(Monday) Revelation 1

1. John pictures the seven churches as seven golden lamp stands (to hold oil lamps).  What does John’s picture tell us about the function of the churches?

2. John presents a vision of Jesus as both coming (v. 7) and already and always here (v. 8).  What would it be like to have only one of these two perspectives?

3. Why do you think a godly person like John would be so powerfully overcome by the presence of the One he Loved (v. 17)?

4. John states that we will be blessed if we hear his message and take it to heart (v. 3).  In what ways do you think he expects us to take his message to heart?

Family Devotional:  Read verses 4-6.  How would John’s description of God be comfort to his readers?  Why would it help discouraged believers to know they are “a kingdom and priest to serve his God and Father”?

Prayer:  Praise God for Jesus who has freed us from our sins and has made us to be a kingdom and priest to serve the one true God and Father.

(Tuesday) Revelation 12

1. Three of the characters in this chapter are the woman (perhaps the Lord’s people or the Holy Spirit), the red dragon (Satan) and the male child  (the Lord Jesus Christ).  What conflict does John observe among them (vv. 1-6)?

2. In verses 7-9 John describes a war in heaven.  What does the war reveal about the dragon?

3. What does it mean to overcome Satan’s accusations by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (v. 11)?

4. How can the victory of Christ help us face these battles and struggles of the Christian life?

Family Devotional:  Read verses 10-17.  What does the dragon’s defeat mean in Heaven and on earth?  How can we help a fellow Christian who is no longer under God’s condemnation but who still feels condemned and defeated?

Prayer:  Pray for those who are struggling against Satan, and ask that Jesus would strengthen you as you struggle.

(Wednesday) Revelation 21

1.  What aspects of the ” old order” must be eliminated before God can fully dwell with his people (21:1-5)?

2. What in the passage suggests that the new Jerusalem is nothing other than the church in its final, consummated life (21:10)?

3. Why must the requirements for entering the city be met during the times of testing we experience in this life?

4. As you review what you have learned in Revelation, what new insight do you have into the early Christian prayer “Come, Lord Jesus!”?

Family Devotion: Read verses 11-21.  Why do you think John gives such a detailed description of the splendor of the city?  Why do you think a city (rather than a glorious garden like Eden) is used to describe our final home?

Prayer:  Pray for Jesus’ coming!

(Monday) 1 Peter 1: Converted Coward

1. By what different routes did news of salvation come to the readers of Peter’s letter (vv. 10-12)?

2. How could the conditions that Peter describes in verses 21-25 promote sincere love among Christians?

3. How does the Future, as Peter describes it here, offer you hope in your own setting?

4. How might an honest attempt to “be holy” improve your relationships with people close to you?

Family Devotional: Read verses 7-9. What did Peter believe to be true of genuine faith?  What are some ways that you see this in your life?

Prayer:  Ask that God will give you a heart that rejoices in suffering.

(Tuesday) 2 Peter 1: Hidden Dangers

1. In verses 1-2 we are told that we will receive the gifts of faith, grace and peace though Christ’s righteousness and knowledge of God.  How does your own spiritual well-being depend in part on Christ’s righteousness and in part on your knowledge of God?

2. How are knowledge of Jesus and godly living related to each other (vv. 8-9)?

3. What do you think in means for a person to be called and elected by God (vv. 10-11)?

4. Verse 3 says that the divine power of Jesus has given us everything we need for godliness here and also for eternal life.  If you were to draw more fully on his power that Jesus makes available to you, what changes would you hope to see in yourself?

Family Devotional: Read verses 5-7.  Select one of the Christian qualities mentioned that you would liek to become more prominent in your own life.  If you were to practice this quality more faithfully, how would it help you escape the pollution of evil influences around you?

Prayer:  Ask Jesus to reveal to you areas in your life that he wants to change and reshape.

(Wednesday) Jude: Sounding the Alarm

1. What can you know of the circumstances of the people receiving this letter and of Jude’s purpose in writing to them (vv. 3-4)?

