Crossridge Church

Part twelve of our series, "Kingdoms in Conflict," a Study on the Book of Daniel. Reflection/Discussion Questions The Focus of History 1. Why are the incredible volume, detail, and accuracy of the prophesies in this chapter significant? What do they show us about God and His word? 2. Despite the prominent leaders, armies, and geopolitical events at hand, the focus is still on God and what He is doing in the world in and through His people. In what ways can it be easy to become distracted and lose sight of what is most important amidst the chaos of our world today? 3. What does it mean to fix our eyes on God and be attentive to what He is doing in the world? How can we do that more intentionally? The Futility of History Then he shall turn his face back toward thefortresses of his own land, but he shallstumble and fall,and shall not be found. Then shall arise in his place one who shall send anexactor of tribute for the glory of the kingdom. But within a few days he shall be broken, neither in anger nor in batt

Part eleven of our series, "Kingdoms In Conflict," a Study on the Book of Daniel. Discussion/Reflection Questions We are engaged in a long conflict In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for

Daniel 9 - The God Who Restores Reflection/Discussion Questions Gods word points us to God Himself in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according tothe word of theLordto Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him byprayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. -Daniel 9:2-3 1. How might we read the Bible but miss the point of connecting to God in a living way? 2. What do you notice about Daniels response as he reads the scriptures? 3. How can we cultivate an active and growing relationship with God through consistent engagement with the scriptures? You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. -John 5:39-40 Gods discipline has a purpose As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has

Discussion/Reflection Questions Daniel 8 The God of Troubled Times In the third year of the reign ofKing Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel,after that which appeared to meat the first.-Daniel 8:1 1. Why do you think God decides to speak to us in these chapters through vivid visions and apocalyptic pictures rather than straightforward information? God holds the reins of history Then I hearda holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke,For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering,the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?And he said to me, For 2,300evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state. -Daniel 8:13-14 1. What does it mean to say that God is in control? 2. How would you explain to someone the practical implications of God being in complete control of the world and history? How would you explain the times that God appears to be out of control, neg

Reflection/Discussion Questions The kingdoms of man are beastly...but still under the sovereignty of God Then Satan answered theLordand said, Does Job fear God for no reason?Have you not puta hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You haveblessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.Butstretch out your hand andtouch all that he has, and he willcurse youto your face. And theLordsaid to Satan, Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand. So Satan went out from the presence of theLord. -Job 1:9-12 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come,unless the rebellion comes first, andthe man of lawlessness is revealed,the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God,proclaiming himself to be God.Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?And you know what is restrai

Easter Sunday, 2021

Good Friday, 2021

Part three of our series, "Prophet, Priest, and King." Reflection Questions 1. What comes to mind when you picture a king? 2. Gods people had long expected their saviour king to come, but what type of king were they expecting? Strong Tender And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers. -Matthew 21:12-13 3. How in His life did Jesus exercise of authority and strength differ from the norm of earthly kings? 4. In His rule as eternal King, how does Jesus assert strength by protecting andfighting for us? But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. -2 Thessalonians 3:3 5. Where do we see the tender heart of Jesus in His life and His rule over us as King? 6. How might we overemphasize the tenderness of God over His other attributes? How c

Part two of our Easter 2021 series, "Prophet, Priest, and King." Discussion/Reflection Questions He paid for our guilt in a way that no human effort ever could / He never fails or dies 1. What was the role of Old Testament priests in making atonement for the sins of Gods people? 2. How did Jesus fulfil both the role of the atoning sacrifice and the priest who offered the sacrifice? For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest,holy, innocent, unstained,separated from sinners, andexalted above the heavens.He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily,first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did thisonce for all when he offered up himself. -Hebrews 7:26-27 But when Christ appeared as a high priestof the good things that have come, then throughthe greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation)heenteredonce for all into the holy places, not by means ofthe blood of goats and calves butby means of his own blood,t

Part one of our series, "Prophet, Priest, and King." Acts 3:17-26 Study Questions Jesus the Prophet And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Moses said, The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people. And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God m

Part seven of our series, "Kingdoms In Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel." Study Questions 1. How is the life of following God a long obedience in the same direction? 2. What does it mean to live as a pilgrim and a disciple? A life of excellence in service Then this Daniel becamedistinguished above allthe other high officials andsatraps, becausean excellent spirit was in him. And the king plannedto set him over the whole kingdom. -Daniel 6:3 1. Why do the way that we work and our attitude toward our work matter to God? 2. What do you find difficult about seeing your work, whatever it might be, as service to the Lord? 3. What could it actually look like to go about your work, social life, other stations of life for the glory of God? 4. How can the way we live spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ? Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 B

