PARTICIPANT GUIDE WINTER 2019 - Wentzville CC · 7 week 1 - igniting a passion for the bible 13...

PARTICIPANT GUIDE WINTER 2019Name:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 S.O.A.P. BIBLE STUDY METHOD

5 5 WAYS TO OBSERVE A PASSAGE

6 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

7 WEEK 1 - IGNITING A PASSION FOR THE BIBLE

13 WEEK 2- KNOWLEDGE: HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE

19 WEEK 3 - WISDOM: HOW TO APPLY THE BIBLE

25 WEEK 4 - OBEDIENCE: HOW TO LIVE THE BIBLE

31 WEEK 5 - IMPORTANCE OF THE BIBLE

37 WEEK 6 - LIVING THE STORY OF THE BIBLE

43 FOR FURTHER STUDY | RESOURCES

44 NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

LETTER FROM KEITHI love front porches. Sitting outside to read, drink coffee, and watch the boys play bas-ketball is one of my favorite things to do. A front porch is often a place where we meet our neighbors, have informal conversations, and get to know one another. Front porch conversations can be both casual and meaningful, but each conversation helps to grow relationships. For this series, we invite you to our front porch to have a meaningful conversation about your passion for the Bible and to grow your relationship with God.

Reading the Bible can seem intimidating, daunting, and difficult if you are not properly equipped. I agree that studying God’s Word can be challenging, but our confidence and passion for the Bible grow when we commit to spending time reading and studying it. Just like front porch conversations, relationships get easier the more time you spend together.

Studies have shown that regular engagement in the Bible is the #1 catalyst for spiri-tual growth and maturity. Through this series, we hope you will be encouraged and equipped to read the Bible in a consistent and healthy way. The tagline for a popular home improvement store was “You can do it. We can help.” You can read and under-stand your Bible! We are here to help.

As we ignite a passion for the Bible, our confidence will grow as we read and study it to-gether. We will grow in our knowledge, our wisdom, and our obedience to God’s Word. Pull up a chair and join us on the front porch for a conversation on how we can connect with God through His Word.

Blessings,

Keith CompSenior Minister

S.O.A.P MethodPassion for the Bible4

S.O.A.P. BIBLE STUDY METHODThe purpose of this guide is to ignite a passion for the Bible in your daily life. God’s Word is living, active, and useful for our lives...but so few Christians actually engage in it daily. We want to provide you with a resource that you can use on your own and with your Life Group to ignite and sustain this passion. We want to make God’s Word our way.

SCRIPTURE:• Read repeatedly and patiently.• Always begin with reading the Scripture yourself, not someone’s interpretation. Write down

everything you notice like keywords or phrases. Take your time and let it soak in to your mind and heart.

• You can never read a passage too much, but you can easily read it too little.

OBSERVATION:• Read thoughtfully and intentionally.• Identify everything you see in the passage. Take time to ask questions like who/what/where/

when/why.• Find the AIM: Author’s Intended Meaning. The Bible is a fully inspired book that was written FOR

you, but it was not written TO you.

APPLICATION:• Ask yourself: What does God want me to know? Feel? Do?• A text cannot mean something to us that it did not originally mean to them.• James 1:22 says “do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves, you must do what

it says.”

PRAYER:• Pray continually. Even though prayer is listed as the last step, it should be something that happens

before, during, and after your Bible study.• We should ask God to show us deeper truths in His Word, follow the promptings of His Holy Spirit

as we study, and then ask God to show us how to use and apply what we have learned.

“One step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it.”

~ Oswald Chambers

“This Book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Book.”

~ John Bunyan

Observe A PassagePassion for the Bible 5

5 WAYS TO OBSERVE A PASSAGECONTENT:

• What does it actually say?• Read and reread the Scripture you are studying. Observe everything you can about what is said

and take notes of questions you have.

CONTEXT:• What does it say before and after?• Be sure to read what comes before and after in order to have a full understanding of the setting

and occasion of the passage.

COMPARISON:• What does it say in other places?• Be sure your interpretation does not conflict with a truth that is clearly stated elsewhere in the

Bible. This is called “biblical synthesis.”

CULTURE:• What was going on when it was said?• We need to first understand the author’s intended meaning for the original recipients. This will

help you determine how to apply it today.

CONSULTATION:• What do other people say about it?• Finally, look at what other trusted and respected professionals say about the meaning of the

Scripture. [commentary, handbook, pastor, etc.]

6 How To Use This GuidePassion for the Bible

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE:The purpose of this guide is to ignite a passion for the Bible in your daily life. God’s Word is living, active, and useful for our lives...but so few Christians actually engage in it daily. We want to provide you with a resource that you can use on your own and with your Life Group to ignite and sustain this passion. We want to make God’s Word our way.

