Weekly Life-Study Reading
Message 61—Prophecy of the Kingdom (1) [709]
Message 62—Prophecy of the Kingdom (2) [721]
Week of November 27, 2023—Messages Sixty One and Sixty Two
Message 61
In 24:1-14, what nine conditions are mentioned from Christ's ascension to the consummation of the age?
Compare the gospel of the kingdom with the gospel of grace.
Message 62
What is the meaning of the term "the end of the age" in the comparison to "the close of the age" or "the consummation of the age"?
What are the aspects of and how is Christ coming to the earth?
Week of November 20, 2023—Messages Fifty Nine and Sixty
Message 59
What are the four categories of questions people have in coming to the Lord? What is the Lord's question to them?
What does it mean that Jesus is both the Son of David and the Son of God?
Message 60
What two things does the Lord Jesus speak against in rebuking the Jewish religionists? How do we escape the situation portrayed here?
What does the Lord desire regarding the children of Jerusalem? What does it mean to the Israelites individually and corporately in the Lord's forsaking Jerusalem with its temple?
Week of November 13, 2023—Messages Fifty Seven and Fifty Eight
Message 57
What is the significance of seeing Christ as the stone to the believers, to the Jews and to the nations?
What does it mean to say that Christ is the cornerstone? What is God's intention in revealing Christ as the cornerstone? How do we apply this to our daily life?
Message 58
How does the parable of the marriage feast differ from the two previous ones? What does this parable mainly focus on?
What does the wedding garment signify? How does Christ become our subjective righteousness in our daily life?
Week of November 6, 2023—Messages Fifty Five and Fifty Six
Message 55
Compare the difference between the corresponding outline points and the three things brother Lee reveals in Matt 20:17-34. What is the mind of the Lord and how do we revolutionize our concept?
What is the reward of the kingdom and how do we receive it? How does this apply to our daily life?
Message 56
What is the significance of the Lord riding on a colt to enter Jerusalem? What does the spreading of the garments and palm branches signify in the welcoming the Lord?
What is the King's concern in cleansing the temple yet leaving to lodge in Bethany and in cursing the fig tree?
Week of October 30, 2023—Messages Fifty Three and Fifty Four
Message 53
Explain the significance of the three incidences recorded in Matt 19 concerning divorce, receiving little children, and loving riches. Explain how they are related.
Is the Lord's word to the rich man in Matt 19:16-26 about entering into eternal life concerning the kingdom or concerning salvation? Explain why entering into the kingdom of the heavens is different than being saved.
Message 54
The kingdom reward is of two parts. Explain these two parts.
What is kingdom reward based on? What is the way to receive the kingdom reward? Explain why Peter's commercial concept regarding the kingdom reward was wrong.
Week of October 22, 2023—Messages Fifty One and Fifty Two
Message 51
Describe the five problems presented in Matt 18-20 that we must take care of in order to be in the kingdom.
What is the difference the church revealed in Matt 16:18 and the church revealed in Matt 18:17? Where is the practicality and reality of the kingdom today?
Message 52
Prove that Matt 18-20 is not merely concerned with Christian behavior but also concerned with the kingdom life.
Why is it necessary for us to practice the way of repentance and forgiveness in the church life?
Week of October 15, 2023—Messages Forty Nine and Fifty
Message 49
What does it mean to be glorified? What is the relationship between glorification, transfiguration, and the kingdom?
Why was Peter's proposal in Matt 17:4 against God's economy? In God's economy, how is Christ the reality of the law and the prophets?
Message 50
Describe the connection in our experience of these three sections in Matt 17—transfiguration and the kingdom (verses 1-13), casting out of the demon (verses 14-21), and the second unveiling of the crucifixion and resurrection (verses 22-23)
Why was Peter tested in verses 24-27? What does this section imply about who Christ is?
Week of October 8, 2023—Messages Forty Seven and Forty Eight
Message 47
What are the two crucial words in the first 12 verse of Matt 16? Why is religious leaven so damaging to our vision of Christ and the church, and what is a "danger" when feeding on Christ?
