Weekly Lessons and Daily Bible Readings
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: March 3, 2024
February 26, 2024 - March 04, 2024 Time: 8:29 PM
Habakkuk
Focal Verses: Habakkuk 2:1-5, 3:17-19
Rejoice Anyway
Some people experience so many difficulties in life that they lose all hope for the future. Job and Habakkuk both affirmed that – no matter what calamities might come their way- they would trust God, rejoice in His presence in their lives, and praise Him for strength to carry on.
Keep in Mind
"17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will DISCOVER God’s message of patience and assurance that God will act with justice; EXPERIENCE the feeling of joy that comes from patiently waiting on God’s promises; and PRACTICE responding to difficulties by trusting in God’s presence and by praising God for strength to endure.
Focal Verses: Habakkuk 2:1-5, 3:17-19
Habakkuk 2:1-5
I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he[a] will answer my complaint. 2 Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. 3 This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. 4 “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked.
But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.5 Wealth[c] is treacherous, and the arrogant are never at rest. They open their mouths as wide as the grave and like death, they are never satisfied. In their greed they have gathered up many nations and swallowed many peoples.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Psalms 96-102
TUESDAY: Psalms 103-105
WEDNESDAY: Psalms 106-107
THURSDAY: Psalms 108-114
FRIDAY: Psalms 115-118
SATURDAY: Psalm 119:1-88
SUNDAY: Psalm 119:89-176
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: March 10, 2024
March 04, 2024 - March 11, 2024 Time: 8:33 PMZephaniah
Focal Verses: Zephaniah 3:1-5,8-9
Zephaniah Announces God’s Justice
Israel’s leaders have turned away from God. The officials, the rulers, the prophets, and the priests have been arrogant and treacherous. They have profaned God’s sanctuary and done violence to His Law. But the day will come when God will judge all the nations. Israel’s God will be acknowledged by the nations, and God’s people will be held in honor by them.
Keep in Mind
" 8 Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. ” (Zephaniah 3:8, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will EXPLORE those that will bring God’s judgment upon us; DEVELOP hearts that are not arrogant, treacherous, or profane; and PRACTICE obedience to God’s law.
Focal Verses: Zephaniah 3:1-5,8-9
Zephaniah 3:1-5
1 What sorrow awaits rebellious, polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and rime!
2 No one can tell it anything; it refuses all correction. It does not trust in the Lord
or draw near to its God.3 Its leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims.
Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time, who by dawn have left no trace of their prey. 4 Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain.
Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God’s instructions. 5 But the Lord is still there in the city, and he does no wrong. Day by day he hands down justice,
and he does not fail. But the wicked know no shame.
Zephaniah 3:8-9
8 Therefore, be patient,” says the Lord. “Soon I will stand and accuse these evil nations. For I have decided to gather the kingdoms of the earth and pour out my fiercest anger and fury on them. All the earth will be devoured by the fire of my jealousy. 9 “Then I will purify the speech of all people, so that everyone can worship the Lord together.
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Psalms 120-132
TUESDAY: Psalms 133-139
WEDNESDAY: Psalms 140-145
THURSDAY: Psalms 146-150
FRIDAY: Proverbs 1-3
SATURDAY: Proverbs 4-6
SUNDAY: Proverbs 7-9
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: March 24, 2024
March 18, 2024 - March 25, 2024 Time: 8:43 PMZechariah
Focal Verses: Zechariah 1:1-6; 7:8-14
Zechariah Calls for a Return to God
Zachariah invites the people to return to t God with the sure promise that God will return to them. Zechariah says that when we return to the Lord, wholeness and happiness becomes available to us a well.
Keep in Mind
"3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 1:3, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will IDENTIFY God’s calling for us to repent of our sins and seek forgiveness; CONVICTED for any wrong things that we have done; and PRAY for forgiveness of our sins.
