For Sunday, August 2, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, August 2, 2009.

1) James 2:1-13
What temptation or conflict were James’s readers facing? What overall message was James sending them? If you could give this passage 2-3 topical labels, what would they be?

2) James 2:1-7
Draw a sketch or image the scene James is describing in this passage. What was ironic about James’s readers showing rich people special honor? How did this behavior compare with God’s character and ways?
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
How does this passage fir with what James was explaining about favoritism?

3) James 2:8-13
Why does the law have to be kept as a whole? By what standards do we judge or show favoritism today?
Galatians 3:10
How can we have freedom from the curse of having to follow the whole law for righteousness?

4) Matthew 18:21-25
What does this parable teach about mercy?
Matthew 5:7
What else did Jesus say about being merciful?
James 2:10-13
What are the specific ways to live the truth of “Mercy triumphs over judgment?”
How has God chosen mercy over judgment in your life?

For Sunday, July 26, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, July 26, 2009.

1) James 1:19-27
What are the main topics of this passage? How do the teachings of this passage compare to common thought within our culture? Which topic is most difficult for you to live in a godly way?

2) James 1:19-21
On a scale of 1-10, rate yourself: how quick are you to hear? How slow are you to speak? How slow are you to become angry? What would be different in your life and relationships if you followed this teaching 100%?
What does a person have to do to humbly accept the Word planted in them? How hard is that for you?

3) James 1:22-25
How is the Bible like a mirror? What should a person do who wants to look intently into God’s Word?
John 20:5 -- The word for John’s “stooping down” to see into the tomb is the same as the word James uses in verse 25. John was examining the tomb closely for truth. Does that same attitude exemplify your Bible study time?
John 13:17
How does this teaching from Jesus relate to verse 22?

4) James 1:26-27
What is the relationship between what people say and the quality of their religion? How does God describe pure and faultless religion?
Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 1:17
What do these passages add to your understanding of James’ teaching on true religion?
How can you make your religious practices more meaningful and more honoring to God?
Proverbs 10:19 -- This is a great one to memorize!

For Sunday, July 19, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, July 19, 2009.

1) James 1:1-18
What is the overall message of this passage? How would it have been an encouragement to Christian Jews being persecuted? How would it have been a challenge to them? What stands out to you personally?

2) James 1:2-4, 12
What is the purpose of trials in our lives? How can we face trials with a positive attitude?
Matthew 5:11-12; 1 Peter 1:6-9
How are these verses an encouragement for facing trials?

3) James 1:5-8
How has God provided for our lack of wisdom? What area of your life are you in need of wisdom right now?
1 Kings 3:9-10
What can we learn from this story of Solomon’s life?
Proverbs 2:1-6; Proverbs 9:10; Matthew 7:7; Mark 11:24
Use what these passages teach to make a wisdom request to God.

4) James 1:13-15
What is the difference between trials and temptations? Where does temptation come from?
According to Ruth Bell Graham, “Temptation and testing (or a trial) are two sides of the same coin. Satan uses an occasion or a person to tempt us to fall; God uses the same to try us and make us stronger.” Read Matthew 4:1 and Job 2:3-8 to see what she means.
James 1:16-17
Acknowledge this truth in prayer today. Do you have any good and perfect gifts you have been taking for granted?

Party and Worship!

Saturday, July 11, 2009
Swimming, potluck and worship
At the Schull's house
Arrive between 4-5pm
Dinner at 5:30pm
Bring your swimsuits and towels!
Potluck dinner -- Leanne will be calling to coordinate the items.
After the evening swim, we will have a worship time with special guest leaders.
If you have any questions, contact Leanne or Joy.

For Sunday, July 12, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, July 12, 2009.

1) Galatians 6:1-5
What is the connection between helping someone who is caught in sin and pride? How are we to develop our self images, according to Paul in this passage? Is Paul contradicting himself when he says “carry each other’s burdens” and “each one should carry his own load?” Why or why not?
Romans 12:3; Romans 15:7
How do these verses add to Paul’s teaching in Galatians 6?

2) Galatians 6:6-10
What is the lifestyle choice Paul outlines in this passage? Why does Paul equate choosing to please the sinful nature with mocking God? What is the challenge of living a consistently Spirit-led life?
1 Corinthians 15:58; Revelation 2:10
How could you use these verses to encourage a fellow believer who is weary and ready to give up? Can you think of a way to store these verses to encourage yourself when doing good gets hard?

3) Galatians 6:11-18
According to Paul, what was the purpose of those teaching circumcision? What was Paul willing to boast about? What really counts in the evidence of a Christian’s life?
2 Corinthians 5:17
Is your life characterized as a new creation in Christ? Is the difference obvious?

4) Galatians 6:1-18
Prayerfully re-read this passage as a checklist, examining yourself. Ask God to show you how the evidence of your life conforms to Paul’s teaching. Consider making a renewed commitment to not give up in doing good.

For Sunday, July 5, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, July 5, 2009.

1) Galatians 5:16-26
What was Paul trying to teach them? Why was this information so important? How would the world be different without anyone living by the Holy Spirit? What if everyone was living by the Holy Spirit? How can you tell if you are letting the Holy Spirit guide how you live?

2) Galatians 5:16-18
What is the conflict Paul is describing? What are the sources of the conflict?
Romans 7:14-25
How did Paul describe the conflict in this passage? In what ways can you identify with Paul’s description? Is his personal struggle encouraging or discouraging to you?

3) Galatians 5:19-21
What are the consequences of this lifestyle Paul described? Do you know what each word in these verses mean? Look up any that are unfamiliar to you.
Mark 14:38; Romans 6:6-7, 14; 1 Corinthians 6:18
How do these passages help you avoid the lifestyle of the flesh?

4) Galatians 5:22-25
What does Paul describe in this passage? What does it mean to keep in step with the Spirit? How does choosing this lifestyle affect our relationships?
Matthew 7:16-20; John 15:5-8
What do these passages teach us about how to produce spiritual fruit? Which one needs strengthening in your life? How can you tell if you are letting the Holy Spirit guide you?

For Sunday, June 28, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, June 28, 2009.

1) Galatians 5:1-15
What does this passage teach about our freedom in Christ?
1 Corinthians 7:19; 1 Corinthian 8:9; 1 Peter 2:16
What do these passages add to your understanding of how to live your freedom in Christ?

2) Galatians 5:7-12
What did Paul think of those trying to force the Gentile Christians into circumcision? How much sin or false teaching does it take to ruin the message? What bit of yeast is negatively influencing your life right now?
2 Peter 3:17-18
How can you make these verses a prayer for yourself? For someone else in your life?

3) Galatians 5:13-15
According to this passage, how can balance be found between grace and freewill in our lives?
Mark 12:28-31
Jesus says this summarizes all the Law. What did He mean by that?

4) Galatians 5:1-6
According to this passage, what really counts in life? Examine yourself: do you have faith? Is it expressed in love or some other way?
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Examine your motivations. What or Who is fueling your actions and attitudes? Make this verse into a prayer.