Scriptural Reading Acts 2:36-41(New International Version) 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Matthew 3:13-17 (New International Version) The Baptism of Jesus 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Read full chapter Back to Berea Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Matthew 3:13-17(New International Version) The Baptism of Jesus 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Read full chapter Sermonic Text Jonah 1:9-17 (New International Version) 9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.) 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” 12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and…

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Scriptural Reading Mark 1:4-8(New International Version) 4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with[a] water, but he will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit.” Read full chapter Footnotes Mark 1:8 Or in Mark 1:8 Or in Sermonic Text 1 Peter 3:18-22 (New International Version) 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive,[a] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[b] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. Read full chapter Footnotes 1 Peter 3:19 Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also 1 Peter 3:21 Or but an appeal to God for a clear conscience Back to Berea Bible Study

Scriptural Reading 1 Samuel 17:32-37(New International Version) 32 David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” 33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” Read full chapter Sermonic Text Romans 8:31-39 (New International Version) More Than Conquerors 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long;     we are…

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Scriptural Reading Matthew 16:13-19 (New International Version) Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[c] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[d] loosed in heaven.” Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 16:18 The Greek word for Peter means rock. Matthew 16:18 That is, the realm of the dead Matthew 16:19 Or will have been Matthew 16:19 Or will have been   Sermonic Text Luke 10:38-42 (New International Version) At the Home of Martha and Mary 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Read full chapter Footnotes…

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Scriptural Reading John 15:9-17 (New International Version) 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other. Read full chapter Sermonic Text John 15:13 (New International Version) 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Read full chapter   Back to Berea Bible Study

Scriptural Reading 1 Kings 8:56-61 (New International Version) 56 “Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. 57 May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. 58 May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. 59 And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, 60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other. 61 And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” Read full chapter Sermonic Text Acts 9:10-19 (New International Version) 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must…

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Scriptural Reading 1 Peter 3:8-15 (New International Version) Suffering for Doing Good 8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.10 For, “Whoever would love life     and see good days must keep their tongue from evil     and their lips from deceitful speech. 11 They must turn from evil and do good;     they must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous     and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[a] 13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened.”[c] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Read full chapter Footnotes 1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16 1 Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12 Sermonic Text Philippians 4:6-9 (New International Version) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from…

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Scriptural Reading 1 Peter 1:17-23 (New International Version) 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply,from the heart.[a] 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. Read full chapter Footnotes 1 Peter 1:22 Some early manuscripts from a pure heart Sermonic Text Galatians 5:16-24 (New International Version) 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the…

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Scriptural Reading Jude 1: 17-25 (New International Version) A Call to Persevere 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.[a] Doxology 24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Read full chapter Footnotes Jude 1:23 The Greek manuscripts of these verses vary at several points.   Sermonic Text Ephesians 6:10-12 (New International Version) The Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Read full chapter Back to Berea Bible Study 

Scriptural Reading Romans 12:1-4 (New International Version) A Living Sacrifice 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Humble Service in the Body of Christ 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, Read full chapter   Sermonic Text James 4:1-8 (New International Version) Submit Yourselves to God 4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people,[a] don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us[b]? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud     but shows favor to the humble.”[c] 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee…

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Scriptural Reading 1 Peter 1:17-23 (New International Version) 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.[a]23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. Read full chapter Footnotes 1 Peter 1:22 Some early manuscripts from a pure heart   Sermonic Text Galatians 5:16-24 (New International Version) 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit…

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Scriptural Reading Ephesians 6:10-18 (New International Version) The Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Philippians 3:8-15 (New International Version) 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power…

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Scriptural Reading Romans 8:9-17 (New International Version) 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[a] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodiesbecause of[b] his Spirit who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[c] And by him we cry, “Abba,[d] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Read full chapter Footnotes Romans 8:10 Or you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive Romans 8:11 Some manuscripts bodies through Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male…

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Scriptural Reading Ephesians 2:4-10 (New International Version) 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Read full chapter Sermonic Text 1 Corinthians 3:1-6 (New International Version) The Church and Its Leaders 3 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings? 5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. Read full chapter Back to Berea Bible Study

Scriptural Reading 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 (New International Version) The Day of the Lord 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise to the God of All Comfort 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Romans 1:1-10 (New International Version) 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life[a] was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from[c] faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the…

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Scriptural Reading Joel 2:28-32 (New International Version) The Day of the Lord 28 “And afterward,     I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,     your old men will dream dreams,     your young men will see visions. 29 Even on my servants, both men and women,     I will pour out my Spirit in those days. 30 I will show wonders in the heavens     and on the earth,     blood and fire and billows of smoke. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness     and the moon to blood     before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 32 And everyone who calls     on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem     there will be deliverance,     as the Lord has said, even among the survivors     whom the Lord calls.[a] Read full chapter Footnotes Joel 2:32 In Hebrew texts 2:28-32 is numbered 3:1-5. Sermonic Text Acts 2:3-12 (New International Version) 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygiaand Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own…

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Scriptural Reading Isaiah 66:10-13 (New International Version) 10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her,     all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her,     all you who mourn over her. 11 For you will nurse and be satisfied     at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply     and delight in her overflowing abundance.” 12 For this is what the Lord says: “I will extend peace to her like a river,     and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm     and dandled on her knees. 13 As a mother comforts her child,     so will I comfort you;     and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” Read full chapter Sermonic Text Acts 1:12-14 (New International Version) Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas 12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk[a] from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Read full chapter Footnotes Acts 1:12 That is, about 5/8 mile or about 1 kilometer Footnotes Psalm 22:1 In Hebrew texts 22:1-31 is numbered 22:2-32. Psalm 22:2 Or night, and am not silent Psalm 22:3 Or Yet you are holy, / enthroned on the praises of Israel Back to Berea Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Acts 1:1-9 (New International Version) Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Read full chapter Footnotes Acts 1:5 Or in Acts 1:5 Or in Sermonic Text Psalm 22:1-7 (New International Version) Psalm 22[a] For the director of music. To the tune of “The Doe of the Morning.” A psalm of David. 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?     Why are you so far from saving me,     so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,     by night, but I find no rest.[b] 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;     you are the one…

