Ex 34:6
Josh 24:14
2 Sam 2:6
2 Sam 15:20
2 Kings 20:19
Esther 9:30
Ps 25:10
Ps 61:7
Ps 85:10
Ps 86:15
Ps 89:14
Prov 3:3
Prov 14:22
Prov 16:6
Prov 20:28
Is 39:8
Jer 33:6
John 1:14,17
John 4:23,24
1 Cor 5:8
Eph 5:9
1 Tim 2:7
1 John 3:18
iStudents |
|
Worship- Any thought, word or action that connects and responds in love to an attribute/action of God.
Ex 34:6 Josh 24:14 2 Sam 2:6 2 Sam 15:20 2 Kings 20:19 Esther 9:30 Ps 25:10 Ps 61:7 Ps 85:10 Ps 86:15 Ps 89:14 Prov 3:3 Prov 14:22 Prov 16:6 Prov 20:28 Is 39:8 Jer 33:6 John 1:14,17 John 4:23,24 1 Cor 5:8 Eph 5:9 1 Tim 2:7 1 John 3:18
0 Comments
There is a town in Texas by the name of Friendswood That growing city south of Houston began with a religious group called the Quakers, or Friends.
Several years ago, Dale Carnegie wrote a book entitled How to Win Friends and Influence People. That book helped change the lives of thousands of people across the globe. A friendship circle with new and old friends is a blessing. The Bible reminds us of friendship links. Consider this fascinating topic of friends: 1. 1 Samuel 18:1-4. Who was Jonathan? When did his friendship with David begin and how long did it last? Friendship is a priceless gift- especially one as close as David and Jonathan enjoyed. Describe some of your friendships and what they have meant to you. 2. Job 2:11-13. Job’s friends went to comfort him. Why is it sometimes best to sit quietly with a grieving friend rather than talk and ask questions? Later in the book of Job we see how his friends criticized him and even challenged his faith. What happens when we criticize friends? 3. Psalm 41:9. Who was the “false friend" of Jesus? (See Matthew 26:14, 47-50 ) How do we betray Jesus? 4. Proverbs 17:17. State some ways that friendship expresses itself. Do friends always agree? Even with many friends we may succumb to ruin, but who sticks with us always? (Proverbs 18:24). 5. Zechariah 13:6. What were the wounds Jesus suffered in His body? Who of his friends wounded him as well? How do we wound Christ today? 6. Matthew 11:19. Did Jesus include some unusual people in His friendship circle? Should we be friends of non-Christians? Why or why not? 7. John 11:35-36. What did Jesus do when He stood near the grave of Lazarus that reminds us of His humanity? How can we encourage and support others at difficult times in their lives? 8. John 15:13-14. What did Jesus call His followers? How do Christ‘s friends prove their friendship? Do you have friends who need to become friends of Jesus? 9. James 2:23. Why was Abraham called "the friend of God”? What sacrifice was he ready to make for God? (Genesis 22:1-14). How do we show that we are God's friends? 10. 3 John 1:4. The greatest joy we can know is that our children walk with the Lord. Another joy is knowing our friends walk with Him. How can we help our friends find a relationship with God? List some joys of friendship.
Aesop was a Greek writer who lived around 500 bc. In one of his fables, Aesop tells about a father with several sons who had problems among themselves. One day the father asked them to bring him some sticks. The man tied the sticks together and asked his sons to break the bundle of sticks, which they could not do. Then he gave each son a stick and told each one to break his stick. They did that very easily. Then he told the sons that if they stuck together, they would not be injured by their enemies, but if they were divided, their enemies could defeat them. Mark 3:14 states that Jesus called His apostles so that they would “be with Him.” God’s people become a partnership when we stick together in koinonia (Greek for “fellowship”). Fellowship with God comes about through a holy life. Christian fellowship involves ethical standards and practices. See what the following verses have to say about fellowship.