SERMON NOTES:Bring this workbook to church each Sunday. As you listen to the sermon, make a note when you hear something that surprises you, intrigues you, bothers you, challenges you, or encourages you.

CONNECT QUESTIONS:These questions will help you and your group members become more comfortable with talking and sharing with each other. Not only will you learn more about one-another, the questions will help to steer the discussion in the direction of the topic.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION:These questions are the “meat” of the discussion and will point back to the sermon each week. Feel free to read and answer these questions before your group meets. They will also help you dig deeper into the Scriptures during your group discussions.

CHANGE QUESTIONS:At the end of Jesus’ most famous sermon, he says that if you do not put his words into practice then you are a fool [Matthew 7:24-27]. Life transformation is the ultimate goal of a follower of Christ. Feel free to answer these questions out-loud when your leader reads them or you can quietly reflect and write a response in your workbook.

PRAY FOR ONE-ANOTHER:Please focus this time on your own personal praises and requests instead of listing all of the bad things that happened to someone you know. We challenge you to get “deep” with one-another relationally, which means becoming a little bit vulnerable as you are honest with one-another.

PRAY FOR THE MISSIONS OF THE WEEK:WCC supports many wonderful missionaries and organizations all over the world. We are committed to support them with our finances as well as our prayers and encouragement. Ask God to work in their lives and through their ministries to ignite a passion for Jesus in others.

DAILY DEVOTION:Be consistent, honest, and intentional with this time and you will not regret it. The whole point of this workbook is to make the sermons and Scriptures stick with you in your daily walk with Christ. Digging in to God’s Word and applying it to your daily life is perhaps the best way to solidify His truth into your heart and your life.

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B IBLEWeek 1 - Igniting a Passion for the Bible

Week 1 - Igniting a PassionPassion for the Bible

8 Week 1 - Igniting a PassionPassion for the Bible

WEEK 1 - IGNITING A PASSION FOR THE BIBLECONNECT QUESTIONS

1. What were some of the comments or stories that stood out to you from those who shared their passion for the Bible on Sunday?

2. When were you first exposed to the Bible?

3. How do you view the Bible differently now than when you were first introduced to it?

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

1. Read Psalm 119:1-8. As a group, list all of the descriptions that are given for God’s Word [Bible]. Repeat this for Psalm 119:9-16.

2. Now read those sections again and list all of the actions that we are to take [or not take] toward God’s Word [Bible].

3. Assign the remaining 20 stanzas in Psalm 119 to people in your group who are willing to participate. Have everyone report back each description of the Bible and our actions/responses to it.

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CONNECT QUESTIONS

1. What were some of the comments or stories that stood out to you from those who shared their passion for the Bible on Sunday?

2. When were you first exposed to the Bible?

3. How do you view the Bible differently now than when you were first introduced to it?


1. Read Psalm 119:1-8. As a group, list all of the descriptions that are given for God’s Word [Bible]. Repeat this for Psalm 119:9-16.

2. Now read those sections again and list all of the actions that we are to take [or not take] toward God’s Word [Bible].

3. Assign the remaining 20 stanzas in Psalm 119 to people in your group who are willing to participate. Have everyone report back each description of the Bible and our actions/responses to it.

4. Which actions or responses to the Bible stood out to you? Which ones have you not previously considered?

5. Have each person choose his/her favorite verse from each stanza they were assigned earlier. Have everyone read their favorite verse aloud to the group.

6. Finish this prayer in the space below: God, I rejoice and praise You because Your Word is…

7. OPTIONAL EXERCISE: Psalm 119 is organized into 22 stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza has 8 verses which all begin with the same letter from the alphabet. Write down the letters to your first name and then write a word or a sentence for each letter that describes God’s Word. Share your descriptions as a group if you would like.



CHANGE QUESTIONS

1. What is the biggest obstacle that keeps you from being more passionate about the Bible?

2. What 3 words would you use to describe your current level of passion for the Bible? 3. What specific steps can you take to ignite or refuel your passion for the Bible for the

next 6 weeks?

PRAY FOR ONE-ANOTHER [Spend some time praying with your Life Group. When asking for requests, try to keep the focus on personal praises/requests that relate to people in the group.]

PRAY FOR MISSIONS OF THE WEEKTeam Expansion: Tim & Amy Maxson The Maxsons work at Fellowship Dubai church in the Middle East and are making disciples of migrant workers. The Maxson family has five children. teamexpansion.org We have a small team from WCC going to visit the Maxons on Wednesday, January 9 and will return Saturday, January 19. High Hill Christian Camp High Hill Christian Camp and Retreat Center’s goal is to offer a fun, Christian atmosphere in a modern camp setting surrounded by God’s wilderness — all designed so that children will leave with a closer relationship with Jesus. highhillcamp.org

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CHANGE QUESTIONS

1. What is the biggest obstacle that keeps you from being more passionate about the Bible?

2. What 3 words would you use to describe your current level of passion for the Bible? 3. What specific steps can you take to ignite or refuel your passion for the Bible for the

next 6 weeks?


DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 1-3]DAY 1: “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” [Psalm 119:97, NIV]

DAY 2: “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.” [Psams 119:1, NIV]

DAY 3: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” [Psalm 119:9, NIV]

` What are your passions in your life? How did they come to be passions?

` When have you been truly blessed in your life? What do you think it means to have your ways be blame-less?

` Are you on a path of purity in your life right now? What is keeping you from staying on it?

` What do you think your dai-ly life would look like if you were truly passionate about the Bible?

` How can you be sure that your daily walk is in accor-dance to God’s laws and His Word?

` What needs to happen in your daily routine to start living according to God’s Word?



DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 4-6]DAY 4: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” [Psalm 119:11, NIV]

DAY 5: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” [Psalm 119:103, NIV]

DAY 6: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” [Psalm 119:18, NIV]

` What sayings, quotes, or jokes do you know so well that they can be quoted without thinking about them?

` Do you have a sweet-tooth? What are you favorite sweets to eat?

` When have you had an “eye-opening” experience in your life? What did it take for you to finally see what was always there?

` What is the result of hiding God’s Word in your heart? What is significant about the very last word in this verse: “you”?

` Have you ever thought of the Bible as a sweet indulgence? What about the Bible is sweet to your taste?

` Spend a few moments ask-ing God to open your eyes to the wonderful things in His Word. Write down some wonderful things that you already know from His Word:

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DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 4-6]

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B IBLEWeek 2 - Knowledge: How to Understand the Bible

Week 2 - KnowledgePassion for the Bible

14 Week 2 - KnowledgePassion for the Bible

WEEK 2 - KNOWLEDGE: HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLECONNECT QUESTIONS

1. What are some examples of people twisting words out of context in our culture today?

2. When is a time your words were misunderstood by someone else? Or you misunderstood someone else?

3. What is your typical motivation for reading the Bible?


1. What are some examples from the sermon that are unhealthy approaches people have with the Bible?

2. What are some dangers that can happen if people approach the Bible in the ways mentioned above?

3. Read 2 Timothy 2:15. Paul warns Timothy it is possible to handle the Bible in an unhealthy, or even destructive, way. How have you seen the Bible misused in this way?

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CONNECT QUESTIONS

1. What are some examples of people twisting words out of context in our culture today?

2. When is a time your words were misunderstood by someone else? Or you misunderstood someone else?

3. What is your typical motivation for reading the Bible?


1. What are some examples from the sermon that are unhealthy approaches people have with the Bible?

2. What are some dangers that can happen if people approach the Bible in the ways mentioned above?

3. Read 2 Timothy 2:15. Paul warns Timothy it is possible to handle the Bible in an unhealthy, or even destructive, way. How have you seen the Bible misused in this way?

4. Why do you think knowledge of the Bible is important for all Christians?

5. What does the Scripture step of the S.O.A.P. method look like? Why is this the first step? [see page 4]

6. What does the Observation step of the S.O.A.P. method look like? Why is this important to do before application? [see page 4]

7. What is the difference between biblical knowledge and biblical understanding?

8. Read Psalm 119:18. What is the source of our understanding of Scripture? What are some wonderful things you have seen in God’s law?



CHANGE QUESTIONS

1. How would you rate your knowledge of the Bible on a scale of 1-10?

2. What areas of the Bible would you like to know more about?

3. How will you strive to have a healthy Bible study each day this week?


PRAY FOR MISSIONS OF THE WEEKJireh India MissionsThis ministry in India shares the good news of Jesus with those who have never heard His name. They provide homes and education for orphans at House of Peace, teach widows to sew so they can provide for their children, provide bread for much of their community through Five Loaves Bakery, and work with a leper colony. They strive to fulfill Psalm 82:3 — Defend the poor and orphans; do justice to the afflicted and needy. HOPE Ministries Food Pantry HOPE provides families in St. Charles county assistance with food and physical needs. You can donate non-perishable food items to this ministry by visiting the food cart in the WCC café. Take home a bag and bring it back with the items requested for the month.

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CHANGE QUESTIONS

1. How would you rate your knowledge of the Bible on a scale of 1-10?

2. What areas of the Bible would you like to know more about?

3. How will you strive to have a healthy Bible study each day this week?


DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 1-3]DAY 1: “His [Paul’s] letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scrip-tures, to their own destruc-tion.” [2 Peter 3:16, NIV]

DAY 2: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” [Psalm 119:105, NIV]

DAY 3: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” [Proverbs 1:7, NIV]

` What are some unhealthy ways that you have read or used the Bible before?

` Lamps and lights help you from stumbling in the dark-ness. How Has God’s Word done this for you in the path of your life?

` Fearing God helps us to know him better. What do you think it means for you to fear/revere God?

