March 31, 2016

Read:  Colossians 2:13-14, Romans 6:6-11, 8:9-11, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:3-6

How does today’s reading relate Jesus’ resurrection to becoming a Christian?

In what way will every Christian experience this truth? Why? What is implied if this doesn’t happen?

How do you see this helping with doubt regarding Easter? How does this make Easter relevant today?

March 30, 2016

Read:  John 11:25-26, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15:12-24

In what way did Jesus make a connection between Easter and all Christians? Why is this important?

How do you see culture avoiding this connection today? (e.g. denial, etc.) How can this happen to you?

What is God teaching you about your daily perspective? How can John 11:25-26 help? Be specific.

March 29, 2016

Read:  John 2:12-22, 11:17-45

What was Jesus trying to teach the Jews in the temple? How was His message to Martha similar?

How did this relate to Lazarus? What does this imply about the importance of Easter today?

How have you previously viewed Jesus’ resurrection? Why is it critical to the Christian message?

March 28, 2016

Read:  Genesis 1:26-31, 2:15-17, 3:1-7

According to scripture, why will everyone experience death? How is this different than originally planned?

What does this highlight about how we will feel about death? How does Jesus provide the solution?

How do you feel about dying? Why? How does Easter help and encourage you? Be specific.

March 26, 2016

Read: Matthew 27:62-66

During the Sabbath when Jesus was in the tomb, what were the Jewish leaders doing?  Why?

What does this imply about times when God appears to be silent?  How can you fall into this same trap?

Pray and ask the Lord to increase your faith during silent times.  What does this mean for you today?

March 25, 2016

Read: Matthew 27:1-61

Describe how Jesus was treated by those around Him.  What does this highlight about our sinful condition?

What does this imply about the way you should remember Good Friday?  How does it adjust you?

Make it a point to thank God throughout the day for the cross.  Worship Him for His sacrifice for you!

March 24, 2016

Read: Matthew 26:17-75

What strikes you special about Jesus’ final evening with His disciples?  How did He provide for them?

In what way does Jesus do the same for you today?  How does this elevate the importance of communion?

How does this challenge you?  What are some ways you can improve your upper room time with Jesus?

March 23, 2016

Scripture is silent when it comes to the events that took place on Wednesday of Passion Week.

Given that Jesus might have been resting, reflecting, and praying, do the same with God today.

Reflect on Monday’s and Tuesday’s commitments, praying and asking God for further insight and wisdom.

March 22, 2016

Read: Matthew 21:23-24:51

On Tuesday, why did Jesus confront the Pharisees in such an aggressive way?  What was being exposed?

What did the Olivet Discourse emphasize about daily faith?  How did the temple and discourse relate?

How often do you contemplate these truths?  Why is it important?  What is God teaching you today?

March 21, 2016

Read: Mark 11:12-19, Matthew 21:12-17, Luke 19:45-48

On Monday, what was Jesus teaching by cursing a fig tree? (i.e. fig tree represents Israel)

How did temple events support Jesus’ message of the fig tree?  How can this same problem occur today?

Ask God about how you might be falling into the same trap.  What corrective steps do you need to take?

March 19, 2016

Read:  Romans 13:1-7, Genesis 39:1-23, Proverbs 24:21-22

Describe how the story of Joseph’s struggle with Potiphar highlights the truth of Romans 13:1-7.

What do you find to be the most personally challenging part of this story? Be specific.

Ask God how to apply this week’s message to address your challenges. Keep a journal on your progress

March 18, 2016

Read:  Romans 13:7, Titus 3:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17

What is Romans 13:7b challenging when it comes to authority figures? Why is this important?

How has today’s culture abandoned this perspective? What is the result? Give an example.

How do you typically respond to authority? What does this reveal to you? How do you need to change?

March 17, 2016

Read:  Romans 13:6-7, Matthew 22:15-22

Why did the Jews despise paying taxes to Rome? How did both Paul and Jesus address this issue?

What does this imply about Christians and paying taxes today? How do you see this being compromised?

How do you feel about paying taxes? Why? What will you do in order to avoid this sinful compromise?

March 16, 2016

Read:  Romans 13:1-5, Acts 5:12-32, 25:1-12

What distinction must Christians make when it comes to obeying laws? How did Peter demonstrate this?

When would this become an issue for Christians in America? Give a hypothetical. Why is this not the case?

How did Paul model the way American Christians can legally respond to political corruption today?

March 15, 2016

Read:  Romans 13:1-5, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, 1 Peter 2:13-15

Beyond the consequences of breaking the law, why are Christians called to obey governing authorities?

