ephesians 6:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, James 1:19

How does listening and encouragement relate to each other? What would the opposite look like?

Knowing that encouragement is to be the mark of Christian behavior, what does this say to parents?

Why is it especially important for a parent to be a good listener? Why is assuming dangerous in parenting?

November 23, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4, 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Explain how Paul’s encouragement to parents in Ephesians 6:4 relates to Paul’s reminder to Timothy.

Why is God’s word the standard for spiritual growth? How does this relate to both parents and children?

How often do you read the word of God? How can you incorporate the word of God in your parenting?

November 22, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4, Deuteronomy 6:1-9

It is clear from scripture that parents are able to provide godly guidance for their kids. What else is implied?

What are you currently doing to grow in your walk with the Lord? Are you progressing? Why?

Describe how you are modeling a personal relationship with Jesus to your child. What does this tell you?

November 21, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 1:8-9, 4:1-9

What does the bible assume about parents even though the direction is given to children?

Who do you think has the majority of influence on youth today? What does this say about family life?

As a parent, describe your experience with this truth. How is God challenging you to grow?

November 19, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:29, 6:4a, James 3:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Why do you think our words and what we say to one another is so important? What is the impact?

How would you describe verbal abuse? Why is this issue so critical in how we parent our children?

Explain the necessary balance between verbal correction and encouragement in parenting. Why?

November 18, 2011

Read: Ephesians 6:4a, Proverbs 3:3-5, Philippians 4:6-8

How are you tempted to exasperate your children? (i.e. overprotect, compare, overachieve, etc.) Why?

What connection do you see between parental anxiety and exasperating kids? How does Proverbs 3:3 help?

What does it look like to embrace rather than fight the inherent risks associated in parenting for you?

November 17, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:25-27, 6:4a, Colossians 3:21

Why does Paul warn against unresolved anger? (i.e. what happens?) How have you seen this take place?

Why is this a critical issue in parenting and how does this relate to exasperating children?

What lessons should every parent take from Paul’s warning? What specifically applies to you?

November 16, 2011

Read:  1 Samuel 2:12-36

In what way did Eli neglect his role as both a father and a priest? Why? What was the result?

How could Eli have rationalized that he actually loved his sons? How do you relate to Eli’s challenge?

What are some ways you are tempted to unintentionally neglect your children? How will you change?

November 15, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:4a

Given the context of Paul’s discussion about husbands and wives, what can we derive about parenting?

How have you always viewed the parenting roles of a mom and dad? (i.e. who’s in charge?) Why?

Given Paul’s instruction that a dad should lead the way, what is God teaching you about you?

November 14, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4a, Genesis 4:1, 25, Psalm127:3-5

Describe how God views children when it comes to His plan and purpose for mankind.

How do you think children are valued today? How does this compare to when you were growing up?

What is the difference between a worldly value & a godly value toward kids? How should this impact parenting?

November 12, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:2-3, 1 Timothy 5:2-8

Who does God say is responsible for the care and provision of parents, grandparents, etc.?

How can this responsibility be avoided or delegated in today’s culture?

How do you think this would impact family life? What is God teaching you about parenting and honoring?

November 11, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:2-3, Exodus 20:12, Matthew 15:1-9

Explain how the religious system of Jesus’ day was dishonoring to parents.

In what way does this help you understand Paul’s instructions to the Ephesian Christians?

Why would honoring parents lead to a happy and long life?

November 10, 2011

Read: Ephesians 2:1-3, 6:1-3

In what way are we all born juvenile delinquents? How do you see proof of this in young children?

Why is it important to remember this truth as a parent? What happens when this is forgotten?

How are you tempted to minimize this truth with your children? What is God teaching you?

November 9, 2011

Read: Ephesians 6:1, Acts 4:8-20, Romans 13:1-7

Why did Peter oppose the religious authorities? Was he violating Romans 13? Why or why not?

How do you see Peter’s dilemma applying to children and family life today?

What counsel would you give to a child who wants to please God and lives in an abusive home?

November 8, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20, Romans 1:28-30, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

What connection does Paul make between obeying parents and following the Lord? Why?

In what way can kids be duped into thinking this connection doesn’t exist? Give examples.

Explain the lessons that are learned by children who do what they are told. How can you instill this truth?

November 7, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:1, Proverbs 1:8, 6:20-23, 30:17

Describe how obeying your parents will lead to life and disobedience will lead to death.

