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Weekly Guide：Week 36

September 30, 2018

Week 36 Day 1: Sin and Judgement ⇧ ⇩

Question

Who is the righteous judge?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

Meditation: My Story

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 2: Judgment and Righteousness ⇧ ⇩

Question

How does a sinner become righteous?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

Meditation: My Story

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 3: Faith and Work ⇧ ⇩

Question

Why can’t we claim righteousness for our works?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

Meditation: My Story

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 4: Adam and Christ ⇧ ⇩

Question

What is the source of sin? What is the source of righteousness?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

Meditation: My Story

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 5: Slave to Righteousness ⇧ ⇩

Question

How to unite with Jesus Christ to escape from sin through Him?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

Meditation: My Story

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 6: Enslaved and Freed ⇧ ⇩

Question

What identity do we receive through the Holy Spirit?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

Meditation: My Story

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 7: Mend the Loose Ends ⇧ ⇩

Scripture Reading

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 1: Into the Snare ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did the Israelites continue to go to war for lands after Joshua had passed? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Israel had no more leader after Joshua. + After consulting with the Lord, the tribe of Judah and Simeon went with God to obtain and destroy completely Jerusalem, Hebron, and other cities. But they were not able to drive out the Canaanites who had chariots fitted with iron. Caleb drove out Anak was given Hebron as Moses had promised. The tribes of Joseph, with God, attacked Bethel. + Othniel captured Kiriath Sepher and married Caleb's daughter as wife. He then became the first judge God had raised. + Benjamites, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, and Danites weren't able to drive out the Canaanites but pressed them into forced labor. + Lord's angel said to the Israelites for they did not drive out the Canaanites, did not break their altars, and made covenant with them, so the Canaanites will not be driven out and will become traps and snares to the Israelites. The people wept aloud. ### Meditation: My Story + **Integrity** - The Israelites compromised and did not drive out the Canaanites because: 1. They benefited from slavery; 2. They were afraid of the iron chariots. Their compromises became their traps in later days. Do I often compromise because of the worldly gains or the pattern of the world is too powerful for me to rely on God to fight for me? + **Fidelity** - With his complete faith and reliance on God, Caleb gotten the inheritance through Moses the promise from God. When I have fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith, there will be the crown of righteousness in store for me. Pray to God to take my vision away from the worldly gains and fixate on the glorious crown in heaven.

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 2: Healing the Wounds ⇧ ⇩

### Question What kept recurring during the time of Judges? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + The new generation of Israelites who knew nothing of what God had done for them turned away from God and started to worship foreign gods. The Lord brought them disasters and put them in the hands of raiders as He had sworn to them. + The Israelites were in great distress so God raised up judges to save them out of the hands of those raiders. + After the judges died, the Israelites returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors. The Lord left some nations to teach them warfare and to test if they would obey the Lord's commands. But the Israelites disobeyed by living among those people, served their gods, and intermixed with them in marriage. ### Meditation: My Story + **Integrity** - The Israelites had a tight grip on God when they were in distress and yet they relied on Baals for their worldly indulgence. We are just like them. We want God's salvation and yet could not let go of money, power, fame and pride. Let me go in front of God and let Him be my Lord, let Him take control of my life. + **Fidelity** - The previous generation of Israelites saw what God had done for them and feared God. But they did not pass that onto the next generation and caused the later generations to turn away from God. Let me recite to my children what God has done for me to help them know God, to experience God, and to understand that God is not their parents' alone, but their God, as well.

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 3: First Four Judges ⇧ ⇩

### Question Who were the four judges God raised up first? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + God put the Israelites into the hands of Canaanites and caused them suffering because they turned away from God to serve other gods. God raised up judges to save the Israelites when they cried to the Lord. However, they became corrupted as soon as peace came. + God raised up Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah as judges. + Deborah, the female judge, encouraged Barak to rely on God to battle and defeat the army of Hazor which had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron. Another woman, Jael, drove a tent peg through the temple of Sisera, the commander of Canaan's army who fled the battle field, which led to the end of Jabin king of Canaan. + Deborah and Barak sang a song to praise the Lord for His victory against army of Hazor. ### Meditation: My Story + **Integrity** - With an insignificant oxgoad, Shamgar struck down six hundred Philistines. His ordinary oxgoad became extraordinary like Moses' staff because God was with Shamgar. We must be equipped with the armor from God in order to battle "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Let me rely on God and His armor when I face challenges. + **Fidelity** - As Miriam sang song to praise the Lord at the Red Sea, Deborah and Barak sang praising song to commemorate the victory God had won for them. We must often count the blessings and praise God for His deeds to bring more lost souls to Him.

