By Rev. Danny Olinger

Love is an unmistakable family trait—one that all God’s children have. Two Families (2:28-29; 3:8-10) Shrinking back in Shame? (2:28 - 3:8) Love and Abide (2:28; 3:10) Discussion Starters Monday—What is shame? Have you experienced shame? What did it make you want to do? Tuesday—What two families can the world be divided into? (2:28-29; 3:8-10; Matt…

By Rev. Dan York

The last days will be known for false teachers and we must be all the more sure to cling to the truth of the gospel. Antichrists (vv. 18-19, 22, 26) Anointing (vv. 20, 23, 27a) Abide in Jesus (vv. 21, 24-25, 27b) Discussion Starters Monday—What is the “last hour”? What characterizes it? How do we know that we are living in the last hour? Tuesday—Wh…

The doctrine of creation calls us to recognize our need for others and their need for us, and it calls us to seek to use God’s creation in a way that takes others into account. Reject an independent mindset Accept your limitations Care for the creation as stewards Long for restoration (through the cross)…

Live for God’s glory (not ours) Question everything’s purpose Live like stewards (not owners)By Brett McNeill

True faith shows itself in love toward others, even seeking good for your enemies. True Believers Bear Fruit (vv. 3-6, 15-17) A New Commandment (vv. 5, 7-11) Mature and Maturing (vv. 12-14) Discussion Starters Monday—Why is it a lie to say that being a Christian doesn’t require a changed life? Why can’t you be a Christian if there is no change in y…

Sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to first go backwards. The Frustration of Losing Ground (vv. 1-9) The Tyranny of Emotions (and Where we Find Help) (vv. 1-20) When You Can’t See God (v. 19) Discussion Starters Monday—Have you ever been confident of God’s love at one point and then doubted it? What led to your confidence? What led to yo…

Creation is God’s making all things of nothing for His own glory and possession. What Creation Is (Genesis 1-2) The Purpose of Creation (Romans 1:19-20; 11:36; Psalm 19:1) Ownership and Stewardship (Romans 11:36; Genesis 1:26) Authority (Romans 13:1) Worship (Romans 1:25) Dignity and HumilityBy Brett McNeill

Hope is found, not in hiding or denying our sin, but bringing everything into the light so that it can be forgiven. Walking in the Light (1:5-7) Our Helper (2:1-2) The Way of Forgiveness (1:8-10) Discussion Starters Monday—Do you ever lie to yourself? How? What do you typically try to convince yourself of? Why would anyone lie to themself? Tuesday—…

The local session, composed of the pastors and ruling elders, oversees the local care and discipline of the congregation, as well as the worship and ministry of the word. Defining the Session The Session’s AuthorityBy Brett McNeill

The eternal God has revealed himself by becoming man and invites us into fellowship with him so that we might have life in him. The Eternality of God (vv. 1-2) The Revelation of God (vv. 1-4) Fellowship with God (vv. 3-4) Discussion Starters Monday—What was “from the beginning”? (v. 1) What does that mean? What is John saying about God? Is there an…

Presbyterianism is the biblical form of government where the church is ruled by elders in accountability to surrounding churches. What are the options? Episcopal Congregational Presbyterian Presbyterianism in the OPC Primary standard: The Bible Secondary standard: The Westminster Confession of Faith Tertiary standard: The Form of Government and the…

By Rev. Al Tricarico

By Rev. Al Tricarico

The safest place in the universe is to be surrendered to God. The Competition for Glory (vv. 1, 5) Vain is the Salvation of Man (vv. 5-13) With God We Shall do Valiantly (vv. 1-4, 13) Discussion Starters Monday—Why do we crave safety (and fear danger)? What can that craving sometimes lead us to do when it comes to trusting God? Tuesday—In what ways…

God’s people can be content and find comfort in the midst of great affliction because God goes with them into that affliction and shields them from the danger—eternal wrath—by bearing it for them in love. David’s Confession (Psalm 23) Christ’s Declaration (John 4:31-34; 6:5-11; 10:11-18) Our Hope and Confidence Discussion Starters Monday—What does …

God’s omnipotence means that He is not limited in His strength to do anything that He wants to do. What omnipotence is (and isn’t) The power of creation The power of resurrectionBy Brett McNeill

When you are afraid, you can trust in the God who hears you and will deliver you. God Allows You to go through the Wilderness (vv. 1-7) God Hears You when you Weep (vv. 8-11) God is with You in the Wilderness (vv. 12-13) Discussion Starters Monday—What are the different things that people tend to fear? Which do you tend to fear the most? Tuesday—Wh…

By Brett McNeill

The resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day is God’s sign to assure us that salvation belongs to our God and has been accomplished. The Enemy at the Gate (v. 1; 2 Kings 18-19) The King at Death’s Door (vv. 1-7) The Sign of Comfort (vv. 8-11) Discussion Starters Monday—What are some of the bold claims of Christianity? Why is the resurrection a…

Godly wisdom teaches us to recognize God’s love in his discipline and to give thanks for it. Consider the Steadfast Love of the Lord (vv. 1-3, 43) God’s Love Demonstrated (vv. 4-32) God’s Love Embodied (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31; cf. John 1:14) Walking in Wisdom (vv. 33-43) Discussion Starters Monday—Verse 43 tells us to consider the steadfast love of the …

