ROMANS 5:1-5 Because we were justified by faith, we stand in grace and rejoice in hope (v.1-2). What all had to happen so sinful man could have peace and hope? How would you describe your levels of peace and hope? How would those closest to you describe your peace and your hope? We rejoice in…
COLOSSIANS 1:3-8 We give thanks for the faith that grows from hope (1:3-5a). What is the event that defines hope and produces faith? (Titus 2:13) What can we do so that our hope will better produce true faith? We give thanks for the love that grows from hope (1:3-5a). How can our ‘desired expectation’ lead…
I PETER 1:3-9 By His mercy, God caused us to be born to a living hope (v.3). Why is it so important to know that our hope comes from God’s mercy? How empty would salvation be without the joy that comes from a living hope? The means by which we were born to a living…
ZECHARIAH 14 The primary context of these promises involves the church (9:9). What can we learn from these prophecies (9:9; 11:12-13; 12:10; 13:6, 7)? How do these specific prophecies affect your faith? From the Mt. of Olives He will make a way for His people (14:4-5). How did the One who stood on the Mt.…
LAMENTATIONS 3:1-26 Jeremiah in experiencing terrible anguish says, “I hurt!” (v.1-18) How badly was Jeremiah hurting? (2:11-12; 3:48) Why is it so important for us to take our anguish to God in prayer? Jeremiah, still in terrible anguish says, “I remember!” (v.19-21) Besides his past trials, what else does Jeremiah remember? Besides our past trials,…
I CORINTHIANS 13 Love for God is incomplete without displaying it by blessing others (v.1). Why is genuine love more persuasive than impressive speech? How can we make sure that our words are more than an obnoxious noise? Spiritual maturity and insight is incomplete without practicing love (v.2). What happens to Christianity when we just…
EXODUS 14 When we learn that God is with us, we want to follow (Exodus 4:29-31). How do you think the Israelites felt when they heard this great news? How do we and our loved ones feel when we hear the news of God’s grace? When we are going through hard times we don’t want…
HEBREWS 2:5-18 Instead of subjecting the world to angels, God gave man that role (v.5-9). What can we know about the relative position of angels and mankind? How does the marginal reading of “a little while” help us understand? The One perfected through suffering makes us holy and family (v.10-11). What hope can we have…
PSALM 80 Restore us to a close relationship with you O God (v.1-3). How close was God to Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh? (Num. 10:21-24) What is our plea when we aren’t as close to God as we long to be? Restore us from our tears to your presence (v.4-7). What is our plea when we…
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…