2. In the face of the this problem, Jude gives his readers two sets of instructions; “Remember” (v. 17) and “Build yourselves up” (v. 20).  Notice the specific instructions under each of theses.  How would remembering, in the way Jude describes, help believers keep the essential ingredients of Christian faith?

3. How would building ourselves up in the ways Jude outlines (vv.17-23) help us keep on living in a way that is true to our faith?

4. How can you protect yourself, and other believers whose lives you touch, from falling into these errors?

Family Devotional: Read verses 12-13.  Jude used a series of six metaphors.  How does each illustrate the danger of teacher who have perverted the gospel?

Prayer:  Ask Jesus to protect both you and your church from false teachers.

(Thursday) 1 John 3: Merest Christianity

1. How does John’s definition of sin (v. 40 compare with some of the viewpoints people have today?

2. Although Christians can and do sin, how does knowing Christ change our relationship to sin (v. 6)?

3. Why does the new birth make it impossible for God’s children to have a life characterized by sin (v. 9)

4. In what other practical ways might we “lay down our lives” for each other?

Family Devotional:  Read verses 11-15.  John begins this passages by talking about love and hate. How can Cain and Abel illustrate the two basic categories of humanity?  Who in your life is hardest to love?

Prayer:  Pray that the Holy Spirit would make you more into the image of Christ.

(Friday) 2 and 3 John: Pesky Deceivers

1. We tend to love only those Christians who agree with us or who we feel are compatible with us.   But what does it mean to love them “because of the truth” (v. 2)?

2. Obtaining a future reward for faithful service was a strong motivation for John (v. 8).  In what sense does the prospect of receiving a reward from Jesus Christ motivate you to walk in truth and love?

3. Why is Gaius an especially good example for us to follow?

4. Would you identify yourself as someone whose truth needs to be balanced by love or whose love needs to be balanced by truth?  Explain.

Family Devotional:  Read verses 4-6.  The unity of truth and love is applied to our relationships within the church.  what distinction is made between the commandment and the commandments?

Prayer:  Prayer that Harbor Church would be a place filled with truth and love.

(Monday) 2 Timothy 2: Final Words

1. Why does Paul cites these specific aspects of CHrist that Timothy should remember (v. 8)?

2. How does this explain Paul’s own confidence even while he is imprisoned (v. 9)?

3. Paul begins with the call to Timothy to “be strong in grace.”  Why does he give that instruction rather than “be strong in your gifts,” “be strong in knowledge” or “be strong in will power”?

4. Which of the images in verses 3-7 seems most applicable to your life right now? why?

Prayer:  Ask Jesus to show you people who you an intrust the Gospel to.

Family Devotional: Read verses 3-7. What does each of the three images illustrate about the ministry of entrusting the gospel to others who can pass it on? Who are the people that passed the Gospel to you so that you can pass it to others?

(Tuesday) Hebrews 2: The Great Descent

1.  What logic does the writer use in verses 2-3 to further focus our attention on the peril of drifting away?

2. In verse 1 we read, “pay more careful attention… to,” and in verse 3 we are told not to “ignore.”  What is it that we are to focus our lives on?

3. How does the writer strengthen the warning that God’s salvation in Christ is well worth our most intense obedience (vv. 3-4)?

4. What helps you to maintain a warm, life-changing relationship with Jesus?

Prayer:  Ask God to keep you securely fastened to Jesus.

Family Devotional:  Read verses 16-18.  Why did Jesus have “to be made like his his brothers [you and me] in every way”?  Does this comfort you?  If so how?

(Wednesday) Hebrews 11: What Is True Faith?

1. Some Christians believe that faith always leads to material and physical blessing.. What does this passage tell you about the role of both blessing and suffering for the faithful?

2. Why do you think Abraham’s faith triumphed when he was asked to give up Isaac?

3. Considering the foolishness of his choices by human standards, what do you think Abraham’s emotions were like (vv. 8-10)?

