• Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60

The dictionary defines “boldness” as “fearlessness; courageousness.” It perhaps most often is associated with those who demonstrate conspicuous bravery in the face of real physical danger. Yet we also talk of the boldness of those who confidently express their ideas and opinions in the face of possible disagreement.

Most people have little problem summoning the boldness to state their convictions in discussions of sports or politics. Yet many believers find it difficult to verbally affirm their faith in a crowd of unbelievers. Fear of rejection or ridicule is typically the reason given for their hesitancy. Yet all believers know the message of the gospel is far more important than any particular opinions concerning the best team or any specific political issue. God has commissioned all believers as heralds of great news and calls on us to do so boldly.

The book of Acts contains the stories of the leaders of the early church and their commitment to faithfully spread the message. Among those stories is that of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Stephen stands for all time as a model of boldness in professing and defending faith in Jesus.

Bold in discussion (Acts 6:8-10)

As the early church began to spread and grow under the leadership of the apostles, it quite naturally came into conflict with the Jewish religious leaders. As they had with Jesus, these rabbis saw the believers as proclaiming a message that called for neglecting or even denying the validity of the old traditions. In addition, they noted the fact that the leaders of the new church were fishermen who had no formal religious training, and so they sought to engage them in debates in order to discredit them.

On one such occasion, Stephen, who had just been selected as one of the first deacons, faced a gathering of rabbis representing several geographical regions and ideological positions. They almost certainly disputed with him on a number of theological issues and came from different angles, yet the Bible states they could not prevail against the wisdom with which he spoke.

There is no indication Stephen ever had formally studied philosophy or theology. Acts 6:5 simply states he was filled with the Holy Spirit. It is that presence within the life of every believer that gives us boldness as witnesses. We need not feel the response of someone else because the Spirit will empower us and give us the words to say.

Bold amid hostility (Acts 6:11-15)

In response to their failure to overcome Stephen in the debate, the rabbis sought to incite the crowd against him by claiming he had blasphemed and condemned Jewish traditions. Although verse 15 indicates they saw no contempt in him, opposition began to arise against Stephen. Knowing how they had treated Jesus, Stephen perhaps began to sense they intended to silence him. Stephen faced consequences to his continued profession which were far more dire than rejection or ridicule. Yet he continued to unapologetically proclaim the gospel.

Indeed, as the hostility against him rose, he stood in the midst of the crowd and clearly explained how their own traditions had pointed to Jesus (chapter 7). At the end of his elaborate argument, Stephen boldly accused the religious leaders of being the ones who had denied the truth. They had studied their own history and knew what the ancient prophets had said, but had refused to believe it.

Such a harsh and explicit accusation to the face of the religious leadership certainly required unusual boldness on the part of Stephen. The Bible tells us the gospel message is a “stone of stumbling and a rock of offense” to those who do not believe. As we share its message, we will confront resistance. Yet while many choose to be silent at the first signs of opposition, Stephen’s story shows us it is at those times that the Spirit of God within us provides all we need to remain bold even amid hostility.

Bold to the end (Acts 7:54-60)

Having been directly confronted and accused in such a manner, the rabbis responded in anger and had Stephen stoned. Even as they were raging around him, Stephen remained calm and continued to proclaim what he saw. Perhaps as a reward for his boldness and a means of peace and reassurance, Stephen is granted a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God in heaven. Stephen’s boldness continued as he accepted their judgment and even asked God to forgive them as he died.

It is easy for believers today to read this story and attribute Stephen’s boldness to some special position or calling. We often can see these early believers who maintained a bold profession even to death as having some special level of commitment that is beyond us. Yet the biblical accounts of their lives seem to indicate that these were ordinary men and women, no different than believers today.

In fact, believers today have the benefit of 2,000 years of church history that clearly demonstrates God’s unfailing faithfulness in upholding those who follow him. Even today, there are tens of thousands each year who pay with their lives for simply professing faith in Jesus. Indeed, God had called all believers to boldly proclaim the Truth in word and deed and in all circumstances, whether peaceful or hostile. And we can do so fearlessly and courageously knowing God’s Spirit of boldness lives in us.

Mark 8:27-37; Romans 6:1-4

Today, a man came to the church where I pastor to bid on some painting work that needs to be done. He expressed concern regarding the different denominations our respective churches belonged to. I decided to assure him that my goal was not making more “Baptists” but making sure that everyone had a chance to hear the gospel message—that the only way to God was through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

There. I had done my pastoral duty and inserted spiritual material into an otherwise mundane conversation. His reply caught me off guard: “Yeah. He’s quite a guy, isn’t he?” Quite a guy? This attitude is one of the greatest challenges that faces individuals who choose to follow Christ. Who is it that we are following?

Jesus queries his motley group of disciples about who people think he is. Is he “quite a guy”? Or is he something more?

The popular view of Jesus in that day shouldn’t have surprised anyone. “They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets’” (Mark 8:28). Obviously a religious figure. Apparently having some significance. But when Jesus probed deeper, we find Peter’s confession “You are the Christ” (v. 29).

If Jesus is just a religious figure, then there’s no need to panic. But if Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah, then he has reason to call us to a commitment others simply cannot.

Call to discipleship

In Mark 8:34, the twofold call of discipleship is issued. Jesus calls his closest followers and the members of the crowd to (1) deny themselves, and (2) take up their cross. These are the two aspects of following Christ.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German theologian, pastor and martyr, wrote in his book, Ethics, “In a world where success is the measure and justification of all things, the figure of him who was sentenced and crucified remains a stranger.”

Jesus’ view of success was radically opposed to even first century standards. How much more in today’s world. Self-denial and acceptance of personal death were the hallmarks of Christ’s earthly ministry. We are not exempt from that call.

In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis writes: “Christ says, ‘Give me all. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want you. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don’t want to cut off a branch here and a branch there. I want to have the whole tree down. I don’t want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think are innocent as well as the ones you think are wicked—the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you myself: my own will shall become yours.’”

Complete surrender

Christ’s call for complete surrender and following is utterly dependent upon who he is. Our salvation is utterly dependent upon who he is. It is amazing that much of what we see today that passes for discipleship is simply a convenience-oriented lipservice.

Take away the material blessings—do you still follow? Take away the good health—do you still follow? Take away the ease of finding a place to worship (or the programs that “scratch where you itch”)—do you still follow?

