January 30, 2016

Read:  Acts 1:6-9, 20:22-24, Romans 10:13-16, Matthew 5:14-16, 28:19

How do you see faith and courage going hand-in-hand when it comes to the Gospel?

What is ultimately the issue when fear prevents you from pointing people to Jesus?

What has been your experience with this truth? What faith steps will you take to point people to Jesus?

January 29, 2016

Read:  Acts 20:22-24, Proverbs 29:25, John 14:18-21, 15:5-11, Matthew 28:20b, Col. 3:23-24

How does today’s devotional reading encourage you in your faith? Be specific.

What connection do you see between God’s promises and your faith? Why is this important?

What specific area of your life do you need to relinquish to the Lord today? Take time to pray about it.

January 28, 2016

Read:  Acts 20:22-24, Hebrews 11:1-7

How does the bible define faith? Why is faith important in order to please God? What is the alternative?

In what way does everyone have faith? Give an example. How is Christian faith different?

Other than God, where are you tempted to place your faith? Why is this risky? How can you change?

January 27, 2016

Read:  Acts 19:17-21, Matthew 13:18-23, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Corinthians 12:10

What is the ultimate proof for being a Christian? How does this relate to testing and commitment?

In what way does this challenge how you have viewed “real” Christianity? Be specific.

Why is “comfortable” Christianity a warning sign? How is God warning you? What will you do?

January 26, 2016

Read:  Acts 19:21-41, 20:17-21, Philippians 1:20-21, 2:17-18

How did Paul respond to the riot in Ephesis? Why? How would you have responded? Why?

In what way does courage reveal commitment? How do you see this happening in Christianity today?

What does this imply about role modeling? How does Paul’s courage inspire you to take risks for Jesus?

January 25, 2016

Read:  Acts 20:17-21, 1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1, Philippians 3:17, 4:9, 1 Thess. 1:6, 2 Thess. 3:9

What standard did Paul use to show Christians godly living? What does this imply about role modeling?

Why is this important for every Christian to think through? How do you see this taking place today?

How comfortable are you with being a spiritual role model? Why? Specifically, how will you change?

January 23, 2016

Read:  Acts 2:44-47, Hebrews 10:24-25, Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 4:1-7, 1 Peter 5:8

In what way is spiritual growth a team effort? Why is isolation risky for any Christian?

How can this topic be countercultural today? Give an example. How can this be a struggle for you?

How would you currently rate your commitment to your PCC church family? How do you need to change?

January 22, 2016

Read:  Acts 2:44-47, Matthew 6:19-24, Luke 21:1-4, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

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

What standards should Christians use for tithing/giving? How does this challenge your approach? Why?

What steps of faith does God want you to take for financial giving in 2016? Take time to pray about it.

January 21, 2016

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 when someone becomes a Christian beyond salvation? What does this imply about church?

What does this imply about other Christians? How does this challenge your current perspective?

Why is this an important issue for spiritual growth? What growth steps will you take in 2016 to change?

January 20, 2016

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

Explain how “teaching” and “observe” relate to one another. Why is this important for spiritual growth?

What happens with a “teaching only” approach? How can Community Groups and Daily Devotionals help?

Specifically, what intentional steps will you take in 2016 to grow in this area? (i.e. bible, prayer, etc.)

January 19, 2016

Read:  Matthew 28:18-19, Romans 10:14-15, John 1:35-50, Acts 10:19-48

What approach did New Testament Christians use to promote Jesus with family and friends?

What was the result? How does this make it easy for every Christian to participate in evangelism?

How does this encourage you to do the same? What are some specific ways you can start doing it today?

January 18, 2016

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?

How do you see this playing out in your life? Why? What is your greatest hindrance?

List 3 ways you will be more intentional in 2016. Take time and pray about it right now.

January 16, 2016

Read:  Ephesians 5:21-25, Luke 14:25-26, 2 Peter 1:1-8

How often is “Christ” mentioned in the Eph. 5 reading? What does this imply about Jesus in marriage?

How does your walk with the Lord relate to a healthy marriage? Give an example.

What does an unhealthy Christian marriage imply? How does this challenge you? What will you change?

