1.  帖後1-2章論到主再來的日子有什麼特別的預兆（參考太24:3-14，21：7-19）？有人說2012年是世界末日！我應該用什麼態度去對付末日時期的怪現象？ 

 ·         In 2 Thessalonians chapters 1 and 2, when the scripture describes the time of Lord’s return, what are the special signs (hint:  Mathews 24:3-14, Luke 21:7-19) ? Someone predicts that the year 2012 is the end of the world. How should we respond to the strange phenomenon at the end of world period?

 2.    以利沙成為神重用的僕人，原因何在（王下2，參考創32: 22-30；約  6:66-68）？   想到Jeremy Lin手環上有“In Jesus Name I play”,  對我有什麼啟發？

 ·         What made Elisha one of the favorite servants of God? (2 Kings 2, Genesis 32:22-30, John 6:66-68).  Do you get any inspiration from the words “In Jesus Name I play” on Jeremy Lin’s hand lace?

1.  保羅在患難中懇切禱告勸勉帖撒羅尼迦教會的，除了信心，還有兩樣是什麼（帖前3: 11-13； 4: 3-10）？今天我應該怎樣在這幾方面增長？

 

·         Paul prayed earnestly for the church of Thessalonians during his great sufferings. Besides faith in God, what are two other aspects Paul emphasized in his prayer (Thessalonians 3:11-13, 4:3-10)?  How should we grow in these aspects today?

 

 

2. 從王上18-22章,我們讀到亞哈的歷史，請分析他的缺點和優點。他的致命傷是什麼？他曾有過一線希望嗎？

 

·         From the history of king Ahab in 1 Kings 18-22, analyze what his weaknesses and strengths are. What was his fatal weakness? Had he ever had any hope in his life?

Normal 0 7.8 pt 0 2 false false false EN-US ZH-CN X-NONE

1.  保羅在患難中懇切禱告勸勉帖撒羅尼迦教會的，除了信心，還有兩樣是什麼（帖前3: 11-13； 4: 3-10）？今天我應該怎樣在這幾方面增長？ 

 ·         Paul prayed earnestly for the church of Thessalonians during his great sufferings. Besides faith in God, what are two other aspects Paul emphasized in his prayer (Thessalonians 3:11-13, 4:3-10)?  How should we grow in these aspects today?

  2. 從王上18-22章,我們讀到亞哈的歷史，請分析他的缺點和優點。他的致命傷是什麼？他曾有過一線希望嗎？

 ·         From the history of king Ahab in 1 Kings 18-22, analyze what his weaknesses and strengths are. What was his fatal weakness? Had he ever had any hope in his life?

 

1.  保羅為什麼常常受苦卻仍然盡心竭力 (西1: 24，29； 2: 1) ？目的為何？ 

 ·         Why did Paul continue to dedicate his life for the Gospel despite his sufferings (Colossians 1:24, 29, 2:1)? What is his purpose?

 2.    猶大國羅波安-亞比央到亞撒年間，北國從耶羅波安-拿答-巴沙-以拉-心利-暗利到亞哈就有4 次殘殺搶奪王位, 並犯了更嚴重的罪。這罪是什麼？神從這兩國中尋找怎樣的王與先知？ 我認為今天這個國家最嚴重的罪是什麼？神正在尋找怎樣的人？ 

 ·         From King Rehoboam and Abijiah to Asa in Judah and from King Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, and Zimri to Omri in Israel, there were four times that they snatched the throne by killing others; and more importantly, while sinning against God. What sins had they committed at that time? What kind of kings and prophets was God seeking from those two kingdoms? Today, what is the most devastating sin our country has committed? What kind of leaders is God seeking today?

 

1.       本週讀新約書信以弗所書5章到腓立比書3章，你印象最深的是那些經節？                  

      - 腓2: 5-11； 3: 7-14 有什麼相同的目標？這也是你人生的目標嗎？ 

                                

·         What Bible verses impressed you the most after you read Ephesians 5 through Philippians 3?

What are the common goals between Philippians 2:5-11 and 3:7-14? Is this also the goal of your life?

 

2.    所羅門（王上9：3-9）與耶羅波安（11：37-38）有什麼相同之處？他們忽略了什麼？我對神的話也像他們一樣嗎？

 

·         What did King Solomon (1 Kings 9:3-9) and Jeroboam have in common (1 Kings 11:37-38)?  What had they neglected? Do you treat the word of God as they did?