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 4: Few against Many ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did the fifth judge battle the huge army of Midianites and won with only three hundred men? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + The Israelites again behaved sinfully after a time of peace and were put in the hands of Midianites. + The angel of God came to Gideon and burned all offerings as proof that he was called upon by God. Gideon built an altar and called it "The Lord is Peace." + Gideon, obeyed God regardless of the danger, demolished the altar his father had built to Baal then built an altar to God. Baal was not able to defend for himself. + Before fighting the Midianite army, God showed Gideon twice that He was in control with dry/wet wool fleece. + God cut down the number of Gideon's already small army to just three hundred men. God enabled them to defeat the Midianite army and killed one hundred twenty thousand. (Judges 8:10) ### Meditation: My Story + **Walking with God** - Gideon disregarded the danger of being stoned to death to destroy Baal's altar. We may also face misunderstanding, disrespect, insults, and even personal danger when testifying for our Lord. Pray and ask God to strengthen my faith and help me to live out a holy life. + **Fidelity** - Gideon obeyed God's command to cut his already small army to just a mere three hundred while the Midianite army was one hundred thirty five thousand in number. God did this to show that it was He made possible the impossible. If we rely on ourselves, we'd move forward only when we have an apparent advantage but retract otherwise. Let God help me to focus on Him, the rock that never fails.

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 5: Commemorate the Victory ⇧ ⇩

### Question How was the late generations influenced by the ephod Gideon built for the victory over the Midianites? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Ephraimites complained because they weren't called to fight the Midianites. Gideon comforted them by being humble. + Gideon and the three hundred men kept pursuing the remaining fifteen thousand Midianites. The two Midianite kings were killed and their entire army fled. + Gideon punished the men of Sukkoth and Peniel for their refusal to help Gideon's men. + Gideon refused to rule over the Israelites but with the Midianite gold he built an ephod which became a snare. + After Gideon's death, Israelites turned away from God to worship Baals and failed to show any loyalty to Gideon's family. ### Meditation: My Story + **Integrity** - After winning the war over Midianites, Gideon did not build an altar to God but an ephod to commemorate his victory. Have I remembered to glorify God for the victories I experienced or did I steal the glory for myself? + **Fidelity** - The Sukkoth and Peniel may not have believed that three hundred men could defeat fifteen thousand and thus refused to help Gideon. When choosing between the seemingly weak side of God and the seemingly strong side of the world, is my choice based on my fear in going against the popular culture? Pray and ask God to help me and strengthen my heart so that I can live out a life that pleases God.

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 6: Abimelek Crowned King ⇧ ⇩

### Question What happened after Abimelek, a son of Gideon, was crowned king? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Gideon's son Abimelek crowned himself as king. He murdered his seventy brothers and only the youngest, Jotham, escaped. Jotham shouted to citizen of Shechem to warn them that they would be consumed by fire. + Animosity came between Abimelek and citizen of Shechem. Three years later, Abimelek was killed by a millstone dropped by a woman on a tower while attacking Thebez. + After Abimelek, God raised up Tola and Jair as judges. ### Meditation: My Story + **Integrity** - We all wish God to punish as soon as possible the evil doers such as Abimelek. However, God gave him three years. We are all sinners, under God's patience. Let me be grateful to God's patience and face my own weakness and sins in earnest. + **Fidelity** - Gideon appeared to be very successful with his victory over the Midianites. But, he was a complete failure in raising his son Abimelek. What have I been lacking in raising my children to walk God's path?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 7: Mend the Loose Ends ⇧ ⇩

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Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 1: To Preach Fearlessly ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did the apostles, being filled with Holy Spirit, preach? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Peter preached again and about five thousand men believed. + Facing the high priest, Peter fearlessly spoke of Jesus as the only way to Salvation. + All believers prayed together were filled with Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. + God's grace worked in all believers that they shared everything they had and there were no needy persons among them. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Jesus is the corner stone and sets standard for all believers to follow. Do I often reflect my own conduct upon the examples set by Jesus? + **Fidelity** -It is a unique characteristic of early church that all things were shared. Would I assist financially those who are struggling in their livelihood even if it means lowering my own comfort level?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 2: God is Unstoppable ⇧ ⇩