Our passage this week concludes with a sobering question: “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:37). I like the way The Message askes the question: “What could you ever trade your soul for?”

If Jesus is just a marginal religious figure, then don’t worry about following him. Don’t waste your time denying yourself and taking up a cross. But if Jesus really is the Messiah, then how can we offer any less than our total commitment to him?

• Proverbs 23:22–24:4 

This week’s lesson is indeed fitting for Father’s Day weekend, as your learners most likely will be thinking about family life. While no home or family is invulnerable to the storms of life, the principles from this week’s lesson will help fathers, mothers and children to build a home more resistant to life’s storms. Some of those storms are external to the home and some are internal, but both kinds can disrupt and destroy a family’s stability. This week’s look at Proverbs 23:22-22:4 will provide strength for shelter from the storms.

Stay true (Proverbs 23:22-25)

In this opening passage, the son is being advised to listen to and treasure the upbringing his parents provided him. Parents always rejoice when their children turn out well in life, and parents do the best they can to raise children well. The greatest credit a child can pay to his or her parents is to hold onto the truth, wisdom, instruction and understanding passed on to them and to build on those great gifts.

This passage is part of a collection of 30 sayings known as “Words of the Wise.” These are practical pieces of advice that would have been part of a Jewish child’s instruction. This is the wisdom of a father to his son.

Ask your learners to consider the advantages of life they experience because of such gifts from their parents. Values acquired in childhood make all the difference in later life. A strong work ethic, a love for education and knowledge, an appreciation of the fine arts are all examples of values we receive as children. Much of secular society endorses the transmission of these values, but the Christian home that passes along godly wisdom and faith add more. This home provides a spiritual worldview that pursues justice, lives faithfully and, in the long run, a happier, more peaceful life.

Christians, then, are called to be true to the godly teachings of their childhood, to honor their parents with right-living, as well as with deeds of respect and kindness.

You also may want to acknowledge that not everyone has experienced a Christian upbringing. This is something to be lamented, but also provides a framework for contrast of adult living to the childhood ways that should be left behind.

Application ideas

• We show wisdom and demonstrate we are committed to live right when we respect our parents throughout their lives and stay true to the godly heritage they passed on to us. Ask your learners to identify values they gained from their home life as a child. Ask them to consider what values they have passed on to their children/grandchildren, and how they can continue to pass along these values.

• We not only please God but also delight our Christian parents when they see us living in accordance with God’s wisdom, instruction and understanding. Ask your learners to consider what values they learned but have lost or failed to live out. A good cultural reference is the country song “Where’d You Learn to Talk Like That?” by Rodney Atkins. Consider this: Obtain a recording of this song and play it for your learners as they gather. Here's the lyrics.

Stay pure (Proverbs 23:26-28)

In this section of Scripture, the son is urged to follow his father’s example and to avoid being lured into sexual impurity. There is hardly a more culturally relevant passage of Scripture for today than this one. We know sexual temptation is available virtually everywhere we turn, and the proliferation of pornography via the Internet has pushed things to an extreme level. The Internet is not the only vehicle, however. Just a few weeks ago, I had to explain the purpose of Viagra to my 10-year-old son after he’d been watching television at seven in the evening.

The effects of media on human sexuality can be corrosive and ultimately damaging. Media supplants the home and church in providing good sexual shaping of young people, and pathetic is the church or home that doesn’t address these matters openly and from a biblically based perspective.

The adulterous woman of this passage of Scripture provides a lure and a trap for the abuse of the God-given gift of sexuality. Unless men and women are equipped by the teachings of Scripture on how to properly celebrate their sexuality, sexual impurity will diminish lives and steal something precious from family relationships.

So then, storm proofing your home with Godly wisdom will include many things. Here are a few practical ideas to offer your learners.

Application ideas

• We can better resist sexual temptation in today’s immoral climate by discovering and emulating role models of sexual purity and marital faithfulness. Ask your learners to make a commitment to model sexual purity and marital faithfulness in their own lives.

• Christian parents should never underestimate the influence they have on their children’s futures by being role models of sexual purity and marital faithfulness. Ask your learners to think about how their home and church life can be more open to discuss human sexuality in meaningful ways that will provide young adults, teens and children with answer to their natural questions, as well as the consequences of wrong sexual activity.

• Both men and women can be lured into sexual temptation—note to your learners that the old-school notions about a woman’s disinterest in sex are false ones. Discussion about sexually temptation cannot be simply limited to a “boys will be boys” framework.

Stay clear (Proverbs 23:29-35)

Scripture warns of the seductive yet devastating effects of beverage alcohol—effects that include a variety of sorrows and troubles as well as one’s loss of control resulting from drunkenness and the potential of one’s becoming tragically addicted. Seemingly everyone has been touched by the troubles of alcoholism or drug addiction. We can avoid many personal troubles and damage to our family by simply refusing to drink alcohol. This is not a condemnation of all drinking, but it is a good way to avoid problems of addiction in your family.

While one may argue the Bible’s view on the use of alcohol, the dangers of its abuse are clear—addiction of all types can be damaging to families.

Application ideas

Ask your learners to discuss their experiences with alcoholism or drug addiction. Ask whether they would say these experiences have had positive or negative outcomes.

Stay wise (Proverbs 24:1-4)

This passage of Scripture takes a turn to talk now about envy. This passage teaches God’s people never to envy those who do evil; instead God’s people are to build their homes with godly wisdom, understanding and knowledge. This is a difficult challenge when we see families that seem more prosperous or have more “toys” and possessions.

By outward standards, homes that gain material goods but live lives of evil may seem to be happy. But the writer of Proverbs reminds the opposite actually is true. What they do is wrong and hurtful to others and to God.

Application ideas

• We are wise to build our lives and homes not on things acquired by evil means but on enduring qualities we gain from knowing and understanding God’s ways. Ask your learners to consider the parable of the houses built on shifting sand versus the stone. A good song to go with this point is Gordon Lightfoot’s “The House You Live In” (sung recently by Kate Campbell, well worth a listen). Here's the lyrics.

• Acts 4:5-10, 12-13, 18-20, 32-35

God is concerned deeply for the practical needs of people. Whether the need is caused by a physical limitation or handicap or some type of social, economic or political circumstances, God makes the resources available for the meeting of that need so the individual may experience fulfillment in life. God places those resources in the hands of those who profess belief in him and calls them to use them to make a practical difference in the lives of others.

