New Testament Bible Reading Challenge4 March 2013 to 28th February 2014
Week 29: Bible Reading Plan and Discussion Starters
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Welcome to The Salvation Army's Challenge to read the New Testament from beginning to end within one year, reading just 5 chapters per week.
We are now on Week 29 of the Bible challenge…
as we remember to consider how these passages are relevant to us.
Great Expectations: Expect
God to speak through the Scriptures, expect to learn new things about
Him, and about ourselves, and expect to read and absorb some familiar
stories and passages.
Top Tip!To get the most out of this challenge, start each daily reading with a short, simple, sincere prayer asking God to guide your thinking as you read. Then open the Bible and read slowly, with the aim of learning something new. After the reading, consider how it may affect your life and relationship with Jesus, and allow your increased knowledge of the Scriptures to shape your character and strengthen your trust in God.Take your time - enjoy this opportunity - and may God bless you as you embark upon this New Testament Bible Challenge.
Captain Phil Layton
Monday, September 16, 2013 --- 1 Corinthians 8 --- Knowledge does not surpass love and concern for others- v2, What do you think this verse means?
- would you agree that the chapter as a whole seems to be talking about the need to keep one's conscience clear, and to help other Christians to keep their consciences clear too?
- what about you? Is there anything you do/don't do which actually is a matter of conscience rather than a matter of obedience? (e.g. with regard to the environment, observing special days, what we eat/don't eat, drink/don't drink etc)
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 --- 1 Corinthians 9 --- “Those who preach the Gospel should get their living from the Gospel” - v3-12, what do you think caused Paul to write these statements/questions?...can you imagine the context which provoked this defence of his rights?
- v19-22, we often hear these words quoted about Paul, but what would they mean if applied to you in a contemporary context?
- v24-27, again, familiar words...but how can you apply these to your own life?
Wednesday, September 18, 2013 --- 1 Corinthians 10 --- The historic warnings, freedom and responsibility of our faith.- v1, 'our forefathers' may indicate that there were some, possibly many Jews within the Corinthian church reading this letter. This can be useful information when considering some of the subjects already touched upon and which come up later.
- v13, these words are most reassuring, and comforting, but also challenging as it leaves us without excuse. Can you think of a time when you felt tempted beyond your control? Did God provide you with a way out?
- v23, the frequent use of the phrase 'Everything is permissible' may indicate that some in Corinth were saying this to excuse their behaviour....possibly as a result of salvation being by faith instead of by works. Can you think of instances within our everyday living when we may recognise that 'everything is permissible'...but that it may not 'beneficial'?
Thursday, September 19, 2013 --- 1 Corinthians 11 --- Paul gives instructions on worship and the Lord’s Supper.- v2, note how Paul praises the readers for ‘holding to the traditions'...and then Paul speaks on the coverings or otherwise required by those who pray and prophesy. Is it possible that Paul is again referring to his Judaic traditions here, rather than settings rules for Gentile churches worldwide too?
- v5 'every woman who prays and prophesies'....this verse should help dismiss the common belief that Paul was sexist and wouldn't allow women to hold positions of authority in the church.
- v17-22, does the Lords Supper here sound like a matter of a wafer and a cup of wine, or is it (as some would contend) more akin to a feast (e.g. the Passover) at which some might even get 'drunk' and those without would go home 'hungry' if it were to be abused?
Friday, September 20, 2013 --- 1 Corinthians 12 --- Paul talks about spiritual gifts, and their inter-dependence.- v8-10, I can count at least 9 separate gifts of the Holy Spirit, which Paul lists merely by way of example....can you spot them?
- how would you summarise the teaching of Paul from this chapter?
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