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Scriptural Reading Colossians 2:6-12 (New International Version) Spiritual Fullness in Christ 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh[b] was put off when you were circumcised by[c] Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. Read full chapter Footnotes Colossians 2:8 Or the basic principles; also in verse 20 Colossians 2:11 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verse 13. Colossians 2:11 Or put off in the circumcision of Sermonic Text John 21:1-8 (New International Version) Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish 21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t…

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Scriptural Reading John 21:15-18 (New International Version)   Jesus Reinstates Peter 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Read full chapter   Sermonic Text John 20:19-20 (New International Version) Jesus Appears to His Disciples 19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Read full chapter Back to Berea Bible Study   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFkv8No1t6o

Scriptural Reading Proverbs 3:1-6 (New International Version) Wisdom Bestows Well-Being 3 My son, do not forget my teaching,     but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years     and bring you peace and prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;     bind them around your neck,     write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name     in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart     and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him,     and he will make your paths straight.[a] Read full chapter Footnotes Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths   Sermonic Text Genesis 41:37-44 (New International Version) 37 The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God[a]?” 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” Joseph in Charge of Egypt 41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. 43 He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command,[b] and people shouted before him, “Make way[c]!” Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. 44 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt.” Read full chapter Footnotes Genesis 41:38 Or of the gods Genesis 41:43 Or in…

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Scriptural Reading John 20:15-18 (New International Version) 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. Read full chapter   Sermonic Text Matthew 28:11-15 (New International Version) The Guards’ Report 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. Read full chapter Back to Berea Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Matthew 21:12-16 (New International Version) Jesus at the Temple 12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’[a] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’[b]” 14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. 16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’[c]?” Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 21:13 Isaiah 56:7 Matthew 21:13 Jer. 7:11 Matthew 21:16 Psalm 8:2 (see Septuagint) Sermonic Text Mark 11:7-10 (New International Version) 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna![a]” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b] 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Read full chapter Footnotes Mark 11:9 A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise; also in verse 10 Mark 11:9 Psalm 118:25,26 Back to Berea Bible Study

Scriptural Reading 2 John 1-6 (New International Version) 1 The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— 2 because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. 4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Luke 4:13 (New International Version) 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Read full chapter Back to Berea Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Luke 2:36-40 (New International Version) 36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[a] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. Read full chapter Footnotes Luke 2:37 Or then had been a widow for eighty-four years. Sermonic Text Matthew 4:7-10 (New International Version) 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[a]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[b]” Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 4:7 Deut. 6:16 Matthew 4:10 Deut. 6:13 Back to Berea Bible Study Watch this video on YouTube

Scriptural Reading Esther 4:12-16 (New International Version) 12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Read full chapter Sermonic Text Matthew 4:5-7 (New International Version) 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you,     and they will lift you up in their hands,     so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[b]” Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 4:6 Psalm 91:11,12 Matthew 4:7 Deut. 6:16 Back to Berea Bible Study  

Scriptural Reading Judges 4:4-10 (New International Version) 4 Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading[a] Israel at that time. 5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. 6 She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. 7 I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’” 8 Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” 9 “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. 10 There Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali, and ten thousand men went up under his command. Deborah also went up with him. Read full chapter Footnotes Judges 4:4 Traditionally judging Sermonic Text Matthew 4:1-4 (New International Version) Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness 4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]” Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 4:1 The Greek for tempted can also mean tested. Matthew 4:4 Deut. 8:3 Back to Berea Bible Study    

Scriptural Reading Matthew 4:1-11 (New International Version) Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness 4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you,     and they will lift you up in their hands,     so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 4:1 The Greek for tempted can also mean tested. Matthew 4:4 Deut. 8:3 Matthew 4:6 Psalm 91:11,12 Matthew 4:7 Deut. 6:16 Matthew 4:10 Deut. 6:13 Sermonic Text Psalm 78:1-7 (New International Version) Psalm 78 A maskil[a] of Asaph. 1 My people, hear my teaching;     listen to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth with a parable;     I will utter hidden things, things from of old— 3 things we have heard and known,     things our ancestors have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their descendants;     we…

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Scriptural Reading Isaiah 54:10-17 (New International Version) 10 Though the mountains be shaken     and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken     nor my covenant of peace be removed,”     says the Lord, who has compassion on you. 11 “Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted,     I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise,[a]     your foundations with lapis lazuli. 12 I will make your battlements of rubies,     your gates of sparkling jewels,     and all your walls of precious stones. 13 All your children will be taught by the Lord,     and great will be their peace. 14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you;     you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed;     it will not come near you. 15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing;     whoever attacks you will surrender to you. 16 “See, it is I who created the blacksmith     who fans the coals into flame     and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; 17     no weapon forged against you will prevail,     and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,     and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. Read full chapter Footnotes Isaiah 54:11 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. Sermonic Text Luke 3:21-23 (New International Version) The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus 21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, Read full chapter Back to Berea…

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Scriptural Reading Genesis 12:1-7 (New International Version) The Call of Abram 12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation,     and I will bless you; I will make your name great,     and you will be a blessing.[a] 3 I will bless those who bless you,     and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth     will be blessed through you.”[b] 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there. 6 Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring[c] I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him. Read full chapter Footnotes Genesis 12:2 Or be seen as blessed Genesis 12:3 Or earth / will use your name in blessings (see 48:20) Genesis 12:7 Or seed Sermonic Text 2 Timothy 1:3-8 (New International Version) Thanksgiving 3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit…

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Sermonic Text Hebrews 12:1-7 (New International Version) 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. God Disciplines His Children 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,     and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,     and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Scriptural Reading Ephesians 2:1-10 (New International Version) Made Alive in Christ 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Read full chapter Footnotes Ephesians 2:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Genesis 9:8-13 (New International Version) 8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: 9 “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you 10 and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the…

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Scriptural Reading Galatians 6:7-10 (New International Version) 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Genesis 4:25-26 (New International Version) 25 Adam made love to his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth,[a] saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.” 26 Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on[b] the name of the Lord. Read full chapter Footnotes Genesis 4:25 Seth probably means granted. Genesis 4:26 Or to proclaim     Back to Berea Bible Study https://youtu.be/__BiprrsKjA