Focal Verses: Zechariah 1:1-6; 7:8-14
Zechariah 1:1-6
1 In November[a] of the second year of King Darius’s reign, the Lord gave this message to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah and grandson of Iddo:2 “I, the Lord, was very angry with your ancestors. 3 Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.’ 4 Don’t be like your ancestors who would not listen or pay attention when the earlier prophets said to them, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Turn from your evil ways, and stop all your evil practices.’ 5 “Where are your ancestors now? They and the prophets are long dead. 6 But everything I said through my servants the prophets happened to your ancestors, just as I said. As a result, they repented and said, ‘We have received what we deserved from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He has done what he said he would do.’”
Zechariah 7:8-14
8 Then this message came to Zechariah from the Lord: 9 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. 10 Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other. 11 “Your ancestors refused to listen to this message. They stubbornly turned away and put their fingers in their ears to keep from hearing. 12 They made their hearts as hard as stone, so they could not hear the instructions or the messages that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies had sent them by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. That is why the Lord of Heaven’s Armies was so angry with them. 13 “Since they refused to listen when I called to them, I would not listen when they called to me, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 14 As with a whirlwind, I scattered them among the distant nations, where they lived as strangers. Their land became so desolate that no one even traveled through it. They turned their pleasant land into a desert.”
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Proverbs 30-31
TUESDAY: Ecclesiastes 1-4
WEDNESDAY: Ecclesiastes 5-8
THURSDAY: Ecclesiastes 9-12
FRIDAY: Song of Solomon 1-8
SATURDAY: Isaiah 1-4
SUNDAY: Isaiah 5-8
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: March 31, 2024
March 25, 2024 - April 01, 2024 Time: 8:51 PMMalachi
Focal Verses: Malachi 3:1-10
Return to a Just God
Fairness and philanthropy are most apparent during times of great tragedy and loss. How do the faithful demonstrate the same benevolent and just spirit all the time? Malachi informs the faithful that God requires justice and faithfulness and will bestow bountiful blessings in proportion to what they are willing to give.
Keep in Mind
"7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? ” (Malachi 3:7, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will ANALZE Malachi’s prophecy about possessions, CONFESS personal unfaithfulness to God, and INSTITUTE a personal charitable living plan.
Focal Verses: Malachi 3:1-10
1 “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
2 “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.
3 He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.
4 Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.
5 “At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice, for these people do not fear me,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
6 “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed.
7 Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’
8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.
9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me.
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Isaiah 9-12
TUESDAY: Isaiah 13-17
WEDNESDAY: Isaiah 18-22
THURSDAY: Isaiah 23-27
FRIDAY: Isaiah 28-30
SATURDAY: Isaiah 31-35
SUNDAY: Isaiah 36-41
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: April 7, 2024
April 01, 2024 - April 08, 2024 Time: 8:16 AM
Matthew
Focal Verses: Matthew 1:18-25
Emmanuel Is Born
The angel told Joseph about Mary’s pregnancy. The Old Testament prophets had already foretold the virgin birth of Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Joseph was obedient to God and did not put Mary away privately,
Keep in Mind
" 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. ” (Matthew 1:21, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will EVALUATE the story of the birth of Jesus with fresh eyes, FEEL the presence of God in our lives, and CONSIDER fresh ways of sharing the Good News with others.
Focal Verses: Matthew 1:18-25
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.
19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.
25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Isaiah 42-44
TUESDAY: Isaiah 45-48
WEDNESDAY: Isaiah 49-53
THURSDAY: Isaiah 54-58
FRIDAY: Isaiah 59-63
SATURDAY: Isaiah 64-66
SUNDAY: Jeremiah 1-3
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: April 14, 2024
April 08, 2024 - April 15, 2024 Time: 8:19 AM
Mark
Focal Verses: Mark 11:1-11
Hosanna!
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem for the Passover celebration marked the beginning of His final days. He fulfills the prophecies of the coming Messiah.
Keep in Mind
" 9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (Mark 11:9, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will RECOUNT the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem; REFLECT on the meaning of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem; and DEVELOP a prayer in praise of Jesus’ triumphal entry.
