STUDY GUIDES
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105 NIV).
Week Twenty Study Guide Winter 2022
1) Read Matthew 21-25. What themes are continued throughout Matthew within these chapters? Do you see any new themes or patterns developed within these chapters?
2) Chapter 21 is usually titled "Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem" in most English Bibles. Is there anything surprising to you regarding Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? Why were the people celebrating Jesus and who did they think he was? How long would the people's excitement over Jesus last?
3) Why do you believe so many of the religious elite and leaders of Jesus' day hated him? Does the way Jesus respond to his opponents surprise you given the strong emphasis of humility all throughout the gospel of Matthew? Why or why not?
4) According to Jesus why is it so important to remain faithful and watchful? What are some of the reasons given within the parables that cause people to stumble and fall asleep? What kind of things today often cause people to fall asleep and stumble?
5) Read Matthew 26-28. What are the last three chapters of the gospel of Matthew focused around? Why is this theologically significant?
6) Why did the Jewish elite have Jesus arrested? What was it that Jesus said in their presence that warranted a death sentence in their minds? Why did the Jewish elite have Jesus taken to Pilate? Why did Pilate not want to execute Jesus? Why did Pilate end up having Jesus flogged and crucified? Was it the Pharisees pushing for the execution of Jesus or someone else? Why do you think this might be significant?
7) What do you believe to be the significance of the curtain being torn in two within the temple? (Mt 27:51) According to Matthew, who were the only people to stick around to be with Jesus while he died? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?
8) Who are we surprised not to see at the tomb of Jesus three days after He was crucified? Who do we see there instead? What do you make of this? Who will be the first people to see the Risen Christ? Do you think this would have surprised people a couple thousand years ago? Why or why not?
9) At the very end of Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples to make more disciples and to teach the new disciples to obey everything He has taught them. What kind of things do you believe the disciples were being called to teach new believers? Try to list at least seven different things.
Suggested Study Materials
1) Matthew 1-13 by Donald A. Hagner (scholarly)
2) Matthew: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament by David L. Turner (scholarly)
3) Matthew For Everyone: Part 1 by N.T. Wright (easy read)
4) Amelia Earhart by Doris L. Rich
5) East to the Dawn: The Life of Amelia Earhart by Susan Butler
6) Who Was Amelia Earhart? by Kate Boehm Jerome (children's book)
Week Nineteen Study Guide Winter 2022
1) Read Genesis 41-44. What themes continue throughout these chapters seen earlier within Genesis?
2) Does it surprise you that none of Pharaoh's own people could interpret his dreams? Why or why not?
3) Why did the Pharaoh say he wanted Joseph to be in charge of Egypt's food supply? Who was the careful administration of Egypt's food supply by Joseph going to help?
4) Why do you think Joseph treated his brothers the way that he did? Do you think he was just being mean to get revenge or do you think he was up to something else? Explain your answer.
5) How would you characterize the Judah we see at the end of chapter 44, compared to the person we saw in chapter 37?
6) Read Genesis 45-50. What significant figures have now died at this point?
7) Read the blessings given by Jacob closely in chapter 49. Who received the best blessing? Is this surprising to you? Why or why not?
8) What was Joseph's last request before he died? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?
9) Why are the last few chapters of Genesis so important in helping to explain the situation we find at the beginning of Exodus?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Genesis 16-50 by Gordon J. Wenham (scholarly)
2) Genesis (Part 1) by John Goldingay (easy read)
3) The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1-17) by Victor P. Hamilton (scholarly)
4) Have Salt in Yourselves: A Book of Quaker Psalms by George Fox and T.H.S. Wallace
5) The Journal of George Fox by George Fox & Norman Penney
6) The Story of George Fox: Founder of The Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers by Rufus M. Jones and Affinity Imprints
Week Eighteen Study Guide Winter 2022
1) Read Micah 6-7 and outline it. What pattern continues that we have seen throughout Micah?
2) The book of Micah begins with a prophetic word of judgement. How does the book end? Do you believe this to be theologically significant? If so, why?
3) What kind of theses does God accuse His people of doing? How does God say He wants His people to behave in Micah 6?
4) How is Israel going to be saved in the end? What do you think this says about the Covenant?
5) Read Genesis 37-40. Do you think Joseph sounds likeable? Why did his brothers hate him?
6) How did the sons of Jacob trick him? Where do you think they learned their trickiness from? Did Jacob ever trick his own father? If so, when, how, and why?
7) Although Joseph was a slave he did very well in Egypt. Why does the Bible say that Joseph did so well? Why did people keep putting Joseph in charge?
8) Do you remember your dreams? The brothers of Joseph called him "that dreamer" back in Genesis 37 before they sold him into slavery. What else could Joseph do with dreams? How could he do this? How did this gift bless other people?
