To begin the session:
Distribute copies of the “Seen and Known” exercise from the activity page, which you can download here. Allow one minute for students to complete the written section individually and then ask students to share their responses with a partner.
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute copies of the “Proximity” exercise from the activity page. Ask learners to complete the exercise as instructed in small groups.
Download “In the World” for July 19, 2026 here.
After six years in court and countless appeals, Purdue Pharma (maker of the prescription opioid OxyContin) received its sentence. Purdue admitted that it falsely marketed OxyContin as safe and less addictive. A court-mandated apology from Purdue’s chairman acknowledged regret and responsibility, and Purdue will dissolve into a nonprofit devoted to addressing opioid addiction, paying $5.5 billion in fines and penalties (beginning this year). Still, some don’t see this as just or adequate. Victims sent the court over two hundred letters describing personal loss and tragedies related to opioid addiction, with some demanding consequences like jailtime for the Sackler family (owners of the company). Even the judge acknowledged “inadequacy” in the law’s response.
Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, where he will enter on a donkey. On the way, Jesus enters Jericho, where the chief tax collector, named Zacchaeus, is curious about him. Zacchaeus climbs a tree to get a better view, but Jesus comes and invites Zacchaeus (by name) to be his host. Seeing Jesus plan to eat at the home of Zacchaeus makes the crowd mutter. But after being with Jesus, Zacchaeus promises not only to return ill-gotten funds but to make restitution four times over. Jesus says that salvation has come to Zacchaeus’s home; even Zacchaeus is a member of God’s people. By “finding” lost people like Zacchaeus, Jesus is fulfilling his mission.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute copies of the “The Life of Peter” exercise from the activity page, which you can download here. Have learners work in pairs to complete as indicated.
To encourage personal application:
Distribute copies of the “Feed the Sheep” exercise from the activity page. Have learners complete it individually in a minute or less before discussing conclusions with a partner.
Download “In the World” for July 12, 2026 here.
The stories coming out of the World Cup tournament held in the US continue to transfix hearts and minds across the world. One dramatic story of involves circumstances both on and off the field. Gonzalo Plata, a winger for Ecuador, grew up so poor that his family could not afford a soccer ball (he practiced with a ball made of paper as a child). Plata proved himself to be an excellent player, but early in his professional career, he faced harsh disciplinary measures after crashing his car while intoxicated. Through hard work and rehabilitation, he earned a spot on the national team this year, and on day fifteen of the tournament, he managed to stab the ball past the goaltender to score an unlikely point—sending Ecuador into the knockout stage. Instead of facing elimination, the team advanced, all thanks to a player who was given a second chance.
Peter was destined to be a great leader of the early church, but he started as a humble fisherman. Jesus chooses Peter as one of his disciples, and Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah. Later, Jesus warns Peter of a coming temptation, and the night when Judas betrays Jesus, Peter loses his nerve. Three times he affirmatively denies knowing Jesus. But in the days and weeks following the resurrection, Jesus goes out of his way to restore Peter. While Peter and the other disciples fish, Jesus appears on the shore. The disciples share an unexpected breakfast with Jesus, who proceeds to question Peter. Three times, Peter affirms that he loves Jesus, and Jesus reminds him to look out for the good of others, as a shepherd.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
To begin the session:
Distribute copies of the “Anatomy of an Appeal” exercise from the activity page, which you can download here. Have learners work in groups of three as indicated.
Transition into the Bible study by saying, “Today’s passage helps us see how God is pleased with appeals made on faithful grounds.”
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute copies of the “Tale of Two Appeals” exercise from the activity page along with pens of different colors. Have learners complete the activity individually as indicated and then discuss it in small groups.
Download “In the World” for July 5, 2026 here.
Any football fan knows that Spain versus Cape Verde is a mismatch. Spain is ever-present in top tournaments, they have a World Cup trophy (2010), and they are recent European champions. But the island nation of Cape Verde is home to just over half a million people, about a hundred times smaller. When Cape Verde participated in their first-ever World Cup match, and held Spain to a scoreless draw, the upset made headlines. One man symbolized the surprising result—Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper, known by the name of Vozinha. Spain launched repeated attacks on goal, but observers were stunned by the many saves from an aged shot-stopper. Vozinha’s extraordinary performance earned him the title, “Man of the Match,” and his name will not soon be forgotten in his home nation, or in Spain.
