Daily Reading Week 35
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Sunday
Acts 2
DISCOVER:
With the gift of the Holy Spirit, the disciples were transformed from withdrawn and scared men into brave and proclaiming witnesses. What does this tell us about the power of the Holy Spirit?
Peter says that the babble of languages is a sign of something greater than drunkenness. What does the sign demonstrate (verses 15-21)?
Peter finishes his message in verse 36 with a short summary: Jesus is “Lord and Christ.” Throughout this message Peter provides a number of different points of evidence for the lordship of Jesus. What evidence does Peter point to?
After Peter preached this sermon here in Acts 2, how did the people respond beginning in verse 37?
Beginning in verse 42 Luke paints a picture of the unity among these believers. As you look back over verses 42-47, what does that unity look like? How do you make sure there is unity among the church?
RESPOND:
Acts 2 ushers in this new aga or movement, the beginning of the church. A little over a week after Jesus’ ascension, about 120 Jesus-followers were together in Jerusalem waiting on the promise given by Jesus in Acts 1:8. Without much, if any, warning, the Holy Spirit falls on the place they are gathered and great miracles begin to take place. The city of Jerusalem is filled with visitors who have made their way to celebrate Pentecost. They hear and see the miracles and become astonished and curious.
At this moment, Peter took full advantage of the platform and began to preach his first sermon in the book of Acts. When the listeners acknowledge they are guilty of Jesus’ death, they seek guidance on how to make things right. They follow Peter’s directions, repent of their sins, trust Jesus for forgiveness, and are baptized. All in all, about 3000 people make this commitment to follow Jesus.
Many of the 120 who receive the Holy Spirit that morning have known each other for years, presumably some for their whole lives (Acts 1:12–15). By nightfall, about three thousand will join them. Many of the new believers have no real idea of who Jesus is beyond Peter's quick sermon. So the infant church provides what's needed: teaching about Jesus from the apostles, affirmation of the message through signs and wonders, community through joint meals, and a unity that extends even to personal property. In one day, the church is created. The fellowship (2:42-47) of the first church was strong and serves as a great example to us even now as we seek to follow the same example.
Monday
Luke 11
DISCOVER:
In verse 1, one of the disciples asked Jesus to “teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” We don’t know what, or how, John taught his disciples, but Jesus’s response here includes a concise model prayer, a parable, and the summary advice in verses 9-13.
What comes to your mind when you imagine a group of Jesus’ followers praying with shameless boldness? What kind of things might change for you? Your family? Your church?
While the word "asking" is obvious, what do you think seeking and knocking look like when we apply them to our lives?
How would we “sum up” this teaching? How is Jesus teaching his disciples to pray?
Why is it important to learn the truths of God from his word rather than relying on the good things others say about him?
What did the Pharisees try to provoke Jesus to do as he was leaving and for what reason? (verses 53-54)
RESPOND:
Luke, more than any other writer, demonstrates the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life and ministry. Luke 11 begins with the idea of Jesus going to a certain place to have a time of prayer. As soon as He finished one of the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. In response to this request, Jesus provided a model for all disciples to use while praying. For centuries people have been reciting this model word for word, while others have used it as a pattern to use while praying.
To illustrate that God can be trusted to respond to our prayers, Jesus tells a parable of the friend who calls at midnight. Jesus tells of a guy who is in a bind and shows his persistence by constantly knocking until the door is opened. This part of the passage can be hard to understand at times because our experiences seem to contradict what Luke states. So often we have asked and not received; we have searched and not found. In spite of our most fervent prayers, we have still lost loved ones to sickness, didn’t get the job, and/or still struggle with the stronghold that haunts daily.
While we don’t always have a clear cut answer as to “why” God doesn’t always answer our prayers in the way we think He should, we can affirm from the Scriptures that God is all wise and all powerful. We can know that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. We can know that Scripture teaches us to call on Him and He will answer. The promise is not that He’ll give the answer we want, but rather He will give us the answer we need.
We dare to be shameless in our prayers, to keep bringing our needs and hopes to our heavenly Father, because Jesus tells us to do so, trusting in God’s loving purpose for us. Not everything that happens is God’s will. But we can affirm with Paul, “in all things God works for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Tuesday
Luke 12
DISCOVER:
On many occasions Jesus challenged his followers to be careful with their words and how they used them. Go back and read verses 2-3. How does this truth challenge every part of your life? Does it ignite a sense of fear or concern?
