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Numbers 22-24 Balaam And His Talking Donkey

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 22-24 introduces Balaam, a prophet for hire, and his talking donkey. King Balak of Moab, fearing the Israelites, hires Balaam to curse them. God warns Balaam not to curse the nation He has blessed. When Balaam reluctantly agrees to go, his donkey sees an angel blocking the path and miraculously speaks to correct Balaam’s foolishness. Despite many attempts by Balak to manipulate him, Balaam can only speak God’s message, which contains blessings for Israel. These blessings reaffirm God’s unchanging promises to His people and foretell a coming star, the Messiah, who will rise from Jacob and rule forever. Through this story, we see God’s power over all creation, His unstoppable plans for His people, and the destructiveness of greed as exemplified in Balaam's eventual downfall.

Numbers 21 The Serpent That Brought The Cure

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 21 teaches us about sin, faith, salvation, and God’s miraculous provision. The Israelites complained against God and Moses, facing discipline when fiery serpents attacked. Their repentance brought a cure—Moses lifted a bronze serpent on a pole, and whoever looked on it in faith was healed. This symbol points to Jesus, who said, "As Moses lifted up the serpent, the Son of Man must also be lifted up." Like the Israelites bit by snakes, we are poisoned by sin, but salvation is freely offered through Jesus’ sacrifice. Later, Israel gained military victories over kings Sihon and Og, showing God’s protection as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The lesson is clear: salvation is so simple—faith in God’s plan leads to healing, forgiveness, and new life.

Numbers 18-20 A Torturous Trek

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 18-20 highlights responsibilities, purification rituals, and challenges faced during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. Priests and Levites were tasked with maintaining the tabernacle and relied on the people’s tithes for sustenance. The red heifer ceremony symbolized purification, foreshadowing Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice. Chapter 20 reveals the consequences of partial obedience through Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, symbolizing the importance of faith and prayer. Lastly, Moses’ brother Aaron dies, transferring the high priest’s duties to his son Eleazar. This torturous trek showed how disobedience, discouragement, and conflict impacted the nation, yet God remained faithful in guiding them toward the Promised Land.

Numbers 15-17 Intentional Sin

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Numbers 15-17, we see a contrast between God’s mercy towards unintentional sins and His firm judgment on intentional sins. A man gathering sticks on the Sabbath and Korah’s rebellion against Moses showed what happens when people disrespect God’s authority. Despite seeing miracles and being led by God, the Israelites grumbled and challenged their leaders. God made it clear that He chooses His leaders—confirming Aaron’s role by making his staff blossom.

Numbers 14 A Bad Report

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is the danger of complaining and rebellion against God-ordained leadership. The Israelites forgot about God's promises and miracles, and instead believed the bad report of the spies, leading to severe punishment. Moses' humility and prayer for the people are contrasted with the rebellion of the Israelites.

Numbers 12-13 Being Careful With Our Words

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is being careful with our words and having faith in God's power. We learn from Aaron and Miriam's mistake of speaking against Moses, and from the spies who were sent to check out the land of Canaan. The ones with faith, like Joshua and Caleb, were in the minority, but they trusted God to give them the land. We also see the importance of humility and meekness, as exemplified by Moses, who was able to write the first five books of the Bible without promoting himself.

Numbers 10-11 Complaint Department

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme was "complaint department." In chapter 10, the Israelites set out with high hopes and great expectations, but in chapter 11 they ran into the hot dry desert which sapped their strength and shortened their tempers. And as it often happens today, when hardship and difficulties come upon us, instead of praying, and trusting in God's provision, they complained to each other and criticized Moses. Let's remember to support our church leaders and remember that God is our only true source of any relief and supply.

Numbers 7-9 Preparing for the Presence of God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is "Preparing for the Presence of God" where the Israelites prepare for the dedication ceremony of the tabernacle. They bring offerings, wash and attire themselves properly, and reinstate the Passover celebration. When everything is done in good order, God shows up in a pillar of cloud and fire, indicating His presence and pleasure.

Numbers 5-6 A Holy God and a Purified People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
A holy God and a purified people is the theme for today's study on Mission 66. Chapter 5 discusses a test to confirm guilt or affirm innocence for any woman accused of adultery, while chapter 6 explores the ceremonial purity required of anyone wishing to submit to the Nazirite Vow. This vow includes not drinking wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with death. The chapter ends with a beautiful blessing from God.

Numbers 1-4 A Head Count

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The Israelites were commanded by God to conduct a census of all the tribes, counting men from 20 years and older, to determine each tribe's numerical strength for future combat. The Levites were exempted from this census, but Moses counted them separately later. The camp was arranged by tribes, with the order in which they were to set out and regroup later also specified. The sons of Aaron were ordained as the chief priests, and the Levites as their assistants, with each of the three sons of Levi (Kohath, Merari, and Gershom) in charge of different aspects of the tabernacle when it was to be disassembled, transported, and reassembled in the next location.

Leviticus 1-4 Obedience and Responsibility

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 26 teaches blessings versus curses based on obedience to God, while chapter 27 warns about vows and keeping promises. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains God’s desire for repentance when His people stray, showing His mercy despite severe consequences for sins like idolatry. Chapter 27 teaches that promises to God must be taken seriously because He values accountability. The study highlights how God’s justice and mercy work together and shows us the importance of taking personal responsibility in faith, obedience, and promises. As John reminds us, God doesn’t expect perfection but does expect genuine effort in seeking Him.

Leviticus 23-25 The Feast Days of Israel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God gives Israel instructions for feast days and the Sabbath, teaching gratitude, rest, and trust. Our teacher, John Mathews, reveals how these feasts celebrated God’s blessings and reminded the people of His provision, faithfulness, and future promises. The Sabbatical year allowed land to rest, teaching sustainable practices, while the Year of Jubilee emphasized forgiveness and resetting relationships. John highlights how each feast foreshadows Jesus Christ, from His crucifixion on Passover to the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost. This study calls us to rest in God’s promises, celebrate His blessings, and trust His provision through intentional gratitude.

Leviticus 21-22 Complete Purity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 21 and 22 show the high standards set for Israel’s priests and their families. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how leaders must lead by example, maintaining purity in their lives. The laws emphasize offering the best to God, including physical health and proper sacrifices. John compares these responsibilities to modern leaders like pastors, showing that accountability and dedication are required. The study reminds us that God doesn’t need offerings but desires gratitude and obedience from His people. By following these regulations, holiness is upheld, enabling a closer relationship with God. This chapter challenges us to honour God in all areas of life, offering Him our best and holding others in spiritual leadership to high standards.

Leviticus 18 & 20 New Morality or Old Immorality

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters of Leviticus outline God's moral boundaries for human sexuality, emphasizing holiness and obedience. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how society's moral decay challenges faith, highlighting how sin extends its impact on communities and individuals. With examples like idol worship and sexual immorality, we understand God’s strict instructions to preserve purity. John encourages proactive resolve, like Daniel and Joseph, to resist temptation and obey God’s Word. This study reminds us to choose God’s standards over society’s influences and understand that the seemingly "new morality" today is just the old immorality under new labels.

Leviticus 17 & 19 Your Neighbor As Yourself

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 17 and 19 teach about holiness in worship and daily life. Chapter 17 focuses on proper sacrifice practices, warning against drinking blood and demanding that offerings be made only at the tabernacle. This ensured sacred practices weren’t corrupted by pagan rituals. Chapter 19 emphasizes God's command to love others, showing concern for the poor, elderly, and strangers. It also stresses fairness, truthfulness, and respect in relationships. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how these rules aimed to keep God’s people distinct from the immoral actions of surrounding pagan nations. These chapters remind us to honour God in worship and everyday actions. They challenge us to avoid spiritual compromise and treat others as God would—with justice, kindness, and love. Living by these principles glorifies God and uplifts those around us.

Leviticus 16 The Day of Atonement

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 16 details Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when the priest would make sacrifices to cover the sins of Israel. This was the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, symbolizing atonement through blood—the bull and goats sacrificed, including the scapegoat sent into the wilderness carrying the people’s sins. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that while the Old Testament sacrifices temporarily covered sins, they had to be repeated yearly. Today, Jesus is our ultimate atonement, offering a perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. This chapter shows God’s immense grace, His demand for holiness, and the cost of resisting sin. It asks believers to live repentant lives and fully embrace the forgiveness offered through Christ. This lesson reminds us why Jesus’s sacrifice is so significant and challenges us to live in gratitude for the salvation He provides.

Leviticus 13 & 14 Unclean! Unclean!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 focus on skin diseases like leprosy and the ceremonial rules surrounding them. The priests diagnosed and isolated lepers to protect the community and maintain tabernacle holiness. Our teacher, John Mathews, compares leprosy to sin—how it starts small, spreads, and damages lives. Sin, like disease, separates us from God and others. The chapters also remind us of Jesus touching and healing lepers, proving His power and breaking societal barriers. While we might not face physical leprosy today, these chapters encourage reflection on sin as an impurity needing purification. Jesus provides ultimate cleansing and restoration for all who turn to Him. This study reveals the importance of keeping purity in worship and resisting the spread of spiritual impurity in our lives and communities.

Leviticus 12 & 15 For Her And For Him

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 12 and 15 emphasize ceremonial purification related to everyday bodily functions. These chapters show that impurity isn’t always sinful—it’s often part of normal life. For instance, childbirth requires purification rituals, and bodily discharges make someone ceremonially unclean. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that these rules helped ensure the holiness of the tabernacle, where God dwelled among His people. While these ceremonial laws are not needed today, they remind us of the larger point: separation from impurity and striving to live holy lives. Jesus broke the barriers that separated us from God, offering full and permanent forgiveness. However, these chapters challenge us to recognize the importance of maintaining purity—not just outwardly but in our hearts, as sin still distorts every part of humanity. God asks us to be set apart for Him, even in how we handle everyday aspects of life.

Leviticus 11 Impurity Should Not Be On The Menu

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 11 talks about pure and impure animals in the Old Testament dietary laws. These laws weren’t just about food—they taught deep spiritual lessons. Clean animals like those that chew their cud symbolize ruminating over God’s Word, while parted-hoof animals represent a separated, holy walk. Both traits are necessary to live a God-honouring life: focusing on the Word and living set apart from the world. God used these dietary laws to teach holiness, reminding the Israelites to stay distinct from pagan practices and impurities. While these ceremonial laws are no longer required for Christians today, striving for holiness remains important. Our teacher, John Mathews, reminds us that impurity doesn’t just come from outward things—it often comes from within. Ultimately, God calls us to be holy because He is holy, setting a higher standard for living lives that honour Him.

Leviticus 6-10 Holy Fire

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Aaron and his sons were chosen as priests to represent people before God. They were responsible for sacrifices as God instructed, reminding us to approach Him with reverence. When they followed God’s exact instructions, He demonstrated His approval through holy fire consuming the offering, showing that obedience matters. But Nadab and Abihu disrespected God by offering unauthorized "strange fire," leading to their immediate death—a warning against taking God lightly or disobeying His holiness. These chapters also show how God uses priests and church leaders to teach, guide, and offer sacrifices, pointing ahead to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest. Today, we approach God not through Old Testament priests but through Christ. We are all called to honour God deeply while being mindful of His holiness in our lives.

Leviticus 3-5 Peace With God and Man

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Leviticus 3-5 is “Peace With God and Man.” These chapters explain offerings meant to restore peace between people and God, and address how unintentional sins can be forgiven. The peace offering symbolized gratitude and a harmonious relationship with God, reminding us that gratitude strengthens our connection with Him. The sin offering covered unintentional sins, showing that all sin—whether small or accidental—interrupts our fellowship with God and requires atonement through the shedding of blood. The guilt offering focused on how sins and offenses against others required confession and restitution. These laws teach us to be thankful, confess wrongs, and repair relationships with neighbours. Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus paid the price for us through His blood, but peace with God and others still requires repentance, honesty, and humility.

Leviticus 1-2 Worship Matters

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Leviticus 1-2, we see God establish a system of sacrifices to prepare His people to worship Him properly and deal with sin. The theme is “Worship Matters.” The sacrificial system showed that sin is serious and must be paid for—even unintentional sins. These sacrifices remind us that God is holy and cannot ignore sin, but they also point us toward Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice to take away sin permanently. Offering the best animals or grain demonstrated that worship should cost us something and involve effort. This is a challenge to give God our best in everything, trusting Him as our provider through offerings like the grain's “first fruits.” Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus redeemed us, but we’re still called to bring the best of our time, talents, and resources to honour God in worship and to demonstrate gratitude.

Exodus 35-40 Glory of God Through Worship

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This part of the Bible describes how the tabernacle was built and how God manifested His glory in it. The tabernacle was a place of worship, representing God’s presence among His people—just like the Garden of Eden originally did. The tabernacle’s construction reminds us that serving God involves effort. God provided wisdom and skills to workers like Bezalel and Oholiab, as well as the materials needed to glorify Him. The completion of the tabernacle and the arrival of God’s glory within it show His faithfulness when we follow His instructions. It also represents God’s desire to live among His people and foreshadows Jesus, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Today, we are God’s tabernacles when we worship Him with true devotion.

Exodus 33-34 The Glory and The Veil

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme in Exodus 33-34 is “The Glory and the Veil.” God renews His covenant with Israel after their sin of worshiping the golden calf. Moses spent time in God's presence, and his face shone as a result. This reminds us of spending time with God transforms us in visible ways! Moses used a veil because Israel couldn’t fully grasp the glory of God, highlighting how unbelief veils hearts from seeing God’s glory. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, this veil is removed, revealing God’s love and greatness. We also learn that while Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law, His moral commands still matter today. God's love, patience, and willingness to forgive remind us that there’s always hope for us, no matter how far we’ve fallen, if we come to Him with a truly repentant heart.

Exodus 32 Getting Egypt Out of God’s People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites created a golden calf and fell into idolatry. This revealed their continued attachment to the sinful practices of Egypt. Moses interceded for the people, and God showed mercy, though consequences followed. This chapter reminds us that even after being saved, we must actively remove sin and worldly influences from our lives. God calls us to worship Him alone and to remain faithful, even when tempted to stray.

Exodus 26-31 The Lost Ark Isn’t Lost, Just Replaced

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the consecration of the priests. The Ark of the Covenant was the centrepiece, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and authority. The priesthood and sacrifices allowed the Israelites to approach a holy God. However, the Ark and Tabernacle were temporary. In Christ, we now have a far better representation of God’s presence. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tabernacle, offering us direct access to God.

Exodus 24-25 Marking His Presence

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God reconfirms His covenant with the Israelites and provides instructions for building the Tabernacle, a physical representation of His presence among His people. The Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, and other sacred furnishings are described in detail. These items symbolize God’s holiness, provision, and authority. The Tabernacle served as a central place for worship, fostering unity among the Israelites. Ultimately, these foreshadow Christ, who perfectly fulfills God’s plan to dwell with His people.

Exodus 21-23 Fair is Fair

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "Fair is Fair." These chapters contain laws that promote justice, compassion, and fairness in society. They cover topics such as slavery, personal injuries, property rights, and treatment of the vulnerable. These laws reflect God’s desire for His people to live in harmony and integrity. They also emphasize the importance of honesty, impartiality, and compassion for the poor and oppressed. While these laws were specific to ancient Israel, the principles of justice and mercy remain relevant today.

Exodus 19-20 The Covenant of Law

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "The Covenant of Law." In these chapters, God establishes His covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, giving the Ten Commandments as the foundation of His moral law. The Israelites are called to be a holy nation, set apart for God. God’s presence is revealed in thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire, demonstrating His holiness. The Ten Commandments remind us of God’s standards and show us how far short we fall, pointing us to our need for salvation through Jesus Christ. While we cannot perfectly keep the law, it remains a guide for godly living, and our obedience reflects our gratitude for God’s grace.

Exodus 17-18 Don't Be in Dismay Pray!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 17-18, the theme “Don’t Be in Dismay, Pray!” highlights God’s provision and guidance during challenges. In chapter 17, the Israelites complain about thirst, and God provides water from a rock. When the Amalekites attack, Moses prays while Joshua leads the battle. God’s power prevails when Moses’ hands are lifted, teaching the importance of prayer and teamwork. In chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This wisdom helps Moses avoid burnout and trains others for leadership. These chapters remind us that God provides for both our physical and spiritual needs when we trust Him.

Exodus 15-16 Praise or Complaint

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 15-16, the theme “Praise or Complaint?” contrasts the Israelites’ joy after crossing the Red Sea with their complaints in the wilderness. Chapter 15 begins with a joyful song of victory, praising God for His power and deliverance. But soon after, the people complain about bitter water and food shortages. God provides sweet water and manna, teaching them to trust Him daily. Manna, described as “bread from heaven,” symbolizes God’s provision and points to Jesus as the Bread of Life. These chapters remind us to choose gratitude over grumbling and trust God to meet our needs.

Exodus 13-14 Stand Firm and See

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 13-14, the theme “Stand Firm and See” shows us how God leads His people. After freeing the Israelites from slavery, God leads them to the Red Sea, where Pharaoh’s army traps them. The Israelites panic, but Moses tells them to trust God. God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land while drowning Pharaoh’s army. This incredible miracle demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness. Chapter 13 also introduces the importance of dedicating firstborns to God and celebrating the Passover as a reminder of His deliverance. These chapters teach us to trust God, even in impossible situations, and to remember His faithfulness.

Exodus 11-12 The First Passover

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 11-12, the theme is “The First Passover.” God prepares to deliver the final and most devastating plague: the death of the firstborn in Egypt. However, He gives the Israelites specific instructions to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act of faith protects their households from the death angel. The Israelites obey, and the plague strikes Egypt, leading Pharaoh to finally release them. The Passover foreshadows Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice brings salvation. These chapters remind us of God’s power, His deliverance of His people, and the importance of obedience and faith in His plan.

Exodus 9-10 The Gathering Storms!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 9-10, we see the theme “The Gathering Storms.” Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to obey God’s command to release the Israelites, and as a result, the plagues intensify. From the death of livestock to painful boils, destructive hail, locusts, and even a thick darkness, Egypt is devastated. Despite these signs, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. These chapters teach us the importance of listening to God and responding to His warnings before the consequences escalate. God demonstrates His power, control over nature, and care for His people, sparing the Israelites from the plagues. The lesson is clear: we must obey God the first time and not let our hearts grow hard like Pharaoh’s.

Exodus 7-8 Or Else!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, unfolds the narrative of Moses confronting the pharaoh with divine signs and plagues, demonstrating God

Exodus 5-6 Bricks Without Straw

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, discusses the challenges faced by Moses and the Israelites as they strive for freedom from slavery in Egypt. The theme revolves around facing difficulties with faith and trust in God’s promises.

Exodus 4 Signs and Wonders

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Chapter 4 reveals God equipping Moses with miraculous signs to convince the Hebrews and the pharaoh of his divine commission to lead the people out of Egypt. Through these signs, Moses learns to rely on God’s power rather than on his own strength.

Exodus 3 The Burning Bush

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This chapter delves into Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, where he receives his divine calling to confront the pharaoh and lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Through miraculous signs, God reassures Moses of his presence and power in fulfilling this mission.

Exodus 44 Baby Versus Pharaoh

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this chapter, we learn about Moses, a significant figure chosen by God to deliver the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Moses, despite his upbringing in the pharaoh’s palace, is revealed to be of Hebrew descent, setting the stage for his divine call to lead his people to freedom.

Exodus 01 During the Time of Slavery

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Exodus begins by recounting how God’s people, the Israelites, multiplied in Egypt after Joseph’s death. A new pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaved the Israelites and ruthlessly oppressed them out of fear of their growing population. Despite the pharaoh’s cruel orders, including infanticide, God preserved his people. Faithful midwives defied the king’s orders and obeyed God instead. The theme “during the time of slavery” reminds us that even in dark times of suffering, God is at work preparing deliverance and fulfilling his promises.

Genesis 50 Stop Complaining!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The final chapter of Genesis highlights two funerals — Jacob’s and Joseph’s — while showcasing Joseph’s full forgiveness of his brothers. After Jacob’s burial in Canaan, the brothers are filled with fear that Joseph might now seek revenge, but Joseph reassures them with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” This reminds us to stop complaining and trust that God can transform tragedy for his purposes. Even in death, Jacob and Joseph demonstrate unwavering faith in God’s covenant promises.

Genesis 48-49 Looking Ahead!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Jacob’s final days, he blesses Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. God’s sovereignty is evident as Jacob crosses his hands and gives the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger brother. Likewise, God’s sovereignty is further demonstrated as Jacob blesses his own sons, revealing their future roles in the nation of Israel. The theme “looking ahead” reminds us God is in control of history and the future. Though we face uncertainty, we can trust God’s guidance over our lives and the lives of future generations.

Genesis 46-47 Foreigners in a Strange Land

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters detail the reunion of Jacob’s family with Joseph in Egypt during a severe famine. God assures Jacob of his plan to make Israel a great nation even in a foreign land. Jacob’s family prospers in Goshen, and Joseph administers Egypt’s resources wisely during the famine. God’s provision through Joseph is evident as he uses hardship to fulfill his promises and set the stage for Israel’s redemption story. This reminds us that even in times when we feel out of place (“foreigners in a strange land”), God is working for his glory and our good.

Genesis 43-45 The Power of Forgiveness

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This section focuses on the remarkable story of reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. After enduring betrayal, imprisonment and slavery, Joseph rose to power in Egypt. When famine struck, his brothers sought food but did not recognize the brother they had wronged. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph tested their hearts and chose forgiveness over bitterness. Joseph acknowledged that God had worked through their evil actions to bring about a greater good: the survival of many. This story demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and God’s ability to turn evil into good.

Genesis 42 A Blast From the Past

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 42 is a poignant chapter in which Joseph’s brothers unknowingly face him during the famine in Egypt. Joseph tests them to draw out repentance and gauge whether they have changed since selling him into slavery. The story emphasizes the weight of unresolved guilt and the power of God’s providence in restoring relationships. Joseph’s brothers begin to confront their past mistakes, leading to eventual reconciliation and healing in the chapters to come.

Genesis 40-41 From the Pit to the Palace

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 40-41, Joseph interprets dreams in prison, and his reputation eventually reaches Pharaoh, who is deeply troubled by his own dreams. Pharaoh’s visions of cows and grain foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s wisdom leads to his promotion to second-in-command over Egypt, tasked with preparing for the famine. These chapters reveal how God’s timing is perfect and how faithfulness through trials positions us for his greater purpose and blessings.

Genesis 39 Is It Worth It To Do Right

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 39 continues Joseph’s story, revealing his integrity under great temptation. As a slave in Potiphar’s house, Joseph prospers because the Lord is with him. Potiphar’s wife tries relentlessly to seduce him, but Joseph refuses, declaring his loyalty both to God and his master. Though falsely accused, he remains steadfast in prison, where he finds favour with the prison keeper. This chapter reminds us that doing the right thing often brings temporary hardship but ultimately leads to God’s favour and reward.

Genesis 38 A Family Scandal!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 38 shifts the focus to Judah and his family, highlighting immorality and broken promises. Judah’s two wicked sons die, and Tamar, the widow of Judah’s eldest son, seeks justice through unconventional means. She disguises herself as a prostitute and tricks Judah into fathering twin sons, Perez and Zerah. The chapter reveals themes of sin, hypocrisy and God’s grace, showing that even flawed individuals are woven into His redemptive plan. Perez becomes part of the lineage of Jesus, demonstrating the surprising ways God works through human frailty.

