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

Focal Passages: Ecclesiastes 1:1-14  We begin a six-week study on living a life focused on God’s purpose for our lives. To live a life of true meaning, everyone must first understand the futility of life without faith in God.  Every human searches for meaning and significance. The problem is that we search in every way other than the one leading to lasting fulfillment. This week’s lesson illustrates the meaninglessness of

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 36:4-8, 16-18; 45:1-5  Jeremiah was a great prophet of the Lord. He was faithful to the end proclaiming God’s judgment on Judah in spite of constant rejection. Baruch proved to be a valuable friend, encourager and servant to the prophet during some of Jeremiah’s most difficult days.   Faithfully represent those you serve. Jeremiah had become such a nuisance to the people of Judah that the king

Focal Passages: Esther 3:1-9, 6:10-14  This week’s lesson points to a secondary character in the book of Esther that serves as a cautionary tale.  Haman is the great villain of the story and teaches the dangers of allowing positions of power to serve one’s hubris and pride.     Accept honors with humility.  Esther is the great narrative about how a Jewish young woman becomes queen of Persia and helps