Yet for most people, helping others is not a natural instinct. Some may even have the attitude that “God helps those who help themselves.” They may feel the church should spend its resources on those things that will improve directly the proclamation of the gospel, which most often means improving the worship services or promotional materials to attract visitors.

Reaching out to the community in social ministry can be seen as unnecessary in light of the many other state and local agencies which exist for that purpose. Yet as one reads the Bible, one cannot avoid the conclusion that God expects his people to be his hands in meeting needs.

From the Old Testament laws which protected the weak within society to the ministry of Jesus who continuously sought to cure physical problems and raise the position of the outcasts, God’s people are called to meet real needs. As the story of Peter and John in Acts 4 teaches, God not only calls us and supplies us with the resources to help, through the Spirit, he also empowers us to help.

Meeting physical needs (Acts 4:5-10)

Peter and John knew they had a story to share with everyone that would allow them to experience the abundant life which Jesus promised. Yet as they met a crippled beggar on the road, they saw that God wanted to change this man’s daily life in practical ways and provide him with an even greater testimony. They knew that for many, including the man himself, this person’s life was defined by his physical need and that need could serve to inhibit his reception of their message.

It often is truthfully said that you cannot tell someone about the bread of life when they are hungry for physical bread. Similarly, it is true that those who daily face real needs do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. A sensitivity to an individual’s physical need can often provide an opportunity to address the person’s spiritual need.

As already mentioned, Jesus provided us with the model of always seeking to meet physical needs. In helping the cripple overcome his limitation, Peter and John simply were following the example they had witnessed many times. God desires that his people never hesitate to do whatever we can through the power of his Spirit to be his hands in meeting physical needs.

Presenting salvation (Acts 4:12-13, 18-20)

While meeting the physical needs of people is important, as believers, we should always do so with the objective of sharing the plan of salvation with that person. This is what distinguishes the church from other social agencies. We have a message for the world which satisfies the deepest needs and longings of the human heart. In all of our ministering, we should make it clear that we do so in the name of Jesus the Messiah who offers peace, hope and real life in the midst of our world of chaos to all people.

This is often the most difficult (or at least most neglected) element for many individuals. Occasionally it is omitted out of pride and a desire to look philanthropic. Often it is missing due to fear or uncertainty. Sometimes it is simply overlooked. Yet if we neglect to present God’s plan for salvation, we miss out on meeting the most significant need in the person’s life. And there is no need to feel inadequate or complicate the matter.

As Peter and John told their accusers, we simply have to share what we personally have seen and heard. Every believer has a story of how they came to know the truth of the gospel and how it has changed their life for the better. People can debate over theological arguments, but they cannot deny the experienced reality of our story.

Sharing financial resources (Acts 4:32-35)

While every believer is called to be a minister and witness, no one person can be aware of or physically meet every need within the community. Because of this, it is important to provide financial resources to help those we may not be aware of. These verses describe such an arrangement as those who had the financial means, brought money to the disciples so that they could distribute it as they saw fit. Some do not think that the church should be so concerned about money. Such a topic may seem to be too “worldly.”

Yet the majority of Jesus’ parables dealt in some way with money and the overall message of the Bible is that the stewardship of our financial resources in indeed a spiritual issue.

For others the matter of sharing financially is easy. In fact they gladly give above what is expected and see that as substituting for being actively involved in ministering to practical needs. This perspective or attitude equally is flawed. We need to come to understand that as a believer we are called to share financially, witness verbally, and minister practically. Only as we do each of these can we claim to be fulfilling our call. And God wants every believer to know that as we step out to accomplish each of these, we go filled with his Spirit who empowers us to help others.

• Proverbs 6:1-15

Our identity is defined by a wide range of sources, but most commonly by our vocation. What we do for a living is perhaps the greatest source of self-esteem, feelings of accomplishment and dignity. Work also provides purpose and meaning to life, helping people to sense their usefulness in life—and for the greater good of humankind. But work also can be a source of stress:

• As young people, we worry about what we’re going to do with our lives in the future.

• As middle-agers, we wonder “what am I going to do when I grow up?” and consider unrealized goals and dreams.

• Senior adults ponder retirement and what our purpose will be after our career.

Wherever your learners may be on the spectrum of their career/vocation, they will have some touch points in this week’s lesson. This passage from Proverbs will encourage your learners that God wants them to have a fulfilling work life and will provide them with a model to faithfully pursue pleasing God through their work. Use this week’s study time to explore some of these principles given to help your learners have a better work life.

This passage teaches general life principles rather than specific commands about work and work relationships. The ideas in this week’s passage apply to the question “Ho can I have a better work life?” Biblical wisdom teaches God’s people to be wary of foolish entanglements, to work diligently and to avoid dealing wickedly with others.

Be wary of foolish entanglements (Proverbs 6:1-5)

While this passage does not provide exemption from making commitments to help the poor or support the church, this passage does caution against getting involved in shady business deals or foolish financial entanglements. The wise father is urging his son to free himself quickly and honestly through humility from agreements that put the son’s assets at risk.

This passage also speaks to the foolish entanglements that come from bad vocational decisions. Encourage your learners to consider this passage before accepting an offer from a potential employer. Challenge your learners to consider the ethical implications of their employment.

If your learners already are in an employment or business ownership position that compromises their values and beliefs as a Christian, offer prayer and counsel about how they might discern God’s leadership in making professional changes. These verses warn against putting business or financial well-being at risk to people or circumstances beyond your control.

Application idea

This is a good passage to explore how bad/unwise debt such as credit cards can be a bad financial decision that gives away control of your learner’s finances. It is likely that 50 percent or more of your learners will have burdensome credit card debt, so this passage should be an encouragement to discharge that debt as quickly and honestly as possible. Offer a few resources that can offer positive support to Christians dealing with this very real burden. Good Cents group study, Financial Peace University and other such programs offer Christian concepts of money management that will help families struggling with debt.

Be wise in your work ethic (Proverbs 6:6-11)

This passage warns slackers to adopt the ant’s diligent work habits lest they fall into poverty as a result of laziness. Not all who are unemployed are lazy. And not all who work hard are paid fairly. But diligence—or a lack thereof—is tied to poverty and want in many situations. The ant saves food in preparation for the coming winter, and by example teaches us that diligence in work now prepares for hard seasons of life to come.

