Adult Bible Studies Winter 2017-2018 Teacher

Adult Bible Studies Winter 2017-2018 Teacher

Author:

Publisher: Cokesbury

Published: 2017-09-19

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 1501830562

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Winter theme: Faith in Action Daniel | Matthew | Acts | Ephesians | Colossians | 1 Timothy | James This winter, our lessons explore the twofold nature of faith as belief and action. Selections from Acts show various examples of proclaiming faith in Christ. In the Book of Daniel, we see faith in action as sincere, obedient, bold, and strong. The lessons from several epistles show how our actions as individuals and as communities demonstrate our faith in Christ. The student book writer is Chuck Aaron. The writer for the teacher book is Martha Myre. The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ The five lessons in this unit reveal what the early Christian leaders proclaimed about living our faith in Christ. The sessions in Acts report several examples of social welfare ministry and evangelism in spite of opposition. Ephesians teaches about faith that leads to unity in the body of Christ. The Christmas lesson gives an account of the wise men who faithfully searched for the newborn King of the Jews. A Living Faith in God The four lessons in this unit explore faith in action from the Book of Daniel. These lessons provide models for ways to actively engage in behaviors that demonstrate sincerity, obedience, boldness, and strength of faith. Self-Controlled, Upright, and Godly Faith This unit offers four lessons that look at passages from Acts, James, and First Timothy, providing specific examples of faith as belief and action. James teaches that faith without works is dead. The lesson from First Timothy offers instructions about leading others in a life of faith. Developed for use with the student book based on the Uniform Series, this leader resource provides a wealth of information, planning ideas, and lesson guides for each of the 13 lessons in the quarter. This resource includes detailed study of the biblical text, suggestions for developing lessons, teaching options, maps, and charts. It features articles that explore biblical themes related to the passages studied in the lessons. Available in regular print, as a downloadable file or an eBook. Free Extras! All found at www.adultbiblestudies.com Current Events Supplement The free Current Events Supplement offers a way to connect each week's lesson to a timely event or topic in the news. The supplements can enhance all resources using the Uniform Series. Register for the Forums at www.adultbiblestudies.com Bold, and you can post and read comments about the lessons from other readers.


Adult Bible Studies Winter 2017-2018 Student [Large Print]

Adult Bible Studies Winter 2017-2018 Student [Large Print]

Author:

Publisher: Cokesbury

Published: 2017-09-19

Total Pages: 95

ISBN-13: 1501830554

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Winter theme: Faith in Action Daniel | Matthew | Acts | Ephesians | Colossians | 1 Timothy | James This winter, our lessons explore the twofold nature of faith as belief and action. Selections from Acts show various examples of proclaiming faith in Christ. In the Book of Daniel, we see faith in action as sincere, obedient, bold, and strong. The lessons from several epistles show how our actions as individuals and as communities demonstrate our faith in Christ. The student book writer is Chuck Aaron. The writer for the teacher book is Martha Myre. The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ The five lessons in this unit reveal what the early Christian leaders proclaimed about living our faith in Christ. The sessions in Acts report several examples of social welfare ministry and evangelism in spite of opposition. Ephesians teaches about faith that leads to unity in the body of Christ. The Christmas lesson gives an account of the wise men who faithfully searched for the newborn King of the Jews. A Living Faith in God The four lessons in this unit explore faith in action from the Book of Daniel. These lessons provide models for ways to actively engage in behaviors that demonstrate sincerity, obedience, boldness, and strength of faith. Self-Controlled, Upright, and Godly Faith This unit offers four lessons that look at passages from Acts, James, and First Timothy, providing specific examples of faith as belief and action. James teaches that faith without works is dead. The lesson from First Timothy offers instructions about leading others in a life of faith. Hundreds of thousands of students and teachers use Adult Bible Studies each week in Sunday school classes, mid-week Bible studies, and other small group settings. Bible-based and Christ-focused, it is an approved resource by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. It is published quarterly. Each week's lesson features: A purpose statement offering focus and direction for the lesson. Printed biblical text from The Common English Bible. Reliable and relevant biblical explanation and application A closing prayer, guiding personal commitment. Free Extras! All found at www.adultbiblestudies.com Current Events Supplement The free Current Events Supplement offers a way to connect each week's lesson to a timely event or topic in the news. The supplements can enhance all resources using the Uniform Series. Register for the Forums at www.adultbiblestudies.com Bold, and you can post and read comments about the lessons from other readers.


Adult Bible Studies Winter 2018-2019 Teacher

Adult Bible Studies Winter 2018-2019 Teacher

Author: Mark D. Price

Publisher: Cokesbury

Published: 2018-10-16

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 1501851160

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Winter Theme: Our Love for God Deuteronomy | Joshua | Psalms | Matthew | Philippians | James Our lessons begin with God's demands for our complete and undivided love as shown in passages from Deuteronomy and Psalms. They proceed with our response to God's love in the advent of Christ and the Epistles' interpretations of the nature and extent of our responses to God's love in Christ. They conclude with passages from three of the Psalms expressing glorification of God. The student book lesson writer is Stan Purdum; the writer of the lessons in the teacher book is Mark Price. God Commands Our Love, Respect, and Obedience The first unit offers five lessons. The Deuteronomy passage contains a presentation of Gods demand for total love and devotion. The lesson from Joshua contains his faithful statement of love and reverence for a liberating God. Our lesson from Psalm 103 reviews David's expressions of love and glorification for Gods creative, sustaining, and protective actions. The lesson from Luke portrays the advent of Christ and the human response to God's act of fulfilling the promise. Finally, the text from Matthew challenges us to love God through compassionate works. Loving God by Trusting Christ The quarter's second unit also offers five lessons. Matthew continues to inspire trust in God for all things, while James encourages total submission to God in love. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul gives an interpretation of human devotion to God in Christ; promotes selfless devotion through exemplification of Christ's total submission to God in love; and encourages giving up everything for the sake of one's love for Christ. Love Songs That Glorify God The final unit this quarter offers three lessons from Psalms. Psalm 48 focuses on a song of adoration for God's steadfast love; Psalm 66 focuses on part of a love song of praise to God for mighty works of goodness; and Psalm 91 closes this unit with a praise song for assurance of protection and comfort for those who love God. Developed for use with the student book based on the Uniform Series, this leader resource provides a wealth of information, planning ideas, and lesson guides for each of the 13 lessons in the quarter. This resource includes detailed study of the biblical text, suggestions for developing lessons, teaching options, maps, and charts. It features articles that explore biblical themes related to the passages studied in the lessons. Available in regular print, as a downloadable file or an eBook. Free Extras! All found at www.adultbiblestudies.com Current Events Supplement The free Current Events Supplement offers a way to connect each week's lesson to a timely event or topic in the news. The supplements can enhance all resources using the Uniform Visit the Adult Bible Studies website and sign-up for the Adult Bible Studies Newsletter to automatically receive a link to the latest edition of the supplement! Register for the Forums at www.adultbiblestudies.com Bold, and you can post and read comments about the lessons from other readers.


Adult Bible Studies Fall 2017 Teacher

Adult Bible Studies Fall 2017 Teacher

Author:

Publisher: Cokesbury

Published: 2017-06-20

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 1501830546

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Fall theme: Covenants With God Genesis | Exodus | Numbers | 1 Samuel | 2 Samuel | Nehemiah | Jeremiah | Ezekiel | 1 Corinthians | Titus This fall, lessons in Adult Bible Studies follow the theme, "Covenants With God," and consider the major covenants God made with people on behalf of the earth and the human community. Beginning with Noah, God promised benevolence toward creation. God made similar commitments with Abram, Phinehas, and Ezekiel. Ultimately, the covenant forms the foundation for the coming Messiah and salvation for the world. The student book writer is Rosanne Osborne. The writer for the teacher book is Tim Bryan. Signs of God's Covenants The four lessons in this unit, drawn from Genesis and Ezekiel, celebrate four signs of God's covenant. Promising to renew the cycle of seasons, God created the rainbow as a permanent reminder of the covenant with every living thing. Circumcision was the sign of the covenant with Abraham, and the sabbath was the sign of the covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai. The last sign is the Spirit-filled heart. Called Into Covenant With God This five-lesson unit looks at the images of the reign of the resurrected Christ from the Letter to the Hebrews. These lessons help us understand Jesus as the imprint of God, the owner of a household, the great high priest, a priest forever, and the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. An Everlasting Covenant The final unit this quarter develops four lessons, drawn from Numbers, 1 Samuel, Jeremiah, Hebrews, and 1 Corinthians. These lessons examine the components of the covenant God made with the priest, Phinehas, and the divine promise to Israel through the prophet Jeremiah. The unconditional divine promises were to maintain a perpetual priesthood, forgive the unfaithful, and establish a new covenant with Israel. God sealed this covenant of pure grace through Christ as mediator and by writing the Law in the hearts of God's people. Developed for use with the student book based on the Uniform Series, this leader resource provides a wealth of information, planning ideas, and lesson guides for each of the 13 lessons in the quarter. This resource includes detailed study of the biblical text, suggestions for developing lessons, teaching options, maps, and charts. It features articles that explore biblical themes related to the passages studied in the lessons. Available in regular print, as a downloadable file or an eBook. Free Extras! All found at www.adultbiblestudies.com Supplemental Resources Free supplemental resources related to each lesson enhance teacher preparation and small group participation. Current Events Supplement The free Current Events Supplement offers a way to connect each week's lesson to a timely event or topic in the news. The supplements can enhance all resources using the Uniform Series. Register for the Forums at www.adultbiblestudies.com Bold, and you can post and read comments about the lessons from other readers.


