Psalm 9-10 – Winter 2023-2024 Guide – Part 1
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January 2024
The Importance of Geography in Scripture
Stories need characters, action, and a place for them. Compelling stories occur in time and space. These when and where markers offer context and establish the story’s credibility. Nonetheless, many consider these markers of secondary importance. I was first impressed with the importance of geography in Scripture when reading about the prophet Elijah. Here are
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Leadership History
This article came from a paper I wrote while pursuing my master’s degree in organizational leadership. Apart from adding some headings and correcting a few grammatical mistakes, I haven’t done much to revise it. As I recall, this paper followed the contents of Northouse’s Leadership: Theory and Practice textbook, which was required reading for the
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Finding the Words of My Heart in Art.
Art is the language of the heart. Sometimes a song lyric, a melody, or a movie scene can illuminate truths in a way that academic theology can’t. And that is why even secular art can become the occasion of a sacred experience. Christopher West, Fill These Hearts: God, Sex, and the Universal Longing. Shopping for
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Paul is Not Invited to Homecoming
Churches often observe special occasions: a missions conference, a revival, or a homecoming service (a Southern thing). These services often include a tradition of inviting a former pastor, missionary, or guest speaker. Pastors consider it a high honor, a token of respect and appreciation, to be invited back to a church you have once ministered
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Luke 5 – Winter 2023-2024 Guide – Part 2
Knowing the Story – Review Retell the story with as much accuracy as possible. For example, include the language ‘on one occasion’ to emphasize the time-lapse between Jesus’ healing of Simon’s mother-in-law and Jesus’ preaching from Simon’s boat. You can also stress that the boats by the lake were empty because the fishermen were washing
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Paul’s Confidence
Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus… 1 Corinthians 1:1a (ESV) Between Paul’s salutation in verse 1 and his testimony to his preaching in chapter 2, one wonders where he found his confidence. And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of
Luke 5 – Winter 2023-2024 Guide – Part 1
Knowing the Story Read Luke 4:38-39; 5:1-11 [added 4:38-39] We have four sections to recall: Who are the characters in the story?– Jesus, Simon, Simon’s mother-in-law, a crowd, fishermen, James and John Where does this story take place?– The synagogue, Simon’s house, the lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee) What actions occur in Simon’s house?
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Knowing the Story
I often find it is far too easy to breeze through the stories in the Bible. Sometimes, a sense of familiarity causes me to rush. The desire to find contemporary parallels to the story, dig deeper into the author’s word choice, and apply the story to our lives risks overshadowing the actual story. It’s easier
Psalm 91 – Winter 2023-2024 Guide
Read Psalm 91 Curriculum’s Point: “We can trust God to strengthen and help us.”→ Help participants see this psalm as a prayer for God’s protection and that God’s protection may still mean going through a terrifying experience. What are some things Americans are afraid of? What are some ways people look for security? What do
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