Scripture also teaches the wisdom and command of God to rest from work regularly for renewal— physical, spiritual and emotional—by way of Sabbath keeping. But rest is to be a part of the rhythm of life that includes regular work. Work—tending creation—was given to humans before the fall of Adam and Eve, and it is a part of the created order of God. God’s people are to take seriously their work responsibilities, laboring diligently to provide life’s necessities and pleasures.

Work also is God’s way of blessing the future. Like the ant which saves food for winter, we are called to apply a diligent work ethic to save up for seasons of scarcity. We are wise to lay in store for future needs even as we provide for present needs. Work provides meaning and purpose in human existence.

Application idea

Talk with your students about the difference between meaningful work versus working to get a paycheck or working simply for the acquisition of things.

You may find a helpful alternative teaching tool in the contemporary song “Ants Go Marching” by Dave Matthews Band. It offers a negative example of people who spend life working without meaning, simply going through motions out of routine, rather than working with purpose for God. It is a “G-rated” song with a poetic structure that is Dylan-esque, so if you choose to play this song for your learners, be sure to provide printed lyrics.

Be warned about wicked dealings (Proverbs 6:12-15)

Of the behaviors most frequently condemned by Israel’s prophets, evil dealings—especially at cost to the poor—are considered among the sins most despised. And in the last third of this week’s passage, the troublemakers are warned they eventually bring calamity on themselves as a result of their wickedness, dishonesty and evil plots.

The Bible teaches that dealing wickedly and dishonestly with others invites judgment and disaster on the one who does such things. This passage may have been present in Paul’s mind when he penned: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8).

Whether in business dealings or at home, Christian people are called to act honestly and avoid plots that aim at stealing or taking advantage of others. In addition, God’s people are to avoid things that stir up trouble. In a precautious mode, believers also should be alert to the possibility that some business people or coworkers may not be honest.

Application idea

Point to some contemporary businesses that have behave illegally or unethically for financial gain. Enron and Martha Stewart are a few of the most recent and public examples. You also might share a personal story of how wicked dealings affected you negatively in the work place. Ask your learners to cite examples of their own.

Acts 9:10-19, 26-28; Romans 12:4-5; Hebrews 10:24-25

In the February 25, 2008, edition of USA Today, there was an article detailing a Pew Forum study on a survey about the Religious Landscape of the United States. The study concluded that people in the United States are “constantly shifting amid religious choices” and are “unaware or unconcerned with doctrinal distinctions.” They also noted that 44 percent of the 35,556 adults surveyed claimed they had abandoned the religious upbringing of their childhood.

One of the authors of the study, John Green, comments that, “It will become increasingly difficult to find people who share a love for a distinct doctrine.” Our culture does not value what believers absolutely must have: encouragement and accountability from other believers.

The necessity of “togetherness” is sometimes touted as a reason to avoid church: “I can worship God by myself on the lake, at the golf course, in the mountains …” We’ve heard it all before.

If you look at the passage in Hebrews, you find an admonition to stay together. Scripture tells us we are to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

Spurs

The first time I rode a horse, my cowboy friend helped my put my spurs on—small nubs of metal strapped to the back of my boots. As I began having trouble directing the horse, my friend told me to (his words) “jab that spur in her side—otherwise she won’t pay attention to you.” As much as I was afraid of hurting the animal (I didn’t ), it was necessary to give a good nudge to keep her headed in the right direction. The same is true of believers. We need to help (sometimes with more than a nudge) keep each other headed in the right direction.

The other part of the Hebrews passage helps solidify the necessity of staying in the company of believers. We live in a world today that seems to encourage the attitude of staunch individualism. God has not designed us as Christians to live lives independent of one another.

In the miniseries “Spartacus,” viewers were transported to 72 B.C. and allowed to follow the life of a former slave who led an army of freed slaves against the Roman Empire. In one scene, Spartacus is attempting to lead his army in an attack, but selfishness and insecurity sweep the ranks. Spartacus calls one strong man forward and asks him to break one arrow, which the soldier does easily. Then he hands the soldier a bundle of arrows and asks him to break them all at once. The soldier fails and throws the arrows down in disgust. “We are like the arrows,” Spartacus says. “Separately we're weak, but together we're invincible.”

Our strength as believers in Christ is multiplied as we hold together in the local body.

Embers

When I was much younger, I remember going on camping trips with my church’s Royal Ambassador group. I continue to marvel at the patience shown by our sponsors. At some point during the camping trip, we would gather around the campfire waiting to eat cobbler while one of the sponsors would share a biblical lesson.

At one of these talks, our sponsor nonchalantly kicked a glowing ember from the fire pit. He then proceeded to talk to us about needing one another in our Christian walk. It wasn’t really impacting us that much until he reached down and picked up the now cool ember. He showed us the piece of wood that was once glowing hot had now cooled off—because it had been removed from its encouraging surroundings. He then tossed the ember back into the fire. It wasn’t very long before it began to glow again.

A poignant reminder that Christians are not called to live a solitary existence. We need one another to keep us encouraged, teachable and accountable.

• Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-6, 37-41 

As Christian believers, we have great news to share and a commission from God to share it with everyone. It is the news that there is hope and deep meaning and purpose in life through surrendering our life to the lordship of Jesus. It is the only message anyone could hear which has eternal significance.

Yet while most believers can willingly, or even eagerly, tell others about what is going on at their church, many simply find it very difficult to share the Good News of salvation with their friends and neighbors who do not attend church. There are perhaps a number of reasons for this, such as fear, uncertainty or insecurity. Yet whether it is a lack of motivation or a lack of knowledge, the solution would seem to be a supernatural intervention to empower us to be a vocal witness to what Jesus has done for us.

As we begin a new series on the book of Acts, we will see such divine assistance is indeed available. The early believers certainly had reason to keep their new faith a secret. State and temple officials could have had them imprisoned or executed. Yet with the power they received through the Holy Spirit, they boldly proclaimed the gospel and forever set the model for divinely empowered witnessing.

We need power (Acts 1:4-8)

It had been 40 days since Jesus had been raised from the dead, and the disciples perhaps had begun to expect he always would be with them. Jesus, however, knew he would be returning to heaven, leaving them (and us) with the task of spreading the message and building God’s church. He also knew the fear and uncertainty which the mission would create. He therefore gathered them together before he ascended in order to reassure them that divine help would come.