### Question Where would the early church go when it faced deception, imprisonment, and complaints? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + The outcome of deceiving the Holy Spirit puts our hearts in awe and fear. + The Lord enabled the apostles to perform many signs and wonders. More men and women believed and added to their numbers. Those who were sick or tormented by impure spirits were healed. + Prosecution could not stop the apostles. To the opposite, they were encouraged and preach more. + A Pharisee named Gamaliel wisely asked others not to fight against God. + As disciples increased in number, the needs of church grew. So, seven were chosen to "wait on table." ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Peter and the other apostles said: "We must obey God rather than human beings!" Have I obeyed human beings due to peer pressure for my conduct in work or life? + **Fidelity** - Gamaliel wisely pointed out what comes from God cannot be stopped. Have I been oblivious of God's hand behind the scene due to my ignorance, perspective, or personal interest? Let me humble myself and seek God's will often.

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 3: Aspects of Angel ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did Stephen proclaim Jesus until martyred? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + God enabled Stephen to perform wonders and signs but he was falsely accused for blasphemy. + Filled with Holy Spirit, Stephen declared to those in Sanhedrin that they were living in sin just like their ancestors, always resisted the Holy Spirit, prosecuted prophets, betrayed and murdered the Righteous One. + Stephen martyred. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Stephen, falsely accused by all, had shown us the aspects of angel. As a follower of Jesus and the light and salt of the world, do I reflect God's glory? + **Fidelity** - Before being martyred, Stephen asked God to forgive those who falsely accused him. Would I pray for those who are against my faith? Can I forgive them?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 4: Scattered to Preach ⇧ ⇩

### Question What changes to the church came about from persecutions? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + All disciples except the apostles were scattered from Jerusalem. + Philip preached in Samaria and baptized an Ethiopian eunuch. + Saul on the way to Damascus hunting for disciples was met by Jesus Christ. + Ananias was sent by the Holy Spirit to put his hand on Saul. Saul regained his eyesight and was converted. + Saul preached to the Jews to prove Jesus is Christ. ### Meditation: My Story + **Walking with God** - Philip was able to explain the scripture to the Ethiopian eunuch and baptized him for he followed the guidance of Holy Spirit. We won't hear God's calling and walk with Him if we don't give ourselves up to be close to Him and used by Him. Do I often seek for His presence? Am I willing to be a vessel of His? + **Community** - Even for Saul, a person whose only goal was to wipe out the disciples, could be turned around by God and become His vessel. Pray to the Lord to open my eyes, my mind, to grant me faith to preach to those who stand in the way of truth! + **Fidelity** - Ananias heard the Holy Spirit's calling and put his hand on Saul who was infamous for his persecution of the disciples. Am I willing to let the Holy Spirit lead me serve in areas I don't have the courage to? Pray to the Lord to strengthen me when I have little faith!

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 5: Onto the Gentiles ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did the gospel spread to the Gentiles? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + By Jesus' name, Peter healed a paralyzed and raised a dead. + Peter was led by the Holy Spirit to preach gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. Holy Spirit poured onto the Gentiles for the first time. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Cornelius appeared to be a perfect man for he was devoting, God-fearing, gave generously to those in need, and prayed to God regularly. However perfect in our eyes, he still needed salvation from Jesus! We are often being self-righteous for our good conducts and become judgmental of others. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to remind me, to show me the not-so-pretty side of myself. + **Fidelity** - Jews consider the Gentiles as impure, unclean, and unworthy to be associated with. But, led by the Holy Spirit, Peter was willing to go into their house to preach gospel to them. Are there people around me need to hear the gospel? Pray and ask God to help me surrender myself, to rid of all my prejudices, to see their needs, and preach gospel to them.

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 6: Flourishing of Gospel ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did the church reach unit on the question of gospel to the Gentiles? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Peter explained how the Holy Spirit went into the Gentiles so that everyone understood that God's salvation is for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. + Gospel spread to Antioch and a great number of Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. Barnabas co-worked with Paul for a year, taught and brought up a great number of disciples. + Led by an Angel, Peter escaped from prison miraculously. + James executed, Peter imprisoned, Herod eaten by worms as he did not give glory to God. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Herod executed James and imprisoned Peter to please the Jews. Am I doing anything to please people but against God's will? Pray and ask God to help me to put Him first. + **Fidelity** - Barnabas, filled with Holy Spirit, was quite reputable in Jerusalem's church. However, he was not arrogant but valued Paul's gifts and invited him to co-work together. Am I humble when I serve? Do I value my co-workers' gifts and repect their strengths?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 36 Day 7: Mend the Loose Ends ⇧ ⇮

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Prayer

Notes and Responses