In today’s reading, a centurion commander comes to Jesus with a request for him to heal a servant, bedridden at home. Jesus seems willing to come, but the centurion suggests that a home-visit is unnecessary. He respects Jesus’ authority, and he thinks that Jesus might just as easily heal at a distance. Jesus is pleasantly surprised at the faith being displayed by a Gentile soldier. Jesus deems this even greater faith than he has seen among fellow Jews. Jesus uses the opportunity to describe a coming day when all God’s people—Jews and Gentiles—shall be gathered for a great feast in the kingdom of God. And he dismisses the centurion, whose servant is already healed.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute copies of the “Song for Justice” activity from the activity page, which you can download here. Have participants work in small groups to complete as indicated. After calling time, ask a volunteer from each group to share their group’s song ideas with the whole class.
To encourage personal application:
Distribute copies of the “Justice Acrostic” exercise from the activity page. Have participants work in small groups to complete as indicated. After calling time, ask volunteers to share their group’s summary with the whole class.
Download “In the World” for June 28, 2026 here.
In 2025, the Catholic church chose a new pope: Robert Francis Prevost, who was born in Chicago. His selection at the time was a huge surprise. After all, outside observers long suspected there would never be an American at the head of the Catholic church, since the US already holds outsized political power and influence. But despite coming from an unexpected place, Pope Leo XIV was chosen as spiritual leader for all Catholics. Recently he released a message about all the potential harms of AI. Ironically, the first pope from the US is expressing grave concern about the direction of US technology companies. He writes, “How can we ensure that the development of artificial intelligence truly serves the common good and is not just used to accumulate wealth and power in the hands of a few?”
Even though Amos comes from Judah, God sends a message to him about the northern kingdom of Israel. Israel has rejected prophets and prevented people from fulfilling priestly vows. In the middle of his prophetic ministry, he is proclaiming a harsh judgment upon Israel’s king and priests. Like all prophetic messages of judgment, people who hear have an opportunity to repent or to flee. But a treacherous priest tries to warn the king about Amos. This opponent tells Amos to go back where he came from, back to Judah. So Amos retells the origin of his prophetic ministry: he does not come from a family of prophets; but he was simply called by God to go.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute copies of the “A Friend Is . . .” exercise from the activity page, which you can download here. Have participants work in pairs to complete as indicated before discussing conclusions with the whole class.
To encourage personal application:
Distribute copies of the “Showing Loyalty” exercise from the activity page. Have participants work with a partner to complete the activity as indicated.
Download “In the World” for June 21, 2026 here.
Recently the NBA player DeAndre Jordan—a towering center for the New Orleans Pelicans—was awarded the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award. Jordan happens to be a Christian, and he has been rather open about his faith in the past. His latest award is given to a player who exhibits selflessness, both on and off the court. This award for being an exceptional teammate pays tribute to two teammates from the 1950s, Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes. When Stokes was paralyzed, his former teammate, Twyman, became his legal guardian and lifelong advocate.
Fresh off his victory over Goliath, David presents himself to King Saul and the crown prince, Jonathan. Whereas Saul is trying to control David, Jonathan makes an alliance with him. Jonathan gives David gifts that treat him like a prince. Jonathan stands up to his father on behalf of David. Jonathan and David part as friends, vowing to remain loyal to the families of one another forever. Later when Jonathan is killed in battle alongside King Saul, David memorializes these men in song and praises his fallen friend. David later shows kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
Download “In the World” for June 14, 2026 here.
Two French citizens, held in an Iranian prison for the last three years, were recently released and returned to Paris. The couple, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, traveled to Iran as tourists in 2022. While there, they were arrested as state hostages, convicted as spies, and held in Evin prison in Tehran. In April of this year, the French government denounced all charges and joyfully welcomed the couple home. Ms. Kohler expressed bold hope as she talked with reporters in Paris. The couple’s situation required persistent hope, for resolution had to come from the outside. They had no control of their circumstances and could not rescue themselves.
Hannah is one of two wives of an Israelite man. She grieves because she has no children, while the other wife has many. Peninnah (the other wife) takes advantage of Hannah’s vulnerability and pokes Hannah to grief. She brings her sorrow to the Lord and vows that, if God grants her a son, she will devote him to priestly service. The priest observing this misunderstands Hannah’s wordless, emotional prayer. But he soon learns that Hannah is pouring out her soul to God, asking for a resolution to a situation that is beyond her ability to change. He asks God to fulfill her request. And once home, Hannah conceives and gives birth to a son, whom she names Samuel. As promised, she and her husband bring Samuel to the temple for training and service.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute copies of the “Two Prayers” exercise from the activity page, which you can download here. Ask students to work in groups for eight or ten minutes to complete as indicated. Then ask volunteers to share their responses.
To encourage personal application:
Distribute copies of the “My Prayer” exercise from the activity page. Ask students to complete it as indicated.
Ask for a volunteer to close class with prayer.