In what way will this be countercultural? How can this actually be a benefit for spreading the Gospel?

How can Christians spiritually rationalize breaking the law? What is God teaching you about rationalizing

March 14, 2016

Read:  Romans 13:1, Genesis 2:18-25, 9:1-7, Proverbs 8:15-16, 1 Corinthians 12:12-19

What three governing institutions are presented in today’s reading? Why are their origins important?

What does this imply about being a good citizen and a Christian? Give an example.

How can these two topics be misunderstood? How does this challenge your perspective on citizenship?

March 12, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:17-21

Summarize the four primary points in today’s reading. Which point is the most challenging? Why?

List the people in your life who are currently a challenge to you? How have you responded?

What does God’s word say about your response? Pray and ask God for ways you need to change.

March 11, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:20, Genesis 45:1-28, 50:15-21

In what way did Joseph live out Romans 12:20 with his brothers? What was their response?

How does Genesis 50:15-21 highlight the truth of heaping “burning coals” on their head?

How does God want you to apply this truth to a current challenging relationship? Pray about it now.

March 10, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:20-21, Luke 6:36, Galatians 5:22-24, Ephesians 2:4-10, 4:1-3, 1 John 4:13-21

How are Christians called to respond when being mistreated or opposed by others? Why?

In what way is Romans 12:20-21 a call to live out the Gospel? Why is this only possible with God’s grace?

How is God challenging you to promote grace in your struggling relationships? What steps will you take?

March 9, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:19, Exodus 21:24, Matthew 5:38-42

Why is it important to know Exodus 21:24 is not for personal application? How did Jesus highlight this?

What does this imply about personal offense and criminal activity? How can this get easily confused?

How does this help clarify the idea that Christians are called to be “door mats” and live a life of abuse?

March 8, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:19, Leviticus 19:18, Psalm 37:1-17, 145:17, Proverbs 20:22

What is the difference between personal vengeance and God’s vengeance? Why is this important?

How can Christians wrap personal vengeance in a morally righteous package? What does God say?

How is resisting the temptation to “get even” actually be an act of faith? How do you need to trust God?

March 7, 2016

Read:  Romans 12:19, Psalm 37:8, Luke 6:28-36, 1 Corinthians 4:11-14, 6:1-8, 1 Peter 2:20-24

How are Christians called to respond to hurtful or sinful people? Why? What is at stake?

How will “payback” or “retaliation” actually make matters worse? Give an example.

What is God teaching you about your response to hurt or opposition? What changes do you need to make?

March 5, 2016

Read:  James 3:1-10, Proverbs 10:31-32, 12:18-19, 15:23, 26:18-19

How would you summarize what you have learned this week from James 3:1-10? How has it helped you?

What are some of the various principles from the Proverbs passages? Which one stood out to you and why?

What good change have you seen in your words this week? What area could still use some work? Pray and ask for help!

March 4, 2016

Read:  James 1:19, 1:26, 3:9-10, Proverbs 15:28, 17:27-28, 27:2, 29:20, Psalm 96:1-3

What do the James passages highlight? What is the problem, the warning, and the solution? How are you applying these?

What are the Proverbs passages highlighting? Why do you think silence and listening are valuable and important?

It’s a challenge to focus on “blessing” words rather than “cursing” words. How can you practically live out Psalm 96:1-3?

March 3, 2016

Read:  James 3:7-8, Psalm 34:12-13, 19:14, 141:3-4, Proverbs 4:23-24, Matthew 10:16-20

What picture is James 3:7-8 painting? What does this tell you about your own ability to control your mouth?

What are the Psalms passages implying that our actions should be? Have you made prayer a focus? Why or why not?

In the Matthew passage, what does God say will happen & what does He promise to do for us? How do you feel about that?

March 2, 2016

Read:  James 3:5-6, 4:1-4, 5:9, Proverbs 15:1-4, 21:23, 30:32, Psalm 39:1, John 8:44

What characteristics of the tongue are highlighted in James 3:5-6? What are the other James passages highlighting?

What are the Proverbs passages implying about our words and directing us to do? How will you practically do this?

Satan wants to hijack your mouth (James 3:6). What is God teaching you about risk, protection and damage control?

March 1, 2016

Read:  James 3:3-5a, Eph. 4:29, 5:4, Mt. 12:33-37, Col. 3:8-9a, 4:6, 1 Peter 3:15b-16

Describe in your own words the characteristics of the tongue in James 3:3-5a. How important are rudders/bits? Why?

What are the common instructions from the other scriptures? What are we to “avoid” and what are we to “do”?

Think about all your words so far this week. Would you say that you are “directing” people toward God or away? Why?