Suggested Study Materials
1) A Commentary on Micah by Bruce K. Waltke (scholarly)
2) Hosea-Micah: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Prophetic Books by John Goldingay (scholarly)
3) Genesis 16-50 by Gordon J. Wenham (scholarly)
4) Genesis (Part 1) by John Goldingay (easy read)
5) The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1-17) by Victor P. Hamilton (scholarly)
6) Practical Theology: Spiritual Direction from St. Thomas Aquinas by Peter Kreeft
7) The Ecstasy of Love in the Thought of Thomas Aquinas by Peter Kwasniewski
8) Thomas Aquinas: Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) by Thomas Aquinas & Ralph McInerny
Week Seventeen Study Guide Winter 2022
1) Read Micah 1-2 and outline it. How would you describe the tone of these two chapters? How does the tone change in Micah 2:12-13? Do you think this is significant and why?
2) Who is coming out of the temple at the beginning of chapter 1 and why is He leaving the temple?
3) What are some of the sins named throughout chapters 1-2 which Samaria and Jerusalem are committing?
4) God is described as Judge at the beginning of chapter 1. How is He described at the end of chapter 2? Why do you think He is described this way and does this remind you of someone else within the New Testament?
5) Read Micah 3-5 and outline it. Who is chapter 3 addressed to within the Israel faith community? What kind of terrible things are they doing?
6) How does Micah say he differs from the other prophets?
7) The prophet Micah reveals the Lord's vision for His people in Micah 4:1-5. How would you describe what God desires for His people? What are the implications of this vision for the rest of the world?
8) Who does Micah 5:2-5 make you think of within the Bible? What kind of ruler would He be?
9) How many messages of hope can you find within Micah 3-5? Why do you think this is important given the context of the prophetic message Micah was delivering to the people?
Suggested Study Materials
1) A Commentary on Micah by Bruce K. Waltke (scholarly)
2) Hosea-Micah: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Prophetic Books by John Goldingay (scholarly)
3) Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School by Carl Japikse
4) The real Benjamin Franklin: the truth behind the legend by Jessica Gunderson
5) Who Was Ben Franklin? by Dennis Brindell Fradin (children's book)
Week Sixteen Study Guide Winter 2022
1) Read 1 John 1-2 and outline it. Does the first verse sound familiar to other books of the Bible? Why might this be significant in trying to figure out the authorship of the book?
2) The book of 1 John is considered an epistle. What would you expect at the beginning of the book that is missing within the letter?
3) Most people believe that the author of 1 John is the same person who wrote the gospel of John. Flip back to the gospel of John and read verses 17:3 and 17:20-23. From reading 1 John 1-2, and the verses from the gospel of John, how would you describe Christian fellowship and who all is included within this fellowship? Is anyone excluded from Christian fellowship? Is this surprising to you? Why or why not?
4) According to 1 John 1-2, what are the marks of someone who belongs to the fellowship of God?
5) Turn back to the gospel of John and read John 3:16. How do we reconcile this verse with 1 John 2:15? Remember to allow context to be your guide.
6) Read 1 John 3-5 and outline it. What would you expect at the end of this epistle that is missing? What do you make of the missing elements both at the beginning of this letter and at the end?
7) How would you define love? According to John, how should we love one another?
8) According to John, how do we know when a spirit is from God or not? Why do you think it was so important to John throughout this letter to emphasize that Jesus was fully human?
9) According to John, who is love? Where do Christians receive their love? What are Christians supposed to do with their love?
10) According to 1 John 4, who are liars? What is John's reasoning for saying this?
11) What does John have to say about prayer near the end of the letter? How does this compare to what Paul and James said about prayer in their letters?
12) According to John, who has eternal life?
Suggested Study Materials
1) The Letters of John by Colin G. Kruse (scholarly)
2) The Letters of John by John R.W. Stott (scholarly)
3) Bonhoeffer Abridged: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
4) Letters and papers from prison by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
5) Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
6) The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Week Fifteen Study Guide Winter 2022
1) Read Genesis 27-31. How would you characterize Rebekah's side of the family? Do you see any similarities compared to Isaac's side of the family?
2) In chapter 27, Isaac blesses Jacob. How many of the ten commandments did Jacob have to break in order to obtain his blessing? Which ones did he break?
3) Do you feel bad for Esau at the end of chapter 28? Why or why not? What did Esau do as a last measure to try to win back his father's approval?
4) Why was Jacob sent away from his parents? Who would he meet that was even trickier than he was? How was he tricked and what resulted from the trickery?
