1 Cor. 1-3
Paul gives his introduction of himself. He goes into talking about being thankful of our Lord and others around us. He goes deeper talking about divisions in the church and asks if the body of Christ is divided and how than should a church be divided.
Imagination Question: Who are you thankful for?
Critical Question: If it’s in the Bible about division in the church and it is said to be wrong, why do you think there is still so much division?
1 Cor. 4-6
Paul talks about how lawsuits are of the wicked and it only condemns our brother. We are taught to flee from sexual immortality and that it is wrong. We are also to expel our immoral brother; whoever keeps us from fully glorifying God to disregard from our lives.
Imagination Question: How many of your friends are keeping you from glorifying God?
Critical Question: Do you flee from things that God does not approve of?
1 Cor. 7-9
We learn that we should stay celibate and be a bride to Christ. However, if we can’t, He would rather we marry than be tempted with desires. We should not sacrifice idols much less sacrifice food to idols for we should only idolize God.
Imagination Question: What if 1 Cor. 7 didn’t exist?
Critical Question: If God loves babies (said in Psalms and Acts), why does he not want us to get married to reproduce babies?
1 Cor. 10-13
We learn this: “Do not be idolaters, we should not commit sexual immorality, and we should not test Christ and do not grumble.” Paul talks about the Lord’s super and how we should accept communion. One of the most famous chapters of the bible, 13, talks about love being a beautiful thing and not to be taken for granted.
Imagination Question: If you are in love, do you follow chapter 13?
Critical Question: How and why do you accept communion?
1 Cor. 14-16
If you prophesy about someone to make sure that that person knows and you pray blessings to them. We learn about speaking tongues and to do it right in the eyes of God. To be careful about speaking tongues to not scare the unbelievers. When we come together we should honor God by worshiping him in an orderly manner. We need to remember what death of Christ means to us by remembering that all is forgiven – Pauls says that he of all people should not be an apostle because he persecuted the church but he is what he is by the grace of God.
Imagination Question: Are you a Paul?
Critical Question: What is your take on speaking in tongues?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Acts and Romans
Acts 1-3
The book is opened by Luke explaining to wait for the Promise of the Father. It is explained that Matthias is the replacement of Judas who betrayed Jesus. The Holy spirit comes at Pentacost and Peter addresses the other 11 disciples. There was a fellowship of believers who all met to celebrate their belief in Jesus. A man comes to pass Peter and John who is lame. Peter heals him of his woe. Peter speaks to the people who still question God to pledge their full faith in him.
Imagination Question: Why Matthias?
Critical Question: Following Jesus crucifixion would you still wait for the Promise of the Father?
Acts 4-6
Peter and John were arrested because they were sharing the news of Jesus being raised from the dead. The believers pray for Peter and John once they are released from Jail and the believers share their possessions. Ananias and Sapphira are introduced as selling property but keeping some money for their own. Peter calls them both out and they both fall dead. The apostles continue to heal and they continue to be persecuted speaking of the Lord. Gamaliel explains that if they kill these two men they will be accomplishing nothing whether they are right or wrong about the Lord.
Imagination Question: Wouldn’t it be a sight to see two people drop dead after being called out on their unfaithfulness?
Critical Question: Do you think Gamaliel was secretly on John and Peter’s team?
Acts 7-9
Steven speaks to the Sanhedrin about God, they disagree and they have him killed by stoning which Saul approved. The Lord appears to Saul and he is responsive and listens to what the Lord says, this being the beginning of his conversion.
Imagination Question: Why stoning to kill Steven?
Critical Question: Why did Jesus call Saul to go to Ananias?
Acts 10-12
Jesus comes to Cornelius in the night and tells him to send for Peter. Cornelius explains that Jesus is opening his eyes to what Peter is doing but still disagrees on some things. Peter explains that he is doing the work of the Lord and baptism is vital. Herrod was immediately killed after not giving praise to God in a public address and Saul and Barnabus are sent out from Jerusalem.
Imagination Question: Why do think Cornelius is still disagreeing after being told by Jesus to call Peter?
