Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Monday – Read 1 Corinthians 1:12-14. St. Paul says that “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” Why does our faith hinge on the Resurrection? How is the Resurrection good news for you?

Tuesday – Read 1 Corinthians 1:50-58. This verse is often read at funerals. How does this verse make you feel about those in your life who have died and had faith in Jesus Christ?

Wednesday – Read John 11:25-26. Very few things in our life have eternal impact. How does Jesus’ statement impact the way you spend your time?

Thursday – Read 1 Peter 3:21. There is a huge connection between Baptism and the Resurrection throughout Scripture. How can you remember your baptism each day?

Friday – Read Acts 1:7. Jesus didn’t give His disciples all the answers. How is Jesus’ statement both comforting and scary for you?

Saturday – Read Acts 1:8. How can you live as Christ’s witness day in and day out?

You can go DEEPER this week by checking out:

• Dr. S. Joshua Swamidass on Easter/Resurrection
• The Christian Origins and the Resurrection of Jesus by N.T. Wright
• Radiocarbon Dating of Fourteen Dead Sea Scrolls by Bonani
• Psalms 22:16
• Isaiah 53 (NIV)
• The Jesus Legend by Paul Eddy and Gregory Boyd
• Did Jesus Exist? by Bart Ehrman
  

Don't forget you can watch this week's sermon message or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of October 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Day 1: Read Acts 2:23. When you know the whole story, it’s easy to call the day between Good Friday and Easter “Holy Saturday”. For Jesus’ disciples that Saturday was “a hold on to your faith with all you’ve got Saturday”. When have you been disappointed in how God acted in your life, and your best response was to “hold on to your faith with all you’ve got”? What happened as you look back at that time? How did you grow? How did God act? How is He still acting today in that situation?

Day 2: Read Matthew 12:40. Martin Luther said Saturday was the day God himself lay cold in the grave. Friday was death, Sunday was hope, but Saturday was that seemingly-ignored middle day between them when God occupied a dirty grave in a little garden outside Jerusalem. Saturday is about waiting, about uncertainty, about not knowing what’ll happen. Saturday is ambiguity. It’s about, as one theologian put it, “muddling through” when the future isn’t clear. Where do you find yourself “muddling through”? How is God helping you to persevere? Why is Jesus’ death, laying in the tomb and resurrection, so important to you when you muddle through the challenges of life?

Day 3: Read 1 Peter 3:19. Before this weekend, what did you think it meant about Jesus when you say in the Apostles’ Creed, “He descended into Hell.”? What do you believe today that statement means for Jesus? For you?

Day 4: Read Revelation 1:18. When we say, “He descended into hell”, we believe Jesus proclaimed His victory, His mission accomplished. How does Jesus’ words in Revelation 1:18 help you to see the victory Jesus has won for His followers? Where do you need to trust Him in your life today to see you through?

Day 5: Read Matthew 27:62-64. Jesus’ disciples have lost hope. Jesus’ enemies seek to prevent a hoax. They both agree Jesus is dead. Game over. Yet God is still at work. Death will not have the final word. Where have you tried to box God in, and He has broken through? Where do you need to “roll the stone away” and let God have free access to your life?

Day 6: Read Psalm 139:8. David discovered God in the depths, in Hebrew, that’s Sheol – the place of the dead. Go high, go low, God is there. In life, in death, God is there. There’s nowhere you can go in this life, where God is not already there. He descended into Hell means there is no suffering you go through that Jesus has not endure in order to save you. Take time today to thank Jesus for His presence in any suffering (or success) you are facing in life. Turn your suffering to Him and ask Him to make you aware of His presence today, for He is with you no matter where you go or what happens in life!

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book The Apostles’ Creed: Rooted by Raymond F. Cannata and Joshua D. Reitano.

Don't forget you can watch this week's sermon message or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of October 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Day 1: Read Luke 23:33. Pontius Pilate’s name in the Apostles’ Creed reminds us Jesus death is an actual event in time and space. Why is it important to know that the Jesus story is not just a great mystery, but actually happened? 

Day 2: Read Isaiah 53:3-4. Isaiah writes as if we were there at the cross, because we were. My sins, your sins, everyone’s sins, put Jesus on the cross. Take time today to confess your sins and ask God for His forgiveness. Even more, take time to thank Jesus for the sacrifice He made to be your Savior.

Day 3: Read Luke 23:34. Where do you need to hear Jesus’ words of forgiveness today? With whom do you need to share words of forgiveness today? 

Day 4: Read Isaiah 53:5. Consider the price Jesus paid to bear our sins. What words/phrases from this verse touch you with what happened to Jesus on the cross and what that means for your life? Take time to turn those words and phrases into a prayer of Thanksgiving for what Jesus has done and continues to do in your life.

