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BIBLE For Family Devotions and
Small Group Discussion The readings:
Before reading or telling a Bible story,
tell hearers what to look for. Suggestions for what to find follow the word
"Find" for the Bible passages. For example: Before reading 2
Chronicles After reading, ask questions to help group
discussion: What important
truths did you find? What do they teach us about God? What was hard to
understand? What does God want
us to do about what we just read? What is your plan? Prepare! Group participation is stronger if
you study a passage at home, then lead or participate in the discussion of
it, when you meet as a small group or family. Stories for the whole family. Asterisks (*)
indicate stories for children as well as adults. They sometimes
indicate portions of a story that might be too long to read to children in
its entreaty. The list repeats some Bible stories, including those that
appear in two or more Gospels. We learn by repetition; for children it is
essential. Aim for spiritual growth. The readings
cover the entire Bible. They appear under activities on three levels, so that
you can repeat an activity on a more advanced level, rather than studying it
only once. Use the list below as a menu. Select
readings according to the needs or interests of your small group, family or
personal walk with Christ. BIBLE Seek God's will and plan
accordingly. (Level 1) Find: *In Matthew
26:36-46, how we submit in prayer, to the will of God. Triumph
through Prayer (Level 1) Find: *In
Luke 18:1-8, how the widow triumphed with her pleas. Tell
Others About Jesus (Level 1) Find: *In chapter 3,
how the devil tempted Adam and Eve. *In Genesis 4,
what was sacrificed for a man's sin, why Cain was mad. *In Matthew
4:1-11, the difference between Adam and Jesus, in their response to
temptation. *In Mark 14:1-9,
how we should feel about Jesus when we think of how and why He died. *In Mark 14:10-31,
what Jesus said and did when He showed us how to celebrate Communion. *In Mark 14:26-31
with 66-72 (after Jesus' arrest), how Peter broke his promise to God. *In Mark 14:32-42,
Jesus' supreme act of obedience to His Father *In Mark 14:43-52,
how they arrested and tried Jesus, why they sentenced Him to die *In Mark 15:1-20,
what they did to Jesus before they killed Him *In Mark 15:21-41,
things that happened when Jesus died Be
Baptized and Added to Jesus' Church (Level 1) Find: a) why the Most Holy God gets angry with
people, b) what He did in Noah's time. *In 6:9-14;
7:1-24; 8:15-22, find how God saved some people, who, why and what else was
in the boat In Exodus chapters
14-15, how the Israelites escaped from slavery. *In chapter 14, what God did to save
His people from Pharaoh, the angry king. In Acts 16:19-40,
several things that happened that started the new church in *In
verses 19-34, who received baptism, when, and why. In Rom. Pray
for the Sick and Demon Oppressed (Level 1) Find: *In verses 17-37,
how Elijah dealt with the dead child. *In Acts 16:16-18, What Paul did to cast out the demon. In Ephesians 6:10-20, the purposes of the
different pieces of the armor of God. Make
it Easy to Tell Others About Jesus (Level 1) Find: In Genesis 10.1 through 12.3 (compare with
Galatians 3:8-9 & 13-14), how nations began and how they will be blessed. *In Genesis
11:1-9 and 12:1-3, a) how
God separated the people of different nations, b) through
whom He would bless all nations. In Luke 10:1-24,
what Jesus orders us to do as we announce His kingdom. In Luke chapters 23-24, the basic story of
the good news of the gospel. *In 23:1-25, why
the king and governor let the religious leaders turn Jesus over to be killed. *In *In *In 24:1-12, how
they first knew that Jesus had risen from the dead. *In 24:13-35, how
two disciples recognized the risen Christ. *In 24:36-44, how
the risen Lord proved to His disciples that He was not a ghost. *In 24:45-53, what
