Scripture & Questions for Sunday (9/30/12)

Announcements

1.    Maci Hope Murphy will be baptized Sunday and we will have a luncheon following morning worship. Please bring a side dish or a dessert  to share.

2.    As of this weekend Jim and Laurie will be residents of Cleo for the next 4 months while the manse is remodeled. If you need us please call our cell phones the manse number will be on vacation hold. Jim 325-215-9017 and Laurie 830-459-7950

 

Scripture

James 3:1-12 (ESV) 

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. [2] For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. [3] If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. [4] Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. [5] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. [7] For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. [10] From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. [11] Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? [12] Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

 

Questions for Reflection

1.    If you could hear a tape recording of everything you said last week, what would you want to edit out?
2.    How can a person be hurt by the words of others?
3.    If a person were never at fault in what he or she said, what would that show about the person? (3:2)
4.    What is significant about the way we talk? (3:2)
5.    What similarity does a person’s tongue have to a horse’s bit, a ship’s rudder, and a spark of fire? (3:5)
6.    What are the ways we sin with our speech?
7.    Why are sins of speech often overlooked as not serious?
8.    What weaknesses in our lives does our speech often expose?
9.    In what times or places can your tongue be used for good?
10. How can you change your daily speech to reflect its importance in your life?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (9/23/12)

Scripture

James 2:14-26 (ESV) 

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? [15] If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, [16] and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? [17] So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. [18] But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. [19] You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! [20] Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? [21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar  [22] You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; [23] and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"— and he was called a friend of God. [24] You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. [25] And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? [26] For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Questions for Reflection
1.    What is the difference between someone who talks about a problem and someone who does something about the problem?
2.    What is wrong with having faith without deeds? (2:18-26)
3.    What do the demons believe about God? How does it affect them? (2:19)
4.    What did Abraham do to show his faith? (2:21-23)
5.    What made Abraham righteous? (2:23)
6.    How is being a Christian supposed to change the way we live?
7.    What is one way to tell if a person has a real, living faith?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (9/16/12)

Scripture
James 2:1-13 (ESV) 

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. [2] For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, [3] and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," [4] have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? [5] Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?  [6] But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? [7] Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? [8] If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. [9] But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. [10] For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. [11] For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. [12] So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. [13] For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Questions for Reflection
1.    For what reasons might a person think he or she is more important than another person?
2.    Where do you see prejudice being practiced?
3.    What practical example did James use to illustrate how favoritism was practiced in the church? (2:1-4)
4.    What does the church do to the poor person when it shows favoritism toward the rich? (2:6)
5.    What is the royal law found in Scripture? (2:8)
6.    What does practicing favoritism do to a person who is trying to keep the law? (2:9)
7.    By what standards should a person speak and act? (2:12)
8.    In what ways have you been a victim of favoritism or prejudice?
9.    How have you shown favoritism or prejudice toward other people?
10. Why do we often treat rich people as more important than poor people?
11. How do we use physical appearance, job status, and athletic ability to show favoritism toward people?
12. How can we welcome poor people in our church?
13. Why does God have a special concern for poor people?
14. In what practical ways can we show genuine love to people of different races, cultures, and economic standing?
15. Why is favoritism or prejudice often overlooked as a sin?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (9/9/12)

Sunday School Kick Off Breakfast
Sunday @ 9:45am - Please bring a breakfast dish to share.

Scripture
James 1:19-27 (ESV) 

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires. [21] Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. [24] For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. [25] But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. [26] If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. [27] Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Questions for Reflection
1.    How does it affect you when a person is caught doing what he or she tells others not to do?
2.    What instruction did James give about the relationship between speaking, listening, and anger? (1:19)
3.    What is the relationship between listening to God’s Word and doing it? (1:22)
4.    What analogy did James use to describe a person who does not do what the Bible says? (1:23-24)
5.    What makes it hard for us to be good listeners?
6.    How can being quick to speak and quick to anger get you into trouble?
7.    How do displays of anger and temper affect the witness of a Christian?
8.    What attitudes and habits can inhibit our growth as disciples of Christ?
9.    What makes it hard for us to practice what we know to be good?
10.  How does our speech reflect our relationship with God?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (9/2/12)

Announcements
1.    We are responsible with the Methodist church for 5th Quarter Friday night. We need a few people to volunteer to chaperone at the Methodist gym from after the game until midnight. Please let me know if you are willing to help.
2.    Men's Breakfast will be Saturday at 8:00am.
3.    On Sunday September 2nd Jim and Laurie will begin an eleven week sermon series preaching through the book of James. If you are interested in looking ahead the division is as follows: James 1:1-18, 1:19-27, 2:1-13, 2:14-26, 3:1-12, 3:13-18, 4:1-12, 4:13-17, 5:1-6, 5:7-12, 5:13-20.