As they gathered, the expectations and insecurities of the disciples were apparent in their anxious questioning of Jesus. Concern over Roman reaction led them to ask if Jesus would finally establish his kingdom on earth. Although he did not give the answer they likely had hoped for, Jesus did address their need for divine help.

Today as well, many focus much of their mental strength concerned about whether today is the day Christ will return, perhaps because of feelings of fear or inadequacy for the mission. God wants us to know we can rest knowing he understands and has the answer for our need for power.

We can have power (Acts 2:1-4)

Just as they had following the crucifixion, the disciples gathered together in a private place. It seems they were both hiding and waiting for something to happen. Jesus said help would come, but they were unsure what form that assistance would take.

Suddenly they heard the sound of a mighty rushing wind. It was such an overwhelming sound it seemed to fill the house. They then saw what they could only describe as tongues of fire which divided and settled on each person present. Immediately they sensed the power of the Holy Spirit and began to boldly proclaim the gospel. Notice the Spirit not only motivated them to leave the house and go into the streets of the city with the message despite any possible reactions, it was also the Spirit which gave them the words to say. The promised help had arrived. This same Spirit which descended at Pentacost, is promised to every believer throughout all generations.

If we wrestle with fear, the Spirit will embolden us. If we question our ability to proclaim the message, the Spirit will give us the words to say. It is indeed part of the message we proclaim; whatever the need, we can have the power to overcome it.

We can use power (Acts 2:5-6)

Having received the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, the disciples went into the streets of Jerusalem sharing the gospel with everyone they encountered. As they did so, the full measure of the Spirit’s power was revealed.

Due to the religious festival of Pentacost, the city was full of Jews from all over the Roman Empire, representing many different nationalities and languages. Yet as the disciples began to share, each person heard the gospel in his or her own language. The Spirit not only gave them the courage and power to be witnesses, he also did through them something beyond their own abilities; something for which only God could get credit. But it only happened as they took their new-found power and put it to use.

Today, we also have access to this power. The same Spirit lives in us to make us effective witnesses. But it only happens when we allow that power to flow throughout our lives and use it by sharing the Good News. When we tap into that power supply, we will find God truly does exceedingly more than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

We can see power at work (Acts 2:37-41)

As word spread of this miraculous event, a crowd began to gather around the disciples. As it did, the Spirit again moved and prompted Peter, the man who had once denied even knowing Jesus, to stand and preach the first “Christian” sermon. For some of the other disciples, the sight of Peter boldly proclaiming the Jesus to such a large mixed crowd may have been evidence in itself of the work of the Spirit.

If that was not evidence, what happened next was clear visible proof of the supernatural work of God as 3,000 people became new believers. Although we face a variety of emotions as we seek to live as faithful followers of Christ, God has promised he will never leave us to face them alone. As we each seek to be witnesses of what we have experienced, we can access an infinite supply of power for the task. As we release it by stepping out and sharing the gospel, we are allowed to witness what boundless power can do. And that experience then becomes another part of our testimony to the power of God.

• Proverbs 1:1-7; 2:4-8; 3:5-6,11-12

Adults want to succeed in their lives. Just watch TV’s infomercials. They’re geared to show adults how they can succeed with little effort—in making a fortune in real estate, in getting physically fit or in finding a perfect new love relationship. Many adults bounce from program to program and shell out bucket-loads of money in an attempt to discover their ticket to success. But are any of these programs about real success in life?

As important as making money, pursuing good health, and finding romance may be to adults, Scripture points to something greater as the ticket to real success. It points out that God wants people to succeed in life by trusting in him and living according to his ways.

Learn from Scripture (Proverbs 1:1-6)

Most of us get it backwards when it comes to the definition for success. For many success is about self-fulfillment, but real success in biblical terms involves fulfilling the purposes God has for us. That kind of success is more difficult to achieve, but it is possible. Success of the real kind can be found and experienced by applying principles of wisdom learned from Scripture.

For this study, we will focus on the wisdom literature attributed to Solomon, but likely gathered from many sources. This literature, called Proverbs, makes up a body of ideas about how to live life as it was understood by the Hebrews. This collection of sayings and sage advice is God’s path to knowledge, wisdom, healthy relationships and to a more satisfying life.

To get the most out this book, we need to explore it diligently. God’s wisdom in these holy verses is plain, straightforward and understandable. But to make it work, you have to study it. Therefore, the first step to wisdom is to become willing to learn from the Scriptures and understand the Bible as authoritative and guiding in our lives.

Application

• By continuing to explore and apply diligently God’s wisdom in the holy Scriptures, believers can increase in living rightly—and thus in living successfully. Share a plan for daily Bible reading with your learners. Some websites will e-mail a daily Bible reading straight to your inbox. If your church provides daily devotional material, bring samples.

Revere the Lord (Proverbs 1:7; 2:4-8)

Real success—in the biblical sense—is based in living out God’s plan for our lives. Discovering and understanding that plan begins with reverence. Solomon taught the way to wisdom began with this. The Psalms are full of supporting evidence with the view that the Lord is God, and we are not. Thus, it is a matter of position, and more precisely, it is a matter of recognizing our position as subject of the heavenly King.

Proverbs 2 teaches wisdom begins when a person acknowledges reverence for God. Once this proper positioning takes place then—and only then—can true wisdom to live successfully come into play.

Various sports offer illustrations of this. A baseball batter cannot hit a pitched baseball until assuming the proper batting stance. A baseball fielder must in “baseball ready” position before the baseball is ever pitched if they hope to make a great catch. A tennis player cannot make an “ace” serve until the mechanics of the serve and timing are perfected. Both of these are based on the posture of the player, and this is especially so when it comes to receiving wisdom from God.

Application

• We show we treasure wisdom by diligently seeking to understand God and follow his ways. But how does this look practically speaking? In other words, how can a Christian be “baseball ready” when it comes to living the faith?

It begins with a position of humility that allows us to look in the mirror and say, “God is in charge here.” It continues with an attitude of dependence that says, “If I am to please God with my life today, I must choose to trust God for decisions and actions.”

Ask your participants to assess their readiness for gaining wisdom. Ask them to assess their reverence for God.

Live by faith (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Living by faith is indeed a challenge. Solomon understood this when he suggested we trust in God and rely on God for insight and guidance. Living by faith means trusting God to take us beyond the limits of our own understanding into where God would have us go.

