Weekly Bible Reading Guide
We encourage you and your family to go through our reading guide each week. These readings (and at times, questions) will aide in your spiritual growth and in your preparation for the upcoming Sunday Service.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
John 16 
- 17
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Friday, March 30: The Bread and the Cup–Sacrificial Sharing
Matthew 26:26-30 ; John 15:13 ; Acts 2:42-47 ; I Corinthians 11:23-32
- The bread and cup are two of the elements of the "Communion" service, a time of intimate sharing. How did Jesus share His great love with the disciples?
- What does the great sharing of Jesus inspire in the lives of believers who follow His example? •How does the spirit of communion contrast with our current society and ways of the world?
- What is one way you can imitate Christ's example and/or the spirit of communion this week?
Thursday, March 29: The Lord’s Supper/Christian Love Feast–Divine Delight
Luke 22:15-16 ; I Corinthians 11:20-22, 33-34; Jude 1:12 ; Revelation 3:20
- In what ways does Jesus demonstrate that "dining" with His loved ones is important to Him?
- How do these passages demonstrate that the Lord has much more in mind than sharing a meal together?
- From the negative example of the Corinthians and mentioned in Jude, explain in a positive way how the Lord would like us to come to and partake of His supper.
Wednesday, March 28: Footwashing–Paying Loving Attention to One Another’s Dirtiest Areas
- It was perfectly acceptable for a host to provide water for the guests to wash their own feet (Genesis 18:4 ; Luke 7:44), but Jesus went beyond that to actually wash the disciples' feet. Why?
- The feet were the dirtiest part of the body; came in most contact with the world. In what ways is it difficult for you to deal with the "dirtiest" parts of your brothers and sisters in Christ?
- How does Jesus instruct us to behave toward one another?
Tuesday, March 27: Baptism: Picture of Relationship
Romans 6:3-8 ; I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27-29 ; I Peter 3:18-21
- How does baptism symbolize our relationship to Christ? . . . our relationship to one another?
- Does baptism save us? Why or why not?
- What relationship does baptism have to our salvation and sanctification (being separated form sin and set apart for
- God)?
Monday, March 26: Baptism: The Command and Correct Response
Matthew 28:19 ; John 3:22 , 26; 4:1-2; Acts 2:38-41 ; Acts 8:26-39
- How did each of these new believers respond to their new faith in Christ?
- How do we know that Jesus intended for believers to be baptized?
- We have a saying, "I'm all in!" In what ways is baptism a suitable symbol of being "all in" with Jesus?
Friday, March 23: Destiny of Those Who Reject God’s Salvation in Christ – the Second Death
Daniel 12:2 ; Matthew 13:49-50 ; Mark 9:44,46 ,48; Revelation 20:11-15 ; 21:8;
- Use these passages to develop a "5 sense" description of everlasting death: what will the people see, smell, taste, feel, hear?
- Can you think of one or two people who appear to have this for a destiny? What will you do this week to try to help prevent them from experiencing?
Thursday, March 22: What Will It Be Like? - Heaven
Luke 24:34-38 ; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 ; 1 John 3:2 ; Revelation 21:1-7 ; 22:1-5
- Use these passages to develop a "5 sense" description of eternal life (i.e., What will you see, smell, taste, feel, hear?). If you are artistically inclined, you might draw a picture of it.
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 states that we cannot even imagine all that God has lovingly planned for us; take a few moments to relish and thank Him for what He has in store for you.
Wednesday, March 21: What Happens to Believers?
John 5:21-25 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 ; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 ; 2 Corinthians 5:10
- What does Jesus promise concerning those who have trusted in Him and yet suffered death?
- Death seems so final, so permanent; yet the Bible declares otherwise. Explain how Jesus changes the nature and outcome of death for believers.
- How will the temporariness of death affect the choices you make as you live for God?
Tuesday, March 20: After Physical Death, Then What? The Intermediate State
Luke 16:19-28 ; Luke 23:32-33 , 39-43; 2 Corinthians 5:6,8 ; Philippians 1:21-23
- Immediately after people die, there is a distinction between the fate of the saved and the unsaved; describe the rich man's intermediate state. Was he conscious? What were his thoughts? How would you characterize the intermediate state of Lazarus?
- How is the existence of departed believers in Christ described?
- Do these passages support the notion of the departed roaming the earth ("ghosts")? Why or why not?
Monday, March 19: We All Have a Final Appointment
Genesis 3:19 ; Psalm 90:10,12 ; Psalm 139:16 ; Acts 13:36 ; Hebrews 9:27
- What is the destiny of all human beings? How is the "number of our days" determined?