Genesis 37 The Dreamer

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 37 introduces us to Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, who is given a colourful robe — a sign of favouritism that stirs jealousy among his brothers. Joseph’s dreams foretelling his future greatness add fuel to the fire. The chapter highlights themes such as sibling rivalry, betrayal and God’s sovereignty during trials. Despite the dysfunction in Jacob’s family, God begins to set the stage for his plan through Joseph. The chapter ends with Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery, unknowingly advancing God’s greater purpose to bring salvation through Joseph’s later role in Egypt.

Genesis 35-36 Opposite Sides

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Opposite Sides.” Jacob’s family becomes more devoted to God’s covenant by purifying themselves and rejecting idols, while Esau and his descendants move away from the covenant and ally themselves with ungodly nations. This chapter demonstrates separation — not merely physical but spiritual — between those who follow God and those who reject him. The story urges us to evaluate which side we are on: God’s side or the world’s side.

Anger

Numbers 18-20 A Torturous Trek

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 18-20 highlights responsibilities, purification rituals, and challenges faced during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. Priests and Levites were tasked with maintaining the tabernacle and relied on the people’s tithes for sustenance. The red heifer ceremony symbolized purification, foreshadowing Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice. Chapter 20 reveals the consequences of partial obedience through Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, symbolizing the importance of faith and prayer. Lastly, Moses’ brother Aaron dies, transferring the high priest’s duties to his son Eleazar. This torturous trek showed how disobedience, discouragement, and conflict impacted the nation, yet God remained faithful in guiding them toward the Promised Land.

Genesis 34 Vengeance

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “The Danger of Vengeance.” Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, is defiled by Shechem, but rather than seeking just resolution, Simeon and Levi exact violent revenge, killing all the males in the city. Their actions brought trouble to Jacob’s household and dishonoured God’s ways. This chapter teaches us that vengeance belongs to God, and our anger can lead to sin. God calls us to humility and trust in his justice instead of seeking personal revenge.

Bible Reading

Exodus 5-6 Bricks Without Straw

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, discusses the challenges faced by Moses and the Israelites as they strive for freedom from slavery in Egypt. The theme revolves around facing difficulties with faith and trust in God’s promises.

Genesis 35-36 Opposite Sides

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Opposite Sides.” Jacob’s family becomes more devoted to God’s covenant by purifying themselves and rejecting idols, while Esau and his descendants move away from the covenant and ally themselves with ungodly nations. This chapter demonstrates separation — not merely physical but spiritual — between those who follow God and those who reject him. The story urges us to evaluate which side we are on: God’s side or the world’s side.

Bible Study

Numbers 22-24 Balaam And His Talking Donkey

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 22-24 introduces Balaam, a prophet for hire, and his talking donkey. King Balak of Moab, fearing the Israelites, hires Balaam to curse them. God warns Balaam not to curse the nation He has blessed. When Balaam reluctantly agrees to go, his donkey sees an angel blocking the path and miraculously speaks to correct Balaam’s foolishness. Despite many attempts by Balak to manipulate him, Balaam can only speak God’s message, which contains blessings for Israel. These blessings reaffirm God’s unchanging promises to His people and foretell a coming star, the Messiah, who will rise from Jacob and rule forever. Through this story, we see God’s power over all creation, His unstoppable plans for His people, and the destructiveness of greed as exemplified in Balaam's eventual downfall.

Numbers 21 The Serpent That Brought The Cure

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 21 teaches us about sin, faith, salvation, and God’s miraculous provision. The Israelites complained against God and Moses, facing discipline when fiery serpents attacked. Their repentance brought a cure—Moses lifted a bronze serpent on a pole, and whoever looked on it in faith was healed. This symbol points to Jesus, who said, "As Moses lifted up the serpent, the Son of Man must also be lifted up." Like the Israelites bit by snakes, we are poisoned by sin, but salvation is freely offered through Jesus’ sacrifice. Later, Israel gained military victories over kings Sihon and Og, showing God’s protection as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The lesson is clear: salvation is so simple—faith in God’s plan leads to healing, forgiveness, and new life.

Numbers 18-20 A Torturous Trek

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 18-20 highlights responsibilities, purification rituals, and challenges faced during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. Priests and Levites were tasked with maintaining the tabernacle and relied on the people’s tithes for sustenance. The red heifer ceremony symbolized purification, foreshadowing Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice. Chapter 20 reveals the consequences of partial obedience through Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, symbolizing the importance of faith and prayer. Lastly, Moses’ brother Aaron dies, transferring the high priest’s duties to his son Eleazar. This torturous trek showed how disobedience, discouragement, and conflict impacted the nation, yet God remained faithful in guiding them toward the Promised Land.

Numbers 15-17 Intentional Sin

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Numbers 15-17, we see a contrast between God’s mercy towards unintentional sins and His firm judgment on intentional sins. A man gathering sticks on the Sabbath and Korah’s rebellion against Moses showed what happens when people disrespect God’s authority. Despite seeing miracles and being led by God, the Israelites grumbled and challenged their leaders. God made it clear that He chooses His leaders—confirming Aaron’s role by making his staff blossom.

Numbers 14 A Bad Report

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is the danger of complaining and rebellion against God-ordained leadership. The Israelites forgot about God's promises and miracles, and instead believed the bad report of the spies, leading to severe punishment. Moses' humility and prayer for the people are contrasted with the rebellion of the Israelites.

Numbers 12-13 Being Careful With Our Words

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is being careful with our words and having faith in God's power. We learn from Aaron and Miriam's mistake of speaking against Moses, and from the spies who were sent to check out the land of Canaan. The ones with faith, like Joshua and Caleb, were in the minority, but they trusted God to give them the land. We also see the importance of humility and meekness, as exemplified by Moses, who was able to write the first five books of the Bible without promoting himself.

Numbers 10-11 Complaint Department

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme was "complaint department." In chapter 10, the Israelites set out with high hopes and great expectations, but in chapter 11 they ran into the hot dry desert which sapped their strength and shortened their tempers. And as it often happens today, when hardship and difficulties come upon us, instead of praying, and trusting in God's provision, they complained to each other and criticized Moses. Let's remember to support our church leaders and remember that God is our only true source of any relief and supply.

Numbers 7-9 Preparing for the Presence of God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is "Preparing for the Presence of God" where the Israelites prepare for the dedication ceremony of the tabernacle. They bring offerings, wash and attire themselves properly, and reinstate the Passover celebration. When everything is done in good order, God shows up in a pillar of cloud and fire, indicating His presence and pleasure.

Numbers 5-6 A Holy God and a Purified People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
A holy God and a purified people is the theme for today's study on Mission 66. Chapter 5 discusses a test to confirm guilt or affirm innocence for any woman accused of adultery, while chapter 6 explores the ceremonial purity required of anyone wishing to submit to the Nazirite Vow. This vow includes not drinking wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with death. The chapter ends with a beautiful blessing from God.

Numbers 1-4 A Head Count

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The Israelites were commanded by God to conduct a census of all the tribes, counting men from 20 years and older, to determine each tribe's numerical strength for future combat. The Levites were exempted from this census, but Moses counted them separately later. The camp was arranged by tribes, with the order in which they were to set out and regroup later also specified. The sons of Aaron were ordained as the chief priests, and the Levites as their assistants, with each of the three sons of Levi (Kohath, Merari, and Gershom) in charge of different aspects of the tabernacle when it was to be disassembled, transported, and reassembled in the next location.

Leviticus 1-4 Obedience and Responsibility

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 26 teaches blessings versus curses based on obedience to God, while chapter 27 warns about vows and keeping promises. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains God’s desire for repentance when His people stray, showing His mercy despite severe consequences for sins like idolatry. Chapter 27 teaches that promises to God must be taken seriously because He values accountability. The study highlights how God’s justice and mercy work together and shows us the importance of taking personal responsibility in faith, obedience, and promises. As John reminds us, God doesn’t expect perfection but does expect genuine effort in seeking Him.

Leviticus 23-25 The Feast Days of Israel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God gives Israel instructions for feast days and the Sabbath, teaching gratitude, rest, and trust. Our teacher, John Mathews, reveals how these feasts celebrated God’s blessings and reminded the people of His provision, faithfulness, and future promises. The Sabbatical year allowed land to rest, teaching sustainable practices, while the Year of Jubilee emphasized forgiveness and resetting relationships. John highlights how each feast foreshadows Jesus Christ, from His crucifixion on Passover to the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost. This study calls us to rest in God’s promises, celebrate His blessings, and trust His provision through intentional gratitude.

Leviticus 21-22 Complete Purity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 21 and 22 show the high standards set for Israel’s priests and their families. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how leaders must lead by example, maintaining purity in their lives. The laws emphasize offering the best to God, including physical health and proper sacrifices. John compares these responsibilities to modern leaders like pastors, showing that accountability and dedication are required. The study reminds us that God doesn’t need offerings but desires gratitude and obedience from His people. By following these regulations, holiness is upheld, enabling a closer relationship with God. This chapter challenges us to honour God in all areas of life, offering Him our best and holding others in spiritual leadership to high standards.

Leviticus 18 & 20 New Morality or Old Immorality

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters of Leviticus outline God's moral boundaries for human sexuality, emphasizing holiness and obedience. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how society's moral decay challenges faith, highlighting how sin extends its impact on communities and individuals. With examples like idol worship and sexual immorality, we understand God’s strict instructions to preserve purity. John encourages proactive resolve, like Daniel and Joseph, to resist temptation and obey God’s Word. This study reminds us to choose God’s standards over society’s influences and understand that the seemingly "new morality" today is just the old immorality under new labels.

Leviticus 17 & 19 Your Neighbor As Yourself

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 17 and 19 teach about holiness in worship and daily life. Chapter 17 focuses on proper sacrifice practices, warning against drinking blood and demanding that offerings be made only at the tabernacle. This ensured sacred practices weren’t corrupted by pagan rituals. Chapter 19 emphasizes God's command to love others, showing concern for the poor, elderly, and strangers. It also stresses fairness, truthfulness, and respect in relationships. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how these rules aimed to keep God’s people distinct from the immoral actions of surrounding pagan nations. These chapters remind us to honour God in worship and everyday actions. They challenge us to avoid spiritual compromise and treat others as God would—with justice, kindness, and love. Living by these principles glorifies God and uplifts those around us.

Leviticus 13 & 14 Unclean! Unclean!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 focus on skin diseases like leprosy and the ceremonial rules surrounding them. The priests diagnosed and isolated lepers to protect the community and maintain tabernacle holiness. Our teacher, John Mathews, compares leprosy to sin—how it starts small, spreads, and damages lives. Sin, like disease, separates us from God and others. The chapters also remind us of Jesus touching and healing lepers, proving His power and breaking societal barriers. While we might not face physical leprosy today, these chapters encourage reflection on sin as an impurity needing purification. Jesus provides ultimate cleansing and restoration for all who turn to Him. This study reveals the importance of keeping purity in worship and resisting the spread of spiritual impurity in our lives and communities.

Leviticus 12 & 15 For Her And For Him

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 12 and 15 emphasize ceremonial purification related to everyday bodily functions. These chapters show that impurity isn’t always sinful—it’s often part of normal life. For instance, childbirth requires purification rituals, and bodily discharges make someone ceremonially unclean. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that these rules helped ensure the holiness of the tabernacle, where God dwelled among His people. While these ceremonial laws are not needed today, they remind us of the larger point: separation from impurity and striving to live holy lives. Jesus broke the barriers that separated us from God, offering full and permanent forgiveness. However, these chapters challenge us to recognize the importance of maintaining purity—not just outwardly but in our hearts, as sin still distorts every part of humanity. God asks us to be set apart for Him, even in how we handle everyday aspects of life.

Leviticus 11 Impurity Should Not Be On The Menu

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 11 talks about pure and impure animals in the Old Testament dietary laws. These laws weren’t just about food—they taught deep spiritual lessons. Clean animals like those that chew their cud symbolize ruminating over God’s Word, while parted-hoof animals represent a separated, holy walk. Both traits are necessary to live a God-honouring life: focusing on the Word and living set apart from the world. God used these dietary laws to teach holiness, reminding the Israelites to stay distinct from pagan practices and impurities. While these ceremonial laws are no longer required for Christians today, striving for holiness remains important. Our teacher, John Mathews, reminds us that impurity doesn’t just come from outward things—it often comes from within. Ultimately, God calls us to be holy because He is holy, setting a higher standard for living lives that honour Him.

Leviticus 6-10 Holy Fire

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Aaron and his sons were chosen as priests to represent people before God. They were responsible for sacrifices as God instructed, reminding us to approach Him with reverence. When they followed God’s exact instructions, He demonstrated His approval through holy fire consuming the offering, showing that obedience matters. But Nadab and Abihu disrespected God by offering unauthorized "strange fire," leading to their immediate death—a warning against taking God lightly or disobeying His holiness. These chapters also show how God uses priests and church leaders to teach, guide, and offer sacrifices, pointing ahead to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest. Today, we approach God not through Old Testament priests but through Christ. We are all called to honour God deeply while being mindful of His holiness in our lives.

Leviticus 3-5 Peace With God and Man

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Leviticus 3-5 is “Peace With God and Man.” These chapters explain offerings meant to restore peace between people and God, and address how unintentional sins can be forgiven. The peace offering symbolized gratitude and a harmonious relationship with God, reminding us that gratitude strengthens our connection with Him. The sin offering covered unintentional sins, showing that all sin—whether small or accidental—interrupts our fellowship with God and requires atonement through the shedding of blood. The guilt offering focused on how sins and offenses against others required confession and restitution. These laws teach us to be thankful, confess wrongs, and repair relationships with neighbours. Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus paid the price for us through His blood, but peace with God and others still requires repentance, honesty, and humility.

Leviticus 1-2 Worship Matters

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Leviticus 1-2, we see God establish a system of sacrifices to prepare His people to worship Him properly and deal with sin. The theme is “Worship Matters.” The sacrificial system showed that sin is serious and must be paid for—even unintentional sins. These sacrifices remind us that God is holy and cannot ignore sin, but they also point us toward Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice to take away sin permanently. Offering the best animals or grain demonstrated that worship should cost us something and involve effort. This is a challenge to give God our best in everything, trusting Him as our provider through offerings like the grain's “first fruits.” Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus redeemed us, but we’re still called to bring the best of our time, talents, and resources to honour God in worship and to demonstrate gratitude.

Exodus 35-40 Glory of God Through Worship

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This part of the Bible describes how the tabernacle was built and how God manifested His glory in it. The tabernacle was a place of worship, representing God’s presence among His people—just like the Garden of Eden originally did. The tabernacle’s construction reminds us that serving God involves effort. God provided wisdom and skills to workers like Bezalel and Oholiab, as well as the materials needed to glorify Him. The completion of the tabernacle and the arrival of God’s glory within it show His faithfulness when we follow His instructions. It also represents God’s desire to live among His people and foreshadows Jesus, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Today, we are God’s tabernacles when we worship Him with true devotion.

Exodus 33-34 The Glory and The Veil

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme in Exodus 33-34 is “The Glory and the Veil.” God renews His covenant with Israel after their sin of worshiping the golden calf. Moses spent time in God's presence, and his face shone as a result. This reminds us of spending time with God transforms us in visible ways! Moses used a veil because Israel couldn’t fully grasp the glory of God, highlighting how unbelief veils hearts from seeing God’s glory. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, this veil is removed, revealing God’s love and greatness. We also learn that while Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law, His moral commands still matter today. God's love, patience, and willingness to forgive remind us that there’s always hope for us, no matter how far we’ve fallen, if we come to Him with a truly repentant heart.

Exodus 26-31 The Lost Ark Isn’t Lost, Just Replaced

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the consecration of the priests. The Ark of the Covenant was the centrepiece, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and authority. The priesthood and sacrifices allowed the Israelites to approach a holy God. However, the Ark and Tabernacle were temporary. In Christ, we now have a far better representation of God’s presence. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tabernacle, offering us direct access to God.

Exodus 24-25 Marking His Presence

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God reconfirms His covenant with the Israelites and provides instructions for building the Tabernacle, a physical representation of His presence among His people. The Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, and other sacred furnishings are described in detail. These items symbolize God’s holiness, provision, and authority. The Tabernacle served as a central place for worship, fostering unity among the Israelites. Ultimately, these foreshadow Christ, who perfectly fulfills God’s plan to dwell with His people.

Exodus 21-23 Fair is Fair

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "Fair is Fair." These chapters contain laws that promote justice, compassion, and fairness in society. They cover topics such as slavery, personal injuries, property rights, and treatment of the vulnerable. These laws reflect God’s desire for His people to live in harmony and integrity. They also emphasize the importance of honesty, impartiality, and compassion for the poor and oppressed. While these laws were specific to ancient Israel, the principles of justice and mercy remain relevant today.

Exodus 19-20 The Covenant of Law

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "The Covenant of Law." In these chapters, God establishes His covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, giving the Ten Commandments as the foundation of His moral law. The Israelites are called to be a holy nation, set apart for God. God’s presence is revealed in thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire, demonstrating His holiness. The Ten Commandments remind us of God’s standards and show us how far short we fall, pointing us to our need for salvation through Jesus Christ. While we cannot perfectly keep the law, it remains a guide for godly living, and our obedience reflects our gratitude for God’s grace.

Exodus 17-18 Don't Be in Dismay Pray!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 17-18, the theme “Don’t Be in Dismay, Pray!” highlights God’s provision and guidance during challenges. In chapter 17, the Israelites complain about thirst, and God provides water from a rock. When the Amalekites attack, Moses prays while Joshua leads the battle. God’s power prevails when Moses’ hands are lifted, teaching the importance of prayer and teamwork. In chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This wisdom helps Moses avoid burnout and trains others for leadership. These chapters remind us that God provides for both our physical and spiritual needs when we trust Him.

Exodus 15-16 Praise or Complaint

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 15-16, the theme “Praise or Complaint?” contrasts the Israelites’ joy after crossing the Red Sea with their complaints in the wilderness. Chapter 15 begins with a joyful song of victory, praising God for His power and deliverance. But soon after, the people complain about bitter water and food shortages. God provides sweet water and manna, teaching them to trust Him daily. Manna, described as “bread from heaven,” symbolizes God’s provision and points to Jesus as the Bread of Life. These chapters remind us to choose gratitude over grumbling and trust God to meet our needs.

Exodus 13-14 Stand Firm and See

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 13-14, the theme “Stand Firm and See” shows us how God leads His people. After freeing the Israelites from slavery, God leads them to the Red Sea, where Pharaoh’s army traps them. The Israelites panic, but Moses tells them to trust God. God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land while drowning Pharaoh’s army. This incredible miracle demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness. Chapter 13 also introduces the importance of dedicating firstborns to God and celebrating the Passover as a reminder of His deliverance. These chapters teach us to trust God, even in impossible situations, and to remember His faithfulness.

Exodus 11-12 The First Passover

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 11-12, the theme is “The First Passover.” God prepares to deliver the final and most devastating plague: the death of the firstborn in Egypt. However, He gives the Israelites specific instructions to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act of faith protects their households from the death angel. The Israelites obey, and the plague strikes Egypt, leading Pharaoh to finally release them. The Passover foreshadows Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice brings salvation. These chapters remind us of God’s power, His deliverance of His people, and the importance of obedience and faith in His plan.

Exodus 9-10 The Gathering Storms!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 9-10, we see the theme “The Gathering Storms.” Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to obey God’s command to release the Israelites, and as a result, the plagues intensify. From the death of livestock to painful boils, destructive hail, locusts, and even a thick darkness, Egypt is devastated. Despite these signs, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. These chapters teach us the importance of listening to God and responding to His warnings before the consequences escalate. God demonstrates His power, control over nature, and care for His people, sparing the Israelites from the plagues. The lesson is clear: we must obey God the first time and not let our hearts grow hard like Pharaoh’s.

Exodus 7-8 Or Else!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, unfolds the narrative of Moses confronting the pharaoh with divine signs and plagues, demonstrating God

Exodus 5-6 Bricks Without Straw

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, discusses the challenges faced by Moses and the Israelites as they strive for freedom from slavery in Egypt. The theme revolves around facing difficulties with faith and trust in God’s promises.

Exodus 4 Signs and Wonders

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Chapter 4 reveals God equipping Moses with miraculous signs to convince the Hebrews and the pharaoh of his divine commission to lead the people out of Egypt. Through these signs, Moses learns to rely on God’s power rather than on his own strength.

Exodus 3 The Burning Bush

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This chapter delves into Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, where he receives his divine calling to confront the pharaoh and lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Through miraculous signs, God reassures Moses of his presence and power in fulfilling this mission.

Exodus 44 Baby Versus Pharaoh

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this chapter, we learn about Moses, a significant figure chosen by God to deliver the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Moses, despite his upbringing in the pharaoh’s palace, is revealed to be of Hebrew descent, setting the stage for his divine call to lead his people to freedom.

Exodus 01 During the Time of Slavery

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Exodus begins by recounting how God’s people, the Israelites, multiplied in Egypt after Joseph’s death. A new pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaved the Israelites and ruthlessly oppressed them out of fear of their growing population. Despite the pharaoh’s cruel orders, including infanticide, God preserved his people. Faithful midwives defied the king’s orders and obeyed God instead. The theme “during the time of slavery” reminds us that even in dark times of suffering, God is at work preparing deliverance and fulfilling his promises.

Genesis 50 Stop Complaining!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The final chapter of Genesis highlights two funerals — Jacob’s and Joseph’s — while showcasing Joseph’s full forgiveness of his brothers. After Jacob’s burial in Canaan, the brothers are filled with fear that Joseph might now seek revenge, but Joseph reassures them with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” This reminds us to stop complaining and trust that God can transform tragedy for his purposes. Even in death, Jacob and Joseph demonstrate unwavering faith in God’s covenant promises.

Genesis 48-49 Looking Ahead!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Jacob’s final days, he blesses Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. God’s sovereignty is evident as Jacob crosses his hands and gives the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger brother. Likewise, God’s sovereignty is further demonstrated as Jacob blesses his own sons, revealing their future roles in the nation of Israel. The theme “looking ahead” reminds us God is in control of history and the future. Though we face uncertainty, we can trust God’s guidance over our lives and the lives of future generations.

Genesis 46-47 Foreigners in a Strange Land

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters detail the reunion of Jacob’s family with Joseph in Egypt during a severe famine. God assures Jacob of his plan to make Israel a great nation even in a foreign land. Jacob’s family prospers in Goshen, and Joseph administers Egypt’s resources wisely during the famine. God’s provision through Joseph is evident as he uses hardship to fulfill his promises and set the stage for Israel’s redemption story. This reminds us that even in times when we feel out of place (“foreigners in a strange land”), God is working for his glory and our good.

Genesis 43-45 The Power of Forgiveness

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This section focuses on the remarkable story of reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. After enduring betrayal, imprisonment and slavery, Joseph rose to power in Egypt. When famine struck, his brothers sought food but did not recognize the brother they had wronged. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph tested their hearts and chose forgiveness over bitterness. Joseph acknowledged that God had worked through their evil actions to bring about a greater good: the survival of many. This story demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and God’s ability to turn evil into good.