Scriptural Reading 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (New International Version) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Read full chapter Footnotes 2 Corinthians 5:17 Or Christ, that person is a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Or be a sin offering Sermonic Text Joshua 6:1-10 (New International Version) 6 Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” 6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” 7 And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.” 8 When Joshua had spoken to the people,…

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Scriptural Reading 1 John 4:4-10 (New International Version) 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood. God’s Love and Ours 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Read full chapter Footnotes 1 John 4:6 Or spirit . Sermonic Text Genesis 3:1-7  (New International Version) The Fall 3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the…

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Scriptural Reading Philippians 3:8-16 (New International Version) 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Following Paul’s Example 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Read full chapter Footnotes Philippians 3:9 Or through the faithfulness of . Sermonic Text Genesis 1:27-31 (New International Version) 27 So God created mankind in his own image,     in the image of God he created them;     male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish…

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Scriptural Reading Luke 2:25-35 (New International Version) 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Read full chapter Footnotes Luke 2:29 Or promised, / now dismiss . Sermonic Text Matthew 2:1-12 (New International Version) The Magi Visit the Messiah 2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,”…

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Scriptural Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24(New International Version)   Final Instructions 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Read full chapter . Sermonic Text Luke 2:8-20 (New International Version)   8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his…

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Scriptural Reading Micah 5:1-4(New International Version)     The Ruler to Be Born in Bethlehem 5 [a] Now muster your troops, O daughter[b] of troops;    siege is laid against us;with a rod they strike the judge of Israel    on the cheek.2 [c] But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,from you shall come forth for me    one who is to be ruler in Israel,whose coming forth is from of old,    from ancient days.3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time    when she who is in labor has given birth;then the rest of his brothers shall return    to the people of Israel.4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great    to the ends of the earth. Read full chapter Footnotes Micah 5:1 Ch 4:14 in Hebrew Micah 5:1 That is, city Micah 5:2 Ch 5:1 in Hebrew . Sermonic Text Matthew 2:1-6 (New International Version)   The Visit of the Wise Men 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a] from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for from you shall come a ruler    who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 2:1 Greek magi; also verses 7, 16 Matthew 2:2 Or in the east; also verse 9 Back to Berea Bible Study https://youtu.be/aQ1ofQKKmr4

Scriptural Reading Isaiah 9:1-7(New International Version) 9 [a]Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— 2 The people walking in darkness    have seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darkness    a light has dawned.3 You have enlarged the nation    and increased their joy;they rejoice before you    as people rejoice at the harvest,as warriors rejoice    when dividing the plunder.4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,    you have shatteredthe yoke that burdens them,    the bar across their shoulders,    the rod of their oppressor.5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle    and every garment rolled in bloodwill be destined for burning,    will be fuel for the fire.6 For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given,    and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace    there will be no end.He will reign on David’s throne    and over his kingdom,establishing and upholding it    with justice and righteousness    from that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almighty    will accomplish this. Read full chapter Footnotes Isaiah 9:1 In Hebrew texts 9:1 is numbered 8:23, and 9:2-21 is numbered 9:1-20.   Sermonic Text Luke 1:31-45 (New International Version)   31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born…

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Scriptural Reading John 1:46-51(New International Version) 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” 50 Jesus said, “You believe[a] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you,[b] you[c] will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’[d] the Son of Man.” Read full chapter Footnotes John 1:50 Or Do you believe … ? John 1:51 The Greek is plural. John 1:51 The Greek is plural. John 1:51 Gen. 28:12   Sermonic Text John 4:39-42 (New International Version) Many Samaritans Believe 39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” Read full chapter Back to Berea Bible Study

Scriptural Reading 2 Timothy 4:2-5 (New International Version) 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. Read full chapter   Sermonic Text John 1:43-46(New International Version) Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. Read full chapter Back to Berea Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Ephesians 2:14-22 (New International Version) 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Acts 4:31-36 (New International Version) 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. The Believers Share Their Possessions 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need….

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Scriptural Reading Matthew 8:18-20 (New International Version)   The Cost of Following Jesus 18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Manhas no place to lay his head.” Read full chapter   Sermonic Text Acts 4:31-36 (New International Version)   31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. The Believers Share Their Possessions 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), Read full chapter Back to Berea Bible Study https://youtu.be/2ATYzAw89tM

Scriptural Reading Philippians 4:4-9 (New International Version) Final Exhortations 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Read full chapter Sermonic Text 1 Samuel 1:1-10 (New International Version) The Birth of Samuel 1 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite[a] from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 3 Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. 4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. 6 Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you…

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Scriptural Reading 2 Corinthians 10:3-7 (New International Version)  3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. 7 You are judging by appearances.[a] If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do. Read full chapter Footnotes 2 Corinthians 10:7 Or Look at the obvious facts Sermonic Text Ephesians 6:18-20 (New International Version)  18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.Read full chapter  Back to Berea Bible Study Watch this video on YouTube

Scriptural Reading Matthew 6:6-8 (New International Version) 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Psalm 118:6-17 (New International Version) 6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.     What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper.     I look in triumph on my enemies. 8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord     than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord     than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me,     but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 11 They surrounded me on every side,     but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 12 They swarmed around me like bees,     but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;     in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall,     but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense[a];     he has become my salvation. 15 Shouts of joy and victory     resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! 16     The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;     the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” 17 I will not die but live,     and will proclaim what the Lord has done. Read full chapter Footnotes Psalm 118:14 Or song Bible Study – From 10-4-22

Scriptural Reading Isaiah 43:11-13 (New International Version) 11 I, even I, am the Lord,     and apart from me there is no savior. 12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—     I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God. 13     Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand.     When I act, who can reverse it?” Read full chapter Sermonic Text Luke 11:1-8 (New International Version) Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer 11 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father,[a] hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.[b] 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins,     for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.[c] And lead us not into temptation.[d]’” 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity[e] he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. Read full chapter Footnotes Luke 11:2 Some manuscripts Our Father in heaven Luke 11:2 Some manuscripts come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Luke 11:4 Greek everyone who is indebted to us Luke 11:4 Some manuscripts temptation, but deliver us from the evil one Luke 11:8 Or yet to…

