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Christ the Rock Community Church, Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study

This week’s reading January 27 to February 2[1. If you are participating in the Saturday morning class, “The One Year Bible Challenge,” you should read the daily materials as set out in “The One Year Bible.” The verses listed on this page will include a couple of extra days each week.]
Exodus 8:1-21:21
Matthew 19:13-23:39
Psalm 24:1-28:9
Proverbs 6:1-7:5

Next Week’s Reading February 3-9
Exodus 21:22-33:23
Matthew 24:1-27:14
Psalm 29:1-33:11
Proverbs 7:6-8:36]

Discussion Questions:

Old Testament

• Was the death of the firstborn the worst of the ten plagues? Exodus 12:29-33. If so, why? If not, which plague was the worst. Why did God save the death of the firstborn until last? Or do you think God had additional plagues in mind if Pharoah had not finally relented?
• In Exodus 14:21 (WEBME) says, “the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.” Did it really take all night for the seas to part? If so, why does popular culture often portray the event as only taking a few seconds or minutes?
• Why did the manna which God provided to his people only last for one day at a time (excpet is lasted an extra day on the sabbath)? Exodus 16:14-23. Do God’s rules for the handling of manna have any application or meaning for modern Christians?

New Testament

What did Jesus mean when he said that “the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these [children]?” Matthew 19:16.

• • Was the mother of James and John out of line when she asked Jesus that her sons be able to sit at his right and left side in His kingdom? Matthew 20:20-22.
  • In Jesus’ parable, a wedding guest was thrown out of the wedding feast for not wearing appropriate wedding clothing. Matthew 22:11-14. Should we take this story to emphasize the importance of wearing our best clothing when we come to church? If not, what is the point of the parable..

FOOTNOTE:

Christ the Rock Community Church, Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study

This week’s reading November 18-24[1. If you are participating in the Saturday morning class, “The One Year Bible Challenge,” you should read the daily materials as set out in “The One Year Bible.” The verses listed on this page will include a couple of extra days each week.]
Ezekiel 39:1 to Daniel 2:23
James 2:18 to 1 Peter 4:6
Psalm 118:1 to 119:80
Proverbs 28:2 to Proverbs 28:14

Next Week’s Reading November 25 to December 1
Daniel 2:24 to Daniel 11:1
1 Peter 4:7 to 1 John 3:6
Psalm 119:81 to 121:8
Proverbs 28:15- to 28:28

Discussion Questions:

Old Testament

• Psalm 118:8-9 says it is better to take refuge in the Lord than in men or princes. Most Christians would probably say they understand and agree with this verse. But why do our actions sometimes indicate otherwise–that is, we place our trust in other people before we bother consulting God?
• In Ezekiel 47:1-12 the prophet explains his vision of the stream flowing out from under the “Temple” (some translations say “house”). Does this vision sound familiar? What does it mean?[2. Barnes Commentary suggests the river refers to the different states of the Christian Church; The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell talks about our walk as Christians being a process; Clarke’s Commentary says it may refer to our gradual discovery of God’s plan of salvation; and the Easy English Commentary says since every living thing needs water to live, perhaps this growing source of water is a sign of God’s kindness.] Compare to Rev. 22.1 (River of Life); John 4:10 (living water).
• Why did the Babylonians give new names to Daniel and the other three sons of Judah? Daniel 1:7.

New Testament

• Is it possible to have faith in God, and not do any good works? James 2:14-26.
• Is it a better strategy to avoid the devil or to resist him? James 4:7. See also, Proverbs 4:14-15 and 1 Corinthians 10:14.
• Some say James 5:12 prohibits the practice of habitually swearing oaths in ordinary conversations. This view holds that an oath required to be taken in a court proceeding is not prohibited. Does this interpretation seem reasonable to you?

FOOTNOTE: