Today we have the second of five lessons from the book of James. In todays lesson James tells us to listen, not only to one another, but to the Word of God. Listening to God’ word, however, will be useless unless we obey. Listening with obedience is the foundation of “the religion that God our Father accepts.” Such religion expresses itself in love for neighbor, especially concern for the needed, and by keeping ourselves untainted by the lust and greed of the world. False religion is characterized by anger and an “unbridled” tongue. For a brief exposition of this passage, James 1:19-27, click below:

Icon of James the Just, Brother of Jesus.

This Sunday we begin a series of five lessons from the book of James. In today’s lesson James urges us to a single-minded pursuit of the Wisdom that comes from God so that we can joyfully persevere amid trials. God uses those trials to produce the type of person who will love Him and receive the “Crown of Life.” James warns us against the distraction of riches that would lure us from this single-minded pursuit. He urges us to pass through the things of time so that we will gain the things of eternity!

For a brief exposition of this passage click below:

As a small boy I went with my grandfather to visit his aged mother, my great grandmother. She was probably around ninety. Indeed, she looked very old to me, lying there in the bed with big, thick cataract glasses. Every time Grandfather went to see her, he asked her what scripture she wanted him to read. The answer was always the same. John 14. She wanted to hear these words of assurance from Jesus. For an explanation and application of John 14:1-14, today’s Sunday school lesson, click below:

Mark 3:13 through 6:6, the section of Mark’s Gospel that began with Jesus choosing the twelve disciples, concludes in today’s passage, Mark 6:1-6, with Jesus and the disciples coming to His hometown. Jesus teaches in His hometown synagogue. Those who should have believed in Jesus–the Teachers of the Law, His family, and the people of His hometown, reject Him. They don’t want to acknowledge His authority or endure the embarrassment of following Him. The hometown folk think they are as good as He is. And yet the disciples have seen His power over creation, evil spirits, and even death itself. The woman healed of minstral flow exhibits true faith and becomes His “daughter” and disciple.

For an brief exposition of this lesson click here:

Up until now, Jesus has been a baby. It is only in the closing verses of Luke chapter two that we see Him face to face and hear Him speak–as a twelve-year old in the Temple. Yet His entire ministry is anticipated by this incident. If you would like too see an interesting video clip from The Young Messiah of a Rabbi questioning Jesus, click here.

Then click below for an explanation of Luke 2:39-52, the boy Jesus in the Temple.

As we have learned in the last few lessons from Proverbs, living according to Wisdom produces a wholesome life. And yet, the unexpected happens. Sickness, tragedy, persecution by the unbelieving world. How do we react when following Jesus doesn’t look like we think it should? Jesus addresses that question in today’s lesson from Matthew 11:2-19. Click below for an audio exposition of this passage.

I’ve entitled the Sunday School lesson for June 28 from Proverbs 9:1-18 “Wisdom vs. Folly: ‘The End Game.'” It comes from Proverbs 9:1-18. This eighteen-verses poem brings the teaching of Proverbs 1-9 to a climx by comparing Lady Wisdom (verses 1-6) and Dame Folly (verses 13-18). Verses 7-12 underscore the importance of pursing Wisdom by describing its basis, benefits, and acquisition. The choice of Wisdom or Folly is “The End Game” because it is a matter of life or death. For a concise exposition of this passage, click below:

Nothing could make Wisdom more personal, beautiful, and attractive to both men and women than this personification of Wisdom as a noble woman in Proverbs 8. She calls us to walk with her “in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice” (Proverbs 8:20). The path of Wisdom leads to life, but the way of folly to death The path one chooses makes all the difference. Click below for an exposition of this passage.

The writer of Proverbs wants us to be overwhelmed with a sense of the inestimable value of divine Wisdom. This Wisdom is the great gift of God. It is worth making the passionate pursuit of Wisdom the focus of our lives. Through it we come to know God. Through it our character is formed and we learn to discern the right path amid life’s confusing situations. Click below if you would like to here an audio exposition of this Sunday’s passage, Proverbs 2:1-11. God bless.