January 31, 2014

Read:  Genesis 22:13-22, Ephesians 3:20-21, Romans 8:28

How did God provide a way out for Abraham? In what way would this have been a surprise?

Why is this a critical part of walking by faith? How will this ultimately impact obedience to God’s word?

How do you think God may be testing you? How does God’s provision for Abraham encourage you?

January 30, 2014

Read:  Genesis 22:10-19, 12:10-20, 16:1-2, 20:1-13

Briefly describe each faith test Abraham had to face. How many did he pass or fail? Why?

What does this teach you about successful Christian living and the importance of obeying God’s word?

How does this encourage you? Be specific. What practical obedience steps do you need to take today?

January 29, 2014

Read:  Genesis 22:3-12, Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 4:12, 12:2, James 2:14-22

In what way is obeying God’s word extremely easy and profoundly hard? How did Abraham model both?

What usually gets in the way of obeying God? Give an example. How will this prevent spiritual growth?

What is God teaching you about faith and His word? What can you do to pass your faith test this week?

January 28, 2014

Read:  Genesis 22:1-2, Exodus 20:20, Deuteronomy 8:1-3, 1 Peter 1:3-7, James 1:2-4

How does God’s approach to spiritual growth seem counter intuitive to modern day thinking?

In what way do you see Christianity adopting a worldly view? How does this lead to spiritual immaturity?

How can this be avoided? (i.e. redefining “struggle”) Ask God if there’s anything hindering your walk.

January 27, 2014

Read:  Genesis 22:1-2, Leviticus 1:9, 8:21, Exodus 24:4-8, Matthew 26:36-46, John 15:1-2

What does today’s reading imply about how spiritual testing and growth will “feel”?

Why is this important? What can happen if this truth isn’t understood and constantly in the forefront?

Currently, how might God be testing your faith? Be specific. How does your perspective need to change?

January 25, 2014

Read:  Acts 2:42-47, Romans 12:4-10, 1 Corinthians 12:13-27, Ephesians 4:11-13

Why does God describe Christians as body parts? What does this imply about “connecting” together?

Why does God give every Christian spiritual gifts? What gift/gifts has God given you? How can you tell?

In what way can you do a better job of using your gifts at PCC? What steps will you take? Be specific.

January 24, 2014

Read:  Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, Luke 21:1-4

How does this tithing relate to worship, gratitude, devotion, and connecting together? Give examples.

Explain the connection God desires between tithing and attitude. How does this challenge you? Why?

What tithing steps of faith does God want you to take in 2014? Take time to pray about it.

January 23, 2014

Read:  Matthew 28:20a, Hebrews 10:24-25, Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 4:2-7

In what way is Christianity a team effort. Why is this important? What can happen in isolation?

Why would this be a challenge in today’s independent culture? How can PCC community groups help?

What steps of community group growth will you take in 2014? (e.g. attending, leading, etc.)

January 22, 2014

Read:  Matthew 28:19b-20a, John 15:1-12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:5-12

What does Matthew 28:20a mean? (i.e. explain how teaching and obeying relate to one another)

Why is this important when it comes to measuring spiritual growth? What deception can often take place?

How have you been spiritually growing? How does this relate to “reaching”? How is God challenging you?

January 21, 2014

Read:  Matthew 4:18-20, 9:36-38, 28:18-19a, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14-15, 2 Peter 3:9

How does today’s reading highlight God’s calling for every Christian? What is at stake if this is missed?

How do you see this playing out in church today? How is this playing out in your life? Why?

In what way is this a struggle for you? What steps will you take to overcome the struggle and grow?

January 20, 2014

Read:  John 1:12-13, Romans 8:15-17, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, Galatians 4:4-7, 1 John 3:1-2

What happens to someone who becomes a Christian beyond salvation and forgiveness?

What does this imply about church? How does this challenge your view of church?

What practical impact should this have on Christian living? How does God want you to change?

January 18, 2014

Read:  Genesis 21:31-34, Matthew 6:24-33

How did Jesus compare Christians to the world when it comes to financial challenges?

“Why” are Christians called to be different? “How” are Christians called to be different?

In what way can this be a challenge for you? How can you be more inclusive of God in your finances?

January 17, 2014

Read:  Genesis 21:31-34, 1 Timothy 6:10-18

Why did Abraham plant a tamarisk tree and devote himself to God after his treaty with Abimelek?

What does this imply about Abraham’s approach to business? How can Christians lose sight of this truth?

What are some practical ways you can plant a tamarisk tree in your life? Be specific.

January 16, 2014

Read:  Genesis 21:25-30, Acts 25:1-11, Matthew 5:38-42

How was Paul’s behavior in Acts 25 similar to Abraham’s behavior in Genesis 21?

