Acts Study Guide
2019 Lent Guide
Our beliefs are a window through which we see the world around us. Whether we are aware of it or not, we each have a set of beliefs. Sometimes they are formed carefully over many years, other times, they just happen to develop, unintentionally, and without our knowing. Either way, we carry a set beliefs about ourselves and others; our past, and our future; God, Jesus, and the Church.
The more clear our beliefs are, the more confidently we will live.
The more clouded our beliefs, the more conflicted we’ll be.
In our series, Seeing Clearly, we are looking at our core beliefs as Christians. This series corresponds with the celebration of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter. Both Lent and the teaching series focus on the refining of our minds, our hearts and our souls, so we can see Jesus clearly and marvel at who He is, what He has done and how He is at work in our lives.
SCRIPTURE READING & PRAYER
This guide is intended to help direct your personal time with God in scripture and journaling. The reading each day will help you go deeper in that week’s core belief. We suggest the S.O.A.P. method of reading and journaling to help you think and reflect critically about your beliefs and what scripture says.
Scripture: Write the Scripture reference for the passage you are studying.
Observation: Make one observation from the passage.
Application: Write how this applies to your life.
Prayer: Talk to God about what you have read.
You can engage with the questions provided in the guide throughout the week.
Fasting Together
On Wednesdays we invite you to join BridgePointe in fasting together. Fasting is a biblical practice in which God’s people choose to abstain from food for a specific period of time in order to concentrate on God, their greatest desire and source of satisfaction. Read more about fasting in our blog post- Lent 2019: Fast Together.
If this study produces questions you’d like to discuss or prompts you to make a commitment to Jesus through baptism, please email us at info@bridgepointechristian.com
WEEK ONE - GOD (Starting Sunday March 10th)
Scripture Reading
Monday: Genesis 1
Tuesday: Psalm 145
Wednesday: John 1 and Fast Together
Thursday: James 1
Reflection Questions for the Week
What attributes does the Bible give to God?
Reflect on the Trinity - God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit? How does each person of God work in your life?
How does having a right belief in God change your everyday life?
WEEK two - bible
Scripture Reading
Monday: Psalm 19
Tuesday: 2 Timothy 3
Wednesday: 2 Peter 1 and Fast Together
Thursday: John 5
Friday: Psalm 119
Reflection Questions for the Week
What place does the Bible currently have in your life?
Take time to reflect and write down what God says about the Bible in these passages of scripture.
How does having a right belief about the Bible change your everyday life?
WEEK three - people
Scripture Reading
Monday: Genesis 1:26 - 2:25
Tuesday: Psalm 139
Wednesday: James 3 and Fast Together
Thursday: Isaiah 43
Friday: Revelation 21
Reflection Questions for the Week
How does it change the way you view yourself and others when you understand we are created in the image of God?
Currently, do you feel like your work gives you a purpose that brings blessing? What would it look like for you to do something you love that brings beauty into the world?
God wants us to be fully alive - living in His presence, doing His work, and being His love. Which one of these would help you be more fully alive?
WEEK FOUR - Salvation
Scripture Reading
Monday: Genesis 3
Tuesday: Romans 3
Wednesday: Romans 6 and Fast Together
Thursday: Galatians 5
Friday: Philippians 2
Reflection Questions for the Week
Reflect on how you’ve recently felt the affect of sin in your life.
Why is Jesus the only solution for our sin?
Jesus reconciles our relationship with God and restores His image in us. How have you seen this happen in your life?
WEEK Five - Holy spirit
Scripture Reading
Monday: John 14
Tuesday: John 15
Wednesday: John 16 and Fast Together
Thursday: 1 Corinthians 12
Friday: Acts 2
Reflection Questions for the Week
Do you remember when you first felt the conviction over sin, fear of judgement, desire for something more than the life you once lived?
Do you ever feel like you are seeing the same results, stuck in the same ruts, or losing the same battles? How does the Spirit help us be more like Jesus?
The Spirit enables us to make a difference. How has the Spirit gifted you to contribute to the church? What are you naturally good at and what brings you joy?
The Spirit enables us to make the most of every opportunity with people who need Jesus. Who is your Pray for One? How is the Spirit working in that relationship?
WEEK six - Eternity
Scripture Reading
Monday: 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16, John 5:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15:51-53
Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 5:10, Hebrews 4:13 & 9:27-28, Matthew 16:27
Wednesday: Fast Together and Hebrews 10:26-27, 2 Peter 3:9
Thursday: 2 Thessalonians 1:7b-9, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, Philippians 1:21
Friday: Matthew 24 & 25
Reflection Questions for the Week
What stood out to you from this week’s reading?