The challenge for us is trusting that God knows the ways to real success far better than we do. The great temptation is to think we can figure it out on our own, or if we work hard enough. The reality is that we need a guide and God can be that guide—if we will trust God and live by faith.

Living by faith necessarily includes lots of time spent learning God’s ways. Praying, studying Scripture and fellowshipping with other believers is a great way to do this. Living by faith is difficult if not pursued with some discipline, as well as some sacrifice of “self” along the way. The good news is the Lord wants to guide us in our decisions—great or small—and help us to find the right pathway.

Application

• Recognizing the limitations of our understanding, we can succeed in living right by trusting in the Lord completely and following his guidance in all we do. A good illustration of this principle is a hiking or fishing guide. When we trust someone experienced and follow them, we can be rewarded with incredible vistas and views we’d never find on our own. Or, in the case of a fishing guide, we’re able to catch fish better than if we tried based on our limited experiences. You might introduce this section of material by telling about a time you followed someone else’s experience or wisdom and reaped a benefit.

Appreciate God’s correction (Proverbs 3:11-12)

Solomon advised the Lord’s instruction and loving correction are to be desired, not despised. But who among us has received discipline or correction and enjoyed it? It is difficult to hear things about our flaws that need improvement. It is embarrassing and sometimes damaging to adult egos to be reminded that we are not without a source of authority and correction—God the Father.

Mark Twain is often credited for saying: “When I was 19 years old my father was the dumbest man on the earth. It’s amazing how much he learned by the time I turned 25.”

We always appreciate the wisdom of God’s correcting love long after the affect is first felt. When a loving parent takes the time to discipline and confront a wayward child, in the long run that child knows he or she is loved. When an unloving or lazy parent takes no time and fails to engage the child with corrective action, the child ultimately comes to understand that as a less loving parent. So it is with God!

Application

• We can be sure when God corrects us through his word or by some other means that his correction is proof he loves us and desires our success in life. Provide your participants with a personal story of a time when a parent corrected you and, although it was painful, you grew from the experience. Parents who are raising difficult children will be encouraged to be reminded that correction and guidance are good for the child, even though the child doesn’t like such treatment. You may want to give parents of young children a chance to discuss this together—understanding their children’s need for correction can help them understand their own need for correction from God.

• John 3

In “The Sound of Music,” the Von Trapp children are taught to sing by Maria, their live-in nanny. She sings that the very beginning is a very fine place to start. It is not surprising that we have gone to the beginning as we begin the series on “Growing Together in Christ.”

Our focal passage this week contains perhaps the most familiar passage in the entirety of Scripture—John 3:16. The conversation leading to this pivotal point of Christian theology is the beginning point for any who want to consider following Christ.

Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night (some say for timidity, others for convenience) to find out what is going on. There is something happening in his world that he cannot quite classify. His opening question to Jesus indicates both a spiritual foundation and a spiritual awareness. He knows God has been said to act. He knows that the activity surrounding Jesus’ ministry seems to point to something he has heard about.

But Jesus zeroes in on the heart of the matter. “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3). The word translated “again” can also be translated “from above.” Jesus looks into the earthly qualifications Nicodemus has accumulated and declares them lacking. If this teacher and leader of the Jewish people really had God’s kingdom in mind, Jesus showed him what was lacking: a fresh birth that found its origin in the very kingdom the Jews were seeking—a birth from above that was predicated upon sacrifice and required a faith-response from all who would partake.

Nicodemus sought to understand the intricacies of this radical way of looking at things. Look at his exclamation in verse 9: “How can this be?”

Jesus offered him a familiar word picture from the collection of stories from the Old Testament. The bronze serpent was crafted as an object to bring healing—“Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live” (Numbers 21:8). The peril is real (snakes vs. sin). The punishment is death (venom vs. wrath). The remedy lies in faith (look to the snake vs. look to the Son). Neither earthly qualifications, education, nor positions of influence will get a person closer to the kingdom of God. It must be entered in by the path of faith: Trusting God to do what he promised (v. 17).

My children bring me a great deal of joy (and frustration). I enjoy watching them make sense of the world around them. Birthday parties are one of those occasions when I take pleasure in observing human nature kick in.

Who doesn’t like to receive a present? My youngest child celebrated her fifth birthday last month. As the guests brought the gifts in brightly colored wrapping paper, it struck me how quickly we lose the innocence of receiving.

My daughter was not concerned about the cost of the gifts. She did not seem the least bit bothered by those gifts that were more “practical” than others. She didn’t even object at duplications. She was enjoying her party to the full. She was gratefully receiving what had been offered by those who loved her.

We should learn a lesson from a 5-year-old. God comes offering the perfect gift to us. It’s just our size. We don’t have one already. It is precisely what we need. It never will wear out. It never will go out of style. We always will be able to use it.

God offers us the gift of “life abundantly” (John 10:10). Our responsibility is to receive it with gladness. To respond in faith. To be “born from above” and enter in to a love relationship with Almighty God.

• Ephesians 4:22-32; Philemon 8-10,15-18

Forgiveness is the hallmark of the Christian faith. It is modeled for us, and we know instinctively it is a key to unlocking our best relationships. Yet we struggle to forgive. Why?

In this week’s lesson, we’re going to examine how relating to others in Christ like ways—including seeking reconciliation with those we’ve wronged and being ready to forgive—builds the relationships God intends us to have.

Through this week’s study, we’ll work to evaluate the status of fractured relationships and discern steps to take at renewing and restoring that relationship.

Remember, you’re a new person (Ephesians 4:22-24)

The first and best step we can take when we recognize a fractured relationship is to remember who we are. As the father of three, I probably over-lecture on their identity as members of our family and what our values are. Thus, when they leave home for a date, a sleep over or some social event, I say to them “Remember who you are!” They are known by their last name, but they are also to be known by the values we share as a family.

Paul taught the Ephesians the same lesson—that through Christ’s redemption, God created them into new people who are to live a totally new way of life. Their very identity was to be framed by the new person they’d become because of Christ’s work on the cross and in their lives.

Paul teaches in this section that Christianity demands a radical and total break from the past way of life and calls believers to a different direction. The reason for this should be obvious from our experiences in trying to forgive others.

