Aug 29, Mark 8:34
August 25, 2010
Mark 8:34 - And He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me”. NASB 1) The word “let” indicates some effort on our part. How can we get ourselves “out of the way” (continually denying ourselves) and LET God in Christ work within us in every situation? Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 6:10-13 2) Jesus Christ’s “cross to bear” was the sin of the entire world. Is our “cross” this knowledge of Him that we are to share? How do you live this out? 2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 6:19-20, Colossians 1:9-10, 1 Corinthians 9:22 3) How will you “let go and let God” via the Holy Spirit within you while cleaving steadfastly to Christ? John 15:4 4) Do you share the Word of God with others (believers/unbelievers)? Titus 1:9, Colossians 3:16 5) Are you continually surrendering all to Christ making His ways your ways? Are you truly making Him the Lord of your life moment by moment? Romans 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 12:3
Aug 22, Luke 18:8
August 25, 2010
“...when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8b (New American Standard Bible) Faith testing and responding to injustice: Review the end of the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:15-21. Remember all of the evil that Joseph’s brothers did to him, then consider the great faith required of his response in verse 20. What are one or two important principles or beliefs needed to have this perspective? Recall Job’s story, then look at his response to his pain and difficulty in Job 1:20-22. What does Job believe about God that allows him to view his circumstances in this way? What might keep you from taking this perspective in tough times? Put all of your confidence in God who is unshakable in His love for His people: The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. Psalm 147:11 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Aug 15, Luke 9:57-62
August 13, 2010
The burial of one's father was a sacred duty (ex. Gen 25:9; 35:29), but ... this man's father was probably still alive. It appears the son wishes to go home, live in comfort with his father till his death ... collect his inheritance, and then ... become a disciple. How would you rate the priority God has in your relationship and lifestyle with Him? "God "my who?” utmost" 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 What are some excuses we use to put off God's call on us to follow Him and be involved? What would differentiate a "casual follower" vs. a "committed follower"? In reflection and examining of your own self, are there adjustments you need to make in your relationship with God and involvement in His calling to share in ministry?
Aug 8, Luke 15:25-28
August 5, 2010
The Elder Brother - Luke 15:25-28 1. Why have some called this parable “The Parable of the Lost Sons”? 2. Do you think both sons were treated the same by the father? 4. Have you ever been in a situation where a source of joy for others was a source of resentment for you? 5. What lesson does the parable teach us about God's attitude toward sinners? How should we feel towards sinners? See Luke 15:7, 10, 22-24.
Aug 1, Luke 12:10
July 28, 2010
Luke 12:10 The Sin Against the Holy Spirit - When you were growing up was there a specific sin that was unforgivable in your home?
- Is there a sin that is unforgivable?
- What does it mean to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit? (Matthew 12:30-32) How do you deny the Holy Spirit?
- Is this a single act or a persistent rejection?
- To what did the teachers of the law often credit Jesus’ healing powers?
- What does Jesus teach about the believer’s security in [1] facing human opposition? [2] facing God’s judgment? (Acts 13:38-39)
July 25, Mt 22:1-14
July 23, 2010
Matt 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen” 1. Read Matt 22:1-14. What is the context of verse 14? 2. Who is Jesus telling these parables to? (You may find it helpful to read Matt 21:23-46) 3. Do you consider this verse a hard saying of Jesus? Why or why not? 4. Who is called? (vs 3 and vs 9) 5. How were the chosen distinguished? (vs 11) 6. Who provides the wedding clothes and how do we obtain them? 7. Take a moment to reflect. Are we properly clothed for the reception of our Risen Savior or are we just crashing the wedding party?
July 18, Mark 10:23-27
July 15, 2010
- “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25) This is the opposite of what was believed then by the rabbis and now by many modern day preachers promoting material prosperity as a mark of God’s blessing on faith. What do you think this verse means?
- Why did Jesus use the image of a camel going through the eye of a needle? In our modern day culture what illustration might Jesus have chosen to illustrate such a ridiculous thought?
- Based on this portion of scripture, how can a rich man enter the kingdom of God?
- Is it wrong for people to be rich? Should we sell everything and give our money to the poor?
July 11, Mark 10:18
July 8, 2010
Study Questions for 7/11/10 “And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me (essentially and perfectly morally) good? There is no one (essentially and perfectly morally) good except God alone.” Mark 10:18 Amplified 1. Picture the scene of the rich young ruler running up and kneeling before Jesus expectantly with his question. What can you learn from the way the man approached Jesus? 2. Jewish rabbis would not allow the word “good” to be applied to them because they taught that God alone was good. Do you think the man nrealized who Jesus was, was he just trying to flatter him, or something else? Why did Jesus answer his question with another seemingly unrelated question? What was Jesus trying to get the man to see? 3. Which commandments had the man broken? Are keeping the commandments the way to eternal life? Can eternal life be earned? Look at Ephesians 2:8. What was Jesus trying to get the man to understand? 4. Mark is the only gospel that says that Jesus looked on him and loved him, yet the man went away sad. What was the man lacking? Is wealth evil or is the evil in how we feel about it? Look at Matthew 6:24 & 1Timothy 6:10. How are you building treasures in heaven? Look at Luke 12:32-34 & 2Corinthians 4:7.
July 4, Matthew 5:48
June 30, 2010
“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 NASB 1. The word “perfect” is the Greek word “teletos” meaning nothing beyond; hence perfect, in the sense of fully initiated. See 1Corinthians 2:6, Philippians 3:15. It suggests completeness, maturity, as the children of God. God loves His enemies and seeks to make them His children and we are to be assisting Him! 2. The Word exhorts us to become fully initiated or mature. How is this maturing accomplished? See Romans 10:9-10, 2 Timothy 2:15, Romans 12:2 3. How are we to live out “perfection” or maturity in Christ? See Luke 16:1-13, 1Corinthians 4:1-5, Titus 1:1-9, 1Peter 4:10, Isaiah 55:11 4. Since we’re the ones God has entrusted and turned over the “keys of the kingdom”/ the “things of God”, we’re the stewards of all things that pertain to life and Godliness! What should that look like in our lives? In our world? 5. Have you received the word of reconciliation and the ministry to accomplish this “bringing back together that which has been broken”? See 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 6. Have you shared Christ today? Are you a good steward of the things of God?
June 27, Matthew 13:44-52
June 30, 2010
1. When Jesus explained the parable of the sower and the soils in v. 18-23, what differentiates between those that bear fruit and those that do not (v. 23)? 2. The seed in the parable of the sower represents something different from the seed of the parable of the weeds. What is the difference? (v. 19 & 38) 3. Do these parables leave any room for feeling superior that you responded to God’s word when others did not? (v. 10-13, 36-39) 4. In the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven, consider how the spread of the gospel and the church throughout the entire world fits with these descriptions as a miraculous fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction here. 5. Are the parable of the weeds and of the net consistent with the popular belief that all will ultimately be saved?
[ Older Posts ]
|
