Memory Verse: "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes." 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV) The Lord’s Supper is one of two symbols that Jesus gave the Church as prescriptions for celebrating His ministry to the Church. Can you name the other symbol?
Monday: Luke 22:19 - The Lord’s Supper is for Christians Jesus asked the disciples to eat the broken bread “in remembrance of me.” He wanted them to remember His sacrifice, the basis for forgiveness of sins, and also his friendship that they could continue to enjoy through the work of the Holy Spirit. Although the exact meaning of communion has been strongly debated throughout history, Christian still take bread and wine in remembrance of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you are a Christian, do not neglect participating in the Lord's Supper. Let it remind you of what Christ did for you. Tuesday: Matthew 26:28 - The Lord’s Supper helps us remember Jesus’ suffering and death Those who lived before Jesus lived under the old covenant and could only approach God by priest or animal sacrifice. All people are now given the opportunity to come directly before God through faith because through Jesus' death we have been made acceptable in God's eyes. The Old Covenant was a shadow of the new, pointing forward to the day when Jesus himself would be the final and ultimate sacrifice for sin. Rather than an unblemished lamb slain on the altar, the perfect Lamb of God was slain on the cross, a sinless sacrifice so that our sins could be forgiven once and for all. All those who believe in Christ receive that forgiveness. Wednesday: John 3:16 - The Lord’s Supper is a proclamation of His love and is cause for joy and celebration God loves us so much that He gave His Son as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Many of us can recite John 3:16 but read it again now, reflecting on each word as you consider the magnitude of what took place on the cross the day Jesus died. We can count it all joy and jump in with celebration because we have been given the gift of eternal life, Oh how God loves us!!!! What are some other scriptures that tell us about God’s love? Below are some of my personal favorites. Consider writing each one down and adding some of your own. Romans 8:38-39, Psalm 117:2, I John 4:16, Ephesians 3:16-19 Thursday: Matthew 26:26 - The Lord’s Supper is a source of spiritual strength as it reminds us of our connection to Jesus and, through Him, our connection to one another Each name we use for this sacrament brings out a different dimension to it. It is the Lord's Supper because it commemorates the Passover meal Jesus ate with his disciples; it is the Eucharist (thanksgiving) because in it we thank God for Christ's work for us; it is communion because through it we commune with God and with other believers. As we eat the bread and drink the wine, we should be quietly reflective as we recall Jesus's death and his promise to come again, grateful for God's wonderful gift to us, and joyful as we meet with Christ and the body of believers. Friday: The Lord’s Supper is a reason to reflect upon our spiritual condition and to draw close to Jesus What does it mean to reflect on our spiritual condition? While we all have opportunity for growth, we are all on different levels spiritually. New Christians will be on a very different level than a seasoned Christian. It isn’t a matter of where we are spiritually but rather where we are going. Christianity is about constant growth. Maybe you spend time with God each day, maybe you don’t. Maybe you communicate with God through prayer time and depend on Him no matter what your circumstances are; maybe you have let that slip. No matter where you are, God wants us to be our very best for Him. Now is the best time to look at where you stand with God. Are there changes that you know God wants you to make? Could you dig deeper into the scripture and learn more about Him? Is He asking you to reach out to others and share the Gospel? Maybe He just wants you to depend on Him to get you through the valley that you are in. Draw close to Him. Pray now and ask God to forgive you for becoming spiritually stale and ask Him how He wants to take you to a new level.
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We are ambassadors of Christ with a message of reconciliation Review: Last week we learned about the confident Christian.
