Digging into the Word: Before the World Digs into You

Introduction:

Believers who are eager to understand God’s Word often take two divergent paths toward their goal. Some are full of zeal and dive in, sure that their sincerity and eagerness to learn is all they need to understand the Bible. Others take a more analytical approach and read the Bible like a textbook trusting in their scholarship to give them a better grip on truth. So which is right?

The Missionary-Apostle Paul commended the people in the town of Berea for understanding that zeal combined with in-depth study is what makes for a faithful student of God’s Word. He commended them because they received God’s Word with readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out the truth (Acts 17:11). It is that combination of zealous digging into God’s Word for one’s self that makes for mature believers.
The title of this study is “Digging into the Word: Before the World Digs into You.” We are constantly bombarded with the philosophies, principles and ideas of this world everywhere we turn. The greatest protection we have against being wrongly influenced by these forces is to entrench ourselves in the Word of God. Hopefully, this study will help lay the ground work for a lifetime of being a “noble Berean.”

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Introduction
We all know the name of this man—Jesus. As Christians, we know Jesus is the only way to salvation. As Christians, we know He was much more than a mere man; He was God.  We know He came to earth to live, die, resurrect, and return to heaven for us. However, how much do we really understand the person of Jesus? If we take a closer look at His character, a finer look at the meaning behind Him, we will gain a truer understanding of who He really was. We will come to see more fully another facet of the beautiful mystery of God’s plan. In the coming study, we will look at four titles of Jesus: Prophet, Priest, King, and Savior. These aspects will reveal the revelation, reconciliation, rulership, and reality of Christ.

Many of your students may be veteran Christians, but some may be relatively new to the Christian faith. Some may not be Christian at all. Be sensitive to those students who need basic explanations. This may even require outside-of-class private discussions. Do not finish this study without the entire group being able to see the mystery of Christ. Be sure they come to have an intimate relationship with Him. By recognizing Jesus’ full person, we are recognizing God.

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Introduction
King David accomplished many things in the forty years of his rule over Israel. He consolidated the kingdom, established its capital, expanded its territory, unified its people, and is mentioned more in the New Testament than Moses or Abraham. But David’s greatest triumphs had less to do with military campaigns and external success and more to do with a virtually unseen campaign—the battle for his own mind and heart.

This study focuses on David’s years as king: his victories and defeats and the lessons he learned through them all. He was a conquering king and more important a conquered man. A companion study, David: A Godward Heart in a Drifting World, covers David’s early years.

It is important to get the word out every way possible. The following lesson titles and objectives are structured for use in newsletters, church bulletins, e-mail, and other sources such as Facebook and blogs.

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Introduction
One of the most visited, war-torn, and recognizable cities in the modern world is named after him. Famous statues have been built to memorialize him. His hymns are sung and read by believers of every persuasion around the world. His words are read more often in hospitals and prisons than from any other book known to man. He is David the boy who became king.

This study of David focuses on his early years, how God chose him, the trials he faced as a result of that calling, and the powerful principles we can learn from his experiences with both God and people.

It is important to get the word out every way possible. The following lesson titles and objectives are structured for use in newsletters, church bulletins, e-mail, and other sources such as Facebook and blogs.

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Introduction
It is abundantly clear from reading the Bible that God has spoken to women in the past– but is God still speaking to women in the present? How can we know the call of God on our lives and passionately pursue it? Knowing God’s call begins with attentive listening. Recognizing God’s voice in the midst of so many voices is a skill that we must develop. Responding to His call requires wisdom and discernment as we consider how that unique call might be fulfilled. This study is designed to help women embrace God’s calling and better know His purpose for their lives. These lessons are written to help women understand that God has not stopped speaking and to be on the receiving end of God’s communication is joyful and adventuresome. We never know where God might lead and what exactly He has in mind for us to do. One thing is for sure, as we obediently listen to His voice, we will discover that God has great and mighty things in store for each one of us.

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LESSON OBJECTIVE
To understand the biblical teaching about race and challenge believers to overcome the sin of racism.

Racism is nothing new. It is as old as mankind and as fresh as today’s headlines. This study examines the biblical teaching about race and interracial relations and challenges believers to overcome the sin of racism. It presents biblical answers to some of the most pressing questions we face today and counters erroneous teachings that lead to prejudice and hatred.

Introduction
In the face of a culture which seems increasingly antagonistic toward the claims of Christ, the temptation to avoid the world and huddle behind the safety of our church walls is very real. But, this is not our calling. The Apostle Peter urged the first century church to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is found within them. Two thousand years later, that challenge is just as important as ever.
As we move through this study we will examine what God identifies as essentials in preparing to witness for Christ to those who do not share our basic worldview. We will also discover the seven pillars of a Biblical worldview which form the framework for how we view God, the world, and purpose in life.

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Introduction

Catching a View of Heaven is a four-week study that will help participants realize that Heaven is a real, physical place. The various sessions discuss specifics regarding the geography, aesthetics, and population of our eternal home. Groups will be challenged to invite people to go to heaven with them and give encouragement to those who are almost home.

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Introduction

Christians like to talk about how great it will be to go to Heaven. After all, it would be a gross understatement to say that eternal life in a beautiful place, void of sin, tears, pain, or suffering, is desirable to the believer and unbeliever alike. It is pleasant to think of a blissful existence after this life. It is a selling point for many of our faith to hold Heaven up in game show fashion saying, “and tell them, pastor, what they could win!”

However, when it comes to the teaching of judgment for the sinner and Hell for the damned, we grow a little more nervous and a little quieter. If we even mention Hell, we feel like we are putting God’s love and goodness on trial.

In this study, you and your group will explore the biblical teaching of the afterlife for those who are in rebellion against God. Your group will see that because of God’s “goodness,” He must judge sin. However, through His “love,” He provides an escape for those who receive it.

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Irreconcilable Differences

Introduction

Too often, Christians are surprised by the resistance they encounter when they present what seem to be the most basic concepts of life and reality to non-Christians. Such resistance comes when the world-view of a believer and that of an unbeliever collide. Even those who understand this still count these differences of viewpoint as matters of individual belief that can be solved through mutual acceptance and understanding.

Scripture is clear that the predominant views that rule this world system are at odds with God’s clearly revealed truth. This cannot be reconciled through conversation but rather through redemption. This study serves as a follow-up to the study, When Worlds Collide: A Faith Worth Defending but can be used as a stand-alone study. As in that study, When Worlds Collide: Irreconcilable Differences focuses on the seven pillars of biblical worldview that form the framework for how we view God, the world, and purpose in life.

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