Genesis 42 A Blast From the Past

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 42 is a poignant chapter in which Joseph’s brothers unknowingly face him during the famine in Egypt. Joseph tests them to draw out repentance and gauge whether they have changed since selling him into slavery. The story emphasizes the weight of unresolved guilt and the power of God’s providence in restoring relationships. Joseph’s brothers begin to confront their past mistakes, leading to eventual reconciliation and healing in the chapters to come.

Genesis 40-41 From the Pit to the Palace

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 40-41, Joseph interprets dreams in prison, and his reputation eventually reaches Pharaoh, who is deeply troubled by his own dreams. Pharaoh’s visions of cows and grain foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s wisdom leads to his promotion to second-in-command over Egypt, tasked with preparing for the famine. These chapters reveal how God’s timing is perfect and how faithfulness through trials positions us for his greater purpose and blessings.

Genesis 38 A Family Scandal!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 38 shifts the focus to Judah and his family, highlighting immorality and broken promises. Judah’s two wicked sons die, and Tamar, the widow of Judah’s eldest son, seeks justice through unconventional means. She disguises herself as a prostitute and tricks Judah into fathering twin sons, Perez and Zerah. The chapter reveals themes of sin, hypocrisy and God’s grace, showing that even flawed individuals are woven into His redemptive plan. Perez becomes part of the lineage of Jesus, demonstrating the surprising ways God works through human frailty.

Genesis 37 The Dreamer

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 37 introduces us to Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, who is given a colourful robe — a sign of favouritism that stirs jealousy among his brothers. Joseph’s dreams foretelling his future greatness add fuel to the fire. The chapter highlights themes such as sibling rivalry, betrayal and God’s sovereignty during trials. Despite the dysfunction in Jacob’s family, God begins to set the stage for his plan through Joseph. The chapter ends with Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery, unknowingly advancing God’s greater purpose to bring salvation through Joseph’s later role in Egypt.

Genesis 35-36 Opposite Sides

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Opposite Sides.” Jacob’s family becomes more devoted to God’s covenant by purifying themselves and rejecting idols, while Esau and his descendants move away from the covenant and ally themselves with ungodly nations. This chapter demonstrates separation — not merely physical but spiritual — between those who follow God and those who reject him. The story urges us to evaluate which side we are on: God’s side or the world’s side.

Genesis 34 Vengeance

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “The Danger of Vengeance.” Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, is defiled by Shechem, but rather than seeking just resolution, Simeon and Levi exact violent revenge, killing all the males in the city. Their actions brought trouble to Jacob’s household and dishonoured God’s ways. This chapter teaches us that vengeance belongs to God, and our anger can lead to sin. God calls us to humility and trust in his justice instead of seeking personal revenge.

Genesis 32-33 Wrestling With God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Wrestling with God.” Jacob wrestles in prayer and literally with the angel of God, learning to surrender his fears and trust in God’s provision. God gives him a new name, Israel, meaning “he struggles with God.” Jacob’s reunion with Esau, which he feared would end violently, turns out to be peaceful, showing how God can calm situations when we trust him. Jacob learned that relying on God rather than schemes leads to blessing, and that wrestling with God in prayer can bring transformation.

Genesis 31 Jacob On The Run

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is “Jacob on the Run.” Jacob decided to leave Laban’s oppressive household and return to his homeland, prompted by God. Despite Laban’s attempts to cheat Jacob repeatedly, God protected and prospered him. As Jacob fled, Laban pursued him, but God warned Laban against harming Jacob. This chapter highlights God’s justice and provision — God sees all injustice and acts in his time. Jacob’s confrontation with Laban teaches us about dealing with false accusations and trusting God’s protection, even when circumstances seem hostile. Justice may take time, but God always prevails

Genesis 30 Honesty is the Best Investment

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “Honesty is the Best Investment.” Jacob suffered deceit and unfair treatment from his uncle Laban, yet God continued blessing him. Despite Laban’s schemes to diminish Jacob’s prosperity, God intervened to give Jacob fruitful livestock and a growing family. This chapter shows us that God’s blessings come not through human effort or tricks but through faith and divine provision. Jacob learned that relying on superstitions and personal schemes is futile, as prosperity ultimately depends on God’s generosity. The story emphasizes that even when others are dishonest, God’s faithfulness prevails.

Genesis 29 Double Trouble!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 29 recounts Jacob’s encounter with Laban, leading to deceit and “double trouble” in Jacob’s marriage. Jacob’s desire to marry Rachel led to hard work and patience. Laban tricked him, first giving him Leah instead, revealing the consequences of deception. This chapter shows how Jacob began to reap what he sowed, with interpersonal conflicts and favouritism causing rivalry between Leah and Rachel. Despite human struggles, God showed favour toward Leah by blessing her with children. God uses the imperfect relationships of people to further his purposes.

Genesis 28 Jacob's Ladder

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 28 marks the beginning of Jacob’s personal journey toward faith. Alone and afraid in the wilderness, he dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, revealing God’s active presence and assurance of his promises. Jacob begins to understand the importance of spiritual connection, expressing awe at God’s revelation. Though Jacob’s faith starts small, God’s covenant promises encourage him to take steps forward. This chapter shows us how moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal, as God often speaks the loudest during our times of difficulty.

Genesis 27 Brother Against Brother

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 27 depicts betrayal and God’s sovereignty over human failings. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, with his mother Rebekah’s help, to steal Esau’s blessing. Despite human manipulation, God’s purposes prevailed, as Jacob was ultimately chosen over Esau. Esau’s bitterness and hatred against Jacob remind us of the dangers of despising spiritual privileges and pursuing fleshly desires. This chapter teaches that while humans may act out of selfish motives, God is still able to accomplish his good and perfect plans.

Genesis 26 I've Seen This Before

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 26 teaches us about repetitive human behaviour and God’s ongoing faithfulness. Isaac dealt with a famine like his father Abraham and repeated some mistakes, such as lying to Abimelech about his wife. Despite Isaac’s errors, God blessed him wherever he went. The chapter shows the importance of trusting God instead of leaning on fear and deception. Isaac’s ability to dig wells, symbolizing God’s provision, reminds us of the necessity of spiritual sustenance, represented by the living water of the Holy Spirit. Even amid human flaws, God’s purpose prevails.

Genesis 25 An Imperfect Choice for the Perfect Plan

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 25, we see the end of Abraham’s life and the continuation of God’s promises through his sons. The theme is God’s sovereign choices and the importance of valuing spiritual blessings. Society often judges based on outward appearances, but God values unseen qualities. Esau disqualified himself because he despised his birthright, prioritizing temporary needs above eternal blessings. This chapter reminds us to seek spiritual things and trust in God’s purpose. Generations pass, but God’s plan of redemption remains steadfast.

Genesis 23 From Mourning to Joy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis Chapters 23 and 24, we see the transition from mourning to joy as Abraham deals with the death of his wife, Sarah, and then finds a wife for his son, Isaac. God works behind the scenes to fulfill his promises and bring blessings to Abraham’s family.

Genesis 22 Abraham's Greatest Test

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 22, we see Abraham facing his greatest test of faith when God asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham shows his unwavering obedience and trust in God, ultimately being provided with a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God’s will, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Genesis 20-21 The Impossible Promise Fulfilled

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 20 and 21, we see how God fulfills his promise to Abraham and Sarah by giving them a son, Isaac, even though Sarah was barren. Despite various challenges and mistakes, God’s faithfulness prevails, showing that he always keeps his promises, even if it takes longer than expected.

Genesis 20 Raining Fire

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 19, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah showcases the consequences of living in sin and turning away from God. Lot and his family are rescued from the impending destruction, but not without facing the harsh realities of evil and judgment. This chapter serves as a warning against complacency and tolerance of sin, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in God.

Genesis 18 pt 2 Justice and Mercy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 18, we see the theme of “Justice and Mercy” play out as God reveals his plan to investigate the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes on behalf of his nephew Lot, pleading for mercy if 10 righteous people can be found in the city

Genesis 16 A Short Cut That Does Not Lead to the Right Place

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 16 depicts Abraham and Sarah’s impatience with God’s timing. Feeling barren, Sarah gives her servant Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. Hagar conceives and is mistreated, fleeing to the wilderness. God intervenes, providing mercy and promises for Hagar and her son Ishmael. The chapter teaches the dangers of taking shortcuts and underscores God’s compassion even amid human mistakes

Genesis 15 The God Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 15 explores faith and God’s promises. Abraham, childless and wavering, questions God’s promise to provide descendants. God reassures Abraham, comparing his offspring to the stars in the sky. A covenant is sealed with a unique ceremony involving animals, showing God’s unconditional commitment to his promises. This chapter teaches patience, trust and God’s faithfulness.

Genesis 14

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 14 recounts war and rescue. Lot is kidnapped during a tribal war involving kings of the region. Abraham acts, leading 318 trained men to rescue Lot and retrieve the possessions taken. The chapter ends with a mysterious priest named Melchizedek blessing Abraham, showing us God’s provision and victory in battling spiritual or physical enemies

Genesis 13 Family Disputes

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 13 highlights how Abraham navigated a family dispute with his nephew Lot. Due to their large herds and limited space, tensions arose between their herdsmen, leading Abraham to propose a solution. He gave Lot the first choice of land, demonstrating humility and trust in God’s ultimate plan. This chapter teaches us how to handle conflicts gracefully, prioritize relationships, and trust God’s sovereignty even during difficult times.

Genesis 12 A Route With No Map

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 12 introduces the story of Abraham while spotlighting themes of faith, obedience and God’s promises. Abraham is called by God to leave his home and journey to an unknown land. Despite not knowing the destination, Abraham obeys, trusting God to lead him. God makes a covenant with him, promising to bless him, make him a great nation, and bless all families of the Earth through him. The chapter also shows Abraham’s human flaws when he lies in Egypt, reminding us that even people of great faith can falter. Ultimately, this chapter teaches us to trust God’s plans even when the path is unclear.

Genesis 11 The Tower of Babel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme in Genesis Chapter 11 is the Tower of Babel and the human effort to achieve unity and greatness without God. We witness how people’s pride led them to build a tower to reach heaven, which resulted in God confusing their language and scattering them over the earth. This chapter also introduces us to Abraham, whose lineage leads to the Messiah, showing God’s plan of redemption for humanity.

Genesis 9 & 10 Hope For A New Humanity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This study guide covers Genesis Chapters 9 and 10, focusing on the theme of “Hope for a New Humanity.” In these chapters, God blesses Noah and his sons, instructing them to repopulate the earth. Noah’s sons are revealed as the ancestors of the world’s nations. God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by a flood again. The chapters also highlight the importance of respect for parents and the sanctity of human life.

Genesis 7 & 8 The Greatest Flood Ever

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Genesis 7 & 8 is “The Greatest Tsunami Ever.” These chapters describe God’s judgment on a wicked world through the great flood and his mercy in saving Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark. Water from both the heavens and the deep covered the earth, wiping out all life except those preserved in the ark. God’s faithfulness is shown as he remembers Noah, causes the waters to subside, and establishes a fresh start for humanity. The ark and its door symbolize salvation, and Noah’s faith in God’s word saved him.

Genesis 6 The Giant Corruption

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 6 teaches us about the growing corruption of humanity before the flood. Sin had spread widely, with people turning away from God and indulging in evil. Despite their rebellion, God showed patience by giving them 120 years to repent. However, their wickedness led to judgment in the form of a great flood. This chapter also introduces Noah, a righteous man who found favour with God because of his obedience. Through Noah, we see that faithfulness to God brings His protection and blessings, even during times of judgment. Key themes include the consequences of sin, God’s patience, and the rewards of righteousness.

Genesis 5 Through a Time Tunnel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s lesson, we focused on the genealogies in Genesis Chapter 5. We learned that these genealogies are not just lists of names, but important historical records that show how people are interconnected and significant to God’s plan. Most notably, we examined the different fates of the lines of Cain and Seth. While Cain’s line was marked by separation from God and eventually perished, Seth’s line, which included people who called upon the name of the Lord, survived, showing us the importance of reliance on God.

Genesis 4B The Downward Spiral

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “The Downward Spiral,” which focuses on Genesis Chapter 4. After Adam and Eve’s fall, Cain’s murder of Abel leads to a downward trajectory in humanity. Cain’s lineage, featuring figures like Lamech who justify their sins and move further away from God, represents this spiral. Simultaneously, the birth of Seth to Adam and Eve gives hope, as his descendants include those who call upon the name of the Lord. The study shows two different paths in history -- one that pursues a relationship with God and another that rejects him.

Genesis 4A Second Chance

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is about “Second Chance.” Genesis Chapter 4 introduces us to Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. This chapter outlines the importance of offerings and the consequences of sin. It shows us that God is merciful and gives second chances, as demonstrated by his treatment of Cain, even after Cain committed the first murder by killing his brother Abel.

Genesis 3b The Banquet of Consequences

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The second half of Genesis 3 talks about the aftermath of Adam and Eve's disobedience. When they ate the forbidden fruit, they set off a series of unfortunate consequences. This chapter highlights the reality of sin and its consequences, showing us that disobedience to God's commands leads to separation from Him, pain, hard labour, and ultimately death. It also reveals God's mercy in not allowing humans to live forever in a state of sin.

Genesis 3a Fig Leaves

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we dive into Genesis 3, exploring the theme of "The Fall of Man and the Fig Leaves." This chapter tells us about Adam and Eve's disobedience to God's command, the deceit of the serpent, and the consequences of their actions. It also discusses their attempts to cover up their wrongdoings using fig leaves, which symbolizes our human attempts to hide our sins and make ourselves appear righteous.

Genesis 2

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today we explored Genesis 2, where we learned about the creation of man and woman. God created a perfect environment for man, the Garden of Eden, and gave him authority over other creatures. Man was not meant to be alone; thus, God created a woman to be his companion. This chapter shows us a time of innocence, where man and woman existed in harmony with nature, under God's guidelines. It establishes the divine design for family: a man and a woman, together for life, setting the foundation for all human relationships.

Genesis 1b Science and the Bible

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today's study explores the theme "Science and the Bible," focusing on the creation account in Genesis 1. Our teacher, John Mathews, emphasizes that both science and faith have their unique roles and that they need not conflict with each other. He explains the Bible's account that everything in the universe was created by God and was inherently good. The teacher also discusses the reliability of the Bible, the age of the earth, and the theory of evolution.

Genesis 1 Out of Chaos Order

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today's study, we explore Genesis 1, the first chapter of the Bible, where we learn about the creation of the universe. Our teacher, John Mathews, talks about how God brought order out of chaos and formed the world. He highlights the power of God's word in creation and emphasises that God is good, and all He does is good. This chapter serves as the foundation of understanding God's purpose and the beginning of life.

Revelation 22 Winner Takes All

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In the final chapter of Revelation, Chapter 22, we hear Jesus’ promise of his soon return. This chapter paints a glorious picture of the new heaven and earth, with a crystal-clear river of life and the tree of life bearing fruit. It offers a great promise for those who believe in God, as they will dwell with him in this heavenly city. But there’s also a solemn warning for those who choose to continue in sin, revealing they will face eternal separation from God. The chapter ends with a call for everyone to come, drink from the water of life and be saved. The theme of this chapter is “Winner Takes All.”

Revelation 21 City of Light

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Revelation 21, the Apostle John shares his vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where a new Jerusalem descends from heaven. This chapter paints a picture of a glorious city of light where God dwells with his people. It offers hope and assurance for those who believe in God, revealing that they will inherit a place free from pain, death, and sorrow. However, it also warns that those who choose to live in sin will face the second death, a permanent separation from God.

Revelation 20 The Return of the Living Dead

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s study takes us through Revelation 20, themed “The Return of the Living Dead.” This chapter discusses the victory of Christ in the Battle of Armageddon, the imprisonment and final rebellion of Satan, and the eventual judgment of the dead. Importantly, we learn about the two resurrections: the first resurrection to eternal life for those who believe in Christ, and the second for the wicked. This chapter underscores the significance of faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of having our names in the Book of Life.

Revelation 18-19 The Market Collapses

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Our journey today takes us through Revelation Chapters 18 and 19. The theme for today is “The Market Collapses.” In Chapter 18, we learn about the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of worldly systems that oppose God. Chapter 19 transitions to a scene of joy and rejoicing as the faithful in heaven celebrate the destruction of evil and prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This study aims to remind us not to place our trust in earthly wealth or systems, but in God’s eternal kingdom.

Revelation 17 Lady in Red!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today, we dive into Revelation 17, with the theme “Lady in Red.” Here, we encounter a symbolic image of a prostitute dressed in purple and scarlet, riding a beast with seven heads and 10 horns. This “Lady in Red” represents a false religious system that deceives and leads people away from the truth of Jesus Christ. The chapter warns us about the dire consequences of following this path and urges us to stay true to God’s Word. The “beast” symbolizes the political powers that oppose God. This study will help us understand the importance of discerning truth and standing firm in our faith in the face of deception.

Revelation 15-16 Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we will delve into Revelation Chapters 15 and 16. The theme is “Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls.” We learn about the time of the end when God’s wrath is to be poured out on the earth. These chapters discuss the seven last plagues, symbolizing God’s final judgments on a disobedient world. Despite these harsh judgments, we are reminded of God’s righteousness and justice. This study will help us understand the severity of sin and the necessity of God’s judgment, while emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the end times.

Revelation 14 Time's Up!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “Time’s up!” We’re studying Revelation 14, where we learn about the 144,000 witnesses chosen by God, the final warnings given by angels and the ultimate judgment of Earth’s inhabitants. This chapter reminds us that everything happening in the world is not forever. There will come a time, known only to God, when judgment will be passed. The righteous will be harvested into God’s kingdom, while the unrighteous will face eternal judgment.

Revelation 13 The Mark of the Beast!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapter 13, where we explore the theme “The Mark of the Beast.” This chapter presents a sort of satanic trinity, involving the Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophet, in opposition to God and his people. The Beast, who receives power from the Dragon, forces all people to receive a mark, known as the Mark of the Beast. The number of the Beast, 666, represents the empire of humankind opposing God. Only those with their names written in the Book of Life, the true followers of Jesus Christ, will be free from the power of the Beast.

Revelation 12 The Lady and the Dragon!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we explore Revelation Chapter 12, focusing on the theme “the Lady and the Dragon.” This chapter represents the battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The Lady, representing the nation of Israel, gives birth to the Messiah, who will reign over the entire Earth. The Dragon, representing Satan, attempts to thwart God’s plan, but ultimately fails. The conflict continues with the Dragon pursuing the Lady, but God provides protection. The chapter concludes with the Dragon making war on the rest of her offspring, symbolizing the ongoing conflict between good and evil.

Revelation 10-11 No More Delay

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapters 10 and 11, under the theme “no more delay.” We explore the divine revelation with the two witnesses who, after being killed by the Antichrist, are resurrected and ascend into heaven. This is followed by the Seventh Trumpet blast, signaling that the kingdoms of the world will be handed over to God and his Christ, indicating that there will be no more delay. This is a testament to the inevitability of God’s reign forever and ever.

Revelation 8-9 Die Hard

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for Revelation Chapters 8 and 9 is “die hard,” which shows the unyielding nature of humanity even in the face of severe divine judgment. As the end of time approaches, people will become increasingly resistant to God, refusing to repent despite catastrophic events. In these chapters, the seventh seal is opened, introducing the Trumpet Judgments. The Earth experiences unprecedented disasters: a third of the world burns, seas turn to blood, waters become poisoned and darkness covers the skies. Yet, the people’s hearts remain hardened. Demonic creatures emerge, tormenting those without God’s seal. Despite the pain, humanity clings to its sinful ways rather than turning to God. This reveals the depth of human depravity and the danger of hardening one’s heart against the Almighty.

Revelation 7 144 Thousand

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 7 introduces us to the 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel who are marked with a seal for protection during the tribulation. This chapter also presents a countless multitude from every nation, dressed in white robes and praising God. The main theme is God’s mercy in the midst of judgment, as He marks His servants for protection and gathers a great multitude of believers from all nations.

Revelation 6 The Horsemen Of The Apocalypse!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 6 explores the opening of the seven seals, known as the “seal judgments,” marking the end of the age. As each seal is opened, a new judgment is unleashed upon the world. These judgments are symbolized by the four horsemen of the apocalypse: conquest, war, famine and death. The main theme of this chapter is the unveiling of God’s justice and judgment on the world’s rebellion and sin.

Revelation 3 Lukewarm!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s Mission 66 study with our teacher, John Mathews, delves into the messages for the last three of the seven churches in Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The overarching theme is “lukewarm,” as Jesus Christ critiques each church’s actions and spiritual state. The church in Sardis appears alive but is spiritually dead and needs to wake up. Philadelphia, though weak, has kept Jesus’ word and is promised protection from future trials. Laodicea is criticized for being lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — and is warned about complacency. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, seeking entrance into the hearts of believers to restore fellowship and urging them to be zealous and repent. These messages call for self-examination, urging believers to love Jesus as their first love, remain vigilant, awake, faithful and never lukewarm.

Revelation 2 First Love

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today on Mission 66, our teacher John Mathews takes us through Revelation 2, where we learn the importance of maintaining our “first love” for Jesus. The chapter contains letters to four different churches in Asia Minor, each with its own set of challenges and commendations. Jesus praises the church in Ephesus for their hard work and perseverance but points out they have abandoned their initial passionate love for him. Smyrna is commended for its faithfulness amid poverty and persecution, while Pergamum is called out for tolerating false teachings. Thyatira is recognized for its works and love but reprimanded for tolerating a false prophetess. The key takeaway is that our actions and endurance must be fueled by a deep, abiding love for Jesus, who is our primary reason for living faithfully. These letters remind us to self-reflect and realign our hearts to Jesus, ensuring we’re serving him out of love rather than obligation or habit.

Revelation 1 The Beginning Of The End

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 1 serves as an introduction to the book, revealing that God showed John, while he was on the island of Patmos, the coming return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a message of hope to believers who were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. Even though the theme is “the beginning of the end,” for true believers in Christ it signifies the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal happiness. The return of Christ will be so glorious that it will completely outweigh all our present trials and sufferings.

Jude 1 Contend for the Faith

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme in the study of Jude 1 is “Contend for the Faith.” Jude, a leader in the early Christian church and brother of James, wrote this letter as a warning against false teachers. These teachers were distorting the truth and leading believers astray. Jude called for steadfastness in faith and warned against falling into heresy. He stressed the importance of staying true to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to resist the temptations of false prophets.

Blended Families

Genesis 42 A Blast From the Past

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 42 is a poignant chapter in which Joseph’s brothers unknowingly face him during the famine in Egypt. Joseph tests them to draw out repentance and gauge whether they have changed since selling him into slavery. The story emphasizes the weight of unresolved guilt and the power of God’s providence in restoring relationships. Joseph’s brothers begin to confront their past mistakes, leading to eventual reconciliation and healing in the chapters to come.

