For Sunday, June 12, 2011

1) Jeremiah 3:1-5
How did God describe his relationship with Israel/Judah? Jeremiah’s language here is very descriptive, yet difficult to experience. What is the key issue described in verse 3? How is following other gods like adultery? Is there any adultery in your relationship with God?

2) Jeremiah 3:6-11
How did the Lord compare the attitudes and actions of Israel versus Judah? Which was punished first? What was each one punished for? According to verse 11, who was more unrighteous? Why? In what way is a Christian more accountable for their actions and attitudes than an nonbeliever?

3) Jeremiah 3:12-17

Which direction was Jeremiah supposed to direct his words? Why? How did God describe His anger? What was the condition (the thing they were required to do) to receive God’s grace? God made a promise about how things would be after they repented. What was it? (See verse 15) In what way would the people’s view of the Ark of the Covenant be different? (This is a challenging question we will cover in class.) What will the difference be in the way people live? Do you think this time has already come, or is yet to come?

4) Jeremiah 4:1-4

Where is the hope in this passage? Where is the responsibility? What did the Lord require of them in order for them to return to relationship with Him? What would happen if they didn’t do this? What did the Lord mean when He said to “circumcise yourselves…your heart” in verse 4? Is there any other words to describe this? Are there any areas of your life that are like hard, fallow ground before God?

For Sunday, June 5, 2011

Bible Study preparation for Sunday, June 5, 2011.
1) Jeremiah 1:1-3

What do you know about Jeremiah? When did his ministry begin? When did it end? Jeremiah’s priestly ancestors may be connected to the story in 1Kings 2:26-27.

Jeremiah 1:4-6

According to verse 4, what was unique about Jeremiah? What did God call him to do? How did Jeremiah respond?

2) Jeremiah 1:7-10

What did God promise Jeremiah as he obeyed God’s calling? How did God respond to Jeremiah’s expressed weakness? What would be the characteristics of Jeremiah’s message, according to verse 10? What was the bad news? What was the good news? How would you feel about being given this kind of job in God’s kingdom?

3) Jeremiah 1:11-16

What did God show Jeremiah first? What do you think this sign meant? What did God show Jeremiah next? What did it represent? Was this good news or bad news? God said why this judgment would come. What did God say was the reason?

4) Jeremiah 1:17-19

What were Jeremiah’s next instructions? What would happen to him if he didn’t obey boldly? How did God prepare Jeremiah for this mission? What was God’s promise to Jeremiah? What does it mean for God to deliver someone? How or when has God delivered you?

For Sunday, May 29, 2011

Bible Study preparation for Sunday, May 29, 2011.
1) Philemon 1-25
After reading this letter, what do you know about Philemon? Onesimus? What was their relationship? What was the problem? What did Paul suggesting for the solution? What other choices in handling the situation did he mention? What questions do you still have about the story?

2) Philemon 1-25
Onesimus means useful. How was Onesimus useful before “the situation?” How did Paul describe Onesimus’s usefulness at the time of the letter writing? What had changed? How are you useful to God’s kingdom?

3) Philemon 1-25

What does this story teach us about forgiveness? What was the responsibility of the one needing forgiveness? What was the responsibility of the one asked to forgive? How did Paul describe God’s view of forgiveness?

What does this story demonstrate about Paul’s view of slavery? About God’s view of slavery?

4) Philemon 1-25

How did Paul identify Onesimus in Colossians 4:9? How did Paul identify himself in Colossians 4:18? How did Paul describe his relationship with Philemon? What did Paul say about Onesimus’s debt? In what way was this an example of Christ? Who are you willing to sacrifice for, to pay their debt? How is this attitude related to witnessing?

For Sunday, May 22, 2011

Bible Study preparation for Sunday, May 22, 2011.

1) Colossians 3:18-4:1
What do all of the instructions Paul gives in this passage have in common? What kinds of work can be done “heartily as for the Lord?” Does your work match this standard? How can your personal work be done for the Lord? How does remembering our Master in Heaven change how we treat each other?

2) Colossians 4:2-6
What does it mean to be devoted to prayer? What does that look like in a person’s life? Why is thanksgiving such an important part of prayer? What was Paul’s request for himself? What outsiders was Paul talking about in verse 5? How does Paul describe the way a Christian’s speech should be? Why might he have chosen this example comparison?

3) Colossians 4:7-18

How did Paul describe his ministry partners? What kind of encouraging words did he use? How did his descriptions show what he valued? What different kinds of roles did these mentioned people play in Paul’s ministry?

