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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.
Feb. 22, 2023: Spiritual Vision
Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-18.
Spiritual Vision
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (v. 18).
Probably everyone who reads this has visited one of the stores, which is a part of the world’s largest retailer, but not everybody has had the privilege to be greeted by Wesley. His radiant smile shines beautifully from his brown face. It is very evident that his smile is backed by internal joy. He’s the brightest spot in the store and he does his best to brighten the day of every shopper he greets.
In today’s text, Paul speaks of the transforming power of the glory of the Lord. He declares, what we already know, that those who spend time with God reflect His image and glory.
How do we do that? When we read and study God’s Word, we should not be driven by a desire to have fodder to win spiritual arguments, to find support for doubtful behavior, or to merely say we read our daily quota. We should let God speak through His Word. Time spent in His Word is transforming! As well, other means of grace are transformative. Without question, meeting humbly before God in prayer beautifies the believer, as does the outflow of joy from a praise-filled life. (Lonnie Witt)
Tho’ like others, you’re not gifted, You can shine;
Every cloud can soon be lifted, You can shine;
Jesus promised grace to aid you, You can shine;
Trusting all to Him who made you, You can shine.
When your heart with love is glowing, You will shine;
When His love you’re daily showing, You will shine;
When this saddened world is brightened, By the rays of light divine,
If you really have the blessing, You will shine.
--– Charles Tillman
God help me to walk with you in obedience,
so my countenance bears witness of God’s glory.
Feb. 26, 2023: The Gift of Sight
FOCUS TEXT: Mark 10:46-52; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
KEY VERSE: Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole (Mark 10:52).
CENTRAL TRUTH: The compassionate Christ ministers to the needs of men.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. A Pitiful Cry (Mark 10:46-48)
II. A Gracious Response (Mark 10:49-52)
III. A Glorious Light (2 Corinthians 4:3-6)
Feb. 15, 2023: Christ’s Concern
Read John 11:31-37.
“When Jesus, therefore, saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.”
(v. 33),
Jesus turns sorrow into JOY! Two-word scriptures? Quickly we answer, “Jesus wept.” Because “Jesus wept” we can “Rejoice evermore” (1 Thess. 5:16). This Thessalonians scripture is a perfect two-word synonym for JOY.
God’s people have a history of leaving ripples of joy. Think about the relief and joy Moses caused when he used his staff to divide the Red Sea. Vicious, pursuing Pharaoh along with his supercharged and competent army were swallowed by the seething sea. Instead of a watery tomb, the Israelites experienced a tidal wave of joy.
Can you imagine the joy experienced by the Shunamite mother when her dead son sneezed seven times? Usually, sneezing brings concerns of Illness; in this case, it brought immense joy. When dressmaker Dorcas was brought back to life, the whole village let out a relieved sigh! Dorcas was a joy broadcaster using her creative designs to provide much-needed clothing for the poor.
Sowing seeds of joy among others will minimize idle time to dwell on troubles. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…” is not just a dreamy, idyllic phrase. Laughter has been proven to increase oxygen intake and lower blood pressure. Once again, the Bible is supported by scientific evidence. Exodus decreed handwashing; now medical science has agreed it is good for our health. God handed us a manual for our trek to heaven. His Holy Word has not left out even the minutest details for a joyful journey! In the wake of your travels, leave behind smiles and joy. (Beverly Tatum)
Joyful news to all mankind,
Jesus is mighty to save;
All who seek shall surely find
Jesus is mighty to save.
--- Charles Coller
It takes 72 muscles to frown — only 14 to smile!
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)