Our Bible Reading of the Day is Galatians 3:1-29. In this session, we will explore the relationship between the law and faith as it pertains to sin. The distinction between the two, their functions, and their overall purpose will be examined. Exploring the history of the law will result in a deeper understanding of it and aid in clarifying where justification for the sinner and freedom from sin are found. We will uncover how the work of Jesus on the cross informed the faith of the people of God before the crucifixion even took place and how that in turn informs the faith of Christians today.

Our Bible Reading of the Day is Acts 17:16-34. In this session, we will explore how the church is united in love to fulfill the mission Jesus has given us: to proclaim the Gospel to all peoples everywhere and make disciples of them. But to do that, we need to be burdened for the lost. Being burdened for unbelievers, however, is not enough. If we are to share the love of Christ with unbelievers, we must also develop a clear strategy where we build points of contact in order to establish a Christian worldview and then share the Gospel and call for a response.

Our Bible Reading of the Day is 2 Timothy 1:8-14 and 2 Timothy 2:1-7. The success of the church is measured by its faithfulness to the Gospel. That’s one of the reasons God equips the church with godly leaders who are willing to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel and passing on sound teaching to the church. Though charged with guarding the good deposit, leaders are not expected to do this in their own strength because the Holy Spirit lives in them to make them strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. We, in turn, should unite under godly leaders for the advancement of the Gospel and to act as disciples who make disciples.

Our Bible Reading of the Day is Acts 13:1-12. The Holy Spirit plays the lead role in the missional efforts of the church. This truth is abundantly clear as the assembled church at Antioch sends out the first missionary team. In this session, we will see how the church, in obedience to the Great Commission and the call of the Holy Spirit, goes “on offense” in a new way while the enemy plays defense. Although the focus will be upon Barnabas and Saul, the whole church was involved in their missionary enterprise through prayer, fasting, commissioning, and support.

The Reading of the Day is Acts 12:1-17. God has given His church the tools she needs to overcome adversity and stay focused on the Gospel task. Here we will see how the opposition to the Gospel is strong, severe even. And yet, the early church had access to resources—prayer, worship, fasting, and obedience—that are far more powerful than the most overreaching government. The church today has access to these same resources. Let us remember that our mission is marked not by ease, a lack of oppression, or even signs and wonders but by obedience and faithfulness to go into a hostile world and share the Gospel that changes lives.

AS WE GATHER: Our Bible Reading of the Day is Acts 11:1-18. Luke’s account of Acts records how the church came to be composed of Jews and Gentiles. Although God used the prophets to prepare Israel for this worldwide salvation, people within the church were still shocked when Gentiles received the same New Covenant blessings promised to the Jews. As the Gospel continued to spread from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the Gentile world, the Lord prepared Peter and the rest of the early Christians for the Good News that salvation is for all. As we will see in Acts 11, so that they didn’t miss the point, the Lord allowed Peter and his company to witness Cornelius and his household receiving the same promise of the Holy Spirit that they   themselves had experienced in Jerusalem.

“This is My beloved Son!” exclaims God the Father at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. God knows well how to love. His love is not limited to His Son or even to His chosen people. His love extends to all humanity. As God’s well-loved people, we reflect that love in our interactions with those around us. The extending of that love by showing forth the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is truly God pleasing.

AS WE GATHER: Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power, Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy. (Exodus 15:6) John the Baptist pointed to the power of God present in Jesus Christ. As we prepare for the birth of baby Jesus, we point others to the power at work in our lives through our Emmanuel, God with us.

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me. (Psalm 31:3) The children of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years, often doubting God’s plan for them. With the arrival of Jesus on the scene, we have a clear path to the promised land of heaven through Him who is the Way.

AS WE GATHER: John 1:1–18 provides a summary of the fourth Gospel’s themes. These verses are rich in light and life, truth and grace. They are some of the most important words ever written!