Congratulations!

If you've come this far, hopefully you've completed all the readings for Destination Bible. I've certainly been blessed by reading through the "big picture" in the Bible, and I hope you have too. I recommend keeping up on Bible readings, whether completing portions we skipped, or using a "Read through the Bible in a Year" calendar, or some sort of structure that helps to keep you accountable to reading God's word. It's of great value to always be reading for detail as well as the big picture, keeping in front of you who God is, who you are, and what he wants of you.
Blessings!
Janet Nygren

Revelation 21-22

1. What is appealing about the new heavens and the new earth?

2. According to Jesus, when will this take place?

3. How does he affirm the truth of this?

4. Who is invited to partake of the gift of eternal life?

Revelation 4-5

1. How does worship of God the Father compare to worship of the Lamb?

2. What is the ultimate goal of all living creatures?

3. How does this worship compare to our worship on earth now?

Revelation 1-3

1. What do you learn about Jesus in these chapters?

2. What can you tell about Jesus' relationship with the churches he writes to?

3. What is their ultimate destination determined by?

March 27-28

You're almost there! Take time this weekend to catch up if you need to.

2 John, 3 John

1. What do these letters tell you about the relationships between John and those he is writing to?

2. What warnings are familiar from his first letter?

3. Who has God put in your life to encourage and exhort? Do you ever do this?

1 John 1-5

1. How does the witness of those who physically interacted with Jesus (vv. 1-4) make a difference to those of us who listen to their testimony now?

2. How does John view sin?

3. What should God's love mean in our lives?

2 Peter 1-3

1. What does Peter seem to be motivated by in writing this letter?

2. What does he encourage his readers to do in response (3:1)?

3. What is Peter's understanding of the time we've been before the creation of a new heaven and a new earth?

4. How should we use the time we've been given?

1 Peter 1-5

1. According to Peter, where does our hope lie, regardless of our circumstances?

2. How can our circumstances help us to grow even deeper in faith?

3. What should our attitudes be toward one another?

4. How should we be prepared to face difficulties?

James 1-5

1. James offers very practical advice. What categories speak most directly to you?

2. What differences do you see between James' audience and people in the church today?

3. How can wisdom from God vs. wisdom from the world impact your interactions with others?

March 20-21

Enjoy catching up--you're almost there!

Hebrews 10-13

1. Because of Christ's sacrifice on our behalf, how should we act?

2. How should the faith of others who have gone before us encourage us?

3. Given all that we know, what are the implications of rejecting God's plan of salvation?

Hebrews 6-9

1. How does Christ represent a different kind of priesthood than that of traditional Jewish law?

2. How is the sanctuary that Christ serves in superior?

3. How is Christ's sacrifice superior?

4. Where does that leave us?

Hebrews 1-5

1. On what basis should we pay attention to what Jesus has to say?

2. How does Jesus' authority compare to other esteemed biblical authorities, such as angels, Moses, and priests?

3. On what basis can Jesus relate to our own sufferings?

4. How does the writer caution us regarding belief and unbelief?

Romans 13-16

1. How does Paul's discussion on following authorities follow from his discussion on freedom?

2. How do we reconcile Paul's advice with leaders who are flawed?

3. Do you think your views mark you as a "weak" or "strong" brother?

4. On what issues do you find yourself in need to pull back from judgment?

Romans 9-12

1. How should we regard God's choice of Jews vs. Gentiles in his kingdom?

2. When it comes down to it, who is in a position to decide the fate of the creation?

3. In view of God's mercy, how should we regard our role in the body of faith?

4. What are we called to do as we interact with one another?

March 13-14

Enjoy catching up on your reading!

Romans 5-8

1. What is the purpose of the law?

2. How does faith in Christ create freedom?

3. Describe the battle that occurs between the old and the new nature. How do you relate to this battle?

4. Why is our destination sure if we put our faith in Christ?

Romans 1-4

1. By what standards does Paul say that we are judged by, regardless of our background?

2. How well do we hold to the standards we judge others by?

3. What would our destination be, if it weren't for faith?

4. How does Abraham represent fatherhood to both Jews and Gentiles?

2 Timothy 1-4

1. What signs are there that Timothy needs some encouragement from Paul?

2. What kind of encouragement can Paul offer?

3. What do you learn about perseverence in this letter?

4. How does Paul go recommend going about evaluating any kind of teaching or doctrine?

1 Timothy 1-6

1. Why does Paul instruct Timothy?

2. How can Paul's instructions for leading the church help us today?

3. What things, according to Paul, can lead the congregation or individuals astray?

4. Have you seen that to be true in today's church as well?

Acts 25-28

1. Although we might view the end of Paul's life as unjust, what opportunities does he have to speak to people as a result of his imprisonment?