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Scriptural Reading Romans 8:12-17 (New International Version) 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Read full chapter Footnotes Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23. Romans 8:15 Aramaic for father Sermonic Text Luke 10:8-16 (New International Version) 8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. 13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable for Tyre…

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Scriptural Reading Philippians 4:6-9 (New International Version) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Matthew 21:12-14 (New International Version) Jesus at the Temple 12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’[a] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’[b]” 14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 21:13 Isaiah 56:7 Matthew 21:13 Jer. 7:11 Bible Study – From 09-20-22

Scriptural Reading John 14:11-14 (New International Version) 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Mark 10:46-52 (New International Version) Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight 46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Read full chapter   Bible Study – From 09-20-22

Scriptural Reading Psalm 150 (New International Version) Psalm 150 1 Praise the Lord.[a] Praise God in his sanctuary;     praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power;     praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,     praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,     praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,     praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Read full chapter Footnotes Psalm 150:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 6 Sermonic Text John 6:24-29 (New International Version) 24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. Jesus the Bread of Life 25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” Read full chapter Bible Study – From 0-6-22

Scriptural Reading 2 Peter 3:9-14 (New International Version) 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.[a] 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Read full chapter Footnotes 2 Peter 3:10 Some manuscripts be burned up 2 Peter 3:12 Or as you wait eagerly for the day of God to come Sermonic Text John 4:46-54 (New International Version) 46 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. 48 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” 49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with…

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Scriptural Reading 1 John 3:1-3 (New International Version) 3 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Read full chapter Footnotes 1 John 3:2 Or when it is made known   Sermonic Text John 2:7-11 (New International Version) 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” 11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. Read full chapter Bible Study – From 8-21-22

Scriptural Reading Ephesians 2:4-10 (New International Version) 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Matthew 14:22-33 (New International Version) Jesus Walks on the Water 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” https://youtu.be/RBuaX-wGriQ28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You…

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Scriptural Reading 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (New International Version) 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. Read full chapter 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Genesis 45:4-10 (New International Version) 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.[a] 8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me fatherto Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurryback to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your…

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Scriptural Reading 1 Corinthians 13:4-13  (New International Version) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Galatians 5:22-26 (New International Version) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Read full chapter   Bible Study – From 7-26-22

Scriptural Reading Galatians 5:22-26 (New International Version) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the fleshwith its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other .Read full chapter Sermonic Text Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version) 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Read full chapter   Bible Study – From 7-26-22

Scriptural Reading Colossians 2:9-12 (New International Version) 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh[a] was put off when you were circumcised by[b] Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. Read full chapter Footnotes Colossians 2:11 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verse 13. Colossians 2:11 Or put off in the circumcision of Sermonic Text 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 (New International Version) Unity and Diversity in the Body 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[a] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every…

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Scriptural Reading Isaiah 11:1-5 (New International Version) The Branch From Jesse 11 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;     from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—     the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,     the Spirit of counsel and of might,     the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— 3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,     or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,     with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;     with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt     and faithfulness the sash around his waist. Read full chapter Sermonic Text 1 Corinthians 12:1-7 (New International Version) Concerning Spiritual Gifts 12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Read full chapter Bible Study – From 7-12-22

Scriptural Reading Romans 8:26-30 (New International Version) 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Read full chapter Footnotes Romans 8:28 Or that all things work together for good to those who love God, who; or that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who Sermonic Text Acts 2:36-39 Acts 2:36-39 (New International Version) 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Read full chapter Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Acts 10:44-48 (New International Version) 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured outeven on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[a] and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Read full chapter Footnotes Acts 10:46 Or other languages Sermonic Text Acts 18:24-28 (New International Version) 24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor[a] and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sistersencouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. Read full chapter Footnotes Acts 18:25 Or with fervor in the Spirit Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Acts 4:31-35 (New International Version) 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. The Believers Share Their Possessions 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Read full chapter Sermonic Text John 8:31-36 (New International Version) Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Read full chapter Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Joel 2:27-32 (New International Version) 27 Then you will know that I am in Israel,     that I am the Lord your God,     and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed. The Day of the Lord 28 “And afterward,     I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,     your old men will dream dreams,     your young men will see visions. 29 Even on my servants, both men and women,     I will pour out my Spirit in those days. 30 I will show wonders in the heavens     and on the earth,     blood and fire and billows of smoke. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness     and the moon to blood     before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 32 And everyone who calls     on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem     there will be deliverance,     as the Lord has said, even among the survivors     whom the Lord calls.[a] Read full chapter Footnotes Joel 2:32 In Hebrew texts 2:28-32 is numbered 3:1-5. Sermonic Text Acts 19:13-16 (New International Version) 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. Read full chapter Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Acts 2:1-7 New International Version The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Read full chapter Footnotes Acts 2:4 Or languages; also in verse 11 Sermonic Text Acts 19:1-7 (New International Version) Paul in Ephesus 19 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when[a] you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues[b] and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. Read full chapter Footnotes Acts 19:2 Or after Acts 19:6 Or other languages Bible Study

We were blessed to have a special guest speaker on Mother’s Day. Retired Bishop, Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, will be delivering the message to us. Scriptural Reading Micah 6:8 (New International Version) 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God. Read full chapter Footnotes Micah 6:8 Or prudently Romans 5:3-5  (New International Version) 3 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Read full chapter Footnotes Romans 5:3 Or let us Sermonic Text Romans 5:1-5 (New International Version) Peace and Hope 5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Read full chapter Footnotes Romans 5:1 Many manuscripts let us Romans 5:2 Or let us Romans 5:3 Or let us Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Acts 1:3-8 (New International Version) 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Read full chapter Footnotes Acts 1:5 Or in Acts 1:5 Or in Sermonic Text John 20:30-31 (New International Version) The Purpose of John’s Gospel 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[a]that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Read full chapter Footnotes John 20:31 Or may continue to believe  

