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Date: May 11, 2025 






God’s Hand in Meeting Others’ Needs



The Point: God blesses as we serve others.  



Get Into the Study



Share the following as you discuss Question 1:



President Trump and First Lady Melania hosted the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on April 21, with an estimated 30 thousand people in attendance. Activities included the namesake egg roll relay race, a coloring station, hopscotch, and reading nook.



Both the president and first lady enjoyed spending time with the children in attendance, with President Trump joining in at the coloring station and the first lady reading “Bunny with a Big Heart.” The children’s activities focused on Melania’s “Be Best” campaign, which highlights the importance of children’s social, emotional, and physical health.



Just as sharing these activities with the attending children was a fun experience for President Trump and First Lady Melania, we should also find joy when we give to others. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver, and the joy of joining in God’s kingdom work should make blessing those around us a fun experience for us.



Get Into the Study (Option from Adult Leader Guide)



In advance, play a video clip of someone enjoying giving to others. Then ask Question #1.



Study the Bible



Read the following after discussing Question 3:






In early April, Pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped at gunpoint while preaching a ser...

EXTRA supports the group plans in the Bible Studies for Life leader guides.




Date: April 27, 2025 






God’s Hand in Calling Us to Serve 



The Point: God invites us to join Him in His work.



Get Into the Study



Share the following as you read and discuss the opening “The Bible Meets Life.”



After promising to celebrate her success in the White House while on the campaign trail, Vice President JD Vance held true to his promise, celebrating his mother’s ten-year sobriety milestone. While Beverly Vance passed her milestone in January 2025, she received her official medallion commemorating the event at the White House celebration.



To celebrate this incredible milestone, the Vice President invited several people, including reporters and political figures. All the guests seemed happy to be invited and praised Beverly for her accomplishment. Congratulations came from reporter Megyn Kelly and Speaker Mike Johnson, while political consultant Emma-Jo Morris called Beverly’s success a “touching and amazing” story.



Celebrating another’s success is usually a good invitation to accept, especially for a ten-year sobriety milestone. While many of those invited to this celebration are well-known figures and probably receive invitations often, this seemed to be one they were happy to accept. Just as the vice president invited people to celebrate his mother’s success, God invites us to join in His work with Him. And just as those invited to Beverly’s celebration were happy to accept, we should likewise accept every invitation to join God in Kingdom work.



Study the Bible



Share the following as you discuss Question #3.



In early April,

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Date: April 20, 2025 






The Ultimate Sign



The Point: Jesus’s resurrection makes eternal life possible.



Get Into the Study



TEXT



Have you heard of microplastics? What about “forever chemicals?”



Research shows that microplastics particles, “smaller than a grain of rice, can harm reproductive, digestive and respiratory health, potentially leading to colon and lung cancers,” as well as increasing the risk for dementia. When a plastic bottle is squeezed or exposed to heat, tiny particles break away from inside the bottle and enter the water, from which they enter (and remain inside) the human body. As one headline terrifyingly put it, “there are enough microplastics in your brain to make an entire spoon.” A new scientific paper indicates that switching from bottled water to filtered water “could cut your microplastic intake by about 90%.” Understanding more about microplastics and how they remain in the human body – in organs, tissues, blood, and even in babies in utero– has many people rethinking the old assumptions about plastic. 



Meanwhile, lawmakers in Canada, and many U.S. states, are considering bills to tamp down on “forever chemicals.” These nearly-indestructible man-made chemicals, called PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are found in water-repellant products and non-stick cookware. Exposure to forever chemicals have been linked to cancers, growth abnormalities, and decreased antibody responses.



Say: “While microplastics, and the long life-cycle of chemicals that exist in our environment and bodies, are a growing concern, these concerns are not eternal. Like the disciples, we can get so focused on practical details in front of us, that we miss the big picture of what God has eternally accomplished through Jesus.



Then point people to The Point: Jesus’s resurrection makes eternal life possible.”



Information for this post was gleaned from:




* https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained



* https://nypost.com/2025/03/05/health/making-a-single-change-can-drastically-cut-microplastics-intake/



* https://www.courthousenews.com/scientists-detect-higher-microplastic-levels-in-brains-linked-to-dementia/



* https://www.fastcompany.com/91289378/there-are-enough-microplastics-in-your-brain-to-make-an-entire-spoon



* https://www.nrdc.

