Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland
Focal Passage: Matthew 27:28-31, 45-50, 54
“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best, For a world of lost sinners was slain.
“So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown” George Bennard (1873–1958). [Read more…]
By Brent Moore
Pastor to adults, First Baptist Church, Clarksville
Focal Passage: Obadiah 1:1-4, 10-17
Obadiah is a tiny book dedicated to the judgment of the Edomites. As such it does not begin or end on a positive note for Edom. The book is an opportunity to see both a warning for destruction and a lesson on guarding your heart “lest you too shall fall.” [Read more…]
By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland
Focal Passage: Mark 1:21-22; 10:17-22
Today’s lesson is about one of the famous “unnamed” people in the Bible.” Not knowing his name, we refer to him as “the rich young ruler.” This title combines the characteristics describing him in the first three gospels.
Mark and Matthew say he was rich (Mark 10:23, Matthew 19:22). Matthew says he was young (Matthew 19:20).Luke says he was a ruler (Luke 18:18). [Read more…]
By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland
Focal Passage: Mark 4:35-41
A little tune from the musical drama “The King and I” offers this counsel for the times when you are afraid:
“Whenever I feel afraid I hold my head erect
“And whistle a happy tune so no one will suspect
“I’m afraid.” [Read more…]
By Brent Moore
Pastor to Adults, First Baptist Church, Clarksville
Focal Passage: Zephaniah 3:8-17
This section in Zephaniah begins with waiting on the Lord. But it is not a calm waiting like a person on a retreat in the woods hoping to hear from God. It is more like a soldier on the ground under attack waiting for airstrikes to blow out the enemy. [Read more…]
By Brent Moore
Pastor to Adults, First Baptist Church, Clarksville
Focal Passage: Zephaniah 1:1-11
Everyone will be held accountable. That can be both a comforting and terrifying statement depending on where you are in life. It is comforting if you realize no one will escape the gaze and justice of God. The unfair boss, the back stabbing friend, or the abuser will have their deeds brought to light. It can be terrifying if you comprehend there is a sinner at play here and the sinner is me. [Read more…]
By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland
Focal Passage: Luke 1:26-35
The Scripture today is the event some Christians call “The Annunciation.” This expression means the announcement. To be honest, receiving announcements does not usually generate enthusiasm. Yet Mary received from the Lord an amazing announcement that His role for her life was to be the mother of His son. [Read more…]
By Brent Moore
Pastor to Adults, First Baptist Church, Clarksville
Focal Passage: Nahum 1:1-8
As teachers of the Bible we want to be helpful to those under our hearing. Often, we rush to practical application in a text without highlighting the truths of who God is. Nahum is clear in this text that God is jealous, sovereign, good, and just. Our job as instructors is to put God on display. The Bible is extremely practical, but the practical application often flows from mediation on the glory, wonder, and beauty of who God is.
When we teach children, we do not rush to practical application. We tell stories about God that brings to remembrance who He is and what He has done. As adults we should still be captivated by the character of God. It would do our hearts well to meditate on the attributes of who this God is. We then should link the attributes of God to biblical stories that highlight those specific aspects. [Read more…]
By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland
Focal Passage: Isaiah 53:2-12
Life is not fair. It is true. You do not always get a square deal. Things do not always work out evenly. “Justice for all” is a worthy ideal, but it is not reality. And no one likes to feel cheated, receiving less than we deserve.
Isaiah 53 is a prophetic description of a terrible injustice. Written hundreds of years before the crucifixion, this text poetically foretells of Jesus dying on the cross. There is no reference to nails, wooden beams, or shed blood. But there is a powerful description of Jesus’ sacrificial exchange of His innocence for our guilt. [Read more…]
By J.D. Davis
Senior Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, OH
Focal Passage: Nehemiah 10:28-39
This week’s lesson marks the end of our study in Nehemiah. We have seen Nehemiah handle opposition and call the Jewish people to obey the Old Testament law. This week’s lesson focuses upon the Jewish people making a commitment to keep the commands of God. Together, the people make a sworn oath to follow the Law. It is an intense time of commitment and obedience. [Read more…]
