Carefully Think Read Matthew 26:1-56 focusing on 26:47-56 to understand the context. Why do you think so many came to arrest Jesus? What does Jesus mean in verses 52-54? Consider the chain of events that brought Judas to these actions. Prayerfully Meditate What is our reaction when God does other than we think is good? How can we walk in trust with God as Jesu...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew 24:36-51 Re-read the first part of Matthew 24 for context. What do you think of the end times date setting movement in light of verse 36? Prayerfully Meditate As we consider verses 44-46, what can we do to be ready? Consider your expectation of the Lord's return. Is your expectation that His return could be imminent, and how do you ...
Keep ReadingThis past Sunday we continued looking at the Olivet discourse. Specifically looking at Matthew24:4-14; where we spent time hearing about the signs of Jesus' return. Remember that Pastor Bret noted the 6 kinds of events that will precede Jesus' return. Theywere: Deception, conflict, natural disaster, persecution, apostasy, and evangelism. We also heard 5reasons to believe ...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Ecclesiastes, focusing on chapters 1, 11, and 12. Also read1 Kings 1:1-8 How did Solomon's unfaithfulness affect his outlook? What areas of life are addressed? What passages were particularly applicable to aspects of modern culture? Which warnings are particularly applicable to you in your current circumstances or stage of life? Prayerfully Me...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew 23:1-36 What is the major critique Jesus is leveling at the Pharisees and scribes? How might verses 6-12 apply to the modern church? Was Jesus criticizing the attempts at piety by the Pharisees or their attitudes which drove them? Prayerfully Meditate Pray that you might avoid the pitfalls that the religious leaders of Jesus' day fe...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew 22:15-22 How do you engage those who want to discuss Christianity with malice? What does rendering to Ceaser and rendering to God look like for us in the church today? What are issues where the church at large today may be testing God? In what ways can flattery be dangerous? Prayerfully Meditate Pray that God would help us to...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew 21:1-11 and Zechariah 9 Considering the quote from Zechariah in v. 5, how can the humility of Jesus be compared to that of the mother of James and John (Matt 20:21)? Looking at Zechariah 9:16-17, what is the aim of Jesus' triumphal entry? Prayerfully Meditate Consider the humility of Christ in verse 5. Compare the reaction of the cr...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew Matthew 19:23-30 How does this passage relate to the passage preached last week (19:16-22), and even with the rest of Matthew 19? According to Jesus, how difficult is it for a wealthy person to have eternal life? In light of what happened with the Rich Young Ruler, why is it so difficult? Why does Jesus use the illustration of a camel try...
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 the book of Zephaniah in one sitting. Consider Zephaniah's lineage (1:1) What is the prophet's overall message in the two sections of 1:1 to 3:8 and then 3:8 to 3:11? What were some of the offenses decried by Zephaniah? (1:3, 1:9, 1:12, 2:10, 3:4 What does the prophecy advise the people to do? (2:3, 2:8) What is the Lord going to do for the Isr...
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