By Brett McNeill

Sin is ugly and destructive, but we have a faithful Savior who stands in the breach ready to save all who repent and come to him. The Ugliness of Sin (vv. 6-33) Corporate (vv. 6-12) Impatient (v. 13-15; Numbers 11:1-15, 31-35) Jealous (vv. 16-18; Numbers 16:1-40) Idolatrous (vv. 19-23; Exodus 32:1-8) Rejects His Gifts (vv. 24-27; Numbers 13-14) Cor…

By Brett McNeill

Heartfelt worship flows out of remembering who God is and what he has done in the past so that we might have confidence as we look to the future. Worship as it Should Be (vv. 1-6) What We Remember (vv. 7-45) Why We Remember Discussion Starters Monday—Read verses 1-6. How does it describe worship? Is this simply an external exercise or does it go de…

By Brett McNeill

We do not suffer as those without hope, so our lives should be characterized by love while we await the return of our glorious Savior on the Last Day. Work of Faith (1 Thessalonians 2:1-16, 2:17-3:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12) Steadfastness of Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12) Labors of Love (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12, 5:12-…

In imitation of Jesus, every Christian is called to contribute and serve others as he or she is able—refusing to do so is a dereliction of duty. The Bible and the Poor (Deuteronomy 24; Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Matthew 5:42) A Gospel Issue (vv. 6-9) Rejecting Your Christian Identity (vv. 10-18) Discussion Starters Monday—How does God feel about the po…

By Isaac Baugh

In the face of adversity, the Lord teaches us to pray for protection and for the salvation of those who mistreat us. Prayer for Protection (vv. 2-4) Confidence in the Lord (v. 3) Hearts of Love (vv. 1, 5) Discussion Starters Monday—Is it overwhelming at all to you how much 1 and 2 Thessalonians talk about adversity that should expect to face? Why? …

By Isaac Baugh

The Holy God speaks to us from the throne of atonement, commanding us to come to him. The Holy God The Throne of Atonement The King Speaks Discussion Starters Monday—Do you have to be perfect to be in God’s presence? Why or why not? Tuesday—What covenant obligations do you have to God? What obligations does he have to you? Wednesday—Do you live eve…

By Isaac Baugh

God desired to physically dwell with us forever, so he became flesh, saved us from our sin, and is coming back bodily. Restoring Eden Incarnational Theology A New Eden Discussion Starters Monday—Why does God want to dwell with his people? How has he shown this is his goal throughout the story of Redemption? Tuesday—Are material things inherently go…

By Isaac Baugh

Rooted in Jesus’ love and grace, we are called to stand firm and walk in obedient devotion to our God, while we await his glorious return. Loved by God (vv. 12-14) Established in Every Good Work and Word (vv. 16-17) Stand Firm (v. 15) Discussion Starters Monday—Why does Paul begin and end this section with God’s love for you? What happens when you …

By Isaac Baugh

Jesus is the consuming fire who came and dwelt among us, and who calls us to ascend the mountain of his presence in faith to receive his Word. The Consuming Fire Ascending the Mountain Receiving His Word Discussion Starters Monday—Is it safe to approach God if he is a consuming fire? Do you keep God at a distance? Tuesday— How does Jesus dwell with…

By Isaac Baugh

Christians need to be prepared for the Man of Lawlessness who will lead many in the church away from the truth. The MOL (vv. 3-4) God is Restraining Satan (vv. 5-12) The Point of Knowing these Things (vv. 2-3, 5) Discussion Starters Monday—How do you usually respond to passage about the end times? Excitement? Fear? Apprehension? Why? Why are these …

By Isaac Baugh

Because justice is reserved for the last day, those who are deemed worthy of heavenly glory are counted worthy to suffer for Jesus in this life. The Implications of God’s Justice (vv. 6-10) You Are Worthy (vv. 3-5, 9, 11) To God Alone be the Glory (vv. 1-4, 12) Discussion Starters Monday—Can you think of any time in your life where your expectation…

By Isaac Baugh

By Steve Baugh

Jesus came into this world veiled in weakness, but, through that weakness, brought and eternal kingdom of glory. David (vv. 1-11) David’s Son (vv. 12-17) David’s Greater Son (John 1:14; 1 Peter 2:4-8) Discussion starters Monday—Why did God record so many stories about births and prophecies about coming children in the Old Testament? How does he wan…

Creation’s purpose is to reveal its Creator so that you might learn to glorify him and seek your life in him. Creation and Providence (vv. 2-28) The Purpose of Creation (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:18-20) The Seventh Day (vv. 1, 29-35; John 20:22) Discussion Starters Monday—What do you love most about creation? How does it affect you? What does it drive y…

By Isaac Baugh

Our frailty is not a hinderance to God showing us mercy, but the very reason he shows it. He Knows our Frame (vv. 14-16) He Remembers that We are Dust (vv. 2-13, 17-19) Talking to Angels (and Ourselves) (vv. 1, 20-22) Discussion Starters Monday—What does it mean to forget who we are and that we are dust? Why is it dangerous to forget who God is and…

By Isaac Baugh