This quarter’s study begins with God’s demands for our complete and undivided love as shown in passages from Deuteronomy and Psalms. It proceeds with our response to God’s love in the advent of Christ, and the epistles’ interpretations of the nature and extent of our responses to God’s love in Christ. It concludes with passages from three of the psalms expressing glorification of God.
UNIT 1 • God Commands Our Love, Respect, and Obedience: The Deuteronomy passage contains a presentation of God’s demand for total love and devotion. The session from Joshua contains his faithful statement of love and reverence for a liberating God. In Psalm 103, David expresses love and glorification of God for God’s creative, sustaining, and protective actions. Luke portrays the advent of Christ and human response to God’s act of fulfillment of God’s promise. We are challenged in Matthew to love God through compassionate works.
UNIT 2 • Loving God by Trusting Christ: Matthew continues to inspire trust in God for all things, while James encourages total submission to God in love. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul gives an interpretation of human devotion to God in Christ; promotes selfless devotion through exemplification of Christ’s total submission to God in love; and encourages giving up everything for the sake of one’s love for Christ.
UNIT 3 • Love Songs That Glorify God: The quarter ends with Psalm 48, which focuses on a song of adoration for God’s steadfast love; Psalm 66 focuses on part of a love song of praise to God for all God’s mighty works of goodness; and Psalm 91 closes this unit with a praise song to God for assurance of protection and comfort for those who love God.
Direction® Teacher offers 13 complete lesson plans and includes a Bible Study Guide complete with in-depth information to give students (ages 35 and up) more insight into the text. Also included are teaching instructions and background information from the Precepts For Living® annual commentary.
• Lessons are outlined and include background information so readers get an in-depth explanation of the Scriptures.
• Analysis is written in easy-to-understand language.
• Thought-provoking questions challenge students and stimulate discussions.
• Effective, detailed plans lead students to discover and demonstrate God’s truth.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Quarter At-A-Glance: Outlines what will be studied throughout the quarter
Black History Profile: Gives insight into the life of an influential person of the African Diaspora
Teaching Tips: Provides an overview and outline for approaching all the lesson’s material
More Light on the Text: Offers a fuller look into the meaning of the text with insights into the original biblical language
Make It Happen: Suggests ways to make a specific, personal commitment and take action on what was learned through the lesson
Daily Bible Readings: Lists Scriptures to read throughout the week that support quarterly topics and principles
