August 31, 2016

Read: Acts 7:51-8:3, 26:1-21, Colossians 3:9-14

In what way was Paul’s non-Christian role as a Pharisee also a political position? (i.e. house arrests)

How did Paul politically change? Why? What does this model for Christians and politics today?

How can American Christians mistakenly confuse the two? How should you be different?

August 30, 2016

Read:  Genesis 12:1-2, Deuteronomy 16:18-20, Matthew 28:18

Who are God’s chosen people? In what way does this make the Old Testament both spiritual and political?

Specifically, how does this change in the New Testament? (c.f. Mat. 28:18) Why is this important?

How can Christians today slip into an Old Testament model? Why is this unbiblical? How do you need to adjust?

August 29, 2016

Read:  John 18:1-14, 19-24, 28-36, Philippians 3:18-20

What was Jesus being accused of by the Jews? In what way was this actually a political issue?

How did Jesus respond to Pilate? What does this imply about God’s perspective on politics?

Why is this distinction important? How does this challenge your political priorities and perspective?

August 27, 2016

Read:  John 4:1-28, 39-42, 8:1-11

How did Jesus handle the two women who were involved in sexual sin? What balance was maintained?

How does this model the way Christians should respond to others in sexual sin today? Be specific.

How can compromise and compassion often get confused? What is God teaching you about balance?

August 26, 2016

Read:  Galatians 5:16-26, 1 Thessalonians 4:2-5, Hebrews 13:4

In what way are the desires of the flesh different than the Spirit? (Gal. 5) Why is this distinction important?

How can avoiding the comparison potentially liberate sin? How is this happening today? Be specific.

How does this challenge you to think more biblically about today’s sexual and gender debates?

August 25, 2016

Read:  Ephesians 2:1-5, Romans 5:12, 8:5-8

What does it mean to be “dead” in trespasses and sins? How does this relate to our human nature?

What are the implications of this truth when it comes to physical, emotional and sexual brokenness?

Why is this an important perspective for the gender identity debate? What will happen if this is missed?

August 24, 2016

Read:  Genesis 3:1-7, Isaiah 55:6-9, 2 Corinthians 10:1-10, Hebrews 4:12

Describe how Satan deceived Eve. What does this imply about the reliability of our thoughts and feelings?

How does God say Christians need to protect themselves? Give an example.

In what way does this apply to today’s gender identity debate? How do you need to be more protective?

August 23, 2016

Read:  Genesis 2:24, Matthew 5:27-28, Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Timothy 2:8-10

Based on today’s scriptures, list two specific ways a man and woman are called to obey God?

What does this imply about gender identity and Christian obedience? What happens if gender is subjective?

How has neutralizing genders added to the confusion? Why is this important for Christians to avoid?

August 22, 2016

Read:  Genesis 1:26-28, 2:18-24

Why did God create Eve? How does the context of marriage help in understanding the reason?

How does this highlight the differences between a male and female? How is this being challenged today?

Why must gender always be defined biologically? How does this help clarify your perspective?

August 20, 2016

Read:  Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:32, 1 Timothy 5:17, Romans 13:1-5, Ephesians 6:1-5

What primary truth does today’s reading reveal when it comes to leadership roles?

How is this different than playing favorites or discrimination? How do you see this being challenged today?

Why is this important to remember? What are some ways you can avoid falling into this same trap?

August 19, 2016

Read:  Colossians 3:11, Matthew 12:36, Galatians 5:16-26

In what way does scripture highlight that God will discriminate? Why is this important to remember?

How can this truth get compromised today? What is the solution? Explain the balance necessary.

In what areas of your life can you be imbalanced? Take time to pray, asking God how you need to change.

August 18, 2016

Read:  James 2:1-4, Proverbs 28:21, Job 34:18-19, Acts 10:34

Why does scripture condemn playing favorites? What does this reveal about the root motive?

How do you see this happening today? Give an example. Specifically how is James 2 taking place?

How can this happen in your life? Give an example. How does James 2 help you put it in perspective?

August 17, 2016

Read:  Acts 15:1-35

Why were the Christian Jews struggling with the Christian Gentiles? How was it ultimately a racial issue?

How did they settle their disagreements? What does this imply about a Christian’s response to racism?

In what way are you tempted to discriminate toward others? How does God want you to change?

August 16, 2016

Read:  Luke 10:25-37

What was the primary message Jesus was teaching the lawyer? Why would this have been hard to hear?

How did the lawyer rationalize discrimination? How do you see this happening today? Give an example.

In what way does compassion prevent discrimination? How is God challenging your sinful tendencies?

