Grow your faith daily. Transform your life. Experience God in deeper ways by spending time in God’s Word. Daily Bible Study is the perfect resource for individuals who want to grow in their relationship with God and enhance their engagement with lessons in Adult Bible Studies. Designed to meet the needs of busy people, each daily reading includes a Scripture reference, a personal faith-related question, an explanation and application of the biblical text, and a prayer, all on one page. Available in print and eBook and as an app. Additional information about Daily Bible Study, Fall 2023 Theme: God Provides This fall, Daily Bible Study presents a series of readings supporting the theme “God Provides.” These readings explore the basic human needs of food, water, and shelter and the vulnerability that comes to those who lack access to them. They remind us of God’s gracious provision in meeting these needs and our responsibility to help secure these necessities for those who lack them. These daily readings come from Old and New Testament texts, prepare us for the lessons in Adult Bible Studies, and are written by Timothy Merrill, Taylor Mills, and Sue Mink. Unit 1 Food Readings in this unit remind us of God’s generous provision of food for humans and wild creatures and of our responsibility to offer sustenance for those who are hungry and in need. Scriptures: Exodus 16:2-9, 31-32 | 1 Kings 17:16; 19:8 | Mark 6:30-44 | Luke 14:1-15 Spiritual Practice: Feasting Unit 2 Water Scripture uses the motif of water in many ways, which the readings in this unit explore. Water represents a metaphor for chaos, historical enemies, judgment of God, devastation of drought-stricken land, and personal distress. Water is also a gift from God for the flourishing of all creation, refreshment for body and soul, and source of eternal life embodied in Jesus. Thirst for water and provision of water are metaphors for the human relationship with God. Scriptures: Genesis 21:9-21 | Exodus 17:1-7 | Psalm 42 | John 7:32-44 | Matthew 25:31-46 Spiritual Practice: Creation Care Unit 3 Shelter The economic and social vulnerabilities that lead people to experience homelessness today do not have ancient analogies in Scripture. Even so, the physical security of home is a relevant theological idea. Although various biblical texts may make it easy to focus our attention on spiritual shelter in God’s presence, those who experience such a home in God find resources to extend hospitality and care through various means with those who today are experiencing homelessness. Scriptures: Exodus 29:42-46 | Psalm 27 | Deuteronomy 8:1-20 |John 1:1-14 Spiritual Practice: Hospitality

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 these resources! 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, Fall 2023 Theme: God Provides This fall, our Bible lessons follow the theme “God Provides” and remind us of the ways God meets our needs and of God’s call to us to help those who lack life’s essentials of food, water, and shelter. The writer of the teacher book is Clara Welch. Unit 1 Food Scripture recognizes that hunger, famine, and food insecurity make people vulnerable to a variety of threats. It also testifies to God’s generous provision of food for humans and wild creatures and to human responsibility to help those who are hungry and in need. From God’s provision of manna in the wilderness to divine provision during famine, from Jesus’ feeding of crowds to his teaching of a new way of being with the poor and marginalized through table fellowship, Scripture bears witness to God’s graciousness and our responsibility as its recipients. Bible lessons in this unit are based on Exodus 16, 1 Kings 19, Mark 6, and Luke 14. Spiritual Practice: Feasting Unit 2 Water Like food insecurity, water insecurity threatens human life and the earth’s species of plants and animals. Scripture uses the water motif in many ways. Water is dangerous as it represents a metaphor for chaos, historical enemies, God’s judgment, devastation of drought-stricken land, and personal distress. As well, water is a gift from God for the flourishing of all creation, refreshment for body and soul, and source of eternal life embodied in Jesus. Thirst for water and provision of water are metaphors for the human relationship with God. Bible lessons in this unit are based on Genesis 21, Exodus 17, Psalm 42, John 7, and Matthew 25. Spiritual Practice: Creation Care Unit 3 Shelter In major cities and small towns across the country, many people have lived experience with homelessness. One of the major causes of homelessness is rooted in childhood trauma. Mental illness, sometimes stemming from such trauma, is another contributing factor, among others. Exploring the theme of shelter in Scripture cannot find ancient analogies for what today is becoming a crisis compounded by economic and social vulnerabilities. Even so, we can imagine and extrapolate, based on related themes and texts, that the physical security of home is a relevant theological construct then as now. Although various texts may make it easy to rush to focus our attention on spiritual shelter in God’s presence, those who experience such a home in God find resources to extend hospitality and care through various means with those who today are experiencing homelessness. Bible lessons in this unit are based on Exodus 29, Psalm 27, Deuteronomy 8, and John 1. Spiritual Practice: Hospitality 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!