EXTRA supports the group plans in the Bible Studies for Life leader guides.




Date: April 13, 2025 






The Sign of His Power over Death



The Point: Jesus offers us the hope of a new life.



Get Into the Study



On February 19, officials in Egypt announced the most significant discovery since “King Tut’s” tomb was found in 1922. According to the BBC, “Thutmose II is best known for being the husband of Queen Hapshepsut.” The mummy of Thutmose II– in the same dynasty as King Tut– had been discovered in a secondary tomb, having been moved shortly after his death, but its original burial site had never been found.



The Guardian reports that the original tomb was, “hiding in plain sight for 3,500 years, secretly buried beneath 23 metres of limestone flakes, rubble, ash, and mud plaster and made to look like part of the mountain.” When found, it was difficult to determine to whom the tomb had belonged because flooding had damaged the chamber soon after its sealing. The still-intact ceiling held a clue confirming its significance: a blue-painted field with yellow stars, which the dig director, Piers Litherland, said “is only found in kings’ tombs.” British and Egyptian archaeologists worked for over two years to excavate the tomb before finding broken alabaster jars that bore the name of Thutmose II.



Say: “Ancient Egyptians took great care when burying pharaohs. But no matter how we memorialize the person, and no matter whether they are famous or seemingly insignificant, there is always grief with death. We inherently know that death is not right; we long for a different ending. Only in Jesus can we have hope amidst death.”



Call attention to The Point: “Jesus offers us the hope of a new life.’”



Information for this post was gleaned from:




* https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/feb/22/you-dream-about-such-things-brit-who-discovered-missing-pharaohs-tomb-may-have-unearthed-another



* https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2025/02/18/tomb-ancient-egyptian-king-discovered/



* https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ym30v356po



* https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/egypt-tomb-ancient-king-thutmose-ii-discovered



* https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/19/thutmose-ii-tomb-is-egypts-biggest-archaeological-discovery-since-1922




Study the Bible

EXTRA supports the group plans in the Bible Studies for Life leader guides.




Date: April 6, 2025 






The Sign of His Light



The Point: Only through Jesus can we truly see.



Get Into the Study



Use the following information to introduce Question #1.



In February 2025, the Invictus Games, a nine-day “adaptive sports competition” for wounded, ill, and injured service members was held in Vancouver, Canada. More than 500 competitors gathered from twenty-five nations to compete in eleven sports. US Weekly notes that these competitions were created by British King Charles’ son, Prince Harry, in 2014, “following his own experience with combat and trauma during his ten years of military service.” This year was the first inclusion of six winter-specific adaptive sports.”



Carlos Valerio, a 48-year-old retired U.S. Navy hospital corpsman, participated in the 2025 Games. As both a biathlon and wheelchair basketball player, Valerio noted, “you see that there’s so much need for recovery… one of the best ways to do it is through sport.” Another Invictus athlete, currently a student at Yale, explained one of the Games’ “adaptive sports.” According to Jarek Neczypor, wheelchair rugby, “is fast moving, combines the action of basketball and soccer, and has complex strategy,” adding, “it’s one of the best sports I’ve ever played.” This year, the Yale athlete earned a bronze medal in wheelchair rugby.



More than 50,000 people gathered to support the competitors. While injuries and conditions vary among the athletes, guiding principles like, “anybody can play,” and, “the goal is to make it to the finish line,” give hope, encouragement, and a sense of opportunity to competitors and onlookers alike.



Say: “We are all inspired when we encounter bravery despite significant challenges.”



Proceed with asking Question #1.



Information for this post was gleaned from:




* https://law.yale.edu/yls-today/news/student-brings-back-medal-and-inspiration-invictus-games



* https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-harry-on-invictus-how-far-hes-come-wouldnt-change-any-of-it/



* https://www.army.mil/article/283468/navy_vet_turned_army_civilian_participates_in_second_invictus_games



* https://www.portseattle.org/blog/adaptive-sports-give-invictus-games-athletes-purpose-and-connection




Get Into the Study (Option from Adult Leader Guide)



In advance,

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Date: March 30, 2025 






The Sign of His Presence



The Point: In Jesus’s presence, we have no need to fear.



