1 Corinthians 7 just posted. Here are the discussion points - be sure to interact on the discussion board so that we can learn from one another!
Common threads of purity, priority, and faithfulness exist in each of the circumstances Paul addresses in Ch. 7. Regardless of current status (married, unmarried, slave, free, etc.), the priorities should not change. What are the priorities Paul is emphasizing that are similar in each circumstance?
In what ways can we prioritize and protect these God-given priorities?
27/01/2010, 01:32
Please interact on the discussion questions below in the discussion section of the group so that we can learn from one another. Have a blessed week!
Until He Returns,
Vickie
What do we believe we have “liberty” or the personal right to do that could potentially stumble someone else?
Have we rationalized or justified behaviors because our arguments make sense to us regardless of their impact on others’ lives?
Are there liberties we are exercising that we should let go of for the sake of love?
Have we judged others who are exercising a liberty that we do not think they should exercise?
28/01/2010, 13:10
Hey folks! Not to put you on overload, but I just launched another class called "Think Like Jesus" based on George Barna's book, "Think Like Jesus". It is one of the favorite courses that I teach! It is in the discussion area of our church's Facebook group, so feel free to join us and enjoy Think Like Jesus! Below is the link:
http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=22355217026&ref=mf
Blessings,
Vickie
03/02/2010, 12:53
Just posted 1 Corinthians 9 in the Discussion Board. Paul certainly tackles the topic of the definition of true discipleship for the believer. Be sure to interact on the discussion questions. Have a blessed week!
1) What personal “rights” do believers have?
2) Do you believe Christ might call you to surrender your personal rights for the sake of serving others? Why or why not?
3) What biblical leadership qualities do you see Paul demonstrating in this chapter?
Blessings,
Vickie
10/02/2010, 10:25
I just posted 1 Corinthians 10 - it is a challenging chapter!
Be sure to get involved in the Discussion Page on the questions below:
1) In regards to temptation, what steps should believers take to prevent temptation from leading to sin?
2) In regards to idolatry, in what areas are we engaged in idolatry today?
3) What personal rights do believers have?
Blessings,
Vickie
19/02/2010, 03:05
Hi everyone,
I hope you are having a great week! I just posted 1 Corinthians 11, and as usual, Paul is tacking tough topics head on, including controversy among the women, misuse of Communion, and more. No specific discussion questions this time, just post the lesson you believe God is teaching you in this chapter.
Blessings,
Vickie
22/02/2010, 11:52
This week's post is 1 Corinthians 12 regarding spiritual gfts. God is so gracious in His gifts and it is critical that we understand that He gifts us for His service, never just so we can be gifted! Discussion questions below. Be sure to get in the discussion group on this topic and have a blessed week being used to bless others!
Blessings, Vickie
1) Some churches teach that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are no longer necessary, as we have the full revelation of God through the New Testament. I find no Scriptural precedent to support this position. Are the gifts of the Holy Spirit still needed today? Why or why not? Support your position with Scripture.
2) The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given for the edification of the Church. Has God gifted you, and if so, for what purpose?
3) Are you being a faithful steward of the gifts God has given you?
3) How can you prevent the gifts God has given you from leading to pride in your abilities?
09/03/2010, 03:15
Just posted 1 Corinthians 13 on the discussion board. The famous "love chapter" that graces most Christian weddings... There is so much suffering that is caused by a lack of love - lack of loving God & lack of loving one another. God's love really truly miraculous, and He gives it to us unconditionally, and then asks ...us to give it to those around us. He is really the only Source that makes this kind of love possible - human efforts fall so short of the amazing love of God. Push in to this study on His love and then deeper into the indescribable love of God - you will never be disappointed!
Blessings,
Vickie
15/03/2010, 10:30
1 Corinthians 14 digs deep into the gifts of the Spirit. Pay special attention to the original Greek definitions, and the social, historical, and spiritual context of this chapter. Below are the discussion questions. Be sure to add something to the discussion so that we can learn from one another!
1) Do selfish motivations sometimes push us to showcase, or use our gifts so all can see?
2) Left unchecked, what would a church service be like if no order was established, and all were permitted to interact in a service?
3) What are the primary purposes of the gifts of the Spirit?
25/03/2010, 01:30
1 Corinthians 15:1-19 just posted on the discussion board. Here are the discussion questions - looking forward to your input!
