Invited to the Party

Read Luke 14:15-24

What kind of party is being thrown in the story Jesus is telling? How do you imagine guests would be treated at such a party?

      What does this type of party reveal about the heart of God for us?

What excuses do the original guests offer? Are they bad excuses for missing the party? What do the guests miss out on by choosing other things?

In your own life, what are the "excuses" that tend to keep you away from Jesus? Why do these compete so well with the banquet offered?

Who ends up getting the invitation to the banquet?

    What does this reveal about the heart of God for blessing people?

Additional Study: Read Exodus 10:8-9

Moses here is discussing with Pharaoh a commandment God had given him. What is that command? Have you ever thought about God commanding us to celebrate?

It says in this passage that the people where to "celebrate a festival to the Lord." What do you think that means? Why do you think God would command His people to celebrate each year?

What has God been doing in your life over this last year that is worth celebrating?

Read Revelation 21:1-7

What is being described in this passage? What does it say about what God that He wants to give this to us? 

How does it challenge your view of God to think that He wants to give something so incredible to anyone and everyone who wants it? How doe s it encourage you?

Read  Matthew 6:25-34

What is the point Jesus is making in this passage? What is the promise?

Stephen Covey talks about having ‘big rocks' in life...things that take priority over everything else. What are the ‘big rocks' in your life? What does it look like to have the Kingdom of God (v.33) at the head of those big rocks? 

  A Spiritual Conversation

Read John 4:1-14

What do you notice about how Jesus enters into a spiritual conversation with this woman? Make as many observations as you can.

In verse 7, Jesus asks the woman for a drink. How do you think this act affected the conversation? What did Jesus accomplish by putting himself in this woman's debt?

      What great conversation principle does this reinforce?

Jesus obviously points this woman to God-what does He offer her? What does He mean by "living water?"

      Why is it so important that we understand (and experience) what God wants to give to the people around us? How have you experienced this in your own life?

Read John 4:15-26

Jesus clearly knows about this woman's life-enough to ask her the "right" question. What response does His question stir (put yourself in the woman's shoes)?

      Since we don't have Jesus' ability to see into people's souls, how can we become aware enough about the people around us that we can ask the "right" questions?

What is the progression of the conversation from v 13-26? How does this progression model for us how to have spiritual conversations?

Take some time to pray that God will lead you to some people who are in need of a good spiritual conversation. Pray that He will give you the words and the right questions to ask...and then trust him with the results.

Additional Study: 2 Timothy 4:2

What is Paul's charge to Timothy here? Paul's challenge is "in season and out of season." What does this mean?

How can you "be prepared" to share the Good News more regularly in your life?

Read  Philippians 4:4-7

What jumps out at you from this passage? How does it impact how you think about sharing your faith/reaching out to have spiritual conversations?

Spend some time today praying for God to use you and "be near" in your life.

Read  Mark 8:35-38

How does verse 38 frame the idea of sharing about Jesus? If the choice is to decide between identifying with Jesus or the world (ie "this sinful generation"), where will you chose to put your value and hope? How does that encourage you?

The Importance of Teaching

Read Acts 20:17-21, 27-31-Day One

How does Paul describe his ministry to the Ephesians in v. 17-21?

What was the paramount message that Paul gave to the Ephesians during his 3-year tenure with them (v. 21)?

What are Paul's instruction to the leaders of the church in Ephesus? What definite warnings does he give?

Paul tells us in v. 28 to keep watch over ourselves. What does this look like?  What actions do you take to keep watch?

Read Acts 20:17-21, 27-31 -  Day Two

How can "distorting the truth" (v. 30) be more dangerous than declaring out-right lies? How can we stand firm against the distortion of truth?

What does it mean to "be on your guard" (v. 31)? Do you find it easy or tempting to put your guard down? Why or why not?

Why do you think it is so important to know the essentials of your faith in relation to Paul's admonitions?

Additional Study: Read Mark 6:30-34

How is the crowd described in this passage? What was Jesus' response to them?

Has there been a time when you felt like the crowd? How can Jesus' teaching bring comfort and encouragement to you?

Read  2 Timothy 3:14-17

For what are the Scriptures useful? What is the purpose of teaching, correction and training?

Thinking back to the Day 1&2 questions, what role do the Scriptures play in keeping watch over yourself and combating the distortion of truth?

Read  2 Timothy 4:1-4

What charge does Paul give? Specifically, how does Paul tell Timothy to carry this out?

Do you see verses 3-4 being displayed today? In what ways? Have you ever been tempted by "itching ears"? How did you turn back to "sound doctrine"?