Well, it has finally arrived... Week 17 and the last week of our New Testament challenge! Let me invite you to comment below on how you've been blessed through this journey together. I've enjoyed leading my class through it... there have been some ups & downs. We've fallen behind at times, and caught up. This week my Seniors are preparing for their FINAL so I'm afraid we won't have much time to discuss the final chapter of God's great story... in the book of Revelation. Maybe we'll save some time when we come back in January to tie it all together. Regardless, I hope it has been a beneficial and challenging experience for you. Here's this week's study guide & questions...
Daily Reading Guide:
Monday 2nd John 1; 3rd John 1; Jude
Tuesday Revelation 1-6
Wednesday Revelation 7-12
Thursday Revelation 13-18
Friday Revelation 19-22
Study Questions:
What does John say has given him ‘great joy’?
Who did John write 3rd John to? What has given him joy regarding him?
Who is Jude? (cf. Matt. 13:55; Jude 1:1)
How would you summarize the message of Jude?
The Revelation Introductories:
Who penned the Revelation?
Where was he?
What happened to prompt the writing?
The word Revelation means…
What is the message of Revelation? (good question!)
List the seven churches identified in Rev. 2-3 and describe the good & bad characteristics of each
one…
What were the four living creatures saying to the one who sits on the throne in ch. 4?
What do you think may be the significance of the ‘Lamb’ depicted in ch. 5? Who is the ‘lamb of God”? (John 1:29; Isaiah 53:7)
How does ch. 12 describe Satan?
What is the eventual outcome for Satan? (ch. 20)
How does ch. 21 & 22 describe ‘the end’?
Is it really the end, or is it a new beginning?
What tree is mentioned again in ch. 22? When was the last time in the Bible we read about it? Where was it? What does this symbolize for us, do you suppose?
Who is ‘coming soon’, according to Rev. 22?
Why would it be wrong to add to or take away from the words in this book of prophecy? Do you think this applies to the rest of Scripture as well? Why or why not?
Do you often pray, “Yes. Come, Lord Jesus!” like John in 21:20? Why or why not?
Journal Thoughts:
• Have you ever been with somebody who was really sick, maybe with cancer or a terminal
illness? How would Rev. 21:1-4 give them some comfort?
• Do you envision the end of time being a scary or exciting time? Why?
• What do you look MOST forward to about Jesus’ return and heaven?
End of 2nd Quarter/ 1st Semester
Memory Verse:
3 John 11
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Week Sixteen:
Daily Readings:
Monday Hebrews 11-13
Tuesday James 1-4
Wednesday James 5; 1st Peter 1-3
Thursday 1st Peter 4-5; 2nd Peter 1-3
Friday 1st John 1-5
Discussion Questions:
How does Hebrews define ‘faith’?
Why is Hebrews 11 sometimes called the “Hall of Faith” chapter?
List some of the people (men & women) who are commended for their faith in Hebrews 11… and what they did to be named here…
How should we run ‘the race marked out for us’?
What does it mean that Jesus is the ‘author & perfecter’ of our faith?
What is Mr. Black’s favorite Bible verse THIS week?
“Let us fix our _______ on __________, the ________ &
_________ of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the ________
scorning its _________, and sat down at the right hand of the __________ of God.”
James
What do you know about James?
Who was his slightly more famous older brother? (Matt: 13:55)
Was he a believer in Jesus at first? Jn 7:2-5)
What role did he play in the early church? (Acts 15)
Why is James thought of as a very ‘practical’ book for Christians?
“Do not merely __________ to the Word and so _________ yourselves,
________ what it says!” (James __ :___ )
What advice for daily Christian living does James give us? There’s a lot! Name a few...
What does James say about ‘faith’ & ‘works’? What is the role of works/ deeds?
Do you think this contradicts what Paul said in Ephesians 2:8-10? Why or why not?
How doe James describe ‘wisdom’ in ch. 3?
What does James say causes fights & quarrels among Christians? What can we do to avoid these
conflicts?
1st & 2nd Peter…
What do you know about Peter? (you should remember a lot from reading Acts!)
How does he describe the Christians that he is writing to?
