King James Bible Study for Family, Church, and Friends

TheWeepinDeacon

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class 
God Saves (Genesis 6:11-18; 7:11-14) 
 
1) First Thoughts 
a. When people get caught up in sin they lose sight of two things. First, no one is exempt from the consequences of sin. Second, sin must be judged (because God is holy). 
2) Understand the Context 
a. Once sin had entered into the world, human beings quickly degenerated. The evil deeds of humanity became so widespread that God was sorry that He had made man and decided to wipe every living creature off the face of the earth and start fresh. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. By faith, Noah trusted God and constructed the ark. 
3) Explore the Text 
a. Wickedness Observed (6:11-13) 
i. Sin – corrupted his way, violence – “before God” faces God’s certain judgment. 
ii. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. ~ Proverbs 15:3 
iii. The doctrine of God’s judgment (often denied or downplayed) is found in: Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 16:19-31; Romans 1:18-32; II Thess. 1:4-10; Revelation 20:1-15 
iv. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:14 
b. Promise Unfolded (6:14-18) 
i. The ark is a type of Christ. One door. Only way to escape judgment. 
ii. The first time the word covenant is used in the Bible. (Genesis 8:20 - 9:17) 
c. Action Taken (7:11-14) 
i. Stand courageously for God in the midst of a corrupt society. 
ii. Speak the truth even when it is unpopular to do so. 
iii. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13 
iv. As Noah experienced, Christians face tests of faith today. 
4) Memory Verse: 
a. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. ~ Genesis 6:9

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
God Saves (Genesis 6:11-18; 7:11-14)

1) First Thoughts
a. When people get caught up in sin they lose sight of two things. First, no one is exempt from the consequences of sin. Second, sin must be judged (because God is holy).
2) Understand the Context
a. Once sin had entered into the world, human beings quickly degenerated. The evil deeds of humanity became so widespread that God was sorry that He had made man and decided to wipe every living creature off the face of the earth and start fresh. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. By faith, Noah trusted God and constructed the ark.
3) Explore the Text
a. Wickedness Observed (6:11-13)
i. Sin – corrupted his way, violence – “before God” faces God’s certain judgment.
ii. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.  ~ Proverbs 15:3
iii. The doctrine of God’s judgment (often denied or downplayed) is found in:   Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 16:19-31; Romans 1:18-32; II The

God Saves - Genesis 6:11-18; 7:11-14

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class 
The Final Act (Revelation 21:1-7) 
 
1) First Thoughts 
a. God shows us what His people can expect in the life to come, when everything will be made new, like a wedding. 
2) Understand the Context 
a. After the solemn vision of the culmination of judgment described in Rev 20:11-15, the scene shifts in Revelation 21 to a celebration of God’s renewal of all things. 
b. Remembering John, if we are in a season of suffering, and our only option is patient endurance, then let us be strengthened to the end by confidence that God will provide for and protect His people. We as believers are heading for what John saw, when all things will be made new. 
3) Explore the Text 
a. God’s New Provision (verses 1-2) 
i. “passed away” – [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 
[12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? [13] Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. ~ II Peter 3:10-13 
ii. “coming down” – Our future , eternal home is described as a new earth in a cosmos that is united! 
b. God’s Presence Celebrated (verses 3-4) 
i. John saw the day when we will see God face to face and be with Him forever. 
ii. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. 
And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. ~ Isaiah 66:23-24 
c. The Promise Fulfilled (verses 5-7) 
i. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. ~ I John 5:4 
4) Memory Verse: 
a. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. ~ Revelation 21:3

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
The Final Act (Revelation 21:1-7)

1) First Thoughts
a. God shows us what His people can expect in the life to come, when everything will be made new, like a wedding.
2) Understand the Context
a. After the solemn vision of the culmination of judgment described in Rev 20:11-15, the scene shifts in Revelation 21 to a celebration of God’s renewal of all things.
b. Remembering John, if we are in a season of suffering, and our only option is patient endurance, then let us be strengthened to the end by confidence that God will provide for and protect His people. We as believers are heading for what John saw, when all things will be made new.
3) Explore the Text
a. God’s New Provision (verses 1-2)
i. “passed away” – [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [11] S

The Final Act - Revelation 21:1-7

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class 
The Worthy Lamb (Revelation 5:1-14) 
 
1) First Thoughts 
a. We long for wise leaders who can guide us into a better future for our families and for our country. As the vision of heaven’s throne room continues, we see a staggering picture of the One who not only knows our future but holds it in His hands. 
2) Understand the Context 
a. John was in exile, removed from the churches he helped guide in the faith. Churches faced persecution from without and false teachings from within. Seven letters from the Resurrected Jesus. Before the future is unveiled, we saw the throne and God Almighty. Now the book and the only Person worthy to open the seal and guide us to know the end of history and the working out of God’s judgment against evil and salvation of God’s people. 
3) Explore the Text 
a. The Search (verses 1-4) 
i. “sealed” – secured the document and testified of the genuineness and authority of its content. 
ii. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. ~ Psalm 119:89 
iii. Verses 2-3 – God is asking us to think deeply about who rules the creation. 
iv. Verse 4 – We need to be reminded that God is in control. 
b. The Discovery (verses 5-7) 
i. Verse 5 – Both titles point to the promise of a King who will triumph over His enemies. Emphasize His human origins. 
ii. Verse 6 – Jesus’ worthiness stems not only from who He is as God’s Son, but also from His death on the cross as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Verse 7 – action affirms all authority. 
c. The Honoring (verses 8-14) 
i. Verse 8 – vivid reminder that our sincere prayers reach the throne room of God. 
ii. Verses 9-14 Discuss what these verses teach about the nature of worship. 
iii. Motive for worship – slain, redeemed us to God; hast made us … kings and priests. 
4) Memory Verse: 
a. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. ~ Rev. 5:12