One of the greatest prophecies and revelation is revealed in Matt 16:13-20. What is revealed here concerning Christ and the church? What is the church built upon, and what is the church not built upon?
Message 48
Why did the Lord reveal to His disciples His crucifixion and resurrection following the revelation of Christ and the church?
What is the relationship between the mind, self, soul-life, and the cross?
What is the difference between being crucified and bearing the cross? Which is our need today?
Week of October 1, 2023—Messages Forty Five and Forty Six
Message 45
What is tradition, and why does the Lord not care for this or any other outward practices? Why are we continually being brought back to the pure word of God?
How can we avoid being the "people" that are described in Matt 15:8-9? What in us is the heavenly ruling of the kingdom really dealing with?
Message 46
In the previous message, we saw that in the eyes of God it is not a matter of outward appearance and practices, but a matter of the inward reality. Explain in detail how the Lord Jesus is reconstituting our inward being and the cooperation required by us.
It is clear that we cannot merely change ourselves, correct ourselves, or improve ourselves. Why is eating Jesus so crucial, and a primary matter in our Christian life? What do we need to do to become uninhibited eaters?
Week of September 25, 2023—Messages Forty Three and Forty Four
Message 43
We must learn to know grace, to exercise grace, and to give to others according to the principle of grace. What is the principle of grace, and how does it differ from the law? Why does grace expose us more than the law
What is the significance of Matt 14:18 in regards to consecration and how is the matter of "breaking" involved? Many Christians know this story because of the miracle itself and even the surplus of "twelve baskets full" but the heavenly King was trying to show His followers what their real need was. As His followers today, what is our true need as we are on this pathway to glory?
Message 44
In this message, we saw the Lord Jesus training the disciples to walk by faith and not by sight. What is faith as defined in this message? As our representative, what can we learn from Peter's boldness and quickness in this circumstance?
In order to "step out of the boat and walk on the sea," what are the four things we must take care of?
Week of September 18, 2023—Messages Forty One and Forty Two
Message 41
Explain how the Lord's recovery is in the 5th and 6th parable?
Explain how the vision of the parables in Matt 13 should cause us to take heed how we build and stay in the constricted way?
Message 42
The burden of these series of messages is to provide us a clear map for us to know how to walk on the pathway to glory. Why must be willing to face rejection?
In this message, who were the two key parties that rejected the heavenly King and what was significant about each party? Describe what this caused the Lord Jesus to do in each case.
What are some of the veils that prevent us from truly knowing and following Christ?
Week of September 11, 2023—Messages Thirty Nine and Forty
Message 39
What is the basic thought of Matt 13? How is it the same as the basic thought found in 1 Cor. 3?
Since the kingdom is the church and the church is the kingdom, what is the difference between them?
Message 40
How do the first four parables match the actual situation in Christianity?
Explain how in the Lord's Recovery we must be like a pearl and precious stone. Practically how do we experience becoming the pearl and treasure?
Week of September 4, 2023—Messages Thirty Seven and Thirty Eight
Message 37
When did the establishment of the kingdom take place? How is this different from the preliminary work of the kingdom?
Explain the 6 sections of the chart in the Recovery Version showing the difference between the kingdom of the heavens and the kingdom of God. What is the difference between the kingdom of the heavens and the kingdom of God?
Message 38
The church should be like an herb to produce food, but it became a tree, a lodging place for birds, having its nature and function changed. Explain why this is abnormal? When did this happen?
What are the three matters concerning the appearance of the kingdom of the heavens? Explain the significance of each one.
Week of August 28, 2023—Messages Thirty Five and Thirty Six
Message 35
Explain the difference between the reality of the kingdom, the outward appearance of the kingdom, and the manifestation of the kingdom of the heavens? What chapters in Matthew is each of these aspects of the kingdom revealed in?
