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Sept. 14, 2023: Christ’s Transfiguration
Read Mark 9:2-8.
“And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son: hear him’” (v. 7).
In this mountain-top experience of the transfigured Jesus, the Lord showed the His glory to His inner circle, Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah were also present. Jesus is seen as the perfect fulfillment of the Old Testament law given by Moses and the prophets’ messages represented by Elijah. Jesus’ glorious appearance and approval by the voice of the heavenly Father, “This is my beloved Son: hear him” (v. 7) revealed Him as the eternal Saviour of the world.
Dr David McKenna said Jesus’ sinlessness, Sonship, and suffering were all revealed when God the Father said, “Hear him" v. 7. Peter wanted to build three tabernacles on the mountain. Still, they were to “follow” Jesus until His death, resurrection, and ascension. So we are to “hear Him” and follow Him today.
“And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.”
---C. Austin Miles
Don’t just “hear” Jesus, but tell others who He is. (David Fruth)
Sept. 17, 2023: A Portrait of Christ
FOCUS TEXTS: Psalms 22:1-8; 23:1-6; 24:7-10
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Psalms 22:1--24:10; Matthew 27:45-50; John 10:1-18; Revelation 19:11-21
DEVOTIONAL READING: John 10:7-18
KEY VERSE: Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle (Psalm 24:8).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ desires to be the Savior, Guide, and Master of all men.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to express worship and thanks for specific attributes of Christ.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Savior (Psalm 22:1-31)
II. The Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-6)
III. The Sovereign (Psalm 24:1-10)
Aug. 31, 2023: The Lord Most High
Read Psalm 92: 1-9.
"But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore" (v. 8).
Occasionally, I see the phrase “Make Jesus Famous” used in church circles. As an old “fuddy-duddy,” this sometimes bothers me because I perceive it to mean that Jesus is not already famous. But then I am reminded that this may be how a newer generation expresses the need to praise God. God sees the hearts that are truly desiring to be reflections of His glory. The psalmist starts this song by stating that it is good to give thanks and to sing praises to the most high, and then also includes the reasons to praise and use instruments as part of that celebration. I sometimes wonder when I am a part of a song service that seems to be merely going through a routine where our hearts are. Our praises to God are an act of worship to him and a testimony to his greatness! I have encouraged people to let their faces know and show their praise to God! If what I observe from the platform is at all what God sees from heaven, there is often a lack of exaltation or gratitude. People, we have much to praise God for! (Tim Brubeck)
He is the most high for evermore!
Sept. 3. 2023: How to Worship in Crises
FOCUS TEXT: Psalm 9:1-17
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Psalm 135:3-18; Zechariah 12:1-9; 14:1-4; Acts 4:23-30; Romans 1:18-25
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 40:21-31
KEY VERSE: And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee (Psalm 9:10).
CENTRAL TRUTH: The faithful respond to crisis by expressing faith in God.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to describe how they can worship God in the crisis moments of life.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Recount God's Deeds (Psalm 9:1-6)
II. Remember God's Character (Psalm 9:7-10)
III. Request God's Intervention (Psalm 9:11-14)
IV. Rest in God's Provision (Psalm 9:15-20)
August 24, 2023: Obedient until Christ Comes
Read 1 Timothy 6:12-16.
“That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 14).
As the Apostle Paul is bringing this letter to Timothy to a close, he is emphasizing that Jesus Christ is coming again! In light of that fact, he is charging Timothy to be ready when Jesus Christ shall return. Readiness required adhering to the precepts that Jesus taught throughout His earthly ministry; making them his daily practice as the rule of life. His faithful commitment to the commandments of Jesus would enable Timothy to be a godly example to those around him.
A chorus we sang as children said, “Obedience is the very best way to show that we believe.” As the apostle charged Timothy to demonstrate that he believed Jesus was coming again by how he lived, the charge is ours as well. Obedience to Christ’s commandments is evidence that we, too, believe Jesus is coming again! Furthermore, an ongoing relationship is enriched when we daily practice doing God’s will God’s way! (Rodney Stearns)
“I and my house will serve the Lord: But first, obedient to His word
I must myself appear;
By actions, words, and tempers, show That I my heavenly Master know,
And serve with heart sincere.”
--- Charles Wesley
Obedience is a declaration that I believe God.
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).