In what way are Christians ‘strangers in the world’? What does he mean?
What does it mean to be ‘holy’? Can we be perfect?
How is Jesus both a ‘cornerstone’ and a ‘stumbling block’? (1st Peter 2)
Why does Peter admonish Christians to submit to the authorities?
What command does Peter give to his fellow elders who are shepherds in God’s church?
How does 2 Peter 20-21 describe how the Bible is inspired of God? Who wrote the words? Where did the words come from? (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16)
What is the main overarching point that John emphasizes over & over?
Who is called the “anti-Christ” in 1st John 2:22
Journal Thoughts:
• Who are your ‘heroes’… people you look up to and admire? Think of 2 or 3. What is it that
you admire about them? Describe…
• Describe a time when you were in a situation and felt ‘out of place’ because of your beliefs.
How do you think early Christians must have felt?
Memory Verse:
James 1:22
Monday Hebrews 11-13
Tuesday James 1-4
Wednesday James 5; 1st Peter 1-3
Thursday 1st Peter 4-5; 2nd Peter 1-3
Friday 1st John 1-5
Discussion Questions:
How does Hebrews define ‘faith’?
Why is Hebrews 11 sometimes called the “Hall of Faith” chapter?
List some of the people (men & women) who are commended for their faith in Hebrews 11… and what they did to be named here…
How should we run ‘the race marked out for us’?
What does it mean that Jesus is the ‘author & perfecter’ of our faith?
What is Mr. Black’s favorite Bible verse THIS week?
“Let us fix our _______ on __________, the ________ &
_________ of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the ________
scorning its _________, and sat down at the right hand of the __________ of God.”
James
What do you know about James?
Who was his slightly more famous older brother? (Matt: 13:55)
Was he a believer in Jesus at first? Jn 7:2-5)
What role did he play in the early church? (Acts 15)
Why is James thought of as a very ‘practical’ book for Christians?
“Do not merely __________ to the Word and so _________ yourselves,
________ what it says!” (James __ :___ )
What advice for daily Christian living does James give us? There’s a lot! Name a few...
What does James say about ‘faith’ & ‘works’? What is the role of works/ deeds?
Do you think this contradicts what Paul said in Ephesians 2:8-10? Why or why not?
How doe James describe ‘wisdom’ in ch. 3?
What does James say causes fights & quarrels among Christians? What can we do to avoid these
conflicts?
1st & 2nd Peter…
What do you know about Peter? (you should remember a lot from reading Acts!)
How does he describe the Christians that he is writing to?
In what way are Christians ‘strangers in the world’? What does he mean?
What does it mean to be ‘holy’? Can we be perfect?
How is Jesus both a ‘cornerstone’ and a ‘stumbling block’? (1st Peter 2)
Why does Peter admonish Christians to submit to the authorities?
What command does Peter give to his fellow elders who are shepherds in God’s church?
How does 2 Peter 20-21 describe how the Bible is inspired of God? Who wrote the words? Where did the words come from? (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16)
What is the main overarching point that John emphasizes over & over?
Who is called the “anti-Christ” in 1st John 2:22
Journal Thoughts:
• Who are your ‘heroes’… people you look up to and admire? Think of 2 or 3. What is it that
you admire about them? Describe…
• Describe a time when you were in a situation and felt ‘out of place’ because of your beliefs.
How do you think early Christians must have felt?
Memory Verse:
James 1:22
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Week Fifteen:
Daily Readings:
Monday 1st Timothy 1-5
Tuesday 1st Timothy 6; 2nd Timothy 1-4
Wednesday Titus 1-3; Philemon 1; Hebrews 1
Thursday Hebrews 2-6
Friday Hebrews 7-10
Discussion Questions:
Who is Timothy & what do we know about him? (cf. Acts 16)
Where did he first learn the faith? From whom?
Describe the type relationship he had with Paul…
Where was Timothy when Paul wrote this letter to him?
Was Timothy Jewish or Gentile?
What warning does Paul give Timothy in ch. 1?
What instructions regarding worship does Paul give Timothy in ch. 2?