January 15, 2016

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-33

What is the connection between a marriage and a walk with the Lord? Why is this important?

What is God’s formula for success? (i.e. roles in marriage) How can this get inverted today?

How does a same-sex marriage contradict these roles? What does this imply about its future success?

January 14, 2016

Read:  Acts 22:1-3, 17:22-25, 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, Hebrews 4:14-16

How was Paul showing care and concern for those to whom he was sharing The Gospel?

What do you find to be difficult or challenging about identifying with a non-Christian perspective?

What steps can you take to apply this truth with the Gospel and the gay community? Be specific.

January 13, 2016

Read:  Matthew 5:13-16, 9:35-38, Luke 10:25-37

In what way does sharing the Gospel require a balance between truth and compassion? Why?

How can a negative response from non-Christians challenge this balance? Give an example.

How is God challenging your approach to the Gospel and compassion? What do you need to change?

January 12, 2016

Read:  Matthew 7:1-5, Romans 1:32, 2:1, 5:8, 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Explain the difference between wrestling with sin and redefining sin? Which is worse? Why?

How do you see this taking place today? Give examples. How can this also lead to spiritual pride?

In what way can you fall into this trap? What is the solution? How does Romans 5:8 adjust you?

January 11, 2016

Read:  Gen. 1:27-28, 2:24, Lev. 18:22-24, Mat. 19:4-6, Rom. 1:24-27, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Jude 7

Explain God’s original design for sex (i.e. parameters & purpose). How did Jesus support this truth?

What does this imply about other forms of sex? How can an “orientation” confuse the issue?

Why is this important? How should Christians respond to sexual sin including homosexuality? Be specific.

January 9, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 6:10-20

Why will the Christian life always be a battle? What does this imply about the requirement for protection?

How often do you think about this truth? What has been the result? Be specific.

How would you measure your spiritual success in 2015? What will you change in 2016? Be specific.

January 8, 2015

Read:  Romans 12:1-2, Psalm 50:17-23, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 15:33, Galatians 1:3-4

What does it mean for a Christian to be “holy and set apart”? How is this accomplished?

In what way does the world try to prevent this from happening? Give an example.

What is God showing you about being in the world and not of the world? Pray and ask God for specifics.

January 7, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:2, 2 Cor. 3:18, 4:16, Ephesians 4:17-24, Philippians 4:8-9, Col. 3:9-10

What does it mean for a Christian to be continually “transformed”? How does this relate to mind renewal?

Why is this important for spiritual success? How can Christians deceive themselves? Give an example.

How often do you monitor your thought life? What do you need to start doing to protect yourself?

January 6, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, 8:1-3, James 1:22-27, 2 Peter 1:5-10

How does scripture measure or define spiritual growth? How is this different than your definition?

What unhealthy dynamic can take place when it comes to learning about God and walking with God?

How have you experienced this truth? How can a Community Group help? What steps will you take?

January 5, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:1, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thess. 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:11-12

Why is it important to study the Bible and pray on a daily basis? What is at risk when this doesn’t happen?

What is required in order for this to happen? How does this relate to developing a spiritual work ethic?

How would you rate your current spiritual work ethic? Why? What will you do this week to change?

January 4, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:1, 6:12-14, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, 9:24-27

What does it mean to “present your body” to the Lord? How does this relate to a “living sacrifice”?

What does this imply about the Christian life? What will happen if this truth is misunderstood?

How does this challenge your current walk with Jesus? Pray and ask God what needs to change in 2016.

January 2, 2016

Read:  Matthew 6:25-34 and Psalm 105:1-5

After this week of Daily Devotions, how has your perspective changed on giving God your priority heading into 2016?

After this week of Daily Devotions, how has your perspective changed on giving God your gratitude heading into 2016?

What are your top 5 action steps from this week that you will actively and intentionally apply heading into 2016? Pray!

January 1, 2016

Read:  Psalm 69:30-32, Isaiah 1:11-19, Micah 6:6-8, Mark 7:6-8

List some overarching themes, both positive and negative, from these passages.

What is God warning us to be careful about in these passages? What areas in your life do you see that may relate?

What are the positive steps, both in action and attitude, that God wants us to step into from Micah 6:8 and Isaiah 1:16-17?