Things went downhill fast after the serpent deceived our first parents in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve failed to trust the goodness of God and embraced a culture of death. Sin can cause even our best gifts and worship to be tarnished (Isaiah 1:12-15; 64:6). No one found that out more than Cain, the first […]
Naaman was a valiant military commander, but he suffered with leprosy. He traveled to Israel, hoping the God of the Hebrews would heal him; but when Naaman arrived at Elisha’s house, the prophet didn’t even bother to step outside. Instead, Elisha sent a messenger with odd-sounding instructions: “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan.” […]
Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson: 1. Think back on the Christmas presents you have just given. Which one do you think was appreciated most by the one receiving it? What made it an especially good gift? 2. The adage that we should give until it hurts has been countered […]
MONDAY Reading for Today: Matthew 1:1-17 Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 1 Genesis 1–2 Genesis 1–2 Just four words—In the beginning, God—but, oh, what a profound declaration! The writer does not offer any explanation for God’s existence; he assumes it. Of course, God exists! The transcendent God predates time, space, and the entire cosmos. In truth, there […]
Perhaps you’ve heard the advice, “Buy what you’re selling.” You wouldn’t expect a Ford salesman to drive a Chevy. On the threshold of a new year Christians may well want to ask, “If we are not convinced that Christ fulfilled prophecy (last week’s lesson) and also rose from the dead, will a watching world believe […]
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