Isaiah 9:1-3  (HCSB)Birth of the Prince of Peace9 Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future He will bring honor to the Way of the Sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations.2 The people walking in darknesshave seen a great light;a light has dawnedon...  Read More

Matthew 4:23-25  (HCSB)Teaching, Preaching, and Healing23 Jesus was going all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 Then the news about Him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to Him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed...  Read More

Matthew 4:18-22  (HCSB)The First Disciples18 As He was walking along the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen.19 “Follow Me,” He told them, “and I will make you fish for people!” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, ...  Read More

JESUS CALLS PEOPLE TO FOLLOW HIMMatthew 4:12-17  (HCSB)Ministry in Galilee12 When He heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee.13 He left Nazareth behind and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,along the sea road, beyond the Jordan,Gal...  Read More

AFFIRMATIONAPPLY THE TEXTBelievers are called to demonstrate obedience through baptism by immersion.We can rely on Scripture to find strength and resist temptation.We can trust God’s faithfulness without demanding miracles.We must acknowledge God alone as worthy of our worshipThere is strength in numbers. How can your group members support and encourage one another as they face life’s temptations?...  Read More

JESUS’S WORDS HAVE AUTHORITYMatthew 7:1-6 (HCSB)Do Not Judge7 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look,...  Read More

1.  What lessons on humility can you draw from Jesus submitting to John's baptism? Have        you walked in obedience yourself? Why was Jesus baptized if He hadn’t sinned? Why is      it important that all three Persons of the Trinity are present at Jesus’ baptism?2.  How does knowing that you are a "beloved child of God" give     you courage in the temptations and trials of life? How does     se...  Read More

Matthew 4:8-11 (HCSB)8 Again, the Devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to Him, “I will give You all these things if You will fall down and worship me.”10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written:Worship the Lord your God,and serve only Him.”11 Then the Devil left Him, and immediately angels came and beg...  Read More

Matthew 4:5-7 (HCSB)5 Then the Devil took Him to the holy city, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:He will give His angels orders concerning you,and they will support you with their handsso that you will not strikeyour foot against a stone.”7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord you...  Read More

 Matthew 4:1-4 (HCSB)The Temptation of Jesus4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. 2 After He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 But He answered, “It is written:Man must not live on bread alonebut on every word that comes from the...  Read More

Matthew 3:16-17 (HCSB)16 After Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on Him. 17 And there came a voice from heaven:This is My beloved Son.I take delight in Him!Karen CothernCould you imagine... Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all at once? I would fall over! I can feel the weig...  Read More

Jesus Came to Fulfill the Father’s Plan of SalvationMatthew 3:13-15  (HCSB)The Baptism of Jesus13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to stop Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and yet You come to me?”15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him to be bap...  Read More