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BIBLICAL BASIS: The Importance of Fruitfulness in the Christian Life

FOCUS TEXT: John 15:1-17

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: John 15:1-27; Philippians 1:3-11; Colossians 1:9-14

DEVOTIONAL READING: Galatians 5:22-26

KEY VERSE: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).

CENTRAL TRUTH: Abiding in Christ requires knowing Christ's words.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to explain how abiding in Christ brings fruitfulness.

LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Vine and Its Caretaker (John 15:1-3)
II. The Vine and Its Branches (John 15:4-6)
III. The Vital Connection (John 15:7-11)
IV. The Link of Love (John 15:12-17)

BIBLICAL BASIS: Ezra's Renewal of God's Covenant with Israel

FOCUS TEXT: Nehemiah 8:5, 6, 8-10; 9:1-3; 10:28, 29

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: 2 Kings 22:8-20; Proverbs 3:1-6; Romans 10:11-17; Ephesians 6:10-17; James 1:5-25; 1 Peter 1:23-25

DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 119:9-16

KEY VERSE: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:11).

CENTRAL TRUTH: The godly life is instructed by God's Word.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to adopt a simple plan for effective Bible study.

LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Reading the Word (Nehemiah 8:1-18)
II. Obeying the Word (Nehemiah 9:1-38)
III. Practicing the Word (Nehemiah 10:1-39)

FOCUS TEXT: Philippians 3:7-21

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Romans 6:3-11; Ephesians 5:1-11; Philippians 2:1-11

DEVOTIONAL READING: John 15:1-10

KEY VERSE: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

CENTRAL TRUTH: The Christian life is characterized by a desire to follow Christ's example in all things.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to name some areas of life in which they should follow Christ.

LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Commitment (Philippians 3:7-11)
II. The Course (Philippians 3:12-17)
III. The Condemnation (Philippians 3:18, 19)
IV. The Conquest (Philippians 3:20, 21)

FOCUS TEXT: Acts 4:23-35

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Psalm 2:1-12; Acts 4:1-37; 12:1-25

DEVOTIONAL READING: Acts 12:5-12

KEY VERSE: And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).

CENTRAL TRUTH: Great things can be accomplished when believers unite in prayer.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list evidences of power in a believer's prayer life.

LESSON OUTLINE:
I. An Earnest Prayer (Acts 4:23-30)
II. An Answered Prayer (Acts 4:31)
III. A Willing Response (Acts 4:32-35)

FOCUS TEXT: 2 Chronicles 6:12-21, 40-42

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: 1 Kings 8:1-66; 2 Chronicles 6:1--7:5

DEVOTIONAL READING: 2 Chronicles 2:1-9

KEY VERSE: For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there forever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually (2 Chronicles 7:16).

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christians should dedicate themselves to do God's will.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify areas of their lives which should be dedicated to God.

LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Adoration (2 Chronicles 6:12-15)
II. Entreaty (2 Chronicles 6:16-21)
III. Petitions (2 Chronicles 6:40-42)