Quarter 4: New Testament
Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00PM, from Jan 7 – Apr 1

Welcome to Step Into Scripture 2025! We are excited to be offering a virtual platform for this semester of Wednesday Night Bible Study!
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Please note all times in the schedule are in Eastern Daylight Time.
Bible Study will happen every Wednesday night at 6:30 PM from April 30 to July 30, 2025.Weekly Gathering Structure
Our Wednesday night gatherings will last about an hour and a half, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. The time will be structured in 30-minute increments:- 30 minutes for arrival, fellowship, and reading
- 30 minutes for teaching
- 30 minutes for table discussion and announcements
Reading Time
Whatever day we’re on in the reading plan when we gather, we’ll read that day’s passage aloud in the group. Anyone can volunteer to read one chapter, and another person will read that day’s entry from the Step Into Scripture book. Even if you've fallen behind, you’re encouraged to pick up where we are that day and continue.Teaching Time
Our teaching team will lead a lesson based on that week’s reading. This lesson acts as an additional devotional beyond the book, modeling that we’re never done learning the Bible. Each reading offers new insights, and the book is just one part of the journey.Table Discussion Time
During each weekly gathering, you'll be provided with a brief overview of the Wednesday lesson and discussion questions. You’ll then join a group to reflect on and respond to the lesson together.Breakout Rooms
Anita's Breakout Group
Anita has been attending Ekklesia since 2022. She has lived in South Carolina for 16 years and is originally from West Virginia. Anita has hosted small groups in a “live” setting, and is excited to be hosting this on-line group. VisitChristy's Breakout Group
Christy is a dedicated professional and life-long follower of Christ. A renowned educator helping people world-wide find financial freedom, along with providing the biblical principles of God's provision to those who follow Him. VisitKarina's Breakout Group
Karina has been at Ekklesia since 2022 and has been a Step Into Scripture table host since 2023. This year of SIS, she's led an online group, co-hosted last quarter with Nancy, and is looking forward to leading a new group and building our cadre of online hosts. VisitNancy's Breakout Group
Nancy Muriel, a member of Renaissance COC, is excited to continue building connections both near and far through this Bible study group. She looks forward to growing in faith while strengthening relationships within the community and beyond. VisitTina's Breakout Group
Ekklesia Resources
Quarter 1
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Quarter 2
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9 - No meeting this week
No resources this week.
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Slide Deck Discussion Questions Study Notes Teaching Video
Quarter 3
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Quarter 4
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Slide Deck
Notes
Discussion Questions
Teaching Video

Ekklesia App
If you have not already done so, please download the Ekklesia App.Week 5: Reckless Grace, Righteous Fire
This week we see the full nature of Jesus revealed in the Gospels: reckless grace for the unlikeliest people who humble themselves and respond to Him, and righteous fire toward religious pride that hinders others from coming to God. Through the parables of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16), the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–32), and the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1–14), Jesus shows that entrance into the kingdom is not earned by image, pedigree, or time served, but received by grace through repentance and faith. At the same time, Jesus warns that those who use religion for status, greed, or control—and especially those who block the lowly from drawing near—will face severe judgment (Mark 12:38–40; Matthew 21:12–17; Matthew 21:33–44). Finally, we see that Jesus’ judgment is not cold or cruel. He weeps over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–44), and He calls us to respond with the humble prayer of the tax collector: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:9–14).
Discussion Questions
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What is Jesus teaching about grace in the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard? (Matthew 20:1–16)
- Application: Where do you most feel comparison or resentment toward others (their story, timing, blessings, or “reward”)? What would it look like to release that and thank Jesus for His generosity to you this week?
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What does the Parable of the Two Sons reveal about true obedience and true repentance? (Matthew 21:28–32)
- Application: In what area are you most tempted to “say yes” to God with words while delaying obedience with your life? What is one clear step of obedience you can take in the next 48 hours?
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What does the Parable of the Wedding Banquet teach about God’s invitation and our response? (Matthew 22:1–14)
- Application: Do you relate more to someone who feels “unworthy to be invited,” or someone who has assumed you’re automatically included? How should your posture change this week—toward humility, gratitude, repentance, or renewed trust?
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Why does Jesus speak such severe judgment against certain religious leaders? (Mark 12:38–40; Matthew 21:12–17)
- Application: What are subtle ways religious pride can show up in us—needing to be right, wanting recognition, being harsh toward “messy” people, or using spiritual language to justify selfishness? Ask the Spirit to reveal one area where you may be hindering rather than helping.
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What is the difference between the Pharisee’s prayer and the tax collector’s prayer, and why does it matter? (Luke 18:9–14)
- Application: Which posture are you most prone to: self-justifying comparison or honest humility? What would it look like to practice the tax collector’s prayer daily this week—and to let it soften how you treat other people?