January 31, 2015

Read:  Revelation 2:8-11, Acts 6:8-7:60

In what way was Stephen a living illustration of what the church at Smyrna was dealing with?

How did Stephen respond to spiritual rejection? How did God meet him in his time of need?

Why is this important for today’s Christians to embrace? What will happen if we don’t? Take time to pray.

January 29, 2015

Read:  Revelation 2:10b-11, John 15:18-19, 2 Cor. 6:14-18, 1 John 1:5-7, 1 Peter 4:1-6

Why is it impossible for a Christian to be a friend of the world and a friend of Jesus? What will happen?

How does the illustration of darkness and light help clarify? How can this be confused with evangelism?

Specifically, how is God challenging your friendship with the world? How will you protect yourself?

January 30, 2015

Read:  Revelation 2:10b-11, Ephesians 6:12-13, Revelation 20:14, 21:8

What is meant by the “second death”? What was being communicated to the church at Smyrna?

Why is this truth important when being tempted to fear and spiritual compromise?

How can viewing daily life through a spiritual lens help? What reminders will you put in place?

January 28, 2015

Read:  Revelation 2:8-10a, Philippians 3:10, Colossians 1:24, 2 Corinthians 6:4-12, 12:9

Describe the paradoxical truth between a persecuted church and a strong church and how it occurs.

How can the same be true for individual Christians? Give an example.

In what way are Christians and churches in America at spiritual risk? How can this be prevented?

January 27, 2015

Read:  Revelation 2:8-10a, Matthew 10:28-32, 24:4-13, Mark 8:34-35

What three words would you use to describe the Christian life portrayed in today’s reading?

What three words would you use to describe your Christian life? What is the same or different? Why?

How does fear play into your walk with Jesus? Be specific. What risky steps will you take this week?

January 26, 2015

Read:  Rev. 2:8-9, Isaiah 44:6-8, 48:12-14, Heb. 2:17-3:2, 12:2-3, Mark 10:29-30, 2 Cor. 8:9

How was Jesus described to the church at Smyrna? What was being communicated? Why?

Why was Smyrna church struggling? in what way were they rich even though they were poor?

How was this an encouragement for the church? How does this encourage you? Be specific

January 24, 2015

Read:  Revelation 2:1-7, John 21:15-17, 1 John 2:9-10, 4:16-21

How will loving Jesus impact your love for others? How can this actually be a way to test yourself?

In what way can you fall into the Ephesian trap? How is your current love factor for God and others?

Given “love” is a deal breaker to God, how can you include others to help you protect yourself?

January 23, 2015

Read:  Revelation 2:1-7

Describe the two-step process Jesus requires in order to return to your first love with Him.

Make a list of your past spiritual behaviors and compare them to now. What is God showing you?

How do you need to apply the first love, two-step process? Be specific.

January 22, 2015

Read: Revelation 2:5-7, Luke 22:19, 2 Peter 1:5-9

How can “forgetfulness” negatively impact your walk with the Lord? Give examples

How can “reflecting back” be helpful? How often do you reflect back on your walk with Jesus? Why?

Take time to prayerfully journal your thoughts, reflecting back on your love for Jesus. What has changed?

January 21, 2015

Read:  Revelation 2:1-4, Matthew 22:37, 24:12

What did Jesus mean by loving God with your heart, soul, and mind? Why are all three important?

What can happen if only the mind is engaged? Give examples. How did the Ephesians fall into this trap?

In what way will monitoring a passion for Jesus prevent losing a “first” love? What steps will you take?

January 20, 2015

Read:  Revelation 2:1-4, John 3:16, Romans 8:28, 35-37, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Ephesians 6:24

What did Jesus mean by “first” love? How can this get confused with an immature love?

Why is this a critical issue in the Christian walk? How can someone love Christianity and not Christ?

Describe your level of passion and excitement for Jesus. Has it changed? Why? What is God teaching you?