4. What unseen certainties have guided you in making fundamental, life-changing decisions?

Prayer: Ask Jesus to supply you with the faith to obey and follow him.

Family Devotional:  Read verses 20-38.  How would you compare the faith of the named heroes and heroines who achieved greatness with those unnamed persons who suffered grievously?

(Thursday) Hebrews 12: Marathon Race

1.Of what value is it to keep your eyes on Jesus (vv. 2-3)?

2. What discipline of the Hebrews do you think the writer alludes to (vv. 3-4, 7; 11:35-38)?

3. Identify the writer’s specific instruction in verses 14-17.  On what principles are they based?

4. We’ve all been tempted to drop out of the race.  Why would the warning of verses 25-29 cause us to reconsider?

Prayer:  Worship Jesus because he is a consuming fire.

Family Devotional:  Read verses 18-24. What hinderances and entanglements get in the way of your Christian faith-race? Why?

(Friday) James 1: Walk the Talk

1. How are temptations different that trials (vv. 2-16)?

2. When is it hard for you to listen to God?

3. How can being quick to listen and slow to speak help us to be slow to become angry (v. 19)?

4. Think of the trials and temptations you are currently facing.  How can this passage anchorage you to depend on God?

Prayer: Ask Jesus to hep you become a better listener and doer of his Word.

Family Devotional:  Read verses 22-25.  In your own words explain how the person who merely listens to God’s Word is different from the one who puts it into practice.

(Monday) Ephesians 3: Success Story

What gifts of God’s grace has Paul received (v. 2-3, 8)?

Explain the meaning of the mystery revealed to Paul (v. 2-6). How is the mystery connected with the ministry given to him (v. 7-13)?

Three times in verses 14-21 Paul mentions “love” and “power.” What do we learn about power and love in these verses?

What is God’s purpose for the church (v. 10-11)? How are you fulfilling this purpose?

Prayer Focus: Echo Paul’s prayer in verses 14-21 for yourself and your church

Family Devotional: Read verse 10. Did you know that we are teaching angels things they didn’t understand until they watched us? How should this change the way we live our everyday lives?

(Tuesday) Colossians 1: Spanning the Gap

What characteristics of the Colossians cause Paul to always be thankful for them (v. 3-6)?

What are Paul’s prayers for the Colossians (v. 9-14)?

According to Paul, true knowledge leads to a life worthy of the Lord (v. 10) What qualities does such a life include (v. 10-12)? How are these qualities related to each other?

How are the qualities in verses 10-12 developing in your own life?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for a fruitful life, according to these qualities

Family Devotional: Read verses 10-12. What does God’s power give us? How can we see this happening in our family?

(Wednesday) Philemon: A Personal Favor

After describing Philemon’s character, Paul appeals to his love to forgive his runaway servant (v. 9). Why would love be better than any other motivation?

In what ways has Onesimus changed since running away (v. 10-16)?

How does Paul act as a peacemaker (v. 17-22)?

What principles in this letter could you use for healing a broken relationship?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God’s grace in difficult relationships

Family Devotional: Read verses 8-11. Paul is asking Philemon to forgive his runaway servant Onesimus. What kinds of things are hard for you to forgive? How can love overcome those things?

(Thursday) Titus 2: Paul’s Troubleshooter

How would you define “sound doctrine” (v. 1)?

What expectations are put on older, more mature believers (v. 2-5)? On younger believers (v. 6-10)?

What is the motivation for us to live up to those expectations (v. 10-14)?

As an older or younger believer, are you meeting these expectations?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for the right motivation to fulfill his expectations.

Family Devotional: Read verse 6. What is self-control? Why do young people need to practice it? What are some ways you can be more self-controlled?

(Friday) 1 Timothy 1: Growth Pains

How does Paul describe Timothy’s job (v. 3-5)?

