Pastor Ralph

Q2. (1 Kings 17:2-6) What does God feeding Elijah by ravens tell us about God? What does eating food sent by ravens tell us about Elijah? What do we learn about God’s provision for us when we obey him?

Q1. (1 Kings 17:1) What kind of courage does it take for Elijah to go before King Ahab with a message of drought? What dangers does this bring to Elijah? Why is “speaking truth to power” so difficult when the power structures are corrupt?

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson.

Q28. (Philippians 2:5-11) Why did Jesus need to humble himself to become a human being? What do you think it meant for him to do this considering that he was divine? When he “emptied himself,” what all do you think that included? What can you learn from Christ’s voluntary humbling of himself?

Q27. (Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 53:4-6) In what sense has Jesus saved his people from their sins? What does Isaiah 53:6 teach us about how Jesus saved us from our sins? In what way is Jesus like a sacrifice for sins?

Q26. (Luke 2:39-52) Why do you think Luke feels it is important to tell a story from Jesus’ boyhood. What do we learn about Jesus from this? Why is taking time to grow and prepare so important? Why are we tempted to short-circuit it by our impatience?

Q25. (Daniel 7:13-14) What does the Ancient of Days grant to the Son of Man? Why do you think Jesus used the title of “Son of Man,” even though most didn’t understand its importance? What does Jesus’ authority mean to you and to your life?

Q24. (Matthew 2:13-23) What can we learn from Joseph’s action? How much do we have to know about the outcome before we say ‘yes’ to God? How can a good God allow infants to be slaughtered in Bethlehem? Do you believe God honors them as martyrs for the Messiah?

Q23. (Matthew 2:7-12) Does gift-giving on this occasion involve love or mere custom? How were the Magi’s gifts fitting for the Christ Child? What gifts can you offer Jesus that mean something? What gifts demonstrate your love?

Christmas Day. (John 1:1-14) According to John 1:1-2, when did Jesus first appear on the scene? How divine is he? What is the theological term describing Jesus becoming a human being? (verse 14). In what way does he bring us grace and favor from God? In what way does he demand that we acknowledge his truth?

Q22. (Matthew 2:1-6) In what ways is the kingship of Jesus a threat to our self-determination? What are our choices in light of his Kingdom?

Q21. (Luke 2:36-38) Why is it hard for us to value the time we spend in meditation and prayer? Which of the times of our day do you think the Lord values most? How does listening to the Lord propel Anna’s ministry?

Q20. (Luke 2:25-35) Why does God send Simeon to the temple on this day? Why do you think this incident is recorded in Luke’s Gospel? How was Simeon’s prophecy over the Child fulfilled?

Q19. (Malachi 3:1-4). Why is the suddenness of Christ’s coming to fearful? How were these verses fulfilled in Jesus’ day. How will they be fulfilled at his Second Coming?

Q18. (Colossians 1:15-20) Which of Christ’s qualities of preeminence and greatness is especially meaningful to you? What does it mean for Jesus to humble himself (Philippians 2:7-8). Why is the incarnation such a miracle?

Q17. (Luke 2:15-20) According to verses 17, 18, and 20, what was the shepherds’ response to finding Christ? What was Mary’s reaction to the shepherds’ story?

Q16. (Luke 2:8-14) Why do you think the angels shocked the shepherds with their radiant glory? Why not something more low-key? What is the content of the good news? What allows the shepherds to authenticate this news?

Q15. (Luke 2:1-7) Why is it important for us to know who governed the area at the time of Jesus’ birth? What difficulties did Mary and Joseph face? What do you think God allowed such difficulties? Why does he allow difficulties in our lives?

Q14. (Galatians 4:4-5) Why do you think God sent Jesus into this world when he did? What does it mean that he “redeemed” you? What does it mean that he “adopted” you? What is your inheritance?

Q13. (Isaiah 11:6-10) Where is love most at home – in times of strife or in times of peace? What does our passage say about the emptiness of winning as our ultimate value? How can you bring peace from Jesus to your world? Who will it bless?

Q12. (Isaiah 11:3-5) Why do you think God has a special place in his heart for the poor and disadvantaged? Who are the unloved, overlooked, and looked-down-upon in your city? What are you doing to demonstrate Messiah’s love and justice to them?

Q11. (Isaiah 11:1-3). Why do we resist letting the Messiah govern our own lives? Why don’t we seek his counsel more often? Why is surrender to his wise leadership so difficult for us? What can we do about this hardness we find in ourselves?

Q10. (Psalm 110) According to verse 1, what is Jesus doing at present? What will he ultimately succeed in doing? What is the primary role of a priest? How does Jesus function as a priest who brings us to God? (verse 4).

Q9. (Psalm 2) Why does Jesus provoke such negative reactions from some people? Why do people tend to resist any kind of authority? What should we do when we detect resistance in our own hearts? What does it mean to “kiss the Son” (Psalm 2:12)?

Q8. (Matthew 1:18-25) What do these verses tell us about Joseph’s character? His faith? When he takes Mary home to be his wife, how does this affect his reputation in Nazareth as an upright Jew?