The Word Doers of the Word (James 1:22-25) Learning biblical information does not guarantee biblical transformation. Â We must learn how to apply the Word of God into our lives. CONTEXT The early Church spread rapidly through the power of the gospel. The apostles wrote letters to clarify doctrine and practice to the growing Church. James, the brother of Jesus and …
The Word The Daily Church (Acts 2:42-47) As the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples, the early church was born.  This body of believers met together daily and saw God do amazing acts in their midst. CONTEXT Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection changed everything. As Jesus commissioned the disciples in his heavenly ascent, he told them to wait for the gift …
The Word Salt and Light (Matt. 5:13-16) As Jesus began his public ministry, he gathered disciples in order to teach them how to live for the Kingdom. As he once encouraged them to be salt and light, we are called to the same lifestyles as his followers. Â CONTEXT Since we could not make it to God, God came to …
As God’s people wavered in their devotion, Malachi revealed that the promised Messiah was drawing near. This great and awesome day of the LORD would change everything. CONTEXT After their division, both Israel and Judah eventually fell into enemies’ hands and were exiled from the Promised Land. Years later, a remnant returned to rebuild the temple, the walls, and a …
The Word I Have Found the Book (2 Kings 22) King Josiah stumbled upon the neglected Word of God and it changed the nation. We must blow the dust off of the Bible and encounter God’s claims upon our lives. CONTEXT King Solomon walked in the ways of the LORD until foreign women turned his heart after foreign gods. God …
As David neared his death, he gave final instructions to his son, Solomon. Out of all the wisdom he could have given, he urged his son to walk in the ways of the LORD. CONTEXT Samuel anointed King Saul – a man after Israel’s heart, and then later King David – a man after God’s heart. After a life full …
The Word The Word of the LORD Was Rare [1 Samuel 3:1-4:1] Samuel was called to be a prophet during a time when the Word of the LORD was rare. His ministry was established by God’s presence and determined by God’s Word. CONTEXT After 40 years of wilderness wanderings, the Israelites saw the Promised Land under Moses and entered the …
The Word Impatient Idolatry (Ex. 32) Even though the people had gotten out of Egypt, Egypt hadn’t gotten out of the people. Growing impatient with God’s timing, the people used a gift from God as an idol for God. This passage focuses on the Israelites’ formation of the golden calf and God’s judgment of their actions. CONTEXT After Joseph died, …
The Word God Meant It for Good Gen. 50:15-21 Once Israel died, his sons feared Joseph’s retaliation. While Joseph had been hurt by their evil, he viewed his suffering role as critical in the good God was doing. CONTEXT Genesis portrays God’s promise coming true through Abraham’s growing family. Abraham’s great-grandson, Joseph, was favored by his father and yet despised …
The Word There’s a Ram in the Thicket (Gen. 22) God miraculously gave Abraham a son but later commanded to sacrifice him. Instead of Abraham having to go through with Isaac’s death, a ram in the thicket became the substitute. Context After the Fall in the Garden of Eden, sin escalated so much that God sent his wrath in the form of a …