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute copies of the “Look at the Whole Chapter” exercise from the activity page, which you can download here. Have learners work in pairs to complete as indicated.
Ask your class to return to whole-group discussion and answer these questions: 1–What was God’s role in the military victory? 2–What was Deborah’s role in the victory? 3–What was Barak’s role? Then challenge learners to complete the following sentences with a partner: 1–“Deborah showed her submission to God by …”2–“God showed his power through Deborah by…” 3–“Deborah served her people by …”
To encourage personal application:
Distribute copies of the “God is Calling” exercise from the activity page. Have learners complete it individually in a minute or less before discussing their conclusions in a small group.
Download “In the World” for June 7, 2026 here.
The NBA playoffs are in full swing, with sixteen teams competing for the NBA title and the Larry O’Brien trophy. But injuries to key players have reshaped several teams’ paths to the championship. The spotlight has shifted to reserves and bench players. During the first round of the playoffs, after two starters for the Minnesota Timberwolves were injured, reserve guard Ayo Dosunmu scored a career-high 43 points in a win over Denver. In the Western Conference Finals, guard Alex Caruso came off the bench for Oklahoma City and made history, becoming the first player to record more than 40 points and 10 three-pointers over a two-game span. Teams rely on their stars to lead, but the strongest teams also know when to trust their role players. Sometimes an overlooked player becomes the one to step up.
Under Sisera’s military leadership, the Canaanites oppressed the tribes of Israel for years. Deborah, the prophet and judge of Israel, summons Barak and informs him that God wants him to assemble an army to confront Sisera. Although God promises victory, Barak hesitates and agrees to go only if Deborah accompanies him. She agrees, but prophesies that the honor of victory will pass instead to a woman. After the conflict, Sisera flees to the tent of Jael, the wife of a Kenite leader. While he sleeps, she drives a tent peg through his head, killing him. An overlooked woman—the wife of a local tribal leader—is the one who receives honor for Israel’s deliverance.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
To begin the session:
Print copies of the “Act Like It” facilitator’s page from the activity page, which you can download here. Distribute one word to each participant and direct each participant to complete the activity as indicated. Conclude the activity by discussing how each person’s role was revealed.
Transition into Bible study by saying, “Often, our behavior and appearance signal key aspects of our identity to others. This is also true for our Christian faith. How can people recognize that we are followers of Jesus? In today’s lesson, let’s explore the attributes that reveal the comprehensive life of a disciple of Christ.”
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute copies of the “Keep Moving” exercise from the activity page. Have participants work in small groups to complete as indicated before sharing their responses with the whole class.
Download “In the World” for May 31, 2026 here.
In 2026, the US marks two hundred and fifty years since the nation’s founding. In anticipation of the summer festivities, a recent “Rededicate 250” event was held on the National Mall near the Capitol building. It was billed as a time to worship, pray, and fellowship as Christians. Attendees were specifically encouraged to express gratitude for nation’s freedoms and to seek divine guidance and blessing for the country’s future. The event garnered a variety of reactions from Christians—some calling the event an appropriate response, others showing concern for the mixing of faith and politics. Discussions online and from public-facing Christians revolved around the definition of a Christian nation and what it means to follow the mission of Jesus.
After rising from the dead and appearing to many people, it is time for Jesus to return to heaven. He leaves the disciples as His messengers to grow the mission field. They are to make more disciples from every nation—going, baptizing, and teaching. Jesus promises to be with His followers, even after ascending to heaven. Later the writer of Hebrews encourages Christians to go before the throne of God as a people who have been redeemed. Through faith, hope, and love, we too can uphold the ministry of Jesus. And to patiently await Christ’s return, we need the encouragement found in one another.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute copies of the “A Time for Everything” exercise from the activity page, which you can download here. Instruct students to complete the activity in small groups. Give several minutes for groups to complete the worksheet as indicated, or divide groups in half and ask some to focus on questions A–D and others on E–H. Then lead the whole class in a discussion about their responses.
To encourage personal application:
Distribute copies of the “To Fast or Feast?” exercise on the activity page to small groups to complete as indicated. Allow a few minutes at the beginning of the next class for volunteers to share how they practiced fasting, feasting, working, and resting throughout the previous week.
Download “In the World” for May 24, 2026 here.
The growth of generative AI continues to drive changes in many industries. In response, the Golden Globes recently announced a policy shift regarding how they will handle awards in January 2027. Since it is now possible to de-age an actor’s appearance, to dub the performance for a different language, or to substitute a computer-generated representation of an actor in place of a real performance, producers must disclose any use of AI. Some uses of AI will still be considered for awards—those uses that do not “replace the core creative contributions of human talent.” The decision is meant to protect human creativity and human performance.
