A Failure of Leadership / January 8, 2012
As we begin a new year, all of us will be “leading” something … families, work groups, employees or volunteers, entire organizations, and most importantly, our own lives. The question is, “How will we lead?” Will we be primarily self-centered, seeking to maximize our own wealth, power, and comfort? Or will we be servant-centered, seeking to honor God and maximize the good in others’ lives? The story of Israel’s kings after Solomon serves as warning of the consequences of self-centered leadership.

God’s Messengers / January 15, 2012
After the kingdom of Israel was torn in two, God sent prophets to the people to warn them to repent of their sinful, immoral ways. Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea were among those sent by God to confront people who had started worshipping created things rather than the Creator Himself. Next week we take a closer look at the concepts of idols, altars, worship, and the grace of God.

A Different Perspective Altogether / January 22, 2012
In a year of cataclysmic change for ancient Israel, the prophet Isaiah received a vision of God’s greatness which gave him a completely different perspective than others around him. He experienced the King who remains in control of history’s events and received his commissioning to serve the King as his ambassador. Join us as we learn from the prophet Isaiah and hear God’s call to serve him in turbulent times.

The Kingdoms Fall / January 29, 2012
In this section of scripture the kingdom of Israel falls and God’s people are led into exile. In the midst of great suffering and loss God speaks two words to his people: a word of rebuke (Law) and a word of hope (Gospel). Join us this week as we discuss God’s desire to correct his people and lead them to redemption.

Daniel in Exile / February 5, 2012
God’s punishment has been handed down: Jerusalem has been sacked by the Babylonians, and the people of Judah have been taken captive. Among the exiles is a young man named Daniel, who over the next 70 years would demonstrate how to live faithfully in a pagan land.

The Struggle to Put God First / February 12, 2012
When their leader Zerubabbel led a large group of Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the city, they started strong. But as is usual in any endeavor, they faced resistance … forces within and without that would keep them from the task of finishing the temple and thus demonstrating their devotion to the Lord. The prophet Haggai brought them a message of divine correction and inspiration. God had chosen his people to be his own and promised them great blessing. The question is whether they (and we) will put God first.

Esther: Queen of Beauty and Courage / February 19, 2012
Did you know that God is never directly mentioned in the book of Esther? The focus seems to be on Esther as the heroine of the story. However, God is the main actor in the story. Next week we will explore how God worked in hidden ways for his people then and how he still works in hidden ways for us today!