How does he describe ‘modest dress’ in his day? How would you apply this principle today?
What church leaders does Paul describe in ch. 3?
What qualities should a church look for in its overseers?
What qualities should a church look for in its deacons?
What is a deacon? What do deacons do? (cf. Acts 6)
Who is responsible for the care of widows?
How should young men regard older women? Younger women?
What is the root of all evil?
“_______ the evil desires of youth, and pursue ___________,
___________, __________, & ___________.”
(2 Tim. ___:____)
Who deserted Paul and gone to Thessalonica? Why?
Note 2nd Tim. 4:11… Who is this ‘Mark’ and how does it answer a question we discussed way back in Acts 13?
Note 2nd Tim. 4:19…. Where have we met Priscilla & Aquila before?
Where had Paul left Titus to minister?
What can you tell of the situation in the church there?
What does Paul tell Titus about our responsibility to the authorities/ rulers?
Who was Philemon?
Why did Paul write this little letter to Philemon? What was it concerning?
Hebrews Introductories:
No official author is given for Hebrews… who do you suppose might have written it?
Is Hebrews primarily Jewish or Gentile in character?
How can you tell?
How did God speak to his people ‘in the past’?
How has he now spoken for all time?
God’s Son is described as superior to what?
And yet he was made… ?
Who is called the ‘great high priest’ in Hebrews? Why?
What offering has been made “once and for all”?
Journal Thoughts:
• Who would you consider to be a mentor in your life? What kind of advice, instruction or
example has he or she given you that has made an impact on you?
• Are there folks in your church who demonstrate the kind of qualities listed for overseers or
deacons in 1st Timothy & Titus? Brainstorm some ways that you could encourage them or
thank them for their Godly example. Pick one and do it this weekend!
Memory Verse:
2 Timothy 1:7-8
Monday 1st Timothy 1-5
Tuesday 1st Timothy 6; 2nd Timothy 1-4
Wednesday Titus 1-3; Philemon 1; Hebrews 1
Thursday Hebrews 2-6
Friday Hebrews 7-10
Discussion Questions:
Who is Timothy & what do we know about him? (cf. Acts 16)
Where did he first learn the faith? From whom?
Describe the type relationship he had with Paul…
Where was Timothy when Paul wrote this letter to him?
Was Timothy Jewish or Gentile?
What warning does Paul give Timothy in ch. 1?
What instructions regarding worship does Paul give Timothy in ch. 2?
How does he describe ‘modest dress’ in his day? How would you apply this principle today?
What church leaders does Paul describe in ch. 3?
What qualities should a church look for in its overseers?
What qualities should a church look for in its deacons?
What is a deacon? What do deacons do? (cf. Acts 6)
Who is responsible for the care of widows?
How should young men regard older women? Younger women?
What is the root of all evil?
“_______ the evil desires of youth, and pursue ___________,
___________, __________, & ___________.”
(2 Tim. ___:____)
Who deserted Paul and gone to Thessalonica? Why?
Note 2nd Tim. 4:11… Who is this ‘Mark’ and how does it answer a question we discussed way back in Acts 13?
Note 2nd Tim. 4:19…. Where have we met Priscilla & Aquila before?
Where had Paul left Titus to minister?
What can you tell of the situation in the church there?
What does Paul tell Titus about our responsibility to the authorities/ rulers?
Who was Philemon?
Why did Paul write this little letter to Philemon? What was it concerning?
Hebrews Introductories:
No official author is given for Hebrews… who do you suppose might have written it?
Is Hebrews primarily Jewish or Gentile in character?
How can you tell?
How did God speak to his people ‘in the past’?
How has he now spoken for all time?
God’s Son is described as superior to what?
And yet he was made… ?
Who is called the ‘great high priest’ in Hebrews? Why?
What offering has been made “once and for all”?
Journal Thoughts:
• Who would you consider to be a mentor in your life? What kind of advice, instruction or
example has he or she given you that has made an impact on you?
• Are there folks in your church who demonstrate the kind of qualities listed for overseers or
deacons in 1st Timothy & Titus? Brainstorm some ways that you could encourage them or
thank them for their Godly example. Pick one and do it this weekend!