What is the proper use of the Old Testament law (v. 8-11)? How does the law lead us to Christ (v. 15-16)?

Paul mentions the conscience twice (v. 5, 19). How does the law inform our conscience?

Are there any areas where you have ignored your conscience lately?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God’s law to strike your conscience and drive you to God’s grace

Family Devotional: Read verses 15-16. Jesus saves us from our sins every single day. What are some ways you’ve seen Jesus change your heart lately?

(Monday) Romans 12: Down-To-Earth Problems

Why is the proper response to God’s mercy becoming a “living sacrifice?” What does that mean?

What truth prevents us from thinking too highly of ourselves (v. 3-8)?

How would our relationships be transformed if we lived out verses 9-16? Verses 17-21?

What are some ways God has renewed your mind and transformed your heart?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to continue transforming you into a living sacrifice

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-2. What does it mean to offer our bodies to God? What does it mean to have our minds renewed? To be transformed?

(Tuesday) Acts 26: Defending the Faith

What are the main points Paul makes about himself (v. 1-23)? Why does he say he’s on trial (v. 6-8)?

Contrast the commission of the Sanhedrin (v. 9-11) to the commission of Christ (v. 15-18).

What characterizes Paul’s final interaction with King Agrippa (v. 26-29)?

How does Paul’s evangelistic zeal even while under trial (see v. 29) encourage and exhort you?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you defend the truth of his gospel

Family Devotional: Read verses 27-29. Paul is praying for the people in the room to be saved and trust in Jesus. Who can our family be praying for regularly?

(Wednesday) Acts 27: Perfect Storm

Most people in Paul’s situation would be thinking only of self-preservation. How do you see him instead ministering to others in this chapter (v. 9-10, 21-25, 31-38, 42-43)?

What does it say about Paul that he was freed to go see his friends (v. 3)?

How does Paul display compassion as he ministers?

Are there times when you are tempted to give up on your proclamation of the gospel? How does Paul challenge that tendency?

Prayer Focus: Pray for selfless compassion and love for lost people

Family Devotional: Read verses 21-26. Paul is on a sinking ship. How does he show his faith in God and concern for other people, even in a scary situation? How can we show our concern for the people around us?

(Thursday) Acts 28: Rome at Last

What further evidence do you see of Paul’s unquenchable desire to minister to others, at a time when he should be worried about himself (v. 3, 8-9, 17-20, 23-31)?

What do you see of Paul’s confidence in God throughout this passage?

How does God fulfill the promise he made at the beginning of the book of Acts (1:8)?

Paul’s life is summed up with these words: “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (v. 31). What practical steps would it take for your life to look the same?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for boldness, love, and compassion for lost people

Family Devotional: Read verses 30-31. How can our family be bold in the way we teach others about the Lord Jesus Christ?

(Friday) Ephesians 2: Prison Letter

In verses 2-3, Paul lists three influences that lead us to sin: the world, our own flesh, and the devil. How did each of them lead us to spiritual death (v. 1)?

What does Paul mean when he says we have been made alive, raised, and seated with Christ (v. 5-6)?

What does Paul say about our role in salvation (v. 8-9)?

What good works has God prepared for you to do today (v. 10)?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for his grace, ask to see the good works it was brought in you

Family Devotional: Read verses 8-10. How does God save us? What gifts does he give us? What are we saved to do?

(Monday) 2 Corinthians 4: Baked Dirt

How does Paul’s ministry contrast with those who discredit the gospel (v. 2)?

What forces does Paul see behind those who accept or reject the gospel (v. 4-6)?

How does the glory of the gospel compare with the weakness of those who preach it (v. 7-18)?

We often assume that our weakness will hinder God’s work through us. How does this passage directly confront that assumption?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for working through your specific weaknesses

Family Devotional: Read verses 6-7. A clay jar is very weak and fragile. What are some weaknesses you see in yourself? How can God use those for his purpose?