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. 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, Fall 2023 Theme: God Provides This fall, our Bible lessons follow the theme “God Provides” and remind us of the ways God meets our needs and of God’s call to us to help those who lack life’s essentials of food, water, and shelter. The writer of the student book Greg Weeks. Unit 1 Food Scripture recognizes that hunger, famine, and food insecurity make people vulnerable to a variety of threats. It also testifies to God’s generous provision of food for humans and wild creatures and to human responsibility to help those who are hungry and in need. From God’s provision of manna in the wilderness to divine provision during famine, from Jesus’ feeding of crowds to his teaching of a new way of being with the poor and marginalized through table fellowship, Scripture bears witness to God’s graciousness and our responsibility as its recipients. Bible lessons in this unit are based on Exodus 16, 1 Kings 19, Mark 6, and Luke 14. Spiritual Practice: Feasting Unit 2 Water Like food insecurity, water insecurity threatens human life and the earth’s species of plants and animals. Scripture uses the water motif in many ways. Water is dangerous as it represents a metaphor for chaos, historical enemies, God’s judgment, devastation of drought-stricken land, and personal distress. As well, water is a gift from God for the flourishing of all creation, refreshment for body and soul, and source of eternal life embodied in Jesus. Thirst for water and provision of water are metaphors for the human relationship with God. Bible lessons in this unit are based on Genesis 21, Exodus 17, Psalm 42, John 7, and Matthew 25. Spiritual Practice: Creation Care Unit 3 Shelter In major cities and small towns across the country, many people have lived experience with homelessness. One of the major causes of homelessness is rooted in childhood trauma. Mental illness, sometimes stemming from such trauma, is another contributing factor, among others. Exploring the theme of shelter in Scripture cannot find ancient analogies for what today is becoming a crisis compounded by economic and social vulnerabilities. Even so, we can imagine and extrapolate, based on related themes and texts, that the physical security of home is a relevant theological construct then as now. Although various texts may make it easy to rush to focus our attention on spiritual shelter in God’s presence, those who experience such a home in God find resources to extend hospitality and care through various means with those who today are experiencing homelessness. Bible lessons in this unit are based on Exodus 29, Psalm 27, Deuteronomy 8, and John 1. Spiritual Practice: Hospitality 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!

Study the Bible daily for a closer relationship with God. Daily Bible Study is a great companion to the quarterly Adult Bible Studies or as a stand-alone study for those wanting to study the Bible daily. It is presented in quarterly segments. Bible-based and Christ-focused, it coordinates with the lesson themes of Adult Bible Studies. Each daily reading includes a one-page Bible study for each of the quarter, along with introductory reflection questions and commentary on the daily Scripture passage, life application and an concluding prayer. Additional information about Adult Bible Studies, Spring 2023 This spring, Daily Bible Study presents a series of readings supporting the theme “The Life of Faith.” These readings enable us to walk alongside Jesus and his disciples on Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem. They challenge us to explore the nature of faith that calls us to follow Jesus despite our uncertainty and doubts. They also help us unpack the concept of “sabbath,” the foreshadowing of the rest that God promises at the end of our journey. Readings come from Old and New Testament texts. These daily readings, which prepare us for the lessons in Adult Bible Studies, are written by Susan Groseclose, Taylor Mills, and Greg Weeks. Unit 1 Journey to the Cross This Lenten season, we follow Jesus’ journey to the cross in Matthew’s account. Matthew’s Gospel stresses in many places that through his crucifixion, Jesus makes clear his perfect obedience to God’s will and the true nature of kingship under God’s reign. Scriptures: Matthew 16:21-28 | Matthew 20:20-28 | Matthew 21:23-27 | Matthew 22:15-22 | Matthew 22:41-46 Spiritual Practice: Simplicity | Accountability Unit 2 From Doubt to Trust We often treat doubt and wisdom as belonging in opposite categories but often, questioning our wisdom, knowledge, and certitude is a sign of wisdom. As humans, we should struggle to understand. To act with complete confidence in our power of discernment is to claim God’s power as our own. The path forward from doubt is one of trust in God. We are invited to imitate Jesus and let go of our doubt and our competition with God and to trust in God’s love and intentions. Scriptures: Matthew 26:36-46 | Matthew 28:1-15 | John 20:11-29 | 1 Corinthians 15:12-28 | 1 Peter 1:3-16 Spiritual Practice: Meditation Unit 3 Intentional Sabbath In the secular West, the concepts of holy days and sabbath have been replaced by days off work or school and vacations. We rest so that we can work harder and earn more money so that we can take vacations away from our communities. In the Bible, rest from work had a different purpose. One worked to prepare for the sabbath. On the sabbath, one participated together with the entire community, the livestock, and the land in a shared rest that signified the wellbeing and abundance that God intended for creation. No one was required to work to make another’s leisure possible. Sabbath rest is a foretaste of the rest that awaits us, and that God will provide in the fullness of time. Scriptures: Exodus 20:8-11 | Psalm 23 | Matthew 12:1-14 | Luke 4:16-21 Spiritual Practice: Self-Care

