Authentic Faith: Questions for Dicussion and Reflection

Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-7. To what does the apostle Paul appeal as the authority for the Christian’s confidence in the resurrection of Jesus?

How did Jesus and the apostle Paul handle skeptics and others who had honest questions about the resurrection of Jesus?

Luke 24:36-46—

John 20:24-29—

1 Corinthians 15:6-8—

Acts 17:10-12—

Acts 26:24-32—

Read Hebrews 1-3. Make a list of the evidences for Jesus given by the writer of Hebrews.

What command does 1 Peter 3:15-16 give to the Christian who witnesses to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection? (see also Colossians 4:5-6)

Watch Josh McDowell’s interview on the significance of the resurrection of Jesus (previous post). Conider purchasing a copy of Josh McDowell’s book, More Than a Carpenter or Lee Stroble’s book A Case for Christ and give it to a friend who has questions about the resurrection of Jesus.

Authentic Faith-- Josh McDowell on the Resurrection of Jesus

More at www.josh.org.

Lee Stroble and Dr. William Lane Craig on "Is there a case for the resurrection of Jesus?"

More at www.leestroble.com.

Authentic Faith: Questions for Discussion and Reflection

The account of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry up to Jerusalem is recorded by all four gospel writers. Read Matthew 21:1-10; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; and John 12:12-19. What insights can be gained by comparing each writer’s account?

The prophet Zechariah in 520 B.C. wrote of the coming Messiah, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9) In light of this prophecy, why are Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 21:1-4 significant?

The crowds present quote from Psalm 118:25-26. What does this reveal about the crowds?

Following this account, Jesus and His disciples made their way to the temple complex. Luke 19:47-48 records the reaction to Jesus by various groups of people. Who were these groups and what was their response to Jesus? For further study, use a Bible Dictionary to learn more about these groups. A reliable free online Bible Dictionary can be found at www.mystudybible.com.

“Hosanna” meaning “Lord Save” was shouted by the crowds and later by children in the temple complex (Matthew 21:15). Read Psalm 103 as a family. How does God save His people? Read Romans 8:1; Galatians 1:3-4; and 1 John 1:7. How can Jesus save us? Take some time as a family or individually to thank God for sending Jesus to save us.

Frank Timari Unplugged!

Unstoppable: Acts 5:1-11 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Compare the practice of the early church and Barnabus in Acts 4:32-37 with the admonitions in Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9,17; and Hebrews 13:5. What relationship exists between generosity and freedom?

Read Acts 5:1-11. What sin are Ananias and Sapphira guilty of committing? Against whom did they sin? What result does the discipline they received by God have on the church as a whole?

What do the following Scriptures reveal about a “healthy” (or biblical) fear of the Lord?

Acts 9:31—

Luke 12:4-5—

Psalm 2:11—

1 John 4:17—

Revelation 15:4—

In Acts 9:31 Luke equates “walking in the fear of the Lord” with “encouragement of the Holy Spirit” and “peace”. What encouragement and sense of peace would be the result of increasing a healthy fear of the Lord in your life? Has the Holy Spirit revealed any sin in your life as a result of this study? What will you do about it? (Hebrews 12:5, 1 John 1:9)

Jars of Clay Drum Solo

Check out this drum solo from last week's Jars of Clay Concert last Friday. Gary and crew-- GREAT JOB hosting the Shelter Tour! (880 in attendance)

Unstoppable: Acts 4:32-37 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Christians are called to encourage one another to greater confidence and courage to boldly live out their faith. As resistance to the gospel emerges in Acts 4, the Holy Spirit uses encouragement and generosity among these early Christ-followers to fuel His unstoppable mission. Luke introduces Barnabus as an example to follow.

The apostles gave the name “Barnabus” meaning “son of encouragement” to Joseph, the Cypriot Levite (Acts 4:36). What evidence is there for the appropriateness of this nickname from the following scriptures?

Acts 4:36 –

Acts 9:26 –

Acts 15:32-37 –

Read Acts 11:19-26. What made Barnabas indispensible to the mission to Antioch?
Who did Barnabas recruit to help in this mission? What does this reveal about his character?

What is the relationship between encouragement and generosity in Acts 3:36-37; Acts 11:27-30; and 1 Thessalonians 4:10? Why is this significant?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Who do you know that needs encouragement to deepen his or her commitment to Christ? What is the Holy Spirit prompting you to do to encourage and support him or her?