5) Why did Laban want Jacob to continue to stay with him at the end of chapter 30? Why were Laban and his sons upset with Jacob in the very next chapter? Why did Jacob flee without telling Laban? Why did Laban want to cut a covenant with Jacob at the end of chapter 31?
6) Read Genesis 32-36. Why was Jacob so scared to face Esau again? What did Jacob do when he learned that Esau was approaching him with four hundred men?
7) Why do you think God sent a wrestler to deliver a message to Jacob? Who do you think won this battle?
8) How would you characterize Esau throughout Genesis 32-36? Who do you think has changed more throughout Genesis-Esau or Jacob and why?
9) Why do you think God reminded Jacob in chapter 35 that his name had been changed to Israel? Do you think this is theologically significant?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Genesis 16-50 by Gordon J. Wenham (scholarly)
2) Genesis (Part 1) by John Goldingay (easy read)
3) The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1-17) by Victor P. Hamilton (scholarly)
4) Fall of the Roman Republic by Plutarch
5) How to be a leader: an ancient guide to wise leadership by Plutarch
6) Plutarch's lives: exploring virtue and vice by Tim Duff
Week Fourteen Study Guide Winter 2022
1) Read and outline Matthew 17-20. What themes do you see being emphasized throughout these few chapters?
2) What theological point do you think is being made in Matthew 17:5-8? How do you think the disciples may have viewed the situation before Moses and Elijah disappeared?
3) Who did Jesus say is the greatest within the Kingdom of God? Is this surprising to you? Why or why not? What do you think Jesus meant by this?
4) Do you find it difficult to forgive people? How many times does Jesus say we should forgive people? According to the parable in Matthew 18:23-35 why should we always be ready to forgive other people?
5) Multiple times throughout Matthew 17-20 Jesus stated his mission to his disciples. What was His mission? How did Jesus' mission differ from what his disciples were focused on in Matthew 20:20-28?
6) Read Genesis 24-26. There is a major transition that has occurred within the Genesis story. Who is now going to carry on the mission of God? What is your first impression of the new major characters within the Genesis story?
7) Do you like chili? Esau was willing to give up his birthright for a bowl of chili. What do you think this says about Esau and why do you think Jacob wanted his birthright?
8) Does chapter 26 sound familiar? Where in Genesis have you read similar stories? What do you make of this?
9) Chapter 26 ends with Esau at forty years of age marrying two Hittite women. What picture is being painted of Esau so far and compare/contrast his characterization with his brother Jacob.
Suggested Study Materials
1) Matthew 1-13 by Donald A. Hagner (scholarly)
2) Matthew: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament by David L. Turner (scholarly)
3) Matthew For Everyone: Part 1 by N.T. Wright (easy read)
4) Genesis 16-50 by Gordon J. Wenham (scholarly)
5) Genesis (Part 1) by John Goldingay (easy read)
6) The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1-17) by Victor P. Hamilton (scholarly)
7) Big Ideas for Little Philosophers: Truth with Socrates by Duane Armitage & Maureen McQuerry and illustrated by Robin Rosenthal (children's book)
8) Conversations of Socrates by Xenophon
9) Four Texts on Socrates by Plato & Aristophanes
Week Thirteen Study Guide Winter 2022
1) Read Matthew 8-11. How did Jesus follow the greatest sermon that had ever been preached from Matthew 5-7? What do you think this says about the ministry of Jesus? Do you believe the model that Jesus sets forth from Matthew has implications for the way we do ministry today?
2) How many miracles did Jesus perform throughout Matthew 8-11? What were they and how do you think they relate with the message Jesus has been preaching throughout Matthew?
3) What kind of picture is being painted of discipleship throughout Matthew 8-11? Does this challenge any of your pictures on what it means to follow Jesus?
4) The very end of Matthew 11:28-30 speaks about how being a disciple of Jesus will lead to great things such as rest for one's soul. What other things in life can you think of that are difficult but lead to great things when faithfully pursued?
5) Read Matthew 12-16. Do you think Jesus observed the Sabbath? Why or why not? What kind of things was He doing on the Sabbath to make people question His religious practices?
6) Where did Jesus receive His power? Where did the religious leaders say Jesus received His power? How did Jesus defend Himself against these accusations?
7) How would you define a parable? Who do you think usually spoke in parables during Jesus' day? What prophecy did Jesus quote to explain why He speaks in parables?
8) Who and what story comes to mind from the Bible when Jesus feeds the five thousand? How does this story support the picture which Matthew has painted of Jesus so far?
9) According to Jesus, in Matthew 15, what makes a person "unclean"? Why was this such a radical statement for Jesus to make in His day?