Focal Verses: Mark 11:1-11
1 As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead.
2 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.
3 If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”
4 The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door.
5 As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?”
6 They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it.
7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.
8 Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields.
9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
10 Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!”
11 So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple. After looking around carefully at everything, he left because it was late in the afternoon. Then he returned to Bethany with the twelve disciples.
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Jeremiah 4-6
TUESDAY: Jeremiah 7-9
WEDNESDAY: Jeremiah 10-13
THURSDAY: Jeremiah 14-17
FRIDAY: Jeremiah 18-22
SATURDAY: Jeremiah 23-25
SUNDAY: Jeremiah 26-29
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: April 21, 2024
April 15, 2024 - April 22, 2024 Time: 8:23 AM
Luke
Focal Verses: Luke 22:7-23
The Lord’s Supper
The Scripture passage focuses on the institution of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus sent Peter and John out to find a room, which had already been prepared for them. It was here that Jesus had His last supper with His apostles.
Keep in Mind
" 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22: 19-20, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will EXPLORE the principles behind the Lord’s Supper; COMMIT to participate in the Lord’s Supper as Jesus would have believers do; and MOTIVATED to teach someone else about the importance of the Lord’s Supper.
Focal Verses: Luke 22:7-23
7 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed.
8 Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, “Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together.”
9 “Where do you want us to prepare it?” they asked him.
10 He replied, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters,
11 say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’
12 He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.”
13 They went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.
14 When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table.
15 Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.
16 For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”
17 Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves.
18 For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”
19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
20 After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.
21 “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me.
22 For it has been determined that the Son of Man[c] must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.”
23 The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Jeremiah 30-31
TUESDAY: Jeremiah 32-34
WEDNESDAY: Jeremiah 35-37
THURSDAY: Jeremiah 38-41
FRIDAY: Jeremiah 42-45
SATURDAY: Jeremiah 46-48
SUNDAY: Jeremiah 49-50
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: April 28, 2024
April 22, 2024 - April 29, 2024 Time: 8:28 AMJohn
Focal Verses: John 20:1-10, 19-20
The Living Word
The disciples were afraid and locked themselves in a room. They did not expect a resurrection. When Jesus appeared to them, they greatly rejoiced.
Keep in Mind
" 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD!.” (John 20:20, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will DESCRIBE the disciples’ response to Jesus’ death and resurrection; APPRECIATE the beginning of a new life in Christ; and INVITE someone to learn more about Christ.
Focal Verses: John 20:1-10, 19-20
John 20:1-10
1 Early on Sunday morning,[a] while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 3 Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. 4 They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. 6 Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, 7 while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. 8 Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— 9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. 10 Then they went home.
John 20:19-20
19 That Sunday evening[a] the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Jeremiah 51-52
TUESDAY: Lamentations 1-3; 36
WEDNESDAY: Lamentations 3;37-5
THURSDAY: Ezekiel 1-4
FRIDAY: Ezekiel 5-8
SATURDAY: Ezekiel 9-12
SUNDAY: Ezekiel 13-15
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: May 5, 2024
May 01, 2024 - May 06, 2024 Time: 9:47 AM
Acts
Focal Verses: Acts 10:24-38
Peter Takes A Risk
It is very natural for humans to show partiality to some and not to others. What are some possibilities when a person risks being open and welcoming to all? Peter’s recognition that God shows no partiality allowed him to tell the Good News to the Gentiles.
Keep in Mind
" 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him..” (Acts 10:34-35, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will DISCOVER that Peter told the Gentiles about the message of God’s Love; CELEBRATE that God loves all people; and COMMUNICATE God’s love to those who do not know Jesus Christ as Savor.
Focal Verses: Acts 10:24-38
24 They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25 As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him.
26 But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!”
27 So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.
28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.
29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”
30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me.
31 He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!
32 Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’
33 So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.”
34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.
35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.
