Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Pet. 3:1–10, 13; John 14:2, 3; Dan. 2:44; Hebrews 9:28; 11; Rev. 6:9–11; Luke 12:42–48. Memory Text: “ ‘And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work’ ” (Revelation 22:12, NKJV). Key Thought: When is Jesus coming back? Who knows? In one sense, it doesn’t matter. … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Gen. 2:1–3, Exod. 20:8–12, Deut. 5:12–15, Matt. 12:1–13, John 9, 19:30. Memory Text: “ ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath’ ” (Mark 2:27, 28, NKJV). Key Thought: The seventh-day Sabbath, in every way, points us to Jesus, our Creator and our … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Christians must stand firm on the literal story of a six day Creation, for it is foundational to all we believe. [Teaching Plan for “In the Beginning” January 11, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Colossians 1:14-17. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of … Continue reading –>
“The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose of restoring … Continue reading –>
Stan: Can you believe it? We have fourteen Sabbaths this quarter!1 Pam: And one of the shortest books in the Bible. Stan: You’re right. I think that’s made a big difference in our study this quarter, don’t you? Pam: Sure. I think most of us have been blessed by studying the book of Galatians so intensely. … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Paul closes his letter to the Galatians with a strong appeal, clinging only to the cross as his reason for life. [Teaching plan for “Boasting in the Cross” December 28, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:11-13. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea … Continue reading –>
Paul bestows his blessing on those who, he says, “follow this rule” (Gal. 6:16, NIV, NRSV). Given the context, what “rule” do you think Paul is talking about? 1 The word translated “rule” literally refers to a straight rod or bar used by masons or carpenters for measuring. The word eventually took on a figurative meaning referring to the … Continue reading –>
Having emphasized the centrality of the Cross of Christ to the Christian life, Paul now emphasizes the second fundamental tenet of his gospel message: justification by faith.1 As we have seen all quarter, Paul has basically pitted circumcision against the gospel. Yet, he’s not against the practice itself. Paul has made several strong statements against … Continue reading –>
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world”(Gal. 6:14).1 Having exposed the motives that prompted some to insist on circumcision, Paul presents his gospel message to the Galatians one final time, though only in … Continue reading –>
Read Galatians 6:12, 13. What is Paul saying in these verses? 1 Although Paul has hinted previously about the agenda and motivation of his opponents (see Gal. 1:7, 4:17), his remarks in Galatians 6:12, 13 are the first explicit comments he makes about his opponents. He describes them as wanting “to make a good showing in the flesh” (ESV). The phrase “a good showing” in … Continue reading –>