(Tuesday) 2 Corinthians 12: Boasting of Weakness

While we don’t know exactly what the “thorn” is, what can we see about how it affects Paul (v. 7-8)? How does Paul view Satan’s part and God’s part in the thorn?

Verse 9 could be considered Paul’s life verse. What effect did God’s answer have on Paul?

What is Paul’s main reason for explaining himself to the Corinthians (v. 19-21)?

What kind of weaknesses or problems in your life can God transform into a means of grace?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God’s strength to redeem your weaknesses

Family Devotional: Read verse 9. What are some weaknesses you have? How can God show his power even through your weakness?

(Wednesday) Romans 3: Remedy

What does Paul say about the extent of our fallenness (v. 11-18)? How do you reconcile this extreme truth with the fact that some non-Christians do seem to seek after God and live righteously?

Redemption (v. 24) means buying someone out of slavery. What types of slavery has Christ delivered us from?

God’s justice and mercy seem contradictory to some. How do they meet at the cross (v. 25-26)?

Paul does not discuss the good news (v. 21-24) until he discusses the bad news (v. 10-20). How should this influence your discussions of the gospel with unsaved friends and relatives?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for his justice and mercy in your life through Christ

Family Devotional: Read verses 23-26. What does it mean to sin? What is God’s justice and why do we deserve it? How can be saved from God’s justice?

(Thursday) Romans 7: Limits of the Law

How did the law create a stark awareness of sin in Paul (v. 7-12)? Why would it be wrong for him to blame his spiritual death on the law (v. 13-14)?

In Romans 6:17-18, Paul says Christians are no longer slaves to sin. So how can we explain verse 14?

What makes Paul feel so wretched (v. 14-23)? How is his anguish addressed by God (v. 24-25)?

What personal sin struggles in your own life does this chapter bring to mind? How does the end of the chapter give you hope and encouragement?

Prayer Focus: Confess your sin to God, and thank him for his grace: “Thanks be to God!”

Family Devotional: Read verses 18-19. What are some good things that are hard for you to do? What are some bad things that are hard for you to avoid? How can Jesus’s power and grace help us in those areas?

(Friday) Romans 8: Spirit Life

What has God done to free us from the law of sin and death (v. 1-4)? How do we experience the privileges of being God’s children (v. 15-17)?

What perspective does Paul give for us to view our current struggles through (v. 18-25)?

God causes all things to work for our good (v. 28). What is his definition of good (v. 29)?

How might trouble, hardship, persecution, etc. cause us to question God’s love for us (v. 35-36)? How does Paul encourage us to answer these questions (v. 37-39)?

How can eager expectation of glory help you live today? Do you long for heaven?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to make you ready for his future glory

Family Devotional: Read verses 28-29. What are some things that have happened to you that are hard to see as good? If God’s idea of “good” is making you more like Jesus, can you see how that might have happened?

(Monday) Acts 17: Mixed Results

Paul interacts with three different cultures in three cities. What approach does he take in each one?

How do the people respond to his teaching in Athens?

What points of his message are consistent (v. 3, 18, 24-28, 30-31)?

Paul mentions the “objects of your worship” to the Athenians. What are some of the objects of our worship in modern American culture?

Paul uses the things the Athenians value to springboard into a discussion of the gospel. How could you follow his example in your conversations with people today?

Prayer Focus: An unwavering commitment to share the gospel in all situations and cultures

Family Devotional: Read verses 22-23. What are some things in our world that people don’t understand? How can we explain those things with our faith in God?

(Tuesday) 1 Thessalonians 3-4: Preparing for the End

What evidence do you see of Paul’s love for the Thessalonians (3:2, 5, 10)?

What are Paul’s desires for the Thessalonians (3:10-13)? What specific instructions does he give (4:3-6)?

What instructions does he have for lazy people who live off other Christians’ kindness (v. 11-12)?

How can this passage challenge you to resist sexual sin (reflect on the way it’s described in v. 6)?