1. Psalm 133:1. What two words in this Scripture describe living together in unity? Name two or three areas where fellowship is pleasant or where it could be improved. 2. Acts 2:41–46. The church in Jerusalem “continued” in fellowship. How does verse 46 describe their unity? How can we become more like that early church? 3. 1 Corinthians 1:9–10. Who calls Christians into fellowship? What does this passage teach about good fellowship? How can churches or believers enrich their unity or togetherness? 4. 2 Corinthians 6:14–16. What kind of fellowship should we avoid? How did Jesus relate to “publicans and sinners” (Luke 7:34)? Describe the difference between friendship with sinners and being committed to them in marriage or business partnerships. 5. 2 Corinthians 8:1–6. What did the churches in Macedonia ask Paul to do? What is a fellowship ministry? How can we become involved in this kind of service? 6. Galatians 2:9. What does it mean that three apostles gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship? How can we be partners in various ministries and outreaches? 7. Philippians 1:4–6. Why did Paul thank God for his relationship with the Philippians (4:17–19)? To what extent is God faithful to us? 8. Philippians 3:10–11. How did Paul experience the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings? (2 Corinthians 11:25–26). Are we ready for that kind of partnership with Christ? 9. 1 John 1:3. What kind of relationship did John have with Christ? In what ways are our Father God and Christ His Son within our spiritual circle? How should this truth affect us? 10. 1 John 1:6–7. Are we having fellowship with Christ if we walk in darkness, or don’t live as we should? What blessings are ours if we walk in spiritual light?
Some of God’s people across the centuries have had a weak faith and have doubted God. When Moses led the Israelites from Egypt across the Red Sea into the wilderness area south of the Holy Land, they complained to Moses. They said that in Egypt they had meat to eat, but they were going to starve to death where they were. Moses talked to God about the problem. God told Moses that He would give the people flesh to eat not just for one or two days, not for five, ten, or twenty days, but for an entire month. He said He would give them meat until it started coming out of their noses. Moses told the Lord that the Israelite men numbered 600,000 and that to feed them and their families meat for one month would require killing all their cattle and eating all the fish in the ocean. God said, “Just wait, Moses!” That night God sent a wind that brought so many birds into their camp that they could not begin to kill and eat them all (Numbers 11:22, 31; Exodus 16:13). What about our faith?
1. Deuteronomy 32:15–20. After God saved His people from Egyptian slavery, how did some show their unfaithfulness? What happens to those without faith? 2. 2 Chronicles 20:15–22. Why did God’s prophet tell the king of Israel not to be afraid when the enemy was ready to attack? What does such a faith-promise mean to us? 3. Matthew 17:20. What kind of faith moves mountains? How does God produce miracles? What “impossible” situation are you facing now? 4. Luke 17:5. What did the disciples ask Jesus to do for them? How does Christ increase our faith? In what areas of life do you need more faith? 5. John 6:28–29. The apostles asked Jesus what they must do in order to do God’s works. What did Jesus say to them? What does it mean to believe on Jesus? 6. Ephesians 6:16. How important is a shield in battle? How does the shield of faith protect a person? Name a few fiery darts or flaming arrows we face. 7. Hebrews 11:1–3. Describe what faith is. How can we understand creation without faith? How does faith relate to creation? 8. Hebrews 11:6, 17–38. What does verse 6 say about faith in God? What is one specific way to please God? List the ways Old Testament people demonstrated their faith. 9. James 2:17. How does real faith express itself ? If a person’s so-called faith does not respond to the needs of others that can be at least partially met, what should we think about that kind of faith? 10. 1 John 5:4–5. How do you express your faith? How does faith lead believers to have victory over the world? What is the source of our faith? How is Jesus a present, every-moment reality in our lives?
Larry Gross spent seventeen years in and out of jails in Pennsylvania. One day while out of prison, Larry read a gospel tract that someone had left on a park bench. Soon thereafter, the Lord saved the struggling, wayward great-grandson of a Jewish rabbi from Russia. Since that time, Larry has had an exciting romance with evangelism, telling people that they can know Jesus in a personal way and have a lifelong relationship with Him. Hundreds of people have stopped on highways and university campuses to talk with Larry about Jesus. He has spoken to thousands and has given out tens of thousands of gospel tracts. Some ask how they can witness for Christ. In any way the Holy Spirit leads, believers can be a testimony for Christ—by words, or by example. Several Scriptures challenge us to reach out to others with the Word of Life.
