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

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

There are so many things I love about Winter- like the beauty of the snow, Christmas and all its pageantry, and a time to slow down a little bit (at least you don’t have to mow the yard). But then there are the long dark days, the sharp chill of the northern wind, and the feeling of being stuck inside.I am thankful that God designed the seasons because they give us points of reference and new thin...  Read More

GOD'S POWERAPPLY THE TEXTBelievers can trust in God’s love for them.Believers should find their security in God alone.How have you seen God to be sufficient in times of need? Discuss with your Bible study group why people tend to look for security in something they can see and touch.Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you ever doubted that God loved you? What were you going through that ma...  Read More

 1.   In chapter 31:9–13, Moses commands the public       reading of Scripture. How consistently are you       engaging with God’s Word? What is one small       change you could make to grow in this area?2. God calls us to teach our children and others to    know and fear Him. How are you helping the next    generation hear, understand, and love God’s Word?3.  What does your obedience look like wh...  Read More

Deuteronomy 34:1-12  (HCSB)Moses’ Death34 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho, and the Lord showed him all the land: Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, 3 the Negev, and the region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar...  Read More