south ridge blog

WEEK 5, DAY 1: How Do You View God? 

What thoughts come to mind when you think about God? Do your thoughts generally turn to seeing God as gracious and merciful? Or do your thoughts generally turn to seeing God as just and full of wrath? 

For the most part, your view of God will have a tremendous impact on your life, your daily decisions, and your ability to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission well. Your view of God also impacts the way you see yourself, and the way you see others. 

In a book titled, “How People Grow,” by Henry Cloud and John Townsend, the authors note that the biggest barrier to people growing in their relationship with God is their view of God. If somebody sees God primarily as a God of grace, they will grow and come to understand God’s justice and wrath. But if somebody sees God primarily as a God of wrath, they struggle to fully understand His grace. The authors write, “People must discover that God is for them and not against them…In fact, one of Jesus’ main emphases was to show people how their concept of God was way out of whack.”

READING & JOURNALING:

     2 PETER 3:9, 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-6

How regularly do you pause to consider whether your concept of God is “out of whack?” 

What is [at least] one thought or question you have about the nature or character of God? 

What will you do this week to challenge any misconceptions you may have about the character and nature of God? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I know that when I hear something about You it may not truly reflect who You are. Nevertheless, I’m sure I have some misconceptions about You, and these misconceptions likely impact every single part of my life. This week, I simply pray that You will help me to see You and know You as You really are. 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: 1 Kings 16:29-17:24

 

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 4, DAY 5: Review

What was your biggest takeaway from this week’s teaching — “He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty?”

 

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: 1 Kings 11 & 12

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 4, DAY 4: He is Seated at the Right Hand of the Father

There are two primary responsibilities Jesus gave His followers. First, the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) says to love God, and love others. Second, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8-9) says to be Jesus’ witnesses and to make disciples of all nations. Everything about being a Christian is summarized in these two commandments. Love God. Love others. Make disciples of all nations. 

These commands are foundational for everybody who has professed faith in Jesus Christ. And for nearly 2,000 years, Christians around the world have been asking questions such as: What must we do to fulfill these responsibilities well? 

Fortunately, God has provided us with the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct us as we set out to love God, love others, and make disciples. Because of the Holy Spirit, we have everything we need to fulfill these responsibilities well. And as we continue to rely on wisdom from God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, each and every one of us will be more and more like Christ. We will grow in our love for God, our love for others, and will naturally want to help others grow as well. 

 

READING & JOURNALING:

     HEBREWS 7:23-28, ROMANS 8:9-17

Think back to when you first professed faith in Christ (whether it’s 3, 5, 10, or 20+ years). In what ways have you grown in your love for God, love for others, and in making disciples of all nations? (Consider asking a trusted friend or family member for examples of how they have seen you grow through the years.) 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I know that because of my time in Your Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other Christians, I have grown through the years. Yet there are still times when I doubt myself, and wonder why You’ve entrusted me to fulfill these commands. Today I simply pray that You will help me to see myself as You do. Significant. Worthy. Accepted. Secure. 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: Proverbs 31

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 4, DAY 3: He Ascended Into Heaven…

Acts 1:8-9 reads, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

There is a tremendous amount of Christian literature on the topic of Jesus, His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. For these topics to be part of the Apostles’ Creed makes sense, as Christ is literally the bedrock of the Christian faith. 

However, what happens after Jesus’ resurrection? There aren’t nearly as many books or messages that focus on Jesus’ ascension into heaven. But this event still found a way into the Apostles’ Creed. 

His ascension is important because: 

• Jesus provides responsibilities to His followers.
• It confirms Jesus’ authority to give these responsibilities to His followers. 
• It provides hope for all Christians, as we can regularly be thinking about what’s to come. 

READING & JOURNALING:

MARK 16:19-20, LUKE 24:51-53, ACTS 1:8-9, MATTHEW 22:36-40 & 28:19-20

 

Break it down as simply as possible: What would you say are the main responsibilities Jesus gave his disciples? 

