Study the Bible daily for a closer relationship with God.
Daily Bible Study is a great companion to the quarterly Adult Bible Studies or as a stand-alone study for those wanting to study the bible daily. It is presented in quarterly segments. Bible-based and Christ-focused, it coordinates with the lesson themes of Adult Bible Studies. Each daily reading includes a one-page Bible study for each day of the quarter, along with introductory reflection questions and commentary on the daily Scripture passage, life application, and a concluding prayer.
Additional information about Daily Bible Study, Winter 2022-2023
Theme: Power and Love
This winter, Daily Bible Study presents a series of readings supporting the theme “Power and Love.” Readings come from the Old and New Testament texts. These daily readings, which prepare us for the 13 lessons in Adult Bible Studies, are written by Michelle Morris, Tim Merrill, and Clara Welch.
Unit 1
Power and Vulnerability
God’s incarnation was into a poor family, from a village of no consequence, vulnerable to the whims and machinations of the mighty Roman Empire. While some readers can relate to this poverty and obscurity, most are citizens of a great world power. Some people know from experience that power can be abused, even against a government’s own citizens, but others have known only the protection and benefits of that power. These readings invite us to hear the Nativity accounts from the vantage point of the victims of empire.
Scriptures: Judges 9:1-15; Matthew 1:1-25; Matthew 2:1-12; Matthew 2:13-15
Spiritual Practice: Acts of Mercy
Unit 2
Power and Belonging
The readings in this unit follow the trajectory of biblical imagery for faith development from adoption through baptism and infancy in faith, into youthful excitement and exuberance, and then to a mature faith that struggles, challenges, and questions. They move us to examine our faith and encourage us to plant ourselves firmly on the path toward maturity.
Scriptures: Galatians 3:23—4:7; Luke 15:11-32; John 17:1-24 and Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 22:1-14
Spiritual Practice: Rule of Life
Unit 3
The Power of Love
One of the distinct traits of biblical theology is the emphasis on God’s hesed (lovingkindness) and Jesus’ selfless love. While the Bible uses different words for different kinds of love—agápe, philía, and éros—the lines are actually blurred between agápe and philia. The greater emphasis is on relationships. While we should enact our love without thoughts of personal gain, the ultimate
goal of loving our enemies is becoming their friend. These readings encourage us toward that end.
Scriptures: 1 John 4:7-21 and Ruth 4; 1 Kings 3:16-28; 1 Samuel 18:1-4, 19:1-7, 20; Matthew 16:21-28
Spiritual Practice: Spiritual Friendship
O autorze
Clara K. Welch has served churches in Maryland, South Carolina, and Georgia as a diaconal minister and an ordained deacon. She is certified in the areas of Christian education and older adult ministry through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Following graduation from Lebanon Valley College with a bachelor s degree in music education, Clara taught music at Red Bird Mission in Kentucky. She then attended Scarritt College in Nashville, where she earned a master s degree in church music and Christian education. After several years of working in the local church, she returned to school and earned an MTS at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Clara and her husband, Brian, have one daughter, Rebecca Jo.