` How can you approach the Bible with a healthy under-standing this week?

` How can you use God’s word for your daily life? What habits do you need to create?

` Fools do not like to be cor-rected or instructed. Have you been guilty of this? Where and how can you seek wisdom and instruc-tion today?



DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 4-6]DAY 4: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one ap-proved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” [2 Timothy 2:15, NIV]

DAY 5: “For the LORD gives wis-dom; from his mouth come knowledge and understand-ing.” [Proverbs 2:6, NIV]

DAY 6: “1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies pro-claim the work of his hands. 2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowl-edge.” [Psalm 19:1-2, NIV]

` Be honest, how often do you do your best to pres-ent yourself to God as one who does not need to be ashamed.

` What words would someone use to describe the words that come out of your mouth?

` Where does this say we can have knowledge revealed to us? When was the last time you marveled at God’s creation?

` What do you think it means for you to correctly handle God’s word? How will you be sure that you are doing this in your studies?

` What excites you about this statement about God? How do you think you can gain this knowledge, wisdom, and understanding from God?

` This week, when and how can you spend some time listening to the declaration and proclamation of God’s knowledge through cre-ation?

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B IBLEWeek 3 - Wisdom: How to Apply the Bible

Week 3 - WisdomPassion for the Bible


20 Week 3 - WisdomPassion for the Bible

WEEK 3 - WISDOM: HOW TO APPLY THE BIBLECONNECT QUESTIONS

1. What teacher or friend helped you understand a subject better in school?

2. Who is the wisest person you know? What is it that makes them wise?

3. Which do you think is better: education or experience? Why?


1. What do you think is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? How does this relate to the Bible?

2. Read 2 Timothy 3:14-15. What is the benefit of learning about the Bible and using its wisdom?

3. What does the Application step in the S.O.A.P. method look like? Why is this important to not skip this step? [see page 4]

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CONNECT QUESTIONS

1. What teacher or friend helped you understand a subject better in school?

2. Who is the wisest person you know? What is it that makes them wise?

3. Which do you think is better: education or experience? Why?


1. What do you think is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? How does this relate to the Bible?

2. Read 2 Timothy 3:14-15. What is the benefit of learning about the Bible and using its wisdom?

3. What does the Application step in the S.O.A.P. method look like? Why is this important to not skip this step? [see page 4]

4. What does the Prayer step in the S.O.A.P. method look like? Why is this step essential? [see page 4]

5. What can happen if a person skips the step of wisdom and only focuses on knowledge and/or obedience.

6. Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. What do you think it means to have biblical wisdom? Where does it come from?

7. What is an example of Jesus encouraging biblical wisdom rather than blind obedience to a list of rules?

8. There are 5 ways to observe and interpret Scripture mentioned in the message. Explain each of these and why they are important when applying Scripture. [see page 5]


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CHANGE QUESTIONS1. On a scale of 1-10, how much effort do you put toward understanding God’s Word? 2. Whose wisdom do you rely on most? Yours? Others? God’s?

3. How can you seek to apply God’s Word to your daily life in order to be wise in your decisions this week?


PRAY FOR MISSIONS OF THE WEEKLOVEtheLOULOVEtheLOU is a community development initiative that connects resources to the needs of St. Louis. During the constant process of growth and development, they strive to see St. Louis restored through transforming actions. LTL is proud of the progress in St. Louis and are excited about what will continue to happen as they grow and develop. lovethelou.org Outreach International - Mexico | Josh & Susan SanchezThis mission, called Me & My House Ministries, is a church plant in Colima City. Their goal is to begin a church planting movement within the region.Team Expansion: Allen & Cherry Messimer – Taiwan The Messimers have served as missionaries in Taiwan since 2004. Their mission is to evangelize, disciple, and provide training so every believer can use his or her gifts in a simple church ministry. This also means every church can start new, indigenous churches. Over 90% of Taiwanese people still worship idols. teamexpansion.org


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CHANGE QUESTIONS1. On a scale of 1-10, how much effort do you put toward understanding God’s Word? 2. Whose wisdom do you rely on most? Yours? Others? God’s?

3. How can you seek to apply God’s Word to your daily life in order to be wise in your decisions this week?


DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 1-3]DAY 1: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all with-out finding fault, and it will be given to him.” [James 1:5, NIV]

DAY 2: “1My son, if you accept my words and store up my com-mands within you, … 5then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” [Proverbs 2:1 & 5, NIV]

DAY 3: “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from child-hood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.” [2 Timothy 3:15, NLT]

` When have you lacked wis-dom in your life and in your decisions?

` These verses [1-5] give an “if-then” promise for us. What would it look like for you to complete the “if” portion?

` Were you taught the Bible from your childhood? What do you remember from your first interactions with God’s Word?

` How does God give wisdom? How can you seek to re-ceive and use this wisdom today?

