Grace Chapel, EPC

Interact Questions Isaiah 2:1-5, and 4:2-6 are poems. Some have described the first poem as “what Jerusalem should be,” and the second, “what Jerusalem will be.” Do you agree? These poems bracket two chapters of condemnation for Judah’s religious and moral failure. How do these poems make these chapters hopeful? Both of these passages concern the kingdom of God. Do you think it’s His heavenly kingdom, or the one He is establishing on earth? If considered from an earthly perspective, […]

Interact Questions According to verses 1-4, what is the problem that God is addressing through His prophet Isaiah? What comparison does He make in verse 3 to drive His point home? In verses 5-9, it appears as though God’ people have suffered greatly. Why does Isaiah bring this up? In verses 10-14, God’s people appear to be faithful in worship and bringing offerings to the temple. What is God’s response? Why does He feel this way? How do you reconcile […]

[wordpress] Interact Questions What is the connection between chapter 13 and Paul’s discussion of spiritual gifts in chapter 12? The first three verses of chapter thirteen contain a series of “if-then” statements. Can you summarize them into one big “if-then?” In verses 4-8, Paul defines love. Does this represent the love you offer to others? Is it the type of love you typically receive? In verses 8-10 we see that spiritual gifts will “pass away,” and what we now know […]

[wordpress] Interact Questions Who wrote this Psalm? Given what you may know about the author’s life, what do you think the circumstances were when he wrote this? Verses 1-2 show two distinct struggles the author is having. What are they? Does verse three sound pretentious? Would you ever talk to God like this? Describe the shift between verses 1-4 and 5-6. How do you typically observe grief? How does the author’s cry of “how long” describe you? What seems to […]

[wordpress] Interact Questions What does it mean to be “confident in your own righteousness?” (v. 9) What are some ways we look down on others (even if we don’t mean to)? What were the reputations of both the Pharisee and the tax collector? What’s wrong with the Pharisee’s prayer in verses 11-12? What’s right with the tax collector’s prayer in verse 13? Making room for the self-righteous begins with a prayer like the tax collector’s. What does this look like […]

[wordpress] Interact Questions Recount Saul’s experience on the Damascus road (verses 1-9). What condition was he in when he reached Judas’ house on Straight Street? In verses 10-12, God clearly tells Ananias to go do something. What was it, and how did Ananias respond? Ultimately, Ananias went to Straight Street. What happened? Read verse 21. Does this sound like something you would say if your were there? Why or why not? Read verse 26. Saul obviously hadn’t won over everyone. […]

Interact Questions Read all of Isaiah 1. What is the context of this passage? How does one “learn” to do right? What is “justice” and how do you seek it? What do the three types of people described in this verse have in common? Making room for widows and orphans involves more than just widows and orphans. Explain why. Think about someone you know (or are just acquainted with) that may have difficulty fending for themselves. How can you make […]

Interact Questions Describe what it means for the church to be “one in heart and mind.” What would it look like to have one without the other? In verse 32 it says “everyone shared everything they had.” Is that possible in today’s society? Verse 33 lays the foundation for the church. How does the testimony of Jesus’ resurrection bring about the power of God’s grace? What are the specific ways in which God’s grace was powerfully at work? How does […]

Interact Questions Why would the disciples scold people for bringing their children to Jesus? What was the reason people wanted their children to see Him? How did Jesus respond to His disciples? What is the “kingdom of God?” What does it mean to receive this kingdom “like a little child?” List some specific “grown-up” things that hinder your communion with God. How does making room for children help with these hindrances? Children’s Questions Verse 13 says the disciples “rebuked” the […]

Interact Questions What is the context of Luke 6? Why do you think Jesus opens verse 27 with “to you who are listening?” Obeying verses 27-30 goes directly against our human nature. Why would Jesus give such unattainable commands? In verses 32-34, is Jesus really saying that loving those who love you, or doing good to those who are good to you, is no big deal? What kind of “reward” is in store for those who love their enemies? Describe […]