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
The Worthy Lamb (Revelation 5:1-14)

1) First Thoughts
a. We long for wise leaders who can guide us into a better future for our families and for our country. As the vision of heaven’s throne room continues, we see a staggering picture of the One who not only knows our future but holds it in His hands.
2) Understand the Context
a. John was in exile, removed from the churches he helped guide in the faith. Churches faced persecution from without and false teachings from within. Seven letters from the Resurrected Jesus. Before the future is unveiled, we saw the throne and God Almighty. Now the book and the only Person worthy to open the seal and guide us to know the end of history and the working out of God’s judgment against evil and salvation of God’s people.
3) Explore the Text
a. The Search (verses 1-4)
i. “sealed” – secured the document and testified of the genuineness and authority of its content.
ii. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heav

The Worthy Lamb - Revelation 5:1-14

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class 
Let Them Hear (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-29; 3:5, 12, 21) 
 
1) First Thoughts 
a. Appreciating the ability to hear – hearing loss, things get in the way of hearing. 
b. In Revelation, Jesus challenges us to listen to the spiritual truths the Holy Spirit is saying. Hearers deal with “background noise” from the culture around them – and from problems within congregations. Let’s listen! 
2) Understand the Context 
a. One approach to interpreting the Book of Revelation understands the seven churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) to represent not only all types of churches but also seven distinct stages of church history, i.e., the progression of the Church’s response to its mission in the world from the first century until the return of Christ. 
3) Explore the Text 
a. Promise of life – promises Jesus made concerning those who overcome 
i. “ear” – to recognize that Jesus Christ, the Lord and King, is speaking. Hearers are to listen in faith and respond in obedience. 
ii. Overcomers – victors, those who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus and live by faith in Him. ”For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” ~ I John 5:4 
iii. Promises – to eat of the tree of life, not be hurt of the second death, eat of the hidden manna, given a white stone with a new name written, clothed in white raiment, will not blot out your name out of the book of life, made a pillar in the temple of my God with three names. 
iv. Taken together, these promises indicate the absolute certainty and permanence of the believer’s standing before God. 
b. Promise of purpose – statements Jesus made concerning the promise of participating with Him in eternity. 
i. “power over the nations’ – overcomers will participate in Jesus’ messianic rule over the nations. 
ii. “the morning star” – He will give us Himself as our King. 
iii. “sit with me in my throne” – rule with Him in His kingdom. 
4) Memory Verse: 
a. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. ~ Revelation 3:22

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
Let Them Hear (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-29; 3:5, 12, 21)

1) First Thoughts
a. Appreciating the ability to hear – hearing loss, things get in the way of hearing.
b. In Revelation, Jesus challenges us to listen to the spiritual truths the Holy Spirit is saying. Hearers deal with “background noise” from the culture around them – and from problems within congregations. Let’s listen!
2) Understand the Context
a. One approach to interpreting the Book of Revelation understands the seven churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) to represent not only all types of churches but also seven distinct stages of church history, i.e., the progression of the Church’s response to its mission in the world from the first century until the return of Christ.
3) Explore the Text
a. Promise of life – promises Jesus made concerning those who overcome
i. “ear” – to recognize that Jesus Christ, the Lord and King, is speaking. Hearer

Let Them Hear - Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-29; 3:5, 12, 21

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class 
Commit Your Way to The Lord (Nehemiah 10:28-39) 
God expects His people to be always transforming. 
1) Memory Verse: 
a. … and we will not forsake the house of our God. ~ Nehemiah 10:39b 
2) First Thoughts 
a. Conformer vs. reformer vs. transformer. God is in the “good transforming” business. II Cor. 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 
b. Spiritual threat – the world. For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; … ~ II Timothy 4:10 
3) Understand the Context 
a. When many Jewish leaders joined Nehemiah in signing a written pledge to obey God’s law, the rest of the people also committed themselves to the cause. They understood their commitment to God, the practical implications of God’s call to be separate from the pagan groups, that obedience at times would require them to make difficult choices, and the seriousness of their vow. Deut. 30:1-3 
4) Explore the Text 
a. Commitment Made – verses 28-29 
i. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. ~ II Corinthians 6:17-18 
b. Holiness Sought – verse 30 
i. In marriage - Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? … ~ II Cor. 6:14 
c. Worship Pledged – verses 31-39 
i. The Sabbath was to be kept as a day to worship God, to enjoy rest, and to declare truth. 
ii. They promised to provide for the needs and for all the work of the house of our God. 
iii. Everyone had a part, e.g., the wood donation schedule. 
iv. Giving of our firstfruits shows our belief that God is the Source of all good things and is worthy of our very best. 
v. God’s house is to be respected, honored, and sustained.

