Peter Takes Another Risk

October 17, 2015
Acts 10:24-38 KJV 

24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him]. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I [unto you] without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How did Cornelius react before and after the Apostle Peter arrived in Caesarea? (v.24-25)
2) How did Peter respond to Cornelius' greeting and who else did he find assembled in Cornelius' house? (v.26-27)
3) What did Peter say to those assembled in Cornelius' house and what did he ask them? (v.28-29)
4) What was Cornelius' response to Peter? (v.30-33)
5) What did Peter tell those assembled about God and the Lord Jesus Christ (v.34-38)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Who first witnessed to you about Jesus Christ?
7) What did they say that convinced you of your need for Him in your life?
8) Have you ever refused to share Christ with an unbeliever? If so, why?

LIFE LESSONS
8) The Holy Spirit emboldens and inspires believers to share the Gospel in ways that will convince them that Jesus is real, convict their hearts of sin, and compel them to give their lives to Christ.

God For All

Saturday, October 17, 2015
Acts 10:39-48 KJV 

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After preaching to Cornelius and his household about Jesus, what did the Apostle Peter tell them that he and his fellow disciples were witnesses to? (v.39-41)
2) What did Jesus command His disciples to witness to and why? (v.42-43)
3) What happened as Peter was witnessing to Cornelius and his family? (v.44)
4) How did the Jewish believers respond? Why? (v.45-46)
5) What was the Apostle Peter's question and command to those who witnessed what happened next? (v.47-48)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How do you know that you have received the Holy Spirit?

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Holy Spirit is given to everyone who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ and earnestly desires or seeks the Holy Spirit's infilling.
8) The infilling of the Holy Spirit is not only manifested through speaking in unknown tongues, but through an immediate change in one's behavior and/or character.
9) The Holy Spirit is given to empower the believer to witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and to live a Spirit-led life.
10) Baptism is an external sign of an internal reality.

Peter Follows Through

Friday, October 16, 2015
Acts 10:17-23 KJV 

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what [is] the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23 Then called he them in, and lodged [them]. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was Peter doing while the men Cornelius sent to him were waiting his house? What did they want from the Apostle? (v.17-18)
2) Who alerted Peter that Cornelius' men were outside his house and what was he told to do? (v.19-20)
3) What did Peter do next and how did he respond to the visitors? (v.21)
4) What did the men tell Peter? (v.22)
5) What did Peter do for the men that night and on the following morning? (v.23)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Has the Holy Spirit ever asked you to do something that made no sense to you? If so, how did you respond.

LIFE LESSONS
7) The only correct response to the leading of the Holy Spirit is obedience, whether we understand what He is doing, or not.

The Spirit is Not for Sale

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Act 8:9-24 KJV 

9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and [in] the bond of iniquity. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. 

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who was Simon, what did he do in Samaria, and how did the people regard him? (v.9-11)
2) How did the people of Samaria (including Simon) respond to Philip's preaching of the gospel? (v.12-13)
3) What did the apostles do when they heard of what happened in Samaria? (v.14)
4) What did the Apostles Peter and John after arriving in Samaria? (v.15-17)
5) Who witnessed this and what did he do in response? (v.18-19)
6) What did the Aposte Peter say to the man and how did the man respond? (v.20-24) 

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you, or anyone else you know, ever sought to acquire a gift of the Holy Spirit  to receive the approval of people, rather than God? If so, what did you (they) do to repent of your (their) self-serving motives?

LIFE LESSONS
8) The gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit are given by the Holy Spirit, to whoever He will and as Father God has purposed before we were born.
9) The gifts and callings of God are not for sale.

Stand Ready

Saturday, October 5, 2015

Acts 8: 26-40

26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS

1) What did the angel of the Lord tell Philip to do? (v.26)

2) What did the apostle do, in response, and who did he happen upon? (v.27)

3) What was the eunuch doing? (v.28)

4) What did the Holy Spirit tell Philip to do next? (v.29)

5) What did Philip do and what did he hear and say in response? (v.30)

6) How did the eunuch respond to Philip? (v.31)

7) What Scripture was the eunuch reading and what did the eunuch ask Philip about the passage? (v.31-34)

8) How did Philip respond to the man? (v.35)

9) What did the eunuch ask Philip to do next and what was Philip's response? (v.36-37a)

10) What did the eunuch say in response to Philip's question? (v.37b)

11) What did Philip do next? (v.38)

12) What happened after Philip baptized the man? (v.39)

13) How did Philip get to Azotus and what did he do while he was there? (v.40)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

14) Has the Holy Spirit after directed you to witness to a specific individual? If so, how did you respond?

LIFE LESSONS

15) When the Holy Spirit leads us to witness to other people, our best response is to obey Him.

Stand Boldly

Thursday, October 1, 2015
Acts 13:52-14:1-3 KJV 

52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. 