Adult Bible Studies Teacher Winter 2016-2017

Adult Bible Studies Teacher Winter 2016-2017

Author: Brian Russell

Publisher: Cokesbury

Published: 2016-09-20

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 1501829475

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Winter theme: Toward a New Creation Luke | Psalms | Galatians This winter, lessons in Adult Bible Studies follow the theme, "Creation: A Divine Cycle." With the advent of the Savior by the power of the Holy Spirit, God set in motion the fulfillment of the divine plan of salvation. Through Luke's Gospel, several psalms, and the epistle to the Galatians, we explore God's ongoing actions in blessing and reconciling the whole creation. The student book writer is Kevin Baker; Brian Russell is the writer for the teacher book. The Savior Has Been Born The four lessons in this unit are developed from the Gospel of Luke. Lesson 1 explores how Mary, a virgin, received and joyfully accepted the announcement that she had been highly favored by God to give birth to God's Son. Lesson 2 looks at the affirmation of Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, to her news. Lesson 3 focuses on John's mission as the forerunner of the Savior. The Christmas Day lesson deals with the birth of Jesus and the circumstances and events pursuant to it. Praise From and for God's Creation The five lessons in this unit employ five different psalms. Several psalms emphasize praise for God that emanates from creation itself. Others invite us to praise God for creation. The Birthing of a New Community This unit has four lessons from Galatians that show us how God's creative process can be seen through the birthing of a new faith community with Jesus Christ as its foundation. The lessons address the importance of spiritual freedom, cooperation, and righteous living in building and maintaining the community. Developed for use with the student book based on the Uniform Series, this leader resource provides a wealth of information, planning ideas, and lesson guides for each of the 13 lessons in the quarter. This resource includes detailed study of the biblical text, suggestions for developing lessons, teaching options, maps, and charts. It features articles that explore biblical themes related to the passages studied in the lessons. Available in regular print, as a downloadable file or an eBook. Free Extras! All found at adultbiblestudies.com Supplemental Resources Free supplemental resources related to each lesson enhance teacher preparation and small group participation. Current Events Supplement The free Current Events Supplement offers a way to connect each week's lesson to a timely event or topic in the news. The supplements can enhance all resources using the Uniform Series. Register for the Forums and you can post and read comments about the lessons from other readers.


Adult Bible Studies Winter 2024-2025 Teacher/Commentary Kit

Adult Bible Studies Winter 2024-2025 Teacher/Commentary Kit

Author: Abingdon Press

Publisher: Kingswood Books

Published: 2024-10-08

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1791028659

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Grow your faith. Transform your life. The Kit includes a teacher’s book and a commentary that are supplementary and complementary to the Adult Bible Studies student book. The teacher’s book provides biblical background, exposition, and suggestions for leading weekly group discussions and nurturing spiritual practices among class members. Small group leaders, teachers, and facilitators—both seasoned and just starting out—love the easy-to-use format and the wealth of information provided to prepare for each week’s discussion. Based on the trusted Abingdon Basic Bible Commentary, the Concise Commentary provides expert biblical commentary for the focal Bible passages used in Adult Bible Studies. The commentary includes each Sunday’s focal Bible passages, unit introductions, and expert commentary on each passage. Plus, you can pronounce everything correctly with the included pronunciation guide for Bible names and places. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your preparation and teaching with the help of the Adult Bible Studies Teacher Book and Concise Commentary! Cultivate a deeper relationship with God through Adult Bible Studies. This resource, endorsed by the Curriculum Resources Committee of The United Methodist Church, offers a year-round, weekly Bible study plan for Sunday school classes and other small groups. Each weekly lesson offers background and focal Scriptures, key verses, and doctrinallysound and relevant biblical interpretation and application in a readable font size. Annual plans provide comprehensive coverage of the Bible, special lessons during the church seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter, and suggestions for developingspiritual practices such as prayer, worship, community, and service, among manyothers. Adult Bible Studies is a reliable companion and guide for learning and growing in Christian faith. Winter 2024-2024 Theme: Following Jesus This winter, our Bible lessons follow the theme “Following Jesus.” They encourage us to consider what compels us to follow Jesus, what it means to be part of Jesus’ beloved community, and how we are partners in Jesus’ mission. With the help of the Adult Bibles Studies Student Book, Teacher/Commentary Kit, and DVD, your group will embrace that it’s not just about learning - it’s about living out biblical teachings. Visit AdultBibleStudies.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter to automatically receive the FREE Current Events Supplement and other information about these resources and more!