Genesis 37 The Dreamer

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 37 introduces us to Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, who is given a colourful robe — a sign of favouritism that stirs jealousy among his brothers. Joseph’s dreams foretelling his future greatness add fuel to the fire. The chapter highlights themes such as sibling rivalry, betrayal and God’s sovereignty during trials. Despite the dysfunction in Jacob’s family, God begins to set the stage for his plan through Joseph. The chapter ends with Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery, unknowingly advancing God’s greater purpose to bring salvation through Joseph’s later role in Egypt.

Genesis 29 Double Trouble!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 29 recounts Jacob’s encounter with Laban, leading to deceit and “double trouble” in Jacob’s marriage. Jacob’s desire to marry Rachel led to hard work and patience. Laban tricked him, first giving him Leah instead, revealing the consequences of deception. This chapter shows how Jacob began to reap what he sowed, with interpersonal conflicts and favouritism causing rivalry between Leah and Rachel. Despite human struggles, God showed favour toward Leah by blessing her with children. God uses the imperfect relationships of people to further his purposes.

Creation

Genesis 3b The Banquet of Consequences

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The second half of Genesis 3 talks about the aftermath of Adam and Eve's disobedience. When they ate the forbidden fruit, they set off a series of unfortunate consequences. This chapter highlights the reality of sin and its consequences, showing us that disobedience to God's commands leads to separation from Him, pain, hard labour, and ultimately death. It also reveals God's mercy in not allowing humans to live forever in a state of sin.

Genesis 3a Fig Leaves

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we dive into Genesis 3, exploring the theme of "The Fall of Man and the Fig Leaves." This chapter tells us about Adam and Eve's disobedience to God's command, the deceit of the serpent, and the consequences of their actions. It also discusses their attempts to cover up their wrongdoings using fig leaves, which symbolizes our human attempts to hide our sins and make ourselves appear righteous.

Genesis 2

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today we explored Genesis 2, where we learned about the creation of man and woman. God created a perfect environment for man, the Garden of Eden, and gave him authority over other creatures. Man was not meant to be alone; thus, God created a woman to be his companion. This chapter shows us a time of innocence, where man and woman existed in harmony with nature, under God's guidelines. It establishes the divine design for family: a man and a woman, together for life, setting the foundation for all human relationships.

Genesis 1b Science and the Bible

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today's study explores the theme "Science and the Bible," focusing on the creation account in Genesis 1. Our teacher, John Mathews, emphasizes that both science and faith have their unique roles and that they need not conflict with each other. He explains the Bible's account that everything in the universe was created by God and was inherently good. The teacher also discusses the reliability of the Bible, the age of the earth, and the theory of evolution.

Genesis 1 Out of Chaos Order

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today's study, we explore Genesis 1, the first chapter of the Bible, where we learn about the creation of the universe. Our teacher, John Mathews, talks about how God brought order out of chaos and formed the world. He highlights the power of God's word in creation and emphasises that God is good, and all He does is good. This chapter serves as the foundation of understanding God's purpose and the beginning of life.

Death

Genesis 50 Stop Complaining!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The final chapter of Genesis highlights two funerals — Jacob’s and Joseph’s — while showcasing Joseph’s full forgiveness of his brothers. After Jacob’s burial in Canaan, the brothers are filled with fear that Joseph might now seek revenge, but Joseph reassures them with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” This reminds us to stop complaining and trust that God can transform tragedy for his purposes. Even in death, Jacob and Joseph demonstrate unwavering faith in God’s covenant promises.

Genesis 7 & 8 The Greatest Flood Ever

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Genesis 7 & 8 is “The Greatest Tsunami Ever.” These chapters describe God’s judgment on a wicked world through the great flood and his mercy in saving Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark. Water from both the heavens and the deep covered the earth, wiping out all life except those preserved in the ark. God’s faithfulness is shown as he remembers Noah, causes the waters to subside, and establishes a fresh start for humanity. The ark and its door symbolize salvation, and Noah’s faith in God’s word saved him.

End Times

Revelation 22 Winner Takes All

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In the final chapter of Revelation, Chapter 22, we hear Jesus’ promise of his soon return. This chapter paints a glorious picture of the new heaven and earth, with a crystal-clear river of life and the tree of life bearing fruit. It offers a great promise for those who believe in God, as they will dwell with him in this heavenly city. But there’s also a solemn warning for those who choose to continue in sin, revealing they will face eternal separation from God. The chapter ends with a call for everyone to come, drink from the water of life and be saved. The theme of this chapter is “Winner Takes All.”

Revelation 21 City of Light

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Revelation 21, the Apostle John shares his vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where a new Jerusalem descends from heaven. This chapter paints a picture of a glorious city of light where God dwells with his people. It offers hope and assurance for those who believe in God, revealing that they will inherit a place free from pain, death, and sorrow. However, it also warns that those who choose to live in sin will face the second death, a permanent separation from God.

Revelation 20 The Return of the Living Dead

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s study takes us through Revelation 20, themed “The Return of the Living Dead.” This chapter discusses the victory of Christ in the Battle of Armageddon, the imprisonment and final rebellion of Satan, and the eventual judgment of the dead. Importantly, we learn about the two resurrections: the first resurrection to eternal life for those who believe in Christ, and the second for the wicked. This chapter underscores the significance of faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of having our names in the Book of Life.

Revelation 18-19 The Market Collapses

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Our journey today takes us through Revelation Chapters 18 and 19. The theme for today is “The Market Collapses.” In Chapter 18, we learn about the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of worldly systems that oppose God. Chapter 19 transitions to a scene of joy and rejoicing as the faithful in heaven celebrate the destruction of evil and prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This study aims to remind us not to place our trust in earthly wealth or systems, but in God’s eternal kingdom.

Revelation 17 Lady in Red!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today, we dive into Revelation 17, with the theme “Lady in Red.” Here, we encounter a symbolic image of a prostitute dressed in purple and scarlet, riding a beast with seven heads and 10 horns. This “Lady in Red” represents a false religious system that deceives and leads people away from the truth of Jesus Christ. The chapter warns us about the dire consequences of following this path and urges us to stay true to God’s Word. The “beast” symbolizes the political powers that oppose God. This study will help us understand the importance of discerning truth and standing firm in our faith in the face of deception.

Revelation 15-16 Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we will delve into Revelation Chapters 15 and 16. The theme is “Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls.” We learn about the time of the end when God’s wrath is to be poured out on the earth. These chapters discuss the seven last plagues, symbolizing God’s final judgments on a disobedient world. Despite these harsh judgments, we are reminded of God’s righteousness and justice. This study will help us understand the severity of sin and the necessity of God’s judgment, while emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the end times.

Revelation 14 Time's Up!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “Time’s up!” We’re studying Revelation 14, where we learn about the 144,000 witnesses chosen by God, the final warnings given by angels and the ultimate judgment of Earth’s inhabitants. This chapter reminds us that everything happening in the world is not forever. There will come a time, known only to God, when judgment will be passed. The righteous will be harvested into God’s kingdom, while the unrighteous will face eternal judgment.

Revelation 13 The Mark of the Beast!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapter 13, where we explore the theme “The Mark of the Beast.” This chapter presents a sort of satanic trinity, involving the Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophet, in opposition to God and his people. The Beast, who receives power from the Dragon, forces all people to receive a mark, known as the Mark of the Beast. The number of the Beast, 666, represents the empire of humankind opposing God. Only those with their names written in the Book of Life, the true followers of Jesus Christ, will be free from the power of the Beast.

Revelation 12 The Lady and the Dragon!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we explore Revelation Chapter 12, focusing on the theme “the Lady and the Dragon.” This chapter represents the battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The Lady, representing the nation of Israel, gives birth to the Messiah, who will reign over the entire Earth. The Dragon, representing Satan, attempts to thwart God’s plan, but ultimately fails. The conflict continues with the Dragon pursuing the Lady, but God provides protection. The chapter concludes with the Dragon making war on the rest of her offspring, symbolizing the ongoing conflict between good and evil.

Revelation 10-11 No More Delay

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapters 10 and 11, under the theme “no more delay.” We explore the divine revelation with the two witnesses who, after being killed by the Antichrist, are resurrected and ascend into heaven. This is followed by the Seventh Trumpet blast, signaling that the kingdoms of the world will be handed over to God and his Christ, indicating that there will be no more delay. This is a testament to the inevitability of God’s reign forever and ever.

Revelation 8-9 Die Hard

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for Revelation Chapters 8 and 9 is “die hard,” which shows the unyielding nature of humanity even in the face of severe divine judgment. As the end of time approaches, people will become increasingly resistant to God, refusing to repent despite catastrophic events. In these chapters, the seventh seal is opened, introducing the Trumpet Judgments. The Earth experiences unprecedented disasters: a third of the world burns, seas turn to blood, waters become poisoned and darkness covers the skies. Yet, the people’s hearts remain hardened. Demonic creatures emerge, tormenting those without God’s seal. Despite the pain, humanity clings to its sinful ways rather than turning to God. This reveals the depth of human depravity and the danger of hardening one’s heart against the Almighty.

Revelation 7 144 Thousand

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 7 introduces us to the 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel who are marked with a seal for protection during the tribulation. This chapter also presents a countless multitude from every nation, dressed in white robes and praising God. The main theme is God’s mercy in the midst of judgment, as He marks His servants for protection and gathers a great multitude of believers from all nations.

Revelation 6 The Horsemen Of The Apocalypse!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 6 explores the opening of the seven seals, known as the “seal judgments,” marking the end of the age. As each seal is opened, a new judgment is unleashed upon the world. These judgments are symbolized by the four horsemen of the apocalypse: conquest, war, famine and death. The main theme of this chapter is the unveiling of God’s justice and judgment on the world’s rebellion and sin.

Revelation 4-5 Before the Throne

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 4 and 5 invite us to take a peek beyond our human limitations, revealing the eternal glory of Jesus Christ. We see him on his majestic throne, ruling heaven and Earth. The chapters delve into the vision of the Apostle John, who is shown a door standing open in heaven, a throne and various heavenly beings. The main theme revolves around the power and majesty of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, who is worthy of all praise and worship, and who will take back rightful ownership of the Earth.

Existence of God

Numbers 22-24 Balaam And His Talking Donkey

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 22-24 introduces Balaam, a prophet for hire, and his talking donkey. King Balak of Moab, fearing the Israelites, hires Balaam to curse them. God warns Balaam not to curse the nation He has blessed. When Balaam reluctantly agrees to go, his donkey sees an angel blocking the path and miraculously speaks to correct Balaam’s foolishness. Despite many attempts by Balak to manipulate him, Balaam can only speak God’s message, which contains blessings for Israel. These blessings reaffirm God’s unchanging promises to His people and foretell a coming star, the Messiah, who will rise from Jacob and rule forever. Through this story, we see God’s power over all creation, His unstoppable plans for His people, and the destructiveness of greed as exemplified in Balaam's eventual downfall.

Exodus 15-16 Praise or Complaint

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 15-16, the theme “Praise or Complaint?” contrasts the Israelites’ joy after crossing the Red Sea with their complaints in the wilderness. Chapter 15 begins with a joyful song of victory, praising God for His power and deliverance. But soon after, the people complain about bitter water and food shortages. God provides sweet water and manna, teaching them to trust Him daily. Manna, described as “bread from heaven,” symbolizes God’s provision and points to Jesus as the Bread of Life. These chapters remind us to choose gratitude over grumbling and trust God to meet our needs.

Exodus 9-10 The Gathering Storms!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 9-10, we see the theme “The Gathering Storms.” Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to obey God’s command to release the Israelites, and as a result, the plagues intensify. From the death of livestock to painful boils, destructive hail, locusts, and even a thick darkness, Egypt is devastated. Despite these signs, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. These chapters teach us the importance of listening to God and responding to His warnings before the consequences escalate. God demonstrates His power, control over nature, and care for His people, sparing the Israelites from the plagues. The lesson is clear: we must obey God the first time and not let our hearts grow hard like Pharaoh’s.

Exodus 5-6 Bricks Without Straw

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, discusses the challenges faced by Moses and the Israelites as they strive for freedom from slavery in Egypt. The theme revolves around facing difficulties with faith and trust in God’s promises.

Exodus 3 The Burning Bush

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This chapter delves into Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, where he receives his divine calling to confront the pharaoh and lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Through miraculous signs, God reassures Moses of his presence and power in fulfilling this mission.

Genesis 18 pt 2 Justice and Mercy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 18, we see the theme of “Justice and Mercy” play out as God reveals his plan to investigate the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes on behalf of his nephew Lot, pleading for mercy if 10 righteous people can be found in the city

Genesis 17 - 18a Closing The Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 17-18a reveals God’s reaffirmation of his covenant with Abraham. Abraham and Sarah receive new names, symbolizing their new roles in God’s plan. The covenant is sealed through circumcision, demonstrating obedience and faith. God visits Abraham to promise Isaac’s birth, challenging disbelief and reminding us that nothing is impossible for him.

Genesis 14

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 14 recounts war and rescue. Lot is kidnapped during a tribal war involving kings of the region. Abraham acts, leading 318 trained men to rescue Lot and retrieve the possessions taken. The chapter ends with a mysterious priest named Melchizedek blessing Abraham, showing us God’s provision and victory in battling spiritual or physical enemies

Genesis 12 A Route With No Map

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 12 introduces the story of Abraham while spotlighting themes of faith, obedience and God’s promises. Abraham is called by God to leave his home and journey to an unknown land. Despite not knowing the destination, Abraham obeys, trusting God to lead him. God makes a covenant with him, promising to bless him, make him a great nation, and bless all families of the Earth through him. The chapter also shows Abraham’s human flaws when he lies in Egypt, reminding us that even people of great faith can falter. Ultimately, this chapter teaches us to trust God’s plans even when the path is unclear.

Genesis 11 The Tower of Babel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme in Genesis Chapter 11 is the Tower of Babel and the human effort to achieve unity and greatness without God. We witness how people’s pride led them to build a tower to reach heaven, which resulted in God confusing their language and scattering them over the earth. This chapter also introduces us to Abraham, whose lineage leads to the Messiah, showing God’s plan of redemption for humanity.

Genesis 2

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today we explored Genesis 2, where we learned about the creation of man and woman. God created a perfect environment for man, the Garden of Eden, and gave him authority over other creatures. Man was not meant to be alone; thus, God created a woman to be his companion. This chapter shows us a time of innocence, where man and woman existed in harmony with nature, under God's guidelines. It establishes the divine design for family: a man and a woman, together for life, setting the foundation for all human relationships.

Genesis 1b Science and the Bible

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today's study explores the theme "Science and the Bible," focusing on the creation account in Genesis 1. Our teacher, John Mathews, emphasizes that both science and faith have their unique roles and that they need not conflict with each other. He explains the Bible's account that everything in the universe was created by God and was inherently good. The teacher also discusses the reliability of the Bible, the age of the earth, and the theory of evolution.

Genesis 1 Out of Chaos Order

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today's study, we explore Genesis 1, the first chapter of the Bible, where we learn about the creation of the universe. Our teacher, John Mathews, talks about how God brought order out of chaos and formed the world. He highlights the power of God's word in creation and emphasises that God is good, and all He does is good. This chapter serves as the foundation of understanding God's purpose and the beginning of life.

Fear

Genesis 50 Stop Complaining!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The final chapter of Genesis highlights two funerals — Jacob’s and Joseph’s — while showcasing Joseph’s full forgiveness of his brothers. After Jacob’s burial in Canaan, the brothers are filled with fear that Joseph might now seek revenge, but Joseph reassures them with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” This reminds us to stop complaining and trust that God can transform tragedy for his purposes. Even in death, Jacob and Joseph demonstrate unwavering faith in God’s covenant promises.

Genesis 28 Jacob's Ladder

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 28 marks the beginning of Jacob’s personal journey toward faith. Alone and afraid in the wilderness, he dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, revealing God’s active presence and assurance of his promises. Jacob begins to understand the importance of spiritual connection, expressing awe at God’s revelation. Though Jacob’s faith starts small, God’s covenant promises encourage him to take steps forward. This chapter shows us how moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal, as God often speaks the loudest during our times of difficulty.

Forgiveness

Leviticus 1-4 Obedience and Responsibility

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 26 teaches blessings versus curses based on obedience to God, while chapter 27 warns about vows and keeping promises. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains God’s desire for repentance when His people stray, showing His mercy despite severe consequences for sins like idolatry. Chapter 27 teaches that promises to God must be taken seriously because He values accountability. The study highlights how God’s justice and mercy work together and shows us the importance of taking personal responsibility in faith, obedience, and promises. As John reminds us, God doesn’t expect perfection but does expect genuine effort in seeking Him.

Leviticus 3-5 Peace With God and Man

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Leviticus 3-5 is “Peace With God and Man.” These chapters explain offerings meant to restore peace between people and God, and address how unintentional sins can be forgiven. The peace offering symbolized gratitude and a harmonious relationship with God, reminding us that gratitude strengthens our connection with Him. The sin offering covered unintentional sins, showing that all sin—whether small or accidental—interrupts our fellowship with God and requires atonement through the shedding of blood. The guilt offering focused on how sins and offenses against others required confession and restitution. These laws teach us to be thankful, confess wrongs, and repair relationships with neighbours. Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus paid the price for us through His blood, but peace with God and others still requires repentance, honesty, and humility.

Exodus 32 Getting Egypt Out of God’s People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites created a golden calf and fell into idolatry. This revealed their continued attachment to the sinful practices of Egypt. Moses interceded for the people, and God showed mercy, though consequences followed. This chapter reminds us that even after being saved, we must actively remove sin and worldly influences from our lives. God calls us to worship Him alone and to remain faithful, even when tempted to stray.

Exodus 21-23 Fair is Fair

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "Fair is Fair." These chapters contain laws that promote justice, compassion, and fairness in society. They cover topics such as slavery, personal injuries, property rights, and treatment of the vulnerable. These laws reflect God’s desire for His people to live in harmony and integrity. They also emphasize the importance of honesty, impartiality, and compassion for the poor and oppressed. While these laws were specific to ancient Israel, the principles of justice and mercy remain relevant today.

Genesis 43-45 The Power of Forgiveness

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This section focuses on the remarkable story of reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. After enduring betrayal, imprisonment and slavery, Joseph rose to power in Egypt. When famine struck, his brothers sought food but did not recognize the brother they had wronged. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph tested their hearts and chose forgiveness over bitterness. Joseph acknowledged that God had worked through their evil actions to bring about a greater good: the survival of many. This story demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and God’s ability to turn evil into good.

Genesis 42 A Blast From the Past

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 42 is a poignant chapter in which Joseph’s brothers unknowingly face him during the famine in Egypt. Joseph tests them to draw out repentance and gauge whether they have changed since selling him into slavery. The story emphasizes the weight of unresolved guilt and the power of God’s providence in restoring relationships. Joseph’s brothers begin to confront their past mistakes, leading to eventual reconciliation and healing in the chapters to come.

Genesis 13 Family Disputes

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 13 highlights how Abraham navigated a family dispute with his nephew Lot. Due to their large herds and limited space, tensions arose between their herdsmen, leading Abraham to propose a solution. He gave Lot the first choice of land, demonstrating humility and trust in God’s ultimate plan. This chapter teaches us how to handle conflicts gracefully, prioritize relationships, and trust God’s sovereignty even during difficult times.

Grace

Leviticus 3-5 Peace With God and Man

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Leviticus 3-5 is “Peace With God and Man.” These chapters explain offerings meant to restore peace between people and God, and address how unintentional sins can be forgiven. The peace offering symbolized gratitude and a harmonious relationship with God, reminding us that gratitude strengthens our connection with Him. The sin offering covered unintentional sins, showing that all sin—whether small or accidental—interrupts our fellowship with God and requires atonement through the shedding of blood. The guilt offering focused on how sins and offenses against others required confession and restitution. These laws teach us to be thankful, confess wrongs, and repair relationships with neighbours. Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus paid the price for us through His blood, but peace with God and others still requires repentance, honesty, and humility.

Genesis 50 Stop Complaining!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The final chapter of Genesis highlights two funerals — Jacob’s and Joseph’s — while showcasing Joseph’s full forgiveness of his brothers. After Jacob’s burial in Canaan, the brothers are filled with fear that Joseph might now seek revenge, but Joseph reassures them with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” This reminds us to stop complaining and trust that God can transform tragedy for his purposes. Even in death, Jacob and Joseph demonstrate unwavering faith in God’s covenant promises.

Genesis 43-45 The Power of Forgiveness

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This section focuses on the remarkable story of reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. After enduring betrayal, imprisonment and slavery, Joseph rose to power in Egypt. When famine struck, his brothers sought food but did not recognize the brother they had wronged. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph tested their hearts and chose forgiveness over bitterness. Joseph acknowledged that God had worked through their evil actions to bring about a greater good: the survival of many. This story demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and God’s ability to turn evil into good.

Genesis 42 A Blast From the Past

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 42 is a poignant chapter in which Joseph’s brothers unknowingly face him during the famine in Egypt. Joseph tests them to draw out repentance and gauge whether they have changed since selling him into slavery. The story emphasizes the weight of unresolved guilt and the power of God’s providence in restoring relationships. Joseph’s brothers begin to confront their past mistakes, leading to eventual reconciliation and healing in the chapters to come.

Genesis 38 A Family Scandal!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 38 shifts the focus to Judah and his family, highlighting immorality and broken promises. Judah’s two wicked sons die, and Tamar, the widow of Judah’s eldest son, seeks justice through unconventional means. She disguises herself as a prostitute and tricks Judah into fathering twin sons, Perez and Zerah. The chapter reveals themes of sin, hypocrisy and God’s grace, showing that even flawed individuals are woven into His redemptive plan. Perez becomes part of the lineage of Jesus, demonstrating the surprising ways God works through human frailty.

Genesis 27 Brother Against Brother

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 27 depicts betrayal and God’s sovereignty over human failings. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, with his mother Rebekah’s help, to steal Esau’s blessing. Despite human manipulation, God’s purposes prevailed, as Jacob was ultimately chosen over Esau. Esau’s bitterness and hatred against Jacob remind us of the dangers of despising spiritual privileges and pursuing fleshly desires. This chapter teaches that while humans may act out of selfish motives, God is still able to accomplish his good and perfect plans.

Genesis 13 Family Disputes

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 13 highlights how Abraham navigated a family dispute with his nephew Lot. Due to their large herds and limited space, tensions arose between their herdsmen, leading Abraham to propose a solution. He gave Lot the first choice of land, demonstrating humility and trust in God’s ultimate plan. This chapter teaches us how to handle conflicts gracefully, prioritize relationships, and trust God’s sovereignty even during difficult times.

Genesis 9 & 10 Hope For A New Humanity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This study guide covers Genesis Chapters 9 and 10, focusing on the theme of “Hope for a New Humanity.” In these chapters, God blesses Noah and his sons, instructing them to repopulate the earth. Noah’s sons are revealed as the ancestors of the world’s nations. God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by a flood again. The chapters also highlight the importance of respect for parents and the sanctity of human life.

Genesis 4A Second Chance

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is about “Second Chance.” Genesis Chapter 4 introduces us to Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. This chapter outlines the importance of offerings and the consequences of sin. It shows us that God is merciful and gives second chances, as demonstrated by his treatment of Cain, even after Cain committed the first murder by killing his brother Abel.