Study the Bible daily for a closer relationship with God. Daily Bible Study is a great companion to the quarterly Adult Bible Studies or as a stand-alone study for those wanting to study the Bible daily. It is presented in quarterly segments. Bible-based and Christ-focused, it coordinates with the lesson themes of Adult Bible Studies. Each daily reading includes a one-page Bible study for each of the quarters along with introductory reflection questions and commentary on the daily Scripture passage, life application and a concluding prayer. Additional information about Adult Bible Studies, Summer 2023 Theme: Transformation This Summer, Daily Bible Study presents a series of readings supporting the theme “The Life of Faith.” These readings enable us to walk alongside Jesus and his disciples on Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem. They challenge us to explore the nature of faith that calls us to follow Jesus despite our uncertainty and doubts. They also help us unpack the concept of “sabbath,” the foreshadowing of the rest that God promises at the end of our journey. Readings come from Old and New Testament texts. These daily readings, which prepare us for the lessons in Adult Bible Studies, are written by Susan Groseclose, Taylor Mills, and Greg Weeks. Unit 1 The Fruit of the Spirit Scriptures: Coming Soon Spiritual Practice: Study Unit 2 The Work of the Church Scriptures: Coming Soon Spiritual Practice: Guidance | Spiritual Direction Unit 3 The Pursuit of the People Scriptures: Coming Soon Spiritual Practice: Forgiveness

Grow your faith daily. Transform your life. Experience God in deeper ways by spending time in God’s Word. Daily Bible Study is the perfect resource for individuals who want to grow in their relationship with God and enhance their engagement with lessons in Adult Bible Studies. Designed to meet the needs of busy people, each daily reading includes a Scripture reference, a personal faith-related question, an explanation and application of the biblical text, and a prayer, all on one page. Available in print and eBook and as an app. Theme: God Abides The writers are Elizabeth Park Haas, Matthew Ray Hambrick, Amy Sigmon 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

Study the Bible daily for a closer relationship with God. Daily Bible Study is a great companion to the quarterly Adult Bible Studies or as a stand-alone study for those wanting to study the bible daily. It is presented in quarterly segments. Bible-based and Christ-focused, it coordinates with the lesson themes of Adult Bible Studies. Each daily reading includes a one-page Bible study for each day of the quarter, along with introductory reflection questions and commentary on the daily Scripture passage, life application, and a concluding prayer. Additional information about Daily Bible Study, Winter 2022-2023 Theme: Power and Love This winter, Daily Bible Study presents a series of readings supporting the theme “Power and Love.” Readings come from the Old and New Testament texts. These daily readings, which prepare us for the 13 lessons in Adult Bible Studies, are written by Michelle Morris, Tim Merrill, and Clara Welch. 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 readers can relate to this poverty and obscurity, most are 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 readings invite us to hear the Nativity accounts 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 readings 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. They move us to examine our faith and encourage us to plant ourselves firmly on the path toward maturity. 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. While the Bible uses different words for different kinds of love—agápe, philía, and éros—the lines are actually blurred between agápe and philia. The greater emphasis is on relationships. While we should enact our love without thoughts of personal gain, the ultimate goal of loving our enemies is becoming their friend. These readings encourage us toward that end. 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

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. 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 writer of the student book is Rita B. Hays. 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!

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. 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 allows you to choose your own Bible translation Additional information about Adult Bible Studies, Summer 2023 Inspired by God This summer, our Bible lessons follow the theme “Inspired by God” and help us look at the careful design of Scripture and the art and poetry through which it touches our hearts and minds. They then move into a consideration of one of Scripture’s most practical categories, wisdom literature, followed by a look at some of Scripture’s heroes, who might surprise us. The writer of the student book is Betsy Haas; the teacher book writer is Stan Purdum. The Rich Literature of the Bible The lessons in this unit look at some of the different kinds of writings we find in Scripture and how God speaks to us through writings such as the Law, the prophets, visions, and the psalms. They invite us to dwell within Scripture’s reality rather than a reality of our own construction. Scriptures: Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 14 | Matthew 5:17-20 | Malachi 2:1-4 | Ezekiel 37:1-10 | Ephesians 2:4-7 | Psalms 51 | Colossians 3:16-17 Spiritual Practice: Study Wisdom Living with wisdom affects how we think, speak, act/behave, relate to God, and relate to others. What constitutes wisdom according to the Bible is not conventional wisdom about how to stay safe and healthy or how to prosper in life. Conventional wisdom tells us not to give aid or comfort to an enemy, whereas biblical wisdom teaches us the opposite. Conventional wisdom tells us to store up our grain in barns for tomorrow, whereas biblical wisdom encourages us to share what we have with those whose need is for today. Scriptures: James 1:2-8 | James 3:1-12 | James 3:13-18| 1 Corinthians 1:10-25 | Ecclesiasters 3:1-8 Spiritual Practice: Guidance | Spiritual Direction Heroes and Anti-Heroes The men and women of the Bible who “save the day” are not the typical heroes of Western mythology. They do not have superhuman powers; they are not mighty warriors; they are not descended from the gods. They are ordinary men and women who use their status and situation to serve God’s purpose or people in need. The people who tradition prefers to make into heroes of kings and warriors frequently disappoint us by using their power to serve themselves. Scriptures: Joshua 2:1-14 | Kings 11:1-13 | Mark 7:24-30 | John 13:21-30 Spiritual Practice: Forgiveness Other Adult Bible Study components, sold separately, include: Teacher/Commentary Kit 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, is 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 allows 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. 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 video, 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!

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. 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. 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 student book is Sue Mink. 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: Teacher/Commentary Kit 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. 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!