` What would it look like for you to receive the “then” promise from verse 5?

` What is the result of being taught the holy Scriptures? How will you seek this wis-dom today?


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DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 4-6]DAY 4: “If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” [Proverbs 15:32, NLT]

DAY 5: “Reflect on what I am say-ing, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” [2 Timothy 2:7, NIV]

DAY 6: “Get wisdom, get under-standing; do not forget my words or turn away from them.” [Proverbs 4:5, NIV]

` What is the promise for someone who heeds cor-rection? What do you think discipline, correction, and understanding have to do with harming yourself?

` Paul gives instructions to Timothy that may be difficult and then says this. Why do you think Paul says to “reflect” as well as go to God for wisdom and under-standing?

` Where do you usually go to gain wisdom, understand-ing, or insight? When have you received poor “wis-dom” from someone?

` Sometimes the right actions lead to the right under-standing. Sometimes the right understanding leads to the right actions. When have you seen these hap-pen in your life?

` When have you received insight into a part of God’s Word? How can you seek His wisdom and understanding as you reflect on His Words today?

` What habits do you need to create to keep from forget-ting or turning away from God’s Word?


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B IBLEWeek 4 - Obedience: How to Live the Bible

Week 4 - ObediencePassion for the Bible


26 Week 4 - ObediencePassion for the Bible

WEEK 4 - HOW TO LIVE THE BIBLECONNECT QUESTIONS

1. When you see someone with a piece of food on their mouth or face, what do you do?

2. When was a time you were slow to listen and quick to speak?

3. When have you seen someone’s actions match up with their words, even when it was difficult?


1. Read James 1:19-21. What are the 3 things we are told to do in verse 19? What are the 2 things in verse 21? What is the key to being able to do all this?

2. Read James 1:22-25. How does James tie together knowledge, wisdom, and obedience in these verses?

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CONNECT QUESTIONS

1. When you see someone with a piece of food on their mouth or face, what do you do?

2. When was a time you were slow to listen and quick to speak?

3. When have you seen someone’s actions match up with their words, even when it was difficult?


1. Read James 1:19-21. What are the 3 things we are told to do in verse 19? What are the 2 things in verse 21? What is the key to being able to do all this?

2. Read James 1:22-25. How does James tie together knowledge, wisdom, and obedience in these verses?

3. How do you think people can be “deceived” if they only listen and learn about the Bible but never apply or obey it?

4. Read Matthew 7:24-27. How do you see the connection between knowledge, wisdom, and obedience in these verses?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1. What is the danger of only having a knowledge of the Bible without bridging the gap [wisdom] to biblical obedience?

6. What are some obstacles to biblical obedience?


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CHANGE QUESTIONS1. Have you been “deceived” by your lack of listening and obeying the Word of God? Have you been trying to deceive others? 2. In what area of life can you do a better job of obeying God’s Word rather than

merely listening to it? 3. How will you grow in your passion for biblical obedience this week?


PRAY FOR MISSIONS OF THE WEEKCentral Christian CollegeThe goal of Central Christian College of the Bible is to raise up servant leaders for the church and to do so as affordably as possible. CCCB believes so completely in what their students will do for Christ that they want to not only equip them with a quality education, but an affordable one so their future ministry will not be burdened by financial stress. That is why CCCB offers a Full-Tuition Scholarship and will continue to do so as long as there are means. cccb.eduChristian Prison Ministry of Mid-AmericaMissouri is home to 29 prisons and 2 county jails in 5 states. CPMM’s goal is to evangelize, encourage, and equip the believers in all of these prisions. To date, over 400 inmates have been baptized!christianprisonministryofmissouri.org


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CHANGE QUESTIONS1. Have you been “deceived” by your lack of listening and obeying the Word of God? Have you been trying to deceive others? 2. In what area of life can you do a better job of obeying God’s Word rather than

merely listening to it? 3. How will you grow in your passion for biblical obedience this week?


DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 1-3]DAY 1: “Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” [John 14:23, NIV]

DAY 2: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to divid-ing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” [Hebres 4:12, NIV]

DAY 3: “Take the helmet of salva-tion and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” [Ephesians 6:17, NIV]

` According to Jesus, what does love for Him look like? What is the result of doing this?

` When has God’s Word judged your thoughts and attitudes? Where did it lead you?

` The sword is the only offen-sive weapon that is listed in this section of spiritual armor. Why do you think that is?

` Where can you find Jesus’ teachings? Which ones do you need to do better at following?

` How can you allow God’s Word to be alive and active in your life today?

` This verse refers to fighting evil forces and spiritual powers. Do you feel trained and equipped to fight these kind of battles with your sword? How can you train for battle?