Jesus

Revelation 7 144 Thousand

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 7 introduces us to the 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel who are marked with a seal for protection during the tribulation. This chapter also presents a countless multitude from every nation, dressed in white robes and praising God. The main theme is God’s mercy in the midst of judgment, as He marks His servants for protection and gathers a great multitude of believers from all nations.

Revelation 6 The Horsemen Of The Apocalypse!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 6 explores the opening of the seven seals, known as the “seal judgments,” marking the end of the age. As each seal is opened, a new judgment is unleashed upon the world. These judgments are symbolized by the four horsemen of the apocalypse: conquest, war, famine and death. The main theme of this chapter is the unveiling of God’s justice and judgment on the world’s rebellion and sin.

Revelation 4-5 Before the Throne

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 4 and 5 invite us to take a peek beyond our human limitations, revealing the eternal glory of Jesus Christ. We see him on his majestic throne, ruling heaven and Earth. The chapters delve into the vision of the Apostle John, who is shown a door standing open in heaven, a throne and various heavenly beings. The main theme revolves around the power and majesty of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, who is worthy of all praise and worship, and who will take back rightful ownership of the Earth.

Revelation 3 Lukewarm!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s Mission 66 study with our teacher, John Mathews, delves into the messages for the last three of the seven churches in Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The overarching theme is “lukewarm,” as Jesus Christ critiques each church’s actions and spiritual state. The church in Sardis appears alive but is spiritually dead and needs to wake up. Philadelphia, though weak, has kept Jesus’ word and is promised protection from future trials. Laodicea is criticized for being lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — and is warned about complacency. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, seeking entrance into the hearts of believers to restore fellowship and urging them to be zealous and repent. These messages call for self-examination, urging believers to love Jesus as their first love, remain vigilant, awake, faithful and never lukewarm.

Revelation 1 The Beginning Of The End

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 1 serves as an introduction to the book, revealing that God showed John, while he was on the island of Patmos, the coming return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a message of hope to believers who were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. Even though the theme is “the beginning of the end,” for true believers in Christ it signifies the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal happiness. The return of Christ will be so glorious that it will completely outweigh all our present trials and sufferings.

Leadership

Exodus 7-8 Or Else!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, unfolds the narrative of Moses confronting the pharaoh with divine signs and plagues, demonstrating God

Exodus 5-6 Bricks Without Straw

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, discusses the challenges faced by Moses and the Israelites as they strive for freedom from slavery in Egypt. The theme revolves around facing difficulties with faith and trust in God’s promises.

Exodus 4 Signs and Wonders

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Chapter 4 reveals God equipping Moses with miraculous signs to convince the Hebrews and the pharaoh of his divine commission to lead the people out of Egypt. Through these signs, Moses learns to rely on God’s power rather than on his own strength.

Genesis 13 Family Disputes

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 13 highlights how Abraham navigated a family dispute with his nephew Lot. Due to their large herds and limited space, tensions arose between their herdsmen, leading Abraham to propose a solution. He gave Lot the first choice of land, demonstrating humility and trust in God’s ultimate plan. This chapter teaches us how to handle conflicts gracefully, prioritize relationships, and trust God’s sovereignty even during difficult times.

Love

Leviticus 17 & 19 Your Neighbor As Yourself

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 17 and 19 teach about holiness in worship and daily life. Chapter 17 focuses on proper sacrifice practices, warning against drinking blood and demanding that offerings be made only at the tabernacle. This ensured sacred practices weren’t corrupted by pagan rituals. Chapter 19 emphasizes God's command to love others, showing concern for the poor, elderly, and strangers. It also stresses fairness, truthfulness, and respect in relationships. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how these rules aimed to keep God’s people distinct from the immoral actions of surrounding pagan nations. These chapters remind us to honour God in worship and everyday actions. They challenge us to avoid spiritual compromise and treat others as God would—with justice, kindness, and love. Living by these principles glorifies God and uplifts those around us.

Revelation 2 First Love

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today on Mission 66, our teacher John Mathews takes us through Revelation 2, where we learn the importance of maintaining our “first love” for Jesus. The chapter contains letters to four different churches in Asia Minor, each with its own set of challenges and commendations. Jesus praises the church in Ephesus for their hard work and perseverance but points out they have abandoned their initial passionate love for him. Smyrna is commended for its faithfulness amid poverty and persecution, while Pergamum is called out for tolerating false teachings. Thyatira is recognized for its works and love but reprimanded for tolerating a false prophetess. The key takeaway is that our actions and endurance must be fueled by a deep, abiding love for Jesus, who is our primary reason for living faithfully. These letters remind us to self-reflect and realign our hearts to Jesus, ensuring we’re serving him out of love rather than obligation or habit.

Marriage & Family

Genesis 23 From Mourning to Joy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis Chapters 23 and 24, we see the transition from mourning to joy as Abraham deals with the death of his wife, Sarah, and then finds a wife for his son, Isaac. God works behind the scenes to fulfill his promises and bring blessings to Abraham’s family.

Genesis 17 - 18a Closing The Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 17-18a reveals God’s reaffirmation of his covenant with Abraham. Abraham and Sarah receive new names, symbolizing their new roles in God’s plan. The covenant is sealed through circumcision, demonstrating obedience and faith. God visits Abraham to promise Isaac’s birth, challenging disbelief and reminding us that nothing is impossible for him.

Genesis 16 A Short Cut That Does Not Lead to the Right Place

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 16 depicts Abraham and Sarah’s impatience with God’s timing. Feeling barren, Sarah gives her servant Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. Hagar conceives and is mistreated, fleeing to the wilderness. God intervenes, providing mercy and promises for Hagar and her son Ishmael. The chapter teaches the dangers of taking shortcuts and underscores God’s compassion even amid human mistakes

Pain and Suffering

Numbers 10-11 Complaint Department

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme was "complaint department." In chapter 10, the Israelites set out with high hopes and great expectations, but in chapter 11 they ran into the hot dry desert which sapped their strength and shortened their tempers. And as it often happens today, when hardship and difficulties come upon us, instead of praying, and trusting in God's provision, they complained to each other and criticized Moses. Let's remember to support our church leaders and remember that God is our only true source of any relief and supply.

Exodus 15-16 Praise or Complaint

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 15-16, the theme “Praise or Complaint?” contrasts the Israelites’ joy after crossing the Red Sea with their complaints in the wilderness. Chapter 15 begins with a joyful song of victory, praising God for His power and deliverance. But soon after, the people complain about bitter water and food shortages. God provides sweet water and manna, teaching them to trust Him daily. Manna, described as “bread from heaven,” symbolizes God’s provision and points to Jesus as the Bread of Life. These chapters remind us to choose gratitude over grumbling and trust God to meet our needs.

Exodus 01 During the Time of Slavery

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Exodus begins by recounting how God’s people, the Israelites, multiplied in Egypt after Joseph’s death. A new pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaved the Israelites and ruthlessly oppressed them out of fear of their growing population. Despite the pharaoh’s cruel orders, including infanticide, God preserved his people. Faithful midwives defied the king’s orders and obeyed God instead. The theme “during the time of slavery” reminds us that even in dark times of suffering, God is at work preparing deliverance and fulfilling his promises.

Genesis 46-47 Foreigners in a Strange Land

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters detail the reunion of Jacob’s family with Joseph in Egypt during a severe famine. God assures Jacob of his plan to make Israel a great nation even in a foreign land. Jacob’s family prospers in Goshen, and Joseph administers Egypt’s resources wisely during the famine. God’s provision through Joseph is evident as he uses hardship to fulfill his promises and set the stage for Israel’s redemption story. This reminds us that even in times when we feel out of place (“foreigners in a strange land”), God is working for his glory and our good.

Genesis 39 Is It Worth It To Do Right

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 39 continues Joseph’s story, revealing his integrity under great temptation. As a slave in Potiphar’s house, Joseph prospers because the Lord is with him. Potiphar’s wife tries relentlessly to seduce him, but Joseph refuses, declaring his loyalty both to God and his master. Though falsely accused, he remains steadfast in prison, where he finds favour with the prison keeper. This chapter reminds us that doing the right thing often brings temporary hardship but ultimately leads to God’s favour and reward.

Genesis 3b The Banquet of Consequences

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The second half of Genesis 3 talks about the aftermath of Adam and Eve's disobedience. When they ate the forbidden fruit, they set off a series of unfortunate consequences. This chapter highlights the reality of sin and its consequences, showing us that disobedience to God's commands leads to separation from Him, pain, hard labour, and ultimately death. It also reveals God's mercy in not allowing humans to live forever in a state of sin.

Parenting

Genesis 29 Double Trouble!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 29 recounts Jacob’s encounter with Laban, leading to deceit and “double trouble” in Jacob’s marriage. Jacob’s desire to marry Rachel led to hard work and patience. Laban tricked him, first giving him Leah instead, revealing the consequences of deception. This chapter shows how Jacob began to reap what he sowed, with interpersonal conflicts and favouritism causing rivalry between Leah and Rachel. Despite human struggles, God showed favour toward Leah by blessing her with children. God uses the imperfect relationships of people to further his purposes.

Genesis 26 I've Seen This Before

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 26 teaches us about repetitive human behaviour and God’s ongoing faithfulness. Isaac dealt with a famine like his father Abraham and repeated some mistakes, such as lying to Abimelech about his wife. Despite Isaac’s errors, God blessed him wherever he went. The chapter shows the importance of trusting God instead of leaning on fear and deception. Isaac’s ability to dig wells, symbolizing God’s provision, reminds us of the necessity of spiritual sustenance, represented by the living water of the Holy Spirit. Even amid human flaws, God’s purpose prevails.

Genesis 20-21 The Impossible Promise Fulfilled

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 20 and 21, we see how God fulfills his promise to Abraham and Sarah by giving them a son, Isaac, even though Sarah was barren. Despite various challenges and mistakes, God’s faithfulness prevails, showing that he always keeps his promises, even if it takes longer than expected.

Genesis 16 A Short Cut That Does Not Lead to the Right Place

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 16 depicts Abraham and Sarah’s impatience with God’s timing. Feeling barren, Sarah gives her servant Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. Hagar conceives and is mistreated, fleeing to the wilderness. God intervenes, providing mercy and promises for Hagar and her son Ishmael. The chapter teaches the dangers of taking shortcuts and underscores God’s compassion even amid human mistakes

Persecution

Exodus 01 During the Time of Slavery

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Exodus begins by recounting how God’s people, the Israelites, multiplied in Egypt after Joseph’s death. A new pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaved the Israelites and ruthlessly oppressed them out of fear of their growing population. Despite the pharaoh’s cruel orders, including infanticide, God preserved his people. Faithful midwives defied the king’s orders and obeyed God instead. The theme “during the time of slavery” reminds us that even in dark times of suffering, God is at work preparing deliverance and fulfilling his promises.

Physical Health

Leviticus 12 & 15 For Her And For Him

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 12 and 15 emphasize ceremonial purification related to everyday bodily functions. These chapters show that impurity isn’t always sinful—it’s often part of normal life. For instance, childbirth requires purification rituals, and bodily discharges make someone ceremonially unclean. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that these rules helped ensure the holiness of the tabernacle, where God dwelled among His people. While these ceremonial laws are not needed today, they remind us of the larger point: separation from impurity and striving to live holy lives. Jesus broke the barriers that separated us from God, offering full and permanent forgiveness. However, these chapters challenge us to recognize the importance of maintaining purity—not just outwardly but in our hearts, as sin still distorts every part of humanity. God asks us to be set apart for Him, even in how we handle everyday aspects of life.

Prayer

Numbers 18-20 A Torturous Trek

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 18-20 highlights responsibilities, purification rituals, and challenges faced during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. Priests and Levites were tasked with maintaining the tabernacle and relied on the people’s tithes for sustenance. The red heifer ceremony symbolized purification, foreshadowing Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice. Chapter 20 reveals the consequences of partial obedience through Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, symbolizing the importance of faith and prayer. Lastly, Moses’ brother Aaron dies, transferring the high priest’s duties to his son Eleazar. This torturous trek showed how disobedience, discouragement, and conflict impacted the nation, yet God remained faithful in guiding them toward the Promised Land.

Numbers 14 A Bad Report

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is the danger of complaining and rebellion against God-ordained leadership. The Israelites forgot about God's promises and miracles, and instead believed the bad report of the spies, leading to severe punishment. Moses' humility and prayer for the people are contrasted with the rebellion of the Israelites.

Exodus 17-18 Don't Be in Dismay Pray!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 17-18, the theme “Don’t Be in Dismay, Pray!” highlights God’s provision and guidance during challenges. In chapter 17, the Israelites complain about thirst, and God provides water from a rock. When the Amalekites attack, Moses prays while Joshua leads the battle. God’s power prevails when Moses’ hands are lifted, teaching the importance of prayer and teamwork. In chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This wisdom helps Moses avoid burnout and trains others for leadership. These chapters remind us that God provides for both our physical and spiritual needs when we trust Him.

Genesis 32-33 Wrestling With God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Wrestling with God.” Jacob wrestles in prayer and literally with the angel of God, learning to surrender his fears and trust in God’s provision. God gives him a new name, Israel, meaning “he struggles with God.” Jacob’s reunion with Esau, which he feared would end violently, turns out to be peaceful, showing how God can calm situations when we trust him. Jacob learned that relying on God rather than schemes leads to blessing, and that wrestling with God in prayer can bring transformation.

Prophecy

Numbers 22-24 Balaam And His Talking Donkey

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 22-24 introduces Balaam, a prophet for hire, and his talking donkey. King Balak of Moab, fearing the Israelites, hires Balaam to curse them. God warns Balaam not to curse the nation He has blessed. When Balaam reluctantly agrees to go, his donkey sees an angel blocking the path and miraculously speaks to correct Balaam’s foolishness. Despite many attempts by Balak to manipulate him, Balaam can only speak God’s message, which contains blessings for Israel. These blessings reaffirm God’s unchanging promises to His people and foretell a coming star, the Messiah, who will rise from Jacob and rule forever. Through this story, we see God’s power over all creation, His unstoppable plans for His people, and the destructiveness of greed as exemplified in Balaam's eventual downfall.

Exodus 7-8 Or Else!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, unfolds the narrative of Moses confronting the pharaoh with divine signs and plagues, demonstrating God

Genesis 40-41 From the Pit to the Palace

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 40-41, Joseph interprets dreams in prison, and his reputation eventually reaches Pharaoh, who is deeply troubled by his own dreams. Pharaoh’s visions of cows and grain foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s wisdom leads to his promotion to second-in-command over Egypt, tasked with preparing for the famine. These chapters reveal how God’s timing is perfect and how faithfulness through trials positions us for his greater purpose and blessings.

Genesis 17 - 18a Closing The Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 17-18a reveals God’s reaffirmation of his covenant with Abraham. Abraham and Sarah receive new names, symbolizing their new roles in God’s plan. The covenant is sealed through circumcision, demonstrating obedience and faith. God visits Abraham to promise Isaac’s birth, challenging disbelief and reminding us that nothing is impossible for him.

Genesis 14

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 14 recounts war and rescue. Lot is kidnapped during a tribal war involving kings of the region. Abraham acts, leading 318 trained men to rescue Lot and retrieve the possessions taken. The chapter ends with a mysterious priest named Melchizedek blessing Abraham, showing us God’s provision and victory in battling spiritual or physical enemies

Revelation 22 Winner Takes All

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In the final chapter of Revelation, Chapter 22, we hear Jesus’ promise of his soon return. This chapter paints a glorious picture of the new heaven and earth, with a crystal-clear river of life and the tree of life bearing fruit. It offers a great promise for those who believe in God, as they will dwell with him in this heavenly city. But there’s also a solemn warning for those who choose to continue in sin, revealing they will face eternal separation from God. The chapter ends with a call for everyone to come, drink from the water of life and be saved. The theme of this chapter is “Winner Takes All.”

Revelation 21 City of Light

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Revelation 21, the Apostle John shares his vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where a new Jerusalem descends from heaven. This chapter paints a picture of a glorious city of light where God dwells with his people. It offers hope and assurance for those who believe in God, revealing that they will inherit a place free from pain, death, and sorrow. However, it also warns that those who choose to live in sin will face the second death, a permanent separation from God.

Revelation 20 The Return of the Living Dead

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s study takes us through Revelation 20, themed “The Return of the Living Dead.” This chapter discusses the victory of Christ in the Battle of Armageddon, the imprisonment and final rebellion of Satan, and the eventual judgment of the dead. Importantly, we learn about the two resurrections: the first resurrection to eternal life for those who believe in Christ, and the second for the wicked. This chapter underscores the significance of faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of having our names in the Book of Life.

Revelation 18-19 The Market Collapses

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Our journey today takes us through Revelation Chapters 18 and 19. The theme for today is “The Market Collapses.” In Chapter 18, we learn about the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of worldly systems that oppose God. Chapter 19 transitions to a scene of joy and rejoicing as the faithful in heaven celebrate the destruction of evil and prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This study aims to remind us not to place our trust in earthly wealth or systems, but in God’s eternal kingdom.

Revelation 17 Lady in Red!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today, we dive into Revelation 17, with the theme “Lady in Red.” Here, we encounter a symbolic image of a prostitute dressed in purple and scarlet, riding a beast with seven heads and 10 horns. This “Lady in Red” represents a false religious system that deceives and leads people away from the truth of Jesus Christ. The chapter warns us about the dire consequences of following this path and urges us to stay true to God’s Word. The “beast” symbolizes the political powers that oppose God. This study will help us understand the importance of discerning truth and standing firm in our faith in the face of deception.

Revelation 15-16 Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we will delve into Revelation Chapters 15 and 16. The theme is “Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls.” We learn about the time of the end when God’s wrath is to be poured out on the earth. These chapters discuss the seven last plagues, symbolizing God’s final judgments on a disobedient world. Despite these harsh judgments, we are reminded of God’s righteousness and justice. This study will help us understand the severity of sin and the necessity of God’s judgment, while emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the end times.

Revelation 14 Time's Up!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “Time’s up!” We’re studying Revelation 14, where we learn about the 144,000 witnesses chosen by God, the final warnings given by angels and the ultimate judgment of Earth’s inhabitants. This chapter reminds us that everything happening in the world is not forever. There will come a time, known only to God, when judgment will be passed. The righteous will be harvested into God’s kingdom, while the unrighteous will face eternal judgment.

Revelation 13 The Mark of the Beast!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapter 13, where we explore the theme “The Mark of the Beast.” This chapter presents a sort of satanic trinity, involving the Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophet, in opposition to God and his people. The Beast, who receives power from the Dragon, forces all people to receive a mark, known as the Mark of the Beast. The number of the Beast, 666, represents the empire of humankind opposing God. Only those with their names written in the Book of Life, the true followers of Jesus Christ, will be free from the power of the Beast.

Revelation 12 The Lady and the Dragon!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we explore Revelation Chapter 12, focusing on the theme “the Lady and the Dragon.” This chapter represents the battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The Lady, representing the nation of Israel, gives birth to the Messiah, who will reign over the entire Earth. The Dragon, representing Satan, attempts to thwart God’s plan, but ultimately fails. The conflict continues with the Dragon pursuing the Lady, but God provides protection. The chapter concludes with the Dragon making war on the rest of her offspring, symbolizing the ongoing conflict between good and evil.

Revelation 10-11 No More Delay

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapters 10 and 11, under the theme “no more delay.” We explore the divine revelation with the two witnesses who, after being killed by the Antichrist, are resurrected and ascend into heaven. This is followed by the Seventh Trumpet blast, signaling that the kingdoms of the world will be handed over to God and his Christ, indicating that there will be no more delay. This is a testament to the inevitability of God’s reign forever and ever.

Revelation 8-9 Die Hard

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for Revelation Chapters 8 and 9 is “die hard,” which shows the unyielding nature of humanity even in the face of severe divine judgment. As the end of time approaches, people will become increasingly resistant to God, refusing to repent despite catastrophic events. In these chapters, the seventh seal is opened, introducing the Trumpet Judgments. The Earth experiences unprecedented disasters: a third of the world burns, seas turn to blood, waters become poisoned and darkness covers the skies. Yet, the people’s hearts remain hardened. Demonic creatures emerge, tormenting those without God’s seal. Despite the pain, humanity clings to its sinful ways rather than turning to God. This reveals the depth of human depravity and the danger of hardening one’s heart against the Almighty.

Revelation 6 The Horsemen Of The Apocalypse!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 6 explores the opening of the seven seals, known as the “seal judgments,” marking the end of the age. As each seal is opened, a new judgment is unleashed upon the world. These judgments are symbolized by the four horsemen of the apocalypse: conquest, war, famine and death. The main theme of this chapter is the unveiling of God’s justice and judgment on the world’s rebellion and sin.

Revelation 4-5 Before the Throne

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 4 and 5 invite us to take a peek beyond our human limitations, revealing the eternal glory of Jesus Christ. We see him on his majestic throne, ruling heaven and Earth. The chapters delve into the vision of the Apostle John, who is shown a door standing open in heaven, a throne and various heavenly beings. The main theme revolves around the power and majesty of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, who is worthy of all praise and worship, and who will take back rightful ownership of the Earth.

Revelation 3 Lukewarm!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s Mission 66 study with our teacher, John Mathews, delves into the messages for the last three of the seven churches in Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The overarching theme is “lukewarm,” as Jesus Christ critiques each church’s actions and spiritual state. The church in Sardis appears alive but is spiritually dead and needs to wake up. Philadelphia, though weak, has kept Jesus’ word and is promised protection from future trials. Laodicea is criticized for being lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — and is warned about complacency. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, seeking entrance into the hearts of believers to restore fellowship and urging them to be zealous and repent. These messages call for self-examination, urging believers to love Jesus as their first love, remain vigilant, awake, faithful and never lukewarm.

Revelation 2 First Love

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today on Mission 66, our teacher John Mathews takes us through Revelation 2, where we learn the importance of maintaining our “first love” for Jesus. The chapter contains letters to four different churches in Asia Minor, each with its own set of challenges and commendations. Jesus praises the church in Ephesus for their hard work and perseverance but points out they have abandoned their initial passionate love for him. Smyrna is commended for its faithfulness amid poverty and persecution, while Pergamum is called out for tolerating false teachings. Thyatira is recognized for its works and love but reprimanded for tolerating a false prophetess. The key takeaway is that our actions and endurance must be fueled by a deep, abiding love for Jesus, who is our primary reason for living faithfully. These letters remind us to self-reflect and realign our hearts to Jesus, ensuring we’re serving him out of love rather than obligation or habit.

Revelation 1 The Beginning Of The End

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 1 serves as an introduction to the book, revealing that God showed John, while he was on the island of Patmos, the coming return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a message of hope to believers who were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. Even though the theme is “the beginning of the end,” for true believers in Christ it signifies the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal happiness. The return of Christ will be so glorious that it will completely outweigh all our present trials and sufferings.

Resurrection

Revelation 20 The Return of the Living Dead

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s study takes us through Revelation 20, themed “The Return of the Living Dead.” This chapter discusses the victory of Christ in the Battle of Armageddon, the imprisonment and final rebellion of Satan, and the eventual judgment of the dead. Importantly, we learn about the two resurrections: the first resurrection to eternal life for those who believe in Christ, and the second for the wicked. This chapter underscores the significance of faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of having our names in the Book of Life.

