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Grace in Galatians

February 20, 2012 in Ponderings with 2 Comments


Question to Ponder

What can we truly understand about grace?

Scripture Reference

Galatians



God’s Character and Actions

eternally giving, infinite, gospel, revelation of Jesus Christ, calling, Spirit, promise, righteous, offers eternal life, takes away the guilt of not following the law

Our Responses and Attitudes

hope, justified, receiving, freely accepting as a child, sometimes we try to add to God’s grace, an heir known by God

Take Away Thought

Grace is complete. Nothing else can be added to what God promises and provides.

Conversation Starters

What does God reveal to you as you study and discuss the scripture passage pondering the question at hand?

What are other passages in the Bible that may speak to the question at hand?

Anchor of Hope

February 3, 2012 in Ponderings with 0 Comments

Anchor of Hope

Question to Ponder

In what do you place your hope?

Scripture Reference

Psalms 42-43

God’s Character and Actions

loving, life giving, refuge, authority, salvation, light to guide, constant, still there regardless of how we feel, truth

Our Responses and Attitudes

remember God, glad shouts, songs of praise, desire for God, going to God singing and praying

Take Away Thought

We must continually remember that in times of despair and challenges of life, God is God. He is always there, a refuge to turn to. Grace is real, and one does not need to work or pray harder to have a relationship with Him.

Conversation Starters

What does God reveal to you as you study and discuss the scripture passage pondering the question at hand?

What are other passages in the Bible that may speak to the question at hand?

Living an Intentional Life

January 27, 2012 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

How can we live an intentional life?

Scripture Reference

Hebrews 12



God’s Character and Actions

joy, despises shame, endurance, holy, grace, judge, righteous, disciplines, perfecter of faith, sprinkled blood through Jesus, shakes the earth

Our Responses and Attitudes

need to respect, strive for holiness, endure, repent, lay aside worldly things, share in God’s holiness, not able to endure without Christ

Take Away Thought

Fear God.

Conversation Starters

What does God reveal to you as you study and discuss the scripture passage pondering the question at hand?

What are other passages in the Bible that may speak to the question at hand?

Reason for Doing

January 20, 2012 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

Why should we do what we do?

Scripture Reference

Ephesians 1-2



God’s Character and Actions

purposeful, glorious, gracious, wise, immeasurable greatness, peace, blesses, chooses, redeems us, forgives, unites us, put all things under His feet

Our Responses and Attitudes

first to hope, to be faithful, to love, to be holy and blameless, we have obtained an inheritance, given a spirit of wisdom, we are sealed, we are made alive

Take Away Thought

God is purposeful in what He does and has made us alive for good works.

Conversation Starters

What does God reveal to you as you study and discuss the scripture passage pondering the question at hand?

What are other passages in the Bible that may speak to the question at hand?

Appreciating Differences in Others

January 13, 2012 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

How should we appreciate differences in other people?

Scripture Reference

1 Corinthians 12



God’s Character and Actions

one Spirit, apportions, empowers, arranges the world, composed

Our Responses and Attitudes

we are made into one body of Christ, indispensable, we are to have greater modesty, there is a common good

Take Away Thought

Know that all are created by God and that we are different for different purposes, but that it is not of different value. Help to see God’s handiwork in all people. There is a reason why you would or would not like to do something – centering around the desires and abilities God gave you.

Conversation Starters

What does God reveal to you as you study and discuss the scripture passage pondering the question at hand?

What are other passages in the Bible that may speak to the question at hand?

A Planning Perspective

January 6, 2012 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

What is a healthy perspective on planning?

Scripture Reference

Matthew 24:15-25:30



God’s Character and Actions

appears / present, power, glory, rewards, inviting

Our Responses and Attitude

be aware, see, know the times, be ready, prepare, learn the lessons

Take Away Thought

Be aware and keep an eye on what is happening around you – be ready to be surprised. Prepare and continue taking action by investing in things with eternal significance, being light of foot, living with abandon, ready to listen and follow, and taking God at His word.

Conversation Starters

What does God reveal to you as you study and discuss the scripture passage pondering the question at hand?

What are other passages in the Bible that may speak to the question at hand?

Specialness of You

December 9, 2011 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

How am I Special?

Scripture Reference

Ephesians 3:1-5:21



God’s Character and Actions

giver of grace and eternal purpose, power, one, love, surpassing, sacrificing

Our Responses and Attitudes

humility, gentleness, patience, eager, no longer children, filled, strengthened, access to God

Take Away Thought

I have been given God’s grace and love, and am an heir and partaker of the promise in Jesus Christ. I am made in His image, and loved by Him, and I need to take care of what God has given me.

Conversation Starters

What does God reveal to you as you study and discuss the scripture passage pondering the question at hand?

What are other passages in the Bible that may speak to the question at hand?

Next Generation Leadership

December 2, 2011 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

What are the most important things to teach and pass onto the next generation?

Scripture Reference

Luke 18



God’s Character and Actions

justice, merciful, calling, coming, good, gives lessons

Our Responses and Attitudes

pray, fear God, cry to God, follow, praise, glorify God, continually coming to Jesus, earnest, humble, point to God, don’t lose heart, give time and money for good

Take Away Thought

Continually, earnestly go to God, trusting He is all good; praising and glorifying God, telling others how much He means to you.

Conversation Starters

What does God reveal to you as you study and discuss the scripture passage pondering the question at hand?

What are other passages in the Bible that may speak to the question at hand?

Spiritual Leader at Home

November 11, 2011 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

How can we best prepare to be the spiritual leader of our home?

Scripture Reference

Colossians 2-3



God’s Character and Actions

head of all rulers and authority, forgiving, above all, kind, patient, loving

Our Responses and Attitudes

submit, accept, be established in the faith, put on new self, be compassionate

Take Away Thought

Teach all of these things to the family all the time, from the beginning, not waiting until the children are old enough. They are old enough before they can talk.Be convinced of the literal nature of the instruction to love, forgive, be kind and compassionate.

Conversation Starters

What does God reveal to you as you study and discuss the scripture passage pondering the question at hand?

What are other passages in the Bible that may speak to the question at hand?

A Balanced Life

November 4, 2011 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

How does one live a balanced life (and not mimic the culture in which they live)?

Scripture Reference

James 4-5



God’s Character and Actions

grace, giver

Our Responses and Attitudes

draw closer to God, ask, receive, resist, cleansed, humbled

Take Away Thought

We first have to choose whether we are a friend of God or the world. It is not possible to be both. From that point on, we begin making decisions to live a life that honors and glorifies God.

Conversation Starters

What does God reveal to you as you study and discuss the scripture passage pondering the question at hand?

What are other passages in the Bible that may speak to the question at hand?

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