Over the past few weeks, we have learned several methods of sharing the gospel with those around us. Can you name them? (Roman Road, Evangicube, The Four Spiritual Laws, Personal Testimony) Could you use them to lead someone to Christ? Monday: A New Creation (vs 17) As Christians, we are given new life. We are not re-formed or re-educated; we are re-created. Brand new people on the inside! Not turning over a new leaf but rather beginning a new life under a new Master. We are now living in vital union with Christ but the work doesn’t stop there. Read Colossians 2:6, 7. You must continue to follow the leadership of Christ by being rooted and built up, established in the faith. Paul uses the illustration of being “rooted” in Christ. A plant draws nourishment from the soil through its roots. We must draw our life-giving strength from Christ. What practices do you put into play in order to strengthen your ‘roots’? Tuesday: The Ministry of Reconciliation (vs 18, 19) God reconciles us by blotting out our sins and making us righteous. We are no longer God’s enemies or strangers to Him when we have trusted in Him. Because we have been reconciled to God, we have the privilege of encouraging others to do the same, and thus we are those who have the “ministry of reconciliation.” Wednesday: Ambassadors Of Christ (vs 20) An ambassador is an official representative on behalf of one country to another. As believers, we are Christ’s ambassadors, sent with His message of reconciliation to the world. An ambassador of reconciliation has an important responsibility that should not be taken lightly. How well are you filling your commission as Christ’s ambassador? Thursday: Our Responsibility As Christ’s Ambassador As we learned in a prior week, we are given specific instruction on what we are to do until the day Christ returns. Matthew 28:19-20 gives us The Great Commission. Jesus assures us that He is with us always and tells us to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them. By fulfilling our ‘ministry of reconciliation,’ we are obeying the last commandment given by Jesus before His ascension. We have recently learned some great ways to share the gospel with others. If you haven’t done so, pray for God to lay the foundation for you to share with someone today. If you have, remember to pray for that individual and continue to be an encouragement to him or her. Friday: Sunday School Review (Romans 6:23) The sermon this week focused on WHY it is important to share our faith. Sunday School taught us HOW to share our faith using “One Verse Evangelism.” Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Memorize this verse and practice sharing your faith using “One Verse Evangelism.” Back to school math fun:
Now you have the number of days that Moses fasted! Memory Verse: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 Monday - The Confident Christian: Confidence By Confession
Confession frees us to enjoy fellowship with Christ. God wants to forgive us. He allowed his beloved Son to die just so He could offer us pardon. When we come to Christ, he forgives all the sins we have committed or will ever commit. We don’t need to confess the sins of the past all over again, and we don’t need to fear that God will reject us if we don’t keep our slate perfectly clean. Of course we should continue to confess our sins, but not because failure to do so will make us lose our salvation. Our relationship with Christ is secure. Instead, we should confess so that we can enjoy maximum fellowship and joy with him. Confession doesn’t require an invitation or an altar. God wants to hear from you now. Take a moment to talk to God knowing that he wants to hear from you and forgive you. Tuesday - The Confident Christian: Rejecting Temptation True confession involves a commitment not to continue in sin. We wouldn’t be genuinely confessing our sins to God if we planned to commit them again and just wanted temporary forgiveness. What sin in your life is God calling you to not only confess, but turn away from? Pray for God’s forgiveness and ask him to help you resist the temptation to return to it. Wednesday - The Confident Christian: Two Steps To Sharing Step 1: Pray
Thursday - The Confident Christian: Sharing Using The Four Spiritual Laws Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there spiritual laws which govern your relationship with God: Law #1 - God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life.
Law #2 - Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore, he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life.
Law #3 - Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Through Him, you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life.
Law #4 - We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives.
Friday: Sharing With Confidence: How Will You Witness?
Take time to practice each method and decide which works best for you. You may also want to practice with family members using different scenarios. Try a few of the following….
Memory Verse: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest!” John 4: 35 NIV Monday: John 4:34
The ‘food’ about which Jesus was speaking was His spiritual nourishment. It includes more than Bible study, prayer, and attending church. Spiritual nourishment also comes from doing God’s will and helping to bring His work of salvation to completion. We are nourished, not only by what we take in, but also by what we give out for God. How are some ways we can feel ‘spiritually fed’? Consider ways to work for God so that through you, His will can be done. Tuesday: John 4:35 Sometimes Christians excuse themselves from witnessing by saying that their family or friends aren’t ready to believe. Jesus, however, makes it clear that around us a continual harvest waits to be reaped. Don’t let Jesus find you making excuses. Spend some time this week looking at those around you. Regardless of their outward appearance or attitude, reach out to them to share Jesus. Wednesday: John 4:36-38 The wages Jesus offers are the joy of working for Him and seeing the harvest of believers. These wages come to sower and reaper alike because both find joy in seeing new believers come into Christ’s kingdom. The phrase ‘others have done the hard work’ may refer to the Old Testament prophets and to John the Baptist, who paved the way for the gospel. Make a list of old testament prophets and how they sowed seeds within the hearts of those around them. How did they impact Christianity as a whole? What can we do to continue the process of sowing and reaping? Thursday: (Consider working in teams to make Thursday and Fridays study a competition: each team will need a Bible and pen & paper to record their answers) The Bible was originally written to those living in an agrarian society, familiar with farming techniques. Many parables involve the farming life. So, what are some of the key principles we learn from the Bible about sowing and reaping? Look up the following scripture references and record what you learn about sowing and reaping. Answers are at the end of Friday. Friday: Read More to find the answers Memory Verse: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 Monday: Discovering your gift.