- We get ready for school, ready for work, ready for interviews, ready for doctors' appointments; why is it so difficult for people to prepare for their sure and final appointment? How have you prepared and are you preparing for your final appointment?
Friday, March 16: Destiny & Defeat of Satan, His Demons, and His Followers
Ephesians 4:27 ; 6:10-18; James 4:7 ; Revelation 12:9-12 ; 20:10
- How are we told to handle encounters with Satan?
- Each morning, every good soldier must do a check of his weaponry. Use Ephesians 6:10-18 to take inventory and evaluate the condition of your spiritual weaponry.
- What is the destiny of Satan? What brought about this victory over Satan?
Thursday, March 15: Work of Satan in the World
Luke 8:11-12 ; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 ; Ephesians 2:1-3 ; 6:11-12; Revelation 12:9-10
- What is Satan busy doing in the world?
- How does he try to prevent people from being saved?
- What does Satan do to believers?
- Name some ways you see Satan at work in our present world.
Wednesday, March 14: Christ’s Encounter with Satan
- Describe the three ways the Devil attempted to tempt Jesus.
- Why do you suppose the Devil came to Christ in the desert/wilderness?
- Describe Christ's method of dealing with the temptations of Satan.
- Think of a common temptation you face. Choose a verse to memorize to counteract this temptation.
Tuesday, March 13: Man’s First Encounter with Satan
Genesis 3:1-15 ; 1 John 3:8-10
- How did Satan disguise himself in the garden? How is he described?
- How did Satan influence Eve to disobey God?
- Can you think of times when you found yourself questioning and doubting God's good intentions for you? How did you react to or counteract these thoughts?
Monday, March 12: The Character of the Devil - Satan
John 8:44 ; Acts 13:10 ; 2 Corinthians 11:14 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10 ; 1 Peter 5:8
- How do these passages describe the nature and practices of Satan?
- What kind of power does Satan demonstrate?
- Why in the world do you think anyone would choose to worship this evil monster?
Friday, March 9: The Second Coming: Jesus Is Coming Back to Deal with the Rest
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 ; Revelation 19:11-21 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
- In what ways does the second coming of Christ differ from His first coming?
- What will the mission of Jesus be at this time? Who will pay the penalty of eternal destruction?
- What will cause our hearts to be "blameless" upon Christ's return?
Thursday, March 8: Meeting the Lord in the Air When He Comes Back
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
- What mystery did Paul reveal?
- Who is going to meet the Lord in the clouds? What is their destiny?
- According to 1 Thessalonians 4:18 , what is the purpose of our knowing this?
Wednesday, March 7: Are You Ready for Jesus to Come Back?
- The virgins had one responsibility to carry out as the bridegroom became visible; what was it?
- What do you think the oil represented? How about the light?
- A well-known motel chain advertised, "We'll keep the light on for you." Why do you suppose it was important to keep the light burning for the bridegroom?
- In what ways is your light shining for Christ's return? What are you doing to make sure you have sufficient oil?
Tuesday, March 6: Angels Promise Jesus Is Coming Back
- How does the Bible describe the departure of Jesus?
- According to the angels, it what way will Jesus return?
- What did Jesus tell His disciples to focus on while they await His return (verses 6-8)?
- Overall, do you think the Church has done a good job of maintaining this focus regarding Christ's return? Why or why not?
Monday, March 5: Jesus Promises He's Coming Back
John 14:1-14,18 ,28; (also see Matthew 24:27,30-31 )
- How does Jesus describe His plans to the disciples?
- What is the purpose of His going away; what is He doing?
- If God created the world in only 6 days, why do you think that it has taken this long for Jesus to complete preparing a place for us?
Friday, March 2: Different View of the World
Matthew 6:19-21 , 31-33; John 15:19 ; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 ; Colossians 3:1-2 ; 1 John 2:15-17
- Contrast what the world (or "Gentiles") seeks versus what we are told to seek.
- How did Jesus say the people of the world (non-believers) would view us (John 15:19 )?
- What is our ministry to the people of the world (2 Corinthians 5:19-20 )?
- How does the "American Dream" square with the relationship that we are told to have with the world? How do you feel about this? Is it easy or hard for you to accept? Why?
Thursday, March 1: Different Relationships in the Church - a New Family
Matthew 12:50 ; Acts 2:41-45 ; Romans 12:4-16 ; 1 John 3:16-18
- How is the local church different from any other organization you might join?
