Read: James 1:5, 3:17, 1 Kings 3:16-28
Based on today’s reading, briefly describe the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
In what way do you see wisdom and knowledge being confused today? Give examples.
Why is wisdom so important when facing a trial? What is at risk without it? (i.e. spiritual growth)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
Read: James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 10:13
How does today’s reading address the difference between knowing God’s truth and feeling God’s truth?
Why is this important for every Christian to understand? What will trials in life reveal about our values?
As you reflect on this past week, summarize what God has been showing you about trials and struggles.
How does today’s reading address the difference between knowing God’s truth and feeling God’s truth?
Why is this important for every Christian to understand? What will trials in life reveal about our values?
As you reflect on this past week, summarize what God has been showing you about trials and struggles.
Friday, April 27, 2012
April 27, 2012
Read: James 1:4, Hebrews 12:1-3, Matthew 5:11-12
Why did Jesus endure the cross? Describe how Jesus can be our example for spiritual perseverance.
Why is the need for patience and waiting on the Lord critical when it comes to facing the challenges of life?
What happens when we don’t? How does this relate to spiritual maturity? What is your experience?
Why did Jesus endure the cross? Describe how Jesus can be our example for spiritual perseverance.
Why is the need for patience and waiting on the Lord critical when it comes to facing the challenges of life?
What happens when we don’t? How does this relate to spiritual maturity? What is your experience?
Thursday, April 26, 2012
April 26, 2012
Read: James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 1:6-7
What universal Christian truth is being presented in today’s scripture reading?
How does this relate to “no pain, no gain” from a spiritual perspective?
What do you find to be the most challenging part of this truth? Why? How does God want to grow you?
What universal Christian truth is being presented in today’s scripture reading?
How does this relate to “no pain, no gain” from a spiritual perspective?
What do you find to be the most challenging part of this truth? Why? How does God want to grow you?
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
April 25, 2012
Read: James 1:2-3, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Briefly describe each seed and “why” one survived and the others died. What does this mean spiritually?
Why is it only through hardship and struggles that genuine Christian faith is revealed?
How have you seen this take place in your own life or the life of others?
Briefly describe each seed and “why” one survived and the others died. What does this mean spiritually?
Why is it only through hardship and struggles that genuine Christian faith is revealed?
How have you seen this take place in your own life or the life of others?
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
April 24, 2012
Read: James 1:2, Philippians 4:4-6, Acts 16:16-33, Romans 8:28
Why is a positive outlook in the midst of challenging circumstances a basic Christian perspective?
Why is this not delusional or masochistic thinking? How does this relate to Romans 8:28?
Why is this a spiritual discipline that requires intentional thinking? (i.e. the power of painful feelings)
Why is a positive outlook in the midst of challenging circumstances a basic Christian perspective?
Why is this not delusional or masochistic thinking? How does this relate to Romans 8:28?
Why is this a spiritual discipline that requires intentional thinking? (i.e. the power of painful feelings)
Monday, April 23, 2012
April 23, 2012
Read: James 1:2, 1 Peter 4:12-16, 2 Corinthians 11:24-29
What important truth do you learn from Peter and Paul’s life knowing they were in God’s will?
In what way can an “easy life” perspective cause a faith crisis when it comes to walking with Jesus?
How do you think this has influenced Christianity today? Why is this spiritually dangerous?
What important truth do you learn from Peter and Paul’s life knowing they were in God’s will?
In what way can an “easy life” perspective cause a faith crisis when it comes to walking with Jesus?
How do you think this has influenced Christianity today? Why is this spiritually dangerous?
Saturday, April 21, 2012
April 21, 2012
Read: James 1
As you read through the entire first chapter, make note of the different topics that are addressed.
What specific topic jumps out at you? Why? How does this relate to being a true follower of Jesus?
Given James’ background, why do you think he had a passion for authentic Christianity?
Friday, April 20, 2012
April 20, 2012
Read: James 1:1a, 2:14-19
Describe how James identifies himself and anyone who calls themselves “real” Christians.
Given that this is the overriding theme in the book of James, how comfortable are you with this examination?
How will you commit to praying weekly that God will use our study in James to speak to you?
Thursday, April 19, 2012
April 19, 2012
Read: James 1:1, Acts 15:1-30
Who is James assuming his audience will be as he writes his letter? Who does he leave out? Why?
How does the dating of James (i.e. before Acts 15) relate to his exclusion of others?
What does this tell you about the application of this letter to your life?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
April 18, 2012
Read James 1:1, Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Galatians 1:10
How did James and Paul see themselves as Christians? Why do you think they made this distinction?
In what way have you seen this distinction minimized today? What has happened as a result?
How does this challenge the way you have viewed your Christianity and following Jesus?
