II Corinthians 8 God commands believers to give & partner together for the costs of spreading the gospel and building up the church. He also gives believers the grace to give. Paul is motivating the Corinthian church to join the churches in Macedonia, as well as Titus and his assistant in giving and delivering offerings to the needy believers and churches in Judea. I. Grace Giving is the Result of God’s Grace (v. 1, 9; Acts 11:27-35; 20:35; Romans 15:25-28.) A. Jesus became “

I Peter 1:6-12 Peter and his initial audience of believers chose to greatly rejoice even in trials. Peter is setting the example in v. 3, and recognizing their rejoicing in vs. 6 & 8b. God is calling us to follow their example because we have the same GROUNDS for such GREAT rejoicing, since we GOT it at the point of our own salvation. I. The Ground(s) for Rejoicing with Great Joy (vs. 1-6, 1-12). A. “In this you greatly rejoice” refers to foundational reasons you

Acts 1:1-11 Between the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, He prepared His followers for His departure, the Church age, and His return at His 2 nd coming. I. Jesus’ Final Words Instruct Us for Kingdom Living Now. A. He is the “logos” which is use of Luke’s former account or treatise to Theophilus (v. 1). Compare Luke 1:1-3 & Acts 1:1-3. Jesus is the logos - word, and His final words are vital. B. His teachings (v. 1) focus on His physical and spiritual

1 Peter 1:1–2 Peter begins this letter by calling believers pilgrims or exiles. This is not accidental language. It defines our Christian life. Just as the believers in the 1st century, we are facing rejection, persecution, and displacement. Probably as they did, we may have wondered, “Has God abandoned us?” Peter answers by reminding them and us: You are not abandoned. You are chosen, loved and special to God. 1- Exile Is Separation from Home — But Not Separation from God I

II Cor. 2:10-14; Genesis 3:1-13 Believers must march & fight by God’s winning strategies; we know Satan’s schemes (vs. 10-11). Review Paul’s difficulties and the example he set to overcome Satan’s scheming to stop him and the church at Corinth. Contrast the following schemes and strategies as well as Genesis 3:1-13; Genesis 50:18-21 and Ephesians 4:30-32. II Cor. 2:1-3 Satan’s Scheme Discourage (vs. 1-2) Detach (vs. 4) Be shallow, surface, closed. Divide (vs. 5-11) Cause gri

1. Comfort each other because we are the church of God. a. God poured & pours out His grace and peace on those He places in His church when they trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior (1-2). b. God owns & possesses us through "OUR" Lord Jesus Christ, so bless & thank Him. c. God's character & glory is worth bragging on. Father / source of all mercies and comfort; Triune God, Father, Jesus, and Comforter - Holy Spirit ( "parakleiseos" b

Micah: The Lord is coming to judge, but Jesus is coming also. Background: Micah means “who is like the LORD" (7:18). He preached primarily in Judah about 750 – 690 B.C., but he did address the northern kingdom which fell in 722 B.C. (5:5 – Assyria will attack). His ministry overlapped with Isaiah in Judah & Hosea in the north, Israel. He warned kings like Jothan, Ahaz, & Hezekiah. Micah was a “country boy” from Moresheth, near Gaza, about 25 miles SW of Jerusalem.

The concluding passage calls us to prayer, praise, and pursuit of those who need spiritual help. James’ practical conclusions are a culmination of “faith that saves is faith that works." I. Prayer is Continual through all Life Circumstances for Believers. (James 5:13-15) A. Pray when you are going through suffering. B. Pray when you and others are sick. C. Pray with confession when you sin. Discussion: Find and list what we pray for from each chapter of Ja

Solomon’s Best Seller: “Song of Songs” 1:1 God’s love song poetically declares His design for marriage. Introduction: King Solomon is the author (1:1-5; 3:11; 8:12). He was young, & Israel was still one kingdom (3:11; 6:8-9). He disobeyed God as he got older. I Kings 11:3-11; Ex. 20:14 Purposes: 1. Prepare Young people for purity & pleasure in marriage. The daughters blessed & praised her (1:3b-4, 11; 6:8-9). Young virgins, don’t awaken l

James 5:7-9 1. The Call to Patience in Suffering (v. 7) Like a farmer waiting for rain, believers endure trials knowing fruit is coming....