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
Commit Your Way to The Lord (Nehemiah 10:28-39)
God expects His people to be always transforming.
1) Memory Verse:
a. … and we will not forsake the house of our God.   ~ Nehemiah 10:39b
2) First Thoughts
a. Conformer vs. reformer vs. transformer. God is in the “good transforming” business. II Cor. 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
b. Spiritual threat – the world.  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; …    ~ II Timothy 4:10 
3) Understand the Context
a. When many Jewish leaders joined Nehemiah in signing a written pledge to obey God’s law, the rest of the people also committed themselves to the cause. They understood their commitment to God, the practical implications of God’s call to be separate from the pagan groups, that obedience at times would require them to make difficult choices, and the

Commit Your Way to The Lord - Nehemiah 10:28-39

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class 
Return to the Restoring God (Nehemiah 9:32-37) 
 
1) Memory Verse: 
a. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: ~ Nehemiah 9:33 
2) First Thoughts 
a. Forgive and forget. God’s covenant with His people is like a marriage relationship, ideally founded on grace, love, and faithfulness. When Israelites broke the covenant over and over again, God judged them (exile). He did so for the purpose of bringing them to the point of repentance and with the hope of restoring them. 
3) Understand the Context 
a. Nehemiah 9 picks up from the great spiritual awakening described in Chapter 8. Next came a newfound commitment to God by keeping the feast times, such the Feast of Tabernacles. It was appropriate to follow up the Feast with a day-long, community-wide assembly for the purpose of confessing their sins before the Lord. 
4) Explore the Text 
a. The Great God – verse 32 
i. Connections between God’s character and His actions. Great, mighty, terrible, faithful, merciful, just, righteous, gracious – gavest (3). John 3:16 
b. The Confession – verses 33-35 
i. See their desire for and hope of restoration with God. Sin is the greatest roadblock to effective prayer. 
ii. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~ I John 1:9 
c. The Request – verses 36-37 
i. Their confession was in fact an appeal to the merciful God of the covenant. 
ii. [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 
[11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 
[12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ~ Romans 10:9-13

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
Return to the Restoring God (Nehemiah 9:32-37)

1) Memory Verse:
a. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:   ~ Nehemiah 9:33
2) First Thoughts
a. Forgive and forget. God’s covenant with His people is like a marriage relationship, ideally founded on grace, love, and faithfulness. When Israelites broke the covenant over and over again, God judged them (exile). He did so for the purpose of bringing them to the point of repentance and with the hope of restoring them.
3) Understand the Context
a. Nehemiah 9 picks up from the great spiritual awakening described in Chapter 8. Next came a newfound commitment to God by keeping the feast times, such the Feast of Tabernacles. It was appropriate to follow up the Feast with a day-long, community-wide assembly for the purpose of confessing their sins before the Lord.
4) Explore the Text
a. The Great God – verse 32
i. Connections between God’s cha

Return to the Restoring God - Nehemiah 9:32-37

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class 
Get an Understanding (Nehemiah 8:1-12) 
 
1) Memory Verse: James 1:22 
a. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 
2) First Thoughts 
a. America is ripe for another “great awakening”, a period of intense, widespread revival, in which many individuals and churches are roused to a new enthusiasm for God, resulting in positive changes in the general culture, characterized by obedience to God. 
b. Example – the great awakening of the mid-1700’s; led to the Revolutionary War, and the establishment of the United States of America. 
c. What “sparks” a great spiritual awakening? ANS. Great need, fervent prayer. Greatest hindrance - unconfessed sin. 
3) Understand the Context 
a. After completing the wall around Jerusalem, Nehemiah and the Jewish people realized the city was underpopulated and still vulnerable to attacks. More serious problem – spiritual condition of the people was as deplorable as the broken wall! 
b. God used Ezra (priest, passion for God’s Word, 13 years before) and Nehemiah (leadership) to spark a spiritual awakening among the people. 
4) Explore the Text 
a. Come, confessing sin and praying. 
i. See their desire! No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. ~ John 6:44, Proverbs 2:1-5 
b. Listen, actively engaged with Holy Spirit who opens your heart. 
i. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? ~ Luke 24:32 
c. Respond in worship, acknowledging the truth (Amen), weeping in repentance, weeping for joy. 
i. …and those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. ~ Isaiah 66:2 
d. Grow, letting God restore, heal, encourage, “reckon it so”. 
i. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, ~ Luke 4:18 
e. Go in Christ, His power and grace! 
i. By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: ~ Romans 1:5

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
Get an Understanding (Nehemiah 8:1-12)

1) Memory Verse:  James 1:22
a. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
2) First Thoughts
a. America is ripe for another “great awakening”, a period of intense, widespread revival, in which many individuals and churches are roused to a new enthusiasm for God, resulting in positive changes in the general culture, characterized by obedience to God.
b. Example – the great awakening of the mid-1700’s; led to the Revolutionary War, and the establishment of the United States of America.
c. What “sparks” a great spiritual awakening? ANS. Great need, fervent prayer. Greatest hindrance - unconfessed sin.
3) Understand the Context
a. After completing the wall around Jerusalem, Nehemiah and the Jewish people realized the city was underpopulated and still vulnerable to attacks. More serious problem – spiritual condition of the people was as deplorable as the broken wall!
b. God used E

Get an Understanding - Nehemiah 8:1-12

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class 
Do Your Appointed Part (Nehemiah 7:1-8) 
 