How did James and Paul see themselves as Christians? Why do you think they made this distinction?
In what way have you seen this distinction minimized today? What has happened as a result?
How does this challenge the way you have viewed your Christianity and following Jesus?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
April 17, 2012
Read James 1:1, Acts 12:1-17, Galatians 2:1-10
How did Paul and Peter view James, his role, and his influence within the church? Give examples.
What is striking about how James refers to himself given his role and responsibility?
What does this tell you about James, his conversion, and his view of Jesus? How has God changed you?
Monday, April 16, 2012
April 16, 2012
Read James 1:1, Mark 3:20-35, John 7:1-5
Why do you think Jesus’ brothers struggled with believing in His message and claims?
How can this relate to the pitfalls of growing up in a Christian home and actually becoming a Christian?
What is your experience with this truth? How can this confusion be avoided? (e.g. James’ testimony)
Why do you think Jesus’ brothers struggled with believing in His message and claims?
How can this relate to the pitfalls of growing up in a Christian home and actually becoming a Christian?
What is your experience with this truth? How can this confusion be avoided? (e.g. James’ testimony)
Saturday, April 14, 2012
April 14, 2012
Read Ephesians 2:3b-9, 1 Corinthians 15:12-18
Explain why all of Christianity rests on the resurrection of Christ. How do you see this minimized today?
In what way does Easter essentially celebrate God’s forgiveness, love, mercy, sacrifice and grace?
How can trying to earn God’s favor through good works actually minimize the significance of Easter?
Explain why all of Christianity rests on the resurrection of Christ. How do you see this minimized today?
In what way does Easter essentially celebrate God’s forgiveness, love, mercy, sacrifice and grace?
How can trying to earn God’s favor through good works actually minimize the significance of Easter?
Friday, April 13, 2012
April 13, 2012
Read Matthew 1:20-21, 26:26-30, 36-39, John 3:16-17
How did Jesus redefine the Passover meal? (i.e. God’s deliverance from Egypt)
How does Christian communion relate to Easter? (Hint: Another area of God’s deliverance)
Describe the connection between Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter. Why is this important?
How did Jesus redefine the Passover meal? (i.e. God’s deliverance from Egypt)
How does Christian communion relate to Easter? (Hint: Another area of God’s deliverance)
Describe the connection between Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter. Why is this important?
Thursday, April 12, 2012
April 12, 2012
Read John 10:14-18, Mark 10:32-45
What is the connection between Good Friday and Easter? Why is it important not to separate the two?
How would you respond to the statement, “Jesus was unfortunately killed by corrupt leaders”?
What are some ways you can include the message of Good Friday into your Easter celebration?
What is the connection between Good Friday and Easter? Why is it important not to separate the two?
How would you respond to the statement, “Jesus was unfortunately killed by corrupt leaders”?
What are some ways you can include the message of Good Friday into your Easter celebration?
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
April 11, 2012
Read Matthew 12:22-41
Why were the Pharisees looking for a sign from Jesus? How was Jesus confronting their hypocrisy?
What kind of sign did Jesus promise the Pharisees? How does this relate to Easter?
In what way was Jesus highlighting his authority and power? How does this adjust your view of Jesus?
Why were the Pharisees looking for a sign from Jesus? How was Jesus confronting their hypocrisy?
What kind of sign did Jesus promise the Pharisees? How does this relate to Easter?
In what way was Jesus highlighting his authority and power? How does this adjust your view of Jesus?
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
April 10, 2012
Read John 14:1-11
What is Jesus claiming about Himself in verse 6? What are the eternal implications of this claim?
What is Jesus claiming about Himself in verse 7? Why is this important in light of Good Friday & Easter?
How do we devalue Jesus when we include Him with other religious leaders? Why is this dangerous?
What is Jesus claiming about Himself in verse 6? What are the eternal implications of this claim?
What is Jesus claiming about Himself in verse 7? Why is this important in light of Good Friday & Easter?
How do we devalue Jesus when we include Him with other religious leaders? Why is this dangerous?
Monday, April 9, 2012
April 9, 2012
Read John 11:1-44
Why did Jesus wait a few days to visit his sick friend Lazarus? In what way was this a pre-Easter event?
How would you have responded to Jesus’ comment in verse 14? How was Jesus preparing His disciples?
What is the primary difference between Easter and Lazarus being raised from the dead? (Hint: vv. 25-26)
Why did Jesus wait a few days to visit his sick friend Lazarus? In what way was this a pre-Easter event?
How would you have responded to Jesus’ comment in verse 14? How was Jesus preparing His disciples?
What is the primary difference between Easter and Lazarus being raised from the dead? (Hint: vv. 25-26)
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
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