At the end of chapter 12, Israel is cut off and a number of Bible teachers have made a mistake in their understand of Israel being cut off. Identify the error and explain what actually took place using verses 49 and 50.
In the beginning of Matt 13 it says on that day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea and then stepped into a boat. Explain what the house, the sea, and the boat signify and what that day means?
Message 36
What is the preliminary work of the kingdom?
What are the four types of soil revealed in the first parable and what do they signify?
Week of August 21, 2023—Messages Thirty Three and Thirty Four
Message 33
How do we see the raging warfare of the spiritual kingdoms behind the scenes in the King's answers to the Pharisee's climax of rejection?
This case of the blind and dumb man being healed gave the Lord the opportunity to demonstrate some crucial factors regarding the coming of the kingdom. Why is this miracle a turning point in the Lord's coming ministry?
When a man exercises divine authority through the Spirit of God, why is this an indication that the kingdom of God is coming?
Message 34
What was the sign given to the rejecting generation? What does it show regarding Matthew's record of the gospel?
What does the prophecy concerning Israel being likened to a demon-possessed man signify? What does the Lord's answer to His mothers and brothers in 12:46-47 signify?
Week of August 14, 2023—Messages Thirty One and Thirty Two
Message 31
Scripture reading: Matt. 11:4-5, 11; 16-17, 20; 25-27; 28-30
Key footnotes: 11:5 n.1, 11:6 n.1, 11:11 n.1, 11:17 n.1, 11:18 n.1, 11:25 nn.1-2, 11:28 n.1, 11:29 nn.2-3, 11:30 n.1
How did the King strengthen and appraise His forerunner? Why was this necessary?
What is the proper way of receiving rejection? What is the attitude we should have in the midst of it? What can we learn from Christ as well as the mistake of John the Baptist in relation to submitting to the Father’s will?
Message 32
In 12:1-14, why was the Lord rejected, and what were the three additional aspects of the Lord that were revealed in His breaking of the Sabbath?
Through the healing of the withered hand in the temple, what do we see as truly being on the Lord’s heart? What does it expose of religion, and what principle must we learn regarding rejection and the establishment of the heavenly kingdom?
Week of August 7, 2023—Messages Twenty Nine and Thirty
Message 29
Scripture reading: Matt. 9: 18, 20, 23-26, 27-31, 32-33
Key footnotes: 9:18 n.1, 9:20 n.3, 9:23 n.1
How is the repetition of the signs that have dispensational significance in 9:18-34 a picture of this age and the coming age?
Scripture reading: Matt. 9:35, 36; 10:1, 5, 7, 8, 9-10, 12, I13, 14-15
Key footnotes: 9:36 n.2, 9:37 n.1, 10:9 n.1
What is the environment that enabled the King to reveal Himself in the aspects of the Shepherd and Lord of the Harvest? What is the way to pray while honoring the Lord?
Message 30
Scripture reading: Matt. 10:16, 17; 10:34, 37-39; 10:40, 41, 42
Key footnotes: 10:17 n.1, 10:21 n.1, 10:22 n.1, 10:33 n.1, 10:34 n.1, 10:39 n.1, 10:41 n.1
What are the seven items of persecution in 10:16-11:1 and what are the ways to meet them?
What is meant by the King’s disturbance and what is the way of the cross to follow the heavenly King? What are the four items of assurance and encouragement we should have as the King’s sent ones?
Week of July 31, 2023—Messages Twenty Seven and Twenty Eight
Message 27
Scripture reading: Matt. 9:10-13
Key footnotes: 9:11 n.2, 9:12 n.1, 9:13 nn.2-3
What is implied about man’s condition in the Lord’s referring to Himself as a physician?
What was the goal of John the Baptist’s ministry? What should John’s disciples have done once they met the Lord?
Message 28
Scripture reading: Matt. 9:14-17
Key footnotes: 9:14 n.1, 9:15 n.2, 9:16 n.1, 9:17 nn.1-3
What is the significance of not putting a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment? What is the practical way to put on this new garment?
