Week following Sunday Feb 5, 2012

 STEPS TO FINANCIAL PEACE

Monday – This week we will examine the subject of money and possessions. It is amazing how much there is in the Bible about this very subject. It is definitely one of the most mentioned subjects in the Scriptures. God calls each of us to a radical lifestyle - total commitment to Him. You can determine a great deal about spiritual commitment by what Christians treasure. God's Word says that our treasures will be wherever our hearts are. All that truly matters is what we can do for the kingdom of God. Certainly, the things we accumulate are not important. They are simply tools for us to use in accomplishing God's work. Read: Psalm 37:4-6; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:33-34; Matthew 19:27-29. Briefly describe what these passages are about. What do these passages say about God and money? What stands out most to you in these passages?

 Tuesday – In the area of finances, contentment does not mean complacency. Complacency means that I have a problem and I suffer through it with a good attitude; but contentment means I know that I'm in the center of God's will. I change the things I can. The things I can't change I am willing to accept and be content with because I know the One who is in control. The secret of a happy life is learning how to deal with both the good times and the bad and, like the apostle Paul, knowing how to be content with either. Read: Job 1:21; Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 30:7-9; Philippians 4:11-14. Briefly describe what these passages are about. What do these passages say about God and money? What stands out most to you in these passages? How does contentment relate to possessions?

 Wednesday – Balance is what God teaches us - the balance between verses that say it is a wise person who seeks the counsel of many others and verses that warn if we listen to too many people we will go astray. Somewhere in between is the balance. God wants us to be open, listen to people with the same value systems, but not follow their direction for our lives too closely; rather, use it cautiously - as counsel in finding God's direction. Read: Psalm 1:1-2; Proverbs 12:1, 15; Proverbs 27:9-10. Briefly describe what these passages are about. What do these passages say about God and money? What stands out most to you in these passages? How is counsel important regarding the use of money?

 Thursday – The first step in establishing the principle of fairness is to recognize that all people are important, regardless of their position. God is not concerned about what others think is fair, only what He thinks is fair. From God's perspective, fairness is determined by your attitude toward other people and the way you treat them. Do you treat others the way you would want them to treat you if the situations were reversed? Read: Deuteronomy 1:17; Matthew 18:21-35. In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, what did the king want to do? (18:23) How was the king  prepared to get the large amount of money owed him by a particular servant? (18:24-25) How did the king graciously respond to the indebted servant’s desperate plea? (18:27) What did the servant go do after his debt was cancelled? (18:28) How did the second servant respond to the demand for payment? (18:29) How did the king react to the news he heard? (18:32-34) How did Jesus apply this parable to His followers? (18:35)

 Friday – The biblical principle of financial forgiveness is a clear one. It means that you put aside a wrong suffered, never to be remembered again, even if someone has deceived you or cheated you financially. How far does forgiveness extend? As far as the Lord is concerned, it stretches without end. In our society, we all will have an opportunity to exercise forgiveness. Read: Proverbs 25:21-22; Matthew 6:15; Mark 11:25; Luke 7:41-42. Briefly describe what these passages are about. What do these passages say about God and money? What stands out most to you in these passages? How can the matter of forgiveness relate to money and possessions?

 MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NKJV)
⁶ But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Week following Sunday Jan 29, 2012

 THE CHURCH

Monday – This week we will examine some passages that relate to the Church and explain to us what the church is all about. Read:Matthew 16:13-20. In what region did the events of this passage take place? (16:13) What pointed personal question did Christ ask His followers? (16:15) What answer did Peter give? (16:16) What did Jesus promise about the Church? (16:18) What part in the building of Christ’s Church do you have now?

Tuesday – Read:Acts 2:42-47. What were the activities of the early church? (2:42) What life-style did the early believers adopt? (2:44-45) What did the Christians do when they met together in homes? (2:46-47) What was the growth of the early church like? (2:47) What can you do to help your church be more like the early church?

