| Lawanda Smith
Adult
• 5 Sessions of Learner’s Materials
• 5 Sessions of Teaching Materials
• 5 Sessions of Bible Background
1. Matthew 24:36-44
2. Matthew 3:1-12
3. Matthew 11:2-11
4. Matthew 1:18-25
5. Matthew 2:13-23
Even in the midst of difficult circumstances, Advent is a time when we can find hope. Much like today, people in the 1st century church also faced struggles. Matthew’s words to the young church were words of hope. They were reminded that Jesus was born into a world of turmoil. But Matthew’s story also reminded his readers that, through the Messiah, God brought hope to these people. We are reminded that God, through Christ, brings us hope as well.
In the first session, we will explore our own anxious waiting for the Messiah’s appearance. Session two will guide us in preparation for the coming Messiah. Session three asks, “What if Jesus doesn’t meet our expectations?” In the fourth session, we focus on our responses to the announcement of Christ’s coming, before the final session leads us to hope in the Christ child’s arrival.
NextSunday Resources provides adult Bible studies on a wide range of topics, all of which are useful for individual or group study. A printed Study Guide offers four, five or six lessons with in-depth commentary and Bible background material. A free, downloadable Teaching Guide features a wealth of options, questions and ideas for teaching each lesson.
Lawanda Smith teaches English and religion at Louisiana State University at Alexandria. She is also pastor of a three-church charge on the weekends and does case management with Easter Seals Louisiana, working with elderly and disabled residents of central Louisiana. She enjoys reading, writing, and playing with her cats.
Cecil Sherman is the commentary writer for this study. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, he most recently served as visiting professor of pastoral ministries at the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. During his long career, Dr. Sherman served pastorates in North Carolina, Georgia, New Jersey and Texas and was very active in church life and community service. He also authored the five-volume Cecil Sherman Formations Commentary series, a critically acclaimed autobiography By My Own Reckoning and a best-practices handbook To Be A Good and Faithful Servant: The Life and Work of a Minister.
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