Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Monday: Read John 14:1-18. As Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for His death, how were the disciples feeling about the future? What did Jesus ask His Father to do to comfort the disciples? When was a time in your life in which you knew the comfort of God and His Holy Spirit?

Tuesday: Read John 14:27-29. Jesus’ work and influence on earth did not end at His death and ascension, it was just starting. What were a few things that Jesus promised He would keep doing for His followers after He returned to heaven? Why did Jesus promise these things?

Wednesday: Read Ephesians 1:20-23. The Holy Spirit always points us to Jesus. With this being the case it is important to know where Jesus is today. According to Ephesians 1, WHERE is Jesus and WHAT is He doing today? What does this mean to you personally?

Thursday: Read John 16:12-15. What do you notice in these passages about the Holy Spirit leading us?

Friday: Read Ephesians 6:17. While this is a short and simply passage, it communicates a profound and life impacting truth. What does the Holy Spirit use to communicate truth? If you want the WORD to be a bigger part of your life, daily pray that God would create in you a hunger for His Word.

Saturday: Read Hebrews 4:12-13. What is the “sword of the Spirit,” good at doing? Write a list of the things it is good at doing. How do you feel about this level of exposure? How could the Holy Spirit use this in your life?

This week in THE STORY we examine Chapter 31 entitled “The End of Time.”

How has THE STORY impacted you, your family, and your small group? Share your story with us: stories@christlamesa.org.

Monday: Read Revelation 1:1. If you knew that the end of the world was coming tomorrow, what is the one thing you would be sure to do today? Why?

Tuesday: Read Revelation 1:1-3. According to these verses, why did God give this revelation? What responses does He want its hearers to make? How is one blessed in reading this book? How have you been blessed as you have been reading THE STORY?

Wednesday: Read Revelation 1:7. In this verse John quotes two Old Testament passages that Jesus quoted when talking about His second coming. What does this tell us about this one theme in Revelation? How does this fit with the overall message of THE STORY?

Thursday: Read Revelation 21:1-5. God’s promise to return and reign is one that gives us hope for the future, but it can’t only be hope for the future. If this promise is true, does it change the way you live day to day? How does hope for the future impact your life in the present?

Friday: Read Revelation 21:24-26. Why is light such a prominent symbol of God in the Bible? What does John’s use of the word light imply in these verses? What difference does that make in our world? In your life today?

Saturday: Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. As you reflect about your journey through THE STORY, what are some of the key lessons you have learned along the way? How will God’s Story continue to impact your life today and in the days ahead until Jesus returns? What is the next step after THE STORY for you?

The Bible passages in Chapter 31 of THE STORY are excerpts from Revelation 1-5, and 19-22.

This week in THE STORY we examine Chapter 30 entitled “Paul’s Final Days" by using the 'S.O.A.P. Method of Studying the Bible:

• Scripture: < insert Bible verse >
• Observation: < What is your see out of this scripture and questions? >
• Application: < What and how can you apply into your life? >
• Prayer: < What is your prayer from this discovery? >

Monday: Read 2 Timothy 3:14-15. What lessons have your parents and grandparents passed on for your faith development? What lessons are you passing on to the next generation?

Tuesday: Read 2 Timothy 3:16. Of the four benefits that Paul lists from Scripture, which one do you find the easiest to follow? Which one is the most challenging? Why?

Wednesday: Read 2 Timothy 3:17. As you have been reading THE STORY what good works do you think God has been equipping you to do?

Thursday: Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Make a before and after list of those things that are true of all people before and after salvation. What are three responses you have to complete this sentence: “Now that I am in Christ, I am no longer __________________.”

Friday: Read Ephesians 5:21-33. What does Paul teach us about the relationship between Jesus and the church?

Saturday: Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8. Where have you been fighting the good fight?

 The Bible passages in Chapter 30 of THE STORY are excerpts from Acts 20-23; 27-28; Ephesians 1-6;  and 2 Timothy 1-4.

This week’s message was based on THE STORY’s Chapter 29 entitled “Paul’s Mission.”

There were five key items to keep your eye on: God’s Grace; Mentors To Follow; The Holy Spirit; Mentor To Others; and Build Daily Habits.

If you have a story on how THE STORY has impacted you, your family, and/or your small group then send details to: stories@christlamesa.org.

Monday: Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5. Why is it essential that God’s grace is the foundation of each step you take? What happens when I let anything else except God’s grace be the foundation? How has God been pouring His grace into building your life the last few weeks?

Tuesday: Read 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6a. In your life, who have been some of your faith mentors? What are some of the key lessons of faith they have taught you? How has their faith life impacted your own?

Wednesday: Read 1 Thessalonians 1:6b. When have you been so fully committed to something that you were willing to sacrifice? How was joy evident even in such challenging times? How was the pain worth the gain?

Thursday: Read 1 Thessalonians 1:7. In your life, how have you been a faith mentor? What are some of the key lessons of faith others might learn from following your example? How has influencing the faith life of others built your own?

Friday: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. What are some daily habits you have built into your life to grow in your walk with God? Paul identifies three. How are these three active in your life? What leads you to rejoice today? When you pray, what do you pray most about? What does that tell you? Where do you find it challenging to give thanks? How might taking time to express gratitude to God in (but, not perhaps for) your circumstances be a great next step for you to take?

Saturday: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. Paul’s closing words are words of blessing for life’s journey that God brings us each day. Where do you need God’s peace? Where do you need to remember God’s faithfulness? How might God want to set apart this day for you to bless someone else?

The Bible passages covered in Chapter 28 of THE STORY are excerpts from the following chapters in Acts 13-14; 16-20; Romans 1; 3-6; 8; 12; 15; 1 Corinthians 1; 3; 5-6; 10; 12-13; 15-16; Galatians 1; 3; 5-6; and 1 Thessalonians 1-5.