January 31, 2022

Read: 1 John 

Write out three of your favorite verses from 1 John, including what you liked about them.

Based on what you’ve read, what are three questions you have?

January 29, 2022

Read:  John 1:4-5, 1 John 1:5-7

How does 1 John 1:5-7 expand on John’s description of the “word” in John 1:4-5? Be specific.

In what way is John 1:4-5 both an applicable truth for everyday life and eternal life? Give an example of each.

As you process the identity of Jesus this week, what encourages and challenges you? Pray about it right now.

January 28, 2022

Read:  John 1:4-5, 8:12, 9:5, 12:35-36

What does John mean when he describes Jesus as “light” and “life”? Be specific. What does darkness represent?

In what way does “the darkness did not overcome it” represent a post resurrection perspective?

When you consider this truth within the context of today’s world, how are you encouraged? Be specific.

January 27, 2022

Read:  John 1:3, 6:16-21

Throughout John’s Gospel we see the miracles of Jesus taking place. How do you typically view miracles?

Given the truth of Genesis 1:3 (i.e., Jesus the Creator), how does it help with the possibilities of miracles taking place?

How would you respond to someone who denies the miracles in the Bible? Why is their struggle ultimately with Jesus?

January 26, 2022

Read:  John 1:3, Genesis 1:1-4, 26, Colossians 1:16-17

Explain what it means that John said, “all things were made through him”. Be specific.

How does this relate to Genesis 1 and “God said…”? How does this expand your view of Genesis 1?

In what way does this highlight the pre-existence and eternal aspects of Jesus? What about this is new for you?

January 25, 2022

Read:  John 1:1-2, 8:58, 14:9, Hebrews 1:1-3

In what way did Jesus also testify to the truth of John 1:1-2? Why is it important it wasn’t just John’s statement?

What was the response of the people when Jesus made these claims? Why was this a deal breaker for Jews?

How does this distinguish Jesus from all other religious leaders? How does it expand your perspective about Jesus?

January 24, 2022

Read:  John 1:1-2, 14

How does John describe Jesus before Christmas? Explain how this relates to the doctrine of the trinity.

What about this perspective is challenging to you? Why will this always be a bit of a mystery?

Why do you think John begins his book with this truth? How should it impact the way you read John’s Gospel?

January 22, 2022

Read:  John 21:15-25

Today’s reading highlights how Peter was reinstated by Jesus after the resurrection. How did it also include John?

Although v. 25 can make you curious, how does it build confidence as we study through John’s Gospel?

Take some time to pray right now, asking God to speak to you in the weeks ahead as we study the Gospel of John.

January 21, 2022

Read:  Mark 3:16-17, Luke 9:51-56, John 3:16

Why did Jesus call James & John “sons of thunder”? What does this imply about how Jesus experienced them?

Given that John is the disciple whom Jesus loved, what does this highlight about God’s love?

In what way does this essentially demonstrate our need for the Gospel? How does this encourage you?

January 20, 2022

Read:  Revelation 1:9-10

Given John wrote the Book of Revelation between 85-90 A.D., approximately how old would he have been?

Knowing that most of the Apostles died at an early age, how does John’s age testify to the validity of Jesus?

Why is this also important from a faith and confidence standpoint? How does this help your confidence?

January 19, 2022

Read:  Matthew 17:1-3, Mark 5:35-37

What are the names of the three Apostles who are always mentioned together? Why are they singled out?

What does this imply about being on the inside? What does this also highlight about The Gospel of John?

Knowing that the majority of John’s Gospel is not in the other Gospels, how does this adjust your perspective?

January 18, 2022

Read:  1 John 1:1-4, Matthew 10:2-4, Acts 4:13

From an author’s standpoint, why is it important to know that John provides an eyewitness account of Jesus?

Why is it also important to know that John spent 3 years traveling and living with Jesus? Be specific.

In what way does this make the Gospel of John unique from other New Testament books?

January 17, 2022

Read:  John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7

Given John is the only Apostle who is described as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, what does this imply?