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DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 4-6]DAY 4: “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” [James 1:21, NIV]

DAY 5: “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and en-during word of God.” [1 Peter 1:23, NIV]

DAY 6: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, sing-ing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” [Colossians 3:16, NIV]

` Why do you think James relates moral filth with ac-cepting God’s Word planted in us? What is the result of accepting this word?

` What are the descriptions that are used for the Bible in this verse?

` What do you think it means to have the “message of Christ dwell among you richly”?

` How do you think the Bible helps you in getting rid of your moral filth? What do you need to get rid of today as you replace it with God’s Word?

` Since we are born again by following Jesus, we have been born through God’s Word! How does this truth impact your motivation for seeking to obey His Word?

` What is the result of having God’s Word be a living and active part of your life? How can you seek this today?


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B IBLEWeek 5 - Importance of the Bible

Week 5 - ImportancePassion for the Bible


32 Week 5 - ImportancePassion for the Bible

WEEK 5 - IMPORTANCE OF THE BIBLECONNECT QUESTIONS

1. When you hear a story or statement that does not seem correct, what do you do? Where do you go to validate it?

2. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you like to have with you [not including the Bible]?

3. If you had to choose only 1 book of the Bible to read for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION1. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. What description is used in verse 16 for Scripture? What

do you remember about that word from the message?

2. What are the 4 ways in which Scripture is “useful” according to verse 16? What connection do you see between these 4 words?

3. According to verse 17, what is the result of using Scripture in the way that it is meant to be used? What do you think this looks like for a Christian?

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CONNECT QUESTIONS

1. When you hear a story or statement that does not seem correct, what do you do? Where do you go to validate it?

2. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you like to have with you [not including the Bible]?

3. If you had to choose only 1 book of the Bible to read for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION1. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. What description is used in verse 16 for Scripture? What

do you remember about that word from the message?

2. What are the 4 ways in which Scripture is “useful” according to verse 16? What connection do you see between these 4 words?

3. According to verse 17, what is the result of using Scripture in the way that it is meant to be used? What do you think this looks like for a Christian?

4. Read Hebrews 4:12. What 3 descriptions are used to describe the Bible? What do you think each of these descriptions mean to us as we read the Bible?

5. What does that verse say is the purpose of the Bible? What can happen when we use the Bible to cut through other people instead of ourselves?

6. Read 2 Peter 1:19-21. What is the key component that helped in writing the Old Testament [and the New Testament]? Why is this important for us to know?

7. Read Psalm 119:86, 119:138, and 119:151. What common truth do you see in all of these? How would you restate this in your own words?

8. The Bible is described as being inerrant, authoritative, and useful. What do each of these mean to you?


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CHANGE QUESTIONS1. Compared to other important things in your life, how important is the Bible to your

daily life on a scale of 1-10? 2. Do you hold the Bible to be inerrant? Authoritative? Useful? How do your beliefs

about the Bible impact your engagement of the Bible?

3. What do you need to do this week to grow in your trust and usefulness of God’s

Word?


PRAY FOR MISSIONS OF THE WEEKGood News Productions GNPI is a non-profit organization that produces culturally relevant, biblically-based content in digital, video, and print format in order to accelerate global evangelism. The organization helps people access the gospel in their native languages in a way they can understand and creates culturally relevant materials to serve the 80% of people in the unreached world who cannot read or need to use visual materials. gnpi.org St. Louis Christian CollegeSLCC seeks to educate Christians and to graduate leaders who are equipped for service to God. They seek learners who are committed to Christ and highly motivated to serve God and the church; students who are capable of completing the academic rigors of a college education; adults who are willing to acquire both knowledge and skills through service and off-campus learning experiences; and men and women who are drawn from a diversity of geographic, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. stlchristian.edu


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CHANGE QUESTIONS1. Compared to other important things in your life, how important is the Bible to your

daily life on a scale of 1-10? 2. Do you hold the Bible to be inerrant? Authoritative? Useful? How do your beliefs

about the Bible impact your engagement of the Bible?

3. What do you need to do this week to grow in your trust and usefulness of God’s

Word?


DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 1-3]DAY 1: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thor-oughly equipped for every good work.” [2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV]

DAY 2: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” [John 1:1, NIV]

DAY 3: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” [Romans 15:4, NIV]

` How does your view of the Bible change as you keep in mind all of it is God-breathed?

` In this verse, “the Word” is referring to Jesus. How does equating the Bible with being Jesus change your view of the impor-tance of the Bible?

` If you know the Bible has been written to teach us, how should that change how you study it? What have you learned recently from your study?

` How has the Bible equipped you for good works?

` How does this verse help when people say the Bible does not accurately repre-sent God?

` What hope have you re-ceived from the Bible being encouraging in your life?