Adult Bible Studies Winter 2018-2019 Student [Large Print]

Adult Bible Studies Winter 2018-2019 Student [Large Print]

Author: Stan Purdum

Publisher: Cokesbury

Published: 2018-10-16

Total Pages: 136

ISBN-13: 1501830767

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Winter Theme: Our Love for God Deuteronomy | Joshua | Psalms | Matthew | Philippians | James Our lessons begin with God's demands for our complete and undivided love as shown in passages from Deuteronomy and Psalms. They proceed with our response to God's love in the advent of Christ and the Epistles' interpretations of the nature and extent of our responses to God's love in Christ. They conclude with passages from three of the Psalms expressing glorification of God. The student book lesson writer is Stan Purdum; the writer of the lessons in the teacher book is Mark Price. God Commands Our Love, Respect, and Obedience The first unit offers five lessons. The Deuteronomy passage contains a presentation of God's demand for total love and devotion. The lesson from Joshua contains his faithful statement of love and reverence for a liberating God. Our lesson from Psalm 103 reviews David's expressions of love and glorification for God's creative, sustaining, and protective actions. The lesson from Luke portrays the advent of Christ and the human response to God's act of fulfilling the promise. Finally, the text from Matthew challenges us to love God through compassionate works. Loving God by Trusting Christ The quarter's second unit also offers five lessons. Matthew continues to inspire trust in God for all things, while James encourages total submission to God in love. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul gives an interpretation of human devotion to God in Christ; promotes selfless devotion through exemplification of Christ's total submission to God in love; and encourages giving up everything for the sake of one's love for Christ. Love Songs That Glorify God The final unit this quarter offers three lessons from Psalms. Psalm 48 focuses on a song of adoration for God's steadfast love; Psalm 66 focuses on part of a love song of praise to God for mighty works of goodness; and Psalm 91 closes this unit with a praise song for assurance of protection and comfort for those who love God. Hundreds of thousands of students and teachers use Adult Bible Studies each week in Sunday school classes, mid-week Bible studies, and other small group settings. Bible-based and Christ-focused, it is an approved resource by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. It is published quarterly. Each week's lesson features: A purpose statement offering focus and direction for the lesson. Printed biblical text from The Common English Bible. Reliable and relevant biblical explanation and application A closing prayer, guiding personal commitment. Free Extras! All found at www.adultbiblestudies.com Current Events Supplement The free Current Events Supplement offers a way to connect each week's lesson to a timely event or topic in the news. The supplements can enhance all resources using the Uniform Series. Visit the Adult Bible Studies website and sign-up for the Adult Bible Studies Newsletter to automatically receive a link to the latest edition of the supplement! Register for the Forums at www.adultbiblestudies.com, and you can post and read comments about the lessons from other readers.


Adult Bible Studies Fall 2018 Teacher

Adult Bible Studies Fall 2018 Teacher

Author:

Publisher: Cokesbury

Published: 2018-07-17

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 1501841661

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Fall Theme: God’s World and God's People Matthew | Luke | Romans | 2 Corinthians | Colossians | Nehemiah This fall, our lessons come from the Book of Genesis, the book of beginnings. Through its pages, God is revealed as the Creator, Sustainer, Judge, and Redeemer who brought all things into being. Our lessons survey God's creation of the universe, earth, and people. The writer for the student book is Jack Gilbert; the writer for the teacher book is Von Unruh. God Created the World The first three lessons in this unit concentrate on God's creating the universe, earth, and people and then declaring all things created good. Although God created and sustains all life, humankind is special to God and unique. Lesson Four explores how God established the institution of marriage and the process of reproduction in order to populate the earth. Lesson Five explains how humankind chose to do wrong and thus introduced sin into God's perfectly created world. God Destroys and Re-Creates The first two lessons in this unit present Noah and his family as righteous followers of God who help repopulate and restore the earth after the destruction caused by the great Flood. The last two lessons feature the biblical couples Abraham and Sarah and Isaac and Rebekah, who worked with God in the cycle of continuing creation. God Blesses and Re-Creates Regardless In the last unit, the first lesson explores how God blessed humble Isaac in enemy territory. The next three lessons consider how Jacob deceitfully obtained the blessing God had already destined for him, later established a right relationship with God, and finally was blessed by God to marry and produce children with the wife he loved and for whom he long labored. Developed for use with the student book based on the Uniform Series, this leader resource provides a wealth of information, planning ideas, and lesson guides for each of the 13 lessons in the quarter. This resource includes detailed study of the biblical text, suggestions for developing lessons, teaching options, maps, and charts. It features articles that explore biblical themes related to the passages studied in the lessons. Available in regular print, as a downloadable file or an eBook. Free Extras! All found at www.adultbiblestudies.com Current Events Supplement The free Current Events Supplement offers a way to connect each week's lesson to a timely event or topic in the news. The supplements can enhance all resources using the Uniform Series. Register for the Forums at www.adultbiblestudies.com Bold, and you can post and read comments about the lessons from other readers.


Adult Bible Studies Winter 2023-2024 Teacher/Commentary Kit

Adult Bible Studies Winter 2023-2024 Teacher/Commentary Kit

Author: Cokesbury

Publisher: Kingswood Books

Published: 2023-10-10

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 1791026249

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Grow your faith. Transform your life. Cultivate a deeper relationship with God through Adult Bible Studies. This resource, endorsed by the Curriculum Resources Committee of The United Methodist Church, offers a year-round, weekly Bible study plan for Sunday school classes and other small groups. Each weekly lesson offers background and focal Scriptures, key verses, and doctrinally sound and relevant biblical interpretation and application in a readable font size. Annual plans provide comprehensive coverage of the Bible, special lessons during the church seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter, and suggestions for developing spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, community, and service, among many others. Adult Bible Studies is a reliable companion and guide for learning and growing in Christian faith. The Kit includes a teacher’s book and a Concise Commentary that are supplementary and complementary to the Adult Bible Studies Student Book. The teacher’s book provides biblical background, exposition, and suggestions for leading weekly group discussions and nurturing spiritual practices among class members. Small group leaders, teachers, and facilitators—both seasoned and just starting out—love the easy-to-use format and the wealth of information provided to prepare for each week’s discussion. Based on the trusted Abingdon Basic Bible Commentary, the Concise Commentary provides expert biblical Commentary for the focal Bible passages used in Adult Bible Studies. The Commentary includes each Sunday’s focal Bible passages, unit introductions, and expert Commentary on each passage. Plus, you can pronounce everything correctly with the included pronunciation guide for Bible names and places. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your preparation and teaching with the help of the Adult Bible Studies Teacher Book and Concise Commentary! With the help of the Adult Bibles Studies Student Book, Teacher/Commentary Kit, and DVD, your group will embrace that it’s not just about learning - it’s about living out biblical teachings. Additional information about Adult Bible Studies Winter 2023-2024 Theme: God Abides The teacher book writer is Taylor W. Mills. Unit 1 Transforming Spirit Bible lessons in this unit are based on Exodus 16, 1 Kings 19, Mark 6, and Luke 14. Spiritual Practice: Attentive Listening Unit 2 Empowering | Discernment Bible lessons in this unit are based on Luke 1, Mathew 2, 1 Kings 3, and Daniel 2, 1 Thessalonians 5, Mathew 6, and John 12. Spiritual Practice: Discernment Unit 3 Faithful Prayer Bible lessons in this unit are based on 1 Thessalonians 5, Matthew 6, and John 12. Spiritual Practice: Confession Visit AdultBibleStudies.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter to automatically receive the FREE Current Events Supplement and other information about these resources and more!