 

Ephesians 5

 

1.      The Bible teaches us to be an imitator of God. What is an imitator?

 

a.      To follow or endeavor to follow as a model or example. It means to be a copy of God, do what God does.

 

2.      What does the Bible teach us about the misuse of our speech?  Instead what should we speak?

 

a.      v4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

 

3.      v8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. How do you live as a child of light?

 

a.      v10 and find out what pleases the Lord. v11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

 

b.      v15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise

 

c.      v17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

 

d.      v19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

 

e.      v20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

f.       v21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 

4.      What is the responsibility of a wife to her husband? Why?

 

a.      v22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. v23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

 

5.      What is the responsibility of a husband to his wife? Why?

 

a.      v25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

 

b.      v28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

 

Ephesians 6

 

1.      What is the responsibility of a child to his or her parents? Why?

 

a.      v1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. v2 "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise--v 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."

 

2.      What does a father should and should not do to his children?

 

a.      v4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

 

3.      What is the responsibility of the slave (employee) to their master (employer)?

 

a.      v5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. v7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, v8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

 

4.      What is the responsibility of a master (employer)?

 

a.      v9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

 

5.      What is in the armor of God? Which one are you missing for the battle?

 

a.      14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

 

b.      with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

 

c.      15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

 

d.      16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

 

e.      17 Take the helmet of salvation

 

f.       and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 

Philippians 1

 

1.      Your life is a good work of God. Who will complete this work?

a.      V6…He (God) who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

 

2.      V28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. Share about anything that frightens you?

 

Philippians 2

 

1.      What does this passage teach us about treating others and regard of ourselves?

 

a.      v3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. v4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

 

2.      Who is our ultimate model for humility? What did he do?

 

a.      Christ Jesus: v6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, v7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. v8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

 

3.      Many people misused the name of Jesus Christ. How should we regard the name of Jesus Christ?

 

a.      9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

4.      Now you have received God’s salvation, what should you do?

 

a.      continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

 

5.      What is right attitude when we do work (especially when you parents ask you to do it)?

 

a.      v14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, v15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault…

 

Philippians 3

 

1.      What is the most important thing in your life?

 

a.      v8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

 

2.      What is the purpose of life?

 

a.      V13…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

 

3.      How do the enemies of God live their lives?

 

a.      v19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

 

4.      What about those who believe God? What should they be doing, and where will they be?

 

a.      V20…And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, v21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

 

1Kings 8-12

 

1.      What was in the ark of covenant?

 

a.      v9 There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt.

 

2.      What came down to fill the temple?

 

a.      10 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. 11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.

 

3.      What is the word that has been came up many times in Solomon prayer?

 

a.      Forgive.

4.      Is there a person now or in history who has never sinned?

 

a.      v46 “When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin…

 

5.      How many cattle, goats and sheep were offered for the first offering in the new temple?

 

a.      v63 Solomon offered a sacrifice of fellowship offerings to the LORD: twenty-two thousand cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats.

 

1Kings 9

 

1.      What Solomon has to do to have his throne establish forever?

 

a.      v4 "As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, v5 I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever.

 

2.      What would happen to Solomon’s kingdom if his son turns away from God?

 

a.      6 "But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, v7 then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples.

 

3.      What choice will you make: following God or turning away from God? Why?

 

1Kings 10

 

1.      What is the name of the queen who wanted to test Solomon with hard questions?

 

a.      1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions.

 

2.      What was the queen’s reaction after witnessing Solomon’s wisdom?

 

a.      v6 She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. v7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. v8 How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! v9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness."

 

3.      What will people see in you? Will they praise God? Why?

 

1Kings 11

 

1.      How did Solomon disobey God in process of taking wives?

 

a.      v1 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter--Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. v2 They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, "You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods." Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love.

 

2.      How many wives did Solomon have? What was the consequence?

 

a.      v3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. v4 As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

 

3.      What was the consequence for that Solomon did not keep the covenant with the Lord?

 

a.      v11 So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. v12 Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. v13 Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen."

 

4.      Do you think it was wise for Solomon not following God?

 

a.      Solomon was not that wise after all. Disobeying Go is the most foolish thing in life.

 

5.      Whom did God want to give the kingdom of Israel to?

 

a.      v31 Then he said to Jeroboam, "Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon's hand and give you ten tribes.

 

1Kings 12

 

1.      What was the mistake king Rehoboam made to ruin the kingdom?

 

a.      v13 The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, v14 he followed the advice of the young men and said, "My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions."  

