Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Corinthians 9-11 Paul defends his apostleship and then shares that he gives up his rights in order to advance the gospel.  What are some of the rights that he gave up?  In chapter 10, Paul says that Old Testament history was written for our instruction (verse 11).  How does this teaching then lead into the directive not to participate in the idol worship through idolat...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Corinthians 7-8 "Now concerning" introduces Paul's responses to a number of issues the Corinthians wrote about to him, in addition to an oral report Chloe's people had brought.  In chapter seven, Paul shows that we must flee sexual immorality, but sexual relations within marriage are right and good.  Another issue is addressed in 7:25. What is it?  What are his instruc...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Corinthians 4-6 Paul points to the arrogance of the Corinthian church a number of times.  In chapter four, contrast the way they saw themselves and how the apostles were viewed.  In chapter five, there is another display of pride, probably disguised as being accepting and gracious.  What blatant sin was the church tolerating?  In 5:9-13, the text speaks strongly of dis...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Corinthians 1-3 Near the end of his three-year ministry in Ephesus, Paul writes to the Corinthian church.  He addresses behavioral issues and theological confusion.  Paul had planted the church, and Apollos had ministered there.  What was the nature of the division in the Corinthian church that was so very wrong?  What is the difference between the wisdom of the world ...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsActs 18:19-19:41 These verses present the end of the second and the beginning of the third missionary journey of the apostle Paul.  Several inadequate understandings of the gospel truth are presented.  Apollos has taught accurately but incompletely about Jesus.  The disciples of John, in chapter 19, had only heard about John the Baptist's message and not how Jesus had fu...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsII Thessalonians 1-3 This second letter to the Thessalonians is probably written shortly after the first, when Paul had received an update of what was happening back in Thessalonica.  In chapter one, what descriptions are used of the judgment on those who do not obey the gospel of Jesus?  How would this truth help the persecuted Christians endure?  What misunderstanding ...

Preparing for today's message: FENDING OFF KILLER LIES WITH INTEGRITYRead: Psalm 101Biblical Prayer Focus:1 Peter 3:10-12  For Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their pr...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Thessalonians 4-5 Write a title for the following paragraphs: 4:1-8, 9-12, 13-18; 5:1-11.  How do these words encourage and build us up (see 4:18, 5:11)?  Chapter 5 verses 12-28 is a series of short, powerful instructions.  What are the two most applicable ones that the Spirit is wanting you to welcome into your life today? Family Devotions—Scripture & QuestionsRead I ...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Thessalonians 1-3 After preaching three Sabbaths, several people believed (Acts 17:4).  Paul then seems to have spent time ministering to the Gentiles.  Having to leave the city prematurely (see Acts 17:5 ff), Paul sends Timothy back a few months later.  Timothy catches up with Paul in Corinth and gives him an update.  What misunderstanding about the timing of the day ...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsActs 17:1-18:17   What were the different reactions to the gospel in Thessalonica and in Berea?  Note how Paul's presentation of the gospel in Athens (at the Areopagus/Mars Hill) began.  How did he start from where his listeners were?  Why is the identity of Jesus confirmed by the resurrection the great dividing point in separating people who believe and who don't believ...