We were blessed to have a special guest speaker on Mother’s Day. Retired Bishop, Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, will be delivering the message to us. Scriptural Reading Mark 16:15-18 (New International Version) 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands onsick people, and they will get well.” Read full chapter Sermonic Text John 20:19-23 (New International Version) Jesus Appears to His Disciples 19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Read full chapter

We were blessed to have a special guest speaker on Mother’s Day. Retired Bishop, Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, will be delivering the message to us. Scriptural Reading John 21:15-17 (New International Version) Jesus Reinstates Peter 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Psalm 22:1-24 (New International Version) Psalm 22[a] For the director of music. To the tune of “The Doe of the Morning.” A psalm of David. 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?     Why are you so far from saving me,     so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,     by night, but I find no rest.[b] 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;     you are the one Israel praises.[c] 4 In you our ancestors put their trust;     they trusted and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried out and were saved;     in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man,     scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me;     they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say,     “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him,     since he delights in him.” 9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;     you made…

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Scriptural Reading Philippians 2:4-11 (New International Version) 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,     did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing     by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,     being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man,     he humbled himself     by becoming obedient to death—         even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place     and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,     in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,     to the glory of God the Father. Read full chapter Footnotes Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of Philippians 2:7 Or the form Sermonic Text John 6:48-58 (New International Version) 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” 52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and…

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Luke 24:1-6Scriptural Reading John 20:16-18 (New International Version) 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Luke 24:1-6 (New International Version) Jesus Has Risen 24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: Read full chapter

Scriptural Reading John 12:12-16 (New International Version) Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King 12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna![a]” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b] “Blessed is the king of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 15 “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;     see, your king is coming,     seated on a donkey’s colt.”[c] 16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Read full chapter Footnotes John 12:13 A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise John 12:13 Psalm 118:25,26 John 12:15 Zech. 9:9 Sermonic Text Luke 19:28-35 (New International Version) Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King 28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. Read full chapter

Scriptural Reading Isaiah 53:5-12 (New International Version) New International Version 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,     he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him,     and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,     each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him     the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted,     yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,     and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,     so he did not open his mouth. 8 By oppression[a] and judgment he was taken away.     Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living;     for the transgression of my people he was punished.[b] 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,     and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence,     nor was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,     and though the Lord makes[c] his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days,     and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. 11 After he has suffered,     he will see the light of life[d] and be satisfied[e]; by his knowledge[f] my righteous servant will justify many,     and he will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,[g]     and he will divide the spoils with the strong,[h] because he poured out his life unto death,     and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many,     and made intercession for the transgressors. Read full chapter Footnotes Isaiah 53:8 Or From arrest Isaiah 53:8 Or generation considered / that he was cut off from the land of the living, / that he was punished for the transgression of my people? Isaiah 53:10 Hebrew though you make Isaiah 53:11 Dead Sea Scrolls (see also Septuagint); Masoretic Text…

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Scriptural Reading Mark 5:38-42 (New International Version) 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Luke 8:1-3 (New International Version) The Parable of the Sower 8 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Read full chapter Mark 15:40-41 (New International Version) 40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph,[a] and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. Read full chapter Footnotes Mark 15:40 Greek Joses, a variant of Joseph; also in verse 47  Bible Study

Scriptural Reading Matthew 4:1-11 (New International Version) Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness 4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you,     and they will lift you up in their hands,     so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Read full chapter Sermonic Text John 6:53-60 (New International Version) 53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the…

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Scriptural Reading Numbers 21:6-9 (New International Version) 6 Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Luke 8:1-3 (New International Version) The Parable of the Sower 8 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Read full chapter

We tell folks about EVERYTHING, restaurants,  vacation spots, movies, music. But ask ourselves, when’s the last time we told someone about Jesus? Not just about who he is but what he’s done! See what happens when we “TELL SOMEBODY ABOUT JESUS!” Scriptural Reading Isaiah 53:5-8 (New International Version) 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,     he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him,     and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,     each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him     the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted,     yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,     and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,     so he did not open his mouth. 8 By oppression[a] and judgment he was taken away.     Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living;     for the transgression of my people he was punished.[b] Read full chapter Footnotes Isaiah 53:8 Or From arrest Isaiah 53:8 Or generation considered / that he was cut off from the land of the living, / that he was punished for the transgression of my people? Sermonic Text John 1:43-46 (New International Version) Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. Read full chapter Bible Study – John 1:38-50

Scriptural Reading 1 Peter 5:6-11 (New International Version) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. Read full chapter Sermonic Text John 6:68 (New International Version) 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Read full chapter

We can find ourselves in positions in life where it feels like we never have enough. Not enough time, money, resources opportunity…you name it. Join us this Sunday as we explore what happens when we take what we do have and put it in the hands of The Lord! Scriptural Reading Exodus 3:7-10 (New International Version) 7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Read full chapter Sermonic Text John 6:8-14 (New International Version) 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the…

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Scriptural Reading Psalm 51:10-13 (New International Version) 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Read full chapter Sermonic Text James 2:18-24 (New International Version) 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[b] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. Read full chapter Footnotes James 2:20 Some early manuscripts dead James 2:23 Gen. 15:6

What has been passed down to us? What have we passed down? Some have a legacy in name, some have a legacy in sports, some have a legacy of wealth, but Hebrews teaches us of a stronger, deeper more powerful legacy; A Legacy of Faith!” Parks Chapel AME Church, San Fernando is led by Reverend Kirkpatrick Tyler, Sr. Pastor. Rev. Tyler is a dynamic faith-based leader who focuses on youth empowerment and community building. Our Minister of Music is the renowned critically acclaimed Andrae Alexander. He leads our gospel choir. Scriptural Reading Luke 6:43-45 (New International Version) A Tree and Its Fruit 43 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Hebrews 11:32-38 (New International Version) 32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning;[a] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and…