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DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 4-6]DAY 4: “And we continually thank God that in receiving the word of God from us, you did not accept it as the word of men, but as the true word of God--the word now at work in you who believe.” [1 Thessalonians 2:13, NIV]

DAY 5: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; medi-tate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” [Joshua 1:8, NIV]

DAY 6: “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wis-dom that God gave him.” [2 Peter 3:15, NIV]

` When was the last time you thanked God for His Word? Spend a few moments to thank God for giving you his Word to read and access anytime you want.

` What does it mean for you to keep the Bible on your lips? How does this help you to be careful in doing everything written in it?

` Peter declares that Paul’s words were from the wis-dom that God gave him. How does this shape your view of the importance of the Bible?

` How has God’s Word been “at work in you”? How can it work in and through you today?

` What is the promise given to Joshua if he honors and obeys God’s Word? What do you think that prosperity and success looks like for us today?

` If you view the Bible as God’s way of imparting wis-dom to us, how should that change the way you engage with it each day?


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PASSIONfor the

B IBLEWeek 6 - Living the Story of the Bible

Week 6 - Living the StoryPassion for the Bible


38 Week 6 - Living the StoryPassion for the Bible

WEEK 6 - LIVNG THE STORY OF THE BIBLECONNECT QUESTIONS

1. What kind of recurring tasks do you perform every day? Why?

2. How does something become part of your daily routine? What criteria do you have?

3. What are examples of some easy things we could do that would positively impact our lives or the lives of others, but we simply fail to do them? Why do we fail?


1. We want to ignite a passion for the Bible. What impact can the Word of God have in a person’s life? How have you seen this in your own life?

2. Read Deuteronomy 6:1-3. Moses was going to give the people of Israel God’s instructions on how to live in the promised land. What did God want for His people? Why was this important?

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CONNECT QUESTIONS

1. What kind of recurring tasks do you perform every day? Why?

2. How does something become part of your daily routine? What criteria do you have?

3. What are examples of some easy things we could do that would positively impact our lives or the lives of others, but we simply fail to do them? Why do we fail?


1. We want to ignite a passion for the Bible. What impact can the Word of God have in a person’s life? How have you seen this in your own life?

2. Read Deuteronomy 6:1-3. Moses was going to give the people of Israel God’s instructions on how to live in the promised land. What did God want for His people? Why was this important?

3. How were God’s instructions meant to be passed from one generation to the next? Do you think your family [and our church family] does this well?

4. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-5. How does this relate to Matthew 22:34-40? Why is this connection vital to our faith?

5. When Jesus says, “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” what does that mean for us? What else are we tempted to love more than God?

6. Read Deuteronomy 6:6-9. What were some practical ways the people of Israel communicated God’s instructions to their children? What would be some practical ways to do this in our culture today?

7. How does igniting a passion for the Bible impact our relationship with God? How should this passion connect with your daily life?


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CHANGE QUESTIONS

1. What does it look like for you to love God with all your heart? Soul? Mind? Strength?

2. How can you encourage the next generation to have a passion for God’s instructions? 3. What are 2 things you can do to dig deeper into God’s Word this week?


PRAY FOR MISSIONS OF THE WEEKHaitian Island Ministries Steve & Terry Smith, WCC members This organization operates medical programs providing free vitamins, medicine, and medical care and feeding programs which provide a daily meal for thousands of Haitian children each month. They also build schools and churches in some of the most remote areas of Haiti. Their medical program has served hundreds of thousands of Haitians. haitianislandministries.org Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch Located in Kahoka and Clarence, MO, Shiloh is a safe haven for abused and neglected children, and includes six homes for children, two relief homes, and an onsite school. shilohranch.orgShow-Me Christian Youth Home This faith-based organization seeks to improve the lives of children struggling because of circumstances in their current home environment. showmehelpingkids.com


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CHANGE QUESTIONS

1. What does it look like for you to love God with all your heart? Soul? Mind? Strength?

2. How can you encourage the next generation to have a passion for God’s instructions? 3. What are 2 things you can do to dig deeper into God’s Word this week?


DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 1-3]DAY 1: “...so that you, your chil-dren and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.” [Deuteronomy 6:3, NIV]

DAY 2: “4Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. a 5Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” [Deuteronomy 6:4-5, NIV]

DAY 3: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.” [Deuteronomy 6:6, NIV]

` Why do you think he says “keeping” God’s decrees and commands instead of just teaching or knowing them?

` Why do you think God told His people not just to love Him, but to love Him with all their hearts, souls, and strength? What was He trying to emphasize?

` What is the difference between God’s command-ments on your mind vs. your heart?

` Why do you think teaching future generations about God and His commands is so important? How can you do this with your family and your church family?

` How does knowledge, wisdom, and obedience relate to heart, soul, and strength?

` What commandments of God are on your heart? How should that impact your life?


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DAILY DEVOTION [DAYS 4-6]DAY 4: “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” [Deuteronomy 6:7, NIV]

DAY 5: “8Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” [Deuteronomy 6:8-9, NIV]

DAY 6: “All their deeds are done for men to see. They broad-en their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.” [Matthew 23:5, NIV]

` What do you think it means to “impress” God’s Word on your children?