How are you seeing this play out in today’s culture? Give an example from your own experience.

Have you noticed a difference in obedience between girls and boys? How does God’s word address this?

November 5, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:31, Matthew 19:3-12, 1 Corinthians 7:12-17, 7:39-40

How do you see God’s approach toward marriage differing from the world’s approach toward marriage?

How do you see this impacting divorce rates today? (i.e. no fault divorce, irreconcilable differences, etc.)

Explain the three scenarios when God will allow someone to biblically divorce and remarry.

November 4, 2011

Read: Ephesians 3:4-6, 5:22-32, Matthew 5:14-16, Malachi 2:16

Describe how a biblical marriage is a witness to the world. (Hint: roles of husband and wife)

How do you think Satan approaches a biblical marriage given that 50% of Christian marriages fail today?

How does this elevate marriage beyond personal happiness? What kind of witness has your marriage been?

November 3, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:31, 1 Corinthians 7:25-38

Why does Paul attempt to dissuade those who are single from getting married?

What does this say about the priority that marriage should have in life? What is your view?

How should this cause someone to count the cost before getting married? How did you count the cost?

November 2, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:31, 1 Corinthians 6:12-19, Genesis 2:22-25

Explain what Paul means when he says a husband and wife are united in marriage and become one flesh.

In what way did Adam and Eve model this oneness in marriage? In what way were they an exception?

How do you think this truth should make a difference for couples when they are dating?

November 1, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:31, Exodus 20:12

Why does Paul tell the man and not the woman to leave their father and mother? (Hint: Ephesians 5:25-30)

How is this an indicator if a man is ready for marriage? Why do you see people waiting to marry?

What is the difference between leaving your parents and honoring your parents when you are married?

October 31, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:31, Matthew 25:1-13

In what way do you see the wedding ceremony in the parable of the virgins symbolizing Ephesians 5:31?

What similar symbols do you see taking place in weddings today? Give examples.

How should this impact the way a man and woman approach their roles as husband and wife?

October 29, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:28-30, Proverbs 31:10-31

What does Paul mean when he tells husbands to view their wives as their own body?

How is this both a role and responsibility for husbands? What are the practical implications?

How can this get misinterpreted today? How does Proverbs 31 help explain the truth of Ephesians 5:28?

October 28, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-24, 28-30, Genesis 3:1-20

Describe the roles and responsibilities that God gave Adam and Eve.

How do these roles provide a backdrop for the marriage in Ephesians 5:22-24, 28-30?

How do you see this model being inverted today? What is God teaching you in your marriage?

October 27, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:28, Matthew 22:34-40

What is assumed when Christians are told to love their neighbor as themselves?

How does Paul relate this truth to a husband and wife? In what way is it the same or different?

If you are married, how are you living this out? Why is this critical for pre-marital counseling?

October 26, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:25-27, 1 Timothy 3:1-5

What is assumed to be taking place prior to qualifying a Pastor for ministry?

How does this define the role of a husband toward his wife and kids? How does this make you feel?

As a husband, what can you do to be more intentional with your wife? How can a wife be a support?

October 25, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:27, 2 Corinthians 11:1-3, Revelation 19:1-8

Explain the bridegroom metaphor and how it relates to Christians following Jesus.

How have Christians been prepared for this future wedding day? (i.e., who, what, when)

In what way is a husband responsible for continuing this process? What steps will you take today?

October 24, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:26, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Titus 3:3-8

What is Paul describing that takes place in the life of a Christian by using a washing metaphor?

How does the “Word” relate to this washing? (John 1:1, 14) Why is this important? How does this define Christianity?

What are the implications of this truth for a husband and how he should lead his wife?

October 22, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:25, John 10:22-30, 2 Timothy 3:14-16

Why is it important to continually study the word of God? How does it help you know Jesus?

What implicit truth does Paul present when it comes to loving your wife? (i.e., Jesus model)

Make a spiritual growth commitment today and write out specifically what you will do.

October 21, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:25, Matthew 27:27-50

What connection does Paul make between the role of a husband in marriage and Jesus on a cross?

Consider the implications of this truth and write down ways God is challenging you to change.

In what way should this impact marriages today by counting the cost before saying “I do”?

October 20, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:25, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Given that “love” has multiple definitions today, how is a biblical view of love different?