How does all of this impact your life right now?
NUMBERS STUDY GUIDE
A Study Guide for The Book of Numbers
In our series Mind Game, we are journeying through The Book of Numbers in the Old Testament and finding out how to deal with the attitudes that get in our way. Numbers can be a daunting book, so whether you’re joining us at the beginning, somewhere in the middle, or catching up a the end, we hope these resources can help you.
The Bible Project Resources
The video and poster below, created by The Bible Project, are engaging and approachable ways to understand the complex themes of The Book of Numbers. Check out their page on Numbers to find out more.
This video by is an overview on the book of Numbers. It breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In Numbers, Israel travels through the wilderness on the way to the land promised to Abraham. Their repeated rebellion is met by God's justice and mercy.
First 15 Devotion Guide
We believe that spending just fifteen minutes a day in Bible reading and prayer can make all the difference. This guide is designed to provide you with further reading, scripture memorization and prayer prompts that correspond to Sunday’s message. We hope you find this supplement a helpful guide for your own time of reading and reflection.
WEEK 1
MESSAGE Mind Game - Centered
WATCH The Numbers video by the Bible Project
MEMORIZE
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
– Colossians 2:6-7
PRAY
Jesus, help me to prioritize your Word and stay centered on You. Your Word is living and active. You are awesome. In the power of your name. Amen.
Week 2
MESSAGE Mind Game - Complaining
READ Numbers 11-12
MEMORIZE
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
– Philippians 2:14-15
PRAY
Father, you are my perfect provider. Help me to see the good You are working in my life and identify where I need to stop complaining. In the power of Jesus’ name. Amen.
WEEK 3
MESSAGE Mind Game - Fear
READ Numbers 13-14
MEMORIZE
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
– Psalm 56:3
PRAY
Jesus, you always desire for me to receive your best. Show me where in my life fear is keeping me from trusting You. In the power of Your name. Amen.
Week 4
MESSAGE Mind Game - Comparison
READ Numbers 16-18
MEMORIZE
“A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.”
– Proverbs 14:30
PRAY
God, I am prone to comparison and jealousy. By the help of Your Spirit give me contentment with the great things You've given to me. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
Week 5
MESSAGE Mind Game - Impatience
READ Numbers 20-21
MEMORIZE
“Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
– Psalm 37:7
PRAY
Jesus, help me to slow down and appreciate your work in my life. Your timing is better than mine. Give me a heart of trust and patience. In the power of Your name. Amen.
WEEK 6
MESSAGE Mind Game - Stubbornness
READ Numbers 22-24
MEMORIZE
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”
– Galatians 2:20
PRAY
Father, forgive me for having a stubborn heart. Thank you for relentlessly pursuing me out of love. I give all of my life to You. In the power of Jesus’ name. Amen.
MESSAGE Mind Game - Tolerance
READ Numbers 25-27
MEMORIZE
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ”
– Hebrews 12:1-2
PRAY
God, help me to hate sin as much as you do. Jesus you put sin to death on the cross. In the same way help me to put it to death in my life. In the power of Jesus’ name. Amen.
WEEK 7
MESSAGE Mind Game - Remembrance
READ Numbers 28-29
MEMORIZE
“Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.”
– Deuteronomy 8:11
PRAY
Jesus, my heart easily forgets who you are and what you have done for me. Help me to remember You every day through the rhythms you’re given us. In the power of Your name. Amen.
WEEK 8
MESSAGE Mind Game - Cooperation
READ Numbers 32-36
MEMORIZE
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. ”
– Matthew 28:18-20
PRAY
Jesus, help me to do everything I can to help others experience life with you. I reject selfishness. Give me ONE person to share Your love with. In the power of Your name. Amen.
WEEK 9
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40 Days in the Gospel of John
Click on this image for a pdf of the study.
Below find an introduction and forty days of Scripture reading in the book of John. You can also click on the image to the left for a pdf version of the study.
This study was originally created in 2018 by BridgePointe staff to coincide with the season of Lent.
INTRODUCTION
The most important question for our faith is: Who is Jesus?
There are other great questions, but they all lean upon this one to find their significance. People have long been divided by this question, resulting in many opinions and perspectives. But if this question is truly central to our faith, if its answer becomes the bedrock of everything else we believe, then where might we find the truth?