10) Who were people saying Jesus was throughout the gospel of Matthew? Who did Peter say Jesus was? Why do you think there was such confusion regarding Jesus' identity?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Matthew 1-13 by Donald A. Hagner (scholarly)
2) Matthew: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament by David L. Turner (scholarly)
3) Matthew For Everyone: Part 1 by N.T. Wright (easy read)
4) Heart of Joy: The Transforming Power of Self-Giving by Mother Teresa
5) Mother Teresa: A photographic story of a life by Maya Gold
6) Mother Teresa: No Greater Love by Mother Teresa
7) Who Was Mother Teresa? by Jim Gigliotti & illustrated by David Groff (children's book)
Week Twelve Study Guide Winter 2022
1) Read Psalms 1-4. Within Psalm 1 what things characterize the "Happy" or the "Blessed" person? What do they delight in and how often do they experience this delight?
2) There are many different kinds of Psalms throughout the 150 Psalms. Some of the different Psalms include Psalms of Creation, Royal Psalms, Psalms of Lament, Wisdom Psalms, and Thanksgiving Psalms. How would you best describe Psalms 1-4 from the list given?
3) What are some of the things that David cries out to God about in Psalms 3-4? What do you think most people do with their fears, struggles, and pain if they do not pray and cry out to God?
4) Good sleep is something that many people lack today. Despite all of the problems David is experiencing in his life how is it that he is able to sleep in peace?
5) Read Psalms 5-10. How would you best describe Psalms 5-10 from the list given back in question #2?
6) What are some different things you see the Psalmist pray about throughout Psalms 5-10 compared to Psalms 1-4? What kind of picture is being painted regarding the things that we can bring before God?
7) Psalm 8 resembles the same three-part structure as other praise songs throughout Psalms. Can you identify the three-part structure of the Psalm?
8) The Psalmist exclaims "Break the arm of the wicked and evildoers..." in Psalm 10:15. What do you think about this? Compare this statement with what Jesus said on the Sermon of the Mount in Matthew 5:43-48. How should we understand these statements side by side considering they are both Holy Scripture?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Psalms by Walter Brueggemann & William H. Bellinger, Jr.
2) Psalms 1-41 by John Goldingay
3) The Book of Psalms by Nancy Declaisse-Walford, Rolf A. Jacobson, & Beth Laneel Tanner
4) The Biblical sources listed at bottom of page were utilized to study John the Baptist
Week Eleven Study Guide Winter 2022
1) Study Genesis 18-20. How many different situations did God address within these three chapters? What were the situations and how did God intervene?
2) Why did Sarah LOL? Why do you think the Lord called her out on laughing? Have you ever laughed at an idea that seemed too good to be true?
3) Americans often focus on the fact that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. The ancients would have been fixated on something else in the story-God's justice and mercy. How did God show Himself to be just and merciful in the story?
4) Does Genesis 20 sound like another story we have already read in Genesis? What is the story and why do you think Abraham continues to act in the same manner? How do you think God is characterized within the story? Compare and contrast the characters of Abraham and Abimelech within the story.
5) Why did Abraham send his son Ishmael away? Who was going to take care of Hagar and Ishmael now?
6) Why did Abimelech approach Abraham in Genesis 21 to "cut" a covenant with him? What did he ask of Abraham and why would he ask such a thing?
7) Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac? Why do you think that Abraham did not protest?
8) It appears from the text that Isaac would have been around 37 years of age when God asked Abraham to sacrifice him. Does this change your picture of the story in anyway?
9) There seems to be a pattern that continues within Genesis 23 of how Abraham and Sarah are treated while residing in foreign lands. What is this pattern and why do you think this is theologically important?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Genesis 16-50 by Gordon J. Wenham (scholarly)
2) Genesis (Part 1) by John Goldingay (easy read)
3) The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1-17) by Victor P. Hamilton (scholarly)
4) Churchill by J. Rufus Fears
5) Churchill's shadow: the life and afterlife of Winston Churchill by Geoffrey Wheatcroft
6) Churchill's trial: Winston Churchill and the salvation of free government by Larry P. Arnn
7) Winston Churchill by John Keegan
Week Ten Study Guide Fall 2021
1) Read and outline James 4-5. What themes do we see that continue throughout these two chapters? Are there any new themes presented in these two chapters?
2) James gives us another reason why prayers are sometimes not answered. What is the reason and why do you think that God does not answer these kinds of prayers?
3) The tone of James towards the rich is very harsh all throughout the letter. Why do you think this might be the case after reading the letter as a whole?
4) It appears from the letter that Christians have been dealing with conflict by resorting to ungodly speech and even violence at times. How does James counsel the Christians to deal with their problems throughout chapters 4-5?
5) Why do you think James says you cannot be friends with both God and the world?
