See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:15–21

When Paul was locked up in Rome awaiting execution, he asked Timothy to bring him “the books and the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13). While it isn’t specified what these books contained, many scholars agree that the books he desired were probably Old Testament scrolls. Are you stuck inside the house with nowhere to go? Are you looking for a better way to spend your time than checking the latest update on the coronavirus? Since we haven’t been able to have our regular Bible classes lately, why not enjoy some structured study time from God’s word? You can do this study on your own or with your family, or you can connect with someone else via phone or video chat.

To facilitate our study efforts, I would like to remind everyone of the study guides that were published in our bulletin several years ago (available on our website at elizabethtoncoc.org/family-study-lessons). These guides will lead you through hundreds of studies from every book in God’s word. Each set of lessons begins with a weekly memory verse (e.g., Genesis 1:1). For each day, do as much of the reading and address as many of the questions as you deem appropriate for your family’s developmental level. After you finish the reading, there is a set of objective questions from the text. After these there are some questions for discussion. Some of these can be answered fairly quickly; others might take some time to talk about. There are also some suggested hymns, which are keyed to the numbers from Songs of the Church (our old book). Finally, if you still would like to do some more reading that relates to the text, there is an additional reading selected. Remember to begin each study session with a prayer that God will open your heart to hear His word.

This brief moment will be remembered the world over for centuries to come, and more importantly, our children will remember how we handled this crisis. I can’t think of a better way to “redeem the time” than to spend it with those we love in God’s holy word.

Memory Verse SAMPLE LESSON FROM WEEK 11

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Lesson 1-1 The Creation of the World Genesis 1:1-31

Questions from the Text

1. On what day did God make trees?

2. On what day did God make man?

3. On what day did God make birds?

4. When God beheld His creation, what did He say about it?

Additional Reading

Psalm 19:1–6; Romans 1:16–20

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean that God made man in His image?

2. What does the creation account teach us about God?

3. Why do some people say that man came from monkeys?

Suggested Hymns

1. All Things Bright and Beautiful (#48)

2. Fairest Lord Jesus (#102)

3. This Is My Father’s World (#580)

4. Walking Alone at Eve (#603)

5. How Great Thou Art