Get Into the Study



Share the following to introduce The Point:



Since 2023, the world has followed the romance of Taylor Swift and the NFL’s Travis Kelce. Last month when Kelce’s team, the Kansas City Chiefs, played in Super Bowl 59, speculation began to build that Kelce might be planning a surprise proposal. Each event in the couple’s lives, even down to missed concerts and skipped football games, has left fans wondering whether to anticipate a proposal or a break-up. Yet Super Bowl LIX passed with only the disappointment of a loss for Kelce’s team. Beyond the hoped-for engagement news, according to People magazine, “there is intensifying speculation that the Chiefs star could retire at the age of 35 after the loss… and is said to be genuinely considering his NFL future.”



While the world awaits news of the couple’s future plans, there is one fascinating detail about Kelce’s football record. Swift made it her practice to attend almost all “home” games, and according to USA Today, his stats are better when she is present. “Statistically – and in team success – Kelce has done better on average at home when Swift is watching him play.” Whatever their future, it seems that Taylor Swift’s presence brings out the best in Travis Kelce’s game.



Say: “When people cheer us on, we may react in different ways. Some people, like Kelce, may perform better. Others may feel increased pressure. Jesus’s nearness doesn’t need to bring up a sense of performance or perfection– instead, His presence can give confidence, and be a cloak of safety.”



Point the group to The Point: “In Jesus’ presence, we have  no need to fear.”



Information for this post was gleaned from:




* https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2025/02/08/travis-kelce-stats-with-taylor-swift-at-kansas-city-chiefs-games/78266543007/



* https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nfl/article-14386931/Taylor-Swift-Travis-Kelce-plans-revealed-upsetting-Super-Bowl.html



* https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/there-is-more-to-this-than-meets-the-eye-taylor-swift-skips-boyfriend-travis-kelces-second-game-in-a-row/articleshow/113821386.cms?from=mdr




Get Into the Study (Option from Adult Leader Guide)

EXTRA supports the group plans in the Bible Studies for Life leader guides.




Date: March 23, 2025 






The Sign of His Provision



The Point: Jesus meets the needs in our lives.



Get Into the Study



Amazon executive Mike Hopkins recently announced the celebration of a new acquisition for Amazon Studios: “Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment.” Since 2021, Amazon has had distribution rights for all Bond films, but in late February of 2025, the company expanded its interests in the spy story franchise. After years of partial ownership, Amazon Studios acquired creative control of the James Bond empire, which will naturally lead to adjustments and expansions of the brand. The former, long-time, brand leaders noted their trust in “Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”



However, BBC noted that “news of the deal has been met with mixed reaction[s].” One 007 fan noted that, after many years without new movies, this change holds potential because, “Amazon as a company will not have patience for inactivity.” Some fans worry that the character of James Bond may be altered or become out of sync with the franchise, while others note that the staying power of James Bond can be attributed to how the character has flexed over the decades. Across many years, and played by many actors, “there are a lot of people…for whom James Bond has been part of their culture their entire lives.”



Say: “While the details of his life may flex in future film productions, James Bond’s brave and clever spycraft will continue to inspire new generations.”



Proceed with asking Question #1.



Information for this post was gleaned from:




* https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazon-mgm-studios-james-bond



* https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjd35zm5zl4o



* https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1mn9gz5x3mo




Get Into the Study (Option from Adult Leader Guide)



In advance, play a video clip of a character who inspires resiliency or bravery. Then ask Question #1.



Study the Bible



Use the following information to introduce Question #3.



Have you noticed that the “most important meal of the day” costs more today than it did one year ago, much less five years ago? One dozen eggs cost $1.55 in 2019, and now costs (on average) $4.19.  “It’s not only the surging cost of eggs that is making breakfast pricier these days,” noted CBS News; “the price of coffee is also spiking.

Date: November 13, 2022
Obey God’s Word
The Point: We display the truth and value of God’s Word as we live it out.
Get Into the Study
Use the following information to introduce Question #1.
This summer, Education Week published advice for new teachers who were about to start the school year. They asked veteran teachers to give new teachers a piece of advice in five words or less. Here is some of the advice those veteran teachers shared:

* “Always have a backup plan!!!”
* “Be prepared, firm, and consistent.”
* “Don’t compare yourself to others.”
* “You. Can’t. Do. It. All.”
* “Find the fun in it.”
* “Learn to ask for help.”
* “Custodians are your best friend.”