- How does God desire/command us to treat others who are in the Body of Christ?
- Who are some people in our church who are like fathers, mothers, sisters, or brothers to you?
Wednesday, February 29: Different Relationships in the Home
Ephesians 5:22-28 ; Colossians 3:18-21 ; 1 Corinthians 7:12-16
- Describe God's "blueprint" for the family.
- What influences and pressures from our society make it difficult for the Christian family to maintain and exhibit this "blueprint"?
- What are some steps you can take together as a family to help overcome these obstacles?
Tuesday, February 28: Different Choice - Obedience to God Instead of Sin Nature
Romans 6:11-13 ; 12:1; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 ; Galatians 2:20 ; 5:24; Philippians 3:12-13
- What daily choice do we need to make? Do you think about whom you are going to serve each day? How is that decision reflected in the rest of your choices you make each day?
- Why do you suppose Paul calls it a "living" sacrifice, as opposed to a dead one?
- What difference does it make in your life to be "in Christ"?
Monday, February 27: Different Relationship with God
Romans 8:14-17 ; Ephesians 1:2-9 ; 2:3-7, 19; Hebrews 4:16 ; 1 John 3:1
- How do these passages describe the relationship of the believer to God?
- Contrast this with the relationship of a non-believer to God.
- What benefits has God bestowed upon us by virtue of this new relationship through Christ?
- Parents delight in things created for them by their children; perhaps you could bless God today with a card or note, telling Him of your love and gratitude having Him for your Father.
Friday, February 24: The Wedding Announcement - the Church is the Bride
John 3:28-29 ; Ephesians 5:23-27 ; 2 Corinthians 11:2 ; Revelation 19:7-9
- How does John the Baptist describe the coming of Jesus?
- What picture of Christ's love and care for the Church does Paul provide?
- Jesus has proposed to the Church; as part of the Body, you have accepted. Write out some wedding vows you'd like to share with Christ.
Thursday, February 23: The Mission of the Church
Matthew 28:19-20 ; John 13:34-35 ; Galatians 6:10 ; Hebrews 10:23-25
- What commands are given to the Church in the above passages?
- Where are we to find the power to do this (see Matthew 28:20 )?
- How are you taking part in the mission of the Church?
Wednesday, February 22: The Church-Body of Christ
Ephesians 1:22-23 ; Ephesians 4:4-6 ; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
- How is the Church described in these passages?
- Why do you suppose that God chose the image of the Church as a "body," as opposed to an army, a tribe, or a team? How does this image communicate His intent for the way the Church interacts and functions?
- How do you see "the body" at work in our local church?
Tuesday, February 21: The Lord and Head of the Church
1 Corinthians 1:2 ; Ephesians 1:22 ; Ephesians 4:15 ; 1 Timothy 3:15
- According to 1 Corinthians 1:2 , what do all those in the Church have in common?
- What does it mean for Christ to be the "head" of the Church?
- How is the Church described in 1 Timothy 3:15 ? According to this passage, how is the Church strengthened?
- In what ways do you see Christ's headship and lordship demonstrated in our local church?
Monday, February 20: The Origin of the Church
Matthew 16:16-18 ; Acts 2:39-47 ; Ephesians 2:17-22
- Who is building the Church? How are people brought into the Church?
- A structure is only as good as its foundation. What does it mean to have Christ for the foundation of the Church?
- How do you see the people around you in church: there by choice or divinely placed? Explain how the Church grows.
Friday, February 17: The Results of Our Salvation
John 17:1-3 ; Colossians 1:19-23 ; Ephesians 2:10
- How does Jesus describe the gift of eternal life?
- What are God's purposes for those who are saved through Jesus Christ?
- Name some ways that God's purposes in your salvation are being fulfilled in your life.
Thursday, February 16: The Gift of Salvation
Romans 6:23 ; Ephesians 2:8-9 ; Psalm 118:21
- How do we receive the gift of salvation from God?
- What should our continual attitude be?
- Take time today to write a thank you note to Jesus for the salvation He provided for you.
Wednesday, February 15: The Price Paid for Our Salvation
Matthew 20:28 ; 26:28; 27:27-50
- What price did Jesus pay for our salvation? Name things He suffered on our behalf.
- Describe how you would feel and what you would be thinking as you stood at the foot of the cross.
Tuesday, February 14: God Wins the Victory for His People
- Describe the predicament of Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. What did Jehoshaphat confess to the Lord?
- What message did the Spirit of the Lord deliver to Jehoshaphat and Judah (verse 17)?