January 19, 2015

Read:  Revelation 2:1-4, Acts 20:28-32, Ephesians 4:11-15, 1 Timothy 1:1-7

What primary challenge did the Ephesian church face by being located in Ephesus?

Explain how they handled this challenge. In what way did their challenges cause a falling out with Jesus?

How can this same thing happen to you? Give examples. How can it be prevented? Be specific.

January 17, 2015

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 16, 2015

Read:   Acts 2:42-47, Luke 21:1-4, Matthew 6:24, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Why is tithing and financial giving to the church an important topic to God? What does it reflect?

What standard should Christians use for tithing/giving? How does this challenge you? Why?

What steps of faith does God want you to take for financial giving in 2015? Take time to pray about it.

January 15, 2015

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

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

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

How can you go spiritually deeper in your community group effort in 2015? (e.g. attending, leading, etc.)

January 14, 2015

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

What does Matthew 28:20 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 growing spiritually? What practical steps will you take for spiritual growth in 2015?

January 13, 2015

Read:  Matthew 4:18-20, 9:36-38, 28:18-19, 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 can this be a struggle for you? How will you make this more of a priority in 2015?

January 12, 2015

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 and teamwork? How does this challenge your view of church?

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

January 10, 2015

Read:  Matthew 7:1-2, Romans 2:1-3, James 4:11-12

Make a list of reasons found in these passages that judging others is a bad idea.

Evaluate your heart. Are you prone to show mercy or cast judgment?

Pray through these verses asking God to help you love mercy.

January 9, 2015

Read:  1 John 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 13; Luke 6:36

What is the motive we are to have towards others at all times?

In these passages what does it say about the priority of the love motive?

According to Luke 6:36, why does God want us to love mercy?

January 8, 2015

Read:  James 2:14-26

What is this passage saying about the connection between “actions toward others” and “faith in God”?

Which comes first, actions or faith? Why?

Evaluate your own life and ask God to reveal any disconnect in your faith and works.

January 7, 2015

Read:  James 2:1-13

How were the people in this passage struggling with acting justly?

How does James relate this to the law of scripture?

How does he relate acting justly to loving mercy?

January 6, 2015

Read:  Micah 6:6-8, Exodus 20:1-17, Luke 10:27

How do these three passages relate to each other?

What stood out to you in these passages?

Is God highlighting a value, an attitude, or a behavior to adjust?

January 5, 2015

Read:   Micah 6:6-8

How did the people in Micah’s day misunderstand what God required of them?

How do the three requirements relate to each other?

Which one resonates the most to you? Which one is the most challenging?

January 3, 2015

Read:   Matthew 13:44-46, 10:37-39, Genesis 22:1-14

How does your generosity or fear affect your relationship with God?

What might God be asking you to give Him this year? What is holding you back from doing so?

Do you believe that the Kingdom of God is like a pearl of great price or a treasure worth giving everything for? If not, what could be more valuable? If so, how does your life reflect that belief?

January 2, 2015

Read:  Matthew 2:10-12, John 11:47-48, Matthew 2:13-16

What were the Jewish leaders and Herod afraid that Jesus would take from them? What did they do to prevent the imagined loss?

What did the Magi do? Why did they travel all the way to Bethlehem to present him with gifts?

What are you afraid Jesus will take from you if you truly pursue Him? Are there things you are not able to joyfully give Him?  How would your relationship with God change if you joyfully gave instead of being worried about what He might take?

January 1, 2015

Read:  Matthew 2:1-9, 1 Timothy 6:6-11

What were the Magi pursuing? What was it they were looking for and hoping to find? What are you pursuing? What are you hoping to find in life?

What were the motivations of the religious leaders and Herod? What were they pursuing? Why weren’t the religious leaders also going to Bethlehem to search for Jesus?

What are some things you pursue that are not of God? How would your life and priorities change if you made the pursuit of Jesus a high priority?