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Spirit Walk

April 4, 2012 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit?

Scripture Reference

Galatians



God’s Character and Actions

He justifies, He shows no partiality, He loves beyond understanding

Our Responses and Attitudes

Respond to God’s call, accept and receive His free gift, do not rely on traditions, do not focus on winning approval of others, be continually aware of spiritual life

Take Away Thought

In all of our simple, daily activities, we glorify God by expressing love to threes, showing no partiality, as God shows no partiality. Living with an awareness of the reality of God and His promise – not relying on traditions, not gratifying desires of the flesh – we walk in the Spirit by asking, listening, and following.

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?

Overcoming Fear

March 21, 2012 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

How can we overcome fear that gets in the way of our faith?

Scripture Reference

Galatians



God’s Character and Actions

perfecter, promise maker, revealer, no partiality, justifies

Our Responses and Attitudes

believing and trusting God’s promise of freedom today and tomorrow, not trying to please others or seek approval, following Christ alone

Take Away Thought

Rest in God’s promise with confidence, and recognize that following negative influences is likely based in fear.

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?

Unbounded Freedom

February 27, 2012 in Ponderings with 0 Comments


Question to Ponder

Can true freedom ever be unbounded by everything?

Scripture Reference

Galatians



God’s Character and Actions

no partiality, deliverer, redeemer, giver of the gospel, supplier of the Spirit

Our Responses and Attitudes

set apart, no longer under a guardian, heirs not slaves, receive an adoption, crucify the flesh and die to the law

Take Away Thought

Freedom is not an absence of accountability and responsibility. Instead of getting an A+ grade, Jesus obliterates the grading system.

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?

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?

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