April 30, 2014

Read:  Luke 22:7-22

Why did Jesus use the Passover meal to present the truth of the Cross? Why didn’t he just teach the truth?

What does this imply about the importance of tangible reminders? How does this relate to cyclical sin?

In what way can you be more intentional to protect yourself? Be specific about what steps you will take.

April 29, 2014

Read:  Matthew 26:30-35, 73-75, Luke 24:9-12, John 21:1-8

What was Jesus addressing in Peter’s life when he warned him about his pending denial?

How was Peter corrected? What was his response? In what way did this experience change Peter?

What does this imply about Peter’s memory of his past sin? What is God challenging you to remember?

April 28, 2014

Read:  Genesis 29:31-30:8, 16:1-6

In what way did Rachel repeat the sins of Sarah? In what way did Jacob repeat the sins of Abraham?

Why didn’t the consequences of Ishmael and Hagar seem to deter them? What does this teach about sin?

Describe a sin you regret. How can a balanced memory of this sin provide protection in the future?

April 26, 2014

Read:  Luke 2:9-11, Mark 10:45, Matthew 20:17-19, 1 Corinthians 15:14, John 14:6

Based on today’s scripture reading, describe the real identity of Jesus in one sentence.

How does this clarify Christmas, the Cross and Easter? How have you seen a fake I.D. for each one today?

What is at stake when the I.D. of Jesus is altered? How can you protect the real identity of Jesus today?

April 25, 2014

Read:  Luke 24:13-31, Matthew 13:10-16

Why did Jesus teach in parables? How was he trying to protect His identity and prevent fraud?

In what way did Jesus do the same thing on the road to Emmaus? Be specific. Why is this important?

How does this relate to discovering the real Jesus? How does humility relate? How is God challenging you?

April 24, 2014

Read:  Luke 24:13-31

Describe the stages of revelation that took place between Jesus and the two disciples. Be specific.

How did Jesus test their receptivity? Why? What does this teach about discovering the Lord?

How can pre-conceived ideas hinder God’s revelation? Give an example. How can this be avoided?

April 23, 2014

Read:  Luke 24:25-27, Isaiah 9:6-7, 53:1-5, Psalm 22:16-19

Why do you think Jesus provided a bible study before revealing Himself on the road to Emmaus?

In what way was Jesus protecting His identity? What does this imply about God’s word and Jesus’ identity?

Explain the distinction between assuming and knowing. How is this being misunderstood today?

April 22, 2014

Read:  Matthew 11:7-19, Galatians 1:6-9

Why was Jesus accused of being a drunkard? What was he really doing? How was this identity theft?

How did personal preference contribute to the problem? (i.e. Pharisees view of Jesus) Be specific.

Why is this so important for both Christians and non-Christians to understand? What is at stake?

April 21, 2014

Read:  Luke 24:13-24, Matthew 21:1-11, 27:21-23, John 19:23-30

What seemed to be the initial impression of the crowd regarding Jesus’ purpose and mission?

What changed and how did people react? What does this imply about unconfirmed rumors?

How do you see people doing this with Jesus today? How can you help prevent this from happening?

April 19, 2014

Read:  Genesis 29:15-30, Proverbs 22:8, 11:19, Galatians 6:7-9

How did Jacob reap what he sowed by having to marry both Leah & Rachel? Be specific.

How will this be a lasting lesson for years to come? (i.e., what potential problems still lay ahead?)

Why is this an important truth for Christians today? How can this truth protect you?

April 18, 2014

Read:  John 15:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 2:1-3, 2 Peter 1:5-11

What is the sign of growth for a Christian who is walking with the Lord as it relates to sin?

How can this get misunderstood in light of God’s forgiveness and grace? What does cyclical sin reveal?

Describe a cyclical sin you are wrestling with. What growth steps will you bring before the Lord?

April 17, 2014

Read:  Genesis 27:19-35, 29:15-30

Why did Jacob work for Laban for seven years? How did it turn out? Explain the irony that took place.

What lessons do you think God taught Jacob? Why? How would it have helped his walk with God?

What ‘Jacob lessons’ have you experienced? What did it teach you? How has it helped your walk with the Lord?

April 16, 2014

Read:  Philippians 2:5-16, Luke 18:9-14

Why is it important for Christians to have the same attitude as Jesus? What is the opposite attitude?