2. How do you see the Spirit continuing to work in Paul's life in his journey to Rome?

3. What is the tone of the ending of Acts?

4. How does the ending of Acts contrast with the beginning of Acts in 1:6? How are God's plans different from men's?

March 6-7

Enjoy catching up on your reading!

Acts 20-24

1. How does God's "destination" for Paul shift during this time period?

2. In what sense has Paul completed his task, and in what sense does it remain unfinished (see Acts 20:22-31)?

3. In what way is Paul's journey to Jerusalem similar to Jesus'? How is it different?

4. How does the trouble Paul faces in Jerusalem compare to the trouble he'd faced in other parts of the world?

Colossians 1-4

1. What is different about Paul's relationship with the Colossians compared to others he's written letters to?

2. What is the mystery that Paul refers to numerous times?

3. What implications does death and life with Christ have for the Colossians' lives?

Acts 19; Ephesians 1-6

1. How did Paul's time in Ephesus draw some to Christ and alienate others?

2. What underlying issue does Paul seem to be addressing in his letter to the Ephesians?

3. What do Paul's prayers for the Ephesians emphasize as important?

4. How should the Ephesians' lives reflect their beliefs?

2 Corinthians 7-13

1. How do you think Paul would address you regarding your generosity?

2. In what sense is Paul's boasting foolishness?

3. What is Paul's ultimate hope for the Corinthians, and for all the churches he ministered to?

2 Corinthians 1-6

1. If 1 Corinthians was characterized by correction, how would you characterize 2 Corinthians?

2. What role does forgiveness play after correction?

3. What has Paul learned through his hardships?

February 27-28

Enjoy catching up this weekend!

1 Corinthians 12-16

1. What discussions of Paul suggest that there was a fair amount of division in the church?

2. How can a variety of gifts in the church bring unity rather than division?

3. What impact can love have on division?

4. What is the importance of resurrection?

1 Corinthians 6-11

1. What issues do the Corinthians struggle with that Paul addresses?

2. How does Paul regard temptation?

3. How does marriage help to address temptation?

4. What is Paul's general approach toward the use of created things?

Acts 18; 1 Corinthians 1-5

1. What do you learn about wisdom from Paul?

2. What problem happens when comparing men's wisdom?

3. What is Paul's solution for unity in the church?

2 Thessalonians 1-3

1. What concerns have come up for the Thessalonians that this letter addresses?

2. What does it look like to stand firm?

3. What temptations could get in the way of moving ahead in faith according to Paul's letter?

Acts 17; 1 Thessalonians 1-5

1. What do you notice about Paul's regard for the Thessalonians?

2. What impact did his brief visit with them have?

3. How does Paul encourage the Thessalonians to continue to grow in their faith?

4. What particular issues might they struggle with, based on the specifics of the letter?

February 20-21

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! as you catch up on your reading.

Philippians 1-4

1. What evidence do you see that the Philippians heard some of the same teaching as the Galatians?

2. How does Paul's experience in Philippi (Acts 16) give weight to what he tells the Philippians?

3. What is Paul's overarching attitude in this letter?

4. How does that help him to encourage the Philippians?

Acts 15-16

1. How does the fledgling church work out its theological disputes?

2. What evidence is there of other disputes?

3. How does God continue to guide his church?

4. What evidence is there of continued joy in the church (not just disputes)?

Galatians 1-6

1. What is the main problem Paul is addressing in his letter to the Galatians?

2. How does the gospel of Christ change the understanding of following the law?

3. What does it mean to be a new creation?

4. How can believers confuse law and freedom in Christ today?

Acts 13-14

1. What similarities do you see between Paul's and Peter's ministries? What do you see that's different?

2. What is Paul's goal? How does he go about it?

3. What personal difficulties does Paul face in the process?

Acts 7-12

1. Jesus told his disciples that they would face persecution just as he had. How does Stephen's life and death parallel Jesus'?

