“Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.” ~ John Flavel I’m retitling this week’s lesson on Esther and Mordecai to “Hope for the Hopeless.” There are so many times in life when we simply do not know what to do. We find ourselves in difficult situations and often feel as though we are carrying the weight of the … Continue reading –>
An intriguing story. Of all the events included in the Bible, the story of Esther has close to the greatest appeal of them all. Beauty, competition, intrigue, jealousy and a simple young woman’s conviction: those are the elements. What kind of a party was King Ahasuerus planning? Was there a reason given for this extravagant … Continue reading –>
I tried to imagine the setting of our topic for this week on Exiles as Missionaries. I tried to picture Daniel, his three companies and many others being forcibly rounded up to be taken from their homeland as captives. The homes they lived in, the streets they played on, the schools they learned in, the … Continue reading –>
Have you ever been talking to a friend at school, work or play, and been asked a Bible question, but did not have the Bible answer at your fingertips? Well now you can have a prepared Bible study at your fingertips, or at least as close as your cell phone or tablet. Now anyone can … Continue reading –>
[Lesson plan for July 25—31, 2015] Key Thought : We have a mission to engage creatively with society and to demonstrate the power of faith within our culture. 1. Have a volunteer read Daniel 1:8-13. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. What … Continue reading –>
[Discussion starters for Lesson 5, July 25—31, 2015] 1. A handbook for missionary activity. Have you ever wished for a, comprehensive handbook for church activity? During my missionary years I could always obtain good advice, but if only I’d had a systematic presentation of all the things I should know… How could the book of Daniel help … Continue reading –>
1. Take a trip with Jonah! You may have traveled to thirteen countries, lived on three continents, and changed addresses two dozen times, but have you EVER experienced a trip like the one Jonah took to Nineveh? What was Jonah’s attitude when he started his journey by ship? [See Lesson 4: The Jonah Saga] 2. A prophet with … Continue reading –>
We would do more for God if only He expected less from us. Jonah is a case in point. “Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.” Jonah 1:1-2 It … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Relying on our own wisdom and inclinations is a poor way to approach mission. Only through submission to God’s leading can we understand His plan and our role in it.. [Lesson plan for The Jonah Saga July 18-24, 2015] 1. Have a volunteer read 2 Kings 14:25, Jonah 1:1-3. a. Ask class … Continue reading –>
The proof is in the pudding. That’s a common saying that has morphed into meaning you must actually try the food in order to know if it’s good or not. This week as we talk about The Unlikely Missionary, we will focus our attention on the proof of the pudding. This quarter we have the … Continue reading –>
