Wolfe Stew

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the Expanded Bible translation. Jesus' Baptism (From Luke 3:21-22 ) Waves by ri1yad at Pixabay 1. Summary When John was baptizing a crowd of people, Jesus was baptized alongside them. As He prayed, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, and God proclaimed Jesus' identity as His Son with whom He is well-pleased. 2. N/W/L Statements I NOTICED that: Jesus was praying when the Holy Spirit descended.  Jesus' baptism was ordinary: it did not require special equipment, a specific location, or an elite crowd. He was baptized in the same manner as everyone else. I WONDER: If Jesus praying after baptism is unique to Luke, or if it is mentioned in other gospels too.  If baptism was about repentance, was it common to pray afterward?  What was said in the prayer? A rededication? A prayer of praise? Of purpose? I think God wants us to LEARN that when we make a move for Jes...

July is for barbecues, camping, and mosquitos - not that I want to dedicate a month to mosquitos, but they are persistent in reminding us they exist. The secret is to not allow their momentary annoyance to ruin my entire experience ( 2 Corinthians 4:17 ).  This July, let's use this secret in all areas of our life. Let's focus on the splendor of the firework instead of the smoke that distorts the experience. This is how we claim our freedom: we focus on true and lovely things ( Philippians 4:8-9 ) instead of being held captive by smoke and mirrors ( Colossians 2:8 ). Resources to Support You in Your July Journey: July 2026 Ideas for Every Day Calendar (family friendly, educational)  July 2026 Growth for Today Calendar (personal growth, Bible study) July 2026 Ideas for EVERY Day View the current month's calendar at the Learning Lab Tab. Or download your July 2026 calendar through OneDrive . View archived calendars on our JOY for Today page. Add "Would ...

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the Expanded Bible translation. John's Message (From Luke 3:7-20 ) Rocks in Stream by bluesnap at Pixabay 1. Summary John taught the Israelites that they should not rely on their ancestry for salvation, but should consider whether or not their works prove that they have truly repented. If truly repentant, they would care for the vulnerable and not take advantage of their position of authority. Many wondered if John was the Messiah, but he assured them that he was not. The Messiah would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire, whereas John used water. John's zeal led to imprisonment when he challenged Herod on his evils. 2. N/W/L Statements I NOTICED that many people were wanting to do what was right. You can tell because they asked John about it. I WONDER what instruction John would give to me specifically. I think God wants us to LEARN that if you truly have changed an...

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the Expanded Bible translation. The Setting of John's Ministry (From Luke 3:1-6 ) Caucasus, Russia by mystraysoul at Pixabay 1. Summary During the time of Tiberius Caesar's Roman rule, John (the one prophesied about in Isaiah) began, in God's authority, to preach a baptism of repentance through changed hearts (passions) and lives (choices) for the forgiveness of sins. He preached throughout Israel in a time of Roman rule. Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, Philip, and Lysanias oversaw regions of Israel. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests for the Jews. 2. N/W/L Statements I NOTICED that no Jews ruled even though the Old Testament ends with a return from exile. The Silent Years obviously brought a lot of changes. I WONDER What I would have thought of John? Where would I be in this social climate? Would I have listened? I think God wants us to LEARN that we, like John...