On a scale of 1-10, at what level would you say you live and make decisions in order to fulfill these responsibilities? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that there are times when I read the Scriptures and recognize that You gave Your disciples some important responsibilities, yet I don’t always see them as my responsibilities to fulfill. Today, I’m grateful for the reminder that You entrust me at the same level You entrusted them. Help me to fulfill these commands well. 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: Proverbs 16, 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 4, DAY 2: Engage with God’s Word – Part II

Think about this: What kind of questions do professional journalists who review movies, books, or music albums try to answer in their review? How does it compare to other movies, books, or albums? What emotions did it bring to mind? What were some of the common themes throughout the movie, book, or album? 

Those who have been in the industry for several years have likely narrowed their focus to one or two questions. Others likely watch a movie, read a book, or listen to an album at least three times as they wrestle with their thoughts.

This principle of watching, reading, or listening to something three times is helpful for Bible study as well.  Specifically, reading through a book of the Bible at least three times while wrestling with your thoughts will provide greater retention, understanding, and meaning from the text.

If Christianity fully hinges on Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, the Gospels are a great starting point when it comes to reading the Bible. And reading through each of the Gospels at least three times will help anybody to better grasp the significance of Jesus Christ. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     PSALM 33:4, COLOSSIANS 3:16-17

Have you ever taken the opportunity to read through a book in the Bible at least three times to get a better understanding of the meaning of the text? If so, what was this experience like for you? (If not, consider doing so with a short book like Philippians, Colossians, or James, or commit to the the reading challenge outlined below.) 

READING CHALLENGE:

Take some time to write out a plan to read through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John three times each over the next month, 3 months, or 6 months and to take notes on Jesus’ life, ministry, and teachings. 

PRAYER:

Today, write out your own prayer to God. 

 

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: Proverbs 3 & 4

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 4, DAY 1: Engage with God’s Word – Part I

For some, reading through the Bible on a regular basis is normal. They wake up, grab a cup of coffee, and engage with God’s Word for 15-30 minutes and then spend some time journaling before entering into the rest of the day. 

For others, reading through the Bible on a regular basis is challenging. Some of the responses I (Pastor Justin) regularly hear from others about the things getting in the way of engaging with the Scriptures regularly include: 

• “I don’t have enough time.” 
• “It doesn’t make sense.” 
• “I don’t even know where to start.” 
• “It’s not relevant to my life.” 

What’s interesting is that the majority of those who do engage with the Scriptures on a regular basis started out with the same kinds of thoughts. But as they began to engage with the Bible regularly, they began to see that they do have time for the things most important to them. And while they weren’t sure where to start, the more they read, the more God spoke to them, the more the Bible began to make sense, and the more they were able to see how relevant it is to their life.

READING & JOURNALING:

     HEBREWS 4:12, 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17, JAMES 1:22

On a scale of 1-10, how well do you engage with God’s Word? (This means not just reading it, but dwelling on it, talking about it with others, journaling your thoughts, memorizing it, etc.) 

What, if anything, is currently getting in the way of you being able (or willing) to engage with the Scriptures regularly?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I often make weak excuses for not spending time in Your Word. Like all people, I know that I have time for the things in which I make time. When I choose not to make time for You, it’s because I’m putting something else ahead of You. This week, I commit to engage with Your Word for at least (3, 4, 5, or more) days. As I do so, I pray that You reveal something new to me each day. 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: Proverbs 1 & 2

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 3, DAY 5: Review

What was your biggest takeaway from this week’s teaching — “[He] suffered under Pontius Pilate; [He] was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead?”

 

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: 1 Kings 8:1-9:9

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.

 

 

WEEK 3, DAY 4: On the Third Day He Rose from the Dead

Without a doubt, the entirety of the Christian faith rests on Jesus’ resurrection. And while the New Testament is filled with passages on the importance of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, there are two major themes that are foundational for the Christian faith. 

First, the resurrection shows that Jesus is the true Son of God. While HIs disciples and countless others had thought Jesus was the Son of God, his resurrection left no doubt. As such, every knee will bow at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10-11). One day, all will know who Jesus really is, as He will judge the world in justice (Acts 17:30-31). 