List the different ways Paul describes love. What pattern do you see? (Hint: feelings vs. choices)

Why do you think it’s important for a husband to practice biblical love for his marriage?

October 19, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:25, Philippians 2:1-11

In one sentence, summarize how Paul describes Jesus to the Philippian church.

Knowing that Paul’s message was to all Christians, what should be the impact on husbands?

Describe how this may redefine a worldly view of marriage. Why is this important?

October 18, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:25, 2 Peter 1:5-11

Why is it important for every Christian to be growing in their walk with the Lord?

Why is it especially important for husbands? What is at risk if they don’t? Why?

How do you see this playing out today? How does this impact a husband’s leadership style?

October 17, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:25, James 4:1, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

What connection do you see between spiritual maturity and relational conflict?

Given that 50% of Christian marriages fail today, what does this tell you about spiritual maturity?

Why does a husband need to lead the way for spiritual maturity? How can this get inverted today?

October 15, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:22-24, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

What did Paul mean when he talked about being unequally yoked? How could this relate to marriage?

Why would it be extremely difficult to be married to a non-Christian given the biblical marriage roles?

In what way do you see that pre-marital counseling would be vital for a healthy marriage?

October 14, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:24, Acts 5:12-32

What was Peter’s dilemma as he was brought before the supreme court of Israel? (i.e. Sanhedrin)

Given his response, what does this teach about priorities and whom to obey when push comes to shove?

Why is this important when it comes to a wife’s role in marriage? How does this qualify Ephesians 5:24?

October 13, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-24, Genesis 3:1-7

What can be learned about the enemy and marriage knowing that the enemy tempted Eve away from Adam.

Explain how the first sin highlights an inverted model for a healthy marriage.

What is God teaching you about the subtle ways a wife can usurp a husband’s leadership?

October 12, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:24, 1 Peter 3:1-6

In what way is a wife called to “let go” when it comes to supporting her husband? (Hint: “in everything”)

How does being quiet and gentle relate to being a supportive wife?

How do you feel about Sarah as a role model? How does this challenge your perspective and approach?

October 11, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-24, Romans 12:1-8

Explain the model Paul tells wives to pattern their lives after within the context of marriage.

How does this help define their calling to “submit”? What are the practical implications? Give examples.

Describe a successful marriage you have observed and how it compares to a biblical marriage.

October 10, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-24, Genesis 2:18-24

Explain why God made woman. In what way was God solving a problem?

Why is it important to remember that both man and woman were created in God's image?

How should this truth impact marriage today? What has been your experience?

October 8, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, Ephesians 2:1-10

As you review Ephesians 2:1-10, how does Paul explain the transition from the wide road to the narrow road?

How would you respond to someone who says, “I hope God considers me good enough to go to heaven”?

Take some time right now to get right with God. Pray for forgiveness, repent, and thank Him for saving you.

October 7, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 18:9-14, 18-30

What was the primary problem that caused the Pharisee and rich man to be rejected by Jesus?

How does this relate to the narrow road and the broad road? How does this relate to repentance?

What road are you on? In what way is God challenging your priorities?

October 6, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 13:22-30

Explain how Luke 13 and Matthew 7 relate to one another. What do they teach about Christianity?

What does weeping and gnashing of teeth describe? What is taught about second chances?

How do you see eternity portrayed today compared to Jesus’ description? Why is this important?

October 5, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 16:19-31

What were the primary issues that Jesus was communicating through the rich man and Lazarus?

What do you find to be the most sobering part of the story? How does this make you feel?

Based on the truth of this story, how do you see the Gospel today being minimized? What needs to change?

October 4, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, John 3:1-21

Describe what you know about a Pharisee. (i.e., background, training, heritage, etc.)

How would a Pharisee have had a false sense of spiritual security? Give a modern day example.

How does Jesus redefine religion to Nicodemus? How does this redefine religion today?

October 3, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, John 6:25-66

Explain the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ encounter with the crowd. Why did He confront them?

In what way was He illustrating an all or nothing proposition? (i.e., implied by eating/drinking?)

How did the crowd respond to Jesus? Why? What does this say about becoming a Christian?

October 1, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:21, John 13:1-17, 1 Peter 5:5-6

What were the cultural implications of washing someone’s feet? How are they the same today?

Why did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet? What was he modeling? How does this relate to Ephesians 5:21?

How do you see this playing out in Christianity today? What do you think needs to change?