1. 2 Kings 7:3–9. Where were the four lepers and what was their ultimate decision? What did they do when they discovered that Israel’s enemies had gone? How can we apply this story to our lives? 2. Psalm 126:5–6. Just as the farmer sows seeds and reaps a harvest, we can sow seeds as well. What is that seed? With what attitude are we to sow the seed of the gospel? How will we return from such a venture? 3. Proverbs 11:30. Why is a person wise who wins others to Christ? What is the fruit of the righteous? In what ways is the one who witnesses blessed? 4. Isaiah 6:8, 11–12. What response did Isaiah have to the Lord’s call to witness? How long did God tell Isaiah he should continue his work? Is the call to all God’s people? 5. Daniel 12:3. What is the reward of a faithful witness? What metaphor is used for those who turn others to righteousness? 6. Matthew 28:18–20. By what authority do we witness to others? What should we teach? What are some of Christ’s commands that are to be taught and practiced? How are we fulfilling the Great Commission? 7. Acts 1:8. How did the apostles become effective witnesses? Do we have access to the same power today? How can believers become involved in witnessing? 8. Acts 21:8–9. What do you think about Philip’s four daughters and their ministry? What role can women have in ministry today? Describe some events in Philip’s life (Acts 8:4–13; 26–40). 9. Acts 26:19–23. Who heard Paul’s testimony? What was his message? What is our message? In what ways can we share the story of Jesus? How effective is our work? 10. 2 Timothy 1:1–10. How can a person who witnesses be strong? What should he or she teach others? What encourages a believer to proclaim God’s Word (verse 10)?
The apostle Paul had some experience with depression, but he always made a comeback. He wrote about being content in every situation, whether hungry or satisfied, with plenty or with nothing. Jeremiah lived in a state of despair most of his life. King Jehoiakim cut Jeremiah’s scroll into shreds and burned it (Jeremiah 36). However, God told Jeremiah to write it again (actually dictated to the scribe Baruch)—a long, hard job in 600 bc. Jeremiah suffered near-death prison time in a cistern with water up to his neck—an early version of water boarding? In Lamentations 3, he expressed his bitter feelings. Hope faded. But a new day dawned when Jeremiah discovered that God’s mercies are new every morning. He wrote that man needs to wait for God’s deliverance. With God’s help, we too can get through tough times.
1. Genesis 27:46; 28:1–5. Why was Rebecca depressed about her son Jacob? Who helped her? How can we help people with difficult decisions avoid despair? 2. Numbers 11:10–17. Why did Moses feel depressed and blame God for his troubles? What did he ask God to do? What answer did God give Moses? How can we apply this story in our own lives? 3. Numbers 21:4–5. Why were God’s people impatient and upset? Why did they blame God and criticize Moses for their predicament? Why were they in the desert in the first place? What daily routines today can be depressing? 4. Joshua 7:5–12. What did Joshua do in this stressful, daylong experience? What was his regret? What was God’s answer? 5. 1 Kings 19:1–8. Why was Elijah in the desert? What did he want God to do to him? Have you ever felt like Elijah? How do bad experiences sometimes bring about good decisions? 6. Psalm 142:1–7. Who will listen to our complaints? What bad can happen when we are in the right place? What is our resource when no one seems to care about us? 7. Jonah 4:1–11. Why did Jonah say it would be better for him to die? Did he need a new focus? What would happen to our depression if we obeyed God? 8. Matthew 27:46. What did Jesus say as He was dying? Why did it feel like God had left Him? If Jesus could be depressed, this would certainly be the time. 9. Luke 15:20–21. What brought on the depressed state of the prodigal son? When a person’s friends and money are gone, will depression be the natural outcome? What is the solution? 10. 2 Timothy 4:10, 16–17. Did Paul sound depressed in these verses? If your friends all forsook you, how would you feel? What help did Paul find? What is our hope in desperate times?