1) Memory Verse: Proverbs 14:23 
a. In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. 
2) First Thoughts 
a. Social media – its success. The good, bad, and God’s plan. 
b. Some tasks require the effort, coordination, and strength of many people working together, e.g., winning team, successful workplace, or effective church. Eccl. 4:9-10 
c. In God’s kingdom work, everyone is needed. Everyone has a part. 
3) Understand the Context 
a. After completing the wall around Jerusalem, Nehemiah and the Jewish people realized the city had only a few residents. God gave the plan to repopulate. 
4) Explore the Text 
a. Verses 1-3 – A role to play 
i. A new set of challenges. First, a trustworthy security operation. 
ii. Men – role of protector. I Peter 5:8 “your adversary”. 
iii. Importance of faithfulness and fearing God. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. ~ Proverbs 16:6 
iv. Second – spiritual organization. Hebrews 13:7,17 
v. Third – effective teaching of God’s Word. ~ Ephesians 4:11 (pastors & teachers) 
b. Verses 4-8 – A place to belong 
i. God gave the plan in response to prayer. 
ii. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. ~ John 14:13-14 
iii. Sacrifice (relocating). Use of genealogical record – repopulate Jerusalem with citizens who knew they were God’s and were proud of it. (faithfulness). 
iv. Lengthy list – God wants to use all of His people to accomplish His work. 
5) Extra Points 
a. Importance of church membership. 
b. God builds character through service. 
c. We’re all accountable to God - So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. ~ Romans 14:12 
d. To God, not to others! --- Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. ~ John 21:22

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
Do Your Appointed Part (Nehemiah 7:1-8)

1) Memory Verse:  Proverbs 14:23
a. In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
2) First Thoughts
a. Social media – its success. The good, bad, and God’s plan.
b. Some tasks require the effort, coordination, and strength of many people working together, e.g., winning team, successful workplace, or effective church. Eccl. 4:9-10
c. In God’s kingdom work, everyone is needed. Everyone has a part.
3) Understand the Context
a. After completing the wall around Jerusalem, Nehemiah and the Jewish people realized the city had only a few residents. God gave the plan to repopulate.
4) Explore the Text
a. Verses 1-3 – A role to play
i. A new set of challenges. First, a trustworthy security operation.
ii. Men – role of protector. I Peter 5:8 “your adversary”.
iii. Importance of faithfulness and fearing God. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart fr

Do Your Appointed Part - Nehemiah 7:1-8

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class 
Be Faithful in Adversity (Nehemiah 6:1-19) 
1) Memory Verse: Nehemiah 6:3 
a. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? 
2) First Thoughts 
a. Faith and prayer are important qualities of Christian leadership. Servant-leaders lead from the front, not from behind. As a result, they are often the first ones to feel the brunt of an assault. 
3) Understand the Context – Application is your life! 
a. Since humanity’s fall, God’s kingdom work has been done in a hostile environment. Under the Persian Empire, surrounding groups strongly opposed the restoration efforts of the Jews who returned from exile. Nehemiah found himself as a primary target of verbal abuse, criticism, slander, and threats. 
b. Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. ~ II Thess. 2:1-2 
4) Explore the Text 
a. Verses 1-9 – When falsely accused 
i. “builded” (foundation?) 
ii. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, … ~ Proverbs 1:10-11 
iii. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. ~ II Timothy 2:4 
iv. Response – prayer to God, e.g., And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, ~ Acts 4:29 
b. Verses 10-14 – When promised false security 
i. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. ~ Proverbs 29:25 (Answer – fear God, Matthew 10:28) 
c. Verses 15-19 – When factions arise 
i. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: ~ Gal. 2:6

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
Be Faithful in Adversity (Nehemiah 6:1-19)
1) Memory Verse:  Nehemiah 6:3
a. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? 
2) First Thoughts
a. Faith and prayer are important qualities of Christian leadership. Servant-leaders lead from the front, not from behind. As a result, they are often the first ones to feel the brunt of an assault.
3) Understand the Context – Application is your life!
a. Since humanity’s fall, God’s kingdom work has been done in a hostile environment. Under the Persian Empire, surrounding groups strongly opposed the restoration efforts of the Jews who returned from exile. Nehemiah found himself as a primary target of verbal abuse, criticism, slander, and threats.
b. Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or

Be Faithful in Adversity - Nehemiah 6:1-19

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class 
The Discipline of Suffering (Hebrews 12:1-7) 
 
1) Memory Verse: 
a. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ~ Hebrews 12:6 
2) First Thoughts 
a. The Scriptures teach us that the Christian life is more like a marathon than a sprint. 
i. Key measure is endurance in faith. 
ii. Goal – to finish well. 
iii. Prize – the high calling of God. “Well done…” 
iv. Isn’t easy. Must embrace the training and discipline. Stay focused on…Jesus Christ. 
b. Only Jesus qualifies as the Author and Finisher of saving faith. 
3) Understand the Context 
a. Throughout Hebrews, God combines explanation and exhortation to persuade us to cling to Jesus and grow in our faith. 
b. Jesus is our Great High Priest, new covenant in His shed blood, draw near to Him in faith, fellowship of the church, O.T. models of living by faith, etc. Now press on, finish well, embrace/understand Godly discipline. Discuss the type of suffering. 
4) Explore the Text 
a. Verses 1-3 – Enduring 
i. Notice “we” and “us” --- local church 
ii. Notice “let” – choice --- Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. ~ Romans 6:12 
iii. “every weight” --- fear, unbelief, bitterness, self-pity, condemnation 
iv. Notice the progression --- Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ~ Psalm 1:1 
v. What’s it saying? Confess sin, move forward with patience, stay close to Jesus. 
b. Verses 4-7 – Disciplined 
i. What’s this all about --- “striving against sin”. Holiness. Our character. 
ii. Wrong reaction to God’s correction --- despise, faint. 
iii. Right reaction --- endure, receive, understand God loves you! 
iv. Result --- righteousness and holiness (verses 8-14) 
v. Warning --- Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; ~ Hebrews 12:15