4) Colossians 4:2-6

What requests did Paul make for himself? Read the following passages to see how their prayers were answered: Philippians 1:12-14; Acts 28:30-31. How will this example of God’s faithfulness, even through difficult circumstances, affect your faith?

For Sunday, May 15, 2011

1) Colossians 3:1-4
What did Paul mean by "seeking the things above?" (See Matthew 6:19-21; 33) What reason did Paul give that we, as Christians, should have a different mindset? How is a Christian's life "hidden with Christ in God?" Take a moment to imagine: What will it be like when Jesus returns, and we are revealed with Him in glory? Verse 4 says, "Christ, who is our life...." Is Christ your life? As a whole, or only as a part? What does it look like in a person's life when Christ truly is their life? What is the evidence?

2) Colossians 3:5-11
Paul uses this section to begin a contrast of the "earthly" life and life focused on things above. What is on the list Paul makes in verse 5? How are these things like idolatry? What does it mean to consider yourself dead to them? How could verses 6-7 help a Christian be a better witness? What is on Paul's second list in verse 8? Which of these is hardest for you to put aside? According to Paul, how is becoming a Christian like changing clothes? Who is included in this opportunity?

3) Colossians 3:12-17
How does it feel to know you were chosen by God for relationship? How does that feeling motivate you to act? In the list of traits or attitudes to "put on" in verses 12-13, which is hardest for you? Which is easiest? What do they all have in common? How has God shown each of these traits to you personally? What does Paul identify as the top most important quality in verse 14? Why?

4) Colossians 3:12-17
What does Paul mean in verse 15 by "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts?" How is this accomplished? Where does God's peace come from (how do we experience it)? From verse 15-16, Paul mentions things that should be in you. What are they? What activities does Paul command? How do these activities contribute to the goals Paul is describing? Think of some examples of activities that can't fit into verse 17. What do the things that don't fit this standard have in common? Which is bigger: the do list or the do not list? Is there anything in your life right now that you can't do in the name of the Lord Jesus? What will do you do about it?

For Sunday, May 8, 2011

1) Colossians 2:8

What kinds of things did Paul list that can take a person captive from the truth? What are some modern examples of these things? In what ways do these take people captive?

Colossians 2:9-15

How many times is the phrase “in Him” or “with Him” used in this passage? Why? What is Paul saying about circumcision in this passage? How does Paul describe baptism in this passage? How does Paul describe our sin debt in this passage?

2) Colossians 2:9-15

What does this passage teach about Jesus? What things are included in His job description? What does this passage say about Jesus’ relationship within the Trinity? What does this passage say about Jesus’ life on earth? In Heaven?

For more information, read Hebrews 1 and 1 Peter 3:18-22

3) Colossians 2:16-19

In this passage, Paul alludes to a lot of issues that were causing disunity within the church in Colossae. Make a list of these issues. What are some modern day things that could be added to this list? As Paul mentions in verse 18, how do these “extras” beyond Scripture defraud you of your prize? For more information about verses 18-19, see 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.

4) Colossians 2:20-28

What kinds of “extra” practices or activities do people today do to try to add to their spirituality? How did Paul describe these matters? Why are these activities of no value against fleshly indulgence? What was Paul’s main concern for the church in Colossae?

For Sunday, May 1, 2011

Bible Study preparation for May 1, 2011.
1) Colossians 1:21-23
How did Paul describe a person’s life before redemption? After redemption? What about your story? How is your life different after Christ’s work in your life? How does describe the way Jesus presents you to God? What are the conditions for experiencing this?

2) Colossians 1:24-29
How was Paul suffering for their sake? What did Paul mean by saying “what was lacking in Christ’s afflictions?” Why was Paul pointing out His calling to the Colossians? What did Paul say was the purpose of His calling?

3) Colossians 1:24-29
What does Paul indicate is “the mystery?” In what way had it been hidden in ages past? What does Paul mean by “Christ in you, the hope of glory?” What is the hope of glory? Compare what Paul is saying in verse 29 with Philippians 4:13.

4) Colossians 2:1-7
According to Paul, how can people who have never met feel “knit together in love?” Why was unity so crucial to the church at that time? What was Paul concerned about for them? In verses 6-7, Paul describes steps in spiritual growth. Which step are you at right now?

For Sunday, April 24, 2011

Bible Study preparation for April 24, 2011.

1) Acts 19:1-22

Name some events of Paul’s time in Ephesus. What happened to those who were trying to copy Paul’s acts without relying on a personal faith in God? How did God bring good out of this situation? Where was Paul planning to travel next?

