Read: 1 Peter 1:1-7
Who was Peter writing to? What counsel did he give them? Be specific.
What does this highlight given Emperor Nero was persecuting Christians at that time?
How does Peter’s counsel help and encourage you given the current political landscape today? Be specific.
Read: Matthew 5:13-16, Colossians 3:17
What does it mean for Christians to be “salt” and “light”? How does it apply to everyday life?
In what way will this be different for every Christian? What does this imply about a political application?
Why is this important to remember? How does this adjust your perspective on voting?
Read: Matthew 22:15-22, Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1
How did the Pharisees try to politically trap Jesus into a two-party system? (i.e. Pharisees and Herodians)
How did Jesus respond? How did Paul highlight this same truth in Romans 13 and Titus 3?
What does this imply about today’s political parties? Why will they always be spiritually flawed?
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?
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. Matthew 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?
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?
Read: James 1:19b-20, Proverbs 14:29, Matthew 5:21-22
What connection does scripture make between anger, speaking, and listening?
How do you typically respond when you are angry? Why? How does it impact your ability to listen?
In what way can you step into this truth in today’s racially volatile environment? Be specific.
Read: James 1:19, Matthew 22:39
Why does James tell all Christians to be slow to speak and quick to listen? Explain the timing piece.
How does talking impact one’s ability to listen? How does listening reflect love and care for others?
When someone is quick to speak and slow to listen, what does this reveal about their spiritual condition?
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?
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 response to racism?
In what way are you tempted to discriminate toward others? How does God want you to change?
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 racism? How do you see this happening today? Give an example.
In what way does compassion prevent discrimination? How is God challenging your sinful tendencies?
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?
Read: Genesis 12:1-3, 2 Sam. 7:11-17, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 4:11-12, 1 Cor. 11:25, Heb. 10:16-22
Describe what God promised He would do with Israel. In what way has this not taken place yet?
Describe what Jesus promised would take place with the church. In what way has this not taken place yet?
What does this imply about the end times and God working with both Israel and the church?
Read: Revelation 19:11-21:1
Given today’s reading covers the events after the tribulation, briefly list what will be taking place.
Why is it important to take these events literally? What can happen if they are just metaphors?
How do these passages make you feel? In what way does it make Jesus as Savior more significant?
Read: Matthew 25:1-30, Revelation 20:11-15
In what way did Jesus use His return as a sobering reminder? What can happen if this is forgotten?
Describe how the return of Jesus will be very different than when He came 2,000 years ago?
How do you see this viewpoint being overlooked by those who want Jesus to return? How will you adjust?
Read: Revelations 4-18
As you read today’s devotions, make a list of the major events taking place (e.g. seven seals, angels, etc.)
What activity do they ultimately represent? What does this imply about the seven-year tribulation?
In what way has God given Revelation 4-18 as a warning? How should this impact evangelism?
