I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas Mommy and daddy are mad I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas 'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but badThat must have been how the Christians in Corinth felt when Paul wrote the scathing letter about their behavior. In the church there was sexual dysfunction, abuse of the Lord’s Supper, and the disunity of the church in general. We will read about what Paul prescribed for t...  Read More

Judges 1:27-36 (HCSB)Failure of the Other Tribes27 At that time Manasseh failed to take possession of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the residents of Dorand its villages, or the residents of Ibleam and its villages, or the residents of Megiddo and its villages; the Canaanites refused to leave this land. 28 When Israel became stronger, they made the Canaanites serve as...  Read More

Judges 1:1-26 (HCSB)Judah’s Leadership against the Canaanites 1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the Lord, “Who will be the first to fight for us against the Canaanites?” 2 The Lord answered, “Judah is to go. I have handed the land over to him.” 3 Judah said to his brother Simeon, “Come with me to my territory, and let us fight against the Canaanites. I will also go with you t...  Read More

THE PROBLEM WITH GAMBLINGThe desire for riches and easy money brings all kinds of problems. Be content with what God provides as you work for a living.KEY TRUTH: Gambling Has Dangerous Consequences and Exploits the Vulnerable (Proverbs 1:8–19; 10:2)KEY TRUTH: The Love of Money Leads to All Kinds of Problems (1 Timothy 6:9–10; Proverbs 23:4–5)KEY TRUTH: God Instructs Us to Work Hard for What We Nee...  Read More

1.  Why is it easy for us to think that greed is only a problem for the rich? While you may never be tempted to join a gang and commit murder, what are some ways you are tempted to get money (or stuff) the wrong way?2. How does gaining money a little at a time help us to better steward it rather than coming into a lot of money at once? Why is the lure of a quick dollar won through gambling such a ...  Read More

I Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19  (HCSB)6 But godliness with contentment is a great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root ...  Read More

Luke 12:32-34  (HCSB)32 Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Andrew Ivey This passage in Luke is a recollec...  Read More

Matthew 6:19-24  (HCSB)God and Possessions 19 “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your...  Read More

Proverbs 10:1-7  (HCSB)A Collection of Solomon’s Proverbs10 Solomon’s proverbs: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son, heartache to his mother. 2 Ill-gotten gains do not profit anyone, but righteousness rescues from death. 3 The Lord will not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the wicked what they crave. 4 Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring riches. 5 The so...  Read More

Proverbs 1:8-19  (HCSB)Avoid the Path of the Violent 8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching, 9 for they will be a garland of grace on your head and a gold chain around your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded. 11 If they say—“Come with us! Let’s set an ambush and kill someone. Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun! 12...  Read More

THE MESSIAH IS BORNThank Jesus for coming to save all people everywhere, not just His chosen people of Israel.KEY TRUTH: Jesus’ Humble Birth Fulfilled Scripture (Luke 2:1–7)KEY TRUTH: Jesus’ Birth Is Good News for All People (Luke 2:8–14)KEY TRUTH: The Good News of Jesus’ Birth Should Be Shared (Luke 2:15–21)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER CHURCH!How do you think Jesus’ birth was ...  Read More

1. What does the humble birth of Jesus reveal about God's character and plan? Are we seeking daily to find God's plan for us, no matter how simple it may be? Look at where God has placed you and how He can use you if you are willing.2. What lessons can we learn from Joseph and Mary's parenting of Jesus?3. Have you ever wondered why God didn't have His Son arrive in the most beautiful and glorious ...  Read More