Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, February 1st, 2009.
Remember, if you have any questions or would like to discuss these passages, use the comment section of this entry.
1) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (Read it twice)
What words or phrases stand out to you in these verses? Which of Paul’s instructions here are easiest for you? Which are hardest?
2) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
Why do the instructions about how to treat each other follow the instructions about how to treat our spiritual leaders?
Hebrews 13:17, 1 Timothy 5:17-20
Which parts of these verses describe protections for our leaders? Which parts describe responsibilities of our leaders?
What can we do to make our leaders’ work a joy?
3) 1 Peter 3:9; Galatians 6:10; Matthew 5:38-48
How are these instructions different than the common opinions of our culture and world?
How would the world be different if every Christian followed these teachings completely? Are there any situations in your life currently that these verses provide needed direction for you?
4) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Read this like a checklist. What are you doing well on? What do you need to allow God to change in you?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
For Sunday, January 25th
Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, January 25th, 2009.
Remember, if you have any questions or would like to discuss these passages, use the comment section of this entry.
1) I Thessalonians 5:1-11 (Read it at least twice.)
Pretend you are Paul. What is the main point you want the listeners to get from this passage?
Pretend you are a member of the church in Thessalonica. What is the main thing you have learned from Paul’s teaching in this passage?
2) I Thessalonians 5:4-8
Why does Paul use the example of light and dark to illustrate what he is talking about?
Acts 26:12-18 (In this passage, Paul is telling his salvation story while on trial before Agrippa.)
Why is the imagery of light and dark so important to Paul? What symbols or imagery about salvation are most important in your life?
3) 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
Ephesians 6:10-18
What does Paul teach about spiritual armor in these two passages? What are the purposes of all these pieces of equipment? How could learning about spiritual armor be an encouragement to them? To us today?
4) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
2 Peter 3:3-13 (All of 2 Peter 3 addresses the topic of Jesus’ return.)
What do these passages say about Jesus’ return? What are Peter’s instructions about how to live, based on the knowledge that Jesus will return?
How does your life measure up? Are you ready for Jesus to return? How can you help people around you to be ready?
Read one each day, or study them all together. Whatever works best for you!
Remember, if you have any questions or would like to discuss these passages, use the comment section of this entry.
1) I Thessalonians 5:1-11 (Read it at least twice.)
Pretend you are Paul. What is the main point you want the listeners to get from this passage?
Pretend you are a member of the church in Thessalonica. What is the main thing you have learned from Paul’s teaching in this passage?
2) I Thessalonians 5:4-8
Why does Paul use the example of light and dark to illustrate what he is talking about?
Acts 26:12-18 (In this passage, Paul is telling his salvation story while on trial before Agrippa.)
Why is the imagery of light and dark so important to Paul? What symbols or imagery about salvation are most important in your life?
3) 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
Ephesians 6:10-18
What does Paul teach about spiritual armor in these two passages? What are the purposes of all these pieces of equipment? How could learning about spiritual armor be an encouragement to them? To us today?
4) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
2 Peter 3:3-13 (All of 2 Peter 3 addresses the topic of Jesus’ return.)
What do these passages say about Jesus’ return? What are Peter’s instructions about how to live, based on the knowledge that Jesus will return?
How does your life measure up? Are you ready for Jesus to return? How can you help people around you to be ready?
Read one each day, or study them all together. Whatever works best for you!
Monday, January 12, 2009
For Sunday, January 18th
Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, January 18th, 2009.
For this week’s lesson, we will be discussing God’s perspective on the value of human life. (We will be back to 1 Thessalonians next week.)
1) Exodus 20:13
Matthew 5:21-26
Why does God command against murder? How does murder contradict God’s perspective about human life? After reading Jesus’ expanded definition of murder, have you ever been guilty of murder?
2) Exodus 21:22-25
Psalm 139:13-16
What do these verses say about God’s perspective of when human life begins?
How does God’s perspective differ from the views of abortion supporters? What are the foundational belief differences about human life that lead to their different views?
3) Exodus 22:21-24
Deuteronomy 24:17-22
What groups of often overlooked and vulnerable people are mentioned in these verses? Can you think of other groups of vulnerable or overlooked people not mentioned here?
What provisions does God make for them? What does that show about His perspective on human life?
4) Luke 20:45-47
How are the religious leaders of Jesus’ day described in this passage? How did their actions compare to God’s standard about valuing human life? How well do your actions line up with God’s standard?