2) Acts 19:23-20:1

Before Paul left, who started the riot? What was his motivation? How was peace re-established? If you were living in Ephesus at this time, how would these events affect your faith?

3) Colossians 1:1-12

How did Paul start the letter? What was Paul’s “missions” report (see v. 6)? List what Paul prayed for them. Which of these do you need most right now? Is your life bearing fruit? What kind of fruit? See Galatians 5:22-23. If you have made a personal commitment to God, confessing your sins, trusting Jesus’ sacrifice as the only answer, and making Him Lord (the Boss) of your life, thank God for qualifying you to share in His kingdom’s inheritance. What is that inheritance?

4) Colossians 1:13-20

Consider memorizing verses 13-14. How well do these verses summarize the entire basis for a Biblical worldview? Can you think of anything left out of these verses? What important truths does Paul teach about Jesus in this passage? What is the significance of each truth about Jesus that Paul lists?

For Sunday, April 17, 2011

Philippians 4 is one of my favorite chapters. During class time this last week, we didn't get past the first 9 verses. So, we are going to spend one extra week plunging into this great message from God. To prepare for class, use the previous blog posting for this chapter and/or read Philippians 4 at least once a day every day until class time. Hope to see you there!

For Sunday, April 10, 2011

Bible Study preparation for April 10, 2011.

1) Philippians 4:1-3 If Paul was writing verse 1 to you, how would it make you feel? What problem in the church does Paul reveal in verse 2? What does he remind them of in verse 3? How would remembering that help them? Philippians 4:4-7 When is it hard to rejoice? Why did Paul emphasize it so much? What does it mean to have a gentle or gracious spirit? What are you tempted to be anxious about? What does Paul suggest you substitute that response with? When in your life have you experienced the peace of God? How would you describe it to someone who hasn't experienced it?

2) Philippians 4:8-9 Make of a list the descriptor words Paul used for the kinds of things we should be thinking about. Which of the words stand out to you? Why? How does this list compare to the thoughts that usually fill your mind? Why does it matter? How are the instructions of verse 8 related to the instructions of verse 9? And how are both -- the thinking and the doing -- related to experiencing the peace of God?

3) Philippians 4:10-14 What was Paul's secret to contentedness? What does it mean to be content? How does it feel? What is the challenge of being content in humble circumstances? in prosperous circumstances? Where did Paul get his strength? In what area of your life is it difficult to feel content? What is God telling you about it in this passage? Matthew 6:19-21 How does the Jesus' lesson in this passage impact your approach to contentedness?

4) Philippians 4:15-23 What did Paul want them to know about their gift to him? Why was he reluctant to receive gifts from the churches? Re-read verse 19. How does this relate to Paul's teaching about contentedness? How many of your needs will God supply? What kinds of needs will He supply for? To what measure will He supply for your needs? Re-read and rest in this verse today. Pray the truth of verse 19 for someone else.

For Sunday, April 3, 2011

Bible Study preparation for April 3, 2011.

1) Philippians 3:1-6 Who were the opponents Paul was warning against in this passage? What was wrong with their teaching? In the category of human works, what was on Paul’s resume? What “human” things would you be tempted to rely on in your spiritual life instead of God?

2) Philippians 3:5-11 What did Pula think of his “human” resume? What did Paul focus on as #1 in value? What is the difference between righteousness from the Law and righteousness through faith in Christ? How have you experienced the power of Christ’s resurrection in your life? Have you experienced the fellowship of His suffering? How is this different from ordinary human suffering?

3) Philippians 3:12-16 What did Paul compare the Christian life to? How did Paul measure his Christian journey? What did he forget? What did he reach for? How well does your life compare to the standard of verse 16?

4) Philippians 3:17-21 How does Paul describe opponents to Christ in this passage? How did he feel about his opponents? How can you tell? What warning did Paul give them about these opponents? According to Paul, what are we waiting for?

For Sunday, March 27, 2011

Bible Study preparation for March 27, 2011.

1) Philippians 2:12-18
What does it mean to “work out” your salvation? What actions would that involve? Why is verse 14 so hard to obey? In what area of your life is it the hardest? How does Paul describe the effects of following through with verse 14? What does Paul say to rejoice in?

2) Philippians 2:15-16
What does it mean to be lights in the world? What does Paul say about it?
John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16
What did Jesus teach about being light in the world?
1 John 1:5-7
Light is a theme throughout 1 John. How does John’s teaching about being light add to your understanding of the concept?