36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
37 You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism.
38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Ezekiel 16-17
TUESDAY: Ezekiel 18-20
WEDNESDAY: Ezekiel 21-22
THURSDAY: Ezekiel 23-24
FRIDAY: Ezekiel 25-27
SATURDAY: Ezekiel 28-30
SUNDAY: Ezekiel 31-33
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: May12, 2024
May 06, 2024 - May 13, 2024 Time: 9:51 AM
Romans
Focal Verses: Romans 10:5-17
Salvation for All Who Believe
Many people lack confidence in addressing life’s circumstances. How can one gain trust? Salvation comes to all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and believe in their hearts.
Keep in Mind
"13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will EXAMINE Paul’s confidence in the salvation offered in Christ; FEEL justified through our faith in Christ; and EMRACE with joy the possibility for all.
Focal Verses: Romans 10:5-17
5 For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands.
6 But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (to bring Christ down to earth).
7 And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead?’ (to bring Christ back to life again).”
8 In fact, it says, “The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach:
9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.
13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Ezekiel 34-36
TUESDAY: Ezekiel 37-39
WEDNESDAY: Ezekiel 40-42
THURSDAY: Ezekiel 43-45
FRIDAY: Ezekiel 46-48
SATURDAY: Daniel 1-3
SUNDAY: Daniel 4-6
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: May 19, 2024
May 13, 2024 - May 20, 2024 Time: 9:55 AM1-2 Corinthians
Focal Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:14-31
The Spirit Creates One Body
Organizations are composed of several interrelated, interdependent functional parts. Why is it important to value all the parts? In his letter, Paul told the Corinthian church that all spiritual gifts are necessary for the church’s efficient operation.
Keep in Mind
"20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:20, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will ANALYZE how each member of the body supports the other members; VALUE the difference gifts operating within the church; and DECIDE to use spiritual gifts in cooperation with others for building up the body of Christ.
Focal Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:14-31
14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.
15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body.
16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.
19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part!
20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.
21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.
23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen,
24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity.
25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other.
26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:
first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.
29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles?
30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not!
31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Daniel 7-9
TUESDAY: Daniel 10-12
WEDNESDAY: Hosea 1-7
THURSDAY: Hosea 8-14
FRIDAY: Joel
SATURDAY: Amos 1-5
SUNDAY: Amos 6-9
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: May 26, 2024
May 20, 2024 - May 27, 2024 Time: 9:59 AMGalations
Focal Verses: Galatians 4:8-20
New Birth Brings Freedom
People are tempted to sacrifice freedom in order to gain a sense of security. What are the dangers of this trade-off? Paul rebuked the Galatians for trading the freedom Christ gives from slavery for religious legalism.
Keep in Mind
"13 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?” (Galatians 4:9, KJV)
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will CLASSIFY religious expectations and practices that diminish Christian freedom; EMPATHIZE with those who have been harmed by narrow religiosity; and CHALLENGE unhealthy attitudes toward religious practices or traditions.
Focal Verses: Galatians 4:8-20
8 Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist.
9 So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world?
10 You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years.
11 I fear for you. Perhaps all my hard work with you was for nothing.
12 Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to live as I do in freedom from these things, for I have become like you Gentiles—free from those laws. You did not mistreat me when I first preached to you.
13 Surely you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News.
14 But even though my condition tempted you to reject me, you did not despise me or turn me away. No, you took me in and cared for me as though I were an angel from God or even Christ Jesus himself.
15 Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then? I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible.
16 Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth?
17 Those false teachers are so eager to win your favor, but their intentions are not good. They are trying to shut you off from me so that you will pay attention only to them.
18 If someone is eager to do good things for you, that’s all right; but let them do it all the time, not just when I’m with you.
19 Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.
20 I wish I were with you right now so I could change my tone. But at this distance I don’t know how else to help you.
Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: Obadiah - Jonah
TUESDAY: Micah 1-7
WEDNESDAY: Nahum 1-3
THURSDAY: Habakkuk-Zephaniah
FRIDAY: Haggai 1-2
SATURDAY: Zechariah 1-7
SUNDAY: Zechariah 8-14