Day 5: Read Philippians 2:6-8. Right before Paul writes these words, he tells us to have the same attitude of Jesus. What attitude of Jesus do you notice in these verses? What does that say to the attitude God wants you to have with others?

Day 6: Read Luke 23:46. The Greek word for commit means to yield, to entrust, and to commit. But the way it’s used most often it means to deposit, especially to deposit something for safekeeping. In this verse Jesus commits His life to God. What do you need to entrust, to deposit for safe keeping with God today?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado.

Don't forget you can watch this week's sermon message or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of October 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Monday – Read Luke 1:34-37. The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to a son, even though she was a virgin. Her response? “HOW CAN THIS BE?!” Gabriel responds, “nothing is impossible with God.” How have you seen impossibility overcome in your life?

Tuesday – Read Luke 1:39-45. Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, is carrying a child as well: John the Baptist. When Mary tells Elizabeth the news, the pre-born John leaps in the womb. How does this impact your view of life and how precious children, even the unborn, are?

Wednesday – Read Luke 1:46-47. Mary sings a song about the news she has received. How does your soul magnify God? How do you rejoice in the Savior?

Thursday – Read Luke 1:54. Mary says in her song that the Lord has “remembered Israel in His mercy.” When God remembers, He acts. Is it hard for you to remember mercy (and act in mercy) in your everyday life? Where do you want to work on this?

Friday – Read Luke 2:14. The heavenly host sing with joy as the shepherds hear about the Christ-child. How can this song be sung in your words and actions at work? At home? At school? 

Saturday – Read Luke 2:19. As Mary sat with her newborn child, she “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” How can pondering the greatness of God influence the way you live day by day?

Don't forget you can watch this week's sermon message or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of October 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Monday – Read Genesis 1:2. Do you ever feel as though your life is formless and void? How does the confessing the Creed change that perspective?

Tuesday – Read Genesis 1:11-13. Have you ever taken time to go look at plants and vegetation? God made some pretty intricate and unique things. Take some time to go admire this part of creation and write down what you noticed. 

Wednesday – Read Genesis 1:14-19. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Take some time in both the morning and evening to pray and thank God for the hours ahead and the hours past. Reflect on what aspects of the morning and evening you appreciate.

Thursday – Read Genesis 1:20-25. Every animal on this planet was spoken into creation. That means that every squirrel, bunny rabbit, and domesticated pet is something that testifies to God’s creation. Reflect on this aspect of creation.

Friday – Read Genesis 1:26-28. God said: “Let us make man in our image after our likeness.” We see the Trinity in Genesis 1. It’s also important to note that God hinted in this phrase to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit THREE times. Notice that God makes man differently. He spoke everything else into creation, but man was formed out of the ground. What does that say about man’s uniqueness?  What does it mean to you that you were made in the image of God? 

Saturday – Read Genesis 1:31. God looked at His creation and said: “It was very good.” Sometimes we don’t take time to appreciate all that God has created. Throughout the day, write down the aspects of creation that you find most meaningful.

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Evolution: A Theory in Crisis by Michael Denton.

Don't forget you can watch this week's sermon message or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of October 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Day 1: Read Mark 5:27-28. The Apostles’ Creed connects us to the eternal God. Where do you need to believe and receive Jesus’ healing touch in your life?

Day 2: Read Mark 5:33-34. Where have you received Jesus’ peace in your life, and whom can you share that peace with this week?

Day 3: Read Hebrews 10:24-25. At Christ Lutheran Church we create for community to build places where people grow in their love for God and each other. Whether single or married, with kids or without kids, young or old, member or non-member, join us to build community in your home and at work. God created you to build for community. Where is God providing such community for you? Where is God calling you to create for community for others?

Day 4: Read Romans 10:13-14. The Apostles’ Creed connects us to our ancient faith and calls us to share that faith with others. Where in the world are you praying for God to lead people to Jesus? Where in your world is God calling you to share your story of faith with someone else?

Day 5: Read Genesis 12:1. The Apostles’ Creed reminds us God knows where we are and where He is calling us to go. Where is God calling you to go, to step out in faith? What do you find exciting and challenging about His call to go?

Day 6: Read Genesis 12:4. When is it easy for you to believe in God? When do you find it challenging to believe in God? Where do you need to hold tightly in faith to God today?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Affirming the Apostles’ Creed by J. I. Packer.

Don't forget you can watch this week's sermon message or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

Day 1: Read Romans 12:1-2. How do you conform to the pattern of the world? How do you not conform? What would you like to change?

Day 2: Read Romans 12:3-8.  How does your attitude about yourself compare with Paul’s instructions on how we should think of yourself? What are some good and bad examples of following and not following this instruction?

