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Feb. 19, 2023: The Giver of Life
FOCUS TEXT: John 11:31-44
KEY VERSE: I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live (John 11:25).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Jesus is our source of life.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Great Need (John 11:1-19)
II. Great Perplexity (John 11:20-37)
III. Great Victory (John 11:38-44)
Feb. 12, 2023: Faith Rewarded
FOCUS TEXT: John 4:43-54
KEY VERSE: Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is (Jeremiah 17:7).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Great things await those who trust Christ.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Faith Challenged (John 4:43-48)
II. Faith Exhibited (John 4:49, 50)
III. Faith Rewarded (John 4:51-54)
Feb. 1, 2023: Calmed by the Word
Read Joshua 1:1-5.
"Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people,
unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel" (v. 2).
Today people seek inner peace through various means: self-actualization, positive thinking exercises, transcendental meditation, the practice of non-attachment, finding an inner light, chakras (spiritual powerpoint), seeking a spiritual guide, and using crystals, herbs, and so forth. The problem for those using these methods is that the result is never completely satisfying and quickly disappears. Besides these, Satan has many other options for those foolish enough to use them.
The Word of God, however, has a calming effect on troubled souls who look to God for peace of heart and mind. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” This suggests that we have control over whether our heart is troubled or not. Jesus is telling us not to allow it to become troubled.
The question we face then is, “How do I exercise control over my spirit, so it is not troubled?" A foundational truth that must be accepted for this to be possible is understanding that peace is not the absence of trouble. True inner peace is only found in the presence of God. Peace comes from knowing that circumstances are temporary and that God is eternal. Peace comes from exercising faith in the character of the eternal God and His Word. Therefore we choose peace rather than fear or worry. In faith, we lean upon God and His promises instead of leaning on our own ingenuity. (Gayle Woods)
True inner peace is only found in the presence of God.
Feb. 5, 2023: The Storm Calmed
FOCUS TEXT: Mark 6:45-56
KEY VERSE: Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid (Mark 6:50).
CENTRAL TRUTH: The presence of Christ drives out fear.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Master's Prayer (Mark 6:45, 46)
II. The Disciples' Problem (Mark 6:47-49)
III. The Master's Presence (Mark 6:50-52)
IV. The Master's Power (Mark 6:53-56)
Jan. 29, 2023: God’s Word for Today
*THE NEED
I remember as a child reading about the life of Abraham Lincoln. The story recounted the time when his oldest son, Bobby, was bitten by a rabid dog. After reading the story, I imagined that every dog I encountered might be inflicted with rabies. Now imagine what people must have thought when they saw a wild demoniac roaming about the tombs. This is not just a scary nighttime story that teenagers tell around a campfire. The authorities had attempted many times to bind him in chains (today we would try handcuffs), but he always broke the chains into pieces! Attempts had been made to tame him, to reason with him, and to domesticate him. Not only had others tried to help him, but he had tried to help himself. He cried and even attempted suicide, but the evil in him seemed unstoppable and incurable until Jesus appeared. Our need to see God’s power over evil spirits is addressed in this lesson. There are many people who believe that God and Satan are equal forces, but this story makes it plain that God’s power is infinitely greater.
Discussion: *Why do you think people struggle to accept or believe in Jesus’ power over evil?
Discussion: What do Legion’s actions tell us about Jesus?
Discussion: How can the Church demonstrate such decisive power over sin so that people will be drawn to God?
Discussion: *Why does freedom from evil draw people to Jesus? Furthermore, why are some people fearful of God’s power over evil?
Discussion: What do you think keeps people from embracing Jesus as Sovereign over the powers of evil?
Discussion: How does God use us as His witnesses?
Discussion: How important is it for our own communities — people who knew our old lives — to see the power of God changing us? What does this accomplish that a stranger cannot accomplish?
Discussion: How did Jesus equip this man to be an effective witness for Him?
Jan. 29, 2023: The Demoniac Released
FOCUS TEXT: Mark 5:1-15, 19, 20
KEY VERSE: Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee (Mark 5:19).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ has power to deliver those bound by Satan.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Picture of a Demoniac (Mark 5:1-9)
II. Delivering the Demoniac (Mark 5:10-15)
III. Instructing a Follower (Mark 5:19, 20)