1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the Holy Spirit commanded that Paul and Barnabus be separated from the other believing Jews unto the work they had been call to, the two disciples proceeded to minister to the multitudes in Antioch and many believed. What happened to the two disciples after ministering in Antioch? (13:52)
2) What transpired as the two disciples spoke in Iconium? (14:1-2)
3) What did Paul and Barnabus do after meeting with opposition in Iconium from the unbelieving Jews and what was the result of their ministry there? (14:3)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you received the Gift of the Holy Spirit after your initial profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, how do you know? If not, why not?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Holy Spirit enables believers to speak boldly for Christ and to live the Christian life.
6) The Holy Spirit is available to every believer who asks for His infilling.
7) Believers are continually filled by the Holy Spirit through prayer, worship, and the study of God's word.

Praying For One Another

Sunday, September 6, 2015
Act 4:23-31 NIV

23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.' 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Apostles Peter and John do upon their release from the Sanhedrin's custody? (v.23)
2) What did the other followers of Christ do upon hearing what the apostles told them? (v.24-30)
3) What happened after the disciples of Christ completed their prayer? (v.31)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Do you generally pray fervently and earnestly for the needs of your brothers and sisters in Christ? If so, what generally happens when you do?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord expects His people to pray earnestly for each other's needs through the power of His Holy Spirit.

No One Else

Friday, September 4, 2015
Act 4:1-12 NIV 

1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the lame man was healed at the gate Beautiful, who confronted Peter and John? What were the apostles doing, at that time? (v.1)
2) Why did these men confront the apostles? (v.2)
3) What did the men do to the apostles? (v.3)
4) What happened to many who heard the apostles message and what was the impact on Christianity? (v.4)
5) Who met the next day? Where? (v.5-6)
6) What did they do to the apostles? (v.7)
7) What did Peter tell them and who (or what) was He under the influence of? (v.8-10)
8) What did Peter tell them about Jesus and salvation? (v.11-12)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Who, or what, emboldens you to share your testimony with unbelievers?

10) Would you share the gospel with unbelievers even if doing so would cost you your reputation, your relationships, your standing in the community, and/or your life?

LIFE LESSONS
11) The indwelling Holy Spirit enables believers to boldly share the gospel of Jesus Christ with non-believers, at any cost!

Guided by the Spirit

Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Galatians 5:19-26 KJV

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are the "works of the flesh" and what will become of those whose practice doing such things? (v.19-21)
2) What is the "fruit of the Spirit"? (v.22-23)
3) What are followers of Christ to do and how are we to behave? (v.24-26)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What do you do to crucify the "works of the flesh"?

LIFE LESSONS
5) To live a Holy Spirit-controlled (led) life, believers must crucify (kill) the "works of the flesh" through confession and repentance.

Building Up Others

Sunday, May 24, 2015
Act 2:1-7, 12;1 Corinthians 14:13-19 KJV

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? ... 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.


OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What happened when the day of Pentecost had fully come? (v.1-4)
2) What did onlookers do and observe after the disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost? (v.5-7,12)
3) What did the Apostle Paul encourage disciples speaking in unknown tongues do and why? (v.13-17)
4) What did Paul write concerning his spiritual gift of speaking in tongues? Why? (v.18-19)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What are your beliefs concerning speaking in tongues? 
6) If possible, please back up your beliefs about speaking in unknown tongues with Scripture.

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues to whoever He will.

They Shall Prophesy

Friday, May 22, 2015
Acts 2:14-21 KJV 

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did Peter say to the onlookers after he, and the other disciples, received the Holy Spirit? (v.14-16)
2) What had the Prophet Joel prophesied concerning the end of the age? (v.17-21) 

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
3) Which of Joel's prophesies have already come to pass in your lifetime?
4) What prophesies have yet to manifest, as the prophet foretold?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord God enables His servants to deliver prophecies that will signal the fulfillment of God's word, thousands of years before they ever come to pass. 

We Hear in Our Own Languages

Thursday, May 21, 2015
Acts 2:8-13 KJV

8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) When the Day of Pentecost came, all believers who were assembled on one accord were filled with the Holy Spirit and spake with other tongues. What were the reactions of onlookers? (v.8-13)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) Have you received the infilling of the Holy Spirit since you first professed faith in the Lord Jesus? If so, how was that infilling manifested through you?

LIFE LESSONS
3) Every believer, who asks, receives the infilling of the Holy Spirit to witness to the lost, and to experience a more abundant life, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

One Spirit, a Variety of Gifts

Sunday, May 10, 2015
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 KJV 

1 Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Why did the Apostle Paul write about spiritual gifts in this epistle? (v.1)
2) What does Paul write about the past of his Gentile readers? (v.2)
3) Who, or what, makes it possible for believers to say that Jesus is Lord? (v.3)
4) What does the apostle write concerning the various spiritual gifts that believers have? (v.4-6)
5) Why is the Holy Spirit manifested in the lives of every believer? (v.7)
6) What specific spiritual gifts does the Apostle Paul write about and who, or what, determines what gifts every believer receives? (v.8-11)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What did you do to receive the spiritual gifts that you have received?

LIFE LESSONS
8) Different spiritual gifts are given to every believer by the Holy Spirit, according to His will.