You are probably already using many of the gifts that God has given you. That is because they are things that we enjoy and are good at. When asked "How can I discover my spiritual gifts?" Dr Charles Stanley always replies by asking "What do you enjoy most about serving the Lord?" When we minister to others using our gifts, we receive spiritual energy and motivation of God and the Holy Spirit is able to works through us beyond our own understanding. This brings an extra measure of joy. The trouble comes when we start serving outside of our gifts. This can leave us feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. If you are serving in an area that you feel is outside of your gift, you may be hindering someone else who is blessed in that area as well as missing opportunities that God may have for you to do something that you would receive a true blessing from. Over the course of the week, spend time in prayer asking God to show you your gifts and talents. Make a list of things you enjoy and are good at and use those things to point others to God. Utilize those gifts and allow God to grow them! Tuesday: Using our gifts and talents - 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Instead of building up and unifying the Corinthian church, the issue of spiritual gifts was splitting it. Spiritual gifts had become symbols of spiritual power, causing rivalries because some people thought they were more "spiritual" than others because of their gifts. This was a terrible misuse of spiritual gifts because their purpose is always to help the church function more effectively, not to divide it. We can be divisive if we insist on using our gift our own way without being sensitive to others. We can read on to discover how the church is a body of believers, each having their own specific function that is necessary to the body as a whole. What is your place in the body? Is your gift being used in a way that supports the functions of the other members of the body? Wednesday: It is not for you to know! Acts 1:4-7 The disciples are told to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the fulfillment of God’s promise. Confused and frustrated, the disciples wanted to know when Jesus was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. He tells them that God’s timing is not for them to know. How often do we ask God for things but then fail to have faith in His timing? We must make a commitment to wait for God’s timing. Waiting is a difficult thing, especially in our fast-paced society. God can answer a prayer by saying; yes, no, or wait. Wait does not mean no, it just means that the timing is not right. Is God telling you to wait? Read Psalms 27. David knew from experience what it meant to wait for the Lord. Instead of being angry about it, make use of your waiting times by discovering what God may be trying to teach you in them. Remember: God is worth the wait! Thursday: Witnessing from here to yonder! Acts 1:8 This verse describes a series of ever-widening circles, like tossing pebbles into a pond. The gospel was to spread, geographically, from Jerusalem, into Judea and Samaria, and finally to the whole world. It would begin with the devout Jews in Jerusalem and Samaria, spread to the mixed race in Samaria, and finally be offered to the Gentiles in the uttermost parts of the earth. God's gospel has not reached its final destination if someone in your family, your workplace, your school, or your community hasn't heard about Jesus Christ. Make sure that you are contributing in some way to the ever-widening circle of God's loving message. Ask God to show you how to use your talents to start your own ripple effect. Friday: What are you looking at? Acts 1:9-11 After 40 days with his disciples, Jesus returned to heaven. The two men in white apparel were angels who proclaimed to the disciples that one day Jesus would return in the same way he went-bodily and visibly. History is not haphazard or cyclical; it's moving towards a specific point-the return of Jesus to judge and rule over the earth. We should be ready for his sudden return, not by standing around "gazing up into Heaven," but by working hard to share the gospel so that others will be able to share in God's great blessings. Make a list of ways you can use your gifts and talents to show others God's love for them. As you study this week’s passage, reflect back on the opportunities that God has given you to share Jesus. Ask Him to help you develop YOUR story so that you can share what God has done in your Life.
Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” Philippians 3:7 NIV DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and sermon about “Sharing Our Story?” Meditate upon (Mt 28:16-20; Phil 3:4-16; Acts 7:58-8:1,9:1-22) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online). Be still before Him and think about what you have just read; Listen to Him. In your own words, summarize what this passage is saying to YOU about the value of having a personal “God Story” to share.
Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word. We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it. Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn. Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.
As you study this week’s passage, reflect back on the opportunities that God has given you to share Jesus. How did He make you aware of His Presence, or did He? How did you feel about the circumstances of the encounter?
Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16, NIV DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and sermon about “Sharing Jesus Using the Power of the Gospel?” Meditate upon (Rom.1:13-16;Matt.28:16-20) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online). Be still before Him and think about what you have just read; Listen to Him. In your own words, summarize what this passage is saying to you. What was Jesus’ first command? (Mk 1:17) What was His last command? (Acts 1:8)
****************************************************************************************************************************************************** Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word. We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it. Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn. Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.
As you study this week’s passage, reflect back on what you have learned about the unshakable kingdom that we are receiving. How have you been sharing the Kingdom this week? Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28, NIV DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and sermon about “Obeying our Leaders & Pray?” Meditate upon (Heb 13:17-25) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online). Be still before Him and think about what you have just read; Listen to Him. In your own words, summarize what this passage is saying to you.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************** Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word. We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it. Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn. Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.
As you study this week’s passage, reflect back on what you have learned about the unshakable kingdom that we are receiving. Are there people you know that are not receiving this kingdom?
Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28, NIV DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and sermon about “Leaving the Camp/Go Public?” Meditate upon (Heb 13:10-16) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online). Be still before Him and think about what you have just read; Listen to Him. In your own words, summarize what this passage is saying to you.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************** Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word. We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it. Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn. Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.
As you study this week’s passage, reflect back on what you know about the topic of love. How would you define it; how do you know that God loves you; how do you express your love for Him; how does His love effect how you love others?
Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28, NIV DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and sermon about “Brotherly Love?” Meditate upon (Heb 13:1-9) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online). Be still before Him and think about what you have just read; Listen to Him. In your own words, summarize what this passage is saying to you.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************** Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word. We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it. Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn. Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.
As you study this week’s passage, reflect back on your study of the book of Hebrews; think upon what you have learned about Jesus Christ. Dwell upon how this revelation has affected your worship.
Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28, NIV DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and sermon about “Be; Do; Live - Worship?” Meditate upon (Heb 12:14-17, 28) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online). Be still before Him and think about what you have just read; Listen to Him. In your own words, summarize what this passage is saying to you.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************** Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word. We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it. Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn. Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.
As you study this week’s passage, reflect back on your prayer life; an important part of prayer is not only talking to God, but learning to listen to Him. In prayer we worship, learn, seek, inquire of and fellowship with God!
Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28, NIV DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and sermon about “God’s Voice?” Meditate upon (Heb 12:18-28) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online). Be still before Him and think about what you have just read; Listen to Him. In your own words, summarize what this passage is saying to you.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************** Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word. We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it. Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn. Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.
As you study this week’s passage, reflect back on the trials and hardships you have experienced; ask Him for understanding and wisdom – be sensitive to what He is teaching you about His purposes in allowing these into your life.
Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” Heb 12:7, NIV DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and sermon about “A Father’s Discipline?” Meditate upon (Heb 12:5-13) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online). Be still before Him and think about what you have just read. In your own words, summarize what this passage is saying to you.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************** Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word. We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it. Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn. Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.
As you continue your study of Hebrews, reflect back on what you have learned about faith & obedience; ask Him for understanding and wisdom – be sensitive to what He is teaching you about running the race of faith.
Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE (Heb 12:1). “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1, NIV DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and sermon about “The Race of Faith?” Meditate upon (Heb 12:1-6) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online). Be still before Him and think about what you have just read. In your own words, express what this passage teaches you about your race of faith.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************** Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word. We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it. Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn. Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.
As you study this passage from Joshua, ask Him for understanding and wisdom – be sensitive to what He is teaching you about Faith and Obedience.
Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE (Heb 11:6). “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6, NIV DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson about “God-sized Tasks?” Meditate upon (Josh 6:1-16,20-21) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online). Be still before Him and think about what you have just read. In your own words, summarize what this passage teaches you about “God-Sized Tasks”.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************** Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word. We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it. Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn. Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.
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Riverview Family Devotion GuidesFamily devotion guides are provided to help reinforce the "Big Idea" that is studied in Sunday School and presented in the Pastor's message each week. Archives
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