Sanctification

Jude 1 Contend for the Faith

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme in the study of Jude 1 is “Contend for the Faith.” Jude, a leader in the early Christian church and brother of James, wrote this letter as a warning against false teachers. These teachers were distorting the truth and leading believers astray. Jude called for steadfastness in faith and warned against falling into heresy. He stressed the importance of staying true to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to resist the temptations of false prophets.

Science & the Bible

Genesis 1b Science and the Bible

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today's study explores the theme "Science and the Bible," focusing on the creation account in Genesis 1. Our teacher, John Mathews, emphasizes that both science and faith have their unique roles and that they need not conflict with each other. He explains the Bible's account that everything in the universe was created by God and was inherently good. The teacher also discusses the reliability of the Bible, the age of the earth, and the theory of evolution.

Sexual Purity

Leviticus 18 & 20 New Morality or Old Immorality

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters of Leviticus outline God's moral boundaries for human sexuality, emphasizing holiness and obedience. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how society's moral decay challenges faith, highlighting how sin extends its impact on communities and individuals. With examples like idol worship and sexual immorality, we understand God’s strict instructions to preserve purity. John encourages proactive resolve, like Daniel and Joseph, to resist temptation and obey God’s Word. This study reminds us to choose God’s standards over society’s influences and understand that the seemingly "new morality" today is just the old immorality under new labels.

Genesis 39 Is It Worth It To Do Right

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 39 continues Joseph’s story, revealing his integrity under great temptation. As a slave in Potiphar’s house, Joseph prospers because the Lord is with him. Potiphar’s wife tries relentlessly to seduce him, but Joseph refuses, declaring his loyalty both to God and his master. Though falsely accused, he remains steadfast in prison, where he finds favour with the prison keeper. This chapter reminds us that doing the right thing often brings temporary hardship but ultimately leads to God’s favour and reward.

Sin

Numbers 15-17 Intentional Sin

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Numbers 15-17, we see a contrast between God’s mercy towards unintentional sins and His firm judgment on intentional sins. A man gathering sticks on the Sabbath and Korah’s rebellion against Moses showed what happens when people disrespect God’s authority. Despite seeing miracles and being led by God, the Israelites grumbled and challenged their leaders. God made it clear that He chooses His leaders—confirming Aaron’s role by making his staff blossom.

Numbers 7-9 Preparing for the Presence of God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is "Preparing for the Presence of God" where the Israelites prepare for the dedication ceremony of the tabernacle. They bring offerings, wash and attire themselves properly, and reinstate the Passover celebration. When everything is done in good order, God shows up in a pillar of cloud and fire, indicating His presence and pleasure.

Leviticus 1-4 Obedience and Responsibility

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 26 teaches blessings versus curses based on obedience to God, while chapter 27 warns about vows and keeping promises. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains God’s desire for repentance when His people stray, showing His mercy despite severe consequences for sins like idolatry. Chapter 27 teaches that promises to God must be taken seriously because He values accountability. The study highlights how God’s justice and mercy work together and shows us the importance of taking personal responsibility in faith, obedience, and promises. As John reminds us, God doesn’t expect perfection but does expect genuine effort in seeking Him.

Leviticus 21-22 Complete Purity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 21 and 22 show the high standards set for Israel’s priests and their families. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how leaders must lead by example, maintaining purity in their lives. The laws emphasize offering the best to God, including physical health and proper sacrifices. John compares these responsibilities to modern leaders like pastors, showing that accountability and dedication are required. The study reminds us that God doesn’t need offerings but desires gratitude and obedience from His people. By following these regulations, holiness is upheld, enabling a closer relationship with God. This chapter challenges us to honour God in all areas of life, offering Him our best and holding others in spiritual leadership to high standards.

Leviticus 18 & 20 New Morality or Old Immorality

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters of Leviticus outline God's moral boundaries for human sexuality, emphasizing holiness and obedience. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how society's moral decay challenges faith, highlighting how sin extends its impact on communities and individuals. With examples like idol worship and sexual immorality, we understand God’s strict instructions to preserve purity. John encourages proactive resolve, like Daniel and Joseph, to resist temptation and obey God’s Word. This study reminds us to choose God’s standards over society’s influences and understand that the seemingly "new morality" today is just the old immorality under new labels.

Leviticus 17 & 19 Your Neighbor As Yourself

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 17 and 19 teach about holiness in worship and daily life. Chapter 17 focuses on proper sacrifice practices, warning against drinking blood and demanding that offerings be made only at the tabernacle. This ensured sacred practices weren’t corrupted by pagan rituals. Chapter 19 emphasizes God's command to love others, showing concern for the poor, elderly, and strangers. It also stresses fairness, truthfulness, and respect in relationships. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how these rules aimed to keep God’s people distinct from the immoral actions of surrounding pagan nations. These chapters remind us to honour God in worship and everyday actions. They challenge us to avoid spiritual compromise and treat others as God would—with justice, kindness, and love. Living by these principles glorifies God and uplifts those around us.

Leviticus 16 The Day of Atonement

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 16 details Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when the priest would make sacrifices to cover the sins of Israel. This was the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, symbolizing atonement through blood—the bull and goats sacrificed, including the scapegoat sent into the wilderness carrying the people’s sins. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that while the Old Testament sacrifices temporarily covered sins, they had to be repeated yearly. Today, Jesus is our ultimate atonement, offering a perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. This chapter shows God’s immense grace, His demand for holiness, and the cost of resisting sin. It asks believers to live repentant lives and fully embrace the forgiveness offered through Christ. This lesson reminds us why Jesus’s sacrifice is so significant and challenges us to live in gratitude for the salvation He provides.

Leviticus 13 & 14 Unclean! Unclean!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 focus on skin diseases like leprosy and the ceremonial rules surrounding them. The priests diagnosed and isolated lepers to protect the community and maintain tabernacle holiness. Our teacher, John Mathews, compares leprosy to sin—how it starts small, spreads, and damages lives. Sin, like disease, separates us from God and others. The chapters also remind us of Jesus touching and healing lepers, proving His power and breaking societal barriers. While we might not face physical leprosy today, these chapters encourage reflection on sin as an impurity needing purification. Jesus provides ultimate cleansing and restoration for all who turn to Him. This study reveals the importance of keeping purity in worship and resisting the spread of spiritual impurity in our lives and communities.

Leviticus 6-10 Holy Fire

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Aaron and his sons were chosen as priests to represent people before God. They were responsible for sacrifices as God instructed, reminding us to approach Him with reverence. When they followed God’s exact instructions, He demonstrated His approval through holy fire consuming the offering, showing that obedience matters. But Nadab and Abihu disrespected God by offering unauthorized "strange fire," leading to their immediate death—a warning against taking God lightly or disobeying His holiness. These chapters also show how God uses priests and church leaders to teach, guide, and offer sacrifices, pointing ahead to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest. Today, we approach God not through Old Testament priests but through Christ. We are all called to honour God deeply while being mindful of His holiness in our lives.

Leviticus 1-2 Worship Matters

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Leviticus 1-2, we see God establish a system of sacrifices to prepare His people to worship Him properly and deal with sin. The theme is “Worship Matters.” The sacrificial system showed that sin is serious and must be paid for—even unintentional sins. These sacrifices remind us that God is holy and cannot ignore sin, but they also point us toward Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice to take away sin permanently. Offering the best animals or grain demonstrated that worship should cost us something and involve effort. This is a challenge to give God our best in everything, trusting Him as our provider through offerings like the grain's “first fruits.” Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus redeemed us, but we’re still called to bring the best of our time, talents, and resources to honour God in worship and to demonstrate gratitude.

Exodus 32 Getting Egypt Out of God’s People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites created a golden calf and fell into idolatry. This revealed their continued attachment to the sinful practices of Egypt. Moses interceded for the people, and God showed mercy, though consequences followed. This chapter reminds us that even after being saved, we must actively remove sin and worldly influences from our lives. God calls us to worship Him alone and to remain faithful, even when tempted to stray.

Genesis 38 A Family Scandal!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 38 shifts the focus to Judah and his family, highlighting immorality and broken promises. Judah’s two wicked sons die, and Tamar, the widow of Judah’s eldest son, seeks justice through unconventional means. She disguises herself as a prostitute and tricks Judah into fathering twin sons, Perez and Zerah. The chapter reveals themes of sin, hypocrisy and God’s grace, showing that even flawed individuals are woven into His redemptive plan. Perez becomes part of the lineage of Jesus, demonstrating the surprising ways God works through human frailty.

Genesis 20 Raining Fire

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 19, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah showcases the consequences of living in sin and turning away from God. Lot and his family are rescued from the impending destruction, but not without facing the harsh realities of evil and judgment. This chapter serves as a warning against complacency and tolerance of sin, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in God.

Genesis 18 pt 2 Justice and Mercy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 18, we see the theme of “Justice and Mercy” play out as God reveals his plan to investigate the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes on behalf of his nephew Lot, pleading for mercy if 10 righteous people can be found in the city

Genesis 9 & 10 Hope For A New Humanity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This study guide covers Genesis Chapters 9 and 10, focusing on the theme of “Hope for a New Humanity.” In these chapters, God blesses Noah and his sons, instructing them to repopulate the earth. Noah’s sons are revealed as the ancestors of the world’s nations. God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by a flood again. The chapters also highlight the importance of respect for parents and the sanctity of human life.

Genesis 7 & 8 The Greatest Flood Ever

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Genesis 7 & 8 is “The Greatest Tsunami Ever.” These chapters describe God’s judgment on a wicked world through the great flood and his mercy in saving Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark. Water from both the heavens and the deep covered the earth, wiping out all life except those preserved in the ark. God’s faithfulness is shown as he remembers Noah, causes the waters to subside, and establishes a fresh start for humanity. The ark and its door symbolize salvation, and Noah’s faith in God’s word saved him.

Genesis 6 The Giant Corruption

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 6 teaches us about the growing corruption of humanity before the flood. Sin had spread widely, with people turning away from God and indulging in evil. Despite their rebellion, God showed patience by giving them 120 years to repent. However, their wickedness led to judgment in the form of a great flood. This chapter also introduces Noah, a righteous man who found favour with God because of his obedience. Through Noah, we see that faithfulness to God brings His protection and blessings, even during times of judgment. Key themes include the consequences of sin, God’s patience, and the rewards of righteousness.

Genesis 5 Through a Time Tunnel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s lesson, we focused on the genealogies in Genesis Chapter 5. We learned that these genealogies are not just lists of names, but important historical records that show how people are interconnected and significant to God’s plan. Most notably, we examined the different fates of the lines of Cain and Seth. While Cain’s line was marked by separation from God and eventually perished, Seth’s line, which included people who called upon the name of the Lord, survived, showing us the importance of reliance on God.

Genesis 4B The Downward Spiral

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “The Downward Spiral,” which focuses on Genesis Chapter 4. After Adam and Eve’s fall, Cain’s murder of Abel leads to a downward trajectory in humanity. Cain’s lineage, featuring figures like Lamech who justify their sins and move further away from God, represents this spiral. Simultaneously, the birth of Seth to Adam and Eve gives hope, as his descendants include those who call upon the name of the Lord. The study shows two different paths in history -- one that pursues a relationship with God and another that rejects him.

Genesis 4A Second Chance

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is about “Second Chance.” Genesis Chapter 4 introduces us to Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. This chapter outlines the importance of offerings and the consequences of sin. It shows us that God is merciful and gives second chances, as demonstrated by his treatment of Cain, even after Cain committed the first murder by killing his brother Abel.

Genesis 3b The Banquet of Consequences

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The second half of Genesis 3 talks about the aftermath of Adam and Eve's disobedience. When they ate the forbidden fruit, they set off a series of unfortunate consequences. This chapter highlights the reality of sin and its consequences, showing us that disobedience to God's commands leads to separation from Him, pain, hard labour, and ultimately death. It also reveals God's mercy in not allowing humans to live forever in a state of sin.

Genesis 3a Fig Leaves

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we dive into Genesis 3, exploring the theme of "The Fall of Man and the Fig Leaves." This chapter tells us about Adam and Eve's disobedience to God's command, the deceit of the serpent, and the consequences of their actions. It also discusses their attempts to cover up their wrongdoings using fig leaves, which symbolizes our human attempts to hide our sins and make ourselves appear righteous.

Genesis 2

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today we explored Genesis 2, where we learned about the creation of man and woman. God created a perfect environment for man, the Garden of Eden, and gave him authority over other creatures. Man was not meant to be alone; thus, God created a woman to be his companion. This chapter shows us a time of innocence, where man and woman existed in harmony with nature, under God's guidelines. It establishes the divine design for family: a man and a woman, together for life, setting the foundation for all human relationships.

Stress

Genesis 16 A Short Cut That Does Not Lead to the Right Place

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 16 depicts Abraham and Sarah’s impatience with God’s timing. Feeling barren, Sarah gives her servant Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. Hagar conceives and is mistreated, fleeing to the wilderness. God intervenes, providing mercy and promises for Hagar and her son Ishmael. The chapter teaches the dangers of taking shortcuts and underscores God’s compassion even amid human mistakes

Temptation

Genesis 39 Is It Worth It To Do Right

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 39 continues Joseph’s story, revealing his integrity under great temptation. As a slave in Potiphar’s house, Joseph prospers because the Lord is with him. Potiphar’s wife tries relentlessly to seduce him, but Joseph refuses, declaring his loyalty both to God and his master. Though falsely accused, he remains steadfast in prison, where he finds favour with the prison keeper. This chapter reminds us that doing the right thing often brings temporary hardship but ultimately leads to God’s favour and reward.

Theology & Doctrine

Numbers 22-24 Balaam And His Talking Donkey

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 22-24 introduces Balaam, a prophet for hire, and his talking donkey. King Balak of Moab, fearing the Israelites, hires Balaam to curse them. God warns Balaam not to curse the nation He has blessed. When Balaam reluctantly agrees to go, his donkey sees an angel blocking the path and miraculously speaks to correct Balaam’s foolishness. Despite many attempts by Balak to manipulate him, Balaam can only speak God’s message, which contains blessings for Israel. These blessings reaffirm God’s unchanging promises to His people and foretell a coming star, the Messiah, who will rise from Jacob and rule forever. Through this story, we see God’s power over all creation, His unstoppable plans for His people, and the destructiveness of greed as exemplified in Balaam's eventual downfall.

Numbers 21 The Serpent That Brought The Cure

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 21 teaches us about sin, faith, salvation, and God’s miraculous provision. The Israelites complained against God and Moses, facing discipline when fiery serpents attacked. Their repentance brought a cure—Moses lifted a bronze serpent on a pole, and whoever looked on it in faith was healed. This symbol points to Jesus, who said, "As Moses lifted up the serpent, the Son of Man must also be lifted up." Like the Israelites bit by snakes, we are poisoned by sin, but salvation is freely offered through Jesus’ sacrifice. Later, Israel gained military victories over kings Sihon and Og, showing God’s protection as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The lesson is clear: salvation is so simple—faith in God’s plan leads to healing, forgiveness, and new life.

Numbers 15-17 Intentional Sin

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Numbers 15-17, we see a contrast between God’s mercy towards unintentional sins and His firm judgment on intentional sins. A man gathering sticks on the Sabbath and Korah’s rebellion against Moses showed what happens when people disrespect God’s authority. Despite seeing miracles and being led by God, the Israelites grumbled and challenged their leaders. God made it clear that He chooses His leaders—confirming Aaron’s role by making his staff blossom.

Numbers 14 A Bad Report

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is the danger of complaining and rebellion against God-ordained leadership. The Israelites forgot about God's promises and miracles, and instead believed the bad report of the spies, leading to severe punishment. Moses' humility and prayer for the people are contrasted with the rebellion of the Israelites.

Numbers 12-13 Being Careful With Our Words

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is being careful with our words and having faith in God's power. We learn from Aaron and Miriam's mistake of speaking against Moses, and from the spies who were sent to check out the land of Canaan. The ones with faith, like Joshua and Caleb, were in the minority, but they trusted God to give them the land. We also see the importance of humility and meekness, as exemplified by Moses, who was able to write the first five books of the Bible without promoting himself.

Numbers 10-11 Complaint Department

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme was "complaint department." In chapter 10, the Israelites set out with high hopes and great expectations, but in chapter 11 they ran into the hot dry desert which sapped their strength and shortened their tempers. And as it often happens today, when hardship and difficulties come upon us, instead of praying, and trusting in God's provision, they complained to each other and criticized Moses. Let's remember to support our church leaders and remember that God is our only true source of any relief and supply.

Numbers 7-9 Preparing for the Presence of God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is "Preparing for the Presence of God" where the Israelites prepare for the dedication ceremony of the tabernacle. They bring offerings, wash and attire themselves properly, and reinstate the Passover celebration. When everything is done in good order, God shows up in a pillar of cloud and fire, indicating His presence and pleasure.

Numbers 5-6 A Holy God and a Purified People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
A holy God and a purified people is the theme for today's study on Mission 66. Chapter 5 discusses a test to confirm guilt or affirm innocence for any woman accused of adultery, while chapter 6 explores the ceremonial purity required of anyone wishing to submit to the Nazirite Vow. This vow includes not drinking wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with death. The chapter ends with a beautiful blessing from God.

Numbers 1-4 A Head Count

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The Israelites were commanded by God to conduct a census of all the tribes, counting men from 20 years and older, to determine each tribe's numerical strength for future combat. The Levites were exempted from this census, but Moses counted them separately later. The camp was arranged by tribes, with the order in which they were to set out and regroup later also specified. The sons of Aaron were ordained as the chief priests, and the Levites as their assistants, with each of the three sons of Levi (Kohath, Merari, and Gershom) in charge of different aspects of the tabernacle when it was to be disassembled, transported, and reassembled in the next location.

Leviticus 1-4 Obedience and Responsibility

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 26 teaches blessings versus curses based on obedience to God, while chapter 27 warns about vows and keeping promises. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains God’s desire for repentance when His people stray, showing His mercy despite severe consequences for sins like idolatry. Chapter 27 teaches that promises to God must be taken seriously because He values accountability. The study highlights how God’s justice and mercy work together and shows us the importance of taking personal responsibility in faith, obedience, and promises. As John reminds us, God doesn’t expect perfection but does expect genuine effort in seeking Him.

Leviticus 23-25 The Feast Days of Israel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God gives Israel instructions for feast days and the Sabbath, teaching gratitude, rest, and trust. Our teacher, John Mathews, reveals how these feasts celebrated God’s blessings and reminded the people of His provision, faithfulness, and future promises. The Sabbatical year allowed land to rest, teaching sustainable practices, while the Year of Jubilee emphasized forgiveness and resetting relationships. John highlights how each feast foreshadows Jesus Christ, from His crucifixion on Passover to the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost. This study calls us to rest in God’s promises, celebrate His blessings, and trust His provision through intentional gratitude.

Leviticus 21-22 Complete Purity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 21 and 22 show the high standards set for Israel’s priests and their families. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how leaders must lead by example, maintaining purity in their lives. The laws emphasize offering the best to God, including physical health and proper sacrifices. John compares these responsibilities to modern leaders like pastors, showing that accountability and dedication are required. The study reminds us that God doesn’t need offerings but desires gratitude and obedience from His people. By following these regulations, holiness is upheld, enabling a closer relationship with God. This chapter challenges us to honour God in all areas of life, offering Him our best and holding others in spiritual leadership to high standards.

Leviticus 18 & 20 New Morality or Old Immorality

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters of Leviticus outline God's moral boundaries for human sexuality, emphasizing holiness and obedience. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how society's moral decay challenges faith, highlighting how sin extends its impact on communities and individuals. With examples like idol worship and sexual immorality, we understand God’s strict instructions to preserve purity. John encourages proactive resolve, like Daniel and Joseph, to resist temptation and obey God’s Word. This study reminds us to choose God’s standards over society’s influences and understand that the seemingly "new morality" today is just the old immorality under new labels.

Leviticus 16 The Day of Atonement

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 16 details Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when the priest would make sacrifices to cover the sins of Israel. This was the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, symbolizing atonement through blood—the bull and goats sacrificed, including the scapegoat sent into the wilderness carrying the people’s sins. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that while the Old Testament sacrifices temporarily covered sins, they had to be repeated yearly. Today, Jesus is our ultimate atonement, offering a perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. This chapter shows God’s immense grace, His demand for holiness, and the cost of resisting sin. It asks believers to live repentant lives and fully embrace the forgiveness offered through Christ. This lesson reminds us why Jesus’s sacrifice is so significant and challenges us to live in gratitude for the salvation He provides.

Leviticus 13 & 14 Unclean! Unclean!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 focus on skin diseases like leprosy and the ceremonial rules surrounding them. The priests diagnosed and isolated lepers to protect the community and maintain tabernacle holiness. Our teacher, John Mathews, compares leprosy to sin—how it starts small, spreads, and damages lives. Sin, like disease, separates us from God and others. The chapters also remind us of Jesus touching and healing lepers, proving His power and breaking societal barriers. While we might not face physical leprosy today, these chapters encourage reflection on sin as an impurity needing purification. Jesus provides ultimate cleansing and restoration for all who turn to Him. This study reveals the importance of keeping purity in worship and resisting the spread of spiritual impurity in our lives and communities.

Leviticus 12 & 15 For Her And For Him

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 12 and 15 emphasize ceremonial purification related to everyday bodily functions. These chapters show that impurity isn’t always sinful—it’s often part of normal life. For instance, childbirth requires purification rituals, and bodily discharges make someone ceremonially unclean. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that these rules helped ensure the holiness of the tabernacle, where God dwelled among His people. While these ceremonial laws are not needed today, they remind us of the larger point: separation from impurity and striving to live holy lives. Jesus broke the barriers that separated us from God, offering full and permanent forgiveness. However, these chapters challenge us to recognize the importance of maintaining purity—not just outwardly but in our hearts, as sin still distorts every part of humanity. God asks us to be set apart for Him, even in how we handle everyday aspects of life.

Leviticus 11 Impurity Should Not Be On The Menu

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 11 talks about pure and impure animals in the Old Testament dietary laws. These laws weren’t just about food—they taught deep spiritual lessons. Clean animals like those that chew their cud symbolize ruminating over God’s Word, while parted-hoof animals represent a separated, holy walk. Both traits are necessary to live a God-honouring life: focusing on the Word and living set apart from the world. God used these dietary laws to teach holiness, reminding the Israelites to stay distinct from pagan practices and impurities. While these ceremonial laws are no longer required for Christians today, striving for holiness remains important. Our teacher, John Mathews, reminds us that impurity doesn’t just come from outward things—it often comes from within. Ultimately, God calls us to be holy because He is holy, setting a higher standard for living lives that honour Him.

Leviticus 6-10 Holy Fire

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Aaron and his sons were chosen as priests to represent people before God. They were responsible for sacrifices as God instructed, reminding us to approach Him with reverence. When they followed God’s exact instructions, He demonstrated His approval through holy fire consuming the offering, showing that obedience matters. But Nadab and Abihu disrespected God by offering unauthorized "strange fire," leading to their immediate death—a warning against taking God lightly or disobeying His holiness. These chapters also show how God uses priests and church leaders to teach, guide, and offer sacrifices, pointing ahead to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest. Today, we approach God not through Old Testament priests but through Christ. We are all called to honour God deeply while being mindful of His holiness in our lives.

