July 31, 2013

Read:  Genesis 10:1, Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-4, Matthew 19:1-9

Explain how today’s reading highlights the importance of family life. What was being addressed? Why?

What are the implications to culture if this important truth is not maintained? How is this happening today?

In what way can Christians make a difference? How can you make a difference?

July 30, 2013

Read:  Genesis 1:28, 9:1, 7, Psalm 127:3-5

Explain how family life is God’s plan and basis for culture. How do they relate to one another?

In what way is parenting a ministry? How do you see this being challenged today?

How does this challenge your perspective and priorities? Be specific. Take time to pray about this.

July 29, 2013

Read:  Matthew 18:1-6, Mark 10:13-16

Why did Jesus embrace a child to create a teaching moment? How was this counter-cultural?

In what way was Jesus both valuing children and elevating a parent’s view of his/her children?

How do you typically value children and parenting? Why does this apply to Christians and non-Christians?

July 27, 2013

Read:  Genesis 9:20-28, Exodus 20:12-17, Ephesians 4:22-32

In today’s reading, what is being highlighted about personal repentance and protecting others?

Why is personal or private sin never really personal or private? Give examples.

What sin are you keeping private assuming it won’t hurt others? Take time to repent before God.

July 26, 2013

Read:  Genesis 9:20-28, Habakkuk 2:15-16, Leviticus 18:1-30

What appears to be the sin that Ham committed? Why did Noah curse Canaan and not Ham?

In what way was Noah protecting both the people and making a prophetic statement about the future?

What does this teach about the potential impact of one man’s sin? What is God teaching you about your sin?

July 25, 2013

Read:  Genesis 2:16-17, 3:6-8, 9:15-16, Exodus 20:1-11, Matthew 6:22-24

What happened to Adam when he disobeyed God? How was this an example of unchecked freedom?

What was God ultimately doing when He gave the law to Israel in Exodus 20? (i.e. protection)

What is God teaching you about priorities, unchecked freedom, protection, and your walk with Him?

July 24, 2013

Read:  Genesis 6:18, 8:21, 9:8-17, Revelation 4:1-3

Why did God continually restate to Noah His commitment to never send a global flood again?

Why did God provide a rainbow? What does it represent? Why is the location important?

In what way is a rainbow a reminder of obedience to God and His protection? Be specific.

July 23, 2013

Read:  Genesis 9:5-6, Exodus 20:13, Romans 13:1-8

Explain “why” God installed a capital punishment law? (i.e. image of God) How was this a moral issue?

How does Romans 13 provide a commentary on a Judeo/Christian legal system? (i.e. legal and moral)

Why is this important? What happens when the moral side is lost? What is God teaching you?

July 22, 2013

Read:  Genesis 4:3-11, 23-24, 6:11-13, 9:5-6

What connection do you see between the flood and Genesis 9:5-6? (i.e. pre-flood problems)

How was God establishing a government/legal system in order to protect people?

In what way does this challenge a secular view of freedom? What does this teach about obedience to God?

July 20, 2013

Read:  Genesis 7:2-3, 8:20-21, Luke 17:11-19, John 4:23-24

What did Noah do as soon as he unloaded the ark? Why? How was this obedience? What was the result?

In what way was Jesus highlighting the same truth in Luke 17:11-19? What does this imply about worship?

How is God challenging you to be a better worshiper? Take time to worship God right now!

July 19, 2013

Read:  Genesis 6:22, 7:5, 16, 8:15-19, Matthew 7:13-14, John 12:26

What was required of Noah to survive the flood and avoid God’s punishment?

What do you think would have happened to Noah if he hadn’t said yes to God?

Why is this important when it comes to personal responsibility in the Christian life? Give examples.

July 18, 2013

Read:  Genesis 7:24, 8:13-16,Romans 3:20-26, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Revelation 20:11-15

In what way is the cross to a Christian the same as the ark was to Noah? Be specific.

How is today’s Christian era similar to the time period when Noah was building the ark?

How does this relate to the Gospel and God providing a way out? What is God prompting you to do?

July 17, 2013

Read:  Genesis 7:24-8:16, Exodus 13:18-14:31, 1 Corinthians 10:13

Describe the ways that God provided for and protected Noah. How did Noah respond?

