Thu, Jan 30, 2014 (Week 5, Day 2) Todays Reading: Exodus 22-24; Matthew 20:17-34 Article: A Just Judgment for Slavery (from Exodus 21:16) - This article notes that slavery was first introduced to the colonies in the 1600s and not eliminated from the country until over 250 years later. How can this give you hope and tenacity as you seek biblical transformation in our nation in other areas? Exodus 22 - Discuss how God’s character is revealed in some of these laws. What attributes of God are displayed? Article: Your Right to Life (from Exodus 22:2) - This article states (quoting John Quincy Adams), “that man’s inalienable rights are those ‘given him by his Creator,’ which can neither be taken from him by force nor transferred from him to anyone else....” Based on both these criteria, is self-defense an inalienable right? How is the Second Amendment an extension of that idea? How does it relate to Exodus 22:2? Exodus 23 - How do the first nine verses demonstrate the nature of true justice? How can you practice such in your life? - How are the laws of rest practical as well as spiritual? - Ultimately ,what is the reason God wants the Israelites to not allow the nations they are driving out to remain in the land? Since we as Christians are not called to eradicate but evangelize, how can we still guard ourselves from sin’s snare? Article: A Pledge of Adherence (from Exodus 24) - How do the words, “under God” affect the Pledge of Allegiance, making it unique and acceptable for Christians? [Note: some Christians believe it improper to make any oaths or allegiances to any person or entity other than God. It is good to recognize their reasons are not disrespect of the person or entity, but rather a greater respect for God and their understanding of His Word.] Exodus 24 - Have you seen this before? Moses first “wrote down all the words of the Lord” (v. 4). Then the Lord called him to the mountain to give him “the stone tablets with the law and the commandment....” (v. 12). Why do you think God wanted to do so? Article: Do Not Hinder Them (from Matthew 19:14) - Daniel Webster argued effectively before the Supreme Court that education that “is derogatory to the Christian religion, tends to weaken men’s reverence for that religion and their conviction of its authority and importance, and therefore in its general character tends to mischievous and not to useful ends.” At one time our national courts agreed with that premise, though now Christianity has been stripped from and even persecuted within our schools. What can you do to restore Christianity to education in all facets of children’s education? Should you promote home education? Should you engage in support of a local Christian school? Have you considered running for a position on your local school board? Find two or three specific actions you can take to work toward restoring Christianity to its rightful place in academics. Matthew 20:17-34 - Jesus says that true greatness is found in service. What opportunities for serving is God putting before you this week? OTHER READING SCHEDULES Joshua 21-24 Genesis 39; Psalm 30; Luke 22:1-38
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 12:00:00 +0000