This Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent, and our anticipation, personally and corporately, begins to look forward to our celebration of Christmas. Christmas, more than any other annual celebration in the Christian calendar, has such a rich tradition of corporate and family singing. Singing Christmas carols and hymns can evoke such wonderful memories of our time togeth...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 For whom does Paul express thanks? Who is the object of thanksgiving? What reasons does Paul give for his thanksgiving? How would you characterize the quality of these reasons? Prayerfully Meditate Are your prayers for Summit Woods permeated with thanksgiving to the Lord? Are you regularly moved by specific evidences ...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew 17:24-27. Summarize the main idea of this section in one sentence. Who approaches Peter? Why do they focus on Peter (especially in light of recent events with Peter - Matthew 16:13ff)? What kind of tax is being referred to? When does Jesus respond to Peter? In Jesus' parable in verse 25, who do "the kings of the earth refer to?" How do y...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew 17:14-23 Whose lack of faith was Jesus lamenting? (v. 17, 19-20) What attribute is Jesus demonstrating in v. 18?  Given the previous text we covered last Sunday (Matthew 17:1-13), why do you think Jesus is frustrated with His disciples? Prayerfully Meditate How has the glory of God been revealed to you? Think on what God has r...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew chapter 17:1-13. When did this occur? Why is the timing significant (why would Matthew draw attention to it)? Where did Jesus go and who did he take with him? Why do you think he took only these three disciples? How does the transfigured Jesus differ from the Jesus the disciples knew and were familiar with? Who did Jesus converse with du...
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