In what way will monitoring your “attitude” be countercultural? Give an example.

How can ungodly attitudes be rationalized? (i.e. Luke 18:9-14) What do you need to stop rationalizing?

April 15, 2014

Read:  Galatians 5:16-24, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Ephesians 4:22-25

List the “attitudes” described in today’s reading. What is the difference between an attitude and a behavior?

Why is it important to pay attention to our attitude? What can happen if we don’t?

What ungodly attitude is currently evident in your life? What will you do? (Hint: regroup with God)

April 14, 2014

Read:  Genesis 25:29-34, 28:10-29:12

Describe Jacob’s attitude when arriving at Haran. How does this differ from his previous attitude?

What happened in Jacob’s life that could explain the change? What does this tell you about the Lord?

How have you experienced this truth? What does your attitude reveal about your walk with the Lord?

April 12, 2014

Read:  Genesis 28:18-19, Exodus 40:8-16, 1 Samuel 10:1, James 5:13-14

What does anointing with oil represent in the bible? Why did Jacob anoint the stone with oil?

Why was this an important step for Jacob to take? (i.e. consecrating things in his life)

How does this apply to Christians living today? What have you figuratively anointed with oil in your life?

April 11, 2014

Read:  Genesis 28:20-22, 14:17-20, Leviticus 27:30-34, 2 Corinthians 9:7-13, Mark 12:41-44

What did it mean to tithe in the Old Testament? How was it supposed to reflect a devotion to God?

How is the principle of tithing redefined in the New Testament? How can this get minimized today?

How does your tithing (giving) reflect devotion to God? What adjustment is God challenging you to make?

April 10, 2014

Read:  Genesis 28:18-22, 12:1-7, Luke 9:23-25

What three things did Jacob do as a result of his dream? How did this reflect a heart of gratitude?

How does God call Christians to the same thing today? How does your devotion reflect gratitude to God?

How can steps of devotion help mend a broken relationship with God? How can you be more devoted?

April 9, 2014

Read:  Genesis 28:10-12, 16:9-12, 22:9-12, Psalm 91:9-12, Hebrews 1:14, 12:22-24, 13:2

What do the angels represent in Jacob’s dream? How did this highlight God’s continuous care?

What usually happened when people encountered angels in the bible? Give two examples.

How have you often viewed angels? How does today’s reading help or challenge your perspective?

April 8, 2014

Read:  Genesis 28:15-17, John 1:43-50

Why was Jacob surprised when God promised to protect him? (Hint: Jacob’s previous sinful behavior)

How can Jacob’s mindset be spiritually dangerous for those who are struggling with the Lord?

How did Jesus emphasize this same truth to Nathanael? How does this encourage your walk with Jesus?

April 7, 2014

Read:  Genesis 28:10-17, Matthew 28:18-20

How did God demonstrate unconditional care for Jacob? How did Jesus reflect the same care?

How does this truth apply to both Christians and non-Christians today? (i.e. growth or salvation)

Why is this important to really grasp when it comes to mending a broken relationship with God?

April 5, 2014

Read:  Acts 26:1-23

Outline Paul’s testimony in 3 parts: Life before Christ, Coming to Christ, Life after meeting Christ.

What specifics did he talk about? How long is it?

Write your own 5 minute testimony using this same 3-part outline and share it with somebody this week.

April 4, 2014

Read:  2 Corinthians 5:17-20, Romans 8:28-29

What do these passages teach us about our past? Our future?

What are the core changes you can see in your life now that you know Christ?

What are some things you can see that He has redeemed from your past? What are His purposes in your life?

April 3, 2014

Read:  Ephesians 2:1-10

What is the description of life without Christ in the first three verses?

What does God do when a person comes to him in repentance and faith in verses 4-9?

What happens after salvation according to verse 10? How has this happened in your life?

April 2, 2014

Read:  Ephesians 1:7-9

According to this passage, what is our role in coming to know Christ?

According to this passage, what is God’s role in coming to know Christ?

Reflect on your own salvation experience and take some time to thank God for his mercy and grace.

April 1, 2014

Read:  Luke 19:10, John 12:32, James 4:6

We usually think that we find Christ. Yet, what do these verses teach us about the process?

What are some ways God brings people to a realization that they need him?

How did you come to this realization?