6) Do you find it difficult to be patient? Why do you think this is the case? Do you find it difficult to make time in your life to pray? Why do you think this is the case? Given the context of the letter, why do you think these are two of the things that James emphasizes as he concludes the letter?
7) Read Genesis chapters 12-17. How many different times did God communicate with Abram within these six chapters? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?
8) How many commandments does God give Abram within the first three verses of chapter twelve versus promises of blessings? Do you think this is theologically significant? Why or why not? Reflect back to the Orchard of Eden (Genesis 2-3) as you ponder the question.
9) In chapter 16, we are introduced to the Egyptian slave Hagar. Compare and contrast the treatment that Hagar received from Abram and Sarai compared to God. Do you think this is theologically significant? Why or why not?
10) How many covenants does God make with Abram within chapters 12-17? What are the covenants made and how do they vary?
11) Abraham has long been known throughout history as a great man of faith. How many instances can you find throughout chapters 12-17 where he demonstrated faith? Are there any instances throughout these chapters where he appeared to doubt God? What do you think this teaches us?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Genesis 16-50 by Gordon J. Wenham (scholarly)
2) Genesis (Part 1) by John Goldingay (easy read)
3) The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1-17) by Victor P. Hamilton (scholarly)
4) Sit, walk, stand: the process of Christian maturity by Watchman Nee
5) The normal Christian life by Watchman Nee
6) The unforgettable story of Watchman Nee: Against the tide by Angus Kinnear
7) Understanding Watchman Nee: the newest book on Watchman Nee by Dana Roberts
Week Nine Study Guide Fall 2021
1) Read and outline James 1. What are some of the main themes discussed within this chapter?
2) Read the introductions of some other letters within the New Testament. How does the beginning of James differ from them?
3) According to James, why should we rejoice in our time of trial or testing? Compare and contrast this to what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5:11-12.
4) For James, what is the mark of a worthless religion? What is the mark of a true religion according to James? What do you think about this?
5) Read and outline James 2-3. Do you see any themes being repeated from chapter 1?
6) Who was it that James said that some Christians were favoring? Why do you think this was the case?
7) If you had to choose a verse from James so far that would capture the essence of his teachings which one would you choose and why?
8) Who did James surprisingly mention that believes in God? What was James point in saying this?
9) According to James, what is the one thing that the human species has not been able to tame? Why do you think this is the case? What wisdom has James given so far to help tame this potentially destructive force?
Suggested Study Materials
1) The Early Christian Letters for Everyone: James, Peter, John, and Judah by N.T. Wright (easy read)
2) The Letter of James by Douglas J. Moo (readable)
3) The Letter of James by Scot McKnight (scholarly)
4) At Work with Thomas Edison: 10 Business Lessons from America's Greatest Innovator by Blaine McCormick
5) Thomas Edison by Tracy J. Garcia (children's book)
6) Thomas Edison and His Bright Idea by Patricia Brennan Demuth (children's book)
7) When Thomas Edison Fed Someone Worms by Mark Weakland (children's book)
Week Eight Study Guide Fall 2021
1) Read and outline Ruth chapters 2-3. How would you say Naomi's personality has changed since the end of Ruth chapter 1?
2) How would you characterize Boaz? In what ways does he protect and help Ruth?
3) Why do you think Boaz goes out of his way to help Ruth and to show her hospitality?
4) It is important to remember that Genesis 19:30-38 and Numbers 25:1-3 would have contributed to stereotypes regarding Moabite women. How did Ruth transcend above these stereotypes throughout chapter 3?
5) At the beginning of chapter 4 we meet "the next-of-kin." Compare and contrast "the next of kin" with Boaz.
6) We learn for the first time in chapter 4 that Naomi has a parcel of land to sell. The meeting seems to be more about redeeming a piece of land than Ruth. What should we make of this situation?
7) What kind of things do the village people have to say about Ruth by the end of chapter 4?
8) Boaz and Ruth had a son at the end of the book. Who named the boy? Why is this significant? Who was taking care of the baby at the end of the story? Why is this significant?
9) The next book that follows Ruth is 1 Samuel. How does the ending of Ruth make for a great transition to
1 Samuel?
10) Jesus would eventually come from the line of Boaz as we can see from the gospel of Matthew 1:1-16. What character traits do you think defined Boaz and Ruth that we also see in Jesus of Nazareth many years later?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Ruth: Apollos Old Testament Commentary by L. Daniel Hawk (scholarly)
2) Ruth/Esther by Frederic W. Bush (scholarly)
3) Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader by Sarah Albee (children's book)
4) Martin Luther King Jr.: Civil Rights Leader by Andrew Santella (easy read)
5) Martin Luther King Jr.: Walking in the Light by Jon M. Fishman (easy read)
6) The Measure of a Man by Martin Luther King Jr.
7) Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? by Martin Luther King Jr.
Week Seven Study Guide Fall 2021
1) Read through Proverbs 4-7. What words do you see repeated throughout these chapters? Why do you think these words are significant?
2) What warnings are given by the father throughout chapters 4-7? What are some of the consequences of not obeying the instructions of the father?
3) In what way is an ant wise according to Proverbs?
4) According to Proverbs what are the things that the Lord hates the most? Do any of these surprise you? Why or why not?
5) Read Ruth 1 and perform a detailed outline of the first chapter. Can you answer the Who, What, Where, When, and Why questions from your outline?
6) What is unique about the title Ruth compared to every other book in the Bible? Do you think this is theologically significant? Why or why not?
7) How many people die within chapter 1? Do you notice any pattern regarding the people who died?
8) What did Ruth give up in order to go with Naomi? Why do you think she went with Naomi despite being told by Naomi to go back home?
9) Why did Naomi say that the Lord had made her life very unpleasant?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon edited by: J. Robert Wright
2) The book of Proverbs by Bruce K. Waltke
3) The wisdom books: Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes: a translation with commentary by Robert Alter
4) Ruth: Apollos Old Testament Commentary by L. Daniel Hawk (scholarly)
5) Ruth/Esther by Frederic W. Bush (scholarly)
6) George Washington by Caroline Crosson Gilpin (children's book)
7) George Washington by Cheryl Harness (children's book)
8) George Washington: America's Leader in War and Peace by Tim McNeese (easy read)
9) George Washington: The Crossing by Jack E. Levin (short read)
10) George Washington: The Political Rise of America's Founding Father by David O. Stewart
11) Washington: Our 1st President by Ann Graham Gaines (easy read)
Week Six Study Guide Fall 2021
1) Read and outline Matthew 6-7. Add the outline to chapter 5 to complete the outline of the Sermon on the Mount. What kind of transition occurs in the content from chapter 5 to chapter 6?
2) What are the three acts of righteous behavior, in Matthew 6, that Jesus points out people were using in His day to gain recognition for themselves.
3) According to Matthew 6-7, is it okay to seek a reward for the good things you do in this lifetime?
4) Compare the first half of the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 to the second half of the prayer. What is the main difference between the two parts?
5) According to Matthew 7:1-5 is it ever okay to judge someone else? Explain your answer from the text.
6) In Matthew 7:24-27 what is the difference between the wise man and the foolish man?
7) Proverbs is a book full of wisdom. How would you define wisdom? Do you think being wise is the same thing as being smart? Why or why not?
8) What does Proverbs 1 say is the beginning of knowledge? What do you think this means?
9) What are some of the benefits of being wise listed throughout Proverbs 1-3?
10) According to Proverbs, who is the woman that is more precious than rubies?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Matthew 1-13 by Donald A. Hagner (scholarly)
2) Matthew: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament by David L. Turner (scholarly)
3) Matthew For Everyone: Part 1 by N.T. Wright (easy read)
4) Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon edited by: J. Robert Wright
5) The book of Proverbs by Bruce K. Waltke
6) The wisdom books: Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes: a translation with commentary by Robert Alter
7) Apocolocyntosis: the pumpkinification of Claudius by Lucius Annaeus Seneca
8) Claudius the God: and his wife Messalina by Robert Graves
9) I, Claudius: from the autobiography of Tiberius Claudius, born 10 B.C., murdered and deified A.D. 54 by Robert Graves
Week Five Study Guide Fall 2021
1) Read and outline Matthew 3-4. What words or ideas do you see repeated throughout these chapters? Why do you think this is significant?
2) What do you know about John the Baptist? Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between John and Jesus that you see within Matthew 3-4.
3) Why do you think Jesus was baptized? Why do Christians all around the world get baptized today? Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the two.
4) When Jesus was tested in Matthew 4 He quoted multiple scriptures from the Old Testament. What do these scriptures that He quoted all have in common? What do you think we can learn from the example of Jesus during His time of testing?
5) What was the devil's primary strategy in trying to get Jesus to sin? What do you think we can learn from this scenario?
6) How did Jesus start His ministry? What words do you think best describe the ministry of Jesus from the very beginning?
7) Read and outline Matthew 5. What words or ideas do you see repeated throughout this chapter? Why do you think this is significant?
8) Reread the beatitudes. Now think of the commercials you see on television. How do they compare?
9) Why do you think Jesus emphasized the need to be both "salty" and a "light?"
10) What do you think Jesus meant by that He had come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it? Why do you think this is important?
11) Compare and contrast the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) versus Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5. What do you think is the overriding difference between the two?