Prayer Focus: Pray that your entire life would be pleasing to God.

Family Devotional: Read verses 11-12. What does this say about our work habits? Why should we work hard to support ourselves?

(Wednesday) 2 Thessalonians 2: Rumor Control

What good things does Paul notice about the Thessalonians (v. 3-4)?

Paul proclaims God as just. How does he describe God’s justice (v. 5-10)?

In light of God’s judgment, why does Paul pray as he does in verses 11-12?

How can God’s justice encourage you when things don’t seem fair?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God’s justice in your life and throughout the world

Family Devotional: Read verses 6-7. Can you think of a time when life didn’t seem fair? How will God make things right in the end? How does that encourage you now?

(Thursday) 1 Corinthians 13: True Love

How would you define each of love’s qualities (v. 4-7)? What is so tragic about using our gifts without love (v. 1-3)?

In verses 8-13, Paul summarizes the supremacy of love. Why do spiritual gifts have limited value in comparison to love?

Why is love greater than faith or hope (v. 13)?

Do you tend to be relationally dependent or independent? How can this kind of love lead to healthy interdependence?

Prayer Focus: Ask to experience more of God’s love so you can share it with others

Family Devotional: Read verses 4-7. For each of these qualities of love, think of an example of how it could be shown in our family.

(Friday) 1 Corinthians 15: The Last Enemy

What are the essential elements of the gospel Paul preached (v. 1-11)?

If there is no resurrection, what are the consequences for Christ, for Paul, and for us (v. 12-19)?

How does belief or unbelief in the resurrection affect a person’s lifestyle (v. 29-34)?

How can the truth of the resurrection change your life this week?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for the hope of eternal life that starts right now

Family Devotional: Read verses 51-55. Why don’t we need to be scared about death? What do we have to look forward to when we die? How should this affect our life right now?

(Monday) Acts 5: Shock Waves

What is the most serious sin of Ananias and Sapphira (v. 1-2)?

How would the average church member view this incident (v. 3-9)?

What effects would the holy fear (v. 11) have had on the church?

What are the tangible evidences of the power of the Holy Spirit in this community (v. 12-16)?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to uphold truth in his church

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-5. Why does God punish sin? Why would he want us to fear him? What would it mean for our family to fear God?

(Tuesday) Acts 9: About-face

How is Saul introduced in Acts (7:58-8:3, 9:1-2)?

Describe Saul’s encounter with Jesus in verses 3-9. What spiritual, physical, and emotional aspects are involved?

What is the response of believers and unbelievers to Saul’s ministry (v. 19-30)? What role does Barnabas play in Saul’s life and ministry?

What do you learn about obedience to God through Saul and Ananias?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God to save someone you never would expect him to save.

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-9, 17-20. What kind of big changes did God make in Saul’s life? What changes has he made in your life?

(Wednesday) Galatians 3: Legalism

In what ways did the Galatians’ behavior seem “bewitched” and “foolish” (v. 1-5)?

How does Abraham’s faith contrast with that of a person who tries to earn God’s forgiveness (v. 6-12)?

Why was the law given (v. 19-25)? How does a knowledge of the law help us see our need for Christ?

Do you ever have difficulty admitting your need to God? Why does that happen?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you put aside your pride and expose your deep-seated sins and needs.

Family Devotional: Read verses 6-9. What does it mean to believe God? How can we become righteous just by having faith in Jesus?

(Thursday) Acts 16: Detour

How is Paul directed in verses 6-10? What principles of guidance do we gain?

How is Paul’s immediate response confirmed on arriving in Macedonia (v. 11-15)?

What events led to the jailer’s question, “What must I do to be saved” (v. 30)?

How does your response to opposition and suffering for the gospel compare and contrast to that of Paul and Silas (v. 25)?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you fearless boldness to obey him and proclaim his gospel

Family Devotional: Read verses 25-32. How did Paul and Silas show love and compassion to a prison guard who had probably beaten them? How did they share the gospel with him? Is there someone in your life who needs to experience God’s love through you?

