Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Opening: What do you do best? The best thing you do? Is it something you are proud of (in a good way)?

Scripture: Read Romans 3:21-31.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Romans 3:23 is the first step of what many call “The Romans Road”, which is a simple, yet powerful explanation of the Gospel. Memorize this verse; we will encounter others as we continue to walk through Romans together.  
• Today’s passage changed the lives of Martin Luther and John Wesley, and in the process, changed history. How is the message of grace impacting your life?

Prayer Focus: That we would rest totally and completely on the righteousness of God that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and not on anything we have done.

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Opening: When did you first truly sense your sin and need for God?

Scripture: Read Romans 3:9-20.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Today’s passage is very similar to two Old Testament Scriptures: Psalm 14:1-3 and Isaiah 53:6. What are the similarities?  
• Up to this point in Romans, what has Paul been trying to prove? How important is this to a full understanding of the Gospel?

Prayer Focus: That we would be honest with ourselves about our innate sinful nature, its ongoing influence in our lives, and our continual need for the saving grace of God.

Monday, November 05, 2012

Opening: What characteristics, mannerisms, values, beliefs, practices, and idiosyncrasies have you picked up from your parents, whether you wanted to or not? Is there some trait that people say reminds them of one of your parents or some other family member?

Scripture: Read Romans 2:17-3:8.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Do you struggle with accepting others into Christian fellowship who are struggling with some sin in their lives (alcoholism, drug abuse, etc.) Do you have a feeling they need to “straighten up” before coming? Would you hold yourself to that same criteria? Should you? Is that what happened to you? What was the example we saw with Jesus?  
• To Paul’s Jewish readers, this passage must have been devastating. The Jew was certain that God regarded him or her with special favor, simply and solely because of his national descent from Abraham and the badge of circumcision. Paul insists that Jewishness, special favored of God, is not a matter of race at all; it has nothing to do with circumcision. It is a matter of conduct. If we swop the word “Jew” for “Christian”, then we realize that just because we may have grown up in a Christian home and go to a Christian church, faith conduct is still what makes us Christian. Can others see your Christianity in your behavior, values, and good works?

Prayer Focus: That we would strive for holiness in our lives, while welcoming anyone who still has a long way to go.

Sunday, November 04, 2012

Opening: With what are you generous: Your money? Time? Talents? Toys? With what are you stingy?

Scripture: Read Romans 2:1-16.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Look back to Friday’s reading. What was your answer to the question whether our society has changed for the better or for the worse? Now reread Romans 2:1. Paul cleverly brings his readers to agreement, then turns the argument back towards us. It may seem pretty harsh, but in what way is he a little too close for comfort in your life?  
• As you grow older in your spiritual life, does your appreciation of God’s grace grow stronger, or is it likely to be taken for granted?

Prayer Focus: That we would always continue to do good, live for God’s glory, for honor, and for life that has no end. (From Romans 2:7, NCV)

Saturday, November 03, 2012

Opening: With what are you generous: Your money? Time? Talents? Toys? With what are you stingy?

Scripture: Sunday’s message comes from today’s text. Read Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 8:8-15.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• If you were to evaluate your zeal for God in light of your checkbook, what grade would you give yourself.  
• What from Jesus’ example in verse 9 prompts you to be generous with your money, time, and energy?

Prayer Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration that we would grow in our love for God and love for others.

Message Series: “A Living Sacrifice”

Tomorrow’s Message Title: “Compassion”