Adult Bible Studies Winter 2022-2023 Teacher/Commentary Kit

Adult Bible Studies Winter 2022-2023 Teacher/Commentary Kit

Author: Taylor W. Mills

Publisher: Kingswood Books

Published: 2022-10-11

Total Pages: 303

ISBN-13: 179102047X

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A comprehensive Bible study plan and spiritual practices to deepen your relationship with God Hundreds of thousands of people each week have transformative encounters with God through Adult Bible Studies—Bible-based, Christ-focused Sunday school lessons and midweek Bible studies endorsed by the Curriculum Resources Committee of The United Methodist Church. The Kit includes a Teacher Book and a Concise Commentary that are both supplementary and complementary to the Adult Bible Studies student book The Teacher Book provides small-group leaders, teachers, and facilitators with additional biblical background and exposition and suggestions for guiding group discussion. Printed with a larger font for ease of reading. Included to help leaders prepare and lead each week: As A comprehensive Bible study plan with more flexibility in terms of Scripture selection and topics. Additional information, as well as suggestions, designed to help leaders and facilitators lead with confidence. Observation of the church seasons, including Advent and Lent. Suggestions for developing spiritual practices (prayer, confession, worship, mindfulness, solitude, community, hospitality, neighboring, service, and celebration). One font size in the student edition to accommodate all readers. No printed Scripture text allowing you to choose your own Bible translation. The Concise Commentary provides biblical commentary for the focal Bible passages used in Adult Bible Studies. Based on the Abingdon Basic Bible Commentary. Printed with a larger font for ease of reading. Included each week are: The focal Bible passages for each Sunday. The unit introductions. Commentary on the focal Bible passages. A pronunciation guide for Bible names and places. Additional information about Adult Bible Studies, Winter 2022-2023 Theme: Power and Love This winter, our Bible lessons follow the theme “Power and Love.” The lessons first challenge us to try to understand Scripture, particularly the Nativity accounts, from the position of vulnerability and powerlessness. They then move to a closer look at what it means to belong to the family of God and culminate in a series of lessons on love and how it informs and changes our relationships. The writer of the teacher book is Taylor Mills. Unit 1 Power and Vulnerability God’s incarnation was into a poor family from a village of no consequence, vulnerable to the whims and machinations of the mighty Roman Empire. While some people reading this Bible study can relate to the poverty and obscurity, most will read it as citizens of a great world power. Some people know from experience that power can be abused even against a government’s own citizens, but others have known only the protection and benefits of that power. These lessons invite us to read the Nativity stories from the vantage point of the victims of empire. Scriptures: Judges 9:1-15; Matthew 1:1-25; Matthew 2:1-12; Matthew 2:13-15 Spiritual Practice: Acts of Mercy Unit 2 Power and Belonging The lessons in this unit follow the trajectory of biblical imagery for faith development from adoption through baptism and infancy in faith, into youthful excitement and exuberance, and then to a mature faith that struggles, challenges, and questions. Scriptures: Galatians 3:23—4:7; Luke 15:11-32; John 17:1-24 and Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 22:1-14 Spiritual Practice: Rule of Life Unit 3 The Power of Love One of the distinct traits of biblical theology is the emphasis on God’s hesed (“lovingkindness”) and Jesus’ selfless love. In the early twentieth century, a great deal of ink was spilled trying to distinguish agápe love by which we become channels of God’s love from philía, friendship in which reciprocity is important, and éros, a passionate sort of love. Recent scholarship finds that Greek and biblical thought blurs the lines of agápe and philía and finds a greater emphasis on relationships. While we should enact our love without thoughts of personal gain, the ultimate goal of loving our enemies is becoming their friend. Scriptures: 1 John 4:7-21 and Ruth 4; 1 Kings 3:16-28; 1 Samuel 18:1-4, 19:1-7, 20; Matthew 16:21-28 Spiritual Practice: Spiritual Friendship Other Adult Bible Study components, sold separately, include: Student Book Each week’s Student Book lesson lists background Scripture, features key verses, provides reliable and relevant biblical explanation and application, and more in a readable font size that is accessible to everyone. Included to help students go deeper into the lessons are : A comprehensive Bible study plan with more flexibility in terms of Scripture selection and topics. Observation of the church seasons, including Advent and Lent. Suggestions for developing spiritual practices (prayer, confession, worship, mindfulness, solitude, community, hospitality, neighboring, service, and celebration). No printed Scripture text allowing you to choose your own Bible translation. DVD/Video Does your group enjoy watching videos as a way to generate conversation around Bible studies? Would your teacher or group facilitator appreciate having the support of video hosts in setting the stage for Bible lessons? Then the Adult Bible Studies is just what you need. Each DVD, directly corresponding to the content in Adult Bible Studies, features 13 5-minute video segments. On each, one of our three hosts will provide some context for the lesson and then tie that content to personal stories and daily living. Your group can then connect more deeply with the material, draw closer to God, and discover ways to live out biblical teachings. Visit AdultBibleStudies.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter to automatically receive the FREE Current Events Supplement and other information about these resources and more!