Luke 1:57-66  (HCSB)The Birth and Naming of John 57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son. 58 Then her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her His great mercy, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came to circumcise the child on the eighth day, they were going to name him Zechariah, after his father. 60 But his mother responded, “No! He will be ...  Read More

Luke 1:18-25  (HCSB)18 “How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my wor...  Read More

Luke 1:8-17  (HCSB)8 When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 ...  Read More

Luke 1:5-7  (HCSB)Gabriel Predicts John’s Birth5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. 7 But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and ...  Read More

IS FIGHTING EVER RIGHT?Treat soldiers and law enforcement personnel with honor and respect as they fight to save and protect the lives of others.KEY TRUTH: War and Fighting Are Sometimes Necessary to Protect and Defend the Innocent (Genesis 14:1–24)KEY TRUTH: God Sometimes Uses War and Fighting to Implement Justice (Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 20:1–18; 9:4–5; 18:9–14)KEY TRUTH: A Final War Will End...  Read More

1. Matthew 5-7 is the Sermon On The Mount. How is it different than just a simple code of ethics? How does the trials, beatings, crucifixion, and death affect how we view Jesus’ statement to “turn the other cheek”? What is God’s purpose in that? Why should we do good to those that do us harm?2. In 2 Corinthians 10:1-6, Paul is chided for being “bold” at a distance but “humble” in person. Why    wo...  Read More

Revelation 19:11-21 (HCSB)The Rider on a White Horse11 Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and He judges and makes war in righteousness.12 His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on His head. He had a name written that no one knows except Himself. 13 He wore a robe stained with blood, and His name is the Word of God. 14 The a...  Read More

2 Corinthians 10:1-6 (HCSB)Paul’s Apostolic Authority10 Now I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you by the gentleness and graciousness of Christ—I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent. 2 I beg you that when I am present I will not need to be bold with the confidence by which I plan to challenge certain people who think we are behaving in an unspiritual way. 3 For though...  Read More

Matthew 5:38-48 (HCSB)Go the Second Mile 38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with...  Read More

Deuteronomy 20:1-18 (HCSB)Rules for War20 “When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. 2 When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army. 3 He is to say to them: ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are abo...  Read More

Genesis 14:1-20  (HCSB)Abram Rescues Lot14 In those days Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim 2 waged war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, as well as the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 All of these came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea). 4 ...  Read More

Disobedience Leads To DefeatThink carefully about your decisions and actions. Your choices will have an impact on those around you.KEY TRUTH: Our Choices Have Consequences for Us and for Others (Joshua 7:1–5, 10–26)KEY TRUTH: Disobeying God Leads to Failure and Judgment (Joshua 7:2–15))FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER CHURCH!How can thinking about the consequences of wrong actions ...  Read More