Memory Verse:
2 Timothy 1:7-8
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Have a great Thanksgiving break next week! There are no "daily readings" scheduled due to the break, so use this time to catch up if you've gotten behind... read ahead... or try reading something a little different, maybe some thanksgiving texts from the Psalms. There are only three weeks left when we get back to school! Can you believe it? Are you keeping up with our New Testament Challenge?
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Week Fourteen
Daily Readings:
Monday Ephesians 3-5
Tuesday Ephesians 6; Philippians 1-2
Wednesday Philippians 3-4; Colossians 1-2
Thursday Colossians 3-4; 1st Thessalonians 1-4
Friday 1st Thessalonians 5; 2nd Thessalonians 1-3
Questions:
What is the ‘mystery of Christ’ Paul speaks of in Eph. 3?
KEY VERSE: Eph 2:8-10
It is by ___________ you have been saved through __________, this not
of yourselves it is the gift of God- NOT by __________ so that no one can boast. For
we are God’s __________ created in Christ Jesus to do _________
__________, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
What does Paul pray for the Ephesians?
How can we ‘live a life worthy of the calling you (we) have received”?
What is Paul’s advice to wives & husbands?
… to children & parents?
… to slaves & masters?
Describe the “Armor of God”…. (draw a picture & label it)
Where was Paul when he wrote the letter to the Philippians?
How does Paul describe Christ’s attitude (Phil 2) and how OUR attitude should be?
Where was Paul’s confidence?
What ‘prize’ was Paul pressing ahead towards?
Colossians:
Who is the ‘image of the invisible God’… what does this mean about who Jesus is?
List some of the ‘rules for Holy living’ Paul gives in Col 3…
Who is Tychicus?
Whose cousin does Paul mention in Col 4:10?
In what modern day country is Thessalonica?
What kind of news had Timothy brought to Paul concerning the Thessalonians?
What did Paul tell the Thessalonians about Christ’s return?
How is the picture of Christ’s return in 1 Thess 4 encouraging? Frightening? Exciting? Sad?
How can we ‘pray without ceasing’? (1 Thess 4:17)
What is the message of 2nd Thessalonians?
Journal Thoughts:
• What piece of armor do you need to add to your suit of armor?
• Write a brief first-hand account of Christ’s return as if you are an eyewitness…
Monday Ephesians 3-5
Tuesday Ephesians 6; Philippians 1-2
Wednesday Philippians 3-4; Colossians 1-2
Thursday Colossians 3-4; 1st Thessalonians 1-4
Friday 1st Thessalonians 5; 2nd Thessalonians 1-3
Questions:
What is the ‘mystery of Christ’ Paul speaks of in Eph. 3?
KEY VERSE: Eph 2:8-10
It is by ___________ you have been saved through __________, this not
of yourselves it is the gift of God- NOT by __________ so that no one can boast. For
we are God’s __________ created in Christ Jesus to do _________
__________, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
What does Paul pray for the Ephesians?
How can we ‘live a life worthy of the calling you (we) have received”?
What is Paul’s advice to wives & husbands?
… to children & parents?
… to slaves & masters?
Describe the “Armor of God”…. (draw a picture & label it)
Where was Paul when he wrote the letter to the Philippians?
How does Paul describe Christ’s attitude (Phil 2) and how OUR attitude should be?
Where was Paul’s confidence?
What ‘prize’ was Paul pressing ahead towards?
Colossians:
Who is the ‘image of the invisible God’… what does this mean about who Jesus is?
List some of the ‘rules for Holy living’ Paul gives in Col 3…
Who is Tychicus?
Whose cousin does Paul mention in Col 4:10?
In what modern day country is Thessalonica?
What kind of news had Timothy brought to Paul concerning the Thessalonians?
What did Paul tell the Thessalonians about Christ’s return?
How is the picture of Christ’s return in 1 Thess 4 encouraging? Frightening? Exciting? Sad?
How can we ‘pray without ceasing’? (1 Thess 4:17)
What is the message of 2nd Thessalonians?