August 15, 2016

Read:  Genesis 1:26-27, 5:1, 9:6, James 3:9

Describe what it means to be an image bearer of God. How is this distinct from the rest of God’s creation?

What are the implications of this truth when it comes to dignity, value and worth? (i.e. for you and others)

How does this truth address discrimination or racism? (i.e. human value) What is God teaching you?

August 13, 2016

Read:  John 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Matthew 28:19, Romans 1:18-20, Acts 9:1-9

What does today’s reading highlight about God’s desire to see people saved? (i.e. “world”, “all”)

List the three ways scripture shows how God can reach people. How does this expand your perspective?

How does this refute a concern about people “never hearing about Jesus”? How does this encourage you?

August 12, 2016

Read:  Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Matthew 7:1-2

What primary truth was Jesus highlighting in the parable of the wheat and weeds? Why?

What can happen when Christians overlook this truth? How will it impact hope and eternal mistakes?

How do you see this happening today? Give examples. How do you need to adjust to avoid this trap?

August 11, 2016

Read:  Matthew 7:21-23, 23:13-36, Acts 19:11-20

Why were the people surprised when they weren’t allowed into heaven in Matthew 7:21-23?

How did Jesus reveal the problem in Matthew 23:13-36? What does this highlight above heart vs. actions?

In what way can the same thing happen today? How can you make sure you don’t experience Matthew 7:23?

August 10, 2016

Read:  Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, 2 Peter 1:5-11, Hebrews 12:6, 1 John 2:19

What does the parable of the soils reveal about true Christianity and short-term excitement?

What two options are there when someone isn’t growing in their faith or backsliding?

Why should both options be a fearful place? What is the remedy? How is God speaking to you?

August 9, 2016

Read:  2 Corinthians 13:5, John 16:7-11, Galatians 5:16-26

Why is it important to test your faith and walk with Jesus? What can happen if you overlook this process?

What are the key indicators individuals should be looking for to confirm their salvation? Be specific.

What has God revealed to you about being saved? If there is doubt, what is the solution?

August 8, 2016

Read:  John 3:1-18, Romans 3:23-25, 10:9-11, Ephesians 1:11-14, Titus 3:4-7 

Explain the difference between understanding and belief (i.e. entrust). How does this relate to salvation?

What is the heavenly guarantee God gives to Christians? How is this different than simply going to church?

Why is this a critically important issue? What has been your experience with this truth? Be specific.

August 6, 2016

Read:  Mark 9:47-48, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9, Revelation 20:10-15

What is implied in today’s reading about hell being an eternal state versus a temporary state? Be specific.

Why is this important when people talk about conditional mortality? (i.e. nihilism without Jesus)

How does this sobering truth make you feel? In what way does this motivate you to promote grace?

August 5, 2016

Read:  Revelation 20:4-21:8

Who will be the first to go to hell? (Rev. 20:10) How does this highlight God’s original intention for hell?

Why is this important when understanding God’s love? What will happen at the white throne judgment?

How does this relate to a new heaven and earth? In what way does this change your previous view of hell?

August 4, 2016

Read:  Luke 16:19-25, 23:39-43, Proverbs 15:24, Matthew 11:23, Ephesians 4:8-10

Explain the difference between Hades and Abraham’s side (paradise). How is this a pre-resurrection view?

How does this explain the concept of heaven and hell in the Old Testament?

What changed after Jesus’ resurrection? (Eph. 4:8-10) What does this reveal about Hades today?

August 3, 2016

Read:  Matthew 25:29-30, Luke 16:22-24, Mark 9:43, James 3:6, John 3:16-17, Romans 3:23-26

What terms does scripture use to describe hell? Describe how these can be both literal and figurative.

What do you find to be the most sobering description? Why? In what way is hell the opposite of heaven?

What does this highlight about the importance of the Gospel? How does this relate to ‘promote grace’?

August 2, 2016

Read:  Luke 16:26-31, Proverbs 14:21, 19:17, 21:13, 28:27, Matthew 25:31-46

How did the Jews view helping the poor? (i.e. God’s perspective) What does this say about the rich man?

How does the rich man’s request reveal there is no change of heart? Be specific.

What does this imply about people’s sinful condition in hell? How is this different than people in heaven?

August 1, 2016

Read:  Luke 16:19-25, Matthew 12:36-37, Romans 2:1-5, Revelation 20:12-15 

How did the rich man experience God’s justice? In what way did his payment match his sin? Be specific.

What does this teach about getting away with sin? What does this also imply about varying consequences?

Why is this an important counter to the idea that “God sends people to hell”? Be specific.