A group of Pharisees and disciples of John the Baptist question Jesus about Sabbath practices. Jesus says that fasting is for a later time, when He is taken away. He uses two illustrations to show that His ministry is something new and different. Later, the Pharisees see Jesus’ disciples picking grain and accuse them of not keeping the Sabbath. Jesus counters by reminding them that David and his men ate consecrated bread when they were starving. God intended the Sabbath for the good of people; God didn’t create people to rigidly observe the Sabbath. And Jesus claims the authority to know best!
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute copies of the “Remember, Remember, Remember” exercise from the activity page, which you can download here. Have learners complete it individually in a minute or less before sharing responses with a partner. After calling time, reconvene the class and ask volunteers to present their conclusions.
Distribute copies of the “Tale of Two Rulers” activity from the activity page. Have learners work in pairs to complete as indicated.
Download “In the World” for May 17, 2026 here.
In a recent revision to their corporate policy, the Starbucks Coffee Company has announced a new rewards program meant to give employees a share in their employer’s success. The coffee chain has always offered benefits that go beyond the normal fast-food chain, but the new “Back to Starbucks” program (meant to revitalize the chain) will included changes for baristas and supervisors. A new bonus structure will layer on top of existing pay and benefits, triggered when a coffeehouse “meets and exceeds certain sales, operational and customer service targets.” The plan also includes more ways that employees can receive tips—now that so many transactions are conducted through electronic payments. By July 2026, these changes should be rolling out to most locations.
In the first context, Moses is giving a sermon to those about to enter the land of promise. Any employer must pay the agreed wages, and punishment for any crimes should fall on only the responsible individual—not entire families. Anyone loaning money should make it easy for the other person to pay it back. And agricultural workers should deliberately leave extra food in their fields that any hungry person shall be allowed to eat. Much later, in the first-century Christian church context, Paul addresses relations between members of a household: God is the Lord and master of all, without favoritism. Everyone should be rich in good deeds; willingness to share with others is like credit from heaven, an eternal treasure.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
Download “In the World” for May 10, 2026 here.
The North Eugene High School boys’ baseball team is having its strongest season in years, starting 11–4 on the year and 5–2 in league play. “I’m a pessimist by nature when it comes to this stuff,” says head coach Kenny Niles, “but I think we’re as good as anybody in 5A baseball right now.” Niles attributes the team’s turnaround to the attitude of his players. One way this shows up is in the work the players have done between games to maintain their baseball field. When the field was in need of serious help, the coach held a work party for the team. “Guys showed up in their Wranglers and cowboy boots and went to work,” Niles says. “It’s been a long time since North Eugene has had this type of kids. These families get it; the players come with some work ethic.”
God created humanity as gardeners. They are like the Creator: giving order and tending to creation in their own capacity. God’s work of redemption continued in Jesus, and our productive work continues for the good of others. Later Paul writes to answer questions from a church he founded in Thessalonica. They were mixed up about the ongoing purpose of work, and even though Paul was a leader, he showed this leadership by working with his hands. As we await Christ’s return, there is work to keep us busy.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
To begin the session:
Distribute copies of the “What Are You?” exercise from the activity page, which you can download here. Have learners complete it individually in a minute or less before submitting responses to you. Shuffle and redistribute papers back to each participant. Ask them to take turns guessing the job their sheet describes. Finish the activity by asking, “What conclusions can we draw about the workers in our class?”
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Distribute the “All Kinds of Work” exercise from the activity page. Have small groups complete it as indicated before reviewing responses in a whole-class discussion.
Download “In the World” for December 15, 2024 here.
Fantasy and story lover Jon Collins-Black has hidden five treasure chests across the United States, and the hunt is on. In “There’s Treasure Inside,” Jon uses a series of clues and hints to guide readers to the treasure chests, which are full of collectibles and prizes worth around two million dollars. But this treasure hunt took preparation—from testing his clues to participating in auctions for historical relics, Collins-Black worked hard to create a nationwide treasure hunt that would be accessible for all who wish to participate. While no prizes have been won so far, people from across the country are using online platforms to share ideas, theories, and updates about the hunt as they prepare to find the treasure.
Before Zechariah’s son, John, is born, an angel of the Lord tells Zechariah that John will prepare the people for Christ. John is born, and Zechariah praises God, for he will set his people free. Zechariah is filled with the Spirit and prophesies about Jesus’ coming and John’s role in preparing the way. John will teach the Jewish people that they can be saved only through God’s forgiveness of sins. Zechariah worships God and points out that he has not abandoned his people but is instead providing them with a Savior.
Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
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