Critical Question: Do you think Herrod’s death was too harsh
Acts 22-24
Paul explains to the people how his transformation took place. The citizens aren’t buying it and are saying that he isn’t worthy to live. Paul is gathered by the Sanhedrin to find out what he is doing exactly, he is dismissed so they can assemble and discuss. There was a plot to have Paul killed but is transported to Caesarea.
Imagination Question: Wouldn’t it take a lot of guts to explain to the people that you had a transformation in Christ after being such a monster by killing, etc?
Critical Question: Why do you think the Sanhedrin dismiss Paul so quickly?
Acts 25-28
Pauls trial before Festus, Festus consults King Agrippa, Paul before Agrippa. Paul talks to Agrippa about his claims from Jesus. Agrippa announces that he has done nothing that needs such drastic punishment as death. Paul than sails to Rome but encounters a great storm and becomes ship wrecked. Paul recovers and figures out another way and makes his way to Rome where he preaches under guard.
Imagination Question: Why Agrippa?
Critical Question: Would you have as much faith as Paul to continue after becoming shipwrecked?
Romans 1-3
Paul’s introduction to teach that our righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ apart from what we can do to earn it. Paul explains how the Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God but explains the righteousness of the law was powerless to give, God did by sending Jesus. Faith comes to all who believe in Jesus apart from the law.
Imagination Question: Why do you think Paul writes this book?
Critical Question: Do you think faith comes to all who believe in Jesus apart from the law?
Romans 4-6
4 is proof that faith is the means for justification. Paul refers to the Old Testament who were justified by faith and not by their works. God did not spare his son, but graciously gave him for us to undo what Adam did in the garden. Death came through one man's sin, but life came more abundantly in every way through the gift of Jesus. Paul continues through Jesus we received God’s gift of eternal life.
Imagination Question: What if we didn’t have God’s gift of eternal life?
Critical Question: What if Death didn’t come through man’s sin?
Romans 7-9
Goes into detail how we are not slaves or in bondage, free to belong to another. We may struggle in sin but we have no obligation to it. We need to live by the spirit and bear good fruit to nurture. Hope is demonstrated because we have assurance by God that nothing will separate us from His love. Jesus Christ saves nothing else sufficient to his own children if we call upon him.
Imagination Question: What if sin didn’t exist?
Critical Question: Where would you be without the Hope and promise of God?
Romans 10-12
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God’s plan includes bestowing mercy upon all mankind. We are encouraged to be living sacrifices in view of the mercy we have received in Christ Jesus in which we do by renewing our minds to the truth of God’s word. This is a call to live a life of peace, faithfully serving the Lord in all things and overcoming evil in the world.
Imagination Question: Are you grateful to have God’s mercy?
Critical Question: Why do you think it is important that Paul writes, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” when it is implied a lot throughout this book?
Romans 13-16
We are to submit to authorities and to pay respect where it is due, to awake and serve the Lord showing we are in included in the light of the Gospel. We are to consider all we do and if it brings glory to the Lord. We are to take the encouragement from the scriptures and Christ as our example in how we live accepting one another. Now it is our job to share it with others. We are reminded that Satan will soon be crushed under their feet and that His gospel is able to hold them until the day of Jesus.
Imagination Question: What if we don’t share with others?
Critical Question: That last sentence, did it give you chills and make you happy?
The book is opened by Luke explaining to wait for the Promise of the Father. It is explained that Matthias is the replacement of Judas who betrayed Jesus. The Holy spirit comes at Pentacost and Peter addresses the other 11 disciples. There was a fellowship of believers who all met to celebrate their belief in Jesus. A man comes to pass Peter and John who is lame. Peter heals him of his woe. Peter speaks to the people who still question God to pledge their full faith in him.
Imagination Question: Why Matthias?
Critical Question: Following Jesus crucifixion would you still wait for the Promise of the Father?
