- Read: Acts 10What was God showing Peter beyond confronting his prejudices and discrimination? (i.e. view of family)Why do you think it was harder for Peter than Cornelius to cross the cultural lines?In what way can you relate to Peter? (i.e. not risking in Christian relationships) What needs to change?
Monday, January 31, 2011
January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
January 29, 2011
Read: Galatians 2:1-21
What important lesson do you learn from Peter’s back and forth response to Paul?
How can a “preservationist” attitude actually hinder spiritual growth and the work of God?
In what way can this lead to discrimination toward others? How can it be prevented?
What important lesson do you learn from Peter’s back and forth response to Paul?
How can a “preservationist” attitude actually hinder spiritual growth and the work of God?
In what way can this lead to discrimination toward others? How can it be prevented?
Friday, January 28, 2011
January 28, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:14-18, John 17:20-26
Given that Jesus prayed for our unity as Christians, what does this say about how we will be tempted?
How do you see Christians in conflict today? Why is God specifically concerned with this sin?
How do you typically respond to conflict? What specifically will you do as a result of this study?
Given that Jesus prayed for our unity as Christians, what does this say about how we will be tempted?
How do you see Christians in conflict today? Why is God specifically concerned with this sin?
How do you typically respond to conflict? What specifically will you do as a result of this study?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
January 27, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:11-18, Matthew 27:45-51, Hebrews 10:14-23
What were the Jewish implications when Jesus died on the cross and God removed the temple curtain?
What language did Paul use to describe the barrier removal? What are the implications for a Gentile?
Describe the ramifications when it comes to unity within the Church and how we should treat each other.
What were the Jewish implications when Jesus died on the cross and God removed the temple curtain?
What language did Paul use to describe the barrier removal? What are the implications for a Gentile?
Describe the ramifications when it comes to unity within the Church and how we should treat each other.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
January 26, 2011
Read: Acts 10:1-48, 11:1-4
Explain how Peter’s struggle with discrimination toward Gentiles was rooted in good intentions.
In what way did Peter experience a cultural transformation? Why was this important for him?
What is God teaching you about good intentions, His word, and allowing for change in your life?
Explain how Peter’s struggle with discrimination toward Gentiles was rooted in good intentions.
In what way did Peter experience a cultural transformation? Why was this important for him?
What is God teaching you about good intentions, His word, and allowing for change in your life?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
January 25, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:14, Galatians 3:26-28, Romans 10:1-13
Explain how God made a new people out of Jews and Gentiles.
Why does this work of God condemn discrimination, prejudice, or racism?
Explain how this was tough to live out in the first century church. How do you see this same struggle today?
Explain how God made a new people out of Jews and Gentiles.
Why does this work of God condemn discrimination, prejudice, or racism?
Explain how this was tough to live out in the first century church. How do you see this same struggle today?
Monday, January 24, 2011
January 24, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:14-16, Colossians 2:13-23
What did Paul mean when he said Christ abolished the law, its commandments, and regulations?
Why was Paul’s statement not a contradiction to Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:17-20?
What are the implications as it relates to salvation vs. sanctification? (i.e. growing in Christ)
What did Paul mean when he said Christ abolished the law, its commandments, and regulations?
Why was Paul’s statement not a contradiction to Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:17-20?
What are the implications as it relates to salvation vs. sanctification? (i.e. growing in Christ)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
January 22, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:13, Matthew 26:17-29, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
What was meant by Paul’s statement that the Ephesian Gentiles were brought “near” to God?
Explain how taking communion relates to God’s covenant to you as a Christian.
Why is it important and beneficial for you to take communion on a regular basis?
What was meant by Paul’s statement that the Ephesian Gentiles were brought “near” to God?
Explain how taking communion relates to God’s covenant to you as a Christian.
Why is it important and beneficial for you to take communion on a regular basis?
Friday, January 21, 2011
January 21, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:11-13, Galatians 5:16-26
Why is it important to keep tabs on how God has changed you?
Take some time and write out your own personal Galatians 5 list. (i.e. flesh and spirit)
What is God showing you? Highlight any senior moments. Spend some time thanking Him in prayer.
Why is it important to keep tabs on how God has changed you?
Take some time and write out your own personal Galatians 5 list. (i.e. flesh and spirit)
What is God showing you? Highlight any senior moments. Spend some time thanking Him in prayer.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
January 20, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:11, Romans 2:25-29, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Galatians 5:6
How does physical circumcision relate to circumcision of the heart? Explain.
What problem was Paul trying to prevent? Describe how this same problem can take place today.
How has God changed you since you became a Christian? (i.e. attitude, priorities, motives, etc.)
How does physical circumcision relate to circumcision of the heart? Explain.
What problem was Paul trying to prevent? Describe how this same problem can take place today.
How has God changed you since you became a Christian? (i.e. attitude, priorities, motives, etc.)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
January 19, 2011
Read: Luke 7:36-50, Revelation 2:1-5, Ephesians 2:11-12
What did Jesus mean when he said, “he who has been forgiven little loves little”?
How does Jesus’ teaching relate to what Paul was teaching the Ephesians?
In what way will this process prevent a personal Revelation 2 moment from taking place?
What did Jesus mean when he said, “he who has been forgiven little loves little”?
How does Jesus’ teaching relate to what Paul was teaching the Ephesians?
