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

Focal Passage: I Samuel 18:1-4, 19:1-4, 23:15-18  David and Jonathan exemplify a close-knit friendship — as described in Proverbs 18:24 — in I Samuel. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, did not allow the animosity fostered by his father against David to spoil the devotion he had for his friend. Jonathan’s solidarity with the future king of Israel proved true regardless of the cultural and familial pressures surrounding him.  

Focal Passages: Judges 4:4-8, 12-16; 5:1-5  When we think of the book of Judges, we probably will think of characters like Samson or Gideon. However, the book of Judges tells the story of several leaders in Israel who responded to God’s call. Judges outlines a cycle of disobedience and oppression for the nation of Israel.  In the wake of Joshua’s passing the people of Israel slid into a pattern of

Focal Passage: Exodus 17:8-13; 24:13-15  The second study of this quarter focuses on the role of the supporting casts of the Bible. No one likes to play second fiddle. We all aspire to leading roles in the activities we pursue. This is the road to self-centeredness and conceit. Rather, God calls us to a life of servant-hearted ministry. We must realize it really is not about us in the first

Focal Passages: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:14-20  Over the past few weeks we have studied the many covenants God has made with His people. From Eden’s call to replenish the earth to God’s promise of a Davidic King the Bible displays the beauty of God’s assurances to provide the faithful with a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). All of these covenant promises find their fulfillment in the New Covenant outlined

Focal Passage: II Samuel 7:8-16  In addition to God’s promise of blessing and salvation through the lineage of Abraham, God also promised King David in II Samuel 7 that there would always be one of His descendants sitting on the throne in Jerusalem. God has always remained faithful to the assurances He has given.  Nonetheless, a king does not currently sit on a throne in Jerusalem. David’s descendants would reign

Focal Passage: II Chronicles 7:1-3, 12-20  As we close out the month of June, the American public make plans for the cookouts, fireworks  and summer fun of Independence Day.   As believers enjoy this festive time of patriotism, we must also take time to pray for our country and ask the Lord for His continued blessing upon this nation. II Chronicles 7 outlines the way we can intercede on behalf

Focal Passage: Exodus 19:1-8  The book of Exodus tells the wonderful story of how God delivered the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt and led them toward the Promised Land.  This narrative demonstrates the faithfulness of the Lord to His plan of salvation and great desire to make a people for Himself who will be a city on a hill, shining the Light of Christ on a lost and