John was a fisherman from a family of fisherman. So, naturally, John was fishing when he first met Jesus. In that life-changing encounter, John believed something about Jesus that compelled him to leave everything—family, friends, financial security—to follow Him. Along with his brother, James, and the often-infamous Simon Peter, John became part of Jesus’ inner circle—a small group of disciples who witnessed some of the most significant events in the life of Jesus. Even more, it’s likely that John was Jesus’ closest friend. On account of John’s unique and privileged perspective on Jesus, he might be best positioned to help answer this most important question of who Jesus is.
After years of steadfast faith and service to the church, John was guided by the Holy Spirit to write an account of Jesus’ life, which has been preserved in the bible as The Gospel of John.
The reason for his writing is revealed in John 20:31:
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John wrote to strengthen the faith of Christians who were experiencing doubt, discouragement, or even disbelief because of the harsh world around them. At the same time, people who had not yet believed in Jesus could discover faith for the first time by letting John answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”
Through this study, we pray that you will discover the answer to the most important question, that your faith in Jesus will be strengthened, and that you’ll find the life in Him that you were created for. If this study produces questions you’d like to discuss or prompts you to make a commitment to Jesus through baptism, please email us at info@bpri.church
DAY 1
JOHN 1:1-28
Why do you think John began his Gospel by talking about how Jesus existed from eternity past?
Many people argue that Jesus was a prophet who did good works but wasn’t the Son of God. How do John’s words argue against that idea?
How did John point others to Jesus instead of pointing to Himself?
What can we learn about following Jesus from John’s words and actions?
DAY 2
JOHN 1:29-51
Of all the things John could have called Jesus, why do you think he called Him “the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”?
Do you think we might have trouble recognizing Jesus in our own lives? What are some things that might keep us from doing so?
Have you ignored Jesus’ calling you to be a disciple? If yes, what do you believe He wants you to do?
DAY 3
JOHN 2:1-25
Do you think people in general are skeptical of miracles? Why or why not?
Jesus had just said it wasn’t His hour, so why did He perform a miracle anyway?
What do you need to do in response to what you read?
DAY 4
JOHN 3:1-21
According to Jesus, what was missing in the life
of Nicodemus (v. 3)?
What do you believe Jesus meant about having to be born again to see the kingdom of God?
How might knowing that you are saved by God’s grace and not by works give you confidence in your walk with Christ? In your relationship with others?
DAY 5
JOHN 3:22-36
What does John’s example teach you about your responsibility as a follower of Christ today?
How might you decrease to self this week and allow Christ to increase in you?
Are there any ministries you might help or contribute to in order to put this into practice?
DAY 6
JOHN 4:1-42
The Samaritan woman and Jesus have two different ideas about “living water.” What were they?
Why was the living water Jesus described attractive to
the woman?
Do you feel as if there are reasons you are not good enough for Jesus? How does this story speak against this feeling?
DAY 7
JOHN 4:43-54
Do you think people will generally believe if they see signs and wonders?
What does this miracle show about Jesus’ concern for the individual?
What lessons can we learn from this passage?
DAY 8
JOHN 5:1-30
Why do you think the Jews in this passage were more focused on the man’s carrying the mat on the Sabbath than they were on the fact that a man had healed them?
What does their focus on the law rather than on the act of grace say about their understanding of God’s character?
Jesus was not content to leave the man healed without a conversation about his sin. What does this reveal about the nature of the Father?
DAY 9
JOHN 5:31-47
In your own life, what were some of the witnesses that helped you believe the claims of Jesus?
In these verses, how do you see the difference between knowing information about Jesus and actually believing in and following Him?
What safeguards can you put in your life to make sure you aren’t just learning more things about Jesus, but actually believing in and following Him?
DAY 10
JOHN 6:1-21
How might Jesus’ identity speak to why Jesus is able to feed the 5,000?
How does Jesus use the crowd’s need for food as an opportunity to teach His disciples about His divine identity (see especially v. 6)?
What is the significance of Jesus using the phrase “It is I” (or “I am”) in verse 20?
DAY 11
JOHN 6:22-59
What does this passage teach you about God?
In verse 35, Jesus says whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. What do you think he means?
In verses 47-51, how does Jesus contrast the life He gives with the manna the Israelites received in the wilderness?
DAY 12
JOHN 6:60-71
In what sense is Jesus’ teaching “hard”? What do you find most difficult about what He has said in John 6?