Scripture
James 1:1-18 (ESV) 

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. [2] Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, [3] for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. [4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. [6] But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  [7] For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; [8] he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. [9] Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, [10] and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. [11] For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. [12] Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. [13] Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. [14] But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. [15] Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. [18] Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creation.

Questions for Reflection
1.    How would you respond to someone who tells you that good can come from the trials which you are experiencing?
2.    What attitude did James tell people to exhibit when they are facing trials? (1:2)
3.    What is produced when our faith is tested? (1:3-4)
4.    What is God’s response when we ask for wisdom? (1:5)
5.    What effect does doubt have on a person when he or she prays? (1:6-8)
6.    What trials and difficulties have you experienced during your life?
7.    Why does God allow people to go through trials and difficulties?
8.    What good has ever come out of a difficult situation in your life?
9.    How does a person’s relationship with God change as he or she goes through trials and problems?
10.  When do you find it hardest to pray?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/26/12)

Scripture: Please read Genesis 2:4-3:24, Laurie will be preaching focusing on chapter 3:1-15 and then part of Cain and Abel's story from chapter 4. Her sermon title is “Making Excuses”.

 

Questions for Reflection

1.    What makes forbidden things so tempting?
2.    Why did the serpent say that God did not want the woman to eat the forbidden fruit? (3:4-5)
3.    What happened when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit? (3:6-7)
4.    What did Adam and Eve do when they heard God? Why? (3:8-10)
5.    How did Adam and Eve respond when God asked them why they disobeyed? (3:11-13)
6.    What’s the problem with having “knowledge of good and evil”?
7.    Why are we attracted to do what God has forbidden?
8.    How does this original sin affect us on a daily basis?
9.    What do these verses tell us about temptation and how to resist it?
10.  What does the fact that Adam and Eve felt no shame before their sin and that they felt shame after their sin tell us about the effects of sin?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/19/12)

Scripture
Ephes. 5:1-33 (ESV) 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  [2] And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

[3] But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.  [4] Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.  [5] For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  [7] Therefore do not associate with them;  [8] for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 

[9] (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),  [10] and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.  [11] Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.  [12] For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.  [13] But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,  [14] for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

"Awake, O sleeper,
     and arise from the dead,
     and Christ will shine on you."

[15] Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  [16] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  [18] And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,  [19] addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart,  [20] giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,  [21] submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Questions for Reflection
1.    How are Christians to imitate God? (5:1-2)
2.    How does life in darkness contrast with life in the light? (5:9-20)
3.    How should Spirit-controlled believers relate to one another? (5:21)
4.    Since becoming a Christian, what old habits have you discarded?
5.    What fruit of the light do you see in your life?
6.    In what way should you be submissive to other Christians?
7.    How can you relate to others today in new, joyful ways?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/12/12)

Scripture
Matthew 18:15-20 (ESV) 

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. [16] But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [18] Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. [19] Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. [20] For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

Questions for Reflection
1.    What are some typical approaches people adopt in conflicts or disagreements?
2.    What societal forces work to divide families, friendships, and churches?
3.    What positive consequences can result from resolving conflict? (18:15)
4.    What should we do if a person will not listen to correction and does not want to work things out? (18:16)
5.    Why is it best to resolve conflicts in private?
6.    What attitudes can eliminate or help reduce friction in disagreements?
7.    How can a third party help resolve a conflict?
8.    When should we air our grievances in public?
9.    How can gossip cause our conflicts to escalate?
10.  How can your church play a role in difficult or very serious quarrels?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (7/22/12)

Don't forget that tonight we are having a hotdog cookout that you and your family are invited to. We will begin our program at 6:00 and eat around 6:30. If you would like to bring something please bring a salad or dessert to share.

Scripture
Romans 4:13-25 (ESV) 

For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. [14] For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. [15] For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. [16] That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, [17] as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations"—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. [18] In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, "So shall your offspring be." [19] He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead ( since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. [20] No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, [21] fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. [22] That is why his faith was "counted to him as righteousness." [23] But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone, [24] but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, [25] who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Questions for Reflection
1.    How much faith do you put in the promises people make to you?
2.    On what basis did Abraham receive the promise of inheriting the world? (4:13)
3.    Why would God’s promise be worthless if a person had to keep the Law perfectly to receive it? (4:14-15)
4.    What does the Law bring to those who live by it? (4:15)
5.    What was God’s promise to Abraham? (4:18)
6.    What is true faith?
7.    Why is it impossible to be saved by following God’s laws?
8.    What is fair or unfair about the fact that all people, including very wicked people, can inherit God’s promises by putting their faith in God?
9.    In what ways do people act as if they must earn God’s love?
10. What must a person do to have his or her sins completely forgiven?