In what way will this process prevent a personal Revelation 2 moment from taking place?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
January 18, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:11-12, Acts 19:1-10, Romans 9:1-8
What was the initial reaction of the Jews in Ephesus? How was Paul living out God’s plan of redemption?
Why might a Jew have had a harder time reflecting on his/her “sinful” non-Christian past than a Gentile?
How would you describe your B.C. days? (i.e., attitude, priorities, habits, etc.) What is God showing you?
What was the initial reaction of the Jews in Ephesus? How was Paul living out God’s plan of redemption?
Why might a Jew have had a harder time reflecting on his/her “sinful” non-Christian past than a Gentile?
How would you describe your B.C. days? (i.e., attitude, priorities, habits, etc.) What is God showing you?
Monday, January 17, 2011
January 17, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:11-12, Genesis 12:1-4, 17:1-14
Explain the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant and how circumcision relates.
In what way did a Jew have an advantage over a Gentile? (Hint: race, citizenship, promises, etc.)
Why did Paul highlight this issue to the Ephesian Gentiles? How can this process apply to you?
Explain the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant and how circumcision relates.
In what way did a Jew have an advantage over a Gentile? (Hint: race, citizenship, promises, etc.)
Why did Paul highlight this issue to the Ephesian Gentiles? How can this process apply to you?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
January 15, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:1-10, Romans 5:12-21
How does Paul relate Adam to Jesus? Why is this important and what are the implications?
In what way does Paul indirectly refer to Adam in Ephesians 2:3? Explain why we need a Savior.
Describe how God has used these past few weeks to deepen your understanding of His love and mercy.
How does Paul relate Adam to Jesus? Why is this important and what are the implications?
In what way does Paul indirectly refer to Adam in Ephesians 2:3? Explain why we need a Savior.
Describe how God has used these past few weeks to deepen your understanding of His love and mercy.
Friday, January 14, 2011
January 14, 2011
Read: Luke 18:9-14
What was the root problem that the Pharisee had with the tax collector? What was Jesus teaching?
How have you seen this same sinful attitude creeping into Christianity today? What can prevent it?
How are you tempted in this area? Take some time and pray about this with the Lord.
What was the root problem that the Pharisee had with the tax collector? What was Jesus teaching?
How have you seen this same sinful attitude creeping into Christianity today? What can prevent it?
How are you tempted in this area? Take some time and pray about this with the Lord.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
January 13, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:8-10, 2 Peter 1:2-11
In what way is 2 Peter 1:2-11 just an expanded version of Ephesians 2:8-10?
Explain how grace and growth work together. Why is the balance so important?
What is God teaching you regarding spiritual growth, obedience, and acknowledging His grace and mercy?
In what way is 2 Peter 1:2-11 just an expanded version of Ephesians 2:8-10?
Explain how grace and growth work together. Why is the balance so important?
What is God teaching you regarding spiritual growth, obedience, and acknowledging His grace and mercy?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
January 12, 2011
Why is it important “who” Paul was writing to and the “order” of the great commission given by Jesus?
Describe why scripture is so important for spiritual growth? What should it always lead to?What changes will you make in order to get into the Word on a more regular basis?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
January 11, 2011
Read: Hebrews 10:1-14
What primary point is being made between the Jewish sacrificial system and Jesus? Why is it critical?
How does this refute the argument that you can earn God’s favor or be good enough to go to heaven?
In what way can you use this truth to help others with their view about God, heaven, hell, etc.?
What primary point is being made between the Jewish sacrificial system and Jesus? Why is it critical?
How does this refute the argument that you can earn God’s favor or be good enough to go to heaven?
In what way can you use this truth to help others with their view about God, heaven, hell, etc.?
January 10, 2011
Read: Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:19-26
How is God’s law and standard for holiness helpful even though we can never achieve it?
Explain how faith plays into salvation and forgiveness. (Hint: faith in what?)
Why should this truth always keep Christians humble and grateful? What is God teaching you?
How is God’s law and standard for holiness helpful even though we can never achieve it?
Explain how faith plays into salvation and forgiveness. (Hint: faith in what?)
Why should this truth always keep Christians humble and grateful? What is God teaching you?
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 8, 2011
Read: Philippians 3:7-14, Psalm 37:3-5
What is Paul saying with these “profit & loss” statements?
What are Paul’s strong desires and how does he say he will try to reach them?
Make a list of spiritual resolutions/goals/desires for 2011. Ask God to help you achieve them.
What is Paul saying with these “profit & loss” statements?
What are Paul’s strong desires and how does he say he will try to reach them?
Make a list of spiritual resolutions/goals/desires for 2011. Ask God to help you achieve them.
Friday, January 7, 2011
January 7, 2011
Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
What does Paul allude to in this passage that might cause one to become discouraged?
What’s the truth he shares to bring encouragement?
Make a list of “seen” and “unseen” things that Paul refers to. How can you fix your eyes on the unseen things?
What does Paul allude to in this passage that might cause one to become discouraged?
What’s the truth he shares to bring encouragement?
Make a list of “seen” and “unseen” things that Paul refers to. How can you fix your eyes on the unseen things?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
January 6, 2011
What should be our attitude toward money?
Write down the principles about generosity found in these verses.
Consider what God might want you to do in the coming year to use your money to make a difference for His kingdom.
January 5, 2011
Describe, in your own words, what the Psalmist is saying.
Write down all the reasons he mentions that makes him feel this way.
How do you feel toward God? Write down your own reasons and talk to Him about your list.
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