Beginning Sunday, January 10 we will start a new series based on the Great Commandment. In Mark 12: 28-34 and Matthew 22:34-40 Jesus is challenged by one of His detractors to answer the question “Of all the commandments, which is the greatest?” (Mark 12:28) They hope to trip Him up. Instead, Jesus’ answer gives them and us a perfect picture of what is at the heart of the Old Testament, and is essential for all who want to be His disciples and children of His Heavenly Father. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [Mark adds “strength”] This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
Each week we will consider another dimension of this amazing teaching. Part of our study will be guided by a workbook by Greg Ogden titled The Essential Commandment: A Disciple’s Guide to Loving God and Others. We will continue the same Tuesday morning and Tuesday evening Bible study options we put in place for the recent Old Testament study. For maximum benefit we encourage you to order your own book. Books are $15 and you can order one at church.
1/10 – Jesus Believes It is Possible! Introduction and Vision for the series. Matthew 28: 16-20
1/17 – Do This and You Will Live. Memory Verse: Romans 12:1, Bible Study: 1 John 4:7-21
1/24 – A Broken and Contrite Heart. Memory Verses: Matthew 11:28-30, Bible Study: Psalm 51.
1/31 – A Listening Heart. Memory Verses: John 15:9-11, Bible Study: Luke 10:38-42, John 10:1-18.
2/7 – A Soul That Thirsts For God. Memory Verses: Psalm 42:1-2, Bible Study: Isaiah 55
2/14 – A Soul…Fully Alive…to the Glory of God. Memory Verses: Galatians 6:4-5, Bible Study: Psalm 139:1-18
2/21 – Having the Mind of Christ. Memory Verses: Mark 10:42-45, Bible Study: Colossians 3:1-17
2/28 – Every Thought Captive. Memory Verses: Philippians 4:8, Bible Study: Psalm 19
3/6 – Focusing our Energy. Memory Verses: Colossians 1:28-29, Bible Study: Ephesians 4:17-24
3/13 – Growing Healthy Bodies. Memory Verses: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Bible Study: (Misc. additional scriptures)
3/20 – Palm Sunday
3/27 – Easter
4/3 – Have Mercy on Those in Need. Memory Verses: Matthew 9:12-13, Bible Study: Mark 10:46-52
4/10 – Love Those Who Would Do You Harm. Memory Verses: Romans 12:20-21, Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
4/17 – Demonstrate Compassion: Love’s Evidence Memory Verses: 1 John 3:16-18, Bible Study: James 2:14-26
