Spiritual Growth

  • Sheep for the Slaughter

    Psalm 44

    Read 1 Peter 2:20–21; 4:12–16; 5:10. Have you ever suffered for Christ’s sake? What promise has God given His people regarding suffering? If you must suffer, strive to suffer not for wrong doing but ...Read More

  • Longing for God

    Psalm 42

    In what ways can New Testament believers be “separated” from God? In what ways do you enjoy God’s presence? Do you miss those times when you neglect Bible study, the sacraments, or church services? Ask God to deepen your ...Read More

  • Living in Christ’s Death

    Romans 5:1–5

    Have you been asleep to your sinfulness lately? In your prayers today, ask God to show you where the continuing cycle of sin and death is operating in your life. Then confess these things to Him, and appropriate His forgiveness ...Read More

  • The Kingdom Paradox

    2 Corinthians 4:7–15

    Jesus asked that the cup of suffering pass Him by. We are never to seek suffering. It is God who brings suffering upon us. When it comes, however, could it be that God is allowing us to take someone else ...Read More

  • What About Hypocrites?

    Matthew 23:13–36

    Does today’s lesson strike close to home? Are there things you advise other Christians to do that you yourself don’t do? Beyond this mild hypocrisy, is there some awful sin in your life that you are covering up ...Read More

  • Transformation into Glory

    1 Corinthians 13

    Each aspect of the fruit of the Spirit—that is, each aspect of you as you are transformed—is nurtured through personal relationships. Because Christian character does not develop in a void, take the initiative to become involved regularly in ...Read More

  • Love Versus Death

    1 Corinthians 13

    When someone hurts or offends us, our reaction is usually to assume the worst possible motive in that person. But one application of the law of love is that we should give others the benefit of the doubt. How have ...Read More

  • The Wellspring of Love

    Romans 5:1-11

    Sin, ultimately is a failure to love ordinately. Either we fail to love enough, as when we mistreat others, or we love too much, as when we elevate love of God’s gifts above love of God. Seek always to ...Read More

  • In the Midst of Suffering

    James 5:1–12

    Look back over the book of James. Notice how he weaves together the themes of suffering and the tongue. Observe how he brings them together. Consider carefully what this means and what changes you should make in your life. Recommit ...Read More

  • Deadly Poison

    James 3:1–12

    On Pentecost, God gave His own tongues of fire to set the world aflame as a holy sacrifice to Him. When James criticizes our tongues as evil fires, he implies that we have made ourselves gods. Take a careful look ...Read More

  • The Benefits of Trials

    James 1

    Have you ever been through a time of suffering that left you a milder, more sober, more “centered” person than before? What “bad” aspects of your life were refined and what good aspects of your life were strengthened? As hard ...Read More