What does Jesus say in verses 63-65 to explain why some are able to accept His teaching, while others cannot?
In verses 64 and 70-71, what does John say to indicate that Jesus knew that some of His followers at the time were not true believers and that Judas would betray Him?
DAY 13
JOHN 7:1-31
Considering what happened between the time Jesus arrived at the festival and the time He began to teach, what are some reasons why Jesus might have kept His presence a secret those few days?
Jesus said “my time is not here yet,” what do you think he meant?
Why were the people in verses 25-27 confused?
DAY 14
JOHN 7:32-53
What does this passage teach you about Jesus?
Read verse 37, what do you think Jesus means?
Why do you think people were still divided about who Jesus was at this point?
DAY 15
JOHN 8:1-30
Jesus offer grace and truth to this woman. What do you need to do to offer this to others?
Jesus provided a template for us to follow him in verse 12, think about what you can do to keep walking in the light.
Why is so important to believe in who Jesus is? Do you dispute who Jesus is at times?
DAY 16
JOHN 8:31-59
What truth has God revealed to you to which has set
you free?
Jesus makes a bold statement in verse 47, “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is you do not belong to God.” Based on how closely you listen to God can you honestly say that you belong to him?
DAY 17
JOHN 9:1-41
The blind man dealt with a massive amount of shame because of his condition, and Jesus healed him from it. Take time to reflect on shame Jesus has healed you from in the past, or shame you know he wants to heal you from today.
Have you ever had a “I was blind, but now I see” moment where Jesus radically saved or changed you? Pray and thank God for that moment, or take this opportunity to ask him to do it for the first time.
Like the Pharisees, many people deny Jesus no matter what evidence they see. Do you have anyone like that in your life? In the spirit of Pray for One, pray for an opportunity to share God’s love with them this week so that they might finally see Jesus.
DAY 18
JOHN 10:1-21
How have you experienced “life to the full” because of Jesus?
Jesus says, ” I am the good shepherd” and he willingly gave his life for his sheep. What part of the good shepherd description amazes you the most?
How do you need Jesus to be your good shepherd
right now?
DAY 19
JOHN 10:22-42
Do Jesus’ works lead you to believe he is God? Why or why not?
CS Lewis wrote, “There are only two sorts of people in the world: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “Thy will done.” Reflecting on your life and actions, which person are you?
DAY 20
JOHN 11:1-27
Have you ever felt like God didn’t’ do something in your timing, but in the end you see the good of his timing?
How does it change your life today to know you will live forever with Jesus?
Jesus says, “I am the life.” Are you experiencing the abundant life only available through Jesus?
DAY 21
JOHN 11:28-57
How does it make you feel to know Jesus wept with Mary?
Like Lazarus, Jesus has raised us from the dead spiritually. What does it look like to live as if you’ve been raised from the dead?
DAY 22
JOHN 12:1-26
Just like Judas we often say things with double motives. Take this time to pray and ask Jesus to make your heart and words pure like his.
Mary gave a costly gift to Jesus because she believed it was worth it. Is there anything in your life you that might seem costly, but that you know you need to give to Jesus?
What do you think Jesus means when he says, “The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
DAY 23
JOHN 12:27-50
The disciples didn’t understand why Jesus had to die. Is there anything in your life right now that seems confusing to you, but you know God has a purpose?
Do you live for the praise of God or for the praise of others? What’s one thing you can do to help you live for the praise of God more?
What dark part of your life do you want Jesus to shine
his light?
DAY 24
JOHN 13:1-20
Jesus “loved them to the end.” How does it change your life today to know that Jesus loves you forever no matter what?
What does it look like for you to radically serve others like Jesus?
Is there any selfishness in you that wants others to serve you rather than you serve others? Pray and ask God to make you a servant like Jesus.
DAY 25
JOHN 13:21-38
The Glory of God is a theme we find throughout the Gospel of John. In your own words, describe the glory of God.
Do people know you are a disciple of Jesus by your love?
Like Judas and Peter, we betray Jesus. How do our setbacks help us to know and follow Jesus more?
DAY 26
JOHN 14:1-14
When your heart is troubled how can Jesus’ words encourage you?
People today suggest there are multiple ways to get to God. What does Jesus say about that? Why do you think he says this?
What does Jesus mean when he says we will do greater things than him?
DAY 27
JOHN 14:15-31
Jesus promises to give us the Holy Spirit. Are you aware of the Holy Spirit inside of you? If so, how does He help you in your daily life?
If not, how can you become more aware of him?
