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2 Chronicles 7:11-121NIV New International Version Translations
11 When Solomon had finished the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the Lord and in his own palace, 12 the Lord appeared to him at night and said: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.

Doubting ThomasBackground2http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/2Chr.7.1-2Chr.7.22

In chapter 7 is God’s answer to Solomon’s prayer. This chapter includes:

  • God’s public answer by fire from heaven, which consumed the sacrifices (2 Chron. 7:1), which affected both the priests and people, 2 Chron. 7:2, 3. It was the event of God’s acceptance that encouraged the people to continue the solemnities of the feast for fourteen days, and Solomon was encouraged to pursue all his designs for the honor of God, 2 Chron. 7:4-11.
  • God’s private answer by word of mouth, in a dream or vision of the night, 2 Chron. 7:12-22.

Biblical Truth

Solomon went on in his work finishing God’s temple and prospered in all he designed for the adorning both of God’s house and his own. Scriptures lesson is that to those that begin with the service of God are likely to go on successfully in their own affairs. It was Solomon’s praise that what he undertook he went through with, and it was by the grace of God that he prospered in it. In other words, credit where credit is due.

Items for Discussion

  • When someone does not give God credit for success, how do you think it impacts the people who have been observing?
  • If our leaders remove God from their dominion, who is left to give credit to and how does this affect the people who are impacted?
  • Why are acts of humility so important to our relationship with God?
  • How do you think one’s attitude for giving credit to God affect their prayer life?
  • How do you think one’s attitude for giving credit to God affect God’s answers to prayers?

 

John 20:19-31
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Background

Chapter 20 is packed with maybe the most important events of Christ’s life. The grave is found (1-10). Christ appears to Mary (11-18). Christ appears to the disciples (19-25). The unbelief of Thomas (26-29). And a Conclusion (30, 31) that changed the world.

Bible Truth

Simply stated, Christ lives! The apostle John is documenting that there were many signs and other proofs of our Lord’s resurrection. John states that these were committed to writing so that all might believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Savior of sinners, and the Son of God. Most importantly, we are shown that, by this faith, each of us might obtain eternal life through Christ’s mercy, truth, and power.

Items for Discussion

  • Why does the “free will” of mankind doom humanity by separating all from God?
  • What does Christ’s death, His sacrifice, do for all mankind?
  •  Is everyone saved? Why or why not?
  • Christ lived, survived death. What impact do you see this historical event having on those who actually bore witness to a resurrected Christ?
  • So what do each of us need to do for the gift of forgiveness and the hope of an everlasting life filled with eternal joy to be ours? Think about the use of the word “would.” It is often a “conditional” word. What are Christ’s conditions?
    • Note: “You better would” is a colloquial saying referring to a way of giving advice while at the same time warning somebody that, unless they do it, something bad may happen.

Discussion Challenge

  • How do we show that Christ is alive today?