Across the centuries conflicts have always occurred among the nations. From the outset of human history until the present day, politicians and prophets, military commanders and religious leaders, have searched for answers to the never-ending struggles we all endure. In a bar or tavern, amid all the frolicking and laughter, a fight will erupt during Happy Hour. Conflicts sometimes run rampant within government circles and between political parties as well as in churches. Families know their share of strife. Troubles are universal. Life suffers if we fail to control our problems. The Bible gives us some examples of conflict and strife as well as some solutions.
1. Genesis 13:8–12. What problem did Abram and Lot’s workers have? What solution did Abram offer? Is there a godly way to handle problems? 2. Proverbs 17:1. Would you prefer a simple meal with peace rather than a big banquet with a lot of contention? Why? How does this verse apply to family life? 3. Proverbs 18:19. What happens to a person who becomes offended through a dispute? Is it easier to conquer a fortified city than a brother? Why is it so hard to appease an offended person? 4. Proverbs 20:3. Why is it an honor to avoid strife? Why do some Christians seem to cultivate the quarreling habit? Is God pleased with church wranglings? What does Scripture call a quarreling or meddling person? 5. Luke 22:20–26. A dispute broke out among the disciples about which one was the greatest. When did that happen? What did Jesus say? What do you say about it? 6. Acts 15:35–41. Why did Paul and Barnabas have a falling-out after their missionary trip? What did they do after they separated? What can we learn from their experience? 7. Romans 14:5–6. How do we resolve problems about what foods we eat and days of worship? Discuss Luke 10:8; Acts 11:6–9; 1 Corinthians 10:25, 31; and Titus 3:9. 8. 1 Corinthians 3:1–4. What problems did the church in Corinth have? How do God’s saints reflect carnality instead of spirituality? What’s the solution to these sins? 9. Philippians 2:3–4. Paul gave counsel to the Philippians about being unselfish and esteeming others better than themselves. How can we practice this attitude today? 10. James 3:13–18. What are some sources of disagreement? What are some of the damages of strife? How can peacemakers help? Do you cause disputes or help solve them?
When a baby cries at two in the morning, the child wants comfort. Either he is hungry or cold or needs some other attention from his parent. All of us call out in one way or another for comfort or encouragement at times. The word comfort means to make comfortable, relieve pain, or solve some problem. We live in a world full of hurts and pain and loneliness. Jesus set the perfect pattern for all of us to stand with others and give comfort and support when it is needed. The Bible speaks of comfort many times.
1. Genesis 24:67. Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah. When Sarah died, Isaac was sad and Rebekah comforted him. When have you needed comfort? 2. Job 2:11; 16:1–5. How did Job’s three friends show him comfort? What happened later with Job and his friends? How did Job react? How can we show true comfort to someone who is grieving? 3. Psalm 94:19. When David felt anxiety-ridden, where did he find comfort? What did God’s comfort do for David? How does God offer us help? 4. Isaiah 40:1–2. What commission did God give to Isaiah? How was he to speak to Israel? What was his message of comfort? 5. Isaiah 51:3. What good message did God have for Israel after their defeat and ruin? What would happen to their wastelands? Why can God’s people sing again? 6. Matthew 2:16–18. Who was Rachel and what happened to her children? What were the circumstances of that tragedy? What is our hope in the face of sorrow? 7. John 14:1–16, 26–27. Why were the disciples saddened? What did Jesus promise to do for them? What does the Comforter do for believers? 8. Acts 9:26–31. How did the early Christians have the comfort of the Holy Spirit? What had they faced? How does the Holy Spirit strengthen and help us today? 9. Romans 15:1–4. How did the events of the past teach the followers of Jesus? How do we find comfort today in God’s Word? 10. 2 Corinthians 1:3–7. Why did Paul write that God is the God of all comfort? When does God comfort us? How do our experiences prepare us to comfort others?