2. How does God jumpstart the spread of his gospel?

3. What people are surprises in turning to the gospel?

4. How might we limit God's work by our own understanding of who he might save or not save?

February 13-14

Enjoy catching up this weekend!

Acts 1-6

1. What helps the followers of Jesus to understand the big picture a little better?

2. What enables them to continue Jesus' ministry with power?

3. What obstacles do they face compared to Jesus?

4. What practical considerations do the disciples have to deal with?

John 19-21

1. In the midst of suffering in his last days, who does Jesus express concern for?

2. How do his last days demonstrate love for God and love for others?

3. Jesus' resurrection is the greatest miracle of all described in the book of John. What evidence does John give to support it?

4. What is the purpose of describing the miraculous signs in the book of John (see John 20:30-31)?

John 13-18

1. What are the plans Jesus has for his disciples?

2. How will they (we) find our way?

3. What does Jesus' prayer for us suggest that we will face along the way?

4. How does his own destination point ahead to what we will face?

John 7-12

1. What seems to be the purpose for Jesus' miracles?

2. What kinds of responses does he get?

3. How does he demonstrate care for the people around him?

4. What does it take for you to believe?

John 1-6

1. Why did Jesus make the world his destination for a time?

2. What means did Jesus use to prove he was not of this world?

3. What did Jesus want people to understand about the world we live in?

January 6-7

Congratulations! If you've made it this far, you've gotten through the portion of the Old Testament that we're reading through.

Malachi 1-4

1. What evidence do you see in Malachi that Nehemiah's influence was short-lived?

2. Who are God's criticisms mostly aimed at?

3. What sort of sacrifice and worship does God require of us today?

4. What would he find today as he scrutinizes our offerings?

Nehemiah 8-13

1. As the people came together in Jerusalem, what different elements were part of their celebration?

2. What effect did the Word of God have on the people?

3. What was necessary to keep the people following God's ways?

4. How do you regard Nehemiah's role in all of this; whose favor was he most concerned about?

Nehemiah 1-7

1. What do you learn about leadership from Nehemiah?

2. What kind of circumstances can deter God's work from proceeding?

3. What can overcome such circumstances?

4. How can some of these principles apply in your own circumstances?

Ezra 8-10; Haggai 1-2

1. What does it mean to leave Babylon and return to Jerusalem?

2. What changes are required of the Israelites once they return to the Promised Land?

3. What can they expect if they don't change? If they do?

4. How does God provide leadership to the people so they know what must change?

Ezra 1-7

1. How does God work through a foreign king?

2. What difficulties do the Israelites face in trying to rebuild the temple?

3. How does God smooth the way?

4. What is similar and what is different to the previous building of the temple?

January 30-31

Enjoy catching up on your reading this weekend!

Daniel 1-6

1. What is the reputation of the Jews in Babylon compared to in Israel & Judah?

2. How is God's reputation different in Babylon as a result of the exile?

3. Who is in charge of the destination of the Babylonian kingdom?

4. What is the means of other nations learning about God?

Habakkuk 1-3

1. What is Habakkuk's complaint about his country? What similarities do you see in our own country?

2. How does God keep evil in check?

3. How does Habakkuk react against God's plan? Would you?

4. Is God's destination for you ultimately trustworthy? Why or why not?

2 Kings 19-25

1. How much influence does each king have upon his country and people?

2. What impact does the word of God have on those who follow it?

3. What do you learn of God's patience and God's purposes in these chapters?

2 Kings 15-18

1. 2 Kings 17:15 is a good summary of the people of Israel. What is the result (destination) of worshipping worthless idols?

2. What idols are typical in our own culture? What sort of people do they cause us to be?

3. What kind of people can we be if we worship God with all our hearts?

Amos 6-9

1. How does the careful historical documentation of 1-2 Kings set the stage for Amos and God's promised exile?

2. Where do you see grace evident in the message of Amos?

3. Is God's sovereign knowledge of the good, the bad, and the ugly, good news or bad news?

4. In what ways does our own nation's ways resemble those of Israel?

January 23-24

Enjoy your weekend to catch up on your reading!