(Friday) Philippians 2: Downward Mobility

How do verses 3-4 help us understand the nature of humility? How did each of Christ’s actions illustrate a “downward spiral” of humility and a concern for the interests of others (v. 6-8)?

Describe God’s response to Jesus’ humility (v. 9-11).

We are to “work out” our salvation because God “works” in us. How are these ideas related?

What acts of humble service have you felt led to do but avoided? How does God need to “will and work” in you to motivate you toward this kind of humility?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God to help you see opportunities to serve others

Family Devotional: Read verses 5-11. What are some ways each of you can serve your family? Serve you neighbors and friends? Serve your church?

(Monday) Matthew 28

1. The angel is the first messenger of the resurrection (vv. 2-7).  What is the significance of his appearance and words?

2. Consider the mission of the women (vv. 1-9).  How does it undergo a radical change?

3. The roman guard and the Jewish leaders are confronted with a miracle.  How do they respond? Why?

4. What keeps people today from believing that Jesus is the resurrected Lord?

Family Devotional: Read verses 16-20.Describe the commission Jesus gives to the disciples and us.  How does Jesus equip them and future disciples to carry out his commission?

Prayer: Ask God to help you to be more faithful to this task

(Tuesday) John 20

1. John records three witnesses to the empty tomb: Mary Magdalene, Peter and “the other disciple” (John himself).  What important details do we learn from each one (vv. 1-9)?

2. When Jesus appears to his disciples, what specific gifts and promises does he give them (vv. 19-23)?

3. How does Thomas’s attitude–both before and after Jesus appears to him–add to credibility to the resurrection?

4. John tells us why he has written his Gospel in verses 30-31.  Of all the “miraculous signs” John has included, which have been most convincing to you? Why?

Family Devotional: Read verses 10-18.  Johan also records thee appearances of the risen Christ: to Mary, to his disciples and to Thomas.  Why do you think that Mary doesn’t immediately recognize Jesus?  After she does recognize him, what impresses you most about their encounter?

Prayer:  Praise God for what he has done in Christ.

(Wednesday) Luke 24

1. The women are a personal link between the cross and the empty tomb.  Suppose you are one of them.  How do you feel when the men respond with “Nonsense!” (vv. 1-12)?

2.  What strikes you about the stranger’s dialogue with the disciples (vv. 13-35)?

3. How can you take Jesus’ message of new hope and new joy to your community?

4. For three or so years Jesus has been preparing his disciples to carry on his world mission  he climaxed this mission training by stressing systematic, indepth Bible understanding (vv. 25-27, 32, 44-47).  In what ways can you testify to this importance?

Family Devotional: Read verses 36-53.  As a seeker inquiring about Jesus’ resurrection.  Which facts and implications help you to believe his personal reality?

Prayer: Ask God to make you a source of joy to many as you bring Jesus’ message.

(Thursday) Acts 1

1. What did Luke, the author of Acts, report to Theophilus about Jesus’s last days on earth (vv. 1-11)?

2. How did the disciples respond to all that they had seen and heard (vv.12-26)?

3. Peter goes to Scripture immediately when he speaks.  How doe these words of David affect their confidence as well as give them direction?

4. When has your faith in Jesus Christ been encouraged by the words of others?

Family Devotional: Read verses 7-8.  How would you feel if you were the first to be given the task described in verse 8?  How are we equipped for this task, according to the passage?

Prayer: Thank God for giving you a task to carry out, and tell him about the fears and joys you feel as his servant.

(Friday) Acts 2

1. What does Peter have to offer to those who are responsive to his message (vv. 37-39).

2. What is there in pEter’s sermon that would reassure Theophilus about his faith and him him “know the certainty of the things” that he’d been taught?

