David mistakenly accuses God of abandoning him in his darkest hour, something Christ willing endures in order that he might draw near to his people in love and save them. David’s Accusation Against God (vv. 1-18) David’s Confession of Yahweh’s Love (vv. 19-31) Abandoned by God (Matthew 27:46) Discerning Yahweh’s Presence in Affliction Discussion St…

By Brett McNeill

By Rev. Wescott Robinson

By Dave Statema

Because of his willingness to suffer for you, Jesus has been exalted above all others and will rule in the midst of his enemies until the final day and calls you to freely offer yourself wholly to him in gratitude for all he has done. David and Melchizedek (vv. 1-2, 4-7; Genesis 14:17-20) Jesus, the Greater David (Matthew 22:44; Mk 12:36; Lk 20:42;…

By Brett McNeill

While we await God’s justice on the Last Day, we must be on guard against those in the church who might be working against it, removing them and raising up others to take their place, for the sake of God’s honor. David and His Betrayer (vv. 1-25, 27, 30-31) Jesus and His Betrayer (v. 8, 28; Acts 1:15-26) The Church and Her Betrayers (vv. 27-29) Dis…

By Brett McNeill

The fact that any good happens to man is not a result of man’s worthiness, but of God’s gracious love and his willingness to suffer for those whom he loves. David’s Glory and Shame (vv. 3-8) Christ’s Shame and Glory (Hebrews 2:6-9) Sleepless Nights (vv. 1-3, 7-8, 19)By Brett McNeill

How does our understanding of sin affect us in our daily lives?By Brett McNeill

Your greatest strength is that you belong to God. Chosen and Consecrated (vv. 4-8) Calling and Commission (vv. 1-5, 9-13) Cruciformity and Courage (vv. 1-3, 7-8, 19) Discussion Starters Monday—How do you typically answer the question “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Do you like this question? Why or why not? Tuesday—Is it fair that God cho…

By Dave Statema

Those who have seen Jesus and are nourished on his gospel take no greater delight than in taking up their cross and disappearing into his story. Imitating Evil (vv. 9-11; Isaiah 14:12-14) Imitating Good (vv. 11-12; Isaiah 6:1-5) Discussion Starters Monday—What is the goal of the Christian life? What does God call you to and what does he want you to…

Sin is a violation of God’s law that breaks our relationship with Him and corrupts our whole nature.By Brett McNeill

We will see that, in the Bible, victory comes through defeat, life through death and deliverance through suffering. How the Mighty Have Fallen (vv. 1-4) Confident of Victory (vv. 6-8) To Sleep... To Die (v. 5; Matthew 10:34-39) Discussion Starters Monday—What is the story “The Emperor’s New Clothes” about? Have you ever felt like everyone can see t…

By Brett McNeill

Because Jesus is the main character in history, we all have supporting parts, but in his family there are no small parts. Gaius (and the Missionaries… and the Gentiles) (vv. 1, 5-7) Faithful Partner (vv. 5, 8) Worthy of God’s Joy (vv. 2-4, 6) Discussion Starters Monday—Have you ever felt pressured to do full-time ministry? What was the reason given…

By Brett McNeill

We are to give no place in our churches or our hearts to false teachers who teach contrary to the teachings of Christ. Imposters (vv. 7-9) Shutting the Door to the Church (vv. 10-11) Shutting the Door to your Heart (vv. 8, 12-13) Discussion Starters Monday—What is an “imposter”? (v. 7) Is John focussed on false teaching outside the church or inside…

Knowledge of Truth (Colossians 3:10) Colossians 3:10—“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Luke 10:27—“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Dt 6:5; Mt 22:37-38) Genesis 3:4—“You will not surely di…

Those who love Jesus love his church and seek grace, mercy, and peace for those who belong to it. The Source of Joy (vv. 1, 4) The Source of Love (vv. 1-2) The Call to Love (vv. 3, 5-6) Discussion Starters Monday—What are some the different ways that John could have referred to himself in his letter? Why do you think he simply referred to himself a…

God made you in His image, and that gives you and others worth and dignity.By Brett McNeill

Your greatest desire in life should be for Jesus and for others to find life in him before it’s too late. John’s Hope and Prayer (vv. 13-15) Sin Unto Death (vv. 16-17) Jesus, Our Confidence (vv. 18-21) Discussion Starters Monday—What is John’s chief desire for his readers? (vv. 13-15) How does this shape what he writes and how he prays? How might y…

In Jesus’ baptism, crucifixion, and resurrection the Father has born witness that he is the perfect Savior and our only hope of salvation. There are Three that Testify (vv. 6-8) The Divine Witness and Our Response (vv. 9-13) Discussion Starters Monday—When is the right time to think about the Last Day or when you face the Lord? What are the two ext…

David teaches us to boast in our weakness for, though it is foolish to the world and humbling, it is where God’s power is made perfect and we find life. Wisdom According to a Madman (vv. 1-22) Apostolic Insanity (2 Corinthians 11:1 - 12:13) Wisdom in the Flesh (John 19:31-36; 2 Corinthians 4:7-18) Discussion Starters Monday—What is wisdom literatur…

Because God is love, his children must love each other and even those hate them. Born of God… (vv. 1-3) …to Love the Church (vv. 1-3) …to Love the World (vv. 1, 4-5) Discussion Starters Monday—What does it mean to be “born of God”? What are some things that are true of all who are born of God? (vv. 1-3) Tuesday—What does it mean that all who love t…

The church is a mess, but it’s where we find Jesus. The Church is Messy (vv. 19-24) Jesus is Found in the Midst of a Messy Church (vv. 18-24; Revelation 1:12-20) Our Only Hope is to Hold On to Jesus Discussion Starters Monday—Who was Jezebel? What is she famous for? What is the danger with tolerating false teachers? Tuesday—How is the church portra…