In what way has Matthew 5:38-42 been misinterpreted to contradict both Paul and Abraham?

Why is this important when it comes to the business world? What balance is critical to maintain?

January 15, 2014

Read:  Genesis 21:25-30, Matthew 22:35-40

Why did Abraham counteroffer Abimelek with a treaty? What was Abraham protecting?

What godly business principle did Abraham model? (c.f. Matthew 22:39) How is this countercultural today?

What can happen if Christians lose sight of Matthew 22:39? What specifically does this mean for you?

January 14, 2014

Read:  Genesis 21:22-24, Leviticus 19:33-37, Proverbs 11:1-3, John 14:6, Matthew 5:13-14

What are “dishonest scales” in Proverbs 11:1? Give an example of how this can take place in business today.

In what way has lying, manipulating, and deception been redefined today? Give two examples.

How can you avoid this same trap? How does God want you to be a brighter light of integrity today?

January 13, 2014

Read:  Genesis 21:22-24, Proverbs 6:16-19, Psalm 15:1-2, John 8:44, Matthew 5:37

How does God view lying? Why? What happens spiritually when lying takes place?

What does this imply about Christians who aren’t trustworthy? Why is this critical to address?

In what way can you be less than trustworthy? How is God challenging you to address this issue?

January 11, 2014

Read:  Genesis 21:1-21, Galatians 4:21-5:1

What theological distinction is figuratively being made between Ishmael and Isaac? (c.f. Galatians 5:1)

Why is this important when it comes to the consequences of sin? (i.e. slave or free)

In what way is God challenging you to be more spiritually forward thinking in 2014? Be specific.

January 10, 2014

Read:  Genesis 21:8-21, 16:1-12

Why did Sarah want Hagar and Ishmael to leave after Isaac was weaned? Why was Abraham distressed?

Who was ultimately responsible for the struggle? What does this teach about the consequences of sin?

How can this be a warning sign to you about flirting with sin? Specifically what will you bring before the Lord?

January 9, 2014

Read:  Psalm 130:5-8, Colossians 1:9-14, Galatians 5:22

How will patience help stabilize your walk with the Lord? Give an example.

Since “patience” is a fruit of the Spirit, what does this imply about how growth will take place?

In what area of your life do you need to do a better job in waiting on the Lord? Spend time praying now.

January 8, 2014

Read:  Genesis 21:3-7, 15:1-6, 16:1-5

Why did God wait 25 years to give Sarah a child? (i.e. What was God wanting to accomplish?)

How was this a challenge for both Abraham and Sarah? What was the result?

How can you struggle with this same issue? What is God teaching you about waiting on Him?

January 7, 2014

Read:  James 1:22-25, Matthew 7:24-27, Psalm 119:105

Explain the difference between knowing God’s word and applying it. Why is this distinction important?

How do you see this truth being overlooked or minimized today? How does spiritual instability relate?

In what way is James 1:22-25 a warning to you? Be specific. What steps of prevention do you need to take?

January 6, 2014

Read:  Genesis 21:1-2, 12:1-3, 15:5, 17:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Why do you think God told Abraham multiple times that he was going to be the father of a nation?

What does this imply about the importance of God’s word? Why is this critical for spiritual stability?

How does this apply to you and your approach to the bible? What changes will you make in 2014?

January 4, 2014

Read:  Colossians 1:15-23, Romans 11:33-36

How does living life as though you are the center of the universe cause you to have a false worldview and
misinterpret life’s hassles, hurts, and heartaches?

How does viewing life with Christ at the center of the universe (and our lives) offer hope for the New Year?

January 3, 2014

Read: Romans 8:18-39, Hebrews 6:13-20

According to these verses, what is God’s ultimate purpose?

How does understanding this help you process the consequences of evil & the experience of hassles, hurts, & heartaches?

How does this offer hope to you?

January 2, 2014

Read:  Matthew 2:13-23, Exodus 34:6, Psalm 103:13-14, Romans 5:6-9

How does this narrative of the first Christmas prove the compassion of God?

What are some of the implications for us when you think of God’s compassion?

In what ways do you practically ignore God’s compassion and act like no one cares more than you?

How does the compassionate character of God provide you with hope for the future?

January 1, 2014

Read:  Matthew 2:13-23, Job 42:2, Jeremiah 32:17, 27, Matthew 19:6, Luke 1:37, Rev. 19:6

How does this narrative of the first Christmas prove the omnipotence of God?

What are some of the implications for us when you think of God’s omnipotence?

In what ways do you practically ignore God’s omnipotence and act like everything is up to you?