Someone asked Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, how she was able to raise these two sons as she did. She told them it was by getting a firm grip on their hearts when they were young and never turning them loose. Susanna and her pastor husband had nineteen children, and all who lived to adulthood became Christians. Children need the love of their father and mother. They need a good education as well as spiritual instruction—Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, church camps; and the list goes on. When we think of raising children, let’s keep in mind that the Bible is the perfect guidebook. Proverbs is a great prescription for child-rearing. When we stay with God’s Book, we have the help that every family needs and we become the channels through which godly help continues to flow to our children. Are we prepared for the discipline of raising godly children?
1. Exodus 2:6–7. Refresh your mind on the story of the birth of Moses. What did his parents do for his welfare? What can we do to protect our children in evil times? 2. Deuteronomy 6:6–9. When is the best time to read the Bible with children, pray, and talk with them about how God wants your family to live and honor Him? 3. 1 Samuel 2:22–25. Why do you think Eli’s two sons became immoral? What early training can parents give children that will help them live for Christ’s glory? 4. Proverbs 4:1–27. This entire chapter presents the potential for rich blessings to be upon our children. Select a few verses to share and explain to your children. 5. Proverbs 22:6. What does it mean to train up a child? How much time should be given to children’s training? How can we help children plan for the future? 6. Matthew 10:21. What causes some children to betray their parents? Why do some children rebel? Is the environment responsible for the behavior of our youth? 7. Mark 10:13–16. What attitude did the disciples have about children? What response did Jesus make regarding this attitude? Talk about how Jesus received the children. 8. Luke 11:11–13. Name some bad gifts that children could receive from parents. What good gifts should children receive? What does God as our loving parent provide? 9. Ephesians 6:1–4; Colossians 3:20. What promises are given to children who obey their parents? How does God feel about children who obey their parents? 10. 2 Timothy 3:14–15. When should children be taught the Scriptures? (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). How important is it to teach our children the Word of God?
A giant named Goliath once stood on a battlefield before thousands of Israelite soldiers. That Philistine giant dared any Israelite to come out and fight him. The Hebrew soldiers shook with fear every day for forty days when the Philistine strolled out before them and roared out his challenge. Then one day the shepherd boy David appeared on the scene. He asked why everyone was afraid of Goliath. Soon David was rushing out to meet the enemy with his sling and five small stones, saying that he would face Goliath in the name of the Lord God of Israel. He hurled one stone at the giant, hitting him in the forehead, and the giant fell to the earth (see 1 Samuel 17). David was not afraid of a lion or a bear, nor was he afraid of the wicked giant. What about our boldness for the Lord? Are we filled with courage, or does fear hold us in its grip? If we are bold for the Lord, we will have freedom to speak words of wisdom in His name. Do you think most Christians are bold today? Look at what the Bible says about being bold in the Lord:
1. Proverbs 28:1. Who are the righteous and how can they express spiritual boldness? How can we be as bold as a lion? Why should believers be bold in today’s world? 2. Mark 15:43. What does this verse say about Joseph? Why did he go to Pilate? Did that act take courage on the part of the man from Arimathea? Why? 3. John 7:25–32. What did religious leaders want to do with Jesus? How did Jesus show that He was not afraid of them? Are we sometimes afraid to express boldness for Christ? 4. Acts 4:13. How did the crowd describe Peter and John? What special characteristic did the two apostles have? What gives God’s people boldness? 5. Acts 4:31. Review the background of this Scripture. What two great events happened when believers prayed? Why are some of us timid rather than bold? 6. Acts 9:29; 14:3; 19:8. Who did Paul confront with the message of Jesus? What did some want to do to him? How did Paul respond? 7. Ephesians 3:12. What are some resources of spiritual boldness? Do you and I have confidence and freedom to talk to the Lord? Why or why not? 8. Ephesians 6:19–20. Why did Paul ask the saints of Ephesus to pray for him? Should we ask others to pray for us? Why did Paul want to be filled with boldness? 9. Hebrews 4:16. Do we have the authority and freedom to go into God’s presence and speak with Him? Why or why not? What is the result of a bold approach in prayer? 10. 1 John 4:17. Why do people need boldness as they face the final day of judgment? What helps us to become bold and not afraid of the future? |
AuthorErv is a retired Mechanical Engineer and now on Campus Staff with ISI. Archives
September 2023
Categories
All
|