- What were the results of allowing the Lord to fight the battle for them (verse 22-30)?
- What are some battles that you face? What does it mean to you to "stand firm and see the deliverance" [salvation] of the Lord?
Monday, February 13: The God Who Saves His People
- Describe the predicament of the people of Israel.
- What appeared to be the certain outcome of the situation? What fears and doubts did the people express?
- What did Moses command the people do in order to be saved (verse 13)?
- How do you react when you are faced with an "impossible" situation?
Friday, February 10: The Hope of Man in Christ
Romans 8:29 ; 2 Corinthians 3:18 ; Philippians 3:20-21 ; 1 John 3:2
- Into whose image are we being transformed?
- How does this fulfill the intention of God stated in Genesis 1:26 (from Day 1 above)?
- What did it and will it take to bring us full circle to God's plan for man at his origin?
- Name some ways you are cooperating with God's intent and plan for man.
Thursday, February 9: The Dilemma of Man – Sinner & Saint
Romans 7:14-25 ; 8:1-2,23-25
- Describe Paul's struggle.
- How do you experience this struggle in your own life?
- What is the source of this struggle?
- What hope do we have? What do we do in the mean time?
Wednesday, February 8: The Rescue and Redemption of Man
Romans 5:6-11 ; 2 Corinthians 5:15,21 ; 1 Peter 3:18
- Many people have received "the death penalty" through the years. What was different about Christ's undergoing of it?
- What did Christ's death accomplish for us?
- How can we show our gratitude for Christ's sacrifice on our behalf?
Tuesday, February 7: The Fall of Man
Genesis 2:15-17 ; 3: 1-19; Romans 3:23 , 5:12
- Adam and Eve had a bountiful, luscious garden; what made the tree in the center so tempting?
- What did Adam and Eve choose to believe about God just before they ate the forbidden fruit?
- How are we similar to Adam and Eve?
- Our society questions the death penalty even for murder; how would you explain death for eating forbidden fruit?
Monday, February 6: The Origin of Man
Genesis 1:26-31 ; 2:7-8,19-26; Psalm 100:3 ; Isaiah 64:8
- From the first two passages, describe how the creation of man was different from all else.
- Describe God's intent for man (i.e. likeness, position, vocation).
- According to the last two passages, what is our relationship and position before God?
- From what you observe in the media, give examples of images to which people strive to conform. Do you have an image in mind for your ideal self? Upon what is it based?
Friday, February 3: The Absence of the Holy Spirit
Psalm 51:11 ; Judges 16:19-21 ; 1 Samuel 16:14 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-13
- What did David plea to God that He would never do?
- What happened to Samson and Saul that would cause David to plea for the continuing presence of God's Spirit?
- What will happen in the world when God withdraws His Spirit?
- Spend some time giving thanks to God for the enduring ministry of the Holy Spirit in you and your life.
Thursday, February 2: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
John 14:16-17 ; John 15:26 ; John 16:7-15
- What does Jesus call the Holy Spirit?
- Name three things that Jesus said the Spirit would do for the Disciples.
- How could Jesus say that having the Holy Spirit would be an even greater advantage to the Disciples than having Jesus on earth with them?
Wednesday, February 1: The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Believer
Romans 8:11 ; Ephesians 1:13-14 ; Titus 3:5-6 ; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
- According to these passages, what are four things the Holy Spirit does for the Believer?
- Explain how the work of the Holy Spirit in your life is an integral part of your existence as a Christian.
Tuesday, January 31: The Personality of the Holy Spirit
Isaiah 63:10 ; Ephesians 4:30 ; 1 Corinthians 12:11 ; Romans 8:26-27
- What evidence is there that the Holy Spirit has emotions?
- How does the Holy Spirit exert His will?
- What does the Holy Spirit choose to do on our behalf?
- What do you suppose are things the Spirit is praying for you at this time?
Monday, January 30: The Identity of the Spirit
Genesis 1:1-2 ; Psalm 139:7 ; Acts 5:1-4 ; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
- Who was present at Creation?
- According to David, what attribute does the Holy Spirit share with God?
- Peter said that lying to the Holy Spirit is the same as lying to whom?
- What type of being would it take to know and understand the mind of God?
Friday, January 27: Glory to Be Revealed
Daniel 7:9-14 ; Revelation 19:11-16 ; Revelation 21:4-6
- How is Jesus described in the first two passages?
- Contrast this imagery to that of the third passage.
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is "very man" and "very God"?
Thursday, January 26: Found in the Form of Man
Philippians 2:5-8 ; Hebrews 2:9-18 ; Hebrews 4:14-16
- In what form did Jesus appear to men?
