For Sunday, September 6, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, September 6, 2009

1) Psalm 19
What does this Psalm say about the ways God reveals Himself to us? How has God revealed Himself to you personally?

2) Psalm 19:1-6
When was the last time you heard the message of God’s glory in creation? What does creation reveal to us about God’s character?
Deuteronomy 4:15-20
What did God warn them about when viewing creation?
Romans 1:18-20
Can anyone say they have no revelation of God in their life?

3) Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119: 98-100, 128; Psalm 12:6
On a scale of 1-5, where 1 is completely take for granted and 5 is completely treasure, where would you rate your attitude toward God’s word?
What is the value of God’s Word in our lives? What does the revelation about God in His Word to for us? Do you crave God’s Word like honey?

4) Psalm 19:12-14
After considering all the ways God reveals Himself to humanity, what does David realize about sin?
Psalm 1:1
How does this compare to Psalm 19:13-14?
Psalm 52:2; Psalm 90:8
What can we do to become better confessors of sin in our lives?
Pray Psalm 19:14. How is God your Rock and Redeemer?

For Sunday, August 30, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, August 30, 2009.

1) James 5
In this passage, who does James warn? Who does James encourage? What does James teach about Christian fellowship in this chapter?

2) James 5:7-11
What encouragement did James give those facing persecution? What sins did he warn them against? How can knowledge of God’s character -- His compassion and mercy -- help someone suffering? What aspects of God’s character help you face suffering?

3) Job 1; Job 2:1-10; Job 42:10-17
What can we learn about facing suffering through Job’s example? Why did James choose Job as an example?

4) James 5:13-20
What are the purposes of prayer detailed in this passage?
1 Kings 17-18
What can we learn about prayer from Elijah’s example?

For Sunday, August 23, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, August 23, 2009.

1) James 4:1-5
What fights and quarrels have you faced recently? How could confronting their source help solve or prevent the problems? Is your life characterized by friendship with the world or with God?
John 15:19
What challenges you in Jesus’ statements in this verse? What comforts you?

2) James 4:6-10
According to this passage, how are God’s ways different from the world’s ways? How is our acknowledgement of grace related to humility before God? What happens when we resist the devil? How thoroughly are you using this strategy to withstand temptation in your life? Which of the instructions of this passage are hardest for you? Which promise in this passage is most comforting to you right now?
1 Peter 5:6-11
Compare this passage to James 4:6-10. How are the two teachings the same? How are they different?

3) James 4:11-12
Why is slandering a brother the same as speaking against the law? How would following this instruction help with humbling ourselves?
Matthew 7:1-5
Picture the illustration in this passage in your mind. Or even draw it. Note the humor of the picture, coupled with the seriousness of the lesson. Whose specks are you focused on? What log is obscuring your vision?

4) James 4:13-17
What is your normal approach to making plans? Does this passage say not to plan? If we all followed this passage completely, how would our lives be different?
What good do you know you should do that you have been neglecting?
Luke 12:47-48
How does Jesus’ teaching in this passage change your priorities?

For Sunday, August 16, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, August 16, 2009.

1) James 3:1-12
What is James’s main message in this passage? List the everyday life illustrations he uses to make his point. Which one do you identify with most? Why is the statement about teachers in verse 1 grouped with this topic?

2) James 1:26; 2:12; 4:11; 5:9
Why did James put so much focus on our speech? What stands out to you in these verses?
Matthew 12:33-37
What does Jesus identify as the source of our speech sin? What consequences does He describe?

3) Psalm 52:1-4; Proverbs 21:23; 17:28; 10:19; 11:12; 12:18
What solutions to our speech sin problem can be found in these verses? What has been most effective to help you work on or conquer speech sin in your own life?

4) James 3:13-18; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
What are the differences between God’s wisdom and the world’s wisdom according to these passages? What aspect of the world’s wisdom do you have to battle most? How do you battle it? How are the issues of choosing a source of wisdom and our speech sin related?

　

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, August 9, 2009.

1) James 2:14-26
What does James say about the connection between faith and deeds in a Christian’s life? Which one is most important?
What Old Testament examples did James use to support his teaching? What do you know about these stories?
Is your faith alive or dead?

2) Genesis 22:1-19
What made Abraham right with God -- his faith or his actions?
Joshua 2:1-24
What made Rahab right with God -- her faith or her actions?

3) Romans 3:28; Romans 4:1-5; Ephesians 2:8-10
How does Paul’s teachings about faith and works compare with James’s teachings? Are these passages contradictory? How do the teachings fit together?

4) James 2:14-17; Galatians 5;19-26; Matthew 25:31-45
Is your life characterized by faith? Is your life characterized by godly deeds? When confronted with the needs of those around you, what is your response?