Acts 4-6
Peter and John were arrested because they were sharing the news of Jesus being raised from the dead. The believers pray for Peter and John once they are released from Jail and the believers share their possessions. Ananias and Sapphira are introduced as selling property but keeping some money for their own. Peter calls them both out and they both fall dead. The apostles continue to heal and they continue to be persecuted speaking of the Lord. Gamaliel explains that if they kill these two men they will be accomplishing nothing whether they are right or wrong about the Lord.
Imagination Question: Wouldn’t it be a sight to see two people drop dead after being called out on their unfaithfulness?
Critical Question: Do you think Gamaliel was secretly on John and Peter’s team?
Acts 7-9
Steven speaks to the Sanhedrin about God, they disagree and they have him killed by stoning which Saul approved. The Lord appears to Saul and he is responsive and listens to what the Lord says, this being the beginning of his conversion.
Imagination Question: Why stoning to kill Steven?
Critical Question: Why did Jesus call Saul to go to Ananias?
Acts 10-12
Jesus comes to Cornelius in the night and tells him to send for Peter. Cornelius explains that Jesus is opening his eyes to what Peter is doing but still disagrees on some things. Peter explains that he is doing the work of the Lord and baptism is vital. Herrod was immediately killed after not giving praise to God in a public address and Saul and Barnabus are sent out from Jerusalem.
Imagination Question: Why do think Cornelius is still disagreeing after being told by Jesus to call Peter?
Critical Question: Do you think Herrod’s death was too harsh
Acts 22-24
Paul explains to the people how his transformation took place. The citizens aren’t buying it and are saying that he isn’t worthy to live. Paul is gathered by the Sanhedrin to find out what he is doing exactly, he is dismissed so they can assemble and discuss. There was a plot to have Paul killed but is transported to Caesarea.
Imagination Question: Wouldn’t it take a lot of guts to explain to the people that you had a transformation in Christ after being such a monster by killing, etc?
Critical Question: Why do you think the Sanhedrin dismiss Paul so quickly?
Acts 25-28
Pauls trial before Festus, Festus consults King Agrippa, Paul before Agrippa. Paul talks to Agrippa about his claims from Jesus. Agrippa announces that he has done nothing that needs such drastic punishment as death. Paul than sails to Rome but encounters a great storm and becomes ship wrecked. Paul recovers and figures out another way and makes his way to Rome where he preaches under guard.
Imagination Question: Why Agrippa?
Critical Question: Would you have as much faith as Paul to continue after becoming shipwrecked?
Romans 1-3
Paul’s introduction to teach that our righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ apart from what we can do to earn it. Paul explains how the Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God but explains the righteousness of the law was powerless to give, God did by sending Jesus. Faith comes to all who believe in Jesus apart from the law.
Imagination Question: Why do you think Paul writes this book?
Critical Question: Do you think faith comes to all who believe in Jesus apart from the law?
Romans 4-6
4 is proof that faith is the means for justification. Paul refers to the Old Testament who were justified by faith and not by their works. God did not spare his son, but graciously gave him for us to undo what Adam did in the garden. Death came through one man's sin, but life came more abundantly in every way through the gift of Jesus. Paul continues through Jesus we received God’s gift of eternal life.
Imagination Question: What if we didn’t have God’s gift of eternal life?
Critical Question: What if Death didn’t come through man’s sin?
Romans 7-9
Goes into detail how we are not slaves or in bondage, free to belong to another. We may struggle in sin but we have no obligation to it. We need to live by the spirit and bear good fruit to nurture. Hope is demonstrated because we have assurance by God that nothing will separate us from His love. Jesus Christ saves nothing else sufficient to his own children if we call upon him.
Imagination Question: What if sin didn’t exist?
Critical Question: Where would you be without the Hope and promise of God?
Romans 10-12
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God’s plan includes bestowing mercy upon all mankind. We are encouraged to be living sacrifices in view of the mercy we have received in Christ Jesus in which we do by renewing our minds to the truth of God’s word. This is a call to live a life of peace, faithfully serving the Lord in all things and overcoming evil in the world.
Imagination Question: Are you grateful to have God’s mercy?
Critical Question: Why do you think it is important that Paul writes, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” when it is implied a lot throughout this book?