Second, Jesus’ resurrection shows that Christians are now justified through our faith in Him (Romans 4:24-25). The New Bible Dictionary notes that the word justified is a legal term meaning “to acquit, to declare righteous, or the opposite of condemn.” All who have truly professed faith in Jesus and believed in Him are justified before God. He sees us pure, holy, righteous, and without blemish. He sees us as His beloved daughters and sons. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     LUKE 24, JOHN 20, 2 CORINTHIANS 6:16-18

Some are able to grasp that, “Jesus died for the whole world,” but struggle to accept that, “Jesus died for me.” Do you struggle to accept that you are worthy of God’s love? 

For all who have professed faith in Christ, answer the following question by writing out your response in a minimum of 3-5 sentences: What thoughts come to mind as you ponder that God sees you as His beloved daughter or son? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today I’m tremendously thankful that You see me as Your beloved daughter or son. May I rest in this truth each and every day, knowing that You have declared me worthy of Your love. 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: 1 Kings 3 & 6

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 3, DAY 3: He Descended Into Hell…

The Apostles’ Creed has been regularly used since around 390 AD. During the first 1,000-1,500 years, there wasn’t much controversy surrounding the Creed or any of its Articles. 

But this has all changed over the past couple hundred years or so, as the line “He descended into hell…” has been scrutinized by many biblical scholars. One theologian, Wayne Grudem, wrote an article in 1991 titled, “He Did Not Descend into Hell: A Plea for Following Scripture Instead of the Apostles’ Creed.”

Other scholars, however, note that the intention of the phrase was to say that Jesus descended to the dead and the Creed was written using the vernacular of its time. For example, in his book titled, “He Descended to the Dead,” Matthew Emerson argues that Jesus couldn’t be be raised from the dead if he didn’t first descend to the dead. 

Is this just semantics, or does it really matter? Here are a couple things to keep in mind: 

• What you believe does matter, and it’s good to think about what you believe and where those beliefs come from. 
• This statement in the Apostles’ Creed is interesting, but is not an essential belief for salvation. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 PETER 3:18-22

The Life Application Study Bible notes on this passage: “… While some Bible passages, such as this one, may remain unclear, we can discover certain truths from them along with the context of the rest of Scripture. In this passage, we discover that: (1) God speaks. While we puzzle over what, where, and how, we can see that God is communicating to the world. (2) God triumphs. Christ victoriously preached, indicating his power, control, and transcendence over all creation. (3) God saves. God exerts himself to rescue those who desire him. This mysterious passage tells us at least this much—and that is much indeed.

Why do you think it may be a good idea to wrestle with the meaning of hard-to-understand Scripture passages such as this one?

PRAYER:

Today, write out your own prayer to God.

 

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: 1 Kings 2

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 3, DAY 2: He Died and was Buried

There’s a lot about Jesus’ life and ministry between His birth and crucifixion that the Apostles’ Creed doesn’t mention. (Feel free to read Matthew 1-25, Mark 1-14, Luke 1-22, and John 1-17 for a thorough review.) But from what we do know about His life and ministry, there is a lot that was written about the day He was crucified, dead, and buried.

First, we know that Jesus was beaten, and the measure to which He was beaten would cause just about anybody to look away in horror. He was repeatedly whipped with sharp stones tied to the ends of the leather straps. It was a severe beating. 

Second, we know that Jesus was crucified on a cross. This was a common form of execution in the Roman Empire. 

Third, we know that Jesus died, and that He died without any broken bones. Soldiers responsible for crucifixions would often break the legs of those hanging on a cross in order to force their lungs to collapse in on themselves. But Jesus had been so badly beaten that He died before His legs were broken. 

Finally, we know that Jesus was buried, as a tomb was provided for Him by a righteous man named Joseph. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     LUKE 23:26-55, JOHN 19:16-42

What does Jesus’ crucifixion tell you about what God thinks of your sin? 

What does Jesus’ crucifixion tell you about how much God loves you and wants the best for you? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I know there are some today who don’t like to think or talk about the subject of sin, yet Your Word is clear in showing how much of an impact it has in my life. Help me to see my own sins for what they are – a deep violation against You. Help me to see my sins as You do. 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: Psalm 148, 149, & 150

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.