He taught with authority. Were Jesus’ listeners amazed that He spoke with authority even before they knew He was Jesus Christ? In other words, was it “who He was” or “How He spoke” that first impressed them concerning Jesus?The “Sermon on the Mount” is fairly short, but it is “the most powerful sermon ever preached,” according to … Continue reading –>
If one didn’t know better they might think that Jesus could have benefited from a savvy P.R. marketing manager. We know that first impressions are lasting, and it is imperative for any public figure to get their debut right. The society in which Jesus began his ministry was very religious. At the top of the … Continue reading –>
“Come follow Me…” Our lesson begins by wondering if we all tend to think, sometimes, that we don’t really know why we’re here and what we’re doing where we are. Do you ever sense doubts that deep? Or at least wonder what your purpose in life is? “Another day, another dollar.” Why are we tempted to let ourselves … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Matthew presents repentance, victorious living, and discipleship as essential features of the kingdom of God. The Ministry Begins April 2-8, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 3:7-12. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.b. What message did John have for the leaders … Continue reading –>
In this week’s lesson on the Son of David I originally planned to focus on the character of Joseph, since he is often marginalized in our discussions of the incarnation of Christ. Mary rightly draws our attention, as it was she who actually carried to birth the long-awaited Messiah. But it was the lineage of Joseph that the … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth tells us that God is with us, He brings salvation, and we are called to be the children of God. Son of David, March 26 – April 1, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 1:21. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most … Continue reading –>
The Son of David. Do you have a hard time with the expression that Jesus was “the Son of David?” What does this phrase mean? What special meaning does this title give to Jesus? Why is it important to believe that Jesus was the “son” of David? Another Genesis. If the account of Jesus’ genealogy in … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Every person has a choice to accept the victory won by Christ, or to reject it and perish Redemption March 19-25, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Revelation 20:1-3. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. What does the binding of Satan … Continue reading –>
1. No death, no pain, no tears, life forever. Are you eager to reach the end, the very end, of sin? How will the thousand years help prepare us for a sin-free eternity with God? Why is God so eager to rescue us from sin and offer us full and free redemption? Do we deserve … Continue reading –>
1. Seven churches. If we are living in the last days and identify most closely with the Laodicean church, do we even need to study God’s message to the other six churches? Or is it possible that each church has a message for us? Or that in our Christian experience we may struggle with the problems … Continue reading –>