Romans 13-16
We are to submit to authorities and to pay respect where it is due, to awake and serve the Lord showing we are in included in the light of the Gospel. We are to consider all we do and if it brings glory to the Lord. We are to take the encouragement from the scriptures and Christ as our example in how we live accepting one another. Now it is our job to share it with others. We are reminded that Satan will soon be crushed under their feet and that His gospel is able to hold them until the day of Jesus.
Imagination Question: What if we don’t share with others?
Critical Question: That last sentence, did it give you chills and make you happy?
John
John 1-3
The beginning talks about the Word being God and how Jesus was with God in the beginning. This is the account of John’s witness to Jesus’ testimony. Jesus’ first disciples are formed. The first of Jesus’ miracles turning water to wine. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about being born again and his confusion. John the Baptist shares his testimony.
Imagination Question: How is this gospel already different from the others?
Critical Question: The Gospel of John closely resembles the beginning of Genesis. Why is that?
John 4-6
Jesus forms a relationship with a Samaritan woman at the well and also heals the official’s son. The Healing at the Pool on a Sabbath with causes controversy. The second Passover in Galilee. Jesus feeds the 5,000 and walks on water and discourses how he is the bread of life.
Imagination Question: What if Jesus didn’t talk to the Samaritan woman?
Critical Question: How would you react to Jesus walking on water?
John 7-9
Jesus attends the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, he teaches in the temple. The reactions to what Jesus is doing is quite diverse, some people happy and others mad. Jesus is described as the light of the world and the truth. Jesus heals a man born blind on the Sabbath near the Pool of Siloam which causes great controversy with the Pharisees.
Imagination Question: Would you be happy or mad at Jesus if you were a child of a Pharisee?
Critical Question: If Jesus came to you in passing and saw you suffering, what would you ask him to heal you of at that very moment?
John 10-13
In chapter 10 the Feast of Dedication takes place and Jesus retreats across the Jordan River. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead at Bethany. The Final plot of Jesus takes place and Jesus retreats to Ephraim. The final anointing at Bethany. The Last Supper takes place where Jesus discusses what the communion is, he washes his disciples feet, foretelling of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s Denial.
Imagination Question: Why do you think that verse 11:38 is only two words: Jesus wept?
Critical Question: How would you react to seeing a man raised from the dead?
John 14-17
Chapter 14, 15 and 16 are known as “The Farewell Discourses”. In 14 Jesus talks about not being fearful and to find peace because he promises peace. 15 he talks about being vines and branches and not to bear anything that is not in glory to God, to remember to Love and not hate. 16 he talks about Joy and prayer. One of the most noted things in John is Jesus’ Great prayer in 17.
Imagination Question: Did Pilate feel any remorse or know any better?
Critical Question: Do you take comfort in Jesus’ promises?
John 18-21
Jesus is arrested in the Garden by Pilate. Peter denies Jesus and stands behind him. Jesus has trial in which he is crucified sent to death and buried. Jesus’ tomb is found empty and the Lord is risen and is revealed to Mary Magdalene, to the disciples and to Thomas. Peter’s love and the beloved disciple.
Imagination Question: What do you think Mary’s face looked like seeing Jesus after being killed?
Critical Question: Who do you think is Jesus’ beloved disciple?
The beginning talks about the Word being God and how Jesus was with God in the beginning. This is the account of John’s witness to Jesus’ testimony. Jesus’ first disciples are formed. The first of Jesus’ miracles turning water to wine. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about being born again and his confusion. John the Baptist shares his testimony.
Imagination Question: How is this gospel already different from the others?
Critical Question: The Gospel of John closely resembles the beginning of Genesis. Why is that?
John 4-6
Jesus forms a relationship with a Samaritan woman at the well and also heals the official’s son. The Healing at the Pool on a Sabbath with causes controversy. The second Passover in Galilee. Jesus feeds the 5,000 and walks on water and discourses how he is the bread of life.
Imagination Question: What if Jesus didn’t talk to the Samaritan woman?
Critical Question: How would you react to Jesus walking on water?