Blessings,
Vickie
1) Does a biblical view of death impact how you live your life?
2) Because of the truth of the Scripture, how would you describe the certainty of the resurrection of Christ?
3) Because of the truth of Scripture, how would you describe the certainty of eternal life for the believer?
22/04/2010, 07:38
Hi!
I hope you are well! I just posted the LAST chapter in 1 Corinthians! Discussion questions below. Be sure to interact in the Discussion Group so that we can learn from one another's insights. I pray that the Lord blesses you with His Truth as you dig deep into His Word!
Blessings,
Vickie Isaac
Hi everyone,
Just posted the second half of 1 Corinthians 15 in the Discussion Section of our Group. The discussion questions are below. Be sure to interact in the Discussion section of our group. I look forward to your insights!
Discussion Questions:
1) How does what we believe about life after death impact our decisions today?
2) What are the proofs of a resurrected Christ that give you confidence in the promise of the resurrection of the believer?
3) How does the promise of eternal life impact your value system?
Blessings,
Vickie
03/05/2010, 12:45
Hi everyone,
It is hard to believe we are moving to 2 Corinthians already! Push in hard to the study of 2 Corinthians as there is so much to learn and apply. I am sure you will be challenged and changed by God's Word.
Be sure to read the intro to 2 Corinthians, and then respond in the discussion section to the questions below:
1) What cultural ideals to we bring into the
Church that are not Scriptural?
2) What worldly perspectives do we cling to that are not biblical?
Blessings,
Vickie
12/05/2010, 04:03
I just posted 2 Corinthians Chapter 1. Paul finds himself in the midst of ongoing conflict with the church in Corinth. None of us enjoy conflict, particularly when it is directed our way! Paul provides a wonderful example of how to handle conflict, and make it about God's plans and purposes instead of about ourselves. I look forward to your input on the discussion questions!
Blessings,
Vickie
18/05/2010, 02:16
I just posted 2 Corinthians Chapter 2. It should be no surprise that the Church is filled with sinners, just like you and I. It is critical however to the believer and the Church that we don't stay "stuck in sin". We must be committed to personal and church growth to become more like Christ. Please join the discussion on 2 Cor. 2 to answer the questions below:
1) What is the role of discipline and reconciliation in the Church?
2) What safeguards should be put in place to prevent non-believers from viewing churches as “just out to get their money?”
Blessings,
Vickie
25/05/2010, 00:01
I just posted 2 Corinthians 3. This is a such an encouraging and challenging chapter, reminding us of the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit empowering us to become more Christlike daily. Also, in case you are interested, the study guides for Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Corinthians are available in a downloadable .pdf format on my website:
http://www.churchlinkcommunications.com/freeresources.html
The discussion questions are below. Please participate so that others can be blessed!
1) Do you recognize how glorious is the gift ...of the Holy Spirit indwelling us, or do you take Him for granted?
2) Do you recognize the gift of victory over sin you have been given and are you exercising it in increasing measure?
I pray you are blessed, encouraged, challenged, and strengthened by God's living and miraculous Word!
Blessings,
Vickie
07/06/2010, 12:45
In this chapter Paul describes the true cost of following after Christ, and the truth about God's glory and power being demonstrated thru humble earthen vessels such as you and I...
I pray this chapter challenges, strengthens, and encourages you to press in, surrender more deeply, and follow hard after Christ Who truly is the pearl of great price - worth everything!
Be sure to answer the discussion questions at the end of the study so that we can learn from one another!
1) What is the biblical truth about Christians enduring suffering and hardship?
2) Does a temporal focus hamper our obedience to the call of Christ?
3) What steps can we take to change our focus?
Blessings,
Vickie
20/06/2010, 04:09
Below are the discussion questions. Be sure to interact on the discussion board with the questions so we can learn from one another! Also, don't forget that all of these New Testament Bible Studies starting with the Book of Romans are available as FREE downloadable PDF files on my website and include the discussion questions if you want to use them for group Bible studies:
http://www.churchlinkcommunications.com/freeresources.html
Discussion Questions:
1) How does the understanding of the Judgment Seat of Christ change your perspective and day to day behavior?
2) How does an understanding of the mercy granted you change the way you view others?
