Submitted by James K. from Gracepoint Berkeley Church SELF-STUDY FORMAT Here, we have Jesus coming to the temple, reading from the scriptures and identifying himself as the one sent to proclaim freedom. The people’s response to him is interesting, as the text says, “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words [...]
Submitted by Helen P. from Gracepoint Berkeley Church REFLECTION QUESTIONS Luke 4:3-12 · What was Jesus’ basis for responding to each of Satan’s temptations? Jesus’ basis for responding to each of Satan’s temptations was to show the devil that rather than taking matters into his own hands he trusted in God. He resisted each of the temptations [...]
Submitted by Will S. from Gracepoint Berkeley Church REFLECTION QUESTIONS Luke 3:1-3 Among the people listed here, who would have been considered to be the least important by most people living during that time period? Whose life turned out to have the most significant impact? Why? What does this reveal about the value system of [...]
Submitted by Tony K. from Gracepoint Berkeley Church Against the frailty of human life, the Bible asserts that “the word of our God stands forever.” This eternal, imperishable word has become flesh, and has been preached to us, and we are called to bring these “good tidings” to others ourselves, as preachers. Note these themes [...]
Submitted by Michelle S. from Gracepoint Berkeley Church Write a personal response to the message of this chapter. Any beginning consequentially has an end. That means that I have a limited time on this earth and that is it is important for me to live every beginning with the end in mind. The beginning of [...]
Submitted by Jeanie O. from Gracepoint Berkeley Church Today’s text depicts the beginning of Jesus ministry. Study the chapter, and draw some personal applications about what kind of beginning you need to make this year. Mark 1:8-11 I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will [...]
Submitted by Mark L. from Gracepoint Berkeley Church What is particularly striking about James 4:13 is that it accurately captures the sentiment and approach people have towards their lives. They have well-laid plans with regards to the paths of their careers, to their retirement plans, and to their financial portfolios. They strategize and devise the [...]
Submitted by Ahmi K. of Gracepoint Berkeley Naaman was angry because he had a particular idea of how the man of God would heal him, mostly in a dramatic, spectacular way, where Elisha comes out to him, “stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot…” This [...]
Submitted by Chul K. of Gracepoint Berkeley Church John 4:28-42 When the disciples were concerned about the meal that Jesus might have skipped, Jesus said he had another kind of food which would strengthen his mind and body. This secret food Jesus mentioned was to do the will of Father who sent him and to [...]
Submitted by Lauren K. from Gracepoint Berkeley Church A sense of intense urgency and opportunity hovers over most of our text for today. It ends with a life spared, a time of grace granted, and judgment suspended. Again, reflect on these passages as you prepare for another year granted to you. Luke 12:35-13:9 This passage [...]