According to Matthew 9:16-17, what is the ultimate goal of the Lord’s mentioning of Him being the Bridegroom? How can we see the corporate aspect of Christ as His enlargement, and how does this goal relate to the context of our experience of Christ?
Week of July 24, 2023—Messages Twenty Five and Twenty Six
Message 25
Scripture reading: Matt. 8:2-4, 5-8, 10b, 14-15
Key footnotes: 8:2 n.1, 8:2 n.1, 8:5 n.1, 8:12 nn.1-2, 8:14 n.1, 8:16 n.1
What is the dispensational significance of the miracles in Matt. 8:1-17?
What is the way to follow the Lord as seen in vv. 18-22?
Message 26
Scripture reading: Matt. 8:26-27, 31-33; 9:2, 6, 8
Key footnotes: 8:26 nn.1-2, 8:31 n.1; 9:3 n.2, 9:5 n.2, 9:6 n.1
What does Matt. 8:23-9:8 show concerning Christ, the King? What are the three aspects shown?
What is the significance of the Lord telling the paralytic to “rise, pick up your bed and to your house”?
Week of July 17, 2023—Messages Twenty Three and Twenty Four
Message 23
Scripture reading: Matt. 7:1-6, 12, 7-11
Key footnotes: 7:1 n.2, 7:2 n.1, 7:3 n.1, 7:7 n.1
What is the Lord’s intention in Matt. 7:1-12? Why do we have such a lack in this area?
Why are vv. 7-11 included in the section of dealing with others?
Message 24
Scripture reading: Matt. 7:13-14, 21, 24-27
Key footnotes: 7:14 n.1, 7:21 n.1, 7:24 n.1, 7:25 n.1, 7:26 n.1
What are the requirements to enter the narrow gate and walk the constricted way? How can we meet these requirements?
What is the condition of entering into the Kingdom of the Heavens?
How can we know the Father’s will?
Week of July 10, 2023—Messages Twenty One and Twenty Two
Message 21
Scripture reading: Matt. 6:1, 2-4, 5-15, 16-18
Key footnotes: 6:1 nn.2-3, 6:4 n.1, 6:6 n.1, 6:16 n.1
What is the principle of the kingdom people’s righteous deeds? What negative elements are exposed and dealt with by keeping this principle?
How do we see the Divine Trinity in the Lord’s prayer in vv. 9-13?
Message 22
Scripture reading: Matt. 6:19-20, 24, 15, 31, 33
Key footnotes: 6:20 n.1, 6:24 n.3, 6:33 n.1
What is the crucial matter in vv. 19-34? Why is this matter so crucial?
What is the Lord’s intention in vv. 19-34?
Week of July 3, 2023—Messages Nineteen and Twenty
Message 19
Scripture reading: Matt. 5:31-32, 33-37, 38-42, 43-48
Key footnotes: 5:32 n.1, 5:34 n.1, 5:39 n.1, 5:48 n.1
Verses 21-30 reveal the new law that complements the old dispensation, whereas verses 31-4 show four laws that the king actually changed. What are the four laws and how were they changed from the old dispensation?
Why was divorce allowed under the old law? What does the Lord say about divorce in the new law?
What does it mean to be “perfect as you heavenly Father is perfect”?
Message 20
Scripture reading: Matt. 5:17, 48
What are the three aspects of the law? What has happened to these three aspects under the new law given by the Lord?
What purpose do the requirements of the law of the kingdom serve today? How can we fulfill these requirements?
Week of June 26, 2023—Messages Seventeen and Eighteen
Message Seventeen
Scripture reading: Matt. 5:17, 19
vv. 5:21, 27, 33, 38, 43 “You have heard” – old dispensation
vv. 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44 “But I say to you” – new law of the kingdom
Key footnotes: 5:17 n.1
What is the meaning of the word “fulfill” in Matthew 5:17 and how did Christ fulfill the law?
Consider the comparison between the commandments of the old law and the new law. How can believers keep an even higher law? What is the condition to enter into the Kingdom?