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
The Discipline of Suffering (Hebrews 12:1-7)

1) Memory Verse:
a. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  ~ Hebrews 12:6
2) First Thoughts
a. The Scriptures teach us that the Christian life is more like a marathon than a sprint.
i. Key measure is endurance in faith.
ii. Goal – to finish well.
iii. Prize – the high calling of God. “Well done…”
iv. Isn’t easy. Must embrace the training and discipline. Stay focused on…Jesus Christ.
b. Only Jesus qualifies as the Author and Finisher of saving faith.
3) Understand the Context
a. Throughout Hebrews, God combines explanation and exhortation to persuade us to cling to Jesus and grow in our faith.
b. Jesus is our Great High Priest, new covenant in His shed blood, draw near to Him in faith, fellowship of the church, O.T. models of living by faith, etc. Now press on, finish well, embrace/understand Godly discipline. Discuss the type of suffering.
4) Explore the Text


The Discipline of Suffering - Hebrews 12:1-7

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class 
The Perfect Offering (Hebrews 9:11-15) 
 
1) Memory Verse: 
a. And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. ~ Hebrews 9:15 
2) First Thoughts 
a. Review agreements, or covenants – how they are enacted. 
b. Being a Christian means being a “signer” to a covenant beyond compare. Learn the nature of that new covenant and how God put it into effect. 
3) Understand the Context 
a. The O.T. tabernacle and the atonement sacrifice offered there served as starting points for God to explain the new covenant in Jesus Christ and His once-for-all sacrifice. 
b. God shows that the animal sacrifices offered at the tabernacle never had the power in themselves to break sin’s curse or transform the human heart. Only the precious blood of Christ could make the removal of our sin possible. 
4) Explore the Text 
a. Verses 11-12 – Christ’s Entry 
i. The picture of the tabernacle helps Hebrew believers (and us) grasp more completely everything that Jesus has done to provide the way of salvation. 
ii. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. ~ John 20:17 
b. Verses 13-14 – Christ’s Superior Sacrifice --- Talk about the blood! 
i. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; ~ Eph. 1:7 
ii. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ~ Romans 5:9 
iii. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, … 
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: ~ I Peter 1:18-19 
c. Verse 15 – Christ’s Mediation 
i. Jesus’ death on the cross serves as the perfect, final, and complete sacrifice for your sins. No other atoning sacrifice for sin is necessary. 
ii. “eternal inheritance” --- We live in His presence, fellowship with Him in an intimate relationship, experience His forgiveness, and enjoy His unending care.

HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
The Perfect Offering (Hebrews 9:11-15) 

1) Memory Verse:
a. And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  ~ Hebrews 9:15
2) First Thoughts
a. Review agreements, or covenants – how they are enacted.
b. Being a Christian means being a “signer” to a covenant beyond compare. Learn the nature of that new covenant and how God put it into effect.
3) Understand the Context
a. The O.T. tabernacle and the atonement sacrifice offered there served as starting points for God to explain the new covenant in Jesus Christ and His once-for-all sacrifice.
b. God shows that the animal sacrifices offered at the tabernacle never had the power in themselves to break sin’s curse or transform the human heart. Only the precious blood of Christ could make the removal of our sin possible.
4

The Perfect Offering - Hebrews 9:11-15

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class 
Unit 3 – Radical Faith 
Never Give Up on Prayer (Daniel 6:3-7,10,16-23) 
 
1) When Big Challenges Arise (Dan. 6:3-5) 
a. Challenges, some big ones (empty nest, job promotion, retirement, death), make up the fabric of life for all of us. 
b. Prayer, along with a deep faith and consistent obedience to God, will help prepare us to face life’s big challenges. 
c. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. ~ I Cor. 4:2 
2) When Faith and Culture Clash (Dan. 6:6-7,10) 
a. First and foremost the allegiance of a Christian belongs to God. 
i. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. ~ Matt. 16:24 
b. When faith and culture clash, a disciplined prayer life can provide Christians the strength to remain loyal to Christ and refuse to get sidetracked by worldly practices. 
i. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: ~ Galatians 1:4 
3) When Personal Danger Looms (Dan. 6:16-18) 
a. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. ~ Philippians 4:1 
b. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. ~ Psalm 34:4 
c. For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies. ~ Psalm 54:7 
d. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ~ II Timothy 1:7 
4) When God’s Help is All That Will Do (Dan. 6:19-23) 
a. Jonah offered prayer as a final resort. Not Daniel! You and I should pray persistently and continually even when we have little or no control over our situation. 
 