How can having a healthy fear of God be beneficial to your life on a daily basis and from an eternal perspective?
According to verse 11, how are we granted the right words to say when we need to defend ourselves and the truth that lies within us?
After teaching a parable about a young man who had a lot and failed to fully appreciate all that he had (verses 13-21), Jesus taught His disciples about money and possessions (verses 22-34), What is one truth that really stands out to you? How can you take that truth and apply it to your life?
In verses 51-53 Jesus lets the crowd know that following Him will not be easy, particularly because the gospel will not always bring peace. In your own personal walk with the Lord, what difficulties have you encountered that made this journey hard?
RESPOND:
Luke 12 appears to be an extension of Luke 11. As chapter 11 concludes, we read of the Pharisees pressing into Jesus. As ch 12 opens, there are lots of people gathered around Jesus and He offers a caution as it relates to the Pharisees and their hypocrisy. In addition, Jesus encourages His audience not to worry about the threats from men because God is the ultimate protector of the soul.
In the midst of this message, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach His followers about anxiety and worry. In fact, Jesus told them not to be anxious about their lives and specifically what they will eat and wear. Jesus then illustrates how God has taken care of His creation, the birds and the flowers. Jesus highlights this by declaring that God would give them what they need as they serve Him and His kingdom.
Worry and anxiety is something that so many followers of Christ work through daily. Worry and anxiety is often triggered by life circumstances and can pull us down into the pit. As we read the Scriptures it appears that this is something that’s been around for a while. The Bible includes people like; Moses, King David, Elijah, Job, Jonah, and Matha, who at some point in their life dealt with this same issue. These individuals did not go through this struggle because they were bad people. They worked through this because they were human and susceptible to the pressures of life. Though they battled anxiety and worry, these individuals won the battle and went on in their lives, serving the Lord.
The Bible gives us many great verses to quote and pray as we walk this out:
Philippians 4:6-7
John 14:27
Colossians 3:15
Isaiah 41:10
Wednesday
Luke 13
DISCOVER:
In the first 5 verses, Jesus tells two stories that have a rather tragic ending. Both stories end with the same declaration, “unless you repent, you too will perish!” What were Jesus’ listeners (and us) to learn from these stories?
In the parable of the fig tree, what does the owner tell the gardener to do to the barren tree? How does the gardener respond? What’s significant about this response?
Beginning in verse 10, Jesus mentions a woman who was sick. This was a sickness that she had been dealing with for a long time. What did Jesus do for the woman? How did she respond?
Verse 22 teaches that Jesus went through different villages and towns teaching others. The latter part of the verse mentions him pressing towards Jerusalem. What’s significant about this journey to Jerusalem and the events surrounding his entrance into the city?
As Jesus is making this journey, He tells 2 short parables about the danger of being left out of the coming Kingdom of God. What do you make of Jesus being willing to speak with such truthfulness?
What do you learn about Jesus in verses 34-35 towards those who would never turn to him?
RESPOND:
In Luke 13:2-4, Jesus mentions two terrible tragedies that occurred at the time. One was a man who some believe might have been the notorious Judas of Galilee, whose death was ordered by Pilate.The other tragedy was the unusual death of 18 people, when a tower fell on them.
In both events, Jesus asked His listeners if they thought that the deceased were terrible sinners to have had such horrible deaths. Apparently, the one that Pilate killed had committed some horrific infraction against the government. Although most likely caused by accident, the other tragic deaths appeared to be a judgment from God.
Jesus explained why God sometimes allows terrible things to happen to those who are blatantly sinning with the use of a parable (Luke 13:6-9) to help his listeners understand. The parable is about a fig tree that would not produce any fruit. The man that owned the tree was not happy that, for several years, it had not brought about fruit. He was, however, going to give it one more chance to produce fruit. If it did not, he was going to have it cut down.
Even in our sin, God is patient and merciful towards us. He could easily bring our life to an end, but He gives us multiple chances to stop what we’re doing and make it right by repenting. However, there may come a time when that person will not turn from their sin and unfortunately God will judge at that time.