Message Eighteen
Scripture reading: Matt. 5:17
Key footnotes: 5:17 n.1
What is the principle of the law? What is the relationship between the commandments of the law and the principle of the law?
What is the difference between keeping the law in order to be saved and having a standard of morality by faith much higher than the old law? How do believers fulfill the requirements of the highest law?
Week of June 19, 2023—Messages Fifteen and Sixteen
Message Fifteen
Scripture reading: Matt. 5:3-12
Message 15 delves further into verses 1-12 to highlight what kind of people the kingdom people should be in their inward nature. This message reveals 9 words (that correspond with verses 5:3-12) that encapsulate the nature of the kingdom people. List these nine words and discuss the significance of their sequence.
These nine words comprise the totality of the kingdom people’s nature. If we have this inward nature we will have a great reward. Discuss the reward received from each of the nine blessings and then discuss the real blessing.
Message Sixteen
Scripture reading: Matt. 5:13-16
Key footnotes: 5:13 nn.1-3; 5:14 nn.1-2; 5:15 nn.1-2
If we possess the nature revealed in verses 5:3-12 we will have a certain influence. What the first aspect of the influence of the kingdom people? What happens if we lose this function?
Use verses 14 and 15 to describe how the second aspect of the kingdom people’s influence is both outward and inward.
Week of June 12, 2023—Messages Thirteen and Fourteen
Message Thirteen
Scripture reading: Matt. 5:1-3
Key footnotes: 5:1 nn.1-2, 5:3 nn.2-4
Describe the significance of the location and audience where the King decreed the kingdom’s constitution. What is the scriptural basis to say that the Kingdom’s constitution was decreed to all the New Testament believers (i.e., not only the Jews, etc.)?
What is the intrinsic significance of this first characteristic, why is it first, and what can we pray to ensure that we are in the reality of this aspect of the nature of the kingdom people?
Message Fourteen
Scripture reading: Matt. 5:4-12
Key footnotes: All notes for vv. 4-12
Message 14 connects 4:17 with 5:3. Discuss the significance of connecting these two verses together. Please describe how the spirit in 5:3 is related to the kingdom of the heavens; include the definition of the kingdom of the heavens (according to this message).
The second half of message 14 covers the remaining eight blessings or aspects of the kingdom people’s nature. Briefly list all nine characteristics of the kingdom people and then discuss in detail the items mentioned in verses six through eight. Include who each item is related to (i.e., we are Righteous towards ourselves, Merciful towards ...).
Week of June 5, 2023—Messages Eleven and Twelve
Message Eleven
Scripture reading: Matt. 4:1-11
Key footnotes: 4:1 n.2; 4:3 n.2; 4:5 n.2; 4:6 nn.1-2; 4:8 n.1
For a thorough understanding of this section of verses we need to see that in God’s economy we will always be tested after we have been anointed and appointed to something. The principle of these tests is always the same. With this in view, write out the three temptations in this section, the basis of the tempter's temptations, and the way the King-Savior defeated the tempter.
Following the Lord’s baptism, the same Spirit that had anointed Him for His ministry also led Him to be tested in the wilderness. Why? (Hint: what was this test intended to prove?)
Message Twelve
Scripture reading: Matt. 4:12, 16, 17, 18-22
Key footnotes: 4:12 n.1; 4:18 n.1; 4:20 n.1
What is the intrinsic reason why John the Baptist needed to be imprisoned?
Describe the significance of the words “riverside” and “seashore”. In your answer discuss the nature of the seashore and how the Lord attracts people by the seashore. (Bonus: Connect your answer with the tempter's first temptation in 4:1-11)
The phrase “establishment of the kingdom of the heavens" is used at least five times in this message. Discuss how the King-Savior spread His ministry and how He established the kingdom of the heavens.