How would Moses’ audience have related to Noah’s story? (i.e. sinful Egypt, Red Sea, a way out)

How do you see this same truth relating to your walk with God? (i.e. sin, punishment, a way out)

July 16, 2013

Read:  Genesis 6:12-13, 7:21-23, 2 Kings 24:1-4, Matthew 23:29-33, Revelation 20:11-15

What common theme do you see in today’s readings when it comes to God’s judgment/punishment?

Why is this important for both Christians and non-Christians to grasp and understand? (c.f. Hebrews 12:6)

How is this attribute of God often misunderstood? (e.g. unloving) How do you explain the balance?

July 15, 2013

Read:  Genesis 6:12-13, 7:17-24, Psalm 104:5-9, Hebrews 11:7, 2 Peter 2:4-9, Matthew 24:37-42

Describe the damage that took place during the flood. Do you think it was local or global? Why?

What does this tell you about man’s fragility in daily life? How do you see this being overlooked today?

In what way is your perspective of God challenged, knowing He caused the flood? Why is this important?

July 13, 2013

Read:  Genesis 5:32, 6:18, 7:6, 16b, Matthew 4:1-11

How long did it take for Noah to build the ark? How could this have challenged Noah’s faith?

How did Satan try to tempt Jesus away from trusting the Father? How was timing the area of temptation?

Why is it important to remember that the walk of faith is a process and not about timing or outcome?

July 12, 2013

Read:  Genesis 7:16b, Ephesians 1:13-14, Matthew 28:18-20

Why is it important to know that God shut the door for Noah and his family? (i.e. secured them in)

In what way has God done the same thing for Christians? Why is this important for the walk of faith?

How does this encourage you to specifically trust God in new ways? List one example and pray about it.

July 11, 2013

Read:  Genesis 1:6-10, 7:11-12

What was the source of the flood waters that God sent? (i.e. “great deep burst”, “floodgates”)

What modern day event could also be described in the same way? How was Genesis 7 a return to Genesis 1?

Given how quickly man can be destroyed, what humbling truth is God teach you about trusting Him?

July 10, 2013

Read:  Genesis 7:6-16a, Matthew 13:24-30

What is the primary point being taught in Matthew 13:24-30? Why is this important in the walk of faith?

How can being treated unfairly by others actually be a faith buster? Give a personal example.

How did Noah avoid this temptation and remain faithful? How does God want you to remain faithful?

July 9, 2013

Read:  Genesis 7:6-16a, Matthew 24:37-39, Hebrews 11:7, James 1:2-4

What is being emphasized about Noah in both Matthew 24:37-39 & Hebrews 11:7? Why was the ark a key factor?

What does this highlight about God working beyond the obvious? How does James 1:2-4 relate?

What is your primary faith struggle in difficult times? How does Noah encourage you to trust God?

July 8, 2013

Read:  Genesis 7:6-16a, Acts 24, Matthew 27:11-35

How can we often glamorize Noah’s situation? In what way was his journey unfair? Be specific.

Why is this an important truth when it comes to the Christian life, perseverance and walking by faith?

What can happen if this truth is misunderstood? How do you see this taking place in Christendom today?

July 6, 2013

Read:  Matthew 11:1-6

How could John’s circumstances have caused him to be disappointed with God?

What question did John ask and why?

How did Jesus’ response to his question speak into John’s temptation to be disappointed?

July 5, 2013

Read:  Genesis 45:1-11; 50:15-21

How did Joseph view his disappointments at this stage of his life?

How does this passage relate to the narrative in John 11?

How can you apply the truth of this passage to your life?

July 4, 2013

Read:  John 11:1-45

Go through the passage and circle the references to believing and faith.

What is the take away supposed to be?

July 3, 2013

Read:  2 Corinthians 4:15-18

What is the principal truth taught in this passage?

How does this passage relate to the narrative in John 11?

How can you apply the truth of this passage to your life?

July 2, 2013

Read:  Hebrews 4:14-16

What is the principal truth taught in this passage?

How does this passage relate to the narrative in John 11?

How can you apply the truth of this passage to your life?

July 1, 2013

Read:  Psalm 37

What is the principal truth taught in this passage?

How does this passage relate to the narrative in John 11?

How can you apply the truth of this passage to your life?