3) How do you live out the Great Commission on a day to day basis?
Hi everyone,
In the last e-mail I sent included a link so that you can download free .pdf copies of the Bible studies from my website, but I sent the wrong web link. My apologies! Here it is:
http://www.churchlinkcommunications.com/freeresources.html
I hope these studies are a source of encouragement, challenge, and strengthening of your faith!
Blessings,
Vickie Isaac
02/07/2010, 14:53
Just posted 2 Corinthians 6 in the Discussion Section. Paul faced difficulty after difficulty, and honestly, walked away from everything the world would count as worthwhile - respectability, position, power, prestige... I am so blessed that he had the courage to obey. He impacted the entire known world, and then centuries of people from his time until Christ returns...It is time for us to examine our faith and our responses to difficulty in light of Christ's incredible gift to us, as demonstrated through the life of Paul...
Be sure to respond on that page so we can gain understanding from each other's insights!
Discussion Questions
1) What is our response to difficulty?
2) How do we measure success?
3) What is the truth about the impact on our personal lives if we are genuinely following Christ?
20/07/2010, 13:27
Just posted 2 Corinthians 9 - there is a great deal in this chapter about something we either embrace or deny - the Law of the Harvest. We will reap what we sow, whether we agree or disagree with the Law doesn't change its' reality. Here are the discussion questions to interact with in the discussion forum:
1) On a financial level, how have you acted upon or seen the Law of the Harvest demonstrated in your own life?
2) On a spiritual level, how have you acted upon or seen the Law of the Harvest demonstrated in your own life?
3) What are the reasons why we should practice spiritual and financial obedience in regards to the Law of the Harvest?
03/08/2010, 04:32
I hope this chapter challenges and encourages you! Pride has a way of creating division, gossip, and boasting. It has certainly done a great deal of damage in this particular instance, where members of the church were boasting of their own abilities while disparaging Paul, his calling and authority. It continues to do tremendous damage in the Church today. Believers need to recognize pride, gossip, and envy as sins, and follow the example of Christ's meekness, gentleness, and servant's heart to be fully effect disciples. What can we do today to insure that this does not damage our witness or our church? Read more in the discussion section.
Blessings,
Vickie
10/08/2010, 02:26
Hi everyone,
I just posted 2 Corinthians 11. There is strong application for the Church today as we examine the infiltration of false teaching, and for us as believers regarding our own value system. Here are the discussion questions. Please be sure to interact in the discussion section of the group. Also remember that you can download the entire 2 Corinthians study for personal or small group use at no charge on our website: http://www.churchlinkcommunications.com/freeresources.html
1) Is the Church today infiltrated by false teachers and teachings?
2) What can and should be done to protect the Church?
3) Do you seek acceptance and approval within the world’s value system?
4) What values should guide your life (be specific)?
Blessings,
Vickie
17/08/2010, 04:44
Hi everyone,
2 Cor. 12 is now posted in the Discussion Forum of the New Testament Bible Study. Paul's challenge to us is about identity and trust - key issues for those who desire to be used by God in accomplishing His plans and purposes. I hope you are challenged & encouraged!
See the questions below, and be sure to interact in the discussion forum!
1) In what ways are you learning to identify yourself with Christ’s strength and not your own talents and abilities?
2) Have you genuinely learned to delight in difficulties knowing that God has allowed the circumstance and is at work to accomplish His plans and purposes?
In Him,
Vickie
27/08/2010, 10:17
Hi everyone,
I just posted the LAST chapter of 2 Corinthians! What a book! Paul was such a man of faith! I would have had enough of the Corinthian church and their bickering and misbehaving way early on! But I guess we all have a little "Corinthian" in us, and need the grace, mercy, and love of other believers to help us grow and change! Be sure to interact on the discussion questions in the discussion section. See questions below:
Discussion Questions:
1) What is the cost to the Kingdom if believers will not remain in right relationships with God and one another? Use Old Testament Israel as an guide for your thought processes.
2) Israel was uniquely called, chosen, and blessed. What happened?
3) What is the most important lesson you have learned from 2 Corinthians? Why?