we should explain to others about Jesus, and where He is now. *In Matthew 13:24-43 and Rev. 20:11-15, what will happen to people who
reject God. Learn
to Live the Christian Life Victoriously, by Faith (Level 1) Find: *In 12:1-3 &
7-9, God's promise to Abraham. *In 12:10-20,
Abraham's foolish lie. *In 13:1-18,
how Abraham avoided a quarrel with his nephew. *In 14:1-24, how
Abraham freed his nephew. *In 15:1-21, what
Abraham did, that God considered him to be just, what God promised. *In 18:1-15, why
Sarah laughed and what the angel said about it. *In *In 19:1-29, what
happened to some very bad people. *In Matthew
28:16-20, what a new disciple of Jesus is to do. In 1 Tim. 3:16-17,
the purpose of all Bible teaching (see v. 17). *In Mark (the
entire book), major events in the life of Jesus (jot them down). (Nearly
every chapter has stories that are excellent for children.) Love
God and Our Neighbor in a Find: *In Luke 10:25-37, how we show true
Christian love for our neighbor. Read
and Apply the Bible to Our Lives (Level 1) Find: *In Matthew
7:24-26, what happens if we learn the Bible without practicing it. *In Matthew
15:1-20, how we corrupt ourselves, if we use the Bible incorrectly. In 1 Peter In Rev. 22:18-19,
a warning against changing Word of God. Get
along with Our Brothers in Christ and Worship Together (Level 1) Find: *In 21:22-34,
what Abraham and Abimelech did, to live together in peace. *In 22:1-18, how
God tested Abraham's faith. *In 24:1-67, how
God provided a wife for Isaac. *In 25:27-34, how
Jacob tricked Esau into giving him his rights as first-born (for a special
inheritance). *In 27:1-40,
how Jacob tricked his dying father into giving him his brother's blessing. *In 32:22-32,
how Jacob and his descendants received the name " *In 33:1-20, what
Jacob did so that his brother Esau would forgive him. In Exodus chapters
16-17 (compare John 6), with what attitude we are to receive what God
provides. *In Exodus
16:1-35, how God provided food for His people in the desert. *In Exodus
17:1-7, how God provided water for His people in the desert. *In Exodus 17:8-16,
what happened when Moses’ arms fell, what they did about it. *In John 6:1-15,
how Jesus provided food for the people in the desert. *In John 6:22-69,
the food and drink that lets us live forever In Exodus chapters
25-27 and 33:7-10, the form of the old sanctuary, priests' duties. *In Acts 2:36-47,
what they did in the worship services of the first church. In 1 Cor. 11 and
Hebrews 10:25, guidelines for attending and celebrating worship. Celebrate
Family Devotions (Level 1) Find: *In Luke 18:15-17 and Ephesians 6:4, what we should do with the
children. In John (the entire book), stories of
Jesus, to tell to our families. Nearly every chapter has stories that are
excellent for children. Organize
the Church (Level 1) Find: In Nehemiah chapters 3-4, how they divided
the work among many. In 1 Corinthians chapters 12-13, how the
work of the Body of Christ is coordinated. *In Acts chapters 1-12, examples of how God disciplined and governed His
new church (Nearly every chapter has stories that are excellent for
children). Develop
Loving Fellowship in the Family of God (Level 1) Find: *In Matthew 26:17-30, what Jesus orders us to do in worship. In John 13:34-35, Eph. 4:31-32, 1 John
chapters 1-5, guidelines for fellowship. In Ephesians (select key portions from the
entire book), guidelines to cultivate love for God and others. Visit
and Encourage our Brothers in Christ (Level 1) Find: *In Acts Develop
Generous Stewardship (Level 1) Find: In Exodus chapters 35-36, why Moses
prohibited that they give more offerings. *In Luke 21:1-4, how God calculates the amount that we give to Him. *In Acts 8:4-25 (compare 2 Cor. 9:6-8), the correct attitude for giving. Prepare
to Serve Christ (Level 1) Find: *In Exodus
1:1-22, why Pharaoh wanted to kill the children. *In Exodus
2:1-10, how the baby Moses was saved from Pharaoh. *In Exodus
2:11-25, why the man Moses ran away from *In Exodus 3:1
through *In Exodus 5:1