Why is this important from a relational and friendship standpoint? Do you have a friend whom you love?

What did it take for this love to build? How does this encourage you in your study through John’s Gospel?

January 15, 2022

Read:  Acts 2:44-47, Romans 12:3-8, Hebrews 10:24-25, Ephesians 4:1-7

In what way is staying spiritually healthy 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 rate your commitment to the PCC family?  What steps will you take to change?

January 14, 2022

Read:  Acts 2:44-47, 2 Chron. 31:2-10, Matthew 6:19-24, Luke 21:1-4, 1 Cor. 16:1-2, 2 Cor. 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 current approach? 

What steps of faith does God want you to take for financially giving in 2022?  Take time to pray about it.

January 13, 2022

Read:  John 1:12-13, Romans 8:15-17, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, Galatians 4:4-7, 1 John 3:1-2

What spiritually happens when someone becomes a Christian?  (i.e. adoption, family)

What does this imply about church and Christian relationships?  How does this adjust your perspective?

Why does this make church attendance and grow groups critically important? How do you need to change?

January 12, 2022

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?

How can church attendance, Grow Groups and Daily Devotions help? Why is consistency important?

Specifically, how will you step into Matthew 28:20 in more significant ways for 2022?

January 11, 2022

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

What approach did New Testament Christians use to share their faith with family and friends?

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

How does this encourage you to do the same?  What are some specific ways you will do it this week?

January 10, 2022

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 happening in your life?  What does this highlight about rebooting with God?

In what way will you step into your calling directly or indirectly?  How can PCC help?

January 8, 2022

Read:  Matthew 2:19-23, Lamentations 3:22-26, Psalm 27:14

As you head into 2022, what are your greatest fears and greatest desires? Be specific.

How does today’s scripture encourage you? How does it also help with managing your expectations?

What would it look like for you to “wait” on the Lord and be “strong” this week?

January 7, 2022

Read:  Matthew 2:23, John 1:44-46, Philippians 2:5-8

Why was it significant that Jesus was raised in Nazareth instead of Bethlehem? How did this impact His reputation?

What does it also highlight about the meaning of Christmas? Why is this important to carry into 2022?

What are some practical steps you will take to keep this in place? Take some time now to commit them in prayer.

January 6, 2022

Read:  Matthew 2:21-22, Psalm 37:4, Matthew 6:9-10

How did God’s leading work in conjunction with Joseph’s struggle? What does this highlight about God’s will?

Why is this an important part of Christian living? What does it imply about control versus seeking the Lord?

Looking back on 2021, how did this happen in your life? What steps will you take to depend on the Lord in 2022?

Advent Devotional:

Read and Reflect on:  Matthew 2:1-12 (Option: Also read Isaiah 49:1-6;60:1-6; Philippians 2:6-7)

Why is this early scene of Gentiles worshiping Jesus so significant?

What does this scene convey about the Good News? 

How do you desire to respond to God?

January 5, 2022

Read:  Matthew 1:20-23, 2:13-15, 2:19-20, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Given the Christian life is described as being a runner, boxer, & farmer, what does this imply about challenging times?

In what way was Joseph and Mary simply living out the Christian life at Christmas? How can this get lost today?

Looking back on 2021, how did this take place in your life? How does this adjust you going into 2022?

January 4, 2022

Read:  Matthew 1:20-23, 2:13-15, 2:21-22a

What did Joseph “feel” during Christmas? How is this different than the feelings we seek from Christmas today?

In what way do you typically “feel” a challenge? How does Joseph’s experience encourage you?

Why is this perspective helpful in managing your expectations for a “happy” new year? Be specific.

January 3, 2022

Read:  Matthew 1:20-23, 2:13-15, 2:19-20

Describe the circumstances surrounding the three dreams Joseph had regarding Christmas. 

In what way would they have been challenging? What does this imply about God working in challenging times?

How does Joseph’s experience help your perspective about challenging times? How can it help you today?