Part six of our series, "Kingdoms in Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel" STUDY QUESTIONS: Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded thatthe vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. Then they brought inthe golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank wine andpraised thegods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. -Daniel 5:2-4 What is the significance of Belshazzar using the things created for worship of the Living God for his own drunken pleasure and worship of man-made gods? In what ways do we take things created by God to be used His way, for His glory, and twist and misuse them? Why is it such a serious offense to take the good gifts of God out of His intended context for our own gratification? --------

Part five of our series, "Kingdoms in Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel." Reflection/Discussion After his encounter with the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the kings first response is to proclaim: to allpeoples, nations, and languages,that dwell in all the earth:Peace be multiplied to you!It has seemed good to me to show thesigns and wonders that theMost High God has done for me. How great are his signs,how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation. -Daniel 4:1-3 This is a major theme of Daniel and indeed of the whole Bible that Gods kingdom is all-powerful, everlasting, and brings peace and personal transformation to all who accept its authority. Once he has experienced this, the king cant help but publicly proclaim it to every tribe and nation. And that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. -Luke 24:47 And he said to them, Go into all the world an

Part four of our series, "Kingdoms in Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel" Reflection/Discussion 1. The statue that Nebuchadnezzar set up was designed to impress (vv.1), to provoke worship and the celebration (vv.2-5) of himself (made clear by the repeated emphasis that the statue was set up by the king vv.1,2,3,5,12,14,18). How does this reflect the nature of idolatry and the heart-condition of all sinful humanity? 2. In this passage, we might be quick to try to identify with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, yet, if we are honest, we all should primarily identify with the condition of the king, for as with him, the architecture of our own soul rises to the heavens in self-adulation. And if given our way, we too are tempted to call upon everyone within earshot to pay respect to our deeds -David Helm. Where are you prone to the idolatry of self-exaltation- the desire to be noticed, celebrated, and praised- in your work, relationships even your ministry? 3. Why is it important that we consistently examine

Part three of our series, "Kingdoms In Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel" Discussion/Reflection The futility of pagan religion Then the king commanded thatthe magicians,the enchanters, thesorcerers, andthe Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. So they came in andstood before the king The Chaldeans answered the king and said, There is not a man on earth who can meet the king's demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter orChaldean. The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king exceptthe gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh. -Daniel 2:2,10-11. 1. What are some specific things (religions, superstitions, sources of knowledge or wisdom) that the culture around you turns to religiously in times of fear, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of a lack of control? 2. Why is there danger in religious practices that may feel temporarily therapeutic but are ultimately not true? 3. What are some things besides the one true

Part two of our series, "Kingdoms in Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel" Discussion/Reflection: And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some ofthe vessels of the house of God. And he brought them tothe land of Shinar, to the house of his god,and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. -Daniel 1:2 The strange working of Gods providence Providence: The almighty and everywhere present power of God, whereby, as it were, by his hand, he still upholds heaven and earth, with all creatures, and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, all things come not by chance, but by his fatherly hand. -Heidelberg Catechism 1. What does it say about God and his providence that it was His purpose to hand His people over to exile? 2. How does this grate against what we often want Gods providence to mean? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about tha

Part one of our series, "Kingdoms in Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel." Reflection/Discussion: Section 1 1. In your life and the world around you, how do you see the paradigm of kingdoms in conflict playing out? King Belshazzarmade a great feast for a thousand of hislords and drank wine in front of the thousand. -Daniel 5:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision. -Daniel 10:1 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. -Romans 14:17 2. How are the values of the kingdoms of man different from the kingdom of God? 3. What are some ways that you have found yourself in the midst of conflicting kingdom values in your work, school, recreation, relationships, social life, etc? The earthly city has made for herself, according to her heart's desire, false

Part four of our series, "ADVENT REDUX," looking at Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy in the psalms. REFLECTION QUESTIONS PSALM 16 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you. As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is

Part three of our series, "ADVENT REDUX," looking at Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy in the Psalms. REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. A) Reflect on your thought-life. On a normal day, from when you wake up to when you go to sleep, do you do more preaching to yourself or listening to your thoughts preaching to you? B) What kind of things do you preach to yourself on a daily basis? What kinds of things does your mind, if left unchecked, preach to you throughout the day? C) How does this self-preaching affect our heart and how we live or fail to live a life of praise? 2. A) What are the personal benefits you experience in relationship with God? Bless theLord, O my soul, andforget not all his benefits,whoforgives all your iniquity, whoheals all your diseases, whoredeems your life from the pit, whocrowns you with steadfast love and mercy, whosatisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed likethe eagle's. -Ps.103:2-5 B) What are the practical benefits you experience in relationship with God? TheLordw

Part two of our series, "ADVENT REDUX," taking a look at Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy in the Psalms.