Pastor Ralph

Q1. (2 Samuel 7:11-16) What are the main provisions of the Davidic Covenant? What does it say about the temple? About David’s descendants? About discipline? About mercy? About the throne?

Q5. (Titus 3:5-8) If “regeneration” is necessary, what does that imply about our spiritual state before salvation? What is “new” after salvation? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our salvation? In our sanctification?

Q4. (Titus 3:4-5) Why is it important to stress that our salvation has nothing to do with our righteous actions? How can otherwise “good” works be corrupted by self-serving motives? How can pride and self-deceit keep us from salvation?

Q3. (Titus 3:1-2) What should be a Christian’s response to civil government, even government by those who do not share our values? How does an anti-government stance hurt the cause of Christ? How does gossip or backbiting hurt the cause of Christ? How does it hurt the unity of the church?

Q2. (Titus 2:14) According to verse 14, what are the two purposes of Christ’s redemption? Why do we need to purified so that we can do truly “good” works?

Q1. (Titus 2:12-13) If we were convinced that Christ would soon return, what effect would that have on the way we conduct ourselves? Why is this hope “blessed”? In what way will Christ’s return exhibit his glory?

Q4. (Titus 2:11-12) How does a wrong understanding of God’s grace seem to give us a license to be sloppy in our behavior? In what ways should God’s grace motivate us to good behavior?

Q3. (Titus 2:2-8) What are the weaknesses are younger wives and husbands need to be careful of? How about employees? What positive qualities should substitute for these sins? Why is Titus’s example so important in teaching good Christian behavior and morality? How does our behavior impact Christ’s reputation?

Q2. (Titus 2:2-3) What seem to be the predominant sins of the older men and women in the churches of Crete? What specific behaviors does Paul urge in place of these sins?

Q1. (Titus 1:9) Why do pastors and elders hesitate to correct false doctrine today? What is the result of laxity? What is the result of gentle but firm discipline with regard to doctrine?

Q60. (Matthew 13:51-52) What is the “old” that the householder brings out of his treasure box? What is the “new.” In what way must we disciples be “cross-trained” as scribes of the Kingdom?

Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay “salty”? Why are people tempted to hide their “light” or witness? What does Jesus say about that?

Q58. (Matthew 9:37-38; John 4:35-38) Where in your region does the harvest seem most ripe, that is, where people are most receptive to the gospel? Do you see yourself mainly as a sower or a reaper? Why is there such a shortage of reapers? Would you be willing to be a reaper, if Jesus helps you?

Q57. (Matthew 9:36) Why is Jesus' heartbroken over lost sheep? Who are the lost sheep of your community? Of the mission fields that you know about? What is your attitude toward them?

Q56. (Matthew 9:13; Hosea 6:6) What does Jesus mean when he tells his disciples, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”? What attitude did the Pharisees have towards sinners? What attitude did Jesus have toward sinners? What attitude do you have toward sinners? What is the role of a spiritual doctor?

Q55. (Luke 10:30-37) Why does Jesus contrast a Jewish priest and Levite with a hated Samaritan? According to the parable, how do you think Jesus would define “neighbor,” that is, someone we have a responsibility toward? How much does compassion move you to go out of your way and comfort zone to care for those in need?

Q54. (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27) Why did Jesus give his disciples the Parables of the Talents and Minas? How are you using the “talents” Jesus has given you? What causes people to “bury” the talents they once used for the Lord? If it is not salvation itself, what is the reward for faithfulness? Why does God expect more of greatly gifted people?

Q53. (John 13:4-17) In what way is Jesus washing the disciples’ feet a parable? Why did this act of washing their feet feel so shocking to the disciples? In what sense is this a parable of cleansing? In what way is it a rebuke of pride and competition? In what way is it a parable of humble service? In what areas of your life do you need to implement its teaching?

Q52. (Luke 11:5-10; 18:1-8) What is the similarity between Jesus' Parables of the Friend at Midnight and the Unjust Judge? What does this persistence look like in your life? What will persistence in prayer do to develop you as a disciple?

Q51. (Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13) Why did Jesus give his disciples the Parable of Asking a Father for Bread? What misconception was he seeking to correct?

Q50. (Matthew 6:25-34) How does the Parable of the Birds and the Lilies teach us not to worry? What does Jesus teach about worrying about the future? Rather than worrying, what does Jesus instruct his disciples to do? What does obeying verse 33 look like in your life?

Q49. (Luke 16:13) What are the very subtle ways that we can begin to serve Money rather than God? How can we detect these temptations in our hearts? Why did Jesus tell his disciples the Parable of the Two Masters?

Q48. (Luke 12:16-21) Is being wealthy a sin for a Christian? What was the rich man's actual sin or sinful attitude? How do you sometimes see greed in the people in your neighborhood or social circle? Christians aren't immune. In what ways might greed influence a Christian's behaviors and values?

Q47. (Luke 16:1-13) In what way is the dishonest steward supposed to be a positive example to disciples? How does one “lay up treasures in heaven”? Why is the quality of our work of very small things so important to God? What is he waiting to see in us? What happens to people in the church who are promoted beyond their spiritual growth?

Q46. (Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:43-45) From Jesus' images of wolves in sheep's clothing, good and bad fruit, and the treasure chest of the heart, how does he teach us to discern false leaders? Why is this so important in our churches? Why must we distinguish flawed Christian leaders from dangerous false prophets?