Scripture & Questions for Sunday (2/26/12)

Scripture
Psalm 23:1-6  ~  A Psalm of David

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

John 10:11-18

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. [13] The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

[14] "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. [17] The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

Questions for Reflection

1.    How did David describe the Lord? (Psalm 23:1)
2.    Who did Jesus claim to be? (John 10:11)
3.    What comforted David? (Psalm 23:1)
4.    David spoke of a shepherd and sheep—how would you picture your relationship with the Lord?
5.    How has the Lord guided you through difficult times?
6.    What did Jesus say He did for His sheep? (John 10:15)
7.    What did Jesus say He had? (John 10:16)
8.    Why did Jesus say the Father loved Him? (John 10:17-18)
9.    What tempts people to follow a stranger? Why?
10.  How has Jesus made your life full?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (2/19/12)

Scripture
Mark 9:2-10

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. [3] His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. [4] And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

[5] Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." [6] (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

[7] Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

[8] Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

[9] As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. [10] They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant.

Questions for Reflection
1.    When were you last speechless?
2.    What happened to Jesus on the mountain? (9:3)
3.    What was significant about the people who appeared to Jesus? (9:4)
4.    What caught the “elite three” off guard and became the topic of discussion as they headed down the mountain? (9:10)
5.    Why do you think Jesus chose only three of His disciples to witness His transfiguration?
6.    What encouragement does this passage give you?
7.    What is implied by God’s command that we listen to Jesus?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (2/12/12)

Prayer Concern
Angela Ervin’s mother Rhonda Blackman continues to need our prayers.

Scripture
1 Cor. 9:24-27

    Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. [25] Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. [26] Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. [27] No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Questions for Reflection
1.    What emotions do athletes usually feel on the day of a big event?
2.    How can you be disqualified from a game or race?
3.    Why is it necessary to live with purpose and discipline? (9:25-27)
4.    Why did Paul lead a disciplined life? (9:27)
5.    What should you do to be assured of finishing your life well?
6.    How can neglecting spiritual disciplines (such as prayer, Bible study, and worship) disqualify a Christian from having an influence on unbelievers?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (2/5/12)

Announcements
1.    Men’s Breakfast Saturday morning at 8:00am come and bring a friend!
2.    Our Tuesday after school program resumes this Tuesday February 7^th @ 3:30
3.    Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) resumes Wednesday February 8^th @ 6:00 if you might be willing to provide dinner please call Jim.

Scripture for Sunday
Mark 1:29-39

    As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. [30] Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. [31] So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

    [32] That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. [33] The whole town gathered at the door, [34] and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

    [35] Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. [36] Simon and his companions went to look for him, [37] and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"

    [38] Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." [39] So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Questions for Reflection
1.    What do you like or dislike about being alone?
2.    What does our society think of loners?
3.    What is most difficult to you about praying?
4.    Where did Jesus go, and why did he go there? (1:35)
5.    What did Jesus consider important? (1:35-39)
6.    What did Simon and his companions do when Jesus went to pray alone? (1:36-37)
7.    Why do you think Jesus had to spend so much time in prayer if He was the Son of God?
8.    How should we follow Christ’s example of praying?