The Good Book

Monday,  November 19                                                       Luke 24:13-27

What is the topic of discussion among the disciples as they are walking along? What are their emotions? Why do you think Jesus does a roundabout Bible study with them instead of just saying "Hey, its me!" Where is your "Road to Emmaus" - the place where Jesus surprised you the most recently?

Where does Jesus begin His explanation? Could you, if asked, give an example or two of where Jesus might have gone in the Scriptures to point to himself? What does that say about how important Jesus considers the Scriptures and their fulfillment? Why?

Tuesday, November 20                                                     Luke 24:36-49

Imagine yourself in this room, experiencing this amazing moment. How appropriate is Jesus' question in v. 38? What doubts would you be experiencing? What doubts have you experienced as a Christian? How did you resolve them?

Jesus clearly takes the disciples through another Bible study to reassure their faith. Why do you think He does this? How can knowing the Scriptures help alleviate some of the doubts and fears we all face?

Wednesday,  November 21                                      1 Corinthians 15:1-8

What does this passage say is the central message of the Scriptures? How can this help you filter the things you hear from the Bible and Bible teachers?

Read 2 Timothy 2:15 and 4:3-4. What pictures are painted here? What does it mean to correctly handle the word of truth? Why is it so important to follow the first verse in light of the second?                                                                                             

Thursday, November 22                                                     Acts 17:10-11

What were the Bereans commended for? What was their reaction to Paul's teaching? Is there any way of really being secure in interpreting the Bible other than to "examine the Scriptures?" How have you grown in this regard?

If Paul were to show up today, what do you think would be the description of the people in your church circles? Of you? Would his words to the Bereans apply? Why/why not? How can their compliment be more true of you?

Friday,  November 23                                               2 Peter 3:1-2, 14-16

What is Peter's hope in writing his letters in verse 2? What are the writings to which he gives authority? How does that inform your interpretation of the Scriptures? 

In vs. 14-16, who does Peter commend? What does he warn against? How can you know who is distorting the Scriptures? When have you heard the Scriptures distorted? How does it lead to destruction?

Monday, November 12                                           Acts 7:1-8
What is the story Stephen is telling here? Why is he being asked to defend himself? Why does he start all the way back at Abraham? What's the point of his defense?

Read Genesis 12:1-7. What is the promise that God makes with Abram (Abraham)? How is that promise (specifically the promise of verse 3) fulfilled? Why do you suppose the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) are so important in Israel's history? In our history?

Tuesday, November 13                                          Acts 7:17-36
Stephen here begins the second act of God's plan in history: Moses bringing Israel out of captivity. Read verse 35. What is the point Stephen is trying to make to the leaders of Israel? What foreshadowing can you pull from this passage, specifically about Moses being a "ruler and deliverer?"

Read Exodus 4:21-22 and 6:1-8. How does God identify Israel in v. 22? What is the promise of God in 6:6-7 to Israel? Now read 1 John 3:1 and Rev. 21:3-4. What do we have in common with the people of Moses' day? How does that impact the way you see the Bible ?

Wednesday, November 14                                      Acts 7:37-39
Stephen's reference is from Deuteronomy 18:15, where God promises, through Moses, to raise up another prophet, the Prophet, who will speak for God. Now read John 1:43-51. What does this passage say about Jesus? How then, is the OT reference add to your understanding of the Bible?

Again, Stephen is making a point about rejecting what we know is clearly from God. When was a time in your own life that you refused to obey God's commands, and instead wanted to do thing your own way (ie go back to Egypt?) Are you tempted to do that in some way today? Ask God if there is an area of your life where this is true, and confess anything that comes to mind.

Thursday, November 15                                              Acts 7:48-53
Stephen is primarily known as the first martyr of the church. Why do you think he is martyred? What was so offensive about what he is saying in this chapter? How does it pull together the whole content of the Bible for you?

Read Hebrews 8:8-11 and 9:15. The first covenant was with Abraham-the same place Stephen starts his diatribe. Where does Stephen end? How do the Hebrew passages add to your understanding of the whole story?

Friday, November 16                                                      2 Peter 1:16-21
What is Peter saying here, in your own words? What is the "word of the prophets' he's talking about? How do his words encourage you to learn and understand the Bible?

Monday,  November 5                                                      Psalm 19:7-11

Make a list of each item, how it is described and what it accomplishes (ie in v. 7: the law of the Lord / is perfect / revives the soul). What do you think about each item and its description? How does it accomplish what is ascribed to it?

In your list, is there any attribute (what the item accomplishes) that you are in particular need of? Spend time praying for God to provide through His word. 

Tuesday, November 6                                             Deuteronomy 6:1-12

What is the command in these passages, put simply? What are the promises? What 5 things do verses 4-9 command us to do? What is our modern-day equivalent to each one? How are you doing at implementing these in your life?

Read verses 10-12. What is the description of God's provision for Israel? How accurate is that in describing our situation (ie that we didn't have anything to do with most things we enjoy daily)? What is the warning/command in v. 12? Spend time thanking God for what He has given you-esp. His guiding word.

Wednesday,  November 7                                             Hebrews 4:12-13

What does it mean that God's word is "living and active?" How so? What does it mean that it penetrates and divides "soul and spirit, joints and marrow?" How have you experienced this in your life?

What are your thoughts and attitudes that are confronted when you read the Bible? Does it make you want to read more or less? Why? In the same way, is v. 13 comforting or disconcerting? Why? How can you make peace with that knowledge?

Thursday, November 8                                               Matthew 22:23-33

What is the root of the question that the Sadducees are asking here? What is Jesus' basic answer? This is a deep, theological question, yet Jesus insists that the answer is contained in the Scriptures. What are some of your deep questions about life and death? How can you find the answers you're looking for?

What does Jesus' first response accuse the religious leaders of? What two things are missing? How well do you know the Book? What keeps you from reading/learning/studying? How can you overcome those stumbling blocks? 

Friday,  November 9                                                       1 Timothy 3:14-16

What jumps out at you from this passage?  Why?

According to this verse, what is Scripture supposed to accomplish in us (v. 15 and 16)? How have you experienced this in your own life? What are you learning from the Scriptures lately? How has it rebuked/challenged your life or the decisions you have made? How has it corrected you? How do you feel like it has trained you to live rightly (training in righteousness) before God?