The Most Beautiful Bride

Sunday, January 9, 2016
Song of Solomon 6:4-12 KJV 

4 Thou [art] beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as [an army] with banners. 5 Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair [is] as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead. 6 Thy teeth [are] as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and [there is] not one barren among them. 7 As a piece of a pomegranate [are] thy temples within thy locks. 8 There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. 9 My dove, my undefiled is [but] one; she [is] the [only] one of her mother, she [is] the choice [one] of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; [yea], the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. 10 Who [is] she [that] looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, [and] terrible as [an army] with banners? 11 I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, [and] to see whether the vine flourished, [and] the pomegranates budded. 12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me [like] the chariots of Amminadib.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Beloved say about His Bride (the Shulamite)? (v.4-10)
2) What does the Shulamite say? (v.11-12)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
3) What does the Lord say about those who belong to Him?
4) Are you worthy of the Father's love? If so, why?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Father loves His own, not because of what we do but, because of what Jesus has done for us.
6) We can never do anything to earn God's love.
7) When God looks at you, He sees His Son.

The Perfect Shepherd

Tuesday, January 5, 2016
John 10:1-6 KJV

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who is a thief and a robber, according to the Apostle John? (v.1)
2) Who is the Shepherd of the sheep? (v.2)
3) Who hears the Shepherd's voice and what does He do for them? (v.3-4)
4) Who do the sheep refuse to follow? Why? (v.5)
5) Of those who heard the parable, how many understood what He was saying? (v.6)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Are you able to dinstinguish between the voice of the Lord and the voice of another? If so, briefly describe how you do that.

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord will never tell His sheep to do anything that conflicts with His written word.

Generous Even in Poverty

Sunday, December 27, 2015
Matthew 23:2-12; Mark 12:38-44

2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders; but they [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 

 38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did our Lord Jesus say about the actions of the Pharisees and why they did them? (v.2-7)
2) What did Jesus tell His followers to do? (v.8-10)
3) Who is greatest according to the Lord? Why? (v.11-12)
4) Who did the Lord say to beware of and why? (v.38-40)
5) Who did the Lord take notice of at the treasury? Why? (v.41-44)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Do you know of anyone who exalts themselves above others? If so, briefly describe this individual and what, if anything, you do to help them forsake their sin?

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord abases the proud, but blesses the poor in spirit.

Perfect Sacrifice

Saturday, December 12, 2015
1 John 4:9-16 KJV

9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 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.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How was the love of God manifested toward us? Why? (v.9)
2) How did God demonstrate His love for us? (v.10, 14)
3) Since God so loved us, what are we to do for others? (v.11)
4) How do we abide in God's love and how is it perfected in us? (v.12-13)
5) How do we know that we abide in the love of God and that God abides in us? (v.15,16)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How do you know that you abide in God and that His love indwells you?

LIFE LESSONS
7) Our love for others is evidence that the love of God abides within us.

Loving Sacrifice

Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Mark 12:28-34b KJV 

28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment. 31 And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. 

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the scribe ask Jesus? (v.28)
2) What was Jesus' response? (v.29-31)
3) What did the scribe say to Jesus after hearing His response? (v.32-33)
4) What did Jesus say to the scribe? Why? (v.34a)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you obeyed the Lord's commands to love Him and love the people He loves? If not, why not?
6) If you have faithfully obeyed the Lord's commands to love Him and to love the people He loves, briefly describe how you have done that recently.

LIFE LESSONS
7) The faithful are not always able to love God and/or His people as the Lord would have us to.
8) When believers are not able to love as Jesus loves it is incumbent upon us to confess our weakness, repent of our failure, and pray for the Lord's grace to love who He loves and as He loves.

Eternal Rest

Friday, December 4, 2015
Revelation 14:12-13, 21:1-5 KJV 

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. 

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How are the "saints" of God to live during the time when the mark of the beast is being received by those who have rejected Jesus Christ? (v.12)
2) What did the voice from heaven say to John and tell him to write? (v.13)
3) What did John see after all satanic rebellion was destroyed? (21:1-2)
4) What did John hear, in this vision, after the evil one was overthrown? (v,3-4)
5) What did He who sat on the throne say and tell John to write? (v.5)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Are you ready for Jesus imminent return? If not, what will you do to prepare?

LIFE LESSONS
7) To prepare for Jesus return, every believer is to  keep God's word hidden in our hearts and remain faithful to the Lord Jesus in all that we say, think and do.
8) The Day is coming when satan will be defeated and there will be no more evil.

Commissioned to Teach

Thursday, November 26, 2015
Matthew 28:16-20 KJV 

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Where did the eleven disciples go? Why? (v.16)
2) What did they do when they saw our resurrected Savior? (v.17)
3) What did Jesus tell His disciples to do? Why? (v.18)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What are you doing to fulfill the Jesus' great commission?

LIFE LESSONS
5) Because the Holy Spirit indwells every believer, we have all that we need to fulfill the great commision!

The Accessible God

Thursday, November 5, 2015
Hebrews 4:12-16 KJV 

12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the write of Hebrews liken the word of God to and what does it do? (v.12)
2) What else is naked before the Lord? (v.13)
3) In what office does our Lord function, why, and how does that help believers? (v.14-16)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What do you do to demonstrate your faith in God's promises during the trials of your life?

LIFE LESSONS
5) Our faith is manifested when we believe God's promises (His word) and trust that our Lord Jesus is also interceding for us when we face various trials.