Leviticus 1-2 Worship Matters

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Leviticus 1-2, we see God establish a system of sacrifices to prepare His people to worship Him properly and deal with sin. The theme is “Worship Matters.” The sacrificial system showed that sin is serious and must be paid for—even unintentional sins. These sacrifices remind us that God is holy and cannot ignore sin, but they also point us toward Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice to take away sin permanently. Offering the best animals or grain demonstrated that worship should cost us something and involve effort. This is a challenge to give God our best in everything, trusting Him as our provider through offerings like the grain's “first fruits.” Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus redeemed us, but we’re still called to bring the best of our time, talents, and resources to honour God in worship and to demonstrate gratitude.

Exodus 35-40 Glory of God Through Worship

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This part of the Bible describes how the tabernacle was built and how God manifested His glory in it. The tabernacle was a place of worship, representing God’s presence among His people—just like the Garden of Eden originally did. The tabernacle’s construction reminds us that serving God involves effort. God provided wisdom and skills to workers like Bezalel and Oholiab, as well as the materials needed to glorify Him. The completion of the tabernacle and the arrival of God’s glory within it show His faithfulness when we follow His instructions. It also represents God’s desire to live among His people and foreshadows Jesus, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Today, we are God’s tabernacles when we worship Him with true devotion.

Exodus 33-34 The Glory and The Veil

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme in Exodus 33-34 is “The Glory and the Veil.” God renews His covenant with Israel after their sin of worshiping the golden calf. Moses spent time in God's presence, and his face shone as a result. This reminds us of spending time with God transforms us in visible ways! Moses used a veil because Israel couldn’t fully grasp the glory of God, highlighting how unbelief veils hearts from seeing God’s glory. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, this veil is removed, revealing God’s love and greatness. We also learn that while Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law, His moral commands still matter today. God's love, patience, and willingness to forgive remind us that there’s always hope for us, no matter how far we’ve fallen, if we come to Him with a truly repentant heart.

Exodus 32 Getting Egypt Out of God’s People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites created a golden calf and fell into idolatry. This revealed their continued attachment to the sinful practices of Egypt. Moses interceded for the people, and God showed mercy, though consequences followed. This chapter reminds us that even after being saved, we must actively remove sin and worldly influences from our lives. God calls us to worship Him alone and to remain faithful, even when tempted to stray.

Exodus 26-31 The Lost Ark Isn’t Lost, Just Replaced

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the consecration of the priests. The Ark of the Covenant was the centrepiece, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and authority. The priesthood and sacrifices allowed the Israelites to approach a holy God. However, the Ark and Tabernacle were temporary. In Christ, we now have a far better representation of God’s presence. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tabernacle, offering us direct access to God.

Exodus 24-25 Marking His Presence

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God reconfirms His covenant with the Israelites and provides instructions for building the Tabernacle, a physical representation of His presence among His people. The Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, and other sacred furnishings are described in detail. These items symbolize God’s holiness, provision, and authority. The Tabernacle served as a central place for worship, fostering unity among the Israelites. Ultimately, these foreshadow Christ, who perfectly fulfills God’s plan to dwell with His people.

Exodus 21-23 Fair is Fair

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "Fair is Fair." These chapters contain laws that promote justice, compassion, and fairness in society. They cover topics such as slavery, personal injuries, property rights, and treatment of the vulnerable. These laws reflect God’s desire for His people to live in harmony and integrity. They also emphasize the importance of honesty, impartiality, and compassion for the poor and oppressed. While these laws were specific to ancient Israel, the principles of justice and mercy remain relevant today.

Exodus 19-20 The Covenant of Law

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "The Covenant of Law." In these chapters, God establishes His covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, giving the Ten Commandments as the foundation of His moral law. The Israelites are called to be a holy nation, set apart for God. God’s presence is revealed in thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire, demonstrating His holiness. The Ten Commandments remind us of God’s standards and show us how far short we fall, pointing us to our need for salvation through Jesus Christ. While we cannot perfectly keep the law, it remains a guide for godly living, and our obedience reflects our gratitude for God’s grace.

Exodus 17-18 Don't Be in Dismay Pray!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 17-18, the theme “Don’t Be in Dismay, Pray!” highlights God’s provision and guidance during challenges. In chapter 17, the Israelites complain about thirst, and God provides water from a rock. When the Amalekites attack, Moses prays while Joshua leads the battle. God’s power prevails when Moses’ hands are lifted, teaching the importance of prayer and teamwork. In chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This wisdom helps Moses avoid burnout and trains others for leadership. These chapters remind us that God provides for both our physical and spiritual needs when we trust Him.

Exodus 13-14 Stand Firm and See

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 13-14, the theme “Stand Firm and See” shows us how God leads His people. After freeing the Israelites from slavery, God leads them to the Red Sea, where Pharaoh’s army traps them. The Israelites panic, but Moses tells them to trust God. God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land while drowning Pharaoh’s army. This incredible miracle demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness. Chapter 13 also introduces the importance of dedicating firstborns to God and celebrating the Passover as a reminder of His deliverance. These chapters teach us to trust God, even in impossible situations, and to remember His faithfulness.

Exodus 11-12 The First Passover

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 11-12, the theme is “The First Passover.” God prepares to deliver the final and most devastating plague: the death of the firstborn in Egypt. However, He gives the Israelites specific instructions to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act of faith protects their households from the death angel. The Israelites obey, and the plague strikes Egypt, leading Pharaoh to finally release them. The Passover foreshadows Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice brings salvation. These chapters remind us of God’s power, His deliverance of His people, and the importance of obedience and faith in His plan.

Exodus 9-10 The Gathering Storms!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 9-10, we see the theme “The Gathering Storms.” Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to obey God’s command to release the Israelites, and as a result, the plagues intensify. From the death of livestock to painful boils, destructive hail, locusts, and even a thick darkness, Egypt is devastated. Despite these signs, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. These chapters teach us the importance of listening to God and responding to His warnings before the consequences escalate. God demonstrates His power, control over nature, and care for His people, sparing the Israelites from the plagues. The lesson is clear: we must obey God the first time and not let our hearts grow hard like Pharaoh’s.

Exodus 4 Signs and Wonders

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Chapter 4 reveals God equipping Moses with miraculous signs to convince the Hebrews and the pharaoh of his divine commission to lead the people out of Egypt. Through these signs, Moses learns to rely on God’s power rather than on his own strength.

Exodus 3 The Burning Bush

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This chapter delves into Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, where he receives his divine calling to confront the pharaoh and lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Through miraculous signs, God reassures Moses of his presence and power in fulfilling this mission.

Exodus 44 Baby Versus Pharaoh

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this chapter, we learn about Moses, a significant figure chosen by God to deliver the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Moses, despite his upbringing in the pharaoh’s palace, is revealed to be of Hebrew descent, setting the stage for his divine call to lead his people to freedom.

Genesis 48-49 Looking Ahead!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Jacob’s final days, he blesses Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. God’s sovereignty is evident as Jacob crosses his hands and gives the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger brother. Likewise, God’s sovereignty is further demonstrated as Jacob blesses his own sons, revealing their future roles in the nation of Israel. The theme “looking ahead” reminds us God is in control of history and the future. Though we face uncertainty, we can trust God’s guidance over our lives and the lives of future generations.

Genesis 40-41 From the Pit to the Palace

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 40-41, Joseph interprets dreams in prison, and his reputation eventually reaches Pharaoh, who is deeply troubled by his own dreams. Pharaoh’s visions of cows and grain foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s wisdom leads to his promotion to second-in-command over Egypt, tasked with preparing for the famine. These chapters reveal how God’s timing is perfect and how faithfulness through trials positions us for his greater purpose and blessings.

Genesis 35-36 Opposite Sides

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Opposite Sides.” Jacob’s family becomes more devoted to God’s covenant by purifying themselves and rejecting idols, while Esau and his descendants move away from the covenant and ally themselves with ungodly nations. This chapter demonstrates separation — not merely physical but spiritual — between those who follow God and those who reject him. The story urges us to evaluate which side we are on: God’s side or the world’s side.

Genesis 31 Jacob On The Run

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is “Jacob on the Run.” Jacob decided to leave Laban’s oppressive household and return to his homeland, prompted by God. Despite Laban’s attempts to cheat Jacob repeatedly, God protected and prospered him. As Jacob fled, Laban pursued him, but God warned Laban against harming Jacob. This chapter highlights God’s justice and provision — God sees all injustice and acts in his time. Jacob’s confrontation with Laban teaches us about dealing with false accusations and trusting God’s protection, even when circumstances seem hostile. Justice may take time, but God always prevails

Genesis 30 Honesty is the Best Investment

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “Honesty is the Best Investment.” Jacob suffered deceit and unfair treatment from his uncle Laban, yet God continued blessing him. Despite Laban’s schemes to diminish Jacob’s prosperity, God intervened to give Jacob fruitful livestock and a growing family. This chapter shows us that God’s blessings come not through human effort or tricks but through faith and divine provision. Jacob learned that relying on superstitions and personal schemes is futile, as prosperity ultimately depends on God’s generosity. The story emphasizes that even when others are dishonest, God’s faithfulness prevails.

Genesis 28 Jacob's Ladder

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 28 marks the beginning of Jacob’s personal journey toward faith. Alone and afraid in the wilderness, he dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, revealing God’s active presence and assurance of his promises. Jacob begins to understand the importance of spiritual connection, expressing awe at God’s revelation. Though Jacob’s faith starts small, God’s covenant promises encourage him to take steps forward. This chapter shows us how moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal, as God often speaks the loudest during our times of difficulty.

Genesis 27 Brother Against Brother

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 27 depicts betrayal and God’s sovereignty over human failings. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, with his mother Rebekah’s help, to steal Esau’s blessing. Despite human manipulation, God’s purposes prevailed, as Jacob was ultimately chosen over Esau. Esau’s bitterness and hatred against Jacob remind us of the dangers of despising spiritual privileges and pursuing fleshly desires. This chapter teaches that while humans may act out of selfish motives, God is still able to accomplish his good and perfect plans.

Genesis 26 I've Seen This Before

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 26 teaches us about repetitive human behaviour and God’s ongoing faithfulness. Isaac dealt with a famine like his father Abraham and repeated some mistakes, such as lying to Abimelech about his wife. Despite Isaac’s errors, God blessed him wherever he went. The chapter shows the importance of trusting God instead of leaning on fear and deception. Isaac’s ability to dig wells, symbolizing God’s provision, reminds us of the necessity of spiritual sustenance, represented by the living water of the Holy Spirit. Even amid human flaws, God’s purpose prevails.

Genesis 25 An Imperfect Choice for the Perfect Plan

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 25, we see the end of Abraham’s life and the continuation of God’s promises through his sons. The theme is God’s sovereign choices and the importance of valuing spiritual blessings. Society often judges based on outward appearances, but God values unseen qualities. Esau disqualified himself because he despised his birthright, prioritizing temporary needs above eternal blessings. This chapter reminds us to seek spiritual things and trust in God’s purpose. Generations pass, but God’s plan of redemption remains steadfast.

Genesis 22 Abraham's Greatest Test

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 22, we see Abraham facing his greatest test of faith when God asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham shows his unwavering obedience and trust in God, ultimately being provided with a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God’s will, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Genesis 20-21 The Impossible Promise Fulfilled

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 20 and 21, we see how God fulfills his promise to Abraham and Sarah by giving them a son, Isaac, even though Sarah was barren. Despite various challenges and mistakes, God’s faithfulness prevails, showing that he always keeps his promises, even if it takes longer than expected.

Genesis 20 Raining Fire

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 19, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah showcases the consequences of living in sin and turning away from God. Lot and his family are rescued from the impending destruction, but not without facing the harsh realities of evil and judgment. This chapter serves as a warning against complacency and tolerance of sin, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in God.

Genesis 18 pt 2 Justice and Mercy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 18, we see the theme of “Justice and Mercy” play out as God reveals his plan to investigate the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes on behalf of his nephew Lot, pleading for mercy if 10 righteous people can be found in the city

Genesis 15 The God Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 15 explores faith and God’s promises. Abraham, childless and wavering, questions God’s promise to provide descendants. God reassures Abraham, comparing his offspring to the stars in the sky. A covenant is sealed with a unique ceremony involving animals, showing God’s unconditional commitment to his promises. This chapter teaches patience, trust and God’s faithfulness.

Genesis 14

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 14 recounts war and rescue. Lot is kidnapped during a tribal war involving kings of the region. Abraham acts, leading 318 trained men to rescue Lot and retrieve the possessions taken. The chapter ends with a mysterious priest named Melchizedek blessing Abraham, showing us God’s provision and victory in battling spiritual or physical enemies

Genesis 12 A Route With No Map

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 12 introduces the story of Abraham while spotlighting themes of faith, obedience and God’s promises. Abraham is called by God to leave his home and journey to an unknown land. Despite not knowing the destination, Abraham obeys, trusting God to lead him. God makes a covenant with him, promising to bless him, make him a great nation, and bless all families of the Earth through him. The chapter also shows Abraham’s human flaws when he lies in Egypt, reminding us that even people of great faith can falter. Ultimately, this chapter teaches us to trust God’s plans even when the path is unclear.

Genesis 11 The Tower of Babel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme in Genesis Chapter 11 is the Tower of Babel and the human effort to achieve unity and greatness without God. We witness how people’s pride led them to build a tower to reach heaven, which resulted in God confusing their language and scattering them over the earth. This chapter also introduces us to Abraham, whose lineage leads to the Messiah, showing God’s plan of redemption for humanity.

Genesis 9 & 10 Hope For A New Humanity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This study guide covers Genesis Chapters 9 and 10, focusing on the theme of “Hope for a New Humanity.” In these chapters, God blesses Noah and his sons, instructing them to repopulate the earth. Noah’s sons are revealed as the ancestors of the world’s nations. God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by a flood again. The chapters also highlight the importance of respect for parents and the sanctity of human life.

Genesis 7 & 8 The Greatest Flood Ever

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Genesis 7 & 8 is “The Greatest Tsunami Ever.” These chapters describe God’s judgment on a wicked world through the great flood and his mercy in saving Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark. Water from both the heavens and the deep covered the earth, wiping out all life except those preserved in the ark. God’s faithfulness is shown as he remembers Noah, causes the waters to subside, and establishes a fresh start for humanity. The ark and its door symbolize salvation, and Noah’s faith in God’s word saved him.

Genesis 6 The Giant Corruption

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 6 teaches us about the growing corruption of humanity before the flood. Sin had spread widely, with people turning away from God and indulging in evil. Despite their rebellion, God showed patience by giving them 120 years to repent. However, their wickedness led to judgment in the form of a great flood. This chapter also introduces Noah, a righteous man who found favour with God because of his obedience. Through Noah, we see that faithfulness to God brings His protection and blessings, even during times of judgment. Key themes include the consequences of sin, God’s patience, and the rewards of righteousness.

Genesis 5 Through a Time Tunnel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s lesson, we focused on the genealogies in Genesis Chapter 5. We learned that these genealogies are not just lists of names, but important historical records that show how people are interconnected and significant to God’s plan. Most notably, we examined the different fates of the lines of Cain and Seth. While Cain’s line was marked by separation from God and eventually perished, Seth’s line, which included people who called upon the name of the Lord, survived, showing us the importance of reliance on God.

Genesis 4B The Downward Spiral

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “The Downward Spiral,” which focuses on Genesis Chapter 4. After Adam and Eve’s fall, Cain’s murder of Abel leads to a downward trajectory in humanity. Cain’s lineage, featuring figures like Lamech who justify their sins and move further away from God, represents this spiral. Simultaneously, the birth of Seth to Adam and Eve gives hope, as his descendants include those who call upon the name of the Lord. The study shows two different paths in history -- one that pursues a relationship with God and another that rejects him.

Genesis 4A Second Chance

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is about “Second Chance.” Genesis Chapter 4 introduces us to Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. This chapter outlines the importance of offerings and the consequences of sin. It shows us that God is merciful and gives second chances, as demonstrated by his treatment of Cain, even after Cain committed the first murder by killing his brother Abel.

Genesis 3a Fig Leaves

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we dive into Genesis 3, exploring the theme of "The Fall of Man and the Fig Leaves." This chapter tells us about Adam and Eve's disobedience to God's command, the deceit of the serpent, and the consequences of their actions. It also discusses their attempts to cover up their wrongdoings using fig leaves, which symbolizes our human attempts to hide our sins and make ourselves appear righteous.

Genesis 1 Out of Chaos Order

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today's study, we explore Genesis 1, the first chapter of the Bible, where we learn about the creation of the universe. Our teacher, John Mathews, talks about how God brought order out of chaos and formed the world. He highlights the power of God's word in creation and emphasises that God is good, and all He does is good. This chapter serves as the foundation of understanding God's purpose and the beginning of life.

Revelation 18-19 The Market Collapses

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Our journey today takes us through Revelation Chapters 18 and 19. The theme for today is “The Market Collapses.” In Chapter 18, we learn about the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of worldly systems that oppose God. Chapter 19 transitions to a scene of joy and rejoicing as the faithful in heaven celebrate the destruction of evil and prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This study aims to remind us not to place our trust in earthly wealth or systems, but in God’s eternal kingdom.

Revelation 15-16 Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we will delve into Revelation Chapters 15 and 16. The theme is “Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls.” We learn about the time of the end when God’s wrath is to be poured out on the earth. These chapters discuss the seven last plagues, symbolizing God’s final judgments on a disobedient world. Despite these harsh judgments, we are reminded of God’s righteousness and justice. This study will help us understand the severity of sin and the necessity of God’s judgment, while emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the end times.

Revelation 14 Time's Up!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “Time’s up!” We’re studying Revelation 14, where we learn about the 144,000 witnesses chosen by God, the final warnings given by angels and the ultimate judgment of Earth’s inhabitants. This chapter reminds us that everything happening in the world is not forever. There will come a time, known only to God, when judgment will be passed. The righteous will be harvested into God’s kingdom, while the unrighteous will face eternal judgment.

Revelation 13 The Mark of the Beast!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapter 13, where we explore the theme “The Mark of the Beast.” This chapter presents a sort of satanic trinity, involving the Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophet, in opposition to God and his people. The Beast, who receives power from the Dragon, forces all people to receive a mark, known as the Mark of the Beast. The number of the Beast, 666, represents the empire of humankind opposing God. Only those with their names written in the Book of Life, the true followers of Jesus Christ, will be free from the power of the Beast.

Revelation 12 The Lady and the Dragon!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we explore Revelation Chapter 12, focusing on the theme “the Lady and the Dragon.” This chapter represents the battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The Lady, representing the nation of Israel, gives birth to the Messiah, who will reign over the entire Earth. The Dragon, representing Satan, attempts to thwart God’s plan, but ultimately fails. The conflict continues with the Dragon pursuing the Lady, but God provides protection. The chapter concludes with the Dragon making war on the rest of her offspring, symbolizing the ongoing conflict between good and evil.

Revelation 10-11 No More Delay

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapters 10 and 11, under the theme “no more delay.” We explore the divine revelation with the two witnesses who, after being killed by the Antichrist, are resurrected and ascend into heaven. This is followed by the Seventh Trumpet blast, signaling that the kingdoms of the world will be handed over to God and his Christ, indicating that there will be no more delay. This is a testament to the inevitability of God’s reign forever and ever.

Revelation 8-9 Die Hard

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for Revelation Chapters 8 and 9 is “die hard,” which shows the unyielding nature of humanity even in the face of severe divine judgment. As the end of time approaches, people will become increasingly resistant to God, refusing to repent despite catastrophic events. In these chapters, the seventh seal is opened, introducing the Trumpet Judgments. The Earth experiences unprecedented disasters: a third of the world burns, seas turn to blood, waters become poisoned and darkness covers the skies. Yet, the people’s hearts remain hardened. Demonic creatures emerge, tormenting those without God’s seal. Despite the pain, humanity clings to its sinful ways rather than turning to God. This reveals the depth of human depravity and the danger of hardening one’s heart against the Almighty.

Revelation 7 144 Thousand

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 7 introduces us to the 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel who are marked with a seal for protection during the tribulation. This chapter also presents a countless multitude from every nation, dressed in white robes and praising God. The main theme is God’s mercy in the midst of judgment, as He marks His servants for protection and gathers a great multitude of believers from all nations.

Revelation 4-5 Before the Throne

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 4 and 5 invite us to take a peek beyond our human limitations, revealing the eternal glory of Jesus Christ. We see him on his majestic throne, ruling heaven and Earth. The chapters delve into the vision of the Apostle John, who is shown a door standing open in heaven, a throne and various heavenly beings. The main theme revolves around the power and majesty of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, who is worthy of all praise and worship, and who will take back rightful ownership of the Earth.

Revelation 3 Lukewarm!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s Mission 66 study with our teacher, John Mathews, delves into the messages for the last three of the seven churches in Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The overarching theme is “lukewarm,” as Jesus Christ critiques each church’s actions and spiritual state. The church in Sardis appears alive but is spiritually dead and needs to wake up. Philadelphia, though weak, has kept Jesus’ word and is promised protection from future trials. Laodicea is criticized for being lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — and is warned about complacency. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, seeking entrance into the hearts of believers to restore fellowship and urging them to be zealous and repent. These messages call for self-examination, urging believers to love Jesus as their first love, remain vigilant, awake, faithful and never lukewarm.

Revelation 2 First Love

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today on Mission 66, our teacher John Mathews takes us through Revelation 2, where we learn the importance of maintaining our “first love” for Jesus. The chapter contains letters to four different churches in Asia Minor, each with its own set of challenges and commendations. Jesus praises the church in Ephesus for their hard work and perseverance but points out they have abandoned their initial passionate love for him. Smyrna is commended for its faithfulness amid poverty and persecution, while Pergamum is called out for tolerating false teachings. Thyatira is recognized for its works and love but reprimanded for tolerating a false prophetess. The key takeaway is that our actions and endurance must be fueled by a deep, abiding love for Jesus, who is our primary reason for living faithfully. These letters remind us to self-reflect and realign our hearts to Jesus, ensuring we’re serving him out of love rather than obligation or habit.

Revelation 1 The Beginning Of The End

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 1 serves as an introduction to the book, revealing that God showed John, while he was on the island of Patmos, the coming return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a message of hope to believers who were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. Even though the theme is “the beginning of the end,” for true believers in Christ it signifies the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal happiness. The return of Christ will be so glorious that it will completely outweigh all our present trials and sufferings.

Jude 1 Contend for the Faith

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme in the study of Jude 1 is “Contend for the Faith.” Jude, a leader in the early Christian church and brother of James, wrote this letter as a warning against false teachers. These teachers were distorting the truth and leading believers astray. Jude called for steadfastness in faith and warned against falling into heresy. He stressed the importance of staying true to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to resist the temptations of false prophets.

Who is God?

Numbers 14 A Bad Report

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is the danger of complaining and rebellion against God-ordained leadership. The Israelites forgot about God's promises and miracles, and instead believed the bad report of the spies, leading to severe punishment. Moses' humility and prayer for the people are contrasted with the rebellion of the Israelites.

