Spring, 2024: Jesus, the Son of God

Many great topics benefit from the Word of God, but it is doubtful that any subject could give a greater blessing and spiritual lift than considering the Son of God Himself.

In this series of lessons we focus more on teachings about Christ and His divinity. We look at what He said He was, such as the Water of Life, the Good Shepherd, and the True Vine. We look at His power to forgive and consider His trial, crucifixion, and resurrection, all demonstrating that He was not just a great man or a good teacher but the very Son of God. Other lessons deal with His demonstration of humility, His prayer life, and the great authority with which He spoke. We end the quarter with a lesson that seeks to bring the series to a proper conclusion, asking, "What will you do with Jesus?" This question is vital for any unsaved ones who may be in the class, but it is also essential that each Christian continually allows Christ the place He seeks and deserves as the Lord and Master of our lives.

Let us all pray that the lessons on Christ, the Son of God, will not be dry academic studies but that we will recognize that the one we seek to understand and know better can be personally present in the classroom. Even more important, may we seek not only to know about Him but to recognize Him as our very own living, reigning, loving, and compassionate Savior. He wants to make Himself known in new and special ways. May we allow Him to do so. --

2024-02-12T16:31:27+00:00February 12th, 2024|Categories: Quarter Topic|0 Comments

Winter 2023-24: Studies in Romans

Throughout history, many have concluded that Romans is the most profound document ever written.
Perhaps more than any other book of the Bible, Romans has been the instrument God has used to save the souls and shape the minds of Christianity's towering giants -- individuals such as Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Wesley.
This letter has been rightly called "The Christian's Constitution." If anyone wants an exacting presentation of the key truths of the Christian faith, there is no better book to consult than Romans.
The Book of Romans has a logical and specific sequence in thought. It starts with the fact of sin, follows that up with the good news of salvation, moves to teaching on sanctification, delves into the issue of divine sovereignty, and closes with guidelines for Christian service.
Its major message is the revelation of God's righteousness to sinners and imparting that righteousness to those who experience faith in Jesus Christ. The writer, Paul, introduced this grand theme by the words, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (1:16).
The biblical truths of Romans are not all in the pleasant category. Some are ugly and grim. Others are beautiful and majestic. But they are truths that we need to hear and face in the 21st century!

2023-11-20T20:54:53+00:00November 20th, 2023|Categories: Quarter Topic|0 Comments

Fall 2023: Studies in Psalms

The greatest devotional literature is found in the Old Testament in the Book of Psalms. The Psalms can be variously interpreted and widely applied.

No other book has as many writers as the Psalms. David is the best known and most prolific of the psalmists. Many of David's Psalms were written when he was in tight spots as he sought to serve the Lord. Those who wrote the Psalms, along with David, were people who knew how to turn tragedy into triumph, and that is a lesson we need to learn.  While at times the writers appear to be weak and fainthearted, they knew the Source of their strength.

Because they are poems and hymns, the Psalms must be read with the heart as well as the head. The Psalms continue to be relevant to modern life as they express emotions and describe experiences that are relevant today.

Here, more than any place in the Bible, the heartthrob of the Christian is heard. Here are the most exalted expressions of God's greatness; here are the bitterest groans of the sinful and the afflicted. Here is something for everyone in every mood.

If your favorite Psalm is missing, perhaps being introduced to a new Psalm will compensate for the loss.

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together" (Psalm 34:3).