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What Am I Still Holding On To? Trauma can cause us to keep the pain of our past even when we have been free of the actual problem.  What Do I Need to Let Go Of To Be Happy and Free? Parks Chapel AME Church, San Fernando is led by Reverend Kirkpatrick Tyler, Sr. Pastor. Rev. Tyler is a dynamic faith-based leader who focuses on youth empowerment and community building. Our Minister of Music is the renowned critically acclaimed Andrae Alexander. He leads our gospel choir. Scriptural Reading John 4:23-24 (New International Version) 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” Read full chapter Sermonic Text Jonah 4:1-3 (New International Version) Jonah’s Anger at the Lord’s Compassion 4 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Read full chapter Bible Study – Going Deeper Into the Scripture nbsp;

When we are wrapped up in our own stuff we take for granted what God is able to do. What impact do we and our actions have on those who God is seeking to reach?  This is Part 4 of our New Year sermon series You Can’t Run From God “Who Am I Keeping From God?” Parks Chapel AME Church, San Fernando is led by Reverend Kirkpatrick Tyler, Sr. Pastor. Rev. Tyler is a dynamic faith-based leader who focuses on youth empowerment and community building. Our Minister of Music is the renowned critically acclaimed Andrae Alexander. He leads our gospel choir. Scriptural Reading Philippians 3:10-12 (New International Version) 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Read full chapter 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. Read full chapter Footnotes 2 Corinthians 5:17 Or Christ, that person is a new creation. Sermonic Text Jonah 3:6-9 (New International Version) 6 When Jonah’s warning reached the king of…

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We often miss what the actual problem is. Truthfully by the time we realize we are in trouble, it’s too late and it becomes easy to mislabel what the actual problem is. In fact, where we find ourselves in life, many times is not the problem but what we did to get there. Join us This Sunday 10:30 am as we figure out What’s Eating the Prophet Jonah; one hint, It ain’t the fish! Scriptural Reading 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 (New International Version) 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. Read full chapter Footnotes 2 Corinthians 5:17 Or Christ, that person is a new creation. Sermonic Text Jonah 2:1-9 (New International Version) 2 1 [a]From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2 He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord,     and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,     and you listened to my cry. 3 You hurled me into the depths,     into the very heart of the seas,     and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers     swept over me. 4 I said, ‘I have been banished     from your sight; yet I will look again     toward your holy temple.’ 5 The engulfing waters threatened me,[b]     the deep surrounded me;     seaweed was wrapped around my…

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Don’t waste this year running! God is calling on each and every one of us to use us in the world. Let’s put aside our fears, biases, isms, and scizms and let God use us the way He desires. Join us for worship as we prepare for a Year of Usefulness! Scriptural Reading Matthew 18:18-201 (New International Version) 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be[a] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[b] loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 18:18 Or will have been Matthew 18:18 Or will have been Sermonic Text Amos 2:10-3:1 (New International Version) 10 I brought you up out of Egypt     and led you forty years in the wilderness     to give you the land of the Amorites. 11 “I also raised up prophets from among your children     and Nazirites from among your youths. Is this not true, people of Israel?” declares the Lord. 12 “But you made the Nazirites drink wine     and commanded the prophets not to prophesy. 13 “Now then, I will crush you     as a cart crushes when loaded with grain. 14 The swift will not escape,     the strong will not muster their strength,     and the warrior will not save his life. 15 The archer will not stand his ground,     the fleet-footed soldier will not get away,     and the horseman will not save his life. 16 Even the bravest warriors     will flee naked on that day,” declares the Lord. Witnesses Summoned Against Israel 3 Hear this word, people of Israel, the word the Lord has spoken against you—against the whole family I brought up out of Egypt:

Don’t waste this year running! God is calling on each and every one of us to use us in the world. Let’s put aside our fears, biases, isms, and scizms and let God use us the way He desires. Join us for worship as we prepare for a Year of Usefulness! Scriptural Reading Romans 8:18-21 (New International Version) Present Suffering and Future Glory 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. Read full chapter Footnotes Romans 8:21 Or subjected it in hope. 21 For Sermonic Text Jonah 1:1-3 (New International Version) Jonah Flees From the Lord 1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. Read full chapter

The Story is not over! In fact, its just beginning.  After the miraculous birth of Jesus There is so much more to tell, and the same is true in our lives. God has more to our story and we must be prepared for it Scriptural Reading Romans 8:31-39 (New International Version) More Than Conquerors 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long;     we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a] 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Read full chapter Footnotes Romans 8:36 Psalm 44:22 Romans 8:38 Or nor heavenly rulers Sermonic Text Luke 2:39-40 (New International Version) 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on…

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What is love to you? Is it a word, a feeling, a state of mind? Join us for worship this Sunday for our Sermon “Show Me Some Love” as we explore the power and virtue of love and draw near to the end of our Advent Celebration! Scriptural Reading 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 (New International Version) 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Read full chapter Sermon Text John 3:16-18 (New International Version) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. Read full chapter

We are all looking for Joy but let’s ask ourselves what do we know about Joy? What is it, how do we gain it, maintain it and spread it? Where does Joy come from and how is it made. The truth is we know so little about something we desire so much. Join us this Sunday at 10:30 am worship Service as we explore “The Mystery of Joy” Go Deeper with Pastor KP’s Back To Barea Tuesday Night Bible Study   Scriptural Reading John 15:8-11 ( New International Version) 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. Read full chapter Sermonic Text Matthew 1: 20-24 ( New International Version) 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[a] because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[b] (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 1:21 Jesus is the Greek…

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Spiritual Reading Haggai 2:4- (New International Version) 4 But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ 6 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place, I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Read full chapter   Sermon Text Luke 2:11-15 (New International Version) 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Read full chapter Bible Study – Going Deeper Into The Scripture

Our lives can often be filled with doubt. Doubt of possibilities, hope, a future. But God has called us to a spirit of Hope, Faith, and Trust in his will and desire to do miraculous and wonderful things in our lives. Is God Working in you? You Better Believe It! Join us in Worship this Sunday!

So often we rely on our tangible strength, power, and force to reach what we want. This Sunday Joshua shows us the power that exists in Praise. Praise brings walls down, Praise breaks yokes, Praise defeats enemies. Worship with us this Sunday as we explore the “Power in Our Praise”   Scriptural Reading 2 Corinthians 3:2-6 (New International Version) 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.   Sermonic Text Joshua 6:14-15 (New International Version) 14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. 15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times.  