 

2.      Why is it important to listen to the advice of elder people?

 

3.      What was the mistake king Jeroboam made with his people?

 

a.      v28 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." v29 One he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan.

 

 

Illustration pages

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/177-fnOdX9WN_pj4GBvD9bqdnHqp6j80UOl4ICTGX36Q/edit

 

1.       弗二11-13  �前外邦人信靠自己的成就、权力和地位远离神，今天我们成了在基督里的新人。在12节中外邦人的5个“特征”是什么？他们在神面前的身份怎么可能有了如此大的改变？保罗在13节中所说的“远离”和“亲近”是什么意思？请思想你与神的关系如何？

 

・         Ephesians 2:11-13  Gentiles trusted their own ability and achievements and were separated from God, but today we have become new beings in Christ. What are five conditions attributed to gentiles in verse 12? How is it possible for their former circumstances to be radically changed? What does Paul mean by “far off” and “brought near” in verse 13? How is your relationship with God today?

 

2.    王上三4-11      所罗门王只向神求智慧来管理以色列民蒙神的喜悦，结果神却加赐他财富，尊荣，与长寿。什么时候神会把我们在祷告中没有祈求的祝福也赐给我们？从所罗门王向神求智慧的故事，今天我们学到什么样的祷告功课？

 

・         1 Kings 3: 4-11  King Solomon asked God for a discerning heart, which pleased Him. As a result, God not only gave him wisdom, but also added to giving him wealth, honor, and longevity.  When might God bless someone for not asking for something in prayer? What can we learn about our prayers today?

Galatians 6

1.      How can we help a person who has sin?

a.      V1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

2.      What are the outcomes if we  choose to please our sinful nature or please the Holy Spirit?

a.      v8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

3.      Should we get tired or give up in doing good?

a.      v9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. v10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

 

Ephesians 1

1.      When did God choose us?

a.      v4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love v5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--.

2.      In verse 11, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,” again the Bible mentioned that we have been chosen by Him. How does that make you feel?

a.      Special, loved by God, honor, underserved….

3.      What do the blood of Christ and His grace bring to us?

a.      v7 In him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

4.      What is the process of salvation? Or, what are the steps to be saved by God? Have you done it?

a.      13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth (step 1), the gospel of your salvation. Having believed (step 2) , you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (step 3) ,

Ephesians 2

1.      If we are still in sin, what is the condition of our spirit?

a.      V1…you were dead (in spirit) in your transgressions and sins…

2.      If we now believe in Christ, what is the condition of our spirit?

a.      v4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, v5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.

3.      Do we have to do something good to be saved by God?

a.      v8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--v 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

4.      Since we are saved now, do we still have to do good works?

a.      v10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

5.      What are some of the good works you can do?

Ephesians 3

1.      What attitude will please God when you go to Him?

a.      v12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  

2.      What can God do in your lives?

a.      20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Ephesians 4

1.      As a Christian, how should we live out our lives?

a.      V1…to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

2.      Why we need to “grow up” or become mature (in spiritual sense) as Christian?

a.      v13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

3.      What are the things that Paul teaches us to put on and put off?

a.      22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

4.      Can we get angry? How should we handle our anger?

a.      V26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, v27 and do not give the devil a foothold. We can get angry with a righteous reason, but not sinful reason. But even with that, we should not get angry for long period of time.

5.      29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. What are some unwholesome talk that come out from you? What should you say instead?

6.      How should you treat each other? Give an example?

a.      32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

1Kings 2

 

1.      What was David’s instruction for Solomon  before he died?

a.      V2…"So be strong, show yourself a man, v3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.

2.      How do you show yourself a man and how do you observe what the Lord your God requires?

3.      How long did David reign as king?

a.      v11 He had reigned forty years over Israel--seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.

4.      Why do you think Adonijah wanted to marry Abishag the Shunammite (the young virgin to attend the king David)?

a.      He still desired to be the king. Even though he was forgiven, but he still had the evil desire.

 

1Kings 3

1.      v3 Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. What is a high places?

a.      A place of worshiping idol or false God.

2.      Can you truly love God and still worship other gods or other of your desires?

3.      If God say to you, “Tell me one wish, I will grant that you.” What will you wish for? Why?

4.      When God said to Solomon, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." ,what did Solomon ask for?

a.      9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.

5.      What was God’s answer to Solomon request?

a.      v11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, v12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. v13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for--both riches and honor--so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. v14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."

