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WEEK 8, DAY 5: I Believe in the Forgiveness of Sins (Review)

READING & JOURNALING:

What was your biggest takeaway from this week’s teaching — “[I believe] in the forgiveness of sins?”

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Jeremiah 25 & 29

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

WEEK 8, DAY 4: The Prodigal Son

Whether your childhood was good or bad, imagine for a moment that your parents were extremely loving and caring. All throughout your childhood your parents may have worked hard, but they also raised you with tremendous wisdom, grace and love. 

When the time came for you to go to college, your parents provided everything you would need. Your entire tuition, housing, and food was all covered. In fact, they even threw in a little extra spending money, encouraging you to have time out with your friends. 

A couple of years later, while you’re still working on your degree, it’s your brother’s turn to go to college. But he decides he doesn’t want to go. Instead, he asks mom and dad to give him his college funds, and he goes out and lives however he pleases. Within a couple of years, he has wasted all of his money on drugs, prostitutes, and other forms of wild living.

Nobody hears from him for a few years, but suddenly he decides to come home. You learn that mom and dad are throwing a celebration in his honor, even spending a chunk of their retirement funds for the party. How do you respond? 

READING & JOURNALING:

If You have been in a Christian church for any length of time, you have almost certainly heard the story of the prodigal son. In fact, it’s possible that You’ve heard it or read it often enough that you feel like there’s nothing new to learn from it. Today, take the opportunity to read through this story as if you’ve never heard it before.

Read LUKE 15:11-32

Write out in one sentence the main lesson Jesus was teaching in this story. 

How does this lesson continue to apply to your life today? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, once again I acknowledge how easy it is for me to see the sin in others’ lives, yet fail to see the impact sin has had in my own life. Help me to celebrate the victories of others coming to know You, and to celebrate the forgiveness You have provided me! I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Jeremiah 1:1-3:5

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

WEEK 8, DAY 3: Have Mercy on Me, a Sinner

Our News and Media articles today are filled with stories of tragedies, loss, and pain. For our part, it’s easy to see or read a news article about a murder, a robbery, or any number of crimes and think to ourselves, “I would never do that. What were they thinking?” 

Yet this way of thinking is far more judgmental than we may realize. When these kinds of thoughts come our way, it’s important to ask ourselves, “If I lived that person’s life, and experienced everything they’ve experienced, would I have made a different decision in that moment?” The reality is that we don’t know, and it’s quite possible that we would make the exact same decision. 

During the Roman Empire, those who had the job of a Tax Collector were pretty much looked upon as the scum of the earth. Tax Collectors were notoriously ruthless, and would often charge more than the appropriate amount so that their earnings would be higher. People pointed at Tax Collectors  regularly thinking, “I would never do that!” But by doing so they were neglecting to realize that their judgmental behavior was just as offensive to God.

READING & JOURNALING:

     LUKE 18:9-14, MATTHEW 7:1-5

How regularly do you find yourself looking at the negative actions of others and thinking, “I would never do that?”

“If you lived that person’s life, and experienced everything they’ve experienced, could you know for certain that you would’ve made a different decision in that moment?” 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess there are times when I am more like the Pharisee in Luke 18, saying, “I’m glad I’m not like that person over there!” I’m continually growing to realize that this attitude is a sinful one, and is not the attitude You have called me to have. Have mercy on me, a sinner. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: 2 Kings 22 & 23

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

WEEK 8, DAY 2: The Psalms of Ascent 

In the Old Testament Psalms, there is a group of Psalms known as the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134). These were songs that the people of God would sing as they were traveling into Jerusalem for celebratory festivals. While reading through these Psalms, it’s important to remember they were songs. The people didn’t just read through them or listen to a local teacher read them during a weekend worship service. Instead, the people of God journeyed together into the city of Jerusalem. Some people with them would be family and friends, but others would be complete strangers. Yet they would join together and sing. They considered each of these Psalms to be a step in their journey to Jerusalem. 

The would sing of their desire for peace. They would sing a prayer that God would bring His peace upon others. They would sing that God would have mercy on them. They would sing that they have sinned against God. And they would sing praises because God had forgiven them of those sins. 

