Read Mark 9.

This chapter starts out with a very high pointin Jesus’s life – the transfiguration – but then it seems to go rapidly downhill with the people and disciples. How does Jesus handle it? Have you ever been on a “high” – where everything is going right – and then it all suddenly comes crashing down? Why does that happen? How do you deal with it? How should you deal with it?

As you read Luke 17, be sure to look for any clues or information on the kingdom of God.

If we can’t “observe” the physical kingdom of God, how would you know that it was there?

Have you ever experienced, or seen, the kingdom of God in action? What was it like? Can you even imagine what it will be like when the

kingdom of heaven is everywhere?

Have you ever thought about the fact that all of Christianity boils down to one simple question – “Who is Jesus of Nazareth?”

What’s your answer?

Read John 9.

Who does the formerly blind man say that Jesus is in verse 17? Who does he know that Jesus is by verse 39? How did Jesus open this man’s eyes? (I mean spiritually!) How did He open yours?

Read Mark 5.

What kind of life did the demoniac have before he met Jesus? What was his life like after meeting Jesus?

What did he want to do after Jesus healed him? What did Jesus tell him to do? Where was he supposed to go? What was he supposed to tell people? Would this be good advice for Christians today?

Have you ever wanted someone else to really get (receive) what they deserve? Read Luke 6:27-36.

What does Jesus have to say about giving someone what they deserve? Are you glad that God doesn’t give you what you really deserve?! (Try to remember that the next time you start to feel that way towards someone else!)

Read Matthew 10 to begin preparing your hearts and minds for tomorrow’s gathering.

Why is Jesus sending out the twelve? Are they sowing, or harvesting?

What did you think of the various commands and instructions that Jesus gave to them? Did any seem unusual? Harsh? How would you have felt if it had been you? How do you feel now when Jesus asks you to do something?

Before you read today’s scripture, spend a few minutes reflecting on this question: What is the cost of salvation, and specifically, what does salvation cost you?

Read Romans 6.

What is the cost of eternal life? Even though there is no cost for salvation through Jesus Christ, there are ‘responsibilities’ that seem to follow accepting Jesus as Lord. What are some of these? Which of them are the hardest for you? Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you with those difficult areas.

Read Acts 7.

Did Stephen directly reap any harvest? Do you think he felt like a failure because of his lack of harvest? What was the indirect, ripple-effect harvest that resulted because of his work? Remember, we’re not supposed to be gauging our efforts – or results – against others. If you’re going to measure your efforts, measure them based on what God has called YOU to do!

Who is supposed to be a harvester in God’s Kingdom? Let’s take a look at a few verses to see if the Bible can shed any light on this topic!

Read Matthew 28:16-20, John 4:31-38, Romans 10:1-15, and all of 1 Corinthians 12. Should everyone be willing/trying to share the Good News? (In words and actions.) ABSOLUTELY! Is that everyone’s primary job? Nope. The body of Christ is made up of different parts that have different functions. Your job is to make sure that you are willing to do any of them when the opportunity presents itself, but actively pursue those in which you’ve been gifted.

Read Revelation 15.

Who are the people described in verse 2? What are some of the things that they are praising God for? Can we praise God for those same things today?