Say: The advice given to new teachers might be applied in many situations. Across the years, you’ve probably heard plenty of advice, some good and not-so-good. Then call attention to Question #1 (What’s a piece of good advice people often ignore?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-best-advice-for-new-teachers-in-5-words-or-less-2022-edition/2022/08
Study the Bible
Use the following information to introduce Question #3.
When Hurricane Ian hit Florida on September 28, Southern Baptists went to work. As of October 13, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief had prepared almost 500,000 meals for people impacted by the storm. Eleven local Florida Baptist churches in the areas affected by the storm opened up their buildings to house volunteers who have come from across the country to work in the recovery efforts. These Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are providing tear out, clean up, and mold remediation on flooded homes. They are removing debris, using chainsaws to remove downed trees, and installing temporary roofing. “People won’t necessarily remember your name, but they will remember that someone cared enough even in the midst of a disaster,” said Valerie Cook, one of the volunteer workers.
Say: These volunteers helping people impacted by the hurricane have moved beyond being just hearers of God’s Word. They are doers too. Then call attention to Question #3 (What helps us move beyond just being hearers of God’s Word?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.sendrelief.org/story/sbdr-volunteers-near-50000-meals-prepared-provide-relief-for-hundreds-of-homeowners
Donna McKinney wrote these Leader Extras. Donna is retired from a career with the federal government of the United States. She is a veteran Bible study group leader living in North Carolina. 
Additional Questions
Icebreaker         

* What’s one trivial thing you know you “should” do that you never (or only rarely) do?     
* What piece of good advice do you often fail to follow?   
* What was your parents’ favorite phrase or gesture when you didn’t do what they said?

James 1:19-21

* How does being slow to speak help in crises?
* What does being slow to speak look like?
* Which is these actions seems to be most absent in our culture?

James 1:22-25

* What are some mirrors that have helped you live an obedient life?
* What helps us to move beyond being hearers only of God’s Word?          

Date: November 6, 2022
Meditate on God’s Word
The Point: Saturating our minds with Scripture keeps us focused on the things of God.
Get Into the Study
Use the following information to introduce Question #1.
Pittsburgh radio station WYEP (91.3 FM) recently polled its listeners, asking them their all-time favorite song. For the WYEP listeners, here are the top 10 favorites:

* The Band, “The Weight”
* John Lennon, “Imagine”
* Bob Dylan, “Tangled Up in Blue”
* Van Morrison, “Into the Mystic”
* Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody”
* The Rolling Stones, “Gimme Shelter”
* The Beatles, “A Day in the Life”
* Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On”
* Bruce Springsteen, “Thunder Road”
* Queen and David Bowie, “Under Pressure”

Say: Maybe you have a favorite song on that top 10 list (or maybe you don’t). Then call attention to Question #1 (What song or jingle often gets stuck in your head?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2022/09/21/wyep-countdown-to-fall-favorite-songs-the-band-beatles-dylan/stories/202209210108
Get Into the Study [Option from Adult Leader Guide, p. 113]
In advance, play some popular commercial jingles your group members are likely to be familiar with. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
Use the following information to introduce Question #2.
A few months ago, Crosswalk.com, an online Christian living magazine, published a list of the most popular Bible verses. This list is based on online search rankings – so they are the verses people are searching for online. The article accompanying the list noted that, “Several themes connect these popular Bible verses: Connecting with God, living with purpose, and finding strength.” Here are the top 10 most popular verses:

* John 3:16
* Jeremiah 29:11
* 1 Peter 5:7
* Romans 8:28
* Joshua 1:9
* Philippians 4:13
* 2 Corinthians 12:9
* Psalm 23:1
* Genesis 1:1
* Romans 6:23

Say: Perhaps you have a favorite verse (or verses) that you recall again and again as a source of encouragement and hope. Then call attention to Question #2 (When has a Bible verse stuck with you during a season of life?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/top-10-most-popular-bible-verses.html
Donna McKinney wrote these Leader Extras. Donna is retired from a career with the federal government of the United States. She is a veteran Bible study group leader living in North Carolina. 

Additional Questions
Icebreaker

* Which commercial jingle gets stuck in your head?            
* What is something you still remember that you memorized in school?    
* What song often gets stuck in your head?            

