The week of November 1

The week of November 1

Read these four passages the week of November 1st:

Amos 5:18–24

Psalm 70

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

Matthew 25:1–13

Reflection questions:

  1. The reading from Amos 5 seems bleak; but it is important to consider scripture in its context. Read all of Amos 5. Who, specifically, is God talking to? What are some of their errors that he criticizes? What, according to Amos 5, does God truly want?

  2. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:13–14, why do we not need to despair when brothers and sisters in Christ die?

  3. The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) can seem cryptic. But Jesus tells us the point of the parable. What, according to verse 13, is the point? How does that help you understand the rest of the parable?

General questions:

  1. God: What does this teach about God?

  2. Us: What does this teach about ourselves/ humanity?

  3. Meaning: Why does God include this in his word?

  4. Values: What values are important to God, and what values does he want us to hold? (note: these are often at odds with our culture’s values)

  5. Attitude: How should I think and respond to things that happen around me or to me?

  6. Behavior: What is God calling me to obey?

  7. Share: What is God calling me to share?

  8. Surprise: Does anything in this reading surprise me? Confuse me?