New Testament Bible Reading Challenge Week 2

New Testament Bible Reading Challenge 4 March 2013 to 28th February 2014 Week 2: Bible Reading plan and Discussion Notes

New Testament Bible Reading Challenge

4 March 2013 to 28th February 2014

Week 2  Bible Reading Plan and Discussion Notes

So, we’re onto ‘Week 2’ already, and this week is dominated by Jesus’ teaching,

healing, and sending out the disciples. 

Join with The Salvation Army as we read the New Testament from beginning to end in one year, one chapter each weekday (Monday to Friday), allowing the weekend to either rest or catch up. The challenge is for everyone of any age or background, whether reading as a group, as an individual, or by helping others to take part. If you miss a day there's no need to worry, simply read two chapters the next day, or else make use of the weekends when there is no scheduled reading.

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. To get the most out of this challenge, start each daily reading with a prayer asking God to guide your thinking as you read, then read the Bible with the aim of learning something new. After the reading for the day, 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. Enjoy this opportunity and may God bless you.

Monday, March 11, 2013 - Matthew 6 – Jesus gives more teaching, including

how to pray, and how to prioritise in life.

•  V1 - 4, Is your giving to the needy (whether food parcels, clothes, money,

time etc.) something which is done to attract the praise of others, or out

of love for God?

•  What is a prayer? Who is authorised to say a prayer? Does it need to be a

certain length? Does it need to be said out loud? Does it need to be said at

a certain time?

•  How would you summarise verses 19 - 33 and apply them to your own life?

Tuesday, March 12, 20 --- Matthew 7 –More teaching, and the need to be

discerning and put this teaching into practice.

•  Is there a danger of judging others by their actions, while judging

ourselves by our motives?

•( v7-8) are these verses talking about salvation, things that honour God, or

anything we ask for?

•(v13 -14), why is the road that leads to life ‘narrow’ compared to the road

that leads to destruction? What do you think these verses are talking

about?

•(v21-23) What do these verses imply is of greatest importance;

appearances, works, or knowing Jesus?

•(v24 - 27) If Jesus is the rock, then what might the sand, rain and wind

represent?

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 --- Matthew 8 – Stories about Jesus’ healing powers, and an example of His power over nature.

• (v5 - 13) In what way was the centurion’s faith greater than others?

• This chapter recalls Jesus’ healing powers, His power over nature, and His

power over the supernatural too. Has there been anyone before or since

who has evidenced such powers?

• What if these miracles never actually took place – to what extent do you think His disciples would have remained loyal to a fraud?

• Imagine if someone claimed to be divine today, what sort of evidence would we expect to see? Would it differ much from Jesus’ time?

Thursday, March 14, 2013 --- Matthew 9 – More healing, and we read about some who question Jesus.

• Why was Jesus being accused of blasphemy? (v3)

• V9, Do you think this man became the author of this Gospel?

• Jesus goes on to bring a dead girl to life, and to heal the blind and

mute  – can you imagine the impact this would have on those who heard

about it? • How helpful do you think these events were in helping people accept the disciples’ claim
later on that Jesus had been raised from the dead Himself? Was this all a part of preparing people to accept the Gospel of salvation and resurrection?

Friday, March 15, 2013 --- Matthew 10 – In this chapter the 12 disciples are named, and then sent on an evangelical mission.

• Who were the 12 disciples...can you name them?...did you know that the Gospel writers Luke and Mark were not among the 12?

• (v14) if we were to follow this model, does it imply that there are times when it is okay to redirect our evangelism?

• (v15) for those who do not accept the Gospel, will the future judgment of God be more bearable for some than it is for others?

• (v32 -33) is this a challenge or a comfort for Christians today?