Simply put, it is not naturally in human nature to be forgiving. The new people that have come to be because of Christ are capable of living forgiveness because are both recipients of said forgiveness and have seen our hero—Jesus—model that for us.

Because we recognize that we must be forgiven repeatedly for our failings as humans, we also can see that others will need our forgiveness. At each step along life’s journey, believers experience renewal of their innermost core. Basic conversion to Christ must be followed by daily renewal of life, and as this shapes our identity, only then can we begin to grow our capacity for forgiveness.

Relate to others unselfishly (Ephesians 4:25-31)

Paul continued to exhort the Ephesian believers to be done with the old and adopt the new. In doing so, he gave commands relating to contrasts between the old life without Christ and the new life in Christ. This becomes the basis for relating to others in less and less selfish ways as we mature in our identity as Jesus follower. As this identity grows, our capacity for forgiveness grows in tandem with our declining selfishness.

Evidence of salvation in a believer’s life is not only a past experience of trusting Christ but a present life of reflecting Christ. This matters in how we handle our anger. Paul says rightly that anger that goes without being dealt with gives the Evil One a foothold in our lives. Not only do we act unkindly to others, we find that anger festers inside us and eats away at our souls, leaving a bitter shell of a person in untended long enough.

Paul continues his ethics exhortation for the believers in Ephesus. Stop unwholesome talk (a huge barrier to forgiveness!), put off falsehood, speak truthfully to your neighbor, work hard and build each other up in community. Paul urges them to rid themselves of brawling (at church?!!?), slander, bitterness, rage and malice.

But it is the final sentence that slams home this week’s lesson—forgive each other, just as Christ forgave you. What does that look like practically? To forgive as God in Christ forgave believers is to forgive freely, wholeheartedly, eagerly and spontaneously.

The sins referred to in this passage break fellowship and destroy relationship. The Christ-like act of forgiveness brings the destructive power of those sins to a grinding halt, even when it may not restore fully fellowship between disgruntled folk.

Resolve to forgive (Ephesians 4:32)

Paul reminded the Ephesians that because God in Christ reconciled them to himself, they too should restore fractured relationships by forgiving others. Christ shines brightest in believers’ lives when they forgive, and the decision to forgive is simply that—a decision.

Too often Christians make forgiveness about penance. We say “I’ll forgive him when he makes the situation right.” But that’s not the model of forgiveness shown us in Christ. This passage is a good reminder that we must work at forgiving others.

This is a great time in the lesson to ask your students to silently reflect on their relationships, to consider the ones most fractured. What an opportunity this coming week holds for them to evaluate that relationship and make a move toward reconciliation and forgiveness.

Why not take a few minutes at this juncture to pray for your learners and offer a guided prayer they can join in on to determine if giving our accepting forgiveness is needed in their fractured relationships.

Restoration or revenge? A case study (Philemon 8-10,15-18)

Paul appealed to Philemon to accept and restore to his household Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave whom Paul had met while in prison and led to faith in Christ. Be careful to note that reconciling with others does not mean we minimize what was done wrong, nor do we pretend to overlook it. Forgiveness does not mean an immediate return to normal or just as it was before the sin. Instead, what we need to consider is a process of restoration, depending on the severity of the fractured relationship.

The bottom line is that wrongdoers can have a change of heart but still need help finding a path to wholeness and reconciliation with others. It is only through God’s gracious dealings with us and with others that we can find the motivation to forgive and the power to continue sharing life together. The idea is not to “forgive and forget” as the old cliché goes, but to rather “forgive and learn to live with it.”

The bottom line is that holding grudges is inappropriate for God’s people. Paul’s desire for restoration between Philemon and Onesimus was so deep he was willing to pay the debt Onesimus owed to Philemon in order that his act might reflect Christ’s greater work of reconciling sinners to God by his death on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:18-19, 21).

Bonus teaching aids

1. For a secular view of forgiveness, take a look at the website for the “Campaign for Forgiveness Research” at www.forgiving.org. They monitor the research behind the benefits of forgiving others, as well as the social good gained by forgiving others. Some heady stuff, but also a few interesting tidbits like why forgiving others is good for your own physical health.

2. A currently popular song that illustrates the inability to forgive and the pain that unforgiving attitudes bring is found in the Timbaland song “Too Late to Apologize.” You can hear the song for free at www.youtube.com.

3. An older song that will be popular with your learners who like The Eagles is Don Henley’s “The Heart of the Matter.” It portrays the strong disappointment of a love gone bad, but that the “heart of the matter” for the singer is forgiveness, even if the other person doesn’t love him anymore. You can find a concert version of this at www.youtube.com.

Meet our lesson writers

• Genesis 48:3-6; 49:8-10; 50:15-21

The life of faith is not always the easy life. Indeed, it often can seem the more we try to faithfully serve God, the more obstacles seem to arise unexpectedly. We may commit to following God down a certain path only to be quickly sidetracked by circumstances and to find ourselves in a place we never anticipated and would not have otherwise chosen.

There are several different ways people might respond. Some may become focused on the unfulfilled expectations and become unproductive. Others might refuse to accept their situation and seek to force a change. Either of these reactions could lead the person to become angry with God and to ignore God’s direction.

The biblical stories of Abraham’s family provide us with numerous examples of this. From the initial barrenness of the wives to acts of extreme sibling rivalry to the effects of a famine, the path which successive generations of this family followed God down was certainly not always easy. It often was difficult to see how their circumstances would lead to the fulfillment of God’s promises of a great nation occupying the Promised Land through which God would bless the world.

Yet as we read these stories, we can see both the process and benefit of remaining faithful to God’s leading. The concluding chapters of Genesis once again show us how God desires his people to remain faithful to their calling regardless of our situation.

Reflect on God’s promises (Genesis 48:3-6)

One of the interesting (though often overlooked) aspects of the stories of Israel’s patriarchs is that while God personally appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in order to repeat his promises and reaffirm his covenant, there is no record that God ever appeared to Joseph.

According to the book of Genesis, it was Jacob who conveyed the words of God’s covenant to Joseph and only after their reunion in Egypt. Jacob always had known about God’s promises to Abraham, but for years he had wondered how they would be realized since his favored son, Joseph, had been taken from him.