2023-08-21T14:05:03+00:00August 21st, 2023|Categories: Quarter Topic|0 Comments

Summer 2023: CHRIST, THE TRIUMPHANT LORD

A thrilling series of studies is ahead of us for this quarter. Centering around the theme, "Christ, the Triumphant Lord," they are all taken from the book called "The Revelation of Jesus Christ."
We have chosen to center these studies around the work of Christ within the Church and in the end times. Not every lesson specifically deals with Christ, but they do deal with His work in the church ages in preparing the Church as a Bride for Himself. Several of the early lessons deal with the messages of Christ to the various churches.
Lessons 5 and 6 deal with John's thrilling vision of the throne of God and the beings and happenings around it. Of chief importance is the revelation of Christ as the Lamb of God, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who was found worthy to loose the seals of the Book of Life. Truly, He is worthy of our praise and adoration.
In lessons 7-9 we discuss some important happenings relating to the end-of-the-world events. Although some of these things are sobering, they need to be brought to our attention occasionally.
Christ's entire life and ministry looked toward the events dealt with in the last four lessons. Faith should be inspired, weary Christians encouraged to press on, and all of us challenged to maintain the faith.
May the presence of the living, triumphant Lord be present to inspire and bless in every one of your class sessions during this quarter of thrilling studies. It is our prayer that student and teacher alike will receive a new vision of the Triumphant Lord. That will bring fresh hope in dark days and impetus to be true to the very end.

2023-05-30T16:18:40+00:00May 30th, 2023|Categories: Quarter Topic|0 Comments

Spring 2023: Building Christian Relationships

     In a day of superficial friendships and a selfish understanding of love, it is important to have a biblical understanding of how to build lasting relationships. A wise person is always involved in the challenging business of building relationships. Everyone needs the relaxed enjoyment, acceptance, stability, and security of ongoing, long-lasting relationships that have been kept in good repair.
     The soaring divorce rate is only one indication among many that we know a great deal more about technology than about the tough business of establishing quality relationships that not only endure the test of time but overcome it by becoming increasingly meaningful.
How can we build quality relationships which will forge unbreakable links that enable us to become what God intends us to be? In God's Word we have a treasury of truth about building Christian relationships as they affect our neighbor, home, society, work, money, government, public life, and the church.
    In this quarter of lessons on "Building Christian Relationships" we examine God's Word to discover values and principles we can apply to our friendships and relationships, at whatever stage of life we find ourselves. Ultimately, all relationships in this world are based on loving others in the name of our Lord Jesus and with His love as our standard.

2023-02-27T16:49:08+00:00February 27th, 2023|Categories: Quarter Topic|Tags: , , |0 Comments

Winter 2022-23: The Miracles of Jesus

Studying the miracles of Jesus should be an interesting and thrilling study this quarter. Miracles covering a wide spectrum of problems and miraculous solutions are considered, and it is quite likely every teacher and student will identify with some special need, since we still have this treasure in an "earthen vessel." Several benefits can arise from this study.

One advantage is that our own faith will be encouraged as we read of those receiving miracles who had come to Christ with just a little faith. Perhaps the Lord can use these studies to challenge the increase of our faith to the point of seeing new and thrilling miracles around our own churches and homes. Another benefit is that we can recognize that with God nothing is impossible. Some of the cases He dealt with seemed so totally beyond human help -- and indeed were -- but did not exceed the divine power. May we realize afresh that we, as children of God, have access to our Heavenly Father's divine power for the needs that face us in these momentous days.

Important, also, is the recognition that the miracles performed by Christ had a tremendous effect on the outside world. Many became His followers as a result of these demonstrations of His power and authority. Those of us who have seen unusual miracles also know that they have had great effect, both within and without the church. Our young people need to see these divine manifestations; so does the Church; so does the world.

May we this quarter learn anew to pray simple, believing, powerful prayers that move mountains in providing mighty miracles.

2022-11-21T19:32:33+00:00November 21st, 2022|Categories: Quarter Topic|0 Comments

Portraits of Bible Characters

The Bible centers around personalities. Augustine said it well: “The sacred record, like a faithful mirror, has no flattery in its portrait.” Some­times the biographies of men and women outside the Bible seem to be too ideal and successful. But a journey through the pages of the Bible reveals those of like passion as ourselves.
The summer 2018 quarter studies "Portraits of Bible Characters." Join in this exploration of Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Gideon, Ruth, Hannah, Esther,  Job, Jeremiah, Martha and Mary, Peter, Paul, and Dorcas.
2018-05-14T14:00:29+00:00May 14th, 2018|Categories: Quarter Topic|0 Comments

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