September 30, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:19, John 4:1-24

As Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman, what was taking place as the conversation progressed?

Why do you think Jesus made a point about true worship? What kind of worshipers does God desire?

What kind of worshiper are you? How does God want you to grow?

September 29, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:20, Acts 16:16-33, Philippians 4:4, Romans 8:28

Describe Paul’s life setting when he was teaching about worship and actually engaged in it.

In what way can worship become self-focused rather than God focused?

What is God teaching you about the purpose of worship? Take some time and worship the Lord right now.

September 28, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:20, Luke 17:11-19

What was Jesus teaching when he discussed the 10 lepers? (i.e. directly and indirectly)

Why do you think it was important that the returning leper was a Samaritan? How was this a rebuke?

What does this say about thankfulness and the importance of worship in the Christian life?

September 27, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:19b, 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, Psalm 33:1-5, Revelation 5:5-9

Why do you think music is such an important part of praising God and worship?

Why do you think the spirit filled life is characterized by worship and celebrating music?

How do you typically respond to a time of worship? What would growth look like for you?

September 26, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:19a, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, 7:5-7

How does Paul’s view about how God works challenge the way you have viewed God working?

What does this teach about Christian relationships, living in community, and connecting together?

In what way does this impact being filled by the Holy Spirit? (i.e. Ephesians 5:18)

September 24, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:18, Acts 6:3, Luke 4:1, Acts 3:1-7, Acts 6:5, 7:55, 11:24

What do you discover when you compare the different ways people are filled with the Spirit of God?

Why is it important to understand that being filled with the Spirit is being under the influence of the Spirit?

Why does Paul relate being drunk with being filled with the Spirit? What does this tell you about God?

September 23, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 1:17-23, 3:16-19, 4:11-13, 30, 5:18b

How does Paul explain God’s filling throughout Ephesians? (i.e. Who does it? How is it done? Etc.)

What is unique about Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 5:18 compared to the other passages?

What does this teach about how God works and what it means to be filled?

September 22, 2011

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:23-33, 1 Timothy 4:1-5

How was Paul protecting syncretism in the Corinthian church? (i.e. Christianity and pagan deities)

Why was Paul’s instruction to Timothy different than to the Corinthians? (Hint: legalism vs. syncretism)

In what way can this same issue relate to Christians and drinking alcohol? What is God teaching you?

September 21, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:18a, 1 Corinthians 11:17-32

What primary problem was taking place when the Corinthians came together for a meal and communion?

Why did drinking alcohol become part of the discussion? Why were the Corinthians drinking at church?

In what way could drunkenness have contributed to the overall problem Paul was addressing?

September 20, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:18a, Genesis 19:30-38

Why did Lot’s daughters feel they needed to get their father drunk? What were they trying to accomplish?

What does this teach you about the physical and spiritual implications of drinking too much?

How have you seen this take place today? Give two examples.

September 19, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:18a, Psalm 104:10-14, Proverbs 23:29-35, 1 Timothy 5:23, John 2:1-11

How is drinking alcohol presented throughout scripture? (i.e. What is assumed?)

What distinction is made between drinking and getting drunk? Why?

In what way does this challenge the way you have understood Christianity and drinking alcohol?

September 17, 2011

Read:   Ephesians 5:17, Revelation 2:1-5

Describe in your own words the message given to the Ephesian Church in Revelation 2:1-5. (i.e. good and bad)

What connection can you make between Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:17 and Jesus’ exhortation in Revelation 2:4?

How does this relate to flexibility, growth, and spiritual protection? How is God speaking to you?

September 16, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

How do you see the Christian church today in terms of relevancy or being institutionalized?

Why is it important to remember that the Church is an organism? How does this relate to spiritual flexibility?

What can you do to be more spiritually flexible and grow in your understanding of God’s will for your life?

September 15, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:17, Ephesians 1:1-14

After reading Ephesians 1:1-14, list four ways Paul explained God’s will and calling for the Ephesian Christians.

Describe the difference between God’s general will and specific will.

How can understanding God’s will provide spiritual protection? What can you do to grow in this area?

September 14, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:16-17, 2 Samuel 24:1-17

Describe the root of David’s sin that tempted him away from trusting God. (Hint: worldly wisdom)

How do you see this same challenge today? How can the “urgent” preempt godly wisdom?

In what way are you currently struggling with a “David” moment? Take time to pray right now.