Now, as he was reunited with Joseph, he could see how God was at work fulfilling his word. Jacob had thought he had lost a son, but now he had gained two grandsons. Through Ephraim and Manasseh, God will bless Joseph. Sensing his life is near an end, Jacob adopts Joseph’s sons as his own. This will ensure Joseph’s descendents receive a double portion of the covenant inheritance. The descendents of Ephraim and Manasseh will each occupy their own share of the Promised Land.

Often the difficulties we face in following God can lead us to question the path we are on or to wonder if God still is working to fulfill his promises to us. The story of Jacob teaches us that when those times come, reflecting on God’s promises and the ways God works can help us to always remain faithful.

Serve with confidence (Genesis 49:8-10)

Having been reassured of God’s continuing efforts to fulfill his promises, Jacob called his sons together to pronounce a blessing on their descendents. Within their tradition, such a pronouncement was seen as a guarantee of blessing on future generations. Jacob had been the recipient (even if through deception) of Isaac’s blessing, and now he was passing it on to his sons.

As they received this blessing, they could be assured of their individual place within the fulfillment of God’s promises to their ancestor Abraham. They could know that regardless of their circumstances at any given time, God was working to bring about the realization of his plans for Abraham’s posterity. Armed with that knowledge and assurance, each of them could focus on serving God with confidence.

God wants his children today to have the same confidence. For many who serve faithfully without seeing what they perceive as significant results, doubts and questions can lead to discouragement and the temptation to give up. Yet God never asks us to produce results. He merely asks that we continue to serve and leave the results up to him. As we rest in the knowledge that God always is at work fulfilling his word, we can boldly serve with confidence and thereby remain faithful to God’s call.

Act with compassion (Genesis 50:15-21)

Jacob eventually died, and with his death, Joseph’s brothers feared Joseph would seek revenge for their earlier treatment of him. Yet Joseph had learned their treatment of him had actually contributed to the fulfillment of God’s plans. God had used what they had done not only to humble Joseph, but to move him into a position through which he could save the lives of many people including his family.

Joseph had long before given up any negative feelings toward his brothers and assured them that rather than harm them, he would always make sure they were taken care of. Joseph understood the fulfillment of God’s promises was not limited to him, but included all of Abraham’s descendents.

Today, we may see others as obstacles to the fulfillment of God’s call on our life. Perhaps that promotion we expected goes to someone else. The temptation is there to see that person as well as the superiors as enemies. Yet as Joseph teaches us, often those situations we see as negative work into God’s plan, and God’s desire is that we always seek to demonstrate compassion and live at peace with others. Only by doing so can we claim to truly remain faithful to God.

Meet our lesson writers

• 2 Kings 23:31-32, 36-37; 24:8-9, 18-20; 25:8-21

I remember the first time I read a tale by the American poet, Edgar Allan Poe. The short story tells of the revenge Montressor exacts over his fellow nobleman, Fortunato.

We were assigned to read it in English class. As I reached the end of the tale, I was shocked to learn Montressor was cold and calculating enought to actually seal up a wall with a man inside. The unexpected twist caused me some alarm. Then I regained my composure and reassured myself, it’s just a story—it’s not true.

As we look through the final chapters of 2 Kings, we have no such reassurances. This is not a piece of fiction. This is a recording of what happened to God’s chosen people after they continued to disregard warnings of judgment. Perhaps most unsettling to me is the thought that there but for the grace of God go I.

This lesson on the history of the kingdom of Judah continues after the death of Josiah. The last of the God-fearing kings, his sons apparently learned nothing of the value of walking in the ways of the Lord. The focal passages look briefly at Jehoahaz (three months); Jehoiakim (11 years); Jehoiachin (three months); and Zedekiah (11 years).

The summary of their lives is found in the repeated statement, “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his fathers had done.” The tragedy of this recurring phrase is that Josiah had been a king who was conscious of the impending judgment that had been pronounced on the Southern kingdom. He had called the people to repentance and righteous living. It seems unfathomable his sons would not have heeded the call as well.

The book of Jeremiah has some valuable insights into this time period. If you never have seriously considered the weeping prophet, spend some time with him now. Chapters 22, 46 and 52 are of particular relevance. The prophet warned, cried, prayed and preached to ears that did not hear. The writings of Jeremiah help fill in some of the blanks 2 Kings is not concerned with. It points to the growing apostasy of the people and the dereliction of duty that each successive king was guilty of.

In the small town where I pastored my first church, there were three church structures built in the 1920s and 1930s (the town’s heyday). They were very similar in concept—each had  a half basement with the main sanctuary above that. To reach the sanctuary, it was necessary to climb up a flight of stairs. As the congregations aged, this became a larger issue.

As I visited with one of the older members of the church, she reminisced about the constructing of the church buildings, and then her thoughts turned to the physical problems facing her generation. “I don’t know why we didn’t think about the stairs being a problem” she mused. “I guess none of us ever figured we would get old.”

In the final generations of the southern kingdom, perhaps we could paraphrase their attitude in light of my friend: “I guess none of us ever figured God would really bring judgment.” 

Why did this happen? How could the chosen nation of God’s people of promise come to such a debilitating end? The writer of Kings echoes the word proclaimed in Jeremiah’s writings. 2 Kings 24:20 states clearly, “It was because of the Lord’s anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence.”

Jeremiah 22:8-9 points to the reason behind God’s anger: “People from many nations will pass by this city and will ask one another, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this great city?’ And the answer will be: ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God and have worshiped and served other gods.’”

The message is clear—this is no coincidental series of unfortunate events. This is God’s judgment on a rebellious people who are reaping what they have sown.

John Grisham, author of novels such as The Firm, The Client and The Pelican Brief, made an interesting observation in a Newsweek interview: “One of my best friends in college died when he was 25, just a few years after we graduated from Mississippi State University. I was in law school, and he called me one day and wanted to get together. So we had lunch, and he told me he had cancer. I couldn’t believe it.

“‘What do you do when you realize you are about to die?’ I asked.

“‘It’s real simple,’ he said. ‘You get things right with God, and you spend as much time with those you love as you can. Then you settle up with everybody else.’

“Finally he said, ‘You know, really, you ought to live every day like you have only a few more days to live’” (www.preachingtoday.com).

It is tragic that the people of the southern kingdom didn’t see it that way. They continued to ignore God’s pleas for repentance. They continued to resist the messages from his prophets. They continued to try to do things their way. The end result was predictable, and noted simply in 2 Kings 25:21 “So Judah went into captivity, away from her land.”

Meet our lesson writers