through 6:1, how Pharaoh hardened his heart against God. *In Exodus
chapters 6-11, how the different plagues effected Pharaoh and the
people. All these chapters have stories for the children; be sure to
emphasize the last plague, the death of the firstborn, in chapter 11. In 1 Timothy,
find basic guidelines for shepherding others. Mobilize
New Pastoral Trainers (Level 1) Find: *In 12:1-36,
how the death angel death knew when to pass over a house *In *In *In *In 19:1-25,
how God prepared the new elders and His people, to receive His law. *In 20:1-21,
the main commands of God for His people of the Old Testament In 1 and 2
Timothy, how Paul prepared Timothy to lead (principles of leadership). Train
Those Who Have the Apostolic (Missionary) Gift (Level 1) Find: *In Acts 10, guidelines for missionary work. BIBLE Develop
Prayer in the Church (Level 2) Find: *In 1:1-21, how
Daniel and his companions stayed in good health *In 2:1-49, what
the king's dream meant, what happened when Daniel explained it *In 3:1-30, what God
did for the three boys who prayed to the one true God *In
6:1-28 (compare 1 Thessalonians In Daniel 9
(compare Ephesians In John 17, what Jesus asked for Himself
and for us. In 1 John 1:8-10 through 2:2, guidelines
for the confession of sins. Take
the Good News to New Places and People (Level 2) Find: In Isaiah 52:13 through 53:12, old
prophesies of the redemptive work of Jesus. *In Matthew 13 examples from God's natural
creation of how churches grow and multiply. *In John 4, the vision Jesus wants us to
have, for harvesting peoples in other places. *In Acts 8:26-40, an example of how to use
the Bible to witness for Jesus. *In Acts chapters 13-14, guidelines for a
missionary team sent by a church (Both chapters have stories that are good
for children). *In Luke (select
key portions from the entire book), the most important events in the life of
Jesus (jot them down). (Nearly every chapter has stories good for
children.) Strengthen
the Church and Plant New Churches (Level 2) Find: In Matthew
chapters 26-28 (compare Galatians 1:6-12), all that Jesus did, to save us
from our sins and establish His church. *In 26:1-13, what
a woman did to prepare Jesus for His death and burial *In 26:14-29, how
Holy Communion was established *In 26:36-46,
what Jesus did not want to do *In 26:14-16
& 47-56, why they found it easy to arrest Jesus and what He did *In 26:57-68,
what happened at Jesus' trial, and why the High Priest got angry *In 26:30-35
& 69-75 and 27:1-2, what Peter did, that he regretted later *In 27:3-10, what
happened to Judas *In 27:11-31,
what Pilate did to defend Jesus, and the result *In 27:32-44,
what Jesus' enemies said to mock Him as he hung nailed to the cross *In 27:45-61, things
that happened when Jesus died *In 27:62 through
28:10, what the greatest miracle of all time was *In 28:16-20,
what Jesus commands His church to do *In Acts 2, what
the Holy Spirit enabled them to do to form the church. Make
Disciples (Level 2) Find: *In 31:18 through
32:35, why God wanted to destroy the people and what Moses did to change
God's mind *In Mark 3:13-19,
reasons why Jesus named the twelve Apostles. *In Matthew, guidelines from Jesus' example, for making
disciples. (Nearly every chapter has stories that are good for children.) Apply
Basic Doctrines to our Lives (Level 2) Find: *In 37:1-36, why
Joseph's brothers envied him and what they did to him *In 39:1-23, why
Joseph was put in prison *In 41:1-55, how
Joseph came to be governor *In chapters
42-45 (select portions of a length that children will pay attention to), a) what
Joseph did to save his brothers, b) things
he did (or that happened to him) that also happened to Jesus. *In Exodus 20, the
basis of the old covenant, which the people could not keep. In Romans, steps in the Christian life
toward maturity. In Colossians, guidelines for a life of
truth and holiness. In 1
Thessalonians, examples of counsel to encourage our brothers in Christ. Face
False Teaching or Find: In Jeremiah (the