Amos 1-5

This interlude of Amos fits in historically with where we are in 2 Kings. You should recognize some of the names of kings and the actions of various nations.

1. How does God's judgment on Judah & Israel compare to his judgment on unbelieving nations?

2. Based on your reading of 1-2 Kings so far, do you thing the judgment is justified?

3. What further details does Amos give about the lifestyle of the Israelites at this time that we don't get in 1-2 Kings?

4. How is Amos' role as a prophet different from Elijah & Elisha's role?

2 Kings 8-14

1. What differences do you see between the kings of Judah & Israel?

2. What differences do you see between the kings of God's people and other nations?

3. How would you characterize the kings overall?

2 Kings 1-7

1. How do the miracles in this section point ahead to Christ's work on earth?

2. How do Elijah & Elisha seem different from Christ?

3. How does God make his name known among the other nations?

1 Kings 16-22

1. What patterns do you notice in the kings of Israel?

2. What differences are there between Israel and the other nations?

3. What evidence is there that faithful people remain in Israel despite the overall leadership?

1 Kings 10-15

1. How was Solomon's success measured?

2. What was his downfall?

3. Who determines the destination of Israel?

4. How are the other kings' success measured?

1 Kings 5-9

1. In what sense does Israel seem to have "arrived" at their destination? What's left?

2. From Solomon's prayer, what expectations seem to be in place for the Israelites as well as God?

3. How does God's grace come through in these chapters?

4. How does God affirm that he is still with his people?

1 Kings 1-4

1. What are the requirements for a smooth transition to successful leadership in Israel?

2. What makes Solomon's reign so successful?

3. Given the chance to request something of God, what would you ask for?

2 Samuel 21-24

1. To whom does David attribute his battle successes?

2. How do enemies translate into our modern setting?

3. What kind of battles would you anticipate "mighty men/women" fighting today on behalf of God?

4. What does it mean for your house to be right with God (2 Sam. 23:5)?

2 Samuel 14-20

1. Without the grace and direction of God, what would the likely destination, or end, of Israel be?

2. How are David's personal feelings and political feelings intertwined?

3. What determines the loyalties of people?

2 Samuel 8-13

1. How do David's battles for the nation of Israel compare with his battles on the homefront?

2. What does David's relationship with Bathsheba teach David about God?

3. What impact does David's disobedience have on his future family life?

4. How does success or failure impact God's destination for you?

January 9-10

Enjoy catching up this weekend!

2 Samuel: 1-7

1. What do you make of David's attitude toward Saul's death after Saul's long pursuit of David?

2. How does David's attitude toward former enemies differ from that of others on both "sides"?

3. How does David regard the ark and God's presence?

4. What distinguishes David as a king over Israel?

1 Samuel 26-31

1. How do you distinguish friend from foe in this section?

2. How does God use "the enemy" for his own purposes?

3. How does God keep David from fighting his own people?

4. How does Saul's ultimate end compare to if David had taken his life when God "delivered him into David's hands" twice?

1 Samuel 20-25

1. As you read through the various events in these chapters, what distinguishes personal goals from God's goals?

2. How does vengeance influence what goes on? What helps to turn vengeance aside?

3. Through what means does God continue to carry his people along toward his destination for them?

1 Samuel 13-19

1. What evidence is given of Saul's disobedience to God?

2. What is God's criteria for a good king?

3. What role does the Spirit play in God's destination for his people?

4. How does Samuel's role change when there is a king in Israel?

1 Samuel 7-12

1. How do the people of Israel view their "destination" compared to the other nations around them?

2. How would you evaluate Samuel's success as a judge? How does Samuel see it?

3. How do you view God's concession to give Israel a king? Has his "destination" or plans for his people changed?

4. What evidence is there that Saul is acting according to God's plan?

January 2-3

Happy New Year! Enjoy your weekend to catch up on your readings.

1 Samuel 1-6

1. How is the "destination" of the individual determined or influenced by the "destination" of the community in these passages?

2. How dependent is God on the obedience of his people in determining their destination?

3. What incidents remain prominent in the minds of unbelievers regarding the reputation of God?

4. What is the effect of God's presence in the ark on different parties?