Tuesday, September 30                                               Ephesians 4:11-13

What are the categories that Paul lists? What is their purpose? What does Paul list as the end goal (v. 13)? How would you describe a church that does that?

Why do you think it is so important that God's people step into the "works of service" that the Bible mentions here? Paul uses "maturity" as a descriptor for a church that does this. Read Matthew 22:34-39. What does this statement from Jesus have to do with the Paul's instructions?

Wednesday, October 1                                                Ephesians 4:14-16

What does v. 14 mean, in your own words? What words or phrases jump out at you? Why? How does all this help build a healthy community/church? What is your part in that?

Verse 15 indicates that we will become more and more like Christ-what does that look like at an individual level? As a church? Paul uses the word "love" multiple times in this passage...why? Why is that so important?                                 

Thursday, October 2                                                    Ephesians 4:17-24

How is the description of vs. 17-19 fitting for our world today? Why? How do these verse encourage you? How do they challenge you?

How have you been "made new in the attitude of your mind" lately? What is the biggest difference between your "old self" and your "new self?"                   

Friday, October 3                                                        Ephesians 4:25-31

These are even more instructions on how we are to relate to one another in this ‘new community.' Which of these do you feel like God has changed you most in? Which is the most challenging? Why?

How do these instructions fit into living as a healthy church? To live these out takes a certain level of involvement and investment in a community. Where are you in terms of your investment in this church? Why? What is keeping you from being more involved?

Monday, September 15                                                      Luke 10:25-37

Put into practice your lectio divina skills with this passage...what do you see? Hear? Feel? Sense? What is the scene as Jesus answers this question?

What words or phrases jump out at you? Why? Now, what do you think God is trying to say to you this day? What would you like to do with that? Spend some time in prayer and thanking God.

Tuesday, September 16                                                 Philippians 2:1-7

What are Paul's instructions in verse 2? How do you go about being those things? With whom? Why is this so important to God?

How often do you feel yourself pulled by "selfish ambition?" Why is it so difficult for us to consider others better than ourselves? What does that really mean? How does Christ's attitude demonstrate this? How does it challenge you?

Wednesday, September 17                                                  1 Peter 4:7-10

What is Paul getting at in this passage, in your own words? What does it look like to "love each other deeply?" Why is this the "above all?"

Re-read verse 10. What do you think the author is getting at here? What does it mean that we get to "administer God's grace in its various forms?" How has that been done for you lately? How have you done so?

Thursday, September 18                                                   Romans 15:1-5                                      

So much of what is "normal" right now in our culture is living to please ourselves. Why is that such an attractive way to live? Why is it dangerous? What is the instruction Paul give here, and how does it apply to your daily life?

Why is it so important that we continue to consider Jesus' life as we live and interact with folks? What is the promise in v. 4? How is that true in your life?

Friday, September 19                                                        Luke 10:25-37    

As you re-read this story, take the same journey as day 1. What jumps out at you this time? Is it different? Why or why not?

Spend some time today letting God tell you who the people are in your life that might need a little bandaging. How can you be the type of person who stops at the roadside instead of walking by?

The Masters Plan

Monday, September 8                                                       Matthew 16: 13-20

Jesus says "on this rock I will build my church." Although Peter's name means "rock" it is not on Peter that Christ is going to build a church. It is on the foundation that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Why is it important to know that Jesus is God's Son? How does that make Jesus' life and sacrifice more important than just a man dying on the cross?

What is the promise God makes about the church? How does that impact how you view the local church? How can you pray for Cambridge as the local version of what God is speaking about?

Tuesday, September 9                                                   Ephesians 4:2-6, 11-16

Is everyone in the "body" important or just the leaders of a church? Why? What can you as an individual be doing within / for the church and it's mission?

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, you have been given eternal life. What is your response to God for Jesus' sacrifice? How does His sacrifice show in your life?

Wednesday, September 10                         Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:34-35

When you come to church, how does it make you feel? What do you want others to feel when they come to church? What are you doing that makes people feel that way?

In your daily life outside of church, what do you do to represent the body of Christ?  Who can you share your love for Jesus with? Pick someone today to show love and kindness toward. Show them your love for others at church so they know you are Christ's disciple

Thursday, September 11                                               1 Corinthians 12:1-31

When you receive the Holy Spirit you are given gifts to help you live for Jesus, and not just for yourself or your family. What are your gifts? How can you investigate and take initiative to see what they are and how you can use them to bless others?

What is God doing in and through your life? How is he using you to further the church body? Ask God how you can serve the church with your unique gifts.

Friday, September 12                                                                Ephesians 4:17 - 5:21

This is a hard path to follow but thankfully we do not have to do it alone. Look at the areas of strength in your life and praise God for them. Look at the areas you need improvement in, ask God for help to improve those areas.

Imagine if we all followed this example. How would our church look if most everyone was living this out? What ways does our church do a good job following this example? How can we improve? Take action to improve the areas where we are weak.