12) Which teaching do you find to be the most challenging from Matthew 5? Why do you think this is the case?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Matthew 1-13 by Donald A. Hagner (scholarly)
2) Matthew: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament by David L. Turner (scholarly)
3) Matthew For Everyone: Part 1 by N.T. Wright (easy read)
4) Alcibiades by Plato and edited by: Nicholas Denyer
5) Alcibiades by Walter M. Ellis
6) Alcibiades: Athenian Playboy, General and Traitor by P.J. Rhodes
7) Famous Greeks Part 2 by J. Rufus Fears
8) Nemesis: Alcibiades And The Fall Of Athens by David Stuttard
9) The Life of Alcibiades: Dangerous Ambition and the Betrayal of Athens by Jacqueline De Romilly
Week Four Study Guide Fall 2021
1) Read Genesis 9-11 and make an outline of the three chapters.
2) Chapter 8 ended in a very positive note. Noah presented an offering that was pleasing to the Lord and the Lord promised to never again destroy every living creature as He had done. What are the first actions you see from God in chapter 9? What are the first actions you see from Noah in chapter 9? How is the second Adam following in the patterns of the first Adam?
3) How was the second Adam's diet going to be different from the first Adam's diet? What do you make of this?
4) Who was the covenant between that God established in chapter 9? What was the covenant about? What does humanity have to do to uphold the covenant? What was the sign of the covenant?
5) Why do you think the genealogies listed in chapter 10 are theologically significant?
6) Why did the people in chapter 11 want to build a tower? Why do you think that people usually want to build skyscrapers today?
7) Read and outline Matthew 1-2. Why do you think that Matthew was placed first among the gospels?
8) Why do you think that Matthew placed a genealogy at the beginning of his gospel? Did any of the other writers place a genealogy at the beginning of their gospels?
9) How many times do you see God speaking to people just within the first two chapters of Matthew? Why do you think this is significant?
10) People wanted to kill Jesus even as a little baby. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences of why people wanted to kill Jesus as a baby, versus years later, when they wanted to kill him as an adult.
Suggested Study Materials
1) Genesis 1-15 by Gordon J. Wenham (scholarly)
2) Genesis (Part 1) by John Goldingay (easy read)
3) Matthew 1-13 by Donald A. Hagner (scholarly)
4) Matthew: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament by David L. Turner (scholarly)
5) Matthew For Everyone: Part 1 by N.T. Wright (easy read)
6) The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1-17) by Victor P. Hamilton (scholarly)
7) Ruth: Apollos Old Testament Commentary by L. Daniel Hawk (scholarly)
8) Ruth/Esther by Frederic W. Bush (scholarly)
Week Three Study Guide Fall 2021
1) Read Genesis 2-3 and make an outline. What are the similarities between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2? What are the main differences between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2?
2) Often when we hear people alluding to the story of Genesis 2-3 we hear terms used such as "the fall," "satan," "the devil," "paradise," and "should not have eaten the apple." After reading Genesis 2-3 closely what do you make of the descriptions often used to help explain the story?
3) How many lies can you count that took place throughout Genesis 3? Why do you think that telling the truth can be so hard sometimes?
4) What do you think we can learn from the dialogue that took place between the woman and the serpent in Genesis 3?
5) What do you think we can learn from the dialogue that took place between God and Adam/Eve in Genesis 3?
6) Why do you think Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?
7) Why do you think that God favored Abel's offering over Cain's offering in Genesis 4?
8) What do you think drove Cain to kill his brother Abel?
9) Compare and contrast the genealogies placed at the end of Genesis 4 and throughout Genesis 5. What do you make of the similarities and the differences?
10) Why did God decide in Genesis 6 that He needed to destroy the good creation He had made just a few chapters earlier?
11) Compare and contrast Adam and Noah. What were their similarities and their differences?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Genesis 1-15 by Gordon J. Wenham (scholarly)
2) Genesis (Part 1) by John Goldingay (easy read)
3) The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1-17) by Victor P. Hamilton (scholarly)
4) Tyndales's New Testament by William Tyndale
5) Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God an English Voice by David Teems
6) William Tyndale: The Work of William Tyndale edited by: G.E. Duffield
7) William Tyndale: A Biography by David Daniell
8) William Tyndale: Bible Translator and Martyr by Bruce and Becky Durost Fish
Week Two Study Guide Fall 2021
1) After studying the letter to the Philippians how would you define humility? Why do you think the character trait of humility is so important within the life of the church?
2) Read closely and outline Genesis 1. What words or phrases do you see repeated throughout Genesis 1? Do you think this is significant? Why or why not?
3) Thousands of years ago people worshipped many different things. What things within Genesis 1 do you think people may have worshipped thousands of years ago? Why do you think this is significant?
