Focal Passage: Psalm 40:1-11    Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Or is it more of a “grrrr-attitude?” This week’s lesson on The ATTITUDE in Worship, from Psalm 40:1-11, could help you settle that question.  We’re in a series called The Heart of Worship, and frankly, the study today is one of my favorites in the entire series. Is Psalm 40 “Messianic”? Not everyone thinks so. Messianic passages in

Focal Passage: Psalm 25:4-15  A gray-haired man and his young grandson were walking outdoors. The boy asked, “Grandpa, can a feller see God?” The grandfather stopped. He scanned the blue sky and the billowing clouds, saw the trees swaying in the wind, and the birds and squirrels flittering about. “Son,” he answered, “If a feller really looks, all he CAN see is God.”  Inspired worship happens, when everywhere we look,

Focal Passage: Exodus 1:16-17; 22-2:10  Shiphrah, Puah, and Jochebed. Not everyone will recognize those first two names; many will know the third. They are three brave women depicted in today’s study passage, Exodus 1:16-17; 1:22-2:10. It isn’t an exaggeration to say this “ladies’ trio” helped change the history of the world. Our lesson is called “Treasuring What God Treasures,” and it’s a beautiful story about the sanctity of life.  Treasuring

Focal Passage: Isaiah 40:21-31  Matt Redman wrote a song that includes the line, “I’m coming back to the heart of worship, And … it’s all about You, Jesus.” That phrase, The Heart of Worship, is the title of our new lesson series. Today’s study, from Isaiah 40: 21-31, is The FOCUS of Our Worship.  I recently asked a congregation, “How many of you were ever in a boring worship service?”

Focal Passage: Matthew 24:32-44  It might seem strange — here in January — to still be in a series of lessons entitled “Looking Forward to CHRISTmas.” We could also wonder why today’s lesson in that series concerns Christ’s Second Coming — His Second Advent. Remembering that “Advent” is another term for CHRISTmas, I checked the dictionary.  Advent is defined as “… a time of waiting and preparation for both the

Focal Passage: Matthew 2:1-11; 16-18  The very “first CHRISTmas” was over. Jesus’ birthday had come to pass. Some research scientists of that day had gotten word of it, and had traveled a long way to see the newborn Child. Even though theirs was an after CHRISTmas visit, it was memorable: they had sojourned many miles to WORSHIP that Baby!  Our calendars also say CHRISTmas 2024 has “come to pass,” yet

Note from the writer: I returned to Tennessee to become pastor of FBC Columbia in 1996; two years later Lonnie Wilkey became editor of the B&R. So he has been my ‘window’ into Tennessee Baptist life — and into Kingdom work beyond — for nearly 30 years. Lonnie is truly a gentle giant in Christian journalism, and I’m privileged to call him friend. How deeply grateful I am for his

Focal Passage: Isaiah 8:20-9:7  I was in high school the first time I heard a live performance of Handel’s Messiah. The climax was The Hallelujah Chorus; everyone stood. But I’d been even more impressed earlier as the tympani drummer in the orchestra pounded the rhythm and the exuberant choir sang: “And His name shall be called, WONDERFUL! COUNSELOR! THE MIGHTY GOD! THE EVERLASTING  FATHER! THE PRINCE OF PEACE!”  Those words

Focal Passage: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11  This is the first of six Bible Studies for Life entitled: Looking Forward to CHRISTmas. (I always spell it “CHRISTmas,” by the way. For years I have put CHRIST in all caps. It’s a reminder to me and everyone that we are not the reason for the season, He is. After all, it’s not “ChristmUS!” )  Looking Forward is a good choice of words; we

Focal Passages: Psalm 30  We turn our attention this last lesson of the fall quarter to Thanksgiving, a favorite holiday for many believers.  Psalm 30 highlights many reasons for God’s children to be grateful.  Entitled “A Dedication Song for the House,” this Psalm of David focuses on the individual’s thanksgiving to God for deliverance and healing.    Rescued from destruction. We may not have armies encompassing us, threatening our safety