Updates and Study Guides

1. Pick one of these verses and describe how scripture gives humanity a responsibility toward God as creator. Colossians 1:16, Psalm 100:3, Psalm 95:3–6. 2. We learned that sin is more than doing wrong things. It is rejecting God's authority. What are some ways people today reject God's authority without realizing it? 3. Romans 3:23 says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Why do you think people are often willing to admit they have

1. How would you respond to someone who believes that all religions or spiritual paths ultimately lead to the same place? How would you answer using both logic and Scripture? 2. How would you explain the spiritual reality of life to someone who does not believe in it? What evidence from Scripture and everyday life would you point to? 3. According to 2 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 4:26–27, and 1 Peter 5:8, Satan uses a variety of tactics against G

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