3) Philippians 2:19-24
What plan did Paul have in mind for Timothy? Why? What was the ministry relationship between Paul and Timothy? What was Paul waiting for before sending Timothy?

4) Philippians 2:5-30
Who was Epaphroditus? What is the story told in these verses about Epaphroditus’s gift of service? What happened to him? How does Pula’s words at the end of verse 30 effect the telling of the story?

For Sunday, March 20, 2011

Bible Study preparation for Sunday, March 20, 2011.

1) Philippians 1:27-30
What does it mean to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?" Who many ways did Paul emphasize the issue of unity in these verses? According to Paul, why was unit y so important? Is that still true for Christians today? How did Paul view suffering as related to His relationship with Christ? with other Christians?

2) Philippians 2:1-5
Paul says a lot of "ifs" in verse 1. Is this because he isn't sure, or is he trying to emphasize something else? How are the "ifs" related to relationships and unity within the church? When is living up to this standard easiest for you? When is it hardest?

3) Philippians 2:5-11
Draw a diagram showing the decisions and actions of Jesus that Paul highlighted in these verses. What stands out to you in this description of Jesus? What might have happened if Jesus decided to hold tightly to his identity as God instead of choosing to allow Himself to be lowly? Spend time confessing Jesus as Lord in prayer right now. Is He really your boss?

4) What does each of the following passages tell us about Jesus' view and experience of humility?
Luke 2:16
Matthew 4:5-7; Matthew 8:20; Matthew 26:39
John 6:38
Matthew 5:3-11
Which of these examples do you need to follow more closely in your life?

For Sunday, March 13, 2011

Bible Study preparation for March 13, 2011.
1) Philippians 1:12-18
What was Paul’s circumstances while he was writing this letter?
What conflict were the Philippian believers facing?
In modern days, what are some of the “wrong motives” of some people who preach about Jesus Christ? What would the “right motives” be? What word or words would you use to describe Paul’s attitude in this passage?

2) Philippians 1:18-20
What is the focus of Paul’s life? Which of his words prove this? What evidence is there beyond his words? What does it mean for Christ to be exalted or highly honored in a person’s body? When Paul said deliverance, what did he mean? Note how verse 20 ends.

3) Philippians 1:21-26
What did Paul mean in verse 21? What was the personal dilemma he was discussing in these verses? Can you identify with his feelings expressed in this passage? What did Paul see as his purpose for remaining on earth? How can having purpose change a person’s attitude and motivation in life?

4) Philippians 1:27-30
What does it mean to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel? Can any Christian achieve this? How? What goals did Paul have for the Philippian Christians? Can you sum up these goals in one or two words? What positive way did Paul view the Christians’ opponents? How did Paul instruct them to view suffering? How do you view suffering in your own life?

For Sunday, March 6, 2011

Bible Study preparation for March 6, 2011.

1) Philippians 1:1-11
Who was the letter from?
How did Paul describe his relationship with the people of the church of Philippi?
How did he turn his greeting into a blessing?
How can we do that for each other?

2) Review some events that happened in Philippi:
Acts 16:12-40
What stands out to you in this passage?
Who was Lydia?
What was the attitude and actions of the crowd in Philippi?
How would you describe Paul and Silas’s attitudes and actions while in the jail?
What was their main focus and goal?
What can we learn from their example?

3) Philippians 1:1-11
What does Paul say about prayer in this passage?
What did he pray for them?
Who can you pray this for?
Pray these verses for that person now.

4) Philippians 1:7-11
What does it mean to be a partaker of grace with someone?
How is the affection of Jesus Christ different from normal human affection?
How can love abound in knowledge and discernment?
What is the fruit of righteousness? See James 3:18
Is the fruit of righteousness evident in your life?

For Sunday, February 27, 2011

Bible Study preparation for February 27, 2011.

1) 2 Kings 24:1-4

What happened to the people of Judah?

According to this passage, why did it happen?
2 Kings 21:1-9

What were the sins of Manasseh, referred to in 24:3?

2) 2 Kings 24:10-14

What happened to King Jehoiachin? Who went with him?

Who was left in Judah?
What else did the Babylonians take with them?
How do you think the people of Judah felt at this moment?

3) 2 Kings 24:17-20

How did Zedekiah become king?

How is he described?
What was his response to the king of Babylon?

2 Kings 25:1-7

What were the consequences of Zedekiah’s rebellion?

What were the consequences for Zedekiah?

4) 2 Kings 25:8-21

Describe what Jerusalem must have looked like by the time the Babylonians finished.

How do you think the exiled people of Judah felt in this moment?