This Sunday’s message, “Don’t  Forsake The Stones” celebrates the remembering of what God has done and the faithful men and women he’s worked through to bring us thus far. We would not be where we are if it was not for those who came before us. This text in Joshua calls on us to set up monuments of remembrance and celebration that honor, include, and acknowledge God’s work and his servants for today and the generations that come after us. Tags: History, sacrifice,  celebration, ancestors,  heroes, heroines, legacy, generational wealth, faithfulness. Scriptural Reading Hebrews 4:14-16 (New International Version) Jesus the Great High Priest 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Read full chapter Footnotes Hebrews 4:14 Greek has gone through the heavens Sermonic Text Joshua 4:4-7 (New International Version) 4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were…

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Are You Ready?
God is about to do something new, we have never seen it, experienced it, heard it, or even thought of it before. In order to receive it, He is calling on us to prepare ourselves, to consecrate ourselves, and to get ready for Him to blow our minds! This Sunday’s message calls each and every one of us to GET READY For the miraculous move of God!

“And There Were Women There” Spiritual Reading Isaiah 43:18-21 (New International Version) 18 “Forget the former things;     do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing!     Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness     and streams in the wasteland. 20 The wild animals honor me,     the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness     and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21     the people I formed for myself     that they may proclaim my praise. Read full chapter Spiritual Lesson Luke 24:8-12 (New International Version) 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. Read full chapte

Finding “The VISION” Spiritual Reading Habakkuk 2:1-4 (New International Version) 2 I will stand at my watch     and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me,     and what answer I am to give to this complaint.[a] The Lord’s Answer 2 Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation     and make it plain on tablets     so that a herald[b] may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;     it speaks of the end     and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it;     it[c] will certainly come     and will not delay. 4 “See, the enemy is puffed up;     his desires are not upright—     but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness[d]— Read full chapter Footnotes Habakkuk 2:1 Or and what to answer when I am rebuked Habakkuk 2:2 Or so that whoever reads it Habakkuk 2:3 Or Though he linger, wait for him; / he Habakkuk 2:4 Or faith Habakkuk 2:1-4 Spiritual Lesson Habakkuk 2:1-4 (New International Version) 2 I will stand at my watch     and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me,     and what answer I am to give to this complaint.[a] The Lord’s Answer 2 Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation     and make it plain on tablets     so that a herald[b] may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;     it speaks of the end     and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it;     it[c] will certainly come     and will not delay. 4 “See, the enemy is puffed up;     his desires are not upright—     but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness[d]— Read full chapter Footnotes Habakkuk 2:1 Or and what to answer when I am rebuked Habakkuk 2:2 Or so that whoever reads it Habakkuk 2:3 Or Though he linger, wait for him; / he Habakkuk 2:4 Or faith Habakkuk 2:1-4  

You Can Eat But You Can’t Run Spiritual Reading Isaiah 25:1-8(New International Version) Praise to the Lord 25 Lord, you are my God;     I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness     you have done wonderful things,     things planned long ago. 2 You have made the city a heap of rubble,     the fortified town a ruin, the foreigners’ stronghold a city no more;     it will never be rebuilt. 3 Therefore strong peoples will honor you;     cities of ruthless nations will revere you. 4 You have been a refuge for the poor,     a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm     and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless     is like a storm driving against a wall 5     and like the heat of the desert. You silence the uproar of foreigners;     as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud,     so the song of the ruthless is stilled. 6 On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare     a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—     the best of meats and the finest of wines. 7 On this mountain he will destroy     the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8     he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears     from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace     from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. Read full chapter Spiritual Lesson Psalm 23:5 (New International Version) 5 You prepare a table before me     in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;     my cup overflows. Read full chapter   Spiritual Lesson Luke 14:12-15 (New International Version) 12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet,…

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Reverend Reuben W. Ford, Sr. Pastor, and First Lady Ford’s Retirement Concert Spiritual Reading Romans 10:14-15 (New International Version) 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”[a] Read full chapter Footnotes Romans 10:15 Isaiah 52:7  

The Conjure for Plantation Medicine/Health Care Spiritual Reading Ezekiel 47:6-12 (New International Version) 6 He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. 8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah,[a] where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. 11 But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. 12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Read full chapter Footnotes Ezekiel 47:8 Or the Jordan Valley Spiritual Lesson 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (New International Version)Ezekiel 47:6-12Ezekiel 47:6-12 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of…

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It’s Time to Shake the Dust off Your Feet! Spiritual Reading Psalm 37:1-4, 23-28 (New International Version) Of David. 1 Do not fret because of those who are evil     or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither,     like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good;     dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord,     and he will give you the desires of your heart. 23 The Lord makes firm the steps     of the one who delights in him; 24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,     for the Lord upholds him with his hand. 25 I was young and now I am old,     yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken     or their children begging bread. 26 They are always generous and lend freely;     their children will be a blessing.[a] 27 Turn from evil and do good;     then you will dwell in the land forever. 28 For the Lord loves the just     and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed[b];     the offspring of the wicked will perish. Read full chapter Footnotes a. Psalm 37:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 37:26 Or freely; / the names of their children will be used in blessings (see Gen. 48:20); or freely; / others will see that their children are blessed Psalm 37:28 See Septuagint; Hebrew They will be protected forever Spiritual Lesson Matthew 10:12-14 (The New International Version)

There is Power in the Water Too!! – Part 2 Spiritual Reading Psalm 46 (New International Version) Psalm 46[a] For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth.[b] A song. 1 God is our refuge and strength,     an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way     and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam     and the mountains quake with their surging.[c] 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,     the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall;     God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;     he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us;     the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the Lord has done,     the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease     to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;     he burns the shields[d] with fire. 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;     I will be exalted among the nations,     I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord Almighty is with us;     the God of Jacob is our fortress. Footnotes Psalm 46:1 In Hebrew texts 46:1-11 is numbered 46:2-12. Psalm 46:1 Title: Probably a musical term Psalm 46:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 7 and 11. Psalm 46:9 Or chariots