` Why would God want us to have symbols on our hands and heads to remind us [vs. 8] and others [vs. 9] of His commandments?

` Pharisees took Deuteron-omy 6 literally and wore phylacteries, which were small boxes with the text of the Bible inside. How did they miss the point?

` Families are to have a rhythm of studying, discuss-ing, and following God’s Word. What rhythm of Bible study does your family have? What do you need to work on?

` Since these verses are not to be followed literally, how can you be reminded of God’s Word daily? How can you proclaim it to oth-ers around you?

` The Pharisees were near God’s Word, but they did not have it transform their heart. How can modern Christians fall into this dan-ger? How can you avoid it?


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For Further StudyPassion for the Bible

FOR FURTHER STUDY:1 | IGNITING A PASSION FOR THE BIBLE

Psalm 119 | The largest chapter in the Bible that shows how great the Word of God is.2 Timothy 3:14-17 | Paul tells Timothy how important the Bible is and shows its usefulness.

2 | KNOWLEDGE: HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE1 Timothy 2:1-19 | Instructions for a young leader on how to teach God’s Word1 Peter 1:10-12 | Biblical writers were guided by the Holy Spirit

3 | WISDOM: HOW TO APPLY THE BIBLEMatthew 7:24-27 | Jesus says that a the wise person hears and obeys his instructions1 Corinthians 2:6-16 | The message of wisdom is revealed by the Holy Spirit

4 | OBEDIENCE: HOW TO LIVE THE BIBLE1 Peter 1:13-25 | How to be holy and pure by living out the truth of GodMatthew 7:24-27 | Jesus says that a the wise person hears and obeys his instructions

5 | IMPORTANCE OF THE BIBLE2 Peter 1:12-21 | The New Testament was formed from a reliable prophetic messageColossians 3:1-17 | God’s Word should dwell in us richly so we can live for Him

6 | LIVING THE STORY OF THE BIBLEDeuteronomy 6:1-9 | God’s people are to make God’s Word a part of their everyday lifePsalm 1:1-6 | A biblical foundation leads to a blessed life with fruit being produced

RESOURCES:• Living By The Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible by Howard Hendricks• How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee, Douglas Stuart• How To Read the Bible Book By Book by Gordon Fee, Douglas Stuart• 40 Questions About Interpreting The Bible by Robert Plummer• Learn To Study The Bible by Andy Deane• NIV Study Bible published by Zondervan• YouVersion Bible App and bible.com• Biblehub.com• TheBibleProject.com/explore mExcellent videos explaining every book of the Bible and how to read them. We recommend the “How To Read The Bible” series. These can also be viewed on YouTube.

44 NT Reading PlanPassion for the Bible

NEW TESTAMENT READING PLANThe plan below is also available on your smartphone or online. Search for “40 Day New Testament Challenge” in the Youversion Bible App, or on bible.com under the “Plans” tab. You may want to keep a journal of your thoughts and questions as you read each day. Pause to reflect on a small section or passage to go through the SOAP method, see page 4.

q Jan 02: Matthew 1-7




q Jan 06: Reflect/Catch Up


q Jan 08: Mark 1-5

q Jan 09: Mark 6-11

q Jan 10: Mark 12-16

q Jan 11: Luke 1-4

q Jan 12: Luke 5-8


q Jan 14: Luke 9-12

q Jan 15: Luke 13-19

q Jan 16: Luke 20-24

q Jan 17: John 1-5

q Jan 18: John 6-9

q Jan 19: John 10-14


q Jan 21: John 15-21

q Jan 22: Acts 1-6

q Jan 23: Acts 7-11

q Jan 24: Acts 12-17




q Jan 28: Romans 1-8

q Jan 29: Romans 9-16

q Jan 30: 1 Corinthians 1-8

q Jan 31: 1 Corinthians 9-16

q Feb 01: 2 Corinthians 1-13

q Feb 02: Galatians 1-6

q Feb 03: Reflect/Catch Up

q Feb 04: Ephesians 1-6

q Feb 05: Philippians 1-4; Colossians 1-4

q Feb 06: 1 Thessalonians 1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3

q Feb 07: 1 Timothy 1-6; 2 Timothy 1-4

q Feb 08: Titus 1-3; Philemon 1; Hebrews 1-7

q Feb 09: Hebrews 8-13

q Feb 10: Reflect/Catch Up

q Feb 11: James 1-5

q Feb 12: 1 Peter 1-5; 2 Peter 1-3

q Feb 13: 1 John 1-5; 2 John 1; 3 John 1; Jude 1

q Feb 14: Revelation 1-7



PARTICIPANT GUIDE WINTER 2019 - Wentzville CC · 7 week 1 - igniting a passion for the bible 13...

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