Gifts That Build Up the Church

Saturday, May 9, 2015
1 Corinthians 14:1-5 KJV 

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Apostle Paul encourage the reader to "follow after" and "desire"? (v.1)
2) What does the apostle write concerning speaking in unknown tongues? (v.2, 4a)
3) What does he write concerning the spiritual gift of prophesy? (v.3, 4b-5)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What spiritual gift(s) have you been given to build up the body of Christ?

LIFE LESSONS
5) Our Lord gives one or more spiritual gifts to every believer, who has received His Holy Spirit.

Truth is in Jesus

Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Ephesians 4:17-25 KJV 

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After exhorting members of the body of Christ to walk in unity, what does the Apostle Paul tell disciples to refrain from doing? (v.17)
2) Why are these Gentiles living as they do? (v.18-19)
3) What have disciples of Christ been taught and what should we "put off," "put on," and "put away", as a result? Why? (v.20-25)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Are you still living as those who have not learned of Christ? If so, what will you do to renew your mind?

LIFE LESSONS
5) Those who have been saved from the penalty of sin, are being freed from the power of sin as we are increasingly conformed to the image of Christ, through His Holy Spirit.

The Boldness We Have in Christ

Friday, April 24, 2015
1John 5:6-15 KJV 

6 This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How did our Lord Jesus come into the world the first time? (v.6a) 
2) Who is witness to the first incarnation and why? (v.6b)
3) Who in heaven bears record that Jesus is the Son of God and what is their relationship to one another? (v.7)
4) Who and/or what on earth agrees that Jesus is the Son of God? (v.8)
5) What is the witness of God and why is the witness of God greater than human witness? (v.9)
6) Who has eternal life and who does not? Why? (v.10-12)
7) Why did the Apostle John write about the witness within everyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (v.13)
8) Why should we be confident when we pray? (v.14-15)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) How do you know that you have eternal life in Christ?

LIFE LESSONS
10) For those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we are assured of eternal life through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Love God, Love Others

Sunday, April 19, 2015
1 John 4:13-5:5 

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. 

1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?


OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How do we know that God lives in us and that we live in God? (v.13)
2) To what had the Apostle John seen and testified? (v.14)
3) How do we know that the Spirit of the Living God lives in us? (v.15-16)
4) Why is the love of God perfected (brought to maturation) in believers? (v.17)
5) How do we know that the love of God has not been perfected in us? (v.18)
6) Why do we love God? (v.19)
7) If we truly love God, how will that love be manifested? (v.20)
8) What command has the Lord given us? (v.21)

9) How do we know that we are born of God (born again)? (5:1)
10) How do we know that we love God's children? (v.2)
11) How is the love of God manifested? (v.3)
12) What do the children of God do? (v.4a)
13) What is the victory that overcomes the world? (v4b)
14) Who overcomes the world (v.5)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
15) Are you able to love everyone the Lord sends into your home, church, workplace, or community? Why, or why not?
16) Have you been grown in your love for others since first coming to faith in Christ? If so, How do you know?
17) Are you ever fearful of,  or intimidated by, other believers? If so, why? 

LIFE LESSONS
18) The Lord perfects His love in us, over time, by driving out the darkness within our souls (e.g. fear, unforgiveness, jealousy, anger, lust, pride).
19) The Holy Spirit of God is manifested through our lives as we love others.
20) The Holy Spirit emboldens us to love others, as we love God.

Love Made Possible by the Spirit

Sunday, April 12, 2015
1 John 3:11-24 KJV 

11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God. 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the message that the readers heard from the beginning? (v.11)
2) Who did the Apostle John use as an example of one who did not love his brother? (v.12a)
3) Why does the world hate Christians? (v.12b-13)
4) How do we know that we have passed from death to life? (v.14a)
5) What does John write about those who do not love the brethren? (v.14b-15)
6) Why should we lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ? (v.16)
7) How do we assure our hearts before God and know that we are of the truth? (v.17-19)
8) What enables us to have confidence toward God and to have our prayers answered? (v.20-22)
9) What has God commanded us to do? How? (v.23-24) 

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
10) How do you know that you have eternal life?
11) Who, or what, enables you to keep the Lord's command to love your brothers and sisters in Christ?

LIFE LESSONS
12) The indwelling Holy Spirit enables us to live a life of love.

Receive the Holy Spirit

Sunday, March 22, 2015
John 20:19-23 KJV 

19 Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them [his] hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) On the same day that the tomb was found empty, what happened in the evening? (v.19a-b)
2) What did the Lord say to, and do for, His disciples and how did they respond? (v.19c-21)
3) What else did the Risen Lord do and say to His disciples? (v.22-23)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) When was the first time that Jesus became "real" (manifested Himself) in your life? 

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord manifests in our lives through His word, our circumstances, and the witness of His people and Spirit.

Power from the Holy Spirit

Friday, March 20, 2015
Acts 1:4-8 KJV 

4 And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After our Lord Jesus' resurrection from the dead, He presented Himself alive to many of His disciples. What did Jesus command the disciples to do and why? (v.4-5)
2) What did the disciples ask the Lord following His command? (v.6)
3) What was our Lord's response to them? (v.7-8)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) If you have received the indwelling Holy Spirit, how has His presence manifested  through you?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Holy Spirit is given to every believer to empower us to be His witnesses.