Baptism preaches the message of the Gospel to God’s people and seals it with His promise that all who trust in the blood of Jesus will be saved. The New Covenant Promise Water Imagery God SpeaksBy Brett McNeill

By Rev. Wescott Robinson

Love is the sacrificial concern for others that defines God and should define us as we reflect God’s love to those around us. The Beginning of Love (vv. 7-8, 10, 12-13, 19) The Manifestation of Love (vv. 9-10, 14) The End of Love (vv. 8, 12, 15-17, 19-21) Discussion Starters Monday—What does it mean that God is love? What does that tell you about u…

Teachers show themselves to be true by preaching Jesus Christ crucified, a stumbling block and foolishness to the world. True and False Spirits (vv. 1-3; John 1:1-14) Greater is He Who is in You (vv. 4-6) Discussion Starters Monday—Is it shocking or concerning that there are so many “versions” of Christianity? Why or why not? Why does the devil pro…

God calls you to follow Abel’s model of living sacrifice rather than Cain’s model of bitter envy. Cain or Abel (v. 11-12; Genesis 4:1-11) Glory or the Cross Hate or Love (vv. 13-24) Discussion Starters Monday—In what way is 1 John a book of antitheses? What are some of them? Why does John press these? Tuesday—Did Abel do anything wrong to Cain? Why…

By Rev. Danny Olinger

Love is an unmistakable family trait—one that all God’s children have. Two Families (2:28-29; 3:8-10) Shrinking back in Shame? (2:28 - 3:8) Love and Abide (2:28; 3:10) Discussion Starters Monday—What is shame? Have you experienced shame? What did it make you want to do? Tuesday—What two families can the world be divided into? (2:28-29; 3:8-10; Matt…

By Rev. Dan York

The last days will be known for false teachers and we must be all the more sure to cling to the truth of the gospel. Antichrists (vv. 18-19, 22, 26) Anointing (vv. 20, 23, 27a) Abide in Jesus (vv. 21, 24-25, 27b) Discussion Starters Monday—What is the “last hour”? What characterizes it? How do we know that we are living in the last hour? Tuesday—Wh…

The doctrine of creation calls us to recognize our need for others and their need for us, and it calls us to seek to use God’s creation in a way that takes others into account. Reject an independent mindset Accept your limitations Care for the creation as stewards Long for restoration (through the cross)…

Live for God’s glory (not ours) Question everything’s purpose Live like stewards (not owners)By Brett McNeill

True faith shows itself in love toward others, even seeking good for your enemies. True Believers Bear Fruit (vv. 3-6, 15-17) A New Commandment (vv. 5, 7-11) Mature and Maturing (vv. 12-14) Discussion Starters Monday—Why is it a lie to say that being a Christian doesn’t require a changed life? Why can’t you be a Christian if there is no change in y…

Sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to first go backwards. The Frustration of Losing Ground (vv. 1-9) The Tyranny of Emotions (and Where we Find Help) (vv. 1-20) When You Can’t See God (v. 19) Discussion Starters Monday—Have you ever been confident of God’s love at one point and then doubted it? What led to your confidence? What led to yo…

Creation is God’s making all things of nothing for His own glory and possession. What Creation Is (Genesis 1-2) The Purpose of Creation (Romans 1:19-20; 11:36; Psalm 19:1) Ownership and Stewardship (Romans 11:36; Genesis 1:26) Authority (Romans 13:1) Worship (Romans 1:25) Dignity and HumilityBy Brett McNeill

Hope is found, not in hiding or denying our sin, but bringing everything into the light so that it can be forgiven. Walking in the Light (1:5-7) Our Helper (2:1-2) The Way of Forgiveness (1:8-10) Discussion Starters Monday—Do you ever lie to yourself? How? What do you typically try to convince yourself of? Why would anyone lie to themself? Tuesday—…

The local session, composed of the pastors and ruling elders, oversees the local care and discipline of the congregation, as well as the worship and ministry of the word. Defining the Session The Session’s AuthorityBy Brett McNeill

The eternal God has revealed himself by becoming man and invites us into fellowship with him so that we might have life in him. The Eternality of God (vv. 1-2) The Revelation of God (vv. 1-4) Fellowship with God (vv. 3-4) Discussion Starters Monday—What was “from the beginning”? (v. 1) What does that mean? What is John saying about God? Is there an…

Presbyterianism is the biblical form of government where the church is ruled by elders in accountability to surrounding churches. What are the options? Episcopal Congregational Presbyterian Presbyterianism in the OPC Primary standard: The Bible Secondary standard: The Westminster Confession of Faith Tertiary standard: The Form of Government and the…

By Rev. Al Tricarico

By Rev. Al Tricarico

The safest place in the universe is to be surrendered to God. The Competition for Glory (vv. 1, 5) Vain is the Salvation of Man (vv. 5-13) With God We Shall do Valiantly (vv. 1-4, 13) Discussion Starters Monday—Why do we crave safety (and fear danger)? What can that craving sometimes lead us to do when it comes to trusting God? Tuesday—In what ways…

God’s people can be content and find comfort in the midst of great affliction because God goes with them into that affliction and shields them from the danger—eternal wrath—by bearing it for them in love. David’s Confession (Psalm 23) Christ’s Declaration (John 4:31-34; 6:5-11; 10:11-18) Our Hope and Confidence Discussion Starters Monday—What does …

God’s omnipotence means that He is not limited in His strength to do anything that He wants to do. What omnipotence is (and isn’t) The power of creation The power of resurrectionBy Brett McNeill