Why Should I Read?

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Why Should I Read? Getting To Know Each Other • Have you ever been in a natural disaster? Did the disaster threaten your home? Into the Bible Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 4:2, 4:12 • If you receive God’s word by faith, what will it do in you? • How can something written centuries ago be able to change people today? • What happens if you listen to God’s word without faith? Why? • In Hebrews 4:12, how is God’s word described? • Application: If reading, listening and studying God’s word is a way to have God’s power work in us, how often do you receive it into your life? • Application: How have you felt God’s word stab your heart? Read John 8:31, James 1:21-24 • If we receive the teachings of Jesus, and live by them, who does Jesus say we are? • What word is the source or root of the word, “disciple”? What does this mean? • How can we be set free? • In James 1:21, what first step do we have to do to receive God’s word? Why? • What else is needed beside just listening to God’s word? Verse 22 • Application: When did you decide to really apply God’s word in your lifestyle? Read Matthew 14:22-33, 17:20 • What “discipline” did Jesus take time to practice? Verse 23 • Would you describe Peter as courageous or foolish for asking to walk out to Jesus? • How was Peter speaking in faith when he asked to walk on water? • Why did Peter sink? • What was Jesus’ response to Peter in verse 31? Was that a rebuke? Compare Matthew 17:20. What did Jesus say here about “little faith”? • How much faith is needed to move a mountain? • Application: What mountain in your life needs to be moved today? Read Matthew 7:24-27 • What do both builders have in common? (They both heard Jesus’ words, they built shelters and they both experienced a bad storm) • How are the builders different? • What is the point of the parable? • Application: When it comes to applying God’s word in your life, are you wise or foolish? • Application: How have you relied on God’s word when the storms of life have crashed on you? • Application: How can you strengthen your foundation this week?