John 7-9
Jesus attends the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, he teaches in the temple. The reactions to what Jesus is doing is quite diverse, some people happy and others mad. Jesus is described as the light of the world and the truth. Jesus heals a man born blind on the Sabbath near the Pool of Siloam which causes great controversy with the Pharisees.
Imagination Question: Would you be happy or mad at Jesus if you were a child of a Pharisee?
Critical Question: If Jesus came to you in passing and saw you suffering, what would you ask him to heal you of at that very moment?
John 10-13
In chapter 10 the Feast of Dedication takes place and Jesus retreats across the Jordan River. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead at Bethany. The Final plot of Jesus takes place and Jesus retreats to Ephraim. The final anointing at Bethany. The Last Supper takes place where Jesus discusses what the communion is, he washes his disciples feet, foretelling of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s Denial.
Imagination Question: Why do you think that verse 11:38 is only two words: Jesus wept?
Critical Question: How would you react to seeing a man raised from the dead?
John 14-17
Chapter 14, 15 and 16 are known as “The Farewell Discourses”. In 14 Jesus talks about not being fearful and to find peace because he promises peace. 15 he talks about being vines and branches and not to bear anything that is not in glory to God, to remember to Love and not hate. 16 he talks about Joy and prayer. One of the most noted things in John is Jesus’ Great prayer in 17.
Imagination Question: Did Pilate feel any remorse or know any better?
Critical Question: Do you take comfort in Jesus’ promises?
John 18-21
Jesus is arrested in the Garden by Pilate. Peter denies Jesus and stands behind him. Jesus has trial in which he is crucified sent to death and buried. Jesus’ tomb is found empty and the Lord is risen and is revealed to Mary Magdalene, to the disciples and to Thomas. Peter’s love and the beloved disciple.
Imagination Question: What do you think Mary’s face looked like seeing Jesus after being killed?
Critical Question: Who do you think is Jesus’ beloved disciple?
Luke 6-End
Luke Ch. 6-9
Jesus is healing on the Sabbath day which is making the Pharisees very unhappy. John sends his disciples out to see if this man is, in fact, the Christ. His disciples confirm that it is He. A woman comes up to Jesus and washes his feet with her hair and perfume, Jesus tells her that she has been forgiven much. Jesus casts demons out of a man and into pigs. A woman grasped to Jesus and was immediately healed of her bleeding. Jesus fed the 5,000, predicted his betrayel.
Imagination Question: If Jesus didn’t heal on the Sabbath would the Pharisees be more on board with him being the Son of Man?
Critical Question: Why did the demons have to be cast into the pigs?
Luke Ch. 10-12
Jesus sent out 72 in pairs to heal and proclaim God’s kingdom. He illustrated the 2nd greatest commandment. He traveled home to find Martha worrisome. But Mary sat calm with Jesus. Jesus taught the disciples about prayer. Jesus warned the disciples about the hypocrisy and lies of the Pharisees.
Imagination Question: What if Mary and Martha had both been worried about one thing or another?
Critical Question: Why did Jesus send out 72, no more, no less?
Luke Ch. 13-15
Jesus warned that all would perish. Jesus once again healed on the Sabbath but this time He defended His works. He taught people about God’s kingdom. He didn’t get upset by Herod’s threat and mourned over Jerusalem. Jesus taught in Parable’s while healing at a Pharisee’s home on the Sabbath. His final parable was about a boy who returned to his father and his father being so rejoiced to see him.
Imagination Question: Why is the young boy returning to his father relevant in the bible?
Critical Question: If we all know that healing on the Sabbath is wrong in the eyes of the Pharisees why is it documented so much in the NT?
Luke Ch. 16-18
Jesus told of a certain rich man who enjoyed the good life but suffered for eternity and of a poor man, who lived at the rich man’s gates, who suffered during his life but was comforted in the afterlife. Jesus warned His disciples not to cause another to sin but to forgive anyone who sins against them but repents. Jesus told His disciples a parable about a woman who persistently pleaded for justice until she received it to illustrate the virtue of persistence in prayer.
Imagination Question: Did the rich man go to heaven or hell upon death?