 
Prayer 101 
5) Prayer is talking with Jesus, i.e., true prayer comes from a personal relationship with God. 
a. Get saved. Follow Jesus. 
b. Confess sin. (Sin is the greatest hindrance to prayer.) 
i. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. ~ James 5:16 
c. Grow in faith. 
i. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ~ Hebrews 11:6 
d. Examples: 
i. Pray and tell Jesus your concerns and pains. 
ii. Pray and thank Jesus for the blessings you receive undeservedly. 
iii. Pray for your family, friends, church, and community. 
iv. Pray that God might lead you in His will and way. 
Read Matthew 6:6-13 See “Our Father”, “Hallowed be thy name”, and more.

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
Unit 3 – Radical Faith
Never Give Up on Prayer (Daniel 6:3-7,10,16-23)

1) When Big Challenges Arise (Dan. 6:3-5)
a. Challenges, some big ones (empty nest, job promotion, retirement, death), make up the fabric of life for all of us.
b. Prayer, along with a deep faith and consistent obedience to God, will help prepare us to face life’s big challenges.
c. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.   ~ I Cor. 4:2
2) When Faith and Culture Clash (Dan. 6:6-7,10)
a. First and foremost the allegiance of a Christian belongs to God.
i. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.   ~ Matt. 16:24
b. When faith and culture clash, a disciplined prayer life can provide Christians the strength to remain loyal to Christ and refuse to get sidetracked by worldly practices.
i. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present e

Never Give Up on Prayer - Daniel 6:3-7,10,16-23

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class 
Unit 3 – Radical Faith 
 
What should I do when I recognize spiritual compromise in my life? 
1) Evaluate What Others Demand (Dan. 1:3-5) 
a. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ~ John 15:7 
b. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: ~ John 15:26 
c. Think STAR. 
2) Act Boldly on Principle (Dan. 1:8-10) 
a. Daniel acted boldly but also tactfully. 
b. Purpose in your heart; pray for wisdom; act or communicate. 
c. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ~ James 1:5 
d. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: ~ Proverbs 1:11 
e. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. ~ Romans 16:17 
f. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. ~ Proverbs 14:7 
3) Be Prepared for Tests (Dan. 1:12-15) 
a. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: ~ I Peter 1:6-7 
4) Trust God for Wisdom (Dan. 1:17-19) 
a. Notice that Daniel and friends did not withdraw from culture. Rather, they lived amid the culture and served the king with diligence and integrity. Their commitment to the Lord had not changed. 
b. Separate, but not isolated: 
i. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, ~ II Cor. 6:17-18a

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
Unit 3 – Radical Faith

What should I do when I recognize spiritual compromise in my life?
1) Evaluate What Others Demand (Dan. 1:3-5)
a. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.   ~ John 15:7
b. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:   ~ John 15:26
c. Think STAR.      
2) Act Boldly on Principle (Dan. 1:8-10)
a. Daniel acted boldly but also tactfully.
b. Purpose in your heart; pray for wisdom; act or communicate.
c. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.   ~ James 1:5
d. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:   ~ Proverbs 1:11
e. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to t

Draw the Line - Daniel 1:1-21

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class 
Unit 2 – Hopeful Faith 
 
What’s involved in new life for the believer? 
1) Possibility of New Life (Ezek. 37:1-3,11) 
a. Key Doctrine: Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man. 
i. Redemption – the act of procuring deliverance, such as from debt or prison. 
b. [13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. ~ I Thess. 4:13-14 
c. “very many” - Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: ~ Matt. 7:13 
d. Symbolically, these bones represented the spiritual deadness of the people. 
e. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; ~ Colossians 2:13 
2) Process of New Life (Ezek. 37:12-14) 
a. Process – both an event and an ongoing work of God. 
i. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: ~ Phil 1:6 
b. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; ~ Eph. 2:1 
c. Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. ~ John 6:29 
d. vs. 13 --- As Jesus forgives us, restores us, and gives us new life, we come to know Him in a personal way. 
e. vs. 14 --- In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, ~ Eph. 1:13 
3) Portrait of New Life (Ezek. 37:23-28) --- Results of Relationship 
a. Remembering without ceasing your (1) work of faith, and (2) labour of love, and (3) patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye (1) turned to God from idols to (2) serve the living and true God; And to (3) wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. ~ I Thess. 1:3,9-10 
b. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, ~ II Cor. 6:17 
c. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. ~ I John 3:3

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
Unit 2 – Hopeful Faith

What’s involved in new life for the believer?
1) Possibility of New Life (Ezek. 37:1-3,11)
a. Key Doctrine:  Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man.
i. Redemption – the act of procuring deliverance, such as from debt or prison.
b. [13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.   ~ I Thess. 4:13-14
c. “very many” - Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:   ~ Matt. 7:13
d. Symbolically, these bones represented the spiritual deadness of the people.
e. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;   ~ Colos

Hope of New Life - Ezekiel 36:1 - 39:29

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class 
Unit 2 – Hopeful Faith 
 
• And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. ~ Cor. 13:13 
• Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ~ Hebrews 11:1 
• And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. ~ Romans 5:5 
 
1) Why is Rescue Required? (Ezek. 34:2b-6) 
a. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. ~ Isaiah 53:6 
b. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: … ~ Psalm 23:1-2 
i. Through Jesus we can be free from fear, conflict, annoyances, and hunger. 
2) What Does Rescue Involve? (Ezek. 34:11-16) 
a. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. ~ Luke 19:10 
b. [1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 
[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 
[3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. ~ I Peter 5:1-3 
3) Who Provides Rescue? (Ezek. 34:22-24) 
a. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; ~ I Timothy 1:1 
b. The greatest need that we have is freedom from sin. 
i. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) ~ Ephesians 2:4-5 
c. Freedom from the penalty of sin, and the controlling power of sin. 
i. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ Romans 6:11