There is Power in the Water Too!! Spiritual Reading Ezekiel 47:1-12 (New International Version) The River From the Temple 47 The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side. 3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits[a] and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. 5 He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. 6 He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. 8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah,[b] where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading…

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You Reap What You Sow!! Spiritual Reading Hosea 10:11-13 (New International Version) 11 Ephraim is a trained heifer     that loves to thresh; so I will put a yoke     on her fair neck. I will drive Ephraim,     Judah must plow,     and Jacob must break up the ground. 12 Sow righteousness for yourselves,     reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground;     for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes     and showers his righteousness on you. 13 But you have planted wickedness,     you have reaped evil,     you have eaten the fruit of deception. Because you have depended on your own strength     and on your many warriors, Read full chapter Spiritual Lesson Galatians 6:7-10 (New International Version) 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Read full chapter Gospel Message

Christian Engagement in Technology Spiritual Reading Ezekiel 22:30-31 (New International Version) 30 “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Read full chapter   Gospel Message

What Are Your Valley’s of Decisions? Spiritual Reading Matthew 25:31-36  (New International Version) The Sheep and the Goats 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Read full chapter Spiritual Lesson Joel 3:1-3 (New International Version) The Nations Judged 3 [a]“In those days and at that time,     when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will gather all nations     and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.[b] There I will put them on trial     for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations     and divided up my land. 3 They cast lots for my people     and traded boys for prostitutes;     they sold girls for wine to drink. Read full chapter Footnotes Joel 3:1 In Hebrew texts 3:1-21 is numbered 4:1-21. Joel 3:2 Jehoshaphat means the Lord judges; also in verse 12. Joel 3:7-16 7 “See, I am going to rouse them out of the places to which you sold them, and I will return on your own heads what you have done. 8 I will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Judah, and they…

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Can We Survive? Spiritual Reading Psalm 121:1-8 (New International Version) Psalm 121 A song of ascents. 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—     where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord,     the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip—     he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel     will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord watches over you—     the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day,     nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—     he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going     both now and forevermore. Spiritual Lesson Ephesians 6:11-18 (New International Version) 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Read full chapter Gospel Message

What Are All Of His Benefits?? Spiritual Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (New International Version) 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Read full chapter Spiritual Lesson Psalm 103:1-2 (New International Version) Psalm 103 Of David. 1 Praise the Lord, my soul;     all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul,     and forget not all his benefits— Read full chapter Gospel Message

God’s Will; Illness, Disease or Affliction??? Spiritual Reading Numbers 12:1-3, 9-13 (New International Version) Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses 12 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2 “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this. 3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) 9 The anger of the Lord burned against them, and he left them. 10 When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam’s skin was leprous[a]—it became as white as snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had a defiling skin disease, 11 and he said to Moses, “Please, my lord, I ask you not to hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed. 12 Do not let her be like a stillborn infant coming from its mother’s womb with its flesh half eaten away.” 13 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “Please, God, heal her!” Read full chapter Footnotes Numbers 12:10 The Hebrew for leprous was used for various diseases affecting the skin. Spiritual Lesson 2 Kings 7:3-4 (New International Version) The Siege Lifted 3 Now there were four men with leprosy[a] at the entrance of the city gate. They said to each other, “Why stay here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘We’ll go into the city’—the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die.” Read full chapter Footnotes 2 Kings 7:3 The Hebrew for leprosy was used for various diseases affecting the skin; also in verse 8. Gospel Message

Noah, the Flood, the Mystery, and the Metaphor, Part 2 Spiritual Reading 2 Peter 3:3-15 (New International Version) 3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.[a] 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with…

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What’s Your Takeaway? Spiritual Reading Psalm 32:1-11New International Version) Psalm32 Of David. A maskil.[a] 1 Blessed is the one     whose transgressions are forgiven,     whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one     whose sin the Lord does not count against them     and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent,     my bones wasted away     through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night     your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped     as in the heat of summer.[b] 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you     and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess     my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave     the guilt of my sin. 6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you     while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters     will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place;     you will protect me from trouble     and surround me with songs of deliverance. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;     I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,     which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle     or they will not come to you. 10 Many are the woes of the wicked,     but the Lord’s unfailing love     surrounds the one who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;     sing, all you who are upright in heart! Footnotes Psalm 32:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term Psalm 32:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 5 and 7. Spiritual Lesson Philippians 4:8-9 (New International Version) 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,…

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Is Time Running Out? Spiritual Reading Proverbs 16:5-9 (New International Version) 5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart.     Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. 6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;     through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. 7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,     he causes their enemies to make peace with them. 8 Better a little with righteousness     than much gain with injustice. 9 In their hearts humans plan their course,     but the Lord establishes their steps. Read full chapter Spiritual Lesson James 4:13-17 (New International Version Boasting About Tomorrow 13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. Read full chapter Gospel Message

Are We One Nation Under God? Spiritual Reading Psalm 33:8-22 (New International Version) 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;     let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be;     he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations;     he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,     the purposes of his heart through all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,     the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the Lord looks down     and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches     all who live on earth— 15 he who forms the hearts of all,     who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army;     no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;     despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,     on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death     and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the Lord;     he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice,     for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,     even as we put our hope in you. Read full chapter Spiritual Lesson Romans 13: 1-14 (New International Version) Submission to Governing Authorities 13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is…

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“ Make For Yourself An Ark” Spiritual Reading 1 Peter 3:18-22 (New International Version) 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive,[a] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[b] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. Read full chapter Footnotes 1 Peter 3:19 Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also 1 Peter 3:21 Or but an appeal to God for a clear conscience Spiritual Lesson Isaiah 54:6-9 (New International Version) 6 The Lord will call you back     as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit— a wife who married young,     only to be rejected,” says your God. 7 “For a brief moment I abandoned you,     but with deep compassion I will bring you back. 8 In a surge of anger     I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness     I will have compassion on you,”     says the Lord your Redeemer. 9 “To me this is like the days of Noah,     when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you,     never to rebuke you again. Read full chapter Gospel Message