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July 20, 2023: A Victorious Ministry
Thursday, July 20
Read Acts 8:1-4.
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (v. 4).
Stephen had been stoned to death, and Saul assiduously sought to harm all Christians. Saul knew that Christian believers often grouped together. So, they began to scatter for safety.
Providentially, the Gospel would spread faster. Soon Saul would have a divine encounter with God, and Paul’s ministry would begin to spread to the Gentiles. Paul would influence the established churches to have their own leadership and outreach. A former persecutor of Christians, redeemed by God, would further the Gospel throughout the region and beyond.
We, as Gentiles, are beneficiaries of Paul’s ministry. God used a corrupt man to spread a powerful message through his own unique redemptive story. The Bible continues to tell Paul’s story throughout the ages because it was so consequential in disseminating the Gospel. Many of us have redemption stories to share, which might also lead someone to redeeming grace. Be encouraged to tell how Jesus completely changed your life through someone’s prayers and ministry.
I was adrift in a sea of doubt She came along, to lift me out
Who is this God she talks about?
She shared her story, and I shared mine We developed a trust over time
As a result, I’m no longer blind. (JEH)
July 23, 2023: God’s Servants
FOCUS TEXT: Revelation 7:9-17; 14:1-5
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Revelation 7:1-17
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 43:1-13
KEY VERSE: Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night (Revelation 7:15).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Faithful service to Christ leads to increased opportunities for service.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify at least three areas of life in which faithful service is required.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Sealed (Revelation 7:1-8)
II. Serving (Revelation 7:9-17)
III. Singing (Revelation 14:1-5)
July 12, 2023: God’s Judgment on Rebellion
Read 1 Samuel 15:26-35.
"And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel" (v. 26).
Recently a prominent pastor in another movement was found to have abused a woman who was the wife of a younger pastor he was mentoring. He was rightly removed from all his ministry positions, and many people assumed he would never be in a ministry position again. Yet, only eight months after his removal from the pastorate, four other pastors declared that he was ready once again for ministry, and he was invited to preach in one of their churches, much to the dismay of many in the movement.
Saul tried to pass the blame when he was caught in his sin. When faced with the consequences of his sin, he made a show of repentance, but he was too late to save his kingship. Samuel distances himself from Saul from that point forward, and David eventually becomes king.
This is the kind of judgment we can expect for rebellion. Saul’s sin wasn’t something minor he was trying to overcome. He prioritized his own opinions and desires over God. We may be tempted to do the same, but we should also expect the same type of judgment. To be sure, true repentance was still possible for Saul, just as true repentance is still possible for all who have fallen. But true repentance doesn’t seek to save a high position or a good name; it seeks to save our right relationship with God. (Randy Bland)
Are you allowing rebellion to grow in your heart?
July 16, 2023: The Judgments of God
FOCUS TEXT: Revelation 6:8-17
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Joel 2:1-11; Zechariah 6:1-8; Matthew 24:1-51; Revelation 6:1-17
DEVOTIONAL READING: Matthew 24:32-51
KEY VERSE: The great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Revelation 6:17).
CENTRAL TRUTH: God will one day judge those who persist in wickedness.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list elements of God's coming judgment.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Severity of God's Judgment (Revelation 6:1-8)
II. The Justice of God's Judgment (Revelation 6:9-11)
III. The Fear of God's Judgment (Revelation 6:12-17)
July 9, 2023: Our Worthy Redeemer
FOCUS TEXT: Revelation 5:1-14
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 6:1-12; Revelation 4:1-11
DEVOTIONAL READING: Hebrews 1:1-14
KEY VERSE: Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing (Revelation 5:12).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ is worthy to receive all honor and praise in heaven and earth.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify various ways we can honor Christ as our Redeemer.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Sealed Book (Revelation 5:1-4)
II. The Worthy Lamb (Revelation 5:5-7)
III. The Praise of the Redeemed (Revelation 5:8-14)
July 2, 2023: A Vision of God’s Throne
FOCUS TEXT: Revelation 4:1-11
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Ezekiel 1:4-28; Revelation 1:10-20
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 6:1-7
KEY VERSE: The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all (Psalm 103:19).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ's rightful place is upon the throne of our hearts.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list evidences that Christ is reigning in your heart now.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. God's Glory Revealed (Revelation 4:1-3)
II. God's Saints Exalted (Revelation 4:4)
III. Unceasing Praise (Revelation 4:5-11)