For Sunday, December 27, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, December 27, 2009.

1) Mark 4:1-9
What real life example did Jesus use in this parable? What happened to each seed? What determined the seed’s results?

2) Mark 4:13-20
Instead of farming instructions, what was this parable really about? What was the evidence of good soil? How would you go about trying to help someone whose life seems choked by “thorns?”

3) Mark 4:9-12; 33-34
Why did Jesus teach with parables? What does it mean in verse 9 to “have ears?” Can you recall a time you had to overcome preoccupation with your own ideas to grasp a truth Jesus wanted to teach you?

4) Mark 4:26-32
How does Jesus describe the kingdom of God in these verses? What does He mean by each comparison? As believers, we participate in kingdom work, but are not responsible for making God’s kingdom grow. How does this truth encourage you?

For Sunday, December 20, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, December 20, 2009.

1) Luke 2:1-20
Name every character in this familiar passage. How did each person react to Jesus’ arrival? What was each person’s actions and attitudes?

2) Matthew 25:34-46
According to this passage, how does a person’s response to the needs of others relate to his/her reception of Jesus?

3) Luke 2:7; John 8:37
Is there room in your life for God? His Word? His Son? What is the evidence? Are any “rooms” of your life closed to Him? Confess it. Take steps to open those rooms to Him.

4) Acts 20:35; Matthew 10:7-8; Mark 10:15
How have your received God’s gifts to you? What have you been given? What are your attitudes and actions about passing the message of God’s gift of Jesus to others?

For Sunday, December 13, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, December 13, 2009.

1) Mark 2:1-12
What words would you use to describe the friends in this story? Who do you need to bring to Jesus? How did Jesus’ actions contradict the religious leaders’ expectations? How did He respond to their opposition?

2) Mark 2:13-17
What do we know about Levi (Matthew)? How did Jesus’ actions contradict the religious leaders’ expectations? How did He respond to their opposition? When you think of yourself, do you see yourself as among the “healthy” or the “sick?”

3) Mark 2:18-22
How did Jesus’ actions contradict the religious leaders’ expectations? How did Jesus explain His position and actions about fasting? Are there any areas of Your life where you are acting like a new piece of cloth on an old garment? What does that mean?

4) Mark 2:23-3:6
How did Jesus’ actions contradict the religious leaders’ expectations? How did He respond to their opposition? What is the purpose of the Sabbath? What were Jesus’ emotions in verse 5? Why was He feeling that way? What choice did He make in response to those emotions?

For Sunday, December 6, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, December 6, 2009.

1) Mark 1:1-8
How did Mark introduce Jesus? What do we learn about Jesus from this introduction?
Mark 1:9-13
What descriptive words did Mark use in the story of Jesus’ baptism? Compare verses 12-13 with Matthew 4:1-11. What was the focus of Mark’s summary? What details did he leave out?

2) Mark 1:14-20
Who did Jesus talk to? What did the conversation reveal about Jesus? About the future? How did this conversation change their lives?

3) Mark 1:21-34
Who did Jesus help? What does this show about Jesus? How has Jesus helped you?

4) Mark 1:35-39
When and where did Jesus pray? What did the disciples think of it? How does your personal commitment to prayer compare to Jesus’?
Mark 1:40-45
Who did Jesus help? What does this show about Jesus? Why did Jesus ask for secrecy? How did disobedience effect Jesus’ ministry?

For Sunday, November 29, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, November 29, 2009.

1) Psalm 119:1-40
What does this passage say about God’s Word? Summarize it single words or short phrases. (Keep a list for the week.) Which verses stand out to you? Why?

2) Psalm 119:41-80
What does this passage say about God’s Word? Summarize it single words or short phrases. (Add to your list.) Which verses stand out to you? Why?

3) Psalm 119:81-120
What does this passage say about God’s Word? Summarize it single words or short phrases. (Add to your list.) Which verses stand out to you? Why?

4) Psalm 119:121-160
What does this passage say about God’s Word? Summarize it single words or short phrases. (Add to your list.) Which verses stand out to you? Why?