entire book), how God uses leaders to deal with error (list several things). In Obadiah (the entire
book), how God punished rebellious people in the Old Testament. *In Acts 5:1-11,
how God punished liars in the New Testament. In 2
Thessalonians, the main error that Paul corrected. In 1 Peter 1:1-12,
how to think about problems and persecution In 1 Peter
1:13-25, results of following God's Word In 1 Peter
chapters 2-5, several guidelines for victorious living and leading others In 2 Peter, 2 and
3 John and Judas (the entire books), guidelines for avoiding error. Face
Opposition and Persecution (Level 2) Find: *In 1 Samuel
16:1-13, how God chose David as a leader of His people. In Joshua,
examples of how Joshua faced the enemies of God. *In 1:1-18, how
God prepared Joshua to lead His people. *In 2:1-24, what
Rahab did to help God's people, and what they promised her. *In 3:1-4:9, the
order in which they crossed the river, to conquer the promised land. *In 6:1-27, their
tactics for attacking *In 7:1-26, the cause
of their defeat at Ai, and what they had to do to correct it. *In 8:1-29, what
happened the second time they attacked Ai. In Lamentations
(select key portions from the entire book), how Jeremiah lamented the fall of
*In Mark 14:53-65, what Jesus did when they
persecuted Him, and why they sentenced Him to death. Matthew *In Acts 7:1 through 8:1, why they killed
Stephen, how they did it, and who stood there approving of it. *In Acts 9:1-35, a) what God stopped Saul from doing. b) what Ananias did. c) what Saul did as soon as He could
see. Mobilize
the Congregation for Discipling and Serving (Level 2) Find: *In *In Deuteronomy
6:4-9, what the Israelites were to teach their children, and how often. In Acts 2:46-47, where they taught the
Word, and with what results. Gather
for Public Worship and Special Celebrations (Level 2) Find: In Leviticus chapters 1-22, the form of the
worship service of the Old Testament. *In 10:1-20 with
16:1-7 & 15-19, a) why
Aaron's sons had to die, b) rules made afterwards, for entering the most In Numbers
chapters 5-10, different rules for leading Old Testament worship. In Numbers
6:22-27, a blessing for ministers to give God's people In 2 Chronicles chapters 5-6, things that
happened in a special worship service. *In 5:2-14, how
they worshipped God, and how He responded *In Matthew
17:1-13, how God glorified Jesus before His disciples. *In Mark 14:1-31, the importance of the
Last Supper. Appreciate
God's Presence with Us (Level 2) Find: *In *In 2:1-23, what
the wise men gave Jesus, why Joseph took him and Mary to Luke chapters 1-2, events related to Jesus'
birth that Matthew did not mention. *In *In 2:1-20, what
the angels told the shepherds and what they did. *In *In *In 2 Kings
4:8-37, blessings for both Elisha and the Shunamite,
due to his visit. In Matthew 10:5-15, guidelines for visiting
and evangelizing. *In 2 Kings 4:8-37, blessings for both
Elisha and the Shunamite, due to his visit. In Matthew 10:5-15, guidelines for visiting
and evangelizing. *In 2 Kings 4:8-37, blessings for both
Elisha and the Shunamite, due to his visit. In Matthew 10:5-15, guidelines for visiting
and evangelizing. In Matthew chapters 21-28, the main things
that happened during Holy Week (the week before Jesus died)--(list them). * In Matthew
21:1-11, what happened when Jesus came to * In Matthew
21:12, what Jesus did that made the religious leaders mad. * In Matthew
25:31-47, how Jesus said the nations would be judged. * In Matthew
26:1-5, what the religious leaders planned during Holy Week. * In Matthew
26:17-29, what happened during Jesus' last supper before His death * In Matthew
27:15-31, why the authorities agreed to have the Roman soldiers kill Jesus. * In Matthew
27:32-61, unusual things that happened when Jesus was put to death. In John chapters
12-21, more events during Holy Week that Matthew did not mention. *In 13:1-20, what
Jesus did that surprised His disciples, and why He did it. *In *In 19:17-37,