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
Unit 2 – Hopeful Faith

• And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.   ~ Cor. 13:13
• Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.   ~ Hebrews 11:1
• And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.   ~ Romans 5:5

1) Why is Rescue Required? (Ezek. 34:2b-6)
a. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.   ~ Isaiah 53:6
b. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: …   ~ Psalm 23:1-2
i. Through Jesus we can be free from fear, conflict, annoyances, and hunger.
2) What Does Rescue Involve? (Ezek. 34:11-16)
a. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.   ~ Luke 19:10
b. [1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an eld

Hope of New Freedom - Ezekiel 33:1 - 35:15

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class 
Unit 1 – Crisis of Faith 
Why should I guard myself from selfish pride? 
1) Portrait of Selfish Pride (Ezek. 28:1-5) 
a. Selfish pride is an attitude that God condemns as sinful. (God’s nature; a Lamb and a Dove.) 
i. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. ~ James 4:6 
ii. These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 
A proud look, … ~ Prov. 6:16-17a 
b. Avoid selfish pride influence by recognizing attitudes and actions that characterize it: 
i. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. ~ Prov. 13:10 
ii. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. ~ Matthew 12:34 
2) Folly of Selfish Pride (Ezek. 28:11-13a, 14-15) 
a. The analogy of Satan is a picture of selfish pride. 
b. Folly – not good 
i. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. ~ Prov. 17:12 
c. Christians should feel a deep sense of sorrow when we allow selfish pride to gain a stronghold in our lives. 
i. He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride. ~ Job 41:34 
3) Result of Selfish Pride (Ezek. 28:16-19) 
a. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. ~ Prov. 16:18 
b. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. ~ Eccles. 9:18

HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
Unit 1 – Crisis of Faith
Why should I guard myself from selfish pride?
1) Portrait of Selfish Pride (Ezek. 28:1-5)
a. Selfish pride is an attitude that God condemns as sinful. (God’s nature; a Lamb and a Dove.)
i. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.   ~ James 4:6
ii. These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, …   ~ Prov. 6:16-17a
b. Avoid selfish pride influence by recognizing attitudes and actions that characterize it:
i. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. ~ Prov. 13:10
ii. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.   ~ Matthew 12:34
2) Folly of Selfish Pride (Ezek. 28:11-13a, 14-15)
a. The analogy of Satan is a picture of selfish pride.
b. Folly – not good
i. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, r

When Pride Turns to Greed - Ezekiel 25:1 - 32:32

HCBC Sunday School - "Friends" Class 
When Tragedy Hits Home (Ezekiel 20:1 -- 24:27) 
How can I trust God when I'm facing personal tragedy? 
1) Listen for God's Guidance (Ezek. 24:15-18) 
a. Note: A pattern of listening to God is evidence of salvation, i.e., relationship. 
b. Grief can pose a crisis of faith. People cope with grief in different ways. 
c. Perhaps the most telling indicator of a broken society is that they forget God. 
d. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ~ John 6:35 
2) Seek to Know God Better (Ezek. 24:19-24) 
a. Believers can use times of personal crisis to grow in our relationships with Christ. 
b. Difference between knowing about Christ (head knowledge) and knowing Him intimately and personally (heart-based love relationship). 
c. How to develop? By spending time daily with the Lord. 
3) Trust That God is in Control (Ezek. 24:25-27) 
a. [8] For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 
[9] But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 
[10] Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; ~ II Corinthians 1:8-10 
b. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ~ Philippians 3:10 
c. [16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 
[17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 
[18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 
[19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. ~ Ephesians 3:16-19

HCBC Sunday School - "Friends" Class
When Tragedy Hits Home (Ezekiel 20:1 -- 24:27)
How can I trust God when I'm facing personal tragedy?
1) Listen for God's Guidance (Ezek. 24:15-18)
a. Note:  A pattern of listening to God is evidence of salvation, i.e., relationship.
b. Grief can pose a crisis of faith. People cope with grief in different ways.
c. Perhaps the most telling indicator of a broken society is that they forget God.
d. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.   ~ John 6:35
2) Seek to Know God Better (Ezek. 24:19-24)
a. Believers can use times of personal crisis to grow in our relationships with Christ.
b. Difference between knowing about Christ (head knowledge) and knowing Him intimately and personally (heart-based love relationship).
c. How to develop? By spending time daily with the Lord.
3) Trust That God is in Control (Ezek. 24:25-27)
a. [8] For we would not, b

When Tragedy Hits Home - Ezekiel 20:1 - 24:27

HCBC Sunday School "Friends" Class 
Unit 1 -- Crisis of Faith 
When You Want to Blame Others (Ezekiel 15:1 - 19:14) 
 
1) Who's to Blame? (Ezek. 18:1-4) 
a. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ~ Romans 3:23 
b. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. ~ Psalm 32:5 
2) What to Do? (Ezek. 18:21-23) 
a. Repentance can be defined as the genuine turning from sin toward God. 
b. Repentance involves (1) emotional regret or sorrow for sin; and 
(2) a changing of one's mind about sin. 
i. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. II Cor. 7:10 
ii. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; ~ I Thess. 1:9 
3) What's Right? (Ezek. 18:25-27) 
a. [6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 
[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 
[9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ~ Romans 5:6,8-9 
b. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; ~ Titus 3:5 
4) What Could Be? (Ezek. 18:30-32) 
a. Forgiveness --- In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; ~ Ephesians 1:7 
b. Heaven --- Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. ~ John 5:24 
c. A "start over" -- 
i. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ~ Romans 6:4 
ii. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ~ Rom. 12:2

