Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, February 15th, 2009.
1) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
What do you know about the “man of lawlessness?” According to Paul’s teaching in these verses, how will he be recognized?
Daniel 7:25; 8:25
What does Daniel’s prophecy say about the man of lawlessness? After considering these descriptions, what kind of emotions cross your mind?
2) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
What was Paul’s concern for the believers in Thessalonica?
Mark 13:5-37
How did Jesus’ concern for His followers compare to the concerns Paul had for the Christians in Thessalonica? What is the danger of falling prey to confusion and deception about the end times? What part of Jesus’ teaching about the end times in this passage stands out to you?
3) 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
The teachings about the man of lawlessness can be scary. What assurances and encouragement did Paul give them?
1 Corinthians 1:8; 16:13; Ephesians 5:6-8
What instructions did Paul give in these passages about confronting issues related to the end times?
4) 2 Thessalonians 2:6
What is Paul talking about in this verse? What evidence can you cite that lawlessness is yet restrained in today’s world?
2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:16
Compare the secret power of lawlessness with the mystery of godliness. How are they the same? How are they different?
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
What teachings do you need to be holding onto? What is your eternal encouragement?
Pray verses 16-17 for our class.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
For Sunday, February 8th
Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, February 8th, 2009.
1) 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 (Read it twice)
Paul wrote this second letter soon after his first. Why do you think he wrote it? What were the needs of the church in Thessalonica?
This lesson addresses the question: Is God Always Fair? What do you think about this question? Can you think of times it seems like God is not fair? How does Paul address the answer to that question in this passage?
2) 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9
What do these verses say about God’s justice? What is the evidence Paul is referring to? Compare/contrast the experience of Jesus’ return for those who do and do not know God. Colossians 3:25, Romans 2:8, Revelation 6:9-11
How do these verses add to your knowledge about God’s justice?
3) 2 Thessalonians 1:11
What does it mean to be counted worthy of God’s calling? How does that happen? What does a life that has been counted worthy look like?
Philippians 3:17-21; Galatians 4:8-9
What difference does it make in life to know God, to accept His offer to be His child instead of His enemy? How do these verses remind you of your life before Christ?
4) 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10
What is going to happen to those who don’t know God? For whom in your life is this a reality? Pray for them. (What does God want you to do about it?)
2 Thessalonians 1:3
Who matches this description in your life? Pray, thanking God for them.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Pray these verses, filling in the blanks with your own name. Then, pray them for someone else.
“With Jesus’ return in mind, I pray for _____________, that God may count __________ worthy of His calling, and that by God’s power God may fulfill every good purpose of __________ and every act prompted by _________’s faith. I pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in ________, and _________ in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
1) 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 (Read it twice)
Paul wrote this second letter soon after his first. Why do you think he wrote it? What were the needs of the church in Thessalonica?
This lesson addresses the question: Is God Always Fair? What do you think about this question? Can you think of times it seems like God is not fair? How does Paul address the answer to that question in this passage?
2) 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9
What do these verses say about God’s justice? What is the evidence Paul is referring to? Compare/contrast the experience of Jesus’ return for those who do and do not know God. Colossians 3:25, Romans 2:8, Revelation 6:9-11
How do these verses add to your knowledge about God’s justice?
3) 2 Thessalonians 1:11
What does it mean to be counted worthy of God’s calling? How does that happen? What does a life that has been counted worthy look like?
Philippians 3:17-21; Galatians 4:8-9
What difference does it make in life to know God, to accept His offer to be His child instead of His enemy? How do these verses remind you of your life before Christ?
4) 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10
What is going to happen to those who don’t know God? For whom in your life is this a reality? Pray for them. (What does God want you to do about it?)
2 Thessalonians 1:3
Who matches this description in your life? Pray, thanking God for them.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Pray these verses, filling in the blanks with your own name. Then, pray them for someone else.
“With Jesus’ return in mind, I pray for _____________, that God may count __________ worthy of His calling, and that by God’s power God may fulfill every good purpose of __________ and every act prompted by _________’s faith. I pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in ________, and _________ in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Monday, January 26, 2009
For Sunday, February 1st
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?
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 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.
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