Journal Thoughts:
• What piece of armor do you need to add to your suit of armor?
• Write a brief first-hand account of Christ’s return as if you are an eyewitness…
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Week Thirteen
Daily Readings:
Monday 1st Corinthians 16; 2nd Corinthians 1-4
Tuesday 2nd Corinthians 5-8
Wednesday 2nd Corinthians 9-13
Thursday Galatians 1-4
Friday Galatians 5-6; Ephesians 1-2
Questions:
What does Paul instruct the Corinthian church to do about a ‘collection’?
What was it going to be used for?
Why do you suppose they were to do it “on the first day of the week”?
According to 2 Cor. 1, why does God comfort us in our troubles?
How does Paul describe his ministry?
In 2 Cor. 4:4 Paul mentions the ‘god of this age’. Who do you think he’s talking about?
“So we fix our eyes not on what is _______ but on what is ________. For what is
seen is __________, but what is unseen is _________ .” Where is this
found?
What is our ‘earthly tent’ a reference to? (cf. 2 Cor. 5:1) our ‘building from God’?
Name some of Paul’s hardships….
What does Paul commend the churches in Macedonia for? (2 Cor. 8)
What was the purpose of the gift in 2 Cor 9:1?
Who did Paul send to Corinth to help them?
Galatia? Can you find it on a map?
What cities were prominent in Galatia?
How would you describe the main theme of Galatians?
What two groups of people were at odds in Galatia?
Why did Paul oppose Peter? (Gal. 2)
What was the purpose of the O.T. law according to Galatians 3:24?
Can anyone be justified (i.e. made right with God) by obeying God’s law?
Why was the time perfect for Christ to be born (Gal 4:4)?
Where was Ephesus located? Is it a country, region or city?
List the fruits of the Spirit…
What does Paul praise the Ephesians for in Eph. 1?
How is Christ our ‘peace’? (Eph 2:14)
Instead of ‘foreigners & aliens’, how does Paul describe Gentiles who have come to Christ in Eph. 2?
Journal Thoughts:
• What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever been through? How might you use that experience to help someone else going through something similar?
• Have you ever felt like a foreigner or alien? How did it make you feel? What do you think the
Gentiles must have felt like to discover that now- thru Christ- they, too could be accepted
into the Kingdom of God… God’s family?
Memory Verse:
Ephesians 2:8-10
Monday 1st Corinthians 16; 2nd Corinthians 1-4
Tuesday 2nd Corinthians 5-8
Wednesday 2nd Corinthians 9-13
Thursday Galatians 1-4
Friday Galatians 5-6; Ephesians 1-2
Questions:
What does Paul instruct the Corinthian church to do about a ‘collection’?
What was it going to be used for?
Why do you suppose they were to do it “on the first day of the week”?
According to 2 Cor. 1, why does God comfort us in our troubles?
How does Paul describe his ministry?
In 2 Cor. 4:4 Paul mentions the ‘god of this age’. Who do you think he’s talking about?
“So we fix our eyes not on what is _______ but on what is ________. For what is
seen is __________, but what is unseen is _________ .” Where is this
found?
What is our ‘earthly tent’ a reference to? (cf. 2 Cor. 5:1) our ‘building from God’?
Name some of Paul’s hardships….
What does Paul commend the churches in Macedonia for? (2 Cor. 8)
What was the purpose of the gift in 2 Cor 9:1?
Who did Paul send to Corinth to help them?
Galatia? Can you find it on a map?
What cities were prominent in Galatia?
How would you describe the main theme of Galatians?
What two groups of people were at odds in Galatia?
Why did Paul oppose Peter? (Gal. 2)
What was the purpose of the O.T. law according to Galatians 3:24?
Can anyone be justified (i.e. made right with God) by obeying God’s law?
Why was the time perfect for Christ to be born (Gal 4:4)?
Where was Ephesus located? Is it a country, region or city?
List the fruits of the Spirit…
What does Paul praise the Ephesians for in Eph. 1?
How is Christ our ‘peace’? (Eph 2:14)
Instead of ‘foreigners & aliens’, how does Paul describe Gentiles who have come to Christ in Eph. 2?