As you read today, imagine that you were writing a song about your own sins and the forgiveness God offers. How would you put your own words into a song of worship? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     PSALM 130

Regarding this Psalm, pastor Matt Chandler asks, “When was the last time you cried out for God’s mercy, recognizing the severity of sin in your life?” 

If you were to write a song lyric (just one or two lines) about your own sin, what would you write? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, it’s interesting to me that those on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem would sing each Psalm of Ascent as a step on their journey. Today, I simply pray that You would provide me wisdom in those moments when I’m not sure what step is best for me to take. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: 2 Kings 19, 20, & 21

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

WEEK 8, DAY 1: I Believe in the Forgiveness of Sins 

In the beginning…God created the heavens and the earth. Everything about the earth was in perfect order. Adam and Eve lived in the most beautiful garden, and were able to live their lives completely naked and unashamed. It was, quite literally, heaven on earth. 

While living in this perfect utopia, God gave Adam and Eve just one rule. Outside of that, they could do whatever they wanted. But God told them not to eat fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. That was it. Everything else was fair game. 

You know how this story ends…Adam and Eve blew it. 

The reality of sin in the world is apparent. Yet, as Christians we don’t always like to talk about it. Sure, we may think it’s OK to talk about other’s sins. But we hesitate to talk about our own sins. 

However, the topic of sin is a fundamental part of Christian teachings. Not just sin itself, but our own sins. Without our sins, there was no reason for Jesus to die. To accept His death is to accept that He bore our sins, so that we may be forgiven. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     GENESIS 3:1-19

If you have a Study Bible, take a few minutes to look up “Sin” in the index or concordance in the back, and read through some of the Scripture verses referenced there. Which of these verses sticks out to you most? What, if anything, did you learn about your own sin? (Note: An online search quickly reveals 100 verses to read! If your Study Bible is similar, you may want to look up the 10 that seem most relevant.) 

Are there any other topics you would like to look up in the future? Take the opportunity to write them down, and then begin to research them in your free time. 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, it’s clear that Your Word has a lot to say about the subject of sin! Help me to see sin the same way You do, and to understand the power of forgiveness. Amen.

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: 2 Kings 17 & 18

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

WEEK 7, DAY 5: Review

READING & JOURNALING:

What was your biggest takeaway from this week’s teaching — “[I believe in] the holy catholic church; the communion of saints?”

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Micah 1:1-16, 4:6-13, 5:1-15

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

WEEK 7, DAY 4: All of Life is Ministry

For the most part, we live in a culture in which people compartmentalize their lives. While we’re at work, that’s our work life. While we’re at home, that’s our family life. While we’re at school, that’s our school life. While with our friends, that’s our social life. While we’re at church, that’s our spiritual life. We segregate our lives into these areas so that we can pretend to be in control of what’s going to happen next. 

But the reality is that most of life is well outside our control. One thing we can control, however, is understanding that all of life…is ministry. 

Think about it. How would your daily life be different if you didn’t attempt to have control by segregating your life into different compartments, but instead gave up that sense of control and lived as if everything in life is ministry? 

Your work life would be your ministry. Your family life would be your ministry. Your school would be your ministry. Your social life would be your ministry. Your hobbies, sports, coaching…everything would be your ministry. This is how the early church lived, and they thrived as a result. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 PETER 2:9-12

Do you agree that people, in general, separate our lives into compartments in an effort to have control? 

Some think they don’t have the training for full-time ministry, but Peter writes that, “You are royal priests.” Have you considered the possibility that your life may truly thrive by living as if all of life is ministry?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I am one who will compartmentalize my life into different segments, yet this pattern of living is not helping me to thrive. Continue to help me see myself as You see me (a royal priest) and to minister to others in all areas of life as a reflection of how You minister to me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Isaiah 65 & 66

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

WEEK 7, DAY 3: The Communion of Saints

To believe in the Holy Catholic Church and the Communion of Saints is to believe that we, quite simply, cannot do life alone. As Albert Mohler writes in The Apostles’ Creed, 

“We are never alone. The thought that we can walk this Christian life alone carries with it a toxicity and poison that has deeply encumbered the American church. This individualism not only betrays the church, it betrays the gospel. It insinuates that the gospel is about God saving people without pointing to a bigger story of God creating a people. From the Old Testament to the New, the covenants, God’s purposes, indeed the very creation of the world, all point to God’s design of creating a people—a people that will be made up of every tribe, tongue, and nation. By God’s grace we come through faith to Christ and thereby stand united as the whole people of God.”