How do you think Christians should try to influence our society to recognize the supreme value of human life? What avenue would be our most effective use of resources to bring real change?
Read one each day, or study them all together. Whatever works best for you! Feel free to use the comment portion of the blog to post any questions or insights, or bring them to class.
For this week’s lesson, we will be discussing God’s perspective on the value of human life. (We will be back to 1 Thessalonians next week.)
1) Exodus 20:13
Matthew 5:21-26
Why does God command against murder? How does murder contradict God’s perspective about human life? After reading Jesus’ expanded definition of murder, have you ever been guilty of murder?
2) Exodus 21:22-25
Psalm 139:13-16
What do these verses say about God’s perspective of when human life begins?
How does God’s perspective differ from the views of abortion supporters? What are the foundational belief differences about human life that lead to their different views?
3) Exodus 22:21-24
Deuteronomy 24:17-22
What groups of often overlooked and vulnerable people are mentioned in these verses? Can you think of other groups of vulnerable or overlooked people not mentioned here?
What provisions does God make for them? What does that show about His perspective on human life?
4) Luke 20:45-47
How are the religious leaders of Jesus’ day described in this passage? How did their actions compare to God’s standard about valuing human life? How well do your actions line up with God’s standard?
How do you think Christians should try to influence our society to recognize the supreme value of human life? What avenue would be our most effective use of resources to bring real change?
Read one each day, or study them all together. Whatever works best for you! Feel free to use the comment portion of the blog to post any questions or insights, or bring them to class.
Game Night!
GAME NIGHT
Saturday, January 24th from 4-8pm we are having a game night and potluck dinner at the church. This event is for the whole family, and it is a great opportunity for friends to preview our group. So invite them!
Please bring 1-2 potluck dishes (enough for your family + 1 person). And bring some fun games to play. Any questions? Post them in the comments here, or contact Leanne or Joy.
See you there!
Saturday, January 24th from 4-8pm we are having a game night and potluck dinner at the church. This event is for the whole family, and it is a great opportunity for friends to preview our group. So invite them!
Please bring 1-2 potluck dishes (enough for your family + 1 person). And bring some fun games to play. Any questions? Post them in the comments here, or contact Leanne or Joy.
See you there!
Monday, January 5, 2009
For January 11th, 2009
Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, January 11th, 2009.
1) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
What is the main topic of this passage? What was Paul’s concern for the readers?
2) 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
Matthew 24:30-31
What do these passages say about Jesus’ return to earth?
What do you know about what the Bible says about Jesus’ return?
What questions do you have about Jesus‘ return?
3) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18
How would Paul’s teaching about Jesus’ return be an encouragement to the Thessalonian Christians? How is it an encouragement to you?
Ephesians 2:11-13
What was your life like before you knew Jesus? Who can you encourage that currently has no hope?
4) In what ways are you on the “preparation committee” for Jesus’ return?
Matthew 25:31-46
Which side will Jesus sort you on? If you don’t know for sure, you can. I would be glad to help you know for sure.
If you are for sure a sheep, how are you doing on the practical side of your Christian living -- feeding the hungry and thirsty, clothing the needy, visiting the imprisoned and sick?
Revelation 22:20
Can you make this verse into a personal prayer? Are you ready for Jesus to return?
Read one each day, or study them all together. Whatever works best for you! Feel free to use the comment portion of the blog to post any questions or insights, or bring them to class.
1) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
What is the main topic of this passage? What was Paul’s concern for the readers?
2) 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
Matthew 24:30-31
What do these passages say about Jesus’ return to earth?
What do you know about what the Bible says about Jesus’ return?
What questions do you have about Jesus‘ return?
3) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18
How would Paul’s teaching about Jesus’ return be an encouragement to the Thessalonian Christians? How is it an encouragement to you?
Ephesians 2:11-13
What was your life like before you knew Jesus? Who can you encourage that currently has no hope?
4) In what ways are you on the “preparation committee” for Jesus’ return?
Matthew 25:31-46
Which side will Jesus sort you on? If you don’t know for sure, you can. I would be glad to help you know for sure.
If you are for sure a sheep, how are you doing on the practical side of your Christian living -- feeding the hungry and thirsty, clothing the needy, visiting the imprisoned and sick?
Revelation 22:20
Can you make this verse into a personal prayer? Are you ready for Jesus to return?
Read one each day, or study them all together. Whatever works best for you! Feel free to use the comment portion of the blog to post any questions or insights, or bring them to class.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)