GENESIS 24 Abraham was great because he led his family to serve the LORD (18:18-19). How does leading your family to God make you great? What can we be doing today to lead our families closer and closer to God? For Abraham’s son to be close to God, he needed a godly wife (24:1-4). How…
LUKE 8:4-15 Jesus told stories on subjects that were familiar to His hearers (v.4-8). Why is it important to illustrate with stories that the people can relate to? What is the blessing of an understandable message (Ephesians 3:3-4)? Jesus shared the meaning of His stories with those who asked (v.9-10). Why is it important that…
JOHN 10:22-39 The background for the feast of dedication is found in Daniel 11:29-35. What can we learn about God’s sustaining and strengthening care for His people? What can we learn from the one day of oil that lasted for eight days? (Kislev 25) The 4th century dating of Christmas is tied to the dating…
MATTHEW 4:23-25 As Jesus traveled through Galilee, huge crowds brought their sick (v.23-25). How broad was the attraction of Jesus for those in need? How broad is the attraction of the body of Christ today for those in need? Jesus blessed these crowds by healing all of their sick (v.23-25). Why didn’t Jesus tell these…
JOHN 10:10 Jesus came so that we can have life abundantly (John 10:10). How is life more abundant with our Good Shepherd? How many people would describe you as living abundantly? What can we do to better realize this abundant life? Jesus gives abundant life to those who follow Him (Luke 9:23). How does Jesus’…
NUMBERS 12 God does not approve of speaking against anyone based on race (v.1-2). For what reason did they speak against the leader of their people? What damage did we see this week resulting from racial prejudice? God clearly punished those who racially rejected authority (v.4-10a). Do you think God was justified in punishing Miriam…
JAMES 1:22-25 When we merely listen to the word, we deceive ourselves (v.22). Why is just feeling convicted not enough? How are we deceiving ourselves when we don’t put it into practice? We need to learn a lesson from our mirrors (v.23-24). Why is this one of the all-time great illustrations? What is wrong with…
MATTHEW 25:1-13 We have been chosen to participate in the celebration of the Bridegroom (v.1). What does purity have to do with being in the presence of God? How should we live differently when we consider the kingdom? We need to bring ‘extra oil’ for our lamps (v.2-6). Why is it so important to have…
LUKE 10:25-37 In round one, the lawyer attempts to test Jesus (v.25-28). How does Jesus reshape the discussion by His counter-question? What is missing from the lawyer’s answer to Jesus’ question? How does Jesus answer the lawyer’s impossible question? In round two, the lawyer seeks to justify himself (v.29-37). What is missing from the lawyer’s…
ISAIAH 53:4-6 The larger context clearly shows the wonder of Christ’s sacrifice (52:13-53:12). How does the reading of this passage kindle emotions that can bless us? How much anguish and how much hope do you find in these words? Our chosen text personalizes that amazing sacrifice (53:4). What would move someone to take ownership of…