Day 3: Read Matthew 28:16-20 – The Great Commission. What is your idea of making disciples? Of teaching? Of Obeying? Of Baptizing? Think of ways our church carries out the Great Commission and how you are involved, or could be involved more.

Day 4: Read Ephesians 4:11-13.  Paul describes what are commonly known as spiritual gifts. What are your spiritual gifts? Are any of these among them? How are you using your spiritual gifts in service in your church, your family, your community or your workplace?

Day 5: Read Matthew 20:1-16 – The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. What would be a common worldly way to interpret this parable? What is the heavenly way? How can we use this parable to inform our attitudes about our work on earth and the kingdom of heaven?

Day 6: Read Philippians 4:13. This is one of the most misused verses in the Bible. How have you seen it misused? Read what Paul says before and after and come to a proper use of this verse.

Don't forget you can watch this week's sermon message or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

The G.P.S. this week uses the "Mary Poppins" movies to tell God's Epic Story In Movies.

Day 1: Read Ephesians 6:4. When do we exasperate others? How can words hinder or help in dealing with such exasperation in ourselves or others?

Day 2: Read Proverbs 16:21. Whom do you know who is a master of pleasant words? What words of theirs do you remember? When has God used you to speak pleasant words in a challenging situation?

Day 3: Read Ecclesiastes 3:4-5. When have you faced an adverse situation that turned out to be a great adventure? What lessons did you learn about God as you moved from adversity to adventure? What adversities do you need to turn over to Him?

Day 4: Read Matthew 5:16. In Mary Poppins Returns, Jack sings “Trip a Little Light Fantastic”, one of the lines in the song is: “When problems seem incessant then be a little incandescent.” What are some incessant problems that need God to shine His light through you? Whom is God using to shine His light on you amid the problems and challenges of your life this past week?

Day 5: Read Colossians 2:13. In Saving Mr. Banks, Walt Disney tells P. L. Travers, “A lifetime is a harsh sentence to lay down for one’s self.” Where have you felt yourself carrying a harsh sentence from your sins? How do Paul’s words remind you of the forgiveness Jesus offers you and offers through you to others?

Day 6: Read Colossians 3:13. It might take a spoonful of sugar to get that medicine to go down, but even more, it takes faith in Jesus who died and rose again to receive and to share that forgiveness with others. Where do you find yourself challenged to forgive? Why? How has Jesus forgiving you empowered you to forgive others? Whom do you need to share that forgiveness with today?

Don't forget you can watch this week's sermon message or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

The G.P.S. this week uses the movie "Green Book" to tell God's Epic Story In Movies.

Monday – Read Ephesians 2:14. Where in your life do you see divisions with other Christians? How can you focus on similarities, acknowledge differences, and be friends?

Tuesday – Read Genesis 1:27. God made people. Period. Everyone you see around you was knitted in his/her mother’s womb by God. How does that affect how you treat them?

Wednesday – Read 1 John 2:11. Whom do you hate? Scripture calls us to pray for our enemies. Think, pray, and ask God to change your heart. 

Thursday – Read 1 Samuel 16:17. God looks at hearts. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”. How can we teach the next generation to live out this truth of looking towards people’s hearts?

Friday – Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. How do you define love? Does your love towards others reflect 1 Corinthians 13:1-13? If yes, how? If no, how can that change by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Saturday (As you prepare for weekend worship) – Watch any of the “Mary Poppins” movies -- “Mary Poppins;” or “Mary Poppins Returns;” or “Saving Mr. Banks.”

Don't forget you can watch this week's sermon message or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Day 1: Read 1 Peter 4:10-11. Consider your life at this time – what gifts has God given you? How can you put those gifts to use to serve others? 

Day 2: Read 1 Corinthians 12:27. Playing off Paul’s image of you being part of the Body of Christ, what part of the Body do you see yourself being? What are some other gifts you see working in people you know? How have you seen the Body of Christ work well together? How can your part help us serve our community better?

Day 3: Read Acts 4:19-20. When have you faced a “we must obey God rather than men” moment? Where do you feel pressure to go against God’s will? What keeps you connected to Him?

Day 4: Read Luke 8:21. As part of Jesus’ family, you not only hear God’s Word, you put it into practice. How have you put God’s Word into practice the past week? Where do you find putting God’s Word into practice challenging?

Day 5: Read Colossians 3:20. How are you doing at “obey your parents in everything”, at this point in your life? What life lessons have your parents taught you? Which ones are you passing on to others?

Day 6: Read Colossians 3:21. How does your family encourage you? How do you encourage your family? What intentional act of encouragement can you do in the next 24 hours?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp.

Don't forget you can watch this week's sermon message or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.