Journal Thoughts:
• What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever been through? How might you use that experience to help someone else going through something similar?
• Have you ever felt like a foreigner or alien? How did it make you feel? What do you think the
Gentiles must have felt like to discover that now- thru Christ- they, too could be accepted
into the Kingdom of God… God’s family?
Memory Verse:
Ephesians 2:8-10
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Week Twelve
Daily Reading:
Monday Romans 15-16; 1st Corinthians 1-2
Tuesday 1st Corinthians 3-6
Wednesday 1st Corinthians 7-10
Thursday 1st Corinthians 11-13
Friday 1st Corinthians 14-15
Questions:
1st Corinthians Introductories:
Who wrote it?
Why?
What do you remember about Corinth?
What is Paul’s biggest criticism in ch. 1 concerning what he has heard about the Christians in Corinth?
What is the problem?
What is the problem in ch. 5 that Paul addresses?
What does he tell the church to do about it? Why?
What does Paul instruct Christians to do when they have a dispute with one another? Take each other to Judge Judy?
Why is ‘sexual immorality’ wrong according to ch. 6:12-20?
What is Paul’s advice for married folks?
Should a Christian eat food that has been ‘sacrificed to idols’? Why or why not?
What might be a modern-day application to the principle learned in ch. 8 about food sacrificed to
idols?
Why did Paul make himself a slave to everyone? (hint: ch. 9)
What problem was the church having with the Lord’s Supper?
What did Paul instruct them to do to correct the problem?
What is a ‘spiritual gift’? List some of the ones mentioned in ch. 12…
Why does God give spiritual gifts? What is their purpose?
How is the metaphor of the body a perfect way to describe the church?
What is the “most excellent way”?
Why is chapter 13 often read at weddings?
What is the purpose of speaking in tongues, according to ch. 14? What does Paul say about it?
Why do you think he is concerned about ‘orderly worship’? What must have been going on in
Corinth?
What is the “most important thing” according to Paul in ch. 15?
Describe the ‘resurrection body’ that we will be given.
Journal Thoughts:
• Can you think of a problem that your church has faced and how the leaders of your church
dealt with it? How did it affect you or your family?
• How can you work to strengthen the “one-ness”, the unity, of your church or youth group?
Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Monday Romans 15-16; 1st Corinthians 1-2
Tuesday 1st Corinthians 3-6
Wednesday 1st Corinthians 7-10
Thursday 1st Corinthians 11-13
Friday 1st Corinthians 14-15
Questions:
1st Corinthians Introductories:
Who wrote it?
Why?
What do you remember about Corinth?
What is Paul’s biggest criticism in ch. 1 concerning what he has heard about the Christians in Corinth?
What is the problem?
What is the problem in ch. 5 that Paul addresses?
What does he tell the church to do about it? Why?
What does Paul instruct Christians to do when they have a dispute with one another? Take each other to Judge Judy?
Why is ‘sexual immorality’ wrong according to ch. 6:12-20?
What is Paul’s advice for married folks?
Should a Christian eat food that has been ‘sacrificed to idols’? Why or why not?
What might be a modern-day application to the principle learned in ch. 8 about food sacrificed to
idols?
Why did Paul make himself a slave to everyone? (hint: ch. 9)
What problem was the church having with the Lord’s Supper?
What did Paul instruct them to do to correct the problem?
What is a ‘spiritual gift’? List some of the ones mentioned in ch. 12…
Why does God give spiritual gifts? What is their purpose?
How is the metaphor of the body a perfect way to describe the church?
What is the “most excellent way”?
Why is chapter 13 often read at weddings?
What is the purpose of speaking in tongues, according to ch. 14? What does Paul say about it?
Why do you think he is concerned about ‘orderly worship’? What must have been going on in
Corinth?
What is the “most important thing” according to Paul in ch. 15?
Describe the ‘resurrection body’ that we will be given.
Journal Thoughts:
• Can you think of a problem that your church has faced and how the leaders of your church
dealt with it? How did it affect you or your family?
• How can you work to strengthen the “one-ness”, the unity, of your church or youth group?
Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
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