more things that happened when Jesus was put to death. *In 19:28-42,
more things that happened after Jesus was put to death. *In 20:1-18, who
saw Jesus first after He rose from the dead, and what He said. *In *In 21:1-14, what
Jesus did the third time He met with His disciples after He rose from the
Dead. *In In 1 Corinthians
14, guidelines to worship in an orderly way. In 1 Timothy 2,
more guidelines to worship in an orderly way. Shepherd
the People of God (Level 2) Find: *In Numbers
20:1-13, how Moses and Aaron misused their authority. *In I Samuel
16:1-13, how David was chosen, as a leader of God's people In 1 Tim. 3,
qualifications for church leaders: a) prerequisites for elders shepherds,
pastors or co-pastors) of a church. b) prerequisites for deacons (helpers,
persons who take care of physical needs) of a church. Plan
Well Our Time Schedules (Level 2) Find: In Eph. 5:15-17,
guidelines to evaluate how we use the time God gives us. Have
Orderly Meetings for Church Business. (Level 2) Find: In Acts 15,
examples of guidelines to lead a meeting to resolve a conflict. Have
Activities for Fellowship and Fun (Level 2) Find: In Philippians 2:1-12, what is true
humility, and what is the greatest example of it. In Philippians, the kind of joy that we
should have, and where it comes from. Resolve
Disputes and Divisions (Level 2) Find: In Numbers 11-21, cases of rebellion and how
God dealt with them. *In 11:1-23 &
31-33, what God did for those who demanded meat to eat. *In 12:1-16, what
God did to Miriam when she complained about Moses' black wife. *In 16:1-50, how
God punished those who rebelled with Korah. *In 21:4-9, how God
punished the complainers, and how He also healed them. In Philemon 1, how Paul got two brothers in
Christ to be reconciled. Strengthen
Family Life (Level 2) Find: a) guidelines
for developing friendships, b) examples
of good and bad leadership. *In 1:1-28, Ana's
prayer and how God answered it. *In 3:1-20, how
God called Samuel to serve Him. *In 17:1-58, how
God used the boy David to save *In 18:1 through *In 24:1-22, how
David spared Saul's life and how Saul responded. In Ephesians Strengthen
Each Others' Love (Level 2) Find: *In 6:1 23, what
happened when David took the Ark of the Covenant to *In 7:1-29, what
God promised King David. *In 9:1-13, what
David did for Saul's lame son, and why. *In 11:1 through In Romans 12,
guidelines to cultivate love between brothers in Christ. In Matthew
10:5-15, guidelines for visiting and evangelizing. Apply
Biblical Discipline to the Congregation (Level 2) In Numbers
chapters 21-26, how God protected His people from idolatry. *In 4:1-24, what
two women did to rescue *In chapters 6-7,
how Gideon delivered *In 1 Kings 18,
how God used Elijah for remove idolatry from In Hebrews 12, why
we should appreciate the God's punishment. Counsel
Persons with Personal and Family problems (Level 2) *In 1 Kings 19,
physical, emotional, social and spiritual causes of Elijah's discouragement
(look for the things he did and said, that would have caused him to be
depressed). In Galatians, the
kind of faith that keeps us firm in our liberty in Christ. Train
Counselors at a Basic Level (Level 2) In Job (the entire
book), good and bad examples of how to counsel those who suffer. In 1 and 2
Corinthians (both books), how Paul corrected grave errors. Encourage
and Pray for the Sick (Level 2) In Job chapters
1-3 and 42, the purpose and outcome, of Job's suffering. *In chapters 1-2,
42:7-17, what God let Satan do to Job, and the outcome. *In John 9, why
the man was born blind, and why they expelled him from the synagogue. In James 5:13-18,
guidelines for dealing with the sick. Bring
Freedom to Any Who are Oppressed Demons (Level 2) Find: Help
the Needy (Level 2) *In Ruth (review
the story), the results of the Boaz' kindness. *In Acts 6:1-7
(compare Galatians Support
Pastors and Christian Workers (Level 2) Find: In 2 Corinthians
chapters 8-9, more guidelines for giving and supporting ministers. Develop
