| 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.
A part of the NextSunday Resources line of adult Bible studies, Christ Is Born! contains five lessons for use as individual study or group discussion. Each study contains lessons on the biblical material, combined with an additional commentary from an alternate, but complementary, viewpoint.
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 Christ is Born! A native of Fort Worth, Texas, he has pastored churches in Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey. He has most recently served as visiting professor of pastoral ministries at the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. He is also author of the five-volume Formations Commentary series.
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