This is a huge warning to us all who at times think we’re “getting away” with some sin in our life. Today God is giving us the chance to turn from our wicked ways and turn to walking in obedience to HIm (Psalm 145:8-9). John said in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We have to decide for ourselves to repent and when we do we can experience and enjoy God’s cleansing. “True repentance never leads to despair. It leads home. It leads to grace.” - John Ortberg
Thursday
Luke 13
DISCOVER:
After reading verse 1, what type of people do we see Jesus hanging out with?
What kind of advice do we read about Jesus giving to those who feel the need to always have the best seat, or in more common terms, always feel the need to be noticed?
Jesus gives a great word of encouragement to the one willing to humble themselves in verse 11. How does this word of encouragement challenge you?
Luke 14 contains a parable often referred to as the parable of the great feast. When the invitations are given out, they begin to offer excuses as to why they are not able to attend. What are the excuses and why are they so insulting to the host? What type of excuses do people use today to put off the invitation given by Christ?
What does Jesus say it takes to be His disciple (verses 25-27)? How does your love for Jesus impact daily choices, words, and actions?
RESPOND:
The parable of the great banquet is interesting because it brings up two important ideas; invitation and excuses. Both of which are brought together by the centerpiece of a table—a meal shared together. Now it doesn’t take a genius to know that this story is about more than just a banquet. Parables tell stories that illustrate a greater point; a deeper meaning. So this story is about more than just a meal and its guests. Luke 14 is about God’s Kingdom.
So, the story starts, and Jesus says that this master has invited the popular to the banquet. And yet they can’t make it. They all have an excuse. The interesting thing is that all of the excuses are valid. Think about your last big purchase, the beginning of your marriage, or when you bought something for your business. Now imagine someone inviting you to a party before in the same season or time frame. It’s probable that you’re going to ask for a raincheck.
The Master looks around and sees all of this work he has put into this meal. Parties and feasts were something of a fiscal nightmare. These were massive events, which cost a lot of money and had about every first-century delicacy you can think of. So rather than have it all go to waste, the owner or Master sends out his servant to invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. This is definitely not your ordinary guest. This is somewhat of a motley crew. This is a crew of outcasts, people often overlooked in society, and marginalized, especially in this culture. Jesus has just flipped the cultural norm upside down.
God wants you…God wants me…God wants everyone at His table. God wants the broken and messy. The people who don’t have it all together and may at times not seem to “fit” in. The people who don’t make sense and might be a little rough around the edges. The people who might even struggle to accept love and grace. God wants and invites everyone to sit at His table. This is huge because when we begin to know and accept this great truth, we begin to realize that no matter where we are or how broken we are, we’re never too far away from God and His mercy.
Life gets in the way. Things get busy. Times get tough, and God is often put on the back burner. Which begs the question; what’s your excuse? What is preventing you from putting God first? What is the thing keeping you away from the banquet? Because at some time or another, we all have an excuse. We all have a thing that gets in the way of our relationship with God and puts a barrier between us and the table. It is only when we choose to drop our excuses and begin to embrace the invitation of God that we will choose to take a seat at the table.
Friday
Opening Scripture
I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? - Jeremiah 32:27
Think about what this verse means. What images, thoughts or promises come to mind?
Prayer Time
Pray for our schools, teachers, students and parents.
The vision of the Rock Church is to help people find what matters by connecting them to Jesus and others.
Our ultimate hope is that people would realize their need for Christ and come to know him.. Take some time to pray and simply ask God to help other people find what matters through us! Read Phil.1:9-10
Closing scripture
What then shall we say in response to this things? If God is for us, who can be against us? -Romans 8:31
Think about this verse and if you truly believe it. Ask God to reveal to you any areas where you doubt his protection. Close with the prayers you would ask if you trusted he was completely for you!
For additional reading, read LUKE 15
Saturday
Opening Scripture
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all time, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. -Psalm 62:6-8
This verse tells us to pour out our hearts to God. Take a deep breath and prepare to share your thoughts and prayers with him.
Prayer Time
Pray for God to use you and give you specific opportunities to share Jesus to other people you meet or interact with.
Ask God’s blessing and direction for each of our campuses and leadership teams.
Pray for Aynor, Coastal, Conway, Online, J. Reuben Long, and South Strand locations.
Closing scripture
I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? -Jeremiah32:27
Think about what God is saying in this verse. What images or assurances come to mind.
For additional reading, read Psalm 37