HCBC Sunday School "Friends" Class
Unit 1 -- Crisis of Faith
When You Want to Blame Others (Ezekiel 15:1 - 19:14)

1) Who's to Blame? (Ezek. 18:1-4)
a. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;   ~ Romans 3:23
b. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.  ~ Psalm 32:5
2) What to Do? (Ezek. 18:21-23)
a. Repentance can be defined as the genuine turning from sin toward God.
b. Repentance involves (1) emotional regret or sorrow for sin; and 
(2) a changing of one's mind about sin.
i. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. II Cor. 7:10
ii. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;   ~ I Thess. 1:9
3) What's Right? (Ezek. 18:25-27)
a. [6] For when we were yet

When You Want to Blame Others  - Ezekiel 15:1 - 19:14

HCBC Sunday School "Friends" Class 
Unit 1 -- Crisis of Faith 
When Idols Tug at Your Heart (Ezekiel 8:1 - 14:23) 
 
1) What's in Your Temple? (Ezek. 8:3b-4,10) 
a. God demands exclusive loyalty and will not tolerate rivals that compete for the attention of His children. 
b. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. ~ Deut. 4:24 
c. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? ~ I Cor. 6:19 
d. Anyone (or anything) other than Jesus, that becomes first and foremost in our lives becomes an idol -- and all idols are detestable to God. 
2) Do We Think God is Unaware? (Ezek. 8:11-12) 
a. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. ~ II Cor. 4:4 
b. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. ~ I John 2:11 
c. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. ~ Psalm 14:1 
d. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. ~ Ecclesiastes 8:11 
e. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. ~ Prov. 15:3 
3) What's So Wrong with Idols? (Ezek. 14:1-5) 
a. Any and all idols become stumbling blocks in our relationship with God. 
b. Remember the Second Commandment (Exodus 20:4-5) 
c. Leads to "lukewarm" Christianity. 
i. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. ~ Matthew 6:24 
d. Ask your spouse about your girlfriend/boyfriend! 
4) What's the Way Out? (Ezek. 14:6) 
a. The Lord offers a way to be freed from the guilt of our idolatry and the powerlessness of our half-hearted devotion. 
b. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; ~ I Thess. 1:9

HCBC Sunday School    "Friends" Class
Unit 1 -- Crisis of Faith
When Idols Tug at Your Heart (Ezekiel 8:1 - 14:23)

1) What's in Your Temple? (Ezek. 8:3b-4,10)
a. God demands exclusive loyalty and will not tolerate rivals that compete for the attention of His children.
b. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.   ~ Deut. 4:24
c. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?   ~ I Cor. 6:19
d. Anyone (or anything) other than Jesus, that becomes first and foremost in our lives becomes an idol -- and all idols are detestable to God.
2) Do We Think God is Unaware? (Ezek. 8:11-12)
a. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  ~ II Cor. 4:4
b. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because

When Idols Tug at Your Heart - Ezekiel 8:1 - 14:23

HCBC Sunday School - "Friends" Class 
Unit 1 -- Crisis of Faith 
When Your World Crumbles (Ezekiel 1:1 -- 7:27) 
To whom can I turn during times of crisis? 
1) Dealing with Life Interrupted (Ezek. 1:1-3) 
a. Interruptions -- loss of property, family, job, and/or health (thorns in the flesh). 
b. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ~ II Cor. 12:9 (Remember G.I.N.Y.) 
2) Seeing God's Awesome Glory (Ezek. 1:28) 
a. We when experience crises, generally, we do not need a new perspective on our challenges, but a fresh perspective on God's presence. 
b. God's Word, worship, prayer, and fellowship with other believers all serve as reminders of God's glory His presence in our lives. Our response... 
3) Empowered for Mission Improbable (Ezek. 2:1-5) 
a. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: ~ II Peter 1:19 
b. We find strength to minister to others or to share our faith through the continual presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. 
4) Making Sense of Disaster (Ezek. 6:7-10) 
a. vs. 10 -- "know that I am the Lord" -- repentance, restoration, and deeper intimacy with your Lord and Savior. Result is obedience: 
b. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. ~ John 14:23

HCBC Sunday School - "Friends" Class
Unit 1 -- Crisis of Faith
When Your World Crumbles (Ezekiel 1:1 -- 7:27)
To whom can I turn during times of crisis?
1) Dealing with Life Interrupted (Ezek. 1:1-3)
a. Interruptions -- loss of property, family, job, and/or health (thorns in the flesh).
b. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.   ~ II Cor. 12:9    (Remember G.I.N.Y.)
2) Seeing God's Awesome Glory (Ezek. 1:28)
a. We when experience crises, generally, we do not need a new perspective on our challenges, but a fresh perspective on God's presence.
b. God's Word, worship, prayer, and fellowship with other believers all serve as reminders of God's glory His presence in our lives. Our response...
3) Empowered for Mission Improbable (Ezek. 2:1-5)
a. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye ta

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