6.      What is a discerning heart? Will you wish for one from God?

a.      It is a heart that will know what is right and wrong from God’s perspective. It is based on absolute truth of God. The only way to receive a discerning hear is through God and His word. This is one thing that God will lavishly give it to us if we ask.

7.      In the story of the two mother fighting for the baby, how did Solomon know who the true mother was for the baby?

a.      v25 He (Solomon) then gave an order: "Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other." v26 The woman whose son was alive was filled with compassion for her son and said to the king, "Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don't kill him!" But the other said, "Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!" Only the true mother would never let her child die even if she has to lose the baby.

 

1Kings 4

1.      Was it peaceful during Solomon reign as king?

a.      v25 During Solomon's lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, each man under his own vine and fig tree.

2.      How wise was Solomon? Who gave him the wisdom?

a.      29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

3.      Was the Solomon’s wisdom only limited in knowing right and wrong?

a.      32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. It is not limited to wisdom of right and wrong, but science, literature, music, philosophy and other human knowledge.

 

1Kings 5

1.      What is the name of the king that provided the cedars of Lebanon?

a.      Hiram king of Tyre.

2.      What was Hiram king of Tyre reaction when Solomon told him that he wanted to build a temple for God?

a.      V7 When Hiram heard Solomon's message, he was greatly pleased and said, "Praise be to the LORD today, for he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation."

3.      Will people praise God when they see your desire to please God?

 

1King 6

1.      How many years since Israelites left Egypt before they start building the temple of God?

a.      v1 In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the temple of the LORD.

2.      How big was the temple?

a.      v2 The temple that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits (88.8 ft) long, twenty (29.6 ft) wide and thirty  (4.4ft) high.  (1 cubits is 1.48 ft)

3.      How many years it took to build the temple?

a.      V38…He had spent seven years building it.

 

1King 7

1.      Which builder was bigger, Solomon’s palace or the temple of God?

a.      v2 He built the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty wide and thirty high, with four rows of cedar columns supporting trimmed cedar beams. Solomon’s palace was bigger.

2.      What was the name of the fine craftsman who did all the finishing of the temple?

a.      Huram.

3.      Why Huram put so much detail in designing the top of the pillar where not many people would notice that? “v19The capitals on top of the pillars in the portico were in the shape of lilies, four cubits high. v20 On the capitals of both pillars, above the bowl-shaped part next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows all around.”

a.      Because God notice that. God knows and notice all the things that we do. So, whatever we do, do it for God, because He care.

4.      David was not able to build the temple or witness the completion of the temple. Did he just gave up and not contribute?

a.      v51 When all the work King Solomon had done for the temple of the LORD was finished, he brought in the things his father David had dedicated--the silver and gold and the furnishings--and he placed them in the treasuries of the LORD's temple. He contributed in every way he could, even he cannot see the results.

5.      Will you participate in some work (like helping someone) that you know you will not see the outcome, but deep in your heart you believe God want you to be a part of?

 

Illustration pages

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T1rH_jGVQ_7PLvea3o9IvaPAkvgWKFk2W5zWSEcwD4w/edit

 

Galatians 1

 

1.      Can we still be a servant for God but at the same time trying to please men?

 

a.      v10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

 

2.      When did God have Paul in mind to preach the gospel to the Gentiles?

 

a.      15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles,...

 

3.      Do you know that God desired for you to serve Him before you were born? How does that make you feel?

 

Galatians 2

 

1.      Does God judge by looking at a person appearance?

 

a.      V6…God does not judge by external appearance…

 

2.      Should we judge a person by his or her appearance? Why?

 

3.      Why did Paul oppose Peter to his face in front of the Christian brothers?

 

a.      v11 When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.

 

4.      Now, you as a Christian, how should you live your life?

 

a.      v20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 

Galatians 3

 

1.      How was Abraham credited as righteous? Or how did God consider Abraham as a person with no sin?

 

a.      v6 Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

 

2.      How can we be also justified as righteous like Abraham?

a.      v8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." v9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

 

3.      What is faith? Tell me about it? What does the bible say?

 

a.      Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

 

4.      What is the purpose of the law of God?

 

a.      v24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. v25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

 

5.      Who are you truly if you are a follower of Christ?

 

a.      v26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, v27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. v28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 

Galatians 4

 

1.      Fill in the blank. 7 So you are no longer a _____(slave), but a_____ (son); and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

 