Critical Question: Why is Jesus so adamant on demonstrating forgiveness?
Luke Ch. 19-21
Jesus rides to Jerusalem on a horse and the people are excited to see him. Jesus is remorseful because of the coming destruction. Drives out the sellers in the temple courts. Jesus observed the generous woman who gave to them temple all she had. Jesus warned his disciples of the coming persecution.
Imagination Question: Why is it important that Luke says the type of horse Jesus road up in?
Critical Question: How would you feel learning about your persecution to come?
Luke Ch. 22-24
Judas betrayed Jesus because Satan enters him. Jesus explains the wine and the bread as his body and blood. Peter betrays Jesus. Jesus is mocked and beaten and questioned. Jesus was crucified. Rose from the read and appears to two of his disciples. He ascends to heaven.
Imagination Question: Thinking on this time, being in Judas and Peters position do you think you would ever betray Jesus?
Critical Question: How would you react to Jesus raising after his crucifixtion?
Jesus is healing on the Sabbath day which is making the Pharisees very unhappy. John sends his disciples out to see if this man is, in fact, the Christ. His disciples confirm that it is He. A woman comes up to Jesus and washes his feet with her hair and perfume, Jesus tells her that she has been forgiven much. Jesus casts demons out of a man and into pigs. A woman grasped to Jesus and was immediately healed of her bleeding. Jesus fed the 5,000, predicted his betrayel.
Imagination Question: If Jesus didn’t heal on the Sabbath would the Pharisees be more on board with him being the Son of Man?
Critical Question: Why did the demons have to be cast into the pigs?
Luke Ch. 10-12
Jesus sent out 72 in pairs to heal and proclaim God’s kingdom. He illustrated the 2nd greatest commandment. He traveled home to find Martha worrisome. But Mary sat calm with Jesus. Jesus taught the disciples about prayer. Jesus warned the disciples about the hypocrisy and lies of the Pharisees.
Imagination Question: What if Mary and Martha had both been worried about one thing or another?
Critical Question: Why did Jesus send out 72, no more, no less?
Luke Ch. 13-15
Jesus warned that all would perish. Jesus once again healed on the Sabbath but this time He defended His works. He taught people about God’s kingdom. He didn’t get upset by Herod’s threat and mourned over Jerusalem. Jesus taught in Parable’s while healing at a Pharisee’s home on the Sabbath. His final parable was about a boy who returned to his father and his father being so rejoiced to see him.
Imagination Question: Why is the young boy returning to his father relevant in the bible?
Critical Question: If we all know that healing on the Sabbath is wrong in the eyes of the Pharisees why is it documented so much in the NT?
Luke Ch. 16-18
Jesus told of a certain rich man who enjoyed the good life but suffered for eternity and of a poor man, who lived at the rich man’s gates, who suffered during his life but was comforted in the afterlife. Jesus warned His disciples not to cause another to sin but to forgive anyone who sins against them but repents. Jesus told His disciples a parable about a woman who persistently pleaded for justice until she received it to illustrate the virtue of persistence in prayer.
Imagination Question: Did the rich man go to heaven or hell upon death?
Critical Question: Why is Jesus so adamant on demonstrating forgiveness?
Luke Ch. 19-21
Jesus rides to Jerusalem on a horse and the people are excited to see him. Jesus is remorseful because of the coming destruction. Drives out the sellers in the temple courts. Jesus observed the generous woman who gave to them temple all she had. Jesus warned his disciples of the coming persecution.
Imagination Question: Why is it important that Luke says the type of horse Jesus road up in?
Critical Question: How would you feel learning about your persecution to come?
Luke Ch. 22-24
Judas betrayed Jesus because Satan enters him. Jesus explains the wine and the bread as his body and blood. Peter betrays Jesus. Jesus is mocked and beaten and questioned. Jesus was crucified. Rose from the read and appears to two of his disciples. He ascends to heaven.
Imagination Question: Thinking on this time, being in Judas and Peters position do you think you would ever betray Jesus?
Critical Question: How would you react to Jesus raising after his crucifixtion?
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