3. How does the Jews respond to the power of the Spirit which they witness (vv. 5-12).

4. How has your life been affected by the gift of the Holy Spirit?

Family Devotional: Read verses 42-47.  Describe the fellowship of the believers in this young church.  How does the life and purpose of your church compare to that of this group?

Prayer: Pray for your church; that it will be one like the one in 42-47.

(Monday) John 16

1. Jesus said that it was for the disciples’ good that he go away and that the Counselor come.  Why was the Spirit’s presence more profitable to the disciples than Jesus’ presence?

2. The Spirit’s ministry is one of the communications.  What specific things did Jesus say the Spirit would communicate to the disciples (vv 13-15)?

3. How would Jesus’ assurance of the Father’s love help the disciples in the days just ahead of them (vv. 25-33)?

4.  How can this incident help us when our questions to the Lord seemingly go unanswered?

Prayer Focus:  Pray for those around the world who face persecution for their faith in Christ

Family Devotional:  Read verses 1-4.  What kind of treatment can the disciples expect from those who don’t know Christ?  How does it compare to how those who don’t know Christ treat you?

(Tuesday) John 17

1. Jesus makes only one request for himself–that the Father would glorify him so that he might glorify the Father.  In what way would each one glorify the other (vv. 1-5)?

2. Twice Jesus asked the Father to protect his disciples from the evil one (vv. 11, 15).  Why would that protection have been so important in Jesus’ min as he faced the cross?

3. Jesus prayed that those who believe in him would be one ” so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (vv. 21, 23)?  Why is our unity a powerful argument for the reality of Jesus?

4. Jesus obviously prayed his prayer out loud to bring comfort adn assurance to his disciples.  In what particular ways do Jesus’ words anchorage or assure you?

Prayer Focus:  Ask God to bring unity to the people of Harbor Church

Family Devotional:  Read verses 6-19.According to verses 6-19, what specific ministries did Jesus have toward his disciples?  In what ways does he minister to you today?

(Wednesday) Matthew 26

1. How doe verses 1-16 set the stage for Jesus’ betrayal and death?

2. Jesus’ betrayal come at the hand of one of his own disciples (vv. 47-50).  As you look over the role of Judas in this chapter, why do you think the religious leaders used him?

3. In answer to the high priest’s question (v.63).  Jesus declares that he is the Christ (alluding to Dan 7:13-14).  Describe the immediate–and ultimate– impact of Jesus’ words on those present (vv. 65-68)

4. Both Jesus and the disciples faced temptation in the chapter.  How can Jesus’ example and the disciples’ failures help us withstand temptation an testing?

Prayer Focus:  Ask Jesus to give you a spirit of courage and proactivity

Family Devotional: Read verses 17-30.  How is this occasion both ominous and hopeful?

(Thursday) Matthew 27

1. After the religious leaders hand Jesus of to Pilate, Judas feels remorse (vv.1-5).  How is remorse different from repentance?

2. As Jesus hangs on the cross, he is repeatedly mocked and insulted (vv.32-44).  How does these insults reveal the spiritual choices these people have made?

3. Observe the role Jesus’ followers play during the events of his crucifixion and burial (vv. 55-61).  Ho do you think the felt?

4. This chapter is filled with irony.  Satan’s “triumph” is actually his defeat.  Christ’s “defeat” is actually his triumph.  How should this challenge our views about the way God works in our lives?

Prayer Focus:  Ask Jesus to deepen your understanding of what his death on the Cross means.

Family Devotion: Read verses 11-26.  Jesus stands before Pilate in verses 11-26.  How and why does Pilate seek to avoid sentencing Jesus?

(Friday) Mark 15

1. What ironies are present in the charges and jeers directed toward Jesus on the cross (vv. 25-32)?

2. How can we keep from succumbing to the temptation Pilate faced?

3. How can this passage reinforce our commitment to sharing the good news of Christ with others?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for Christ and his work on the Cross.

Family Devotional:  Read verses 1-15.  What kind of man is Pilate?  What keeps him from doing what is right?