Psalm 1:1-3        

* What causes you to delight in God’s Word?         

Date: October 30, 2022
Study God’s Word
The Point: Regular study of God’s Word keeps us firmly grounded.
Get Into the Study
Use the following information to introduce Question #1.
On May 28, Steven Goodhart graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. What makes Goodhart unusual is that he is 80 years old and was the oldest student graduating from the university in the spring ceremony. This is Goodhart’s third degree. He has already received two degrees from Penn State — a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1964 and a master of engineering science in 1970. Goodhart spent most of his career working at the Philadelphia Naval Yard before retiring and deciding to return to college. Goodhart’s professors at the University of Delaware praised his dedication and eagerness to learn. “I wanted to go back and study the humanities and learn the things I had no exposure to as an engineering student,” said Goodhart. “I also was very interested in criminal justice and wanted to discover more about this field.”   
Say: Life-long learner Steven Goodhart shows us that age is no barrier to learning new things. Then call attention to Question #1 (When have you really enjoyed learning something?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2022/06/07/80-year-old-graduates-university-of-delaware-oldest-member-class-2022-steven-goodhart/7502685001/
Study the Bible
Use the following information to introduce Question #2.
Every year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the American Time Use Survey. This study measures the amount of time people spend doing various activities. The statistics released this past June reflect data collected for 2021. Here’s how Americans spent their leisure time:

* On an aerage day, the majority of Americans over the age of 15 engaged in some kind of leisure and sport activity (watching tv, socializing, exercising). Men spent 5.6 hours a day on leisure and sport activity. Women spent 4.9 hours a day.
* Watching television is the most popular leisure and sport activity. On an average day, Americans spend 2.9 hours watching television.
* On an average day, Americans age 75 and older read for 41 minutes. People ages 15 to 44 averaged reading 10 minutes a day or less.
* On an average day, Americans spend 34 minutes playing games and using a computer for leisure.
* On an average day, Americans spend 34 minutes socializing and communicating (such as visiting with friends or attending a social event).
* On an average day, Americans spend over an hour participating in sports, exercise, or recreation. For men, it is 1.7 hours a day. For women it is 1.2 hours.

Say: The statistics show that many Americans find time for a variety of leisure and sport activities each day. These activities might be productive and healthy ways to spend our time. But we all have a limited number of hours in the day. Since we can’t “do it all,” we have to makes some choices about how we spend our time. For example, we choose whether or not to make time each day for studying God’s Word. Then call attention to Question #2 (What might get in the way of regularly studying God’s Word?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/atus.nr0.htm
Donna McKinney wrote these Leader Extras.

Andrew & Chris wrap up their conversation with Evan Owens from Reboot Recovery this week. The conversation continues in Mental Health with personal stories of anxiety & depression.



Find out more from Evan at https://rebootrecovery.com/

We sit down with Evan Owens of Reboot Recovery this week to discuss Mental Health. The discussion is so rich that we split the conversation into two weeks of episodes. This is part 1. https://rebootrecovery.com/

Andrew, Mary, and Chris are joined this week with Eddie Mosley to discuss why discipleship within your own neighborhood is vital. Eddie shares unconventional ways to get to know and spend time with your neighbors.

This week on Discipleology, Andrew tries extra hard to get Mary & Chris to share moments from their life when they lacked integrity. Fortunately, there was a great discussion on how and why to have integrity in discipleship – including a few scholarly quotes from Chris! Watch now!

We have our first listener question! In this episode, Andrew, Chris, and Mary answer the question surrounding a life of ministry vs a life of discipleship.

Michael Kelley returns to discuss his latest discipleship book and reminds us why discipleship is so important to the Christian walk. Join hosts Andrew, Chris, and Mary glean more wisdom from Michael!

This week, Andrew, Chris, & Mary tackle the idea of how, when, and where we should be serving. What does biblical service look like and how can we make sure to not be detrimental to the communities we are serving?

Are you aware of what your spiritual gifts are? How can you find them? Join Andrew, Mary, and Chris today as they discuss their gifts (and lack there of)!



Here’s a brief description of some spiritual gifts!




https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/pastors-spiritual-gifts-help-your-people-discover-their-spiritual-gifts

Andrew, Mary, and Chris talk through how confession should be part of our everyday lives – both how to do it well and a few stories of how it’s been done poorly!