Updates and Study Guides

1. The Holy Spirit is actively present in the life of believers. When you experience the Spirit’s conviction of a specific sin in your life, what’s your typical response? 2. Christlike Character (how we live) and Gospel Conversation (what we say or communicate) are parts of our gospel witness, why do you think both are important? 3. Why is it erroneous to believe either, "My sin doesn't matter," or "God can't use me until I am perfect"? How does the gospe

1. According to Deuteronomy 4:6–7, what was Israel's witness to the surrounding nations? How does that same principle continue in the Christian life today? 2. Jesus tells us to let our light shine before others (Matthew 5:16). What kinds of "good works" help point people to God rather than us? 3. Jesus begins the Great Commission by declaring that all authority belongs to Him. Why is that significant before He gives the command to "make disciples”? 4.

Paul’s Prayer Requests Look at the following prayer requests that Paul shares. What is the request for? How are believers encouraged to pray? Ephesians 6:18-20 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains,

Look at the following verses to see how scripture talks about or refers to those who have yet to express repentant faith in Jesus Christ. Make some notes about how those terms describe them. Luke 19:10 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” 2 Corinthians 4:3–4 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light

1. List the multiple goals that Ezra was given in his journey to Jerusalem 2. Ezra 7:7–10 What does it mean to "set your heart" toward God's Word rather than simply reading it occasionally? 3. Ezra devoted himself to studying, obeying, and teaching God's Word. Why is it important that all three are present? 4. Which part comes most naturally to you: studying, obeying, or teaching God's Word? Which is most difficult? 5. Ezra 8:24–30 What does it mean to be "holy to the LORD"?

1. In Ezra 5:11–12, how did the returned exiles explain the destruction of the Temple and their exile? What does their answer reveal about genuine repentance? 2. One of the first signs that God is rebuilding a person is that they stop blaming everyone else and begin agreeing with God about their sin. Why is this an important step in spiritual restoration? 3. What are some ways people today may avoid dealing honestly with their sin and spiritual condition? 4. Read Ezra 6:16–18

According to Zechariah 1:3–4, what was God calling His people to do, and how had their fathers responded to that same call? Zechariah 1:6 says God’s Word “overtook” their fathers. What does this teach us about the power and effectiveness of God’s Word? Why is continual repentance important for believers? According to Haggai 1:2–4, what excuses did the people make for neglecting the rebuilding of the temple? What had become their main focus instead? How can discouragement temp

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1–11 at least 3 times. 1. What does Paul say is “of first importance”? 2. What are the core elements of the gospel Paul lists? Why do you think each part (death, burial, resurrection) matters? 3. What does it mean to “stand” in the gospel? How is that different from simply hearing or agreeing with it? 4. Paul mentions believing in vain. How can someone hear and even agree with the gospel, yet not truly hold on to it? What would genuine, la

Behold Your King Midweek Study Guide Read all four accounts of Jesus entering Jerusalem. Matthew 21:1-10 , Mark 11:1-10 , Luke 19:28-39 , John 12:12-19 . What is similar? What is different? HOSANNA (Hō zănʹ nȧ) Cry with which Jesus was greeted on the occasion of His triumphal entrance into Jerusalem ( Mark 11:9 ). The words with which the Savior was welcomed by the multitude are drawn from Ps. 118:25–26 . “Hosanna” is a Hebrew or Aramaic word that is best translated as a pr

Use this online study guide or download the PDF. 1. Read Mark 8:27-38 three times. What idea or statement stands out to you most? 2. What did people theorize about Jesus? What did they get right? What did they get wrong or incomplete? Definition: Christ “Anointed”, the Greek translation of the Hebrew word rendered “Messiah” (q.v.), the official title of our Lord, occurring five hundred and fourteen times in the New Testament. It denotes that he was anointed or consecrated t