- What was the perpose of Jesus taking on flesh and beoming human?
- What assurance and privilege do we now enjoy as a result of Jesus of Jesus coming in human form?
Wednesday, January 25: Divine Identification
John 1:1-3 ; Matthew 1:23 ; Isaiah 9:6 ; John 8:58 ; John 10:30
- In what ways do these scriptures make clear that Jesus is being clearly identifiesd as God?
- Jesus was not the only person ever to call Himself God. From what you know about Him, what makes His claim the only believable one?
- How did the religious peope of Jesus' day respond to His deity? What is your response?
Tuesday, January 24: Name Above All Names
Philippians 2:9-11 ; Ephesians 1:20-23 ; Colossians 1:15-20 ; John 20:31 ; John 15:16
- What response does God intend for people to have at the mention of the name of Jesus Christ?
- Does God permit this behavior toward any other being, apart from Himself? Why is He "okay" with us behaving like this toward Jesus?
- What power is found in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? How have you exercised the power He has granted to us in His name?
Monday, January 23: A Divinely Prophesied Coming
Jeremiah 23:5-6 ; Micah 5:2 ; Zechariah 9:9 ; Malachi 3:1-3
- Among the ways that the coming Lord is described, which of them point to Him being unique from everyone else...and even a divine being?
- Why was it so hard for the people of Israel to recognize Jesus coming into their lives (refer to Zechariah 9:9 )? In what ways is the working of Jesus in your life different from what you might have anticipate?
Friday, January 20: One God Revealed in Three Unified Persons
Genesis 1:1-2 ; John 1:1-3 ; Colossians 1:16 ; John 14:6
- Who was present and involved at Creation?
- What were the roles of each person of the Trinity in Creation?
- How does the uniqueness and unity of God impact the way of salvation?
- How does the truth set us free?
Thursday, January 19: The Folly of Worshiping Any Other "god"
Isaiah 44:6-21 ; Psalm 115:4-8
- What are three things the man does with a block of wood?
- After working so hard on his creation, what obvious fact does the man not seem to realize?
- According to the psalm, what is the danger of worshiping other gods?
Wednesday, January 18: The Futility of Praying to Other "gods"
- What was the name of the god ithe nation of Israel adopted under the influence of King Ahab?
- What happened when the 450 prophets of this god called out to him?
- What happened when Elijah prayed? What wuld motivate God to do this?
Tuesday, January 17: TheUniqueness of Our God
Isaiah 43:10-15 ; Isaiah 45:22-24 ; Romans 8:35-39
- God states that the people of Israel are His witnesses. Name four facts about God wof which Israel is a witness.
- Why is it so hard for us to speak up against other so-called gods?
- What does the uniqueness of God have to do with His ability to be our Saviour?
Monday, January 16: The Creator
Nehemiah 9:6 ; Isaiah 37:16 ; Revelation 4:8-11
- What do these passages say to Eveolutionists and "self-made" men?
- What is my proper response to the Creator of all?
Friday, January 13: Source of Feedom
John 8:31-36 ; Psalm 119:45 ; Isaiah 61:1 ; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
- To what are people enslaved?
- What are symptoms of being enslaved?
- From what do you long to be free?
- How does the truth set us free?
Thursday, January 12: Light to My Path
Psalm 119:105 ; Proverbs 6:23 ; John 1:1-4 ; John 8:12
- What is the relationship between Jesus and God's Word?
- Describe a life without the Word of God.
- Can you think of at least one individual living in such darkness?
- Pray for that person by name.
Wednesday, January 11: True Belief - Hearing vs. Doing
James 1:22-25 ; James 2:14-26 ; Romans 2:13 ; Psalm 36:2
- What is a danger of treating the Bible as any other book?
- Can you think of a time when you followed what God's Word said to do in a situation, even when it did not seem good to you or to others?
- What was the outcome of following God's Word in that situation?
Tuesday, January 10: The Living Word
Hebrews 4:12 ; Luke 8:5-15 ; 1 Peter 1:23-25
- What makes God's Word different from the words of any other book?
- What does it mean for words to be alive and active in our lives?
- Can you think of a time when you were especially struck by something you heard or read in Gods Word?
- What effect did it have on you?
Monday, January 9: The Author
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ; Psalm 19:7-11 ; Numbers 23:19
- What is the source of the Bible?
- How do we know it comes from a reliable source?
- Where do people go for information on what to do in life?
- What types of things do you think should be in a guidebook for life?