2.      Share about your thought about the difference between a slave and a son (or daughter) of God.

 

Galatians 5

 

1.      According to Paul, what do you think is the one thing that counts?

 

a.      V6…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

 

2.      What is our calling (from God)? What does God call us to do?

 

a.      v13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

 

3.      How should we live our lives so that we will not fall into sin?

 

a.      V16…live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. v17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

 

4.      What are some of the acts of sinful nature?

 

a.      v19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; v20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

 

5.      What is the fruit (singular) of the Spirit?

 

a.      v22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, v23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 

6.      If we belong to Christ, what should we do to our sinful nature?

 

a.      v24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

 

2Samuel 21

 

1.      Why there was a famine for three successive years?

 

a.      The LORD said, "It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death." (the Israelites had sworn to [spare] them, but Saul in his zeal for Israel and Judah had tried to annihilate them.)

 

2.      Why did David not deliver Mephiibosheth to the Gibeonites?

 

a.      v7 The king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.

 

3.      What should you do with the promises you have made?

 

a.      Honor all of them

 

2Samuel 22

 

1.      What were some of the objects that David used to symbolize God’s protection?

 

a.      v2 He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior-- from violent men you save me

 

2.      Who will you run to when you need help?

 

3.      How will God dealt (or judge) with us? Based on what that He will reward us?

 

a.      v21 "The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

 

4.      How did David describe the word and the way of God?

 

a.      v31 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless…

 

2Samuel 23

 

1.      What are the two important things that a person should have to rule?

 

a.      'When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, 4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morningan, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.'

 

2.      Who were the three men who broke the enemy line to get the water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem?

 

a.      Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar and Shammah. V16… the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David.

 

3.      How many mighty men were mentioned in this chapter?

 

a.      V38…There were thirty-seven in all.

 

4.      What is the common feature of these mighty men?

 

a.      They have courage to fight the enemy.

 

2Samuel 24

 

1.      What did David do to offend God?

 

a.      v1 Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah." v2 So the king said to Joab and the army commanders with him, "Go throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and enroll the fighting men, so that I may know how many there are."

 

2.      Why David’s order for counting the soldiers was wrong?

 

a.      That show a sign of David’s pride. He wanted to know how many soldier were under his power. But it was God whom gave him all the power not the army.

 

3.      Who tried to stop David?

 

a.      Joab.

 

4.      If you know someone who has authority over you has done something wrong, will you speak out?

 

5.      What was the consequence of David’s mistake?

 

a.      v15 So the LORD sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died.

 

6.      Was David sorry for his mistake?

 

a.      v 17 When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the LORD, "I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall upon me and my family."

 

7.      Why David did not accept a free offer from Araunah for the land and the ox?

 

a.      v24 But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.

 

1King 1

 

1.      What is the name of David’s son who declared himself as the king?

 

a.      V5…Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, "I will be king."

 

2.      Who did David declare as the next king?

 

a.      V29 The king then took an oath: "As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, 30 I will surely carry out today what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place."

 

3.      Did Solomon kill Adonijah for trying to be the king on his first attempt?

 

a.      V53… And Adonijah came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon said, "Go to your home."

1.   加一10    保罗对加拉太信徒的批评是严厉的，因为他们偏离真道，走在危险的边缘。作为一个基督徒，我们要讨谁的喜悦呢？神的基计划会讨人的喜悦吗？为什么？(林前一23)

・         Galatians 1:10.  Paul’s criticism towards Galatian believers is harsh, for they have deviated from the truth and are walking in danger.  As a Christian, whom do we want to please? Will God’s plan ever please men? Why or why not? (1 Cor 1:23)

 

2.  撒下二十四11-13   大卫数点百姓有何之罪(参撒下二十四3)，在民数记中神曾吩咐摩西数点以色列百姓嘛(民一2；二十六2)? 既然大卫已经认罪了为何仍要接受处罚，而且还牵连到了百姓(参申二十八20~26)？面临三种惩罚(饥荒、战争、瘟疫)为何大卫选择了直接从神而来的处罚？ 

 

・         2 Samuel 24:11  In the book of Numbers, God commanded Moses to take a census for the people of Israel  (Numbers 1:2; 26:2). Why was David wrong for taking a census in 2 Samuel 24? After David has admitted his wrong-doing, why did God still punish him and his people (Deuteronomy 28: 20-26)? When he faces three penalty options (famine, war, and plague), why did David choose a direct punishment from God?