CPC Discussions: June 2013

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Why Apocalypse Now? [Daniel 7]

Why did Ryan say it's good to have an Apocalypse?

Is there any practical application of Daniel 7 to us today beyond interesting historical facts?

Why is the tension Daniel experienced with the rise and fall of these coming empires?

Do we experience anxiety or worry today about the rise and fall of our nation?

What was the hope of Daniel that Ryan encouraged us with?

Didn't get a chance to listen to the sermon? Click here to listen!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Resisting Conformity [Daniel 6:1-28]

How did Daniel stay steadfast in the midst of pressure to conform?

What was particularly different about Daniel's method of protest?

What pressures surround us in our culture to conform?

In what way was King Darius helpless to help Daniel?

Where is the line between obedience to government authority and service to the Lord?

Didn't get a chance to listen to the sermon? Click here to listen!

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/