Receptivity to the gospel. She was a woman, a Samaritan woman. A woman alone, but a woman who believed. Our lesson points out that this Samaritan woman had receptivity to Jesus in her heart. The little country of Samaria was not a high priority among the disciples. There was no reason, from their perspective, to spend time … Continue reading –>
Jesus’ attitude toward people. With His superior intellect and constant desire to minister to others, couldn’t Jesus have derived great joy just from being popular among those around Him? What was His choice instead? We don’t place a high value on salt today, although salty foods such as popcorn, potato chips and French fries go … Continue reading –>
Symbols of God’s Word. The Bible is loaded with symbols, some of them enticing and good, others puzzling and even confusing. What symbols do we find pointing to the Word of God as we study to draw men and women to Jesus? Jeremiah uses the fire and hammer as symbols of God’s Word. How do these … Continue reading –>
(The following topics are presented to encourage group discussion and individual exploration of this week’s theme.) Differing gifts: united in service. Our lesson reminds us that the disciples were not identical replicas of one nature but were diversified, different, special people with individual gifts and challenges. Should we be that diversified today? Should we strive … Continue reading –>
Jesus and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus left us with the promise (John 16:7) that His leaving us and returning to heaven would be a remarkable advantage to us. In what ways was the coming of the Holy Spirit that helpful? How does the Holy Spirit help us witness to others about God’s love? … Continue reading –>
Topics to encourage group discussion and individual exploration of this week’s theme. The power of prayer. Most of us turn to the Lord in prayer when trouble threatens. What about praying for others? How can we prevent anything from getting in the way of our earnest prayers to God? What effect did the prayers of … Continue reading –>
Start where you are. You may be a fully trained literature evangelist. Or a wife and mother with three wiggly pre-school youngsters at home with you. Or, the book of Mark may lie open on your desk as you pray for courage to walk through the neighborhood. Jesus, the master soul winner, is by your … Continue reading –>
Unlikely witnesses. Living as he did in a region of 10 seashore cities boundu do together as a big neighborhood, the demoniac was well known but not well liked. In fact he was hated, despised, and mocked. But he had a good streak in him. What was it? How did Jesus relate to the demoniac’s … Continue reading –>
Why witness? At the beginning of a new quarter of lessons, we are invited to think about how God’s love is the main reason we have a church family. Did you notice the perspective in the introduction to the lesson, that it’s not our job to save the world. That is the work of God. Our … Continue reading –>
The living Word of God. Welcome to the final set of lessons for the first half of the year. As important as studying God’s word is to all of us, what is even more important? What power does God give us so that we can be wise in the support of His work? What immediate support … Continue reading –>