Mohler makes an excellent point. The communion of saints is about being God’s people, together. We simply weren’t created to go it alone. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-26

Do you feel like others do a good job of encouraging and motivating you on a regular

Which verse in today’s reading sticks out to you most? Why do you think that is? 

Is there any area in your life right now in which you’re trying to “go it alone?” How is that working out for you? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I know that You have brought others into my life so that I don’t have to go it alone, yet it seems like everything within me strives to prove myself. Today, help me to remember that I don’t need to do anything to prove myself to You, or others. You have called me loved. You have called me your child. You have called me holy. May I rest in these truths so that I can receive the love and encouragement of others. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Isaiah 52 & 53

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

WEEK 7, DAY 2: Being ‘Real’ is not Weakness

In her audiobook lecture titled The Power of Vulnerability, author and researcher Brené Brown notes that the majority of people today view vulnerability as weakness. She says that, in general, when we see somebody else being vulnerable – like somebody sharing about being abused in their childhood – we see them as being brave. But when we have opportunities to be vulnerable, we choose not to share. We’ll justify the decision by thinking, “They don’t want to hear my sob story,” or, “My story isn’t nearly as bad as theirs.” But these are mere excuses. The reality is that we choose not to share out of fear. 

Even though she’s not writing from a Christian perspective, Brown’s conclusions align well with the Scriptures. The author of Hebrews, for example, writes that we should meet together, and motivate one another, and encourage one another regularly. But to truly encourage one another, we need to fully see and know one another. And to fully know one another, we need to allow our true selves to be seen by others. 

To truly be the church, therefore, we need to share our real life experiences as well as our current struggles. Only then can we offer real motivation and encouragement to one another.

READING & JOURNALING:

     HEBREWS 10:23-25

Do you feel like others do a good job of encouraging and motivating you on a regular basis? If not, have you considered the possibility that you’re not allowing your true self to be seen? 

Do you feel like you do a good job of encouraging and motivating others on a regular basis? What steps can you take to truly get to know them so that you may better encourage and motivate them? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that oftentimes I choose not to be vulnerable because I do see it as weakness. Today has been an excellent reminder that to truly be the church, we must be real about our experiences and our struggles. Help me to use the mess of my life to minister to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Isaiah 44 & 45

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

WEEK 7, DAY 1: I Believe in the Holy Catholic Church 

The Apostles’ Creed was written a long time. A really, really long time ago. At the time, there weren’t a bunch of different denominations like there are today. People didn’t walk around saying, “I’m a Methodist,” or “I’m a Baptist,” or “I’m Catholic.” Instead, they simply identified themselves saying, “I’m a Christian,” or “I follow Christ.” 

As such, the next line in the Apostles’ Creed needs to be understood in its proper context. The phrase, “I Believe in the Holy Catholic Church,” is nothing at all like somebody today saying, “I’m Catholic.” Instead, the term Catholic here means, “Universal,” or “Christian.” In other words, it means that all people who have professed faith in Christ – regardless of what church they attend – are part of The Church. 

To say you believe in the Holy Catholic Church, therefore, is simply a way to say, “I’m a Christian. I’ve placed my faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. As such, I’m now part of His church, the one Holy Church.” God sees everyone who has professed faith in Christ as Holy, which means we are all part of His holy catholic church. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     ACTS 2:42-47

What kinds of things do you notice about how the first church lived and interacted with one another? 

The author of Acts (Luke) doesn’t write that this is how all Christians in all cultures should live. Nevertheless, there is a sense of family in how the people in the early church lived with one another. Does this passage impact how you understand the idea of family? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, it’s clear that those in the early church were united in purpose, but our culture today often advocates an every-man-for-himself way of living. Help me to remember that I am now a member of your family, and that the family of Jesus helps and supports one another. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Isaiah 6 & 9

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.