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

Focal Passage: Genesis 42:3-5, 21-24a, 45:1-5  The story of Joseph and his brothers teaches us that it is better to work toward restoration and reconciliation than to seek revenge. While Hollywood can earn millions with a movie plot centered on a protagonist seeking to claim vengeance, God demonstrates through the gospel that reconciliation and forgiveness leads to the greatest story ever told.  God often uses crisis to bring about reconciliation.

Focal Passages: Genesis 37:1-4, 18-24, 31-34  The greatest family dynamic in the Book of Genesis must be Joseph and his brothers. God demonstrates His faithfulness even through betrayal, setbacks and suffering. This story also illustrates that family reconciliation is possible, even in the most extreme cases, when the love and grace of the Lord God comes into play. That happy ending for Joseph and his brothers is for next week’s

Focal Passage: Genesis 27:35-41; 33:1-4, 8-11  Isaac and Rebekah’s favoritism spawned a family rivalry between their sons Esau and Jacob. Jacob and Rebekah’s deception threatened to destroy the family forever. Yet, Jacob desired to return to the land promised to his grandfather Abraham. That would require restoration of family ties long severed. The reconciliation between Jacob and Esau provides hope for families broken asunder by hatred and deception.  Hatred should