How do you think the people left in Judah felt in this moment?

For Sunday, February 20, 2011

1) 2 Kings 18:1-8
How was Hezekiah described?
What was the history of the bronze serpent? See Numbers 21:4-9.
Name some of Hezekiah’s victories.

2) 2 Kings 18:13-18
What was the new challenge for Judah?
2 Kings 18:28-37
What was the message of Rabshakeh, the King of Babylon’s messenger?
What did he say about Hezekiah? About God?
What was he trying to convince the people to do?

3) 2 Kings 19:1-7
What was Hezekiah’s response to this challenge from Babylon?
Who did Hezekiah turn to for help?
What was Isaiah’s message to Hezekiah?
2 Kings 19:14-20
What did Hezekiah do with the threatening letter from Babylon?
How did Hezekiah start his prayer? What can we learn from this?
What does it mean to be heard by God, like described in 19:20?

4) 2 Kings 19:29-37
What did the prophecy promise Hezekiah and the people of Judah?
How much of this was good news? How much was bad news?
How did God fulfill the prophecy?
What happened to Sennacherib?

For Sunday, February 13, 2011

Bible Study preparation for February 13, 2011.

1) 2 Kings 17:1-6
Who was king of Israel during this time period?
Of Judah?
Why did Shalmaneser (king of Assyria) decide to capture and imprison Hoshea?


What were the consequences of this choice?


2) 2 Kings 17:7-13
Make a list of the offenses of the people of Israel against God.




What stands out to you in this list?

What did God have to say about their behavior?


Before the exile, what did He do about their behavior?


3) 2 Kings 17:13-14
This is a list of SOME of the prophetic messages God sent to Israel (and Judah) to call them back into relationship with Him. Choose 3-4 to read.
Isaiah 20:3
Jeremiah 13:1-2
Ezekiel 4:1-3
Isaiah 1:21
Jeremiah 9:21
Amos 4:1
Read Jeremiah 7:26; 17:23; 19:15.
How did Jeremiah describe "God's people?"

How well did this description fit their behavior?


How well does it fit your own behavior?


4) 2 Kings 17:15-23
Make another list of the offenses of the people again God.




What does it mean to follow vanity?

What was God's response to their choices?

For Sunday, February 6, 2011

Bible Study preparation for Sunday, February 6, 2011.

1) 2 Kings 9:1-10

What assignment did Elisha give the “son of the prophets?”

What were the dangers of this assignment?

What was the mission given to Jehu from God?

2 Kings 9:11-16
What was the attitude of the people (servants of Jehu) about the prophet?

Starting at verse 14: Who was where? Sketch a diagram to figure it out.

2) 2 Kings 9:17-20

What did the actions of the watchmen show about their character? About Jehu’s potential support?

Should you be offended if someone says you drive like Jehu, son of Nimshi?

2 Kings 9:21-24
What happened? What do you think God will say about Jehu’s methods?

3) 2 Kings 9:30-37

What were the consequences for Jezebel?

Based on Jehu’s response, what was his attitude toward Elisha as God’s prophet?

2 Kings 10:6-11

How did Jehu complete God’s judgment on Ahab’s family?

4) 2 Kings 10:18-19

What was Jehu’s next plan? Why?

2 Kings 10:27-31

What were the final results for the temple of Baal?

What did God commend Jehu for?

How did Jehu still sin against God?

For Sunday, January 30, 2011

Bible Study preparation for Sunday, January 30, 2011.

1) 2 Kings 6:6-23

Who was warring against Israel? Why? Can we tell from this passage?

What kind of “intelligence gathering” was influencing the outcome of the battles?

How did the king of Aram react to these events?

What was Elisha’s helper’s response to the situation? What was Elisha’s response?

How did Elisha use God’s power to protect himself and his servants in this situation? What else did his actions accomplish?

2) 2 Kings 6:24-7:2
What was the problem in Samaria? What was the cause of this problem?

How desperate had the situation gotten? Who did the king blame?

What was Elisha’s response to this situation? What was his prophecy? How likely did it seem to those around him?

3) 2 Kings 7:3-10

Who are the main characters of this passage? Why were they unlikely heroes? What was their initial problem? What was their plan?

What did they find? How had it happened?

What was their first response? What was their realization about the good news?

4) 2 Kings 7:9-20
What was the king’s first reaction to the report of the lepers? What does this show about his consideration of Elisha’s prophecy?

How much of Elisha’s prophecy was fulfilled? In what ways?

How did the people respond to this promise fulfilled? What is noticeably missing in their response?