Blessings,
Vickie
09/09/2010, 12:54
I just posted the introduction to the book of Galatians. It is a wonderful book that discusses the gift of salvation through faith, the triumph of liberty over legalism, and the call of the believer to a Spirit empowered life. I hope you will be challenged, strengthened, and encouraged as you as God to reveal Truth through the study of His Word! What a wonderful gift and treasure we have as His Word leaps off the pages, living and active, as God speaks to us!
Blessings,
Vickie
30/09/2010, 02:04
Galatians Chapter 1 is very challenging regarding our identification with Christ or our surrounding culture. We often live as citizens of this world as opposed to citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is necessary to examine our allegiances to this world in light of Scripture, and shed the values which are not biblical. I pray you are blessed and challenged by this chapter, I know I was! Be sure to interact on the discussion questions in the discussion section of the group.
Discussion Questions:
1) What is the modern day equivalent of rejecting our culture to identify with Christ alone?
2) If we are faithful to the identification with the true Gospel, what do we need to leave behind?
3) In what ways do the motivations of power and control impact the modern day church?
In Him,
Vickie
11/10/2010, 12:35
The lessons are so powerful! Christ's mercy is simply the only way man can be saved, as man’s old nature is inherently sinful, and incapable of true righteousness apart from the forgiveness, mercy,and regenerative work of God. If it were possible for man, there wouldhave been no need for Christ’s blood to be shed to pay the price for man’s sin. Read and interact on what the Lord wants you to hear from this passage. I pray you are blessed by God's Word!
In Him,
Vickie
19/10/2010, 01:31
This is a hard hitting chapter about genuine faith and true salvation which is not possible through man's efforts. Paul also tackles legalism, continuing to illustrate that we cannot earn salvation through being "good enough". I encourage you to ask God to reveal areas where you still might... be operating in legalism, instead of freedom in Christ, motivated to follow Christ out of love and gratitude for who He is and His amazing love! Below are the discussion questions - please interact in the discussion section so that we can gain knowledge from one another's insights.
1) What is necessary to receive salvation?
2) Once salvation is received, what is the identity of the believer?
3) What responsibilities accompany the new identity?
I pray you are blessed, encouraged, and challenged by His Word!
In Him,
Vickie
28/10/2010, 13:24
Paul continues to address the desire to embrace man-made rules and regulations. Why are we drawn to legalism instead of rejoicing in being fully freed by God's grace, which creates the motivation to be serve Christ out of of love and gratitude? Discussion questions below. Please respond to them in the discussion section.
Discussion Questions:
1) While we do not require people to become circumcised, what man made rules do we insist that others follow to demonstrate acceptability to the Church?
2) What are the motivations for us insisting on compliance with man made rules to be acceptable within our church or denomination?
3) Why do we tend to move back towards legalism instead of moving forward into freedom in Christ?
4) How does this legalism damage the Church, and what should be done to correct it?
Blessings,
Vickie
09/11/2010, 13:29
What a wonderful chapter about true freedom - embracing and becoming all God intends us to be, freed from the trap of performance and legalism, freed to truly love God and others! What a gift! I pray you are blessed by this study!
In Him,
Vickie
30/11/2010, 11:42
There is so much packed into just one chapter! Merciful ministry to those trapped by sin, the law of sowing and reaping, hypocrisy, freedom, and peace... Wow - God's Word is so full of words that give life. Be sure to interact in the Discussion Section so we can learn from one another's insights.
I pray you are encouraged and strengthened by the miracle of God's Word!
Blessings,
Vickie
08/12/2010, 10:29
Philippians is a wonderful Pauline epistle with a great deal of rich content and lots of applicable lessons for believers today. I hope you will dig in as we study Philippians! Be sure to post your comments in the Discussion section so everyone can interact and learn from one another. I hope you are blessed by the study!
In Him,
Vickie
27/12/2010, 07:14
Hi everyone,
Sorry for the delay, December has been busy! Ephesians chapter 1 has so much about maturing in our relationship with Christ. Discussion questions below. Be sure to interact in the Discussion area so we can learn from one another!
1) What is the responsibility of the believer in regards to ongoing spiritual maturation?
2) Does God intentionally allow suffering in the believer's life? Is so, for what reason?
3) In what ways does God equip us in the maturing process?
Blessings!