the Gifts and Ministries of the Believers (Level 2) Find: In Ephesians 4,
guidelines for using our spiritual gifts in an edifying way. Use
Teamwork in Ministry to Edify Others (Level 2) Find: *In Acts 13:1-5 (compare Acts Evangelize
and Teach Children (Level 2) Find: The
Young People Serve and Make Disciples (Level 2) Find: In Ephesians
6:1-3, more guidelines for young people for a holy life. Fulfill
our Christian Social Duties (Level 2) Find: Select
and Train New Pastoral Level Students (Level 2) Find: a) the seriousness of Christian
ministry, b) ways in which Jesus' work is similar and
different from Old Testament priests'. *In 1 Kings (the
entire book), good and bad examples of government. (Many of its chapters have
stories that are good for children.) In Micah, more
examples of good and bad government, and warnings. In 2 Timothy (the whole
book), more guidelines for new ministers and workers. Mobilize
a Pastoral Students as Pastoral Trainers (Level 2) Find: *In 2 Kings, good
and bad examples of leadership for the people of God. (Many of the chapters
have stories that are good for children.) In Titus (the
entire book), guidelines for naming and mobilizing leaders in the churches. Teach
the Missionary Task, Focus on the World (Level 2) Find: *In Acts
chapters 13-14, major events in Paul's first missionary trip. (Select
portions for the children.) Train
Missionaries (Level 2) Find: *In Acts chapters
15-28, the main events related to the apostolic team's missionary work.
(Select portions for the children.) BIBLE Pray
with More Power (Level 3) Find: *In Esther (select
key portions from the entire book), what God did for his people because of
the prayers of the faithful. In Joel (select
key portions from the entire book), prophecies of the coming of the Holy
Spirit and of the coming judgment. In Eph. 3:14-21,
what a Christian leader asks for his people. In 1 Tim. 2:1-5,
what the people ask, for the authorities. In Hebrews (select
key portions from the entire book), how Jesus serves as our defense attorney
and High Priest before God the Father. Disciple
People in New Areas and Cultures (Level 3) Find: In Acts 1:8
(compare John Coordinate
the Multiplication of Churches (Level 3) Find: *In Acts 10
through 11:18, guidelines to help a new congregation to be born. Keep
Multiplying Find: Strengthen
Bible Study and Application (Level 3) Find: Organize
United Celebrations between Churches (Level 3) Find: Strengthen
the Ministry of Music (Level 3) Find: In Psalms 73-89,
the style of the old hymns (Psalms were Hebrew hymns). In Eph. 5:17-20,
important purposes of music. Improve
the Preaching (Level 3) Find: In Revelation
(compare Luke 21), prophecies of the final coming of Jesus. Establish
Discipling Networks among Leaders (Level 3) Find: *In Nehemiah (the
entire book; compare with Matthew *In Acts 20:17-38,
examples of how a supervisor relates with other leaders. Develop
Fellowship between Churches (Level 3) Find: In John 17:20-23,
what Jesus asked for His churches. Strengthen
the Fellowship between New and Old Believers (Level 3) Find: Develop
a Ministry of Advanced of Counseling (Level 3) Find: In Ephesians
chapters 1-2, what a person is and has in Christ (make a list). In Ephesians
chapters 4-5, guidelines for forgiving and getting along with people and
family. Develop
Fellowship Between Churches (Level 3) Find: In John 17:20-23,
what Jesus asked His Father to do for the people in His churches. Cultivate
Fellowship between Older and Newer Brothers (Level 3) Find: Counsel
Those with Very Difficult Problems (Level 3) Find: Evaluate,
Reorganize and Extend Existing Ministries (Level 3) In Eph. 4:11-16,
guidelines for harmonizing different ministries for edification of the body. Form
Discipling Chains to Train Leaders over a Wide Area (Level 3) Find: Strengthen
Pastors and Elders of All the Churches (Level 3) Find: Send
Missionaries (Level 3) Find: *In Isaiah 6:1-8
(compare John In Acts chapters 13 through 28, guidelines
for mission |