Week of May 29, 2023—Messages Nine and Ten
Message Nine
Scripture reading: Matt. 3:2, 6
Key footnotes: 3:2, notes 1-3, v. 6, note 1
The first half of message 9 covers the message of recommendation. Discuss the intrinsic significance of the three crucial words of John’s message: repent, kingdom, and heavens.
In the way of recommendation, why is it important that John (and also we today) baptize people in water?
Message Ten
Scripture reading: Matt. 3:13, 16
Key footnotes: 3:16, notes 1-4
Discuss the significance of the phrase “from Galilee to the Jordan” in the second half of verse 13. In our experience today, what happens along this road? (include the king, the kingdom, and the church life today in your answer).
The title of this section is “Anointed”. Please discuss when the Lord Jesus was anointed, how He was anointed, and why he was required to be anointed. What was the testimony/confirmation of Christ’s anointing?
Week of May 22, 2023—Messages Seven and Eight
Message Seven
Scripture reading: Matt. 2:1-2, 9, 12, 22-23
Key footnotes: 2:2 n.2; 2:23 nn.1-3
How does Matthew’s record of Jesus’ hidden youth demonstrate that He was a kingly child?
Compare the religious people in the Holy Land and the wise men in the pagan land. What should those who seek the Lord depend on and be wary of in trying to find Christ? What is the way to find Christ and appreciate all that He is?
Message Eight
Scripture reading: Matt. 3:1-2, 3b-4, 6
Key footnotes: 3:1 n.2; 3:2 n.2; 3:4 n.1
Discuss the significance of the statement “In Matthew 3 John appeared as Samuel and Jesus appeared as David.” In your answer please discuss how John the Baptist was a genuine priest, not one formally or in shadow.
John’s function as the King’s recommender caused people to repent and to be brought into the kingdom. Discuss the intrinsic significance of John beginning his ministry with repentance (relate this to our entrance into the kingdom).
Week of May 15, 2023—Messages Five and Six
Message Five
Scripture reading: Matt. 1:18, 20, 21, 23
Key footnotes: 1:18 n.1, 1:21 n.1, 1:23 nn.2-3, 1:25 n.1
What are the four matters related to the birth of Christ? Why is each needed?
Why does the Bible say the Word became flesh and not man, and in what sense did He become flesh? What two things were accomplished in the birth of Christ?
Message Six
Scripture reading: Matt. 1:21, 25, 23
Key footnotes: 1:21 n.1, 1:23 nn.2-3, 1:25 n.1
What do the names Jesus and Emmanuel mean and how can they be used by us? Why does Satan hate the name of Jesus and try to overtake the land of Emmanuel?
How can we dwell on these two names?
Week of May 8, 2023—Messages Three and Four
Message Three
Scripture reading: Matt. 1:3b-7a Key footnotes: 1:5 nn.1, 3, 4; 1:6 nn.1-4
What is it to have the birthright? Describe the kind of person who enjoys the birthright of Christ.
What are David's two marriages? What is the significance and issue of David's second marriage?
Message Four
Scripture reading: Matt. 1:6-17 Key footnotes: 1:7 n.1; 1:11 n.2; 1:12 n.1; 1:16 nn.1-2 (review/study chart in the Recovery Version)
Consider the picture of the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. What does it mean to be outside the line of Christ?
Using the chart, trace the pathway of the traveling Triune God from Abraham to the Christ. How is God's sovereignty seen in the fulfilling of prophecies and the arrangement of the generations?
Week of May 1, 2023—Messages One and Two
Message One
Scripture reading: Matt. 1:1–17
Key footnotes: 1:1 n.1
What is the general sketch and the central thought of the book of Matthew?
Who is Jesus? How is He portrayed in the book of Matthew?
What is the significance of the genealogy of Christ in Matthew? Which groups compose the generation of Christ?
Message Two
Scripture reading: Matt. 1:2–3a
Key footnotes: 1:2 nn.1–4
Why does Matthew's genealogy of Christ begin with Abraham? What are the attributes of the called race?
Explain how the genealogy of Christ is a matter of the birthright.
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