Vickie
04/01/2011, 13:39
Think about this... The word grace means “undeserved favor” - it is a gift that we can never earn or deserve. Faith is also a gift from God. He made us for His plans and purposes, He redeems us and equips us. This chapter is about freedom, peace, and victory over sin through Christ - the price already paid! What a gift! Our responsibility is to respond in love, gratitude, and obedience to our Maker and Heavenly Father. I pray you are encouraged and strengthened by this chapter!
Blessings,
Vickie
17/01/2011, 13:30
This is such a beautiful passage! The Spirit which indwells the believer fills us with His power, strengthens our faith, and deepens our understanding of the incredible, immeasurable love of God which surpasses knowledge but is revealed in relationship! This empowerment works in us to strengthen the believer to obedience, becoming the hands and feet of Christ in miraculous ways to the world around us. This is such an encouraging word to the believer, as we recognize how limited our own understanding and capabilities are, yet how overwhelming is the power of God at work because of His great love for His people.
I pray you are encouraged and strengthened by God's Word! Don't forget to interact with one another on the discussion board so we can learn from one another!
Blessings,
Vickie
25/01/2011, 06:04
Just posted Ephesians 4 with a primary emphasis on unity within the Body of Christ. It is imperative that the Church (not just one individual church or a denomination, but the Body of Christ) learns to live in unity, serve in humility, love in honesty, and recognize the importance of each member of the Body. Each member must embrace the responsibility to carry one’s own share of the work for the Body to function as it should. This creates an atmosphere where believers can flourish and grow, be a witness, and a vehicle for the preaching of the Gospel! Be sure to post your comments and input on the discussion wall.
Blessings,
Vickie
09/02/2011, 11:40
There is so much there to learn! Family relationships, and the armor of God, all in one chapter! Right relationships and protection from the enemy - I pray you are blessed and strengthened by this wonderful chapter!
In Him,
Vickie
17/02/2011, 12:57
The privilege of studying God's Word together is such a gift! I found the study of this Pauline epistle fascinating! It is notable that only this Pauline Epistle, as compared with the others, that amidst many commendations, there are no direct rebukes expressed. No doctrinal error or doctrinal controversy is addressed. The only rebuke hinted at is towards two women, Euodias and Syntyche who appear to be faithful servants but have difficulty getting along Philippians 4:2-3. This church must have been getting it right, and I for one want to learn from Paul's writings here. I hope you are encouraged and blessed by Philippians!
Blessings,
Vickie
15/03/2011, 12:58
This is a challenging chapter! Paul did not think he was going to die in prison, as evidenced by his writing elsewhere, but he did consider his imprisonment an offering of service in order to be a witness to the lost and source of encouragement to the church. He again rejoices in the privilege of serving in difficulty for the sake of the Gospel. And I say, what a contrast to having the primary goal of our lives to be happy here on earth, or ‘have our best life now’! Our eyes are to be fixed on Heaven and Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, not focused on trying to create heaven here on earth. I pray you are blessed, encouraged, and challenged by God's Word!
Blessings,
Vickie
13/04/2011, 10:18
This is a wonderful chapter. Consider these questions as you go through this chapter. Citizenship in heaven is an identity. Where is our citizenship? What is our value system, and what are our goals? Earthly or eternal?
I hope you are strengthened and blessed by this study!
In His Service,
Vickie
18/04/2011, 12:58
I pray the Lord will encourage you, that you will learn the true joy of His presence as Paul describes...Phil. 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
The Greek word for rejoice used here is chairo and means to be glad, to thrive, to be well. Paul emphasizes this by saying it twice. Thriving in the Lord is only possible if our roots are down deep in the soil of His Word and our hearts are given to Him in surrendered obedience.
Blessings,
Vickie
21/04/2011, 23:10
Good morning!
My apologies, I forgot to mention that Holy Week devotionals are available on the ChurchLink page if you would like to follow along through Holy Week. Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ChurchLink-Communications/246702415307
I pray your Holy Week is blessed by walking with Christ, retracing His final week on earth, then experiencing the magnitude of the greatest moment in all of history - He is risen!
Blessings,
Vickie
23/04/2011, 23:53
Don't forget to walk thru Easter Week by retracing the footsteps of Christ that led up to the most important moment in human history... Until we celebrate tomorrow - He is Risen!
The devotionals are on the ChurchLink page: http://tinyurl.com/26w54do
Rejoicing in our Savior,
Vickie
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