If your group prefers the sort of disciplined study that includes in-depth investigation of Scripture, verse by verse, the Uniform Series can help. It follows the International Sunday School Lessons plan allowing teachers and learners to supplement their study with a wealth of additional resources that follow the plan.

Archive for "January, 2011"

CURRENT EVENT – JANUARY 30, 2011

Gracia Burnham will speak at the Women’s Breakfast for the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Women’s Breakfast on Monday, February 28, 2011. The president of NRB said, “Gracia Burnham epitomizes the love and forgiveness of Christ.”

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR – JANUARY 30, 2011

Do you know anyone who routinely invites or accepts burdens and then announces to everyone that they are taking on many burdens? Usually, such people seem reluctant to accept a task. “Well, I guess I’ll just go ahead and do it,” they sigh grudgingly, as if it is a heavy load to bear on their already burdened back and all they want to do is rest.

REFERENCE SHELF – JANUARY 30, 2011

A number of themes that have been introduced in earlier passages come to a crisis and conclusion in this passage. The LORD’s exclamation: See, my servant prospers, is exalted, is very high (52:13) opens the section.

DEVOTIONAL – JANUARY 30, 2011

I visited a church circle of mission-minded women to lead them in preparation for Easter. I love these women, having known many of them for 20-plus years. Over the years, they have experienced many difficult times together, including rebellious children, the grief of divorce, and health issues, to name just a few.

CURRENT EVENT – JANUARY 23, 2011

Kim Buoy of Laurel, Nebraska, was in church one Sunday morning when she thought about cooking Christmas dinner for people who didn’t have a place to go that day. She considered it for a week and then planned the meal.

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR – JANUARY 23, 2011

In the beginning of Isaiah 49, we hear from God’s special Servant, and then we hear from God. First, the Servant explains how God called him at birth and honed him for a special mission (vv. 1-3).

REFERENCE SHELF – JANUARY 23, 2011

The Book of Ezra refers to three great Persian emperors who proclaimed or confirmed an order to build the Temple in Jerusalem.

DEVOTIONAL – JANUARY 23, 2011

It has been said that without the bad, we could not appreciate the good–that without the valleys of life, we could not know the view from the top.

CURRENT EVENT – JANUARY 16, 2011

A new study from Vanderbilt University found that people have an “autopilot” that can find and correct errors that the conscious brain does not even recognize. Gordan Logan, lead author of this research study, says scientists are trying to determine the way people control their autopilots.

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR – JANUARY 16, 2011

God says, “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river” (Isa 48:18). I think that is as true now as it was 2,500 years ago. If only we had followed God’s commands, we could’ve had peace like a river.

REFERENCE SHELF – JANUARY 16, 2011

Israel is summoned to listen to the LORD’s speeches. The people are recognized as bearing the name, descending from Judah, and worshiping in the LORD’s name. But they have been hypocrites, not worshiping sincerely. They are summoned to hear two speeches of the LORD.

DEVOTIONAL – JANUARY 16, 2011

In what way are we refined by trouble? In what way does the “furnace of our affliction” purify our souls? Remember the tree. See how lovely and green and stately it stands. Yet, when the farmer cuts it down and trims it for firewood, its appearance and function change. Throw the log on the fire. Watch it go up in flames. Is the tree destroyed?