In Jesus’ mind, love equals obedience. What’s one area of your life you can love Jesus more?
JOHN 15:1-17
Are you staying connected to Jesus daily?
What’s one habit you can implement which would help you be even more connected to him?
Pray and ask Jesus to help you to bear fruit today for him. Be bold, and ask him to cut off any part of your life that’s not bearing fruit for him.
DAY 28
DAY 29
JOHN 15:18-27
In the United States we aren’t persecuted for our faith like the first disciples. However, we still face opposition to following Jesus. Think about a time you faced opposition because of your love for Jesus.
Are you avoiding opposition in your faith in order to be liked by people or avoid difficult circumstances?
DAY 30
JOHN 16:1-15
Why is Jesus saying it is better for him to go away than to stay on earth?
The Spirit of Jesus will guide you into all truth. What are are some of the most impactful truths the Spirit has guided you to?
DAY 31
JOHN 16:16-33
The disciples often struggled to understand what Jesus was trying to teach them. Have you ever read some scripture and been at a total loss?
Jesus uses childbirth to explain how joy can cover the anguish of our past. Have you experienced the release a joyous moment can create?
If so, praise God for that. If not, ask God to either provide something to be joyful for, or for you to experience a peace in Jesus that will redirect your perspective.
DAY 32
JOHN 17:1-26
Jesus prays for three things: Himself, His friends, and believers. How can you pray for yourself?
How can you pray for those close to you?
Talking to God about yourself, your friends, and your fellow believers redirects you heart to focus on God’s local and global significance. Let’s share His story.
DAY 33
JOHN 18:1-24
Upon reading this scripture, It can be so easy to declare our ability to act differently then Peter in that situation, but often times people withhold their faith from others. Have you ever not told the whole story to leave Jesus out of it?
Do you act different with your “church” friends than you do with your “work” friends? Denial can take many forms, so ask God to first increase your awareness, and for the boldness to declare and share your faith when the time arises.
DAY 34
JOHN 18:25-40
There comes a time when people have the power to do what is right, despite opposition and peer pressure they may be facing. Social media guarantees that almost anyone can have influence upon others. Who do you have influence over?
Who relies or looks up to you?
Often times, what God calls us to do will appear opposite to what everyone else thinks. Pray to God for the courage and boldness to do what is right.
DAY 35
JOHN 19:1-27
Jesus states in John 19:11 that people have no power over Him unless it is given to them. That means that the only reason Jesus was beaten was because He let them. Reread John 19:1-3 and think about how every slap, whip, and attack was taken for you. It doesn’t matter what you have done or will do, Jesus still allowed himself to be tortured if it meant bringing you closer to Him and His Father. How greatly must Jesus think of you if he was willing to do that?
Consider the cost your relationship had for Jesus.
What cost are you willing to take to help with someone else’s relationship with God?
DAY 36
JOHN 19:28-42
Sometimes, you will experience things as you pursue Jesus that may be hard to believe like the man in John 19:35. Your story will help others believe if you are brave enough to share it. Who is around you that you can share your story with?
What parts of your story give glory to God and could help others believe?
DAY 37
JOHN 20:1-18
When Mary Magdalene realized it was Jesus she was speaking to, she cried out “Teacher!“. What kind of things has Jesus taught you?
When you think of Jesus, what is the first thing that comes to mind? (Son, Healer, Creator, Savior, or something else)
Praise Jesus for how you currently view Him, and ask Him to open up or mind to new ways to interact with Jesus.
DAY 38
JOHN 20:19-30
Thomas needed to see proof before he would believe. Is there anything you feel God still needs to prove to you before you give everything to Him?
Do you consider yourself someone that needs to see before believing?
Identify your struggles, and ask God to work through those with you. He may give you the answer you have been looking for, or perhaps He will change your heart.
DAY 39
JOHN 21:1-14
God is in the business of abundantly rewarding obedience. The Disciples only caught those fish because they did exactly as Jesus told them. What areas of your life can you be more obedient to God’s commands?
If unsure, what do you do that brings you farther away from God instead of closer?
Pray to God for the self-awareness to find areas of growth and for the help to conquer it.
DAY 40
JOHN 21:15-25
John 21:25 describes the infinite ways Jesus impacted people while he was alive. What’s cool is that Jesus is still impacting people through His church and Spirit. How can you better impact your church?
How can you better impact your community?
Ask the Holy Spirit to equip you to contribute to both in a way that brings others closer to Jesus.