4) God spoke creation into existence. What do you think this might suggest about the power of our own words? Do you think we are co-creators with God through our own speech? Why or why not?
5) What do you think it means to be created in the image of God? How should this influence the way we live our lives?
6) What do think of when you hear the word chaos? What are some ways we deal with chaos in 21st century America? How do you think our responses to chaos differ from people who lived thousands of years ago?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Genesis 1-15 by Gordon J. Wenham (scholarly)
2) Genesis (Part 1) by John Goldingay (easy read)
3) Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters by N.T. Wright (easy read)
4) Philippians: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary by John Reumann (scholarly)
5) Philippians (revised edition) by Gerald F. Hawthorne & revised and expanded by Ralph P. Martin (scholarly)
6) The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1-17) by Victor P. Hamilton (scholarly)
7) Susanna Wesley: A Remarkable Woman and Mother by George W. Rice (short read)
8) Susanna Wesley: Mother of Methodism by Mary Greetham (short read)
9) Susanna Wesley: Servant of God by Sandy Dengler
10) Susanna Wesley: The Complete Writings edited by: Charles Wallace Jr.
11) Susanna Wesley: The Mother of John & Charles Wesley by Arnold A. Dallimore
Week One Study Guide Fall 2021
1) Read through Philippians 1-4 and Acts 16. Create your own outline of the letter.
2) What words or ideas does Paul seem to repeat throughout the letter?
3) What do you think is the main point of the letter?
4) What is your favorite section or verse from the letter? Why? Compare your answer to others that are also studying Philippians.
5) Do you believe Paul is ambitious? Why or why not?
6) In what areas do you feel encouraged by the letter to the Philippians?
7) In what areas are you personally challenged by the letter to the Philippians?
8) If you had to design a bumper sticker for the apostle Paul to describe his life what would it say? What would yours say on it?
Suggested Study Materials
1) Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters by N.T. Wright (easy read)
2) Philippians: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary by John Reumann (scholarly)
3) Philippians (revised edition) by Gerald F. Hawthorne & revised and expanded by Ralph P. Martin (scholarly)
4) Fall of the Roman Republic by Plutarch
5) Famous Romans by J. Rufus Fears
6) Julius Caesar by Philip Freeman
7) Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
8) Julius Caesar: Dictator for Life by Denise Rinaldo (children's book)
9) Julius Caesar: The Boy who Conquered an Empire by Ellen Galford (children's book)
10) Plutarch's Life of Julius Caesar by R.H. Carr
11) Plutarch's Lives by The Rev. John & William Langhorne
12) Who was Julius Caesar? by Nico Medina & illustrated by Tim Foley (children's book)
Primary Weekly Bible Sources Used
1) Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels edited by: Joel B. Green, Scot McKnight, and I. Howard Marshall
2) Dictionary of New Testament Background edited by: Craig A. Evans and Stanley E. Porter
3) Dictionary of Paul and His Letters edited by: Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid
4) Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments edited by: Ralph P. Martin and Peter H. Davids
5) Dictionary of the Old Testament Historical Books edited by: Bill T. Arnold and H.G.M. Williamson
6) Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch edited by: T. Desmond Alexander and David W. Baker
7) Dictionary of the Old Testament Prophets edited by: Mark J. Boda and J. Gordon McConville
8) Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry, and Writings edited by: Tremper Longman III and Peter Enns
9) The Anchor Bible Dictionary 6 volumes edited by: David Noel Freedman
10) The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance by Edward W. Goodrick and John R. Kohlenberger III
11) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature 3rd edition (BDAG)
by Frederick William Danker ***
12) A Greek-English Lexicon of the Septuagint by T. Muraoka ***
13) A New Concordance of the Old Testament: Using the Hebrew and Aramaic Text by Even-Shoshan ***
14) Greek-English Lexicon 9th edition by Henry George Liddell & Robert Scott ***
15) Greek Grammar: Beyond the Basics by Daniel B. Wallace ***
16) Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax by Bruce K. Waltke and M. O'Connor ***
17) New Testament Text and Translation Commentary by Philip W. Comfort ***
18) Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible: Emanuel Tov ***
19) The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament 2 volumes (HALOT) by Ludwig Koehler & Walter Baumgartner ***
20) The New Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius Hebrew-English Lexicon by Francis Brown, S.R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs ***
21) Theological Dictionary of the New Testament 10 volumes edited by: Gerhard Kittel and Gerhard Friedrich ***
22) Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament 15 volumes edited by: G. Johannnes Botterweck, Helmer Ringgren, and Heinz-Josef Fabry ***
*** Means reader must be proficient in the Biblical languages