Memory Verse: “You defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your trading; therefore I brought fire from your midst; it devoured you, and I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; you have become a horror, and shall be no more forever.” Ezekiel 28:18-19
Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 28:1-19

Introduction:
At one time or another, everyone wants an explanation for why God allows the trials and times of suffering to happen to us.

The Hebrew word

Memory Verse: Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14
Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:11-12; 2 Corinthians 5:12-21

Introduction:
Though no one can know positively the time or the hour, current world events point ever increasingly to the Lord’s return. If you are straddling the fence, still putting off making the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, perhaps this is the day you should make your commitment. Procrastination may mean your spiritual death.

Christ’s death was for

Memory Verse: If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:19
Scripture Reading: John 17:1-26

Introduction:
The Son came to set free the citizens of earth from their bondage of sin, immediately establishing a spiritual kingdom in the hearts of His followers and promising that at a future time He would return to set up a physical kingdom as well. Some believe this new government is near at hand. Members of the new kingdom will

Sunday: First Temple Cleansing — John 2:13-22
The buying and selling of animals in the area was rationalized as a convenience for pilgrims coming into Jerusalem. The first public work of Christ was driving the corrupt traders and money changers from the temple. With righteous zeal, He drove them away with a scourge, showing us a vital part of His character. This act became a sign to prove His spiritual authority as He foretells His death by the Jews. Foretelling His resurrection by His own power, Jesus promised to raise from the dead in three days.

Monday: Early Response to

Primary Text: John 4:4-26

Memory Verse: “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24

Introduction:
Many important events transpired in the life of Jesus when He was on the way to somewhere else. Although He had a clear mission in mind each day, He also lived in the “now,” making the most of each opportunity. He was a Master of time management and

Sunday: Give Me to Drink — John 4:4-9
There were many good reasons for Jesus to keep silent when this Samaritan woman came to the well for water. First, Jesus was tired from the journey, and the fact He was in Samaria at all is perplexing: the Jews despised the Samaritans. That Jesus spoke publicly to a woman is also odd, for conversations between Rabbis and women violated strict proprieties. Jesus would have been justified to avoid this particular woman, from what He reveals about her life. Drinking from her water vessel was also considered unclean! Yet, Jesus asks her

Primary Text: Luke 4:14-31

Memory Verse: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19

Introduction:
This section of Luke could easily be considered his thesis statement for the entire gospel. Jewish leaders and scholars probably had no qualms with Jesus quoting Scripture against the devil. But when the Lord

Sunday: The Galilean Ministry — Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:14-15
What Luke writes about Jesus’ return to Galilee is vital: He returned in the power of the Spirit. While we often think of our lives as merely reacting to circumstance, Jesus walked each day with directed purpose. His primary purpose was to preach the Kingdom of God. While this includes the concepts of comfort, healing, and renewal, the more prevalent issue is righteousness. Jesus Christ came that we could have life eternal, not just temporary blessing. According to Luke, the impact He had is undeniable, for He was “…glorified

Primary Text: Luke 5:1-26

Memory Verse: And so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. Luke 5:10-11

Introduction:
During this phase of Jesus’ ministry, His authority is revealed. In this week’s readings we see that Jesus has authority over evil spirits, illness and people’s responses. Jesus said that He had all authority given to Him, both in heaven and on earth (Matthew

Sunday: First Call of the Four — Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20
It was common for a Rabbi to have disciples. They were in essence, students of a master teacher. This provided both education and apprenticeship. The first four disciples were ordinary men. They had no special religious credentials. Jesus had met them before. One of them, Andrew, as a disciple of John and had been instrumental in getting the others to come and hear Jesus speak. When Jesus called them, they immediately left their jobs to follow Him. This is a great example for us. When Jesus calls, we shouldn’t