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

The patriarchal blessing founded by God through the family of Abraham carried with it the very promise of salvation for humanity, ultimately fulfilled in God’s only Son, Jesus the Messiah. However, this “first family” was not without its problems. In their favoritism Isaac and Rebekah infused in their children a rivalry that had disastrous consequences for their descendants.  Never let family differences breed favoritism. From the very birth of Esau

Focal Passage: Genesis 13:5-11, 14-18  Families often face difficult crossroads of conflict. Problems can arise when we only look after our own interests. Abram and Lot responded to a family squabble by wisely deciding to part ways. However, Lot’s decision, out of greed and self-conceit, would result in life-altering consequences.  Identify the source of conflict. News flash: families fight! It is a reality of life today as it was in

Focal Passages: Genesis 4:1-12  We begin a new six-week study on family relationships and how they are to pattern our connection with the community at large. We start with the tragedy of Cain and Abel. This story provides deep insights into the human condition and the importance of taking the responsibility to look after our family members and our neighbors in the community and the world.  God has created each

Focal Passage: Philippians 1:1-11  The final study on God’s purpose for His people focuses on the importance of ministry partnerships and glorifying God through consistent and lifelong service to the kingdom of God.   Give thanks for ministry partnership. The book of Philippians is often called the Letter of Joy, but Paul wrote it while a prisoner. Philippi was a city in Macedonia (northern Greece) that had a thriving church

Focal Passages: Galatians 6:1-10  As we live out God’s will for our lives through embodying the fruit of the Holy Spirit, God’s purpose expresses itself in how we relate to others, especially those who belong to the household of faith.  Restore and share burdens. It’s easy for us to point fingers, gossip and quietly revel in the moral failures of others. Southern Baptists are experts at this, unfortunately.  We might

Focal Passage: Galatians 5:16-26  What is God’s purpose for your life? Many Christians often worry over this question. The New Testament, however, is clear on God’s desire for the believer. Galatians 5:16-26 teaches that God calls Christ’s disciples to live a life in the Spirit and to turn away from walking in the desires of the Flesh.   Walk by the Spirit and not the flesh. God’s purpose for believers

Focal Passages: Acts 3:14-26  We have learned in the previous two lessons that humanity’s purpose has been tarnished to the degree that we cannot restore it ourselves. In this lesson we learn that only through the gospel of Jesus can that purpose be restored forever.     Restoration comes through Jesus alone. Peter’s sermon in Acts 3 occurs after Peter and John encounter a beggar at the temple gate called