Bonus: Psalm 119:161-176
What does this passage say about God’s Word? Summarize it single words or short phrases. (Add to your list.) Which verses stand out to you? Why?

For Sunday, November 22, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, November 22, 2009.

1) Psalm 116
What does the Psalmist have to be thankful about? In what ways will he express his thanks? How many ways to express your thanks to God can you think of?

2) Psalm 116
How is God described in this Psalm? Which of His characteristics are mentioned? What specifically did God do for the Psalmist?

3) Psalm 116:7-9; Jeremiah 6:16
What does it mean to walk with God? How can a person find rest by walking with God? How do you personally walk with God?

4) Psalm 116:17-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
What is the connection between these three attitudes and actions?
Psalm 116:1-4; Matthew 14:30
The same exact prayer is prayed in both passages. When have you prayed this prayer?

For Sunday, November 15, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, November 15, 2009.

1) Psalm 112
What are the two groups described in this Psalm? What choice decides which group a person is in? What are the characteristics and consequences of each group?

2) Psalm 112
Which parts of the lessons described in this Psalm do you know from experience? Which parts do you know from studying or from the examples of others? What questions do you have about this Psalm?

3) Psalm 112:1
What does it mean to fear the Lord? What does it mean to find great delight in His commands?
Psalm 112:4
How is this possible?
Psalm 112:2-9
In the description in verses 2-9, which parts are contrary to “human” wisdom?

4) Psalm 112:6-7; Proverbs 1:32-33
Do these verses describe your life? How can you find release from reacting in fear to life’s circumstances and challenges? Where does this confidence come from?

For Sunday, November 8, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, November 8, 2009.

1) Psalm 1
Read it twice -- it’s only six verses! : )
What is the big choice every person has to make? What are the consequences of the decision?

2) Psalm 1:1-2; Matthew 5:1-12
What does it mean to be blessed? What are the “how to” instructions for living a blessed life given in these verses? How do these instructions compare to society’s plan for a blessed life?

3) Psalm 1:2
When is your favorite time to meditate on God’s Word? Why then?
What does it mean to delight in God’s law?
Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Deuteronomy 32:44-47; Joshua 1:8
Do you delight in God’s law?

4) Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:7-10
How is living according to God’s law like a tree? Does your life fit this description currently?
Psalm 1:4-6; Luke 3:17; 2 Timothy 2:19
How do the consequences of the wicked compare to the consequences of the righteous?

　　

For Sunday, November 1, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, November 1, 2009.

1) Psalm 102
What does this Psalm say about humanity’s condition? What does this Psalm say about God?

2) Psalm 102:1-11
What problem was the Psalmist experiencing? Any guesses? Name some of the ways he described his situation. How can we have the confidence to call on God for help like the Psalmist did in verses 1-2?

3) Psalm 102:12-28
How does the tone change from the first part of the Psalm to these verses? What changed -- the situation or something else? What did the Psalmist know for sure about God?

4) Psalm 102:25-27
What do these verses say about God? How would life be different if God wasn’t eternally the same, if He changed?
Hebrews 1:10-14; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Matthew 24:35
Use these verses to praise God for His unchanging nature.

　

　

　

For Sunday, October 25, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, October 25, 2009.

1) Psalm 73 was written by Asaph. What do you know about him?
1 Chronicles 16:1-5; 1 Chronicles 25:1-2
What would Asaph’s modern professional title be? What was in his job description?

2) Psalm 73:1-15
What was bothering Asaph? What was his “evidence?” When have you felt this way?

3) Psalm 73:16-28
When did Asaph get his answer? What did he learn about God? Can you think of a time when God has transformed your perspective through worship?

4) Asaph wrote Psalm 50, and 74-83, also. Choose one and read it. Then, answer the following questions:
What was the purpose or main theme of this Psalm? What does Asaph say about God in this Psalm? Does this Psalm have any similarities to Psalm 73?

　

　

　

For Sunday, October 18, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, October 18, 2009.

