CPC Discussions

What are the twin enemies of freedom? (It may be helpful to remember Ryan’s wording: losing our freedom via ___________ and abusing our freedom via ______________.)

How does Paul portray our freedom as a gift? Who is the primary actor in this process? How did Ryan describe the story of God’s people from cover to cover of the Bible?

According to Paul, do we have to keep the law? Why ought we to?

How is our freedom in Christ a “burden”? Hint: It may help to think through the paradox that Ryan gave us regarding self-control.

What is the primary focus of the burden? What is our freedom to be used for, in these verses? What is “responsible use” of Christian freedom?

What does our culture consider the best use of our freedom? What would the result of this use of freedom be—what sort of people might it turn us into, according to the text?

What is the shame of Christians using their freedom for themselves—what sort of people does it turn us into? What is the tragedy of Christians using freedom for themselves—what does it exchange true freedom for?

Thursday, November 24, 2011

November 24 - December 1

Readings can be accessed in full by clicking on the links below:

Nov 24: Gal 1-3
Nov 25: Gal 4-6
Nov 26: Acts 17-18:18
Nov 27: 1/2Thess
Nov 28: Acts 18:19-19:41
Nov 29: 1Cor 1-4
Nov 30: 1Cor 5-8
Dec 1: 1Cor 9-11

To view the full schedule: http://www.ewordtoday.com/year/niv1984/c.htm

Seven Tips For Staying On Track

1. Read through the Bible together with other people.

2. There will be some passages that you may not find interesting and / or difficult to read. Remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as you read these passages: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work." Ask yourself why God spoke this particular passage, and how it is profitable to you.

3. Do the whole reading for each day, but look for a "best thought" for each day - something you can ponder the rest of the day, a verse to memorize, something memorable.

4. As you come the Word each morning, ask God to open your eyes to the wonders found in his word.

5. Let your prayers for others flow out of what you read. Pray and read Scripture. After you read a passage, pray that passage for yourself and for others.

6. Some readings will be long and some short. Take advantage of shorter passages by reading them carefully, reflecting, asking questions, praying for answers, engage.

7. Look for ways you can practically live out what you're reading. James 1:22, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."

*The above is taken from Stephen Witmer, http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/12/29/two-year-bible-reading-plan/