Abundant Grace

Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Romans 16:25-27 NLT 

25 Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. 26 But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. 27 All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is God able to do for the believer and what confirms it? (v.25a)
2) What has been revealed to the Gentiles, kept secret from the beginning of time, and foretold by the prophets? Why? (v.25b-26)
3) How does the apostle conclude his benediction? (v.27)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Who was God's plan of salvation created for and why?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord God has always purposed to make His plan of salvation available to all people so that we might all believe and obey Him.

A Light to the Nations

Monday, October 19, 2015
Isaiah 49:5-7 KJV 

5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb [to be] his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. 6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. 7 Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Lord's Servant say about Himself? (v.5)
2) What does the Lord say to His Servant? (v.6)
3) What does the Lord say about Himself and about the hearts of His people toward Him? (v.7)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What have you done to demonstrate your loyalty and commitment to the Lord?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord has chosen those, whose hearts are fully committed to Him and to His lordship, to shine as lights to the darkened hearts of the rebellious.

Peter Takes a Risk

Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Matthew 14:22-33 KJV 

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After feeding the five thousand, what did Jesus constrain his disciples to do? (v.22)
2) What did Jesus do after the multitudes departed? (v.23)
3) What was happening to the ship that the disciples had boarded? (v.24)
4) How and when did Jesus go to them and how did they respond when they saw Him? (v.25-26)
5) What did Jesus say to them to calm them? (v.27)
6) What did Peter say to the Lord? (v.28)
7) How did the Lord respond and what did Peter do? (v.29)
8) Why did Peter begin to sink and what did the Lord do in response? (v.30-31)
9) When did the wind cease and what did the disciples do and say to the Lord, in response? (v.32-33)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
10) What do you do when everything seems to be going wrong in your life?
11) What risks are you willing to take, to draw closer to our Lord, in faith?

LIFE LESSONS
12) Our first response during troubling times should always be to pray to the only One who has the power to assail our fears and to right whatever is troubling us.
13) The Lord allows storms in our lives to test our faith in Him.
14) The Lord expects us to hold fast to our faith in Him, no matter how dire our circumstances may appear to be.
15) When we keep our focus on the Lord, we will not be overwhelmed by the trials and troubles of this life.

God's Surprising Way

Friday, October 9, 2015
Acts 9:1-9 KJV

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought [him] into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After Stephen was martyred, what did Saul do? (v.1-2)
2) What happened to Saul as he journeyed near Damascus? (v.3-6)
3) What did the men who journeyed with Saul think of all that had happened to him? (v.7)
4) What took place in Saul's life for the three days following his encounter with the Lord? (v.8-9)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What were you doing before you were saved? Please describe your "Damascus" road experience.
6) How has the Lord changed your life since you have surrendered your life to Him?

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord has different ways of causing His chosen to surrender to His will and to His ways. 

God's Holy Way

Wednesday, October 7, 2015
1 Peter 1:16-19 KJV 

16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot;

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the command of the Lord to all who worship and serve Him? Why? (v.16-19)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) Are you "holy"? How do you know?

LIFE LESSONS
3) To be "holy" is to be set apart, from the people of this world, through the"blood of the Lamb".

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.

God Distributed Gifts of the Spirit

Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Hebrews 2:1-9 KJV

1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; 4 God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. 6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? 7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the writer of Hebrews warn his readers about and why? (v.1-3a)
2) Who first revealed the message of salvation to us and through whom, or what, was it confirmed? (v.3b-4)
3) How does the writer compare our Lord Jesus with human beings and the angels? (v.5-9)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever sensed that you were drifting away from your faith in the Lord? If so, please describe one such time.

LIFE LESSONS
5) Our Lord not only proclaimed His salvation to all who would believe, but has given spiritual gifts to all believers to confirm our authority through Him.

Knowledge of the Truth

Thursday, April 30, 2015
Hebrews 10:23-27 KJV

23 Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are Christians to "hold fast" to? Why? (v.23)
2) What else are we to do and when? (v.24-25)
3) What remains for those who sin willfully? (v.26-27

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever been willfully disobedient to the Lord? If so, why?

LIFE LESSONS
5) Those who know of the tremendous sacrifice that was made for our sins, by our Lord Jesus, cannot willingly or knowingly sin against Him.

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.

Since God Loved Us So Much

Saturday, April 18, 2015
1John 4:7-12 KJV

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does John the beloved suggest that followers of Christ do? Why? (v.7)
2) What does the apostle write concerning those who do not love others? (v.8)
3) How was the love of God manifested toward us? Why? (v.9)
4) Why did God send His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins? (v.10)
5) What should we do because God has loved us? (v.11)
6) What is love for others proof of? (v.12)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Is there anyone in your life that you are unable to love with the love of the Lord?

LIFE LESSONS
8) The Father loved sinful people so much that He sent His Son to save us.
9) When the Holy Spirit in fills us, we will love others with the same love that God has for them.

Prophetic Discernment by Christ's Spirit

Monday, April 13, 2015
1 Peter 1:8-12 KJV 

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls. 10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Though we do not see Him, how are we to be toward Him and because of Him? Why? (v.8-9)
2) What did the prophets search diligently to discern? (v.10-11)
3) What was revealed to the prophets of old, to those who would preach the gospel, and to the angels? (v.12)


APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) To whom do you share the message of salvation?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The mystery of salvation is revealed by the Holy Spirit to those who need Christ's redemption.

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.