Wednesday – Read:Acts 20:13-38. At Miletus, for whom did Paul send? (20:17) What did Paul say in review of his ministry in Ephesus? (20:18-21) Why did Paul expect trouble in Jerusalem? (20:22-23) How did Paul describe his life and mission? (20:24) What were the future responsibilities of the Ephesian elders? (20:28-35) What saddened the group most? (20:38) How does the Holy Spirit lead and guide us? How can we stay blameless in the way we support ourselves and our church’s work?

Thursday – Read:Ephesians 5:22-33. How is Christ’s headship of the church an example to the husband? (5:23) How is the relationship of the church to Christ an example to wives? (5:24) How are husbands commanded to love their wives? (5:25) How did Christ prepare a bride for Himself? (5:26-27) How should husbands love their wives? (5:28-30) How does the bond between Christ and the church illustrate the love of a husband for his wife? (5:32)

Friday – Read:1 Timothy 3:1-16. Why is good family management a qualification for being an overseer? (3:4-5) Why must an overseer have a good reputation? (3:7) What is required before someone can serve as a deacon? (3:10) Why did Paul write these instructions? (3:14-15) What role do you desire in your church? What is the common ingredient in the lists of qualifications for leaders in the church?

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:

Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV)
²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.

Week following Sunday Jan 22, 2012

BLESSED ARE THE SOUL WINNERS

Monday – Notice that today’s message relates to the importance of evangelism and sharing our faith. The passages for each day will relate to the subject of evangelism and provide examples of faith sharing. Today, we will look at some teachings regarding it while beginning on Tuesday we will take a look at some examples. Read: Matthew 5:9; Proverbs 11:30; Matthew 9:35-38. What did Jesus preach about? (9:35) What helpless animals were the people compared to? (9:36) Who did Jesus tell His disciples to discuss the lack of workers with? (9:37) What barriers stand in the way of people you know listening to the gospel?

Tuesday – John 4 shows Jesus leading the Samaritan woman to faith. This may be the greatest example of sharing our faith that we have. Read: John 4:1-26. What did Jesus say to the Samaritan woman? (4:7) Why was the Samaritan woman surprised that Jesus spoke to her? (4:9) How did Jesus answer the Samaritan woman’s question? (4:10) What did the Samaritan woman think Jesus was talking about? (4:11-12,15) What did Jesus say would be the result of drinking the water He offered? (4:13-14) Whom did Jesus tell the Samaritan woman to go and get? (4:15) How did the Samaritan woman respond to Jesus’ statements about her situation? (4:19-20) Who did Jesus say He was? (4:25-26)

Wednesday – Today, let’s see the methodology of Philip as he leads a great revival in Samaria but leaves it behind to follow the leading of God and witness to one person. Read: Acts 8:4-8; Acts 8:26-40. Whom did Philip meet on the desert road? (8:27) What did Philip ask the eunuch? (8:30) How did the eunuch respond to Philip? (8:31) What was the eunuch reading? (8:32-33) How did Philip present the good news about Jesus? (8:35) How did believing in Christ affect the eunuch? (8:39)

Thursday – Now, let’s see how Peter shared the faith. Read: Acts 10:24-48. How had Cornelius prepared for Peter’s visit? (10:24-25) What did Peter say to show that he had learned what God had wanted him to learn? (10:28-29) What was Peter’s message to the group? (10:34-43) How was Peter’s message interrupted? (10:44-46) How did Peter sum up what had happened? (10:47-48) How do cultural and religious barriers hinder growth in our faith?

Friday – Let us examine the manner in which Paul shared his faith. Read: Acts 13:13-52. What happened at Perga? (13:13-14) What did the synagogue rulers say to Paul and Barnabas? (13:14-15) In surveying the history of Israel, what key events did Paul mention? (13:17-22) How was the mention of David an easy transition to refer to Jesus (and his forerunner, John) in Paul’s message? (13:23-25) How did Paul confirm the fact of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? (13:33-37) How is forgiveness of sins possible? (13:38-39) What did Paul say would happen to his hearers if they failed to recognize Jesus as Savior? (13:40-41) How did people respond to the message Paul preached? (13:42-43) How did the Gentiles respond to the Word of the Lord? (13:48) What happened to Paul and Barnabas while God was causing the church to grow and become strong? (13:49-52) What price did Paul and Barnabas pay for telling people about Christ? (13:50)

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:

Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.