1) Psalm 56:1-13
What decision did David make regarding his fears? Who or what frightens you the most? When has God rescued you?

2) 1 Samuel 21:10-22:1
This the background story of Psalm 56, after David has gone on the run to escape from King Saul’s jealousy and murder attempts.
What did God teach David about Himself during this difficult time? What has God taught you about Himself during a difficult time?

3) Psalm 56:3-4; Psalm 31:14; Psalm 9:10; Romans 8:31
How do these verses change or influence the way you face your fears?

4) Matthew 8:23-27
How did Jesus act in this fearful situation? How was He able to act this way? How did the disciples act in this situation?
What can we learn from Jesus’ and the disciples’ example about facing fears?

　

　

　

For Sunday, October 11, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, October 11, 2009.

1) Psalm 51
What is the main purpose of this Psalm? How do you relate to David’s description: my sin is always before me?” When have you experienced the loss of the joy of your salvation? Why is having a steadfast spirit so important in your walk with God?

2) 2 Samuel 11-12:14
This is the background story to Psalm 51. Where in the order of events do you think David wrote this Psalm? How did David’s attitude and focus change from the beginning of chapter 11 to the point of writing this Psalm?

3) Psalm 51:1-4
What did David base his request for forgiveness on?
Psalm 103:8-14
What attributes of God did David know (learn by experience)?

4) Romans 6:2; 1 John 1:8-2:2
Have you been honestly and humble before God about your sin lately? Use Psalm 51 as a guide for prayer, confessing your sins today.

　

　

For Sunday, September 27, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, September 27, 2009.

1) Psalm 135:1-21
What are the examples of God’s greatness listed in this Psalm? According to this Psalm, how does God compare and contrast with the idols of the nations? How has the Lord shown Himself to be great in you life story?

2) Review any of the following background stories you are unfamiliar with:
From Psalm 135:6-7 -- read Genesis 1.
From Psalm 135:8-9 -- read Exodus 11-12:30.
From Psalm 135: 11-12 -- read Numbers 21:21-35.
From Psalm 135:10 -- read Joshua 12:7-29.

3) Psalm 135:15-18
Isaiah 44:9-20
What irony about idol worship does Isaiah point out? What idols tempt you in your life? Where’s the irony in each of those personal situations?

4) What other examples of God’s greatness in the Bible can you think of? Look up 2 or 3 of the following examples.
Colossians 1:16; Isaiah 40:26; Isaiah 10:5-7; Job 38:12-13; Job 38:8-11; Matthew 10:29; John 14:1-3.
Praise God for His greatness.

For Sunday, September 20, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, September 20, 2009.

1) Psalm 105:1-36
What keeps you from forgetting all the wonderful wonders God has done in your life?
Name some of the examples of God’s wonders from this passage.

2) Psalm 105:37-106:23
How did God demonstrate His faithfulness? How did the people respond?

3) Psalm 106:24-48
Compare and contrast the faithfulness of God and the people.
Deuteronomy 7:9
How could studying Psalm 105-106 help you learn and remember the truth of this verse from Deuteronomy?

4) Genesis 17:2, 7-8; 26:2-4; 28:13-15
Exodus 13:17-18; 14:5-12; 32:1-5
How would you tell your personal story of God’s faithfulness?

　

For Sunday, September 13, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, September 13, 2009.

1) Psalm 9:1-16
Read it twice. What does David say about God’s character in this Psalm? What verse stands out most to you?

2) Psalm 8, 10
Psalm 8, 9 and 10 all focus on God’s sovereignty and justice. What was David’s mood or attitude in each one? Which of the three do you identify with most right now?

3) 1 Peter 2:21-24
How did Jesus demonstrate His trust in God’s commitment to justice?
Philippians 1:27-29
How can you demonstrate your trust in God’s commitment to justice?

4) Habakkuk 3:16-19; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11
How do you respond to injustice? What do you do when injustice comes your way? What do you do when you see injustice done to others around you?

　

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?