Exodus 35-40 Glory of God Through Worship

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This part of the Bible describes how the tabernacle was built and how God manifested His glory in it. The tabernacle was a place of worship, representing God’s presence among His people—just like the Garden of Eden originally did. The tabernacle’s construction reminds us that serving God involves effort. God provided wisdom and skills to workers like Bezalel and Oholiab, as well as the materials needed to glorify Him. The completion of the tabernacle and the arrival of God’s glory within it show His faithfulness when we follow His instructions. It also represents God’s desire to live among His people and foreshadows Jesus, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Today, we are God’s tabernacles when we worship Him with true devotion.

Exodus 33-34 The Glory and The Veil

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme in Exodus 33-34 is “The Glory and the Veil.” God renews His covenant with Israel after their sin of worshiping the golden calf. Moses spent time in God's presence, and his face shone as a result. This reminds us of spending time with God transforms us in visible ways! Moses used a veil because Israel couldn’t fully grasp the glory of God, highlighting how unbelief veils hearts from seeing God’s glory. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, this veil is removed, revealing God’s love and greatness. We also learn that while Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law, His moral commands still matter today. God's love, patience, and willingness to forgive remind us that there’s always hope for us, no matter how far we’ve fallen, if we come to Him with a truly repentant heart.

Exodus 26-31 The Lost Ark Isn’t Lost, Just Replaced

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the consecration of the priests. The Ark of the Covenant was the centrepiece, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and authority. The priesthood and sacrifices allowed the Israelites to approach a holy God. However, the Ark and Tabernacle were temporary. In Christ, we now have a far better representation of God’s presence. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tabernacle, offering us direct access to God.

Exodus 24-25 Marking His Presence

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God reconfirms His covenant with the Israelites and provides instructions for building the Tabernacle, a physical representation of His presence among His people. The Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, and other sacred furnishings are described in detail. These items symbolize God’s holiness, provision, and authority. The Tabernacle served as a central place for worship, fostering unity among the Israelites. Ultimately, these foreshadow Christ, who perfectly fulfills God’s plan to dwell with His people.

Genesis 23 From Mourning to Joy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis Chapters 23 and 24, we see the transition from mourning to joy as Abraham deals with the death of his wife, Sarah, and then finds a wife for his son, Isaac. God works behind the scenes to fulfill his promises and bring blessings to Abraham’s family.

Genesis 20-21 The Impossible Promise Fulfilled

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 20 and 21, we see how God fulfills his promise to Abraham and Sarah by giving them a son, Isaac, even though Sarah was barren. Despite various challenges and mistakes, God’s faithfulness prevails, showing that he always keeps his promises, even if it takes longer than expected.

Genesis 17 - 18a Closing The Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 17-18a reveals God’s reaffirmation of his covenant with Abraham. Abraham and Sarah receive new names, symbolizing their new roles in God’s plan. The covenant is sealed through circumcision, demonstrating obedience and faith. God visits Abraham to promise Isaac’s birth, challenging disbelief and reminding us that nothing is impossible for him.

Genesis 15 The God Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 15 explores faith and God’s promises. Abraham, childless and wavering, questions God’s promise to provide descendants. God reassures Abraham, comparing his offspring to the stars in the sky. A covenant is sealed with a unique ceremony involving animals, showing God’s unconditional commitment to his promises. This chapter teaches patience, trust and God’s faithfulness.

Wisdom

Exodus 35-40 Glory of God Through Worship

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This part of the Bible describes how the tabernacle was built and how God manifested His glory in it. The tabernacle was a place of worship, representing God’s presence among His people—just like the Garden of Eden originally did. The tabernacle’s construction reminds us that serving God involves effort. God provided wisdom and skills to workers like Bezalel and Oholiab, as well as the materials needed to glorify Him. The completion of the tabernacle and the arrival of God’s glory within it show His faithfulness when we follow His instructions. It also represents God’s desire to live among His people and foreshadows Jesus, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Today, we are God’s tabernacles when we worship Him with true devotion.

Exodus 26-31 The Lost Ark Isn’t Lost, Just Replaced

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the consecration of the priests. The Ark of the Covenant was the centrepiece, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and authority. The priesthood and sacrifices allowed the Israelites to approach a holy God. However, the Ark and Tabernacle were temporary. In Christ, we now have a far better representation of God’s presence. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tabernacle, offering us direct access to God.

Exodus 24-25 Marking His Presence

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God reconfirms His covenant with the Israelites and provides instructions for building the Tabernacle, a physical representation of His presence among His people. The Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, and other sacred furnishings are described in detail. These items symbolize God’s holiness, provision, and authority. The Tabernacle served as a central place for worship, fostering unity among the Israelites. Ultimately, these foreshadow Christ, who perfectly fulfills God’s plan to dwell with His people.

Exodus 21-23 Fair is Fair

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "Fair is Fair." These chapters contain laws that promote justice, compassion, and fairness in society. They cover topics such as slavery, personal injuries, property rights, and treatment of the vulnerable. These laws reflect God’s desire for His people to live in harmony and integrity. They also emphasize the importance of honesty, impartiality, and compassion for the poor and oppressed. While these laws were specific to ancient Israel, the principles of justice and mercy remain relevant today.

Exodus 19-20 The Covenant of Law

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "The Covenant of Law." In these chapters, God establishes His covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, giving the Ten Commandments as the foundation of His moral law. The Israelites are called to be a holy nation, set apart for God. God’s presence is revealed in thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire, demonstrating His holiness. The Ten Commandments remind us of God’s standards and show us how far short we fall, pointing us to our need for salvation through Jesus Christ. While we cannot perfectly keep the law, it remains a guide for godly living, and our obedience reflects our gratitude for God’s grace.

Exodus 17-18 Don't Be in Dismay Pray!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 17-18, the theme “Don’t Be in Dismay, Pray!” highlights God’s provision and guidance during challenges. In chapter 17, the Israelites complain about thirst, and God provides water from a rock. When the Amalekites attack, Moses prays while Joshua leads the battle. God’s power prevails when Moses’ hands are lifted, teaching the importance of prayer and teamwork. In chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This wisdom helps Moses avoid burnout and trains others for leadership. These chapters remind us that God provides for both our physical and spiritual needs when we trust Him.

Genesis 46-47 Foreigners in a Strange Land

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters detail the reunion of Jacob’s family with Joseph in Egypt during a severe famine. God assures Jacob of his plan to make Israel a great nation even in a foreign land. Jacob’s family prospers in Goshen, and Joseph administers Egypt’s resources wisely during the famine. God’s provision through Joseph is evident as he uses hardship to fulfill his promises and set the stage for Israel’s redemption story. This reminds us that even in times when we feel out of place (“foreigners in a strange land”), God is working for his glory and our good.

Genesis 32-33 Wrestling With God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Wrestling with God.” Jacob wrestles in prayer and literally with the angel of God, learning to surrender his fears and trust in God’s provision. God gives him a new name, Israel, meaning “he struggles with God.” Jacob’s reunion with Esau, which he feared would end violently, turns out to be peaceful, showing how God can calm situations when we trust him. Jacob learned that relying on God rather than schemes leads to blessing, and that wrestling with God in prayer can bring transformation.

Genesis 31 Jacob On The Run

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is “Jacob on the Run.” Jacob decided to leave Laban’s oppressive household and return to his homeland, prompted by God. Despite Laban’s attempts to cheat Jacob repeatedly, God protected and prospered him. As Jacob fled, Laban pursued him, but God warned Laban against harming Jacob. This chapter highlights God’s justice and provision — God sees all injustice and acts in his time. Jacob’s confrontation with Laban teaches us about dealing with false accusations and trusting God’s protection, even when circumstances seem hostile. Justice may take time, but God always prevails

Genesis 15 The God Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 15 explores faith and God’s promises. Abraham, childless and wavering, questions God’s promise to provide descendants. God reassures Abraham, comparing his offspring to the stars in the sky. A covenant is sealed with a unique ceremony involving animals, showing God’s unconditional commitment to his promises. This chapter teaches patience, trust and God’s faithfulness.

Genesis 12 A Route With No Map

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 12 introduces the story of Abraham while spotlighting themes of faith, obedience and God’s promises. Abraham is called by God to leave his home and journey to an unknown land. Despite not knowing the destination, Abraham obeys, trusting God to lead him. God makes a covenant with him, promising to bless him, make him a great nation, and bless all families of the Earth through him. The chapter also shows Abraham’s human flaws when he lies in Egypt, reminding us that even people of great faith can falter. Ultimately, this chapter teaches us to trust God’s plans even when the path is unclear.

Women in the Bible

Genesis 23 From Mourning to Joy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis Chapters 23 and 24, we see the transition from mourning to joy as Abraham deals with the death of his wife, Sarah, and then finds a wife for his son, Isaac. God works behind the scenes to fulfill his promises and bring blessings to Abraham’s family.

Worship

Leviticus 23-25 The Feast Days of Israel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God gives Israel instructions for feast days and the Sabbath, teaching gratitude, rest, and trust. Our teacher, John Mathews, reveals how these feasts celebrated God’s blessings and reminded the people of His provision, faithfulness, and future promises. The Sabbatical year allowed land to rest, teaching sustainable practices, while the Year of Jubilee emphasized forgiveness and resetting relationships. John highlights how each feast foreshadows Jesus Christ, from His crucifixion on Passover to the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost. This study calls us to rest in God’s promises, celebrate His blessings, and trust His provision through intentional gratitude.

Leviticus 17 & 19 Your Neighbor As Yourself

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 17 and 19 teach about holiness in worship and daily life. Chapter 17 focuses on proper sacrifice practices, warning against drinking blood and demanding that offerings be made only at the tabernacle. This ensured sacred practices weren’t corrupted by pagan rituals. Chapter 19 emphasizes God's command to love others, showing concern for the poor, elderly, and strangers. It also stresses fairness, truthfulness, and respect in relationships. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how these rules aimed to keep God’s people distinct from the immoral actions of surrounding pagan nations. These chapters remind us to honour God in worship and everyday actions. They challenge us to avoid spiritual compromise and treat others as God would—with justice, kindness, and love. Living by these principles glorifies God and uplifts those around us.

Leviticus 16 The Day of Atonement

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 16 details Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when the priest would make sacrifices to cover the sins of Israel. This was the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, symbolizing atonement through blood—the bull and goats sacrificed, including the scapegoat sent into the wilderness carrying the people’s sins. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that while the Old Testament sacrifices temporarily covered sins, they had to be repeated yearly. Today, Jesus is our ultimate atonement, offering a perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. This chapter shows God’s immense grace, His demand for holiness, and the cost of resisting sin. It asks believers to live repentant lives and fully embrace the forgiveness offered through Christ. This lesson reminds us why Jesus’s sacrifice is so significant and challenges us to live in gratitude for the salvation He provides.

Leviticus 13 & 14 Unclean! Unclean!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 focus on skin diseases like leprosy and the ceremonial rules surrounding them. The priests diagnosed and isolated lepers to protect the community and maintain tabernacle holiness. Our teacher, John Mathews, compares leprosy to sin—how it starts small, spreads, and damages lives. Sin, like disease, separates us from God and others. The chapters also remind us of Jesus touching and healing lepers, proving His power and breaking societal barriers. While we might not face physical leprosy today, these chapters encourage reflection on sin as an impurity needing purification. Jesus provides ultimate cleansing and restoration for all who turn to Him. This study reveals the importance of keeping purity in worship and resisting the spread of spiritual impurity in our lives and communities.

Exodus

Exodus 01 During the Time of Slavery

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Exodus begins by recounting how God’s people, the Israelites, multiplied in Egypt after Joseph’s death. A new pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaved the Israelites and ruthlessly oppressed them out of fear of their growing population. Despite the pharaoh’s cruel orders, including infanticide, God preserved his people. Faithful midwives defied the king’s orders and obeyed God instead. The theme “during the time of slavery” reminds us that even in dark times of suffering, God is at work preparing deliverance and fulfilling his promises.

Exodus 44 Baby Versus Pharaoh

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this chapter, we learn about Moses, a significant figure chosen by God to deliver the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Moses, despite his upbringing in the pharaoh’s palace, is revealed to be of Hebrew descent, setting the stage for his divine call to lead his people to freedom.

Exodus 3 The Burning Bush

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This chapter delves into Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, where he receives his divine calling to confront the pharaoh and lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Through miraculous signs, God reassures Moses of his presence and power in fulfilling this mission.

Exodus 4 Signs and Wonders

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Chapter 4 reveals God equipping Moses with miraculous signs to convince the Hebrews and the pharaoh of his divine commission to lead the people out of Egypt. Through these signs, Moses learns to rely on God’s power rather than on his own strength.

Exodus 5-6 Bricks Without Straw

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, discusses the challenges faced by Moses and the Israelites as they strive for freedom from slavery in Egypt. The theme revolves around facing difficulties with faith and trust in God’s promises.

Exodus 7-8 Or Else!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, unfolds the narrative of Moses confronting the pharaoh with divine signs and plagues, demonstrating God

Exodus 9-10 The Gathering Storms!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 9-10, we see the theme “The Gathering Storms.” Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to obey God’s command to release the Israelites, and as a result, the plagues intensify. From the death of livestock to painful boils, destructive hail, locusts, and even a thick darkness, Egypt is devastated. Despite these signs, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. These chapters teach us the importance of listening to God and responding to His warnings before the consequences escalate. God demonstrates His power, control over nature, and care for His people, sparing the Israelites from the plagues. The lesson is clear: we must obey God the first time and not let our hearts grow hard like Pharaoh’s.

Exodus 11-12 The First Passover

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 11-12, the theme is “The First Passover.” God prepares to deliver the final and most devastating plague: the death of the firstborn in Egypt. However, He gives the Israelites specific instructions to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act of faith protects their households from the death angel. The Israelites obey, and the plague strikes Egypt, leading Pharaoh to finally release them. The Passover foreshadows Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice brings salvation. These chapters remind us of God’s power, His deliverance of His people, and the importance of obedience and faith in His plan.

Exodus 13-14 Stand Firm and See

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 13-14, the theme “Stand Firm and See” shows us how God leads His people. After freeing the Israelites from slavery, God leads them to the Red Sea, where Pharaoh’s army traps them. The Israelites panic, but Moses tells them to trust God. God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land while drowning Pharaoh’s army. This incredible miracle demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness. Chapter 13 also introduces the importance of dedicating firstborns to God and celebrating the Passover as a reminder of His deliverance. These chapters teach us to trust God, even in impossible situations, and to remember His faithfulness.

Exodus 15-16 Praise or Complaint

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 15-16, the theme “Praise or Complaint?” contrasts the Israelites’ joy after crossing the Red Sea with their complaints in the wilderness. Chapter 15 begins with a joyful song of victory, praising God for His power and deliverance. But soon after, the people complain about bitter water and food shortages. God provides sweet water and manna, teaching them to trust Him daily. Manna, described as “bread from heaven,” symbolizes God’s provision and points to Jesus as the Bread of Life. These chapters remind us to choose gratitude over grumbling and trust God to meet our needs.

Exodus 17-18 Don't Be in Dismay Pray!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 17-18, the theme “Don’t Be in Dismay, Pray!” highlights God’s provision and guidance during challenges. In chapter 17, the Israelites complain about thirst, and God provides water from a rock. When the Amalekites attack, Moses prays while Joshua leads the battle. God’s power prevails when Moses’ hands are lifted, teaching the importance of prayer and teamwork. In chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This wisdom helps Moses avoid burnout and trains others for leadership. These chapters remind us that God provides for both our physical and spiritual needs when we trust Him.

Exodus 19-20 The Covenant of Law

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "The Covenant of Law." In these chapters, God establishes His covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, giving the Ten Commandments as the foundation of His moral law. The Israelites are called to be a holy nation, set apart for God. God’s presence is revealed in thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire, demonstrating His holiness. The Ten Commandments remind us of God’s standards and show us how far short we fall, pointing us to our need for salvation through Jesus Christ. While we cannot perfectly keep the law, it remains a guide for godly living, and our obedience reflects our gratitude for God’s grace.

Exodus 21-23 Fair is Fair

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "Fair is Fair." These chapters contain laws that promote justice, compassion, and fairness in society. They cover topics such as slavery, personal injuries, property rights, and treatment of the vulnerable. These laws reflect God’s desire for His people to live in harmony and integrity. They also emphasize the importance of honesty, impartiality, and compassion for the poor and oppressed. While these laws were specific to ancient Israel, the principles of justice and mercy remain relevant today.

Exodus 24-25 Marking His Presence

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God reconfirms His covenant with the Israelites and provides instructions for building the Tabernacle, a physical representation of His presence among His people. The Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, and other sacred furnishings are described in detail. These items symbolize God’s holiness, provision, and authority. The Tabernacle served as a central place for worship, fostering unity among the Israelites. Ultimately, these foreshadow Christ, who perfectly fulfills God’s plan to dwell with His people.

Exodus 26-31 The Lost Ark Isn’t Lost, Just Replaced

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the consecration of the priests. The Ark of the Covenant was the centrepiece, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and authority. The priesthood and sacrifices allowed the Israelites to approach a holy God. However, the Ark and Tabernacle were temporary. In Christ, we now have a far better representation of God’s presence. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tabernacle, offering us direct access to God.

Exodus 32 Getting Egypt Out of God’s People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites created a golden calf and fell into idolatry. This revealed their continued attachment to the sinful practices of Egypt. Moses interceded for the people, and God showed mercy, though consequences followed. This chapter reminds us that even after being saved, we must actively remove sin and worldly influences from our lives. God calls us to worship Him alone and to remain faithful, even when tempted to stray.

Exodus 33-34 The Glory and The Veil

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme in Exodus 33-34 is “The Glory and the Veil.” God renews His covenant with Israel after their sin of worshiping the golden calf. Moses spent time in God's presence, and his face shone as a result. This reminds us of spending time with God transforms us in visible ways! Moses used a veil because Israel couldn’t fully grasp the glory of God, highlighting how unbelief veils hearts from seeing God’s glory. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, this veil is removed, revealing God’s love and greatness. We also learn that while Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law, His moral commands still matter today. God's love, patience, and willingness to forgive remind us that there’s always hope for us, no matter how far we’ve fallen, if we come to Him with a truly repentant heart.

Exodus 35-40 Glory of God Through Worship

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This part of the Bible describes how the tabernacle was built and how God manifested His glory in it. The tabernacle was a place of worship, representing God’s presence among His people—just like the Garden of Eden originally did. The tabernacle’s construction reminds us that serving God involves effort. God provided wisdom and skills to workers like Bezalel and Oholiab, as well as the materials needed to glorify Him. The completion of the tabernacle and the arrival of God’s glory within it show His faithfulness when we follow His instructions. It also represents God’s desire to live among His people and foreshadows Jesus, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Today, we are God’s tabernacles when we worship Him with true devotion.

Galations

Genesis 7 & 8 The Greatest Flood Ever

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Genesis 7 & 8 is “The Greatest Tsunami Ever.” These chapters describe God’s judgment on a wicked world through the great flood and his mercy in saving Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark. Water from both the heavens and the deep covered the earth, wiping out all life except those preserved in the ark. God’s faithfulness is shown as he remembers Noah, causes the waters to subside, and establishes a fresh start for humanity. The ark and its door symbolize salvation, and Noah’s faith in God’s word saved him.

Genesis

Genesis 1 Out of Chaos Order

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today's study, we explore Genesis 1, the first chapter of the Bible, where we learn about the creation of the universe. Our teacher, John Mathews, talks about how God brought order out of chaos and formed the world. He highlights the power of God's word in creation and emphasises that God is good, and all He does is good. This chapter serves as the foundation of understanding God's purpose and the beginning of life.

Genesis 1b Science and the Bible

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today's study explores the theme "Science and the Bible," focusing on the creation account in Genesis 1. Our teacher, John Mathews, emphasizes that both science and faith have their unique roles and that they need not conflict with each other. He explains the Bible's account that everything in the universe was created by God and was inherently good. The teacher also discusses the reliability of the Bible, the age of the earth, and the theory of evolution.

Genesis 2

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today we explored Genesis 2, where we learned about the creation of man and woman. God created a perfect environment for man, the Garden of Eden, and gave him authority over other creatures. Man was not meant to be alone; thus, God created a woman to be his companion. This chapter shows us a time of innocence, where man and woman existed in harmony with nature, under God's guidelines. It establishes the divine design for family: a man and a woman, together for life, setting the foundation for all human relationships.

Genesis 3a Fig Leaves

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we dive into Genesis 3, exploring the theme of "The Fall of Man and the Fig Leaves." This chapter tells us about Adam and Eve's disobedience to God's command, the deceit of the serpent, and the consequences of their actions. It also discusses their attempts to cover up their wrongdoings using fig leaves, which symbolizes our human attempts to hide our sins and make ourselves appear righteous.

Genesis 3b The Banquet of Consequences

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The second half of Genesis 3 talks about the aftermath of Adam and Eve's disobedience. When they ate the forbidden fruit, they set off a series of unfortunate consequences. This chapter highlights the reality of sin and its consequences, showing us that disobedience to God's commands leads to separation from Him, pain, hard labour, and ultimately death. It also reveals God's mercy in not allowing humans to live forever in a state of sin.

Genesis 4A Second Chance

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is about “Second Chance.” Genesis Chapter 4 introduces us to Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. This chapter outlines the importance of offerings and the consequences of sin. It shows us that God is merciful and gives second chances, as demonstrated by his treatment of Cain, even after Cain committed the first murder by killing his brother Abel.

Genesis 5 Through a Time Tunnel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s lesson, we focused on the genealogies in Genesis Chapter 5. We learned that these genealogies are not just lists of names, but important historical records that show how people are interconnected and significant to God’s plan. Most notably, we examined the different fates of the lines of Cain and Seth. While Cain’s line was marked by separation from God and eventually perished, Seth’s line, which included people who called upon the name of the Lord, survived, showing us the importance of reliance on God.

Genesis 6 The Giant Corruption

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 6 teaches us about the growing corruption of humanity before the flood. Sin had spread widely, with people turning away from God and indulging in evil. Despite their rebellion, God showed patience by giving them 120 years to repent. However, their wickedness led to judgment in the form of a great flood. This chapter also introduces Noah, a righteous man who found favour with God because of his obedience. Through Noah, we see that faithfulness to God brings His protection and blessings, even during times of judgment. Key themes include the consequences of sin, God’s patience, and the rewards of righteousness.

Genesis 9 & 10 Hope For A New Humanity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This study guide covers Genesis Chapters 9 and 10, focusing on the theme of “Hope for a New Humanity.” In these chapters, God blesses Noah and his sons, instructing them to repopulate the earth. Noah’s sons are revealed as the ancestors of the world’s nations. God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by a flood again. The chapters also highlight the importance of respect for parents and the sanctity of human life.

Genesis 11 The Tower of Babel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme in Genesis Chapter 11 is the Tower of Babel and the human effort to achieve unity and greatness without God. We witness how people’s pride led them to build a tower to reach heaven, which resulted in God confusing their language and scattering them over the earth. This chapter also introduces us to Abraham, whose lineage leads to the Messiah, showing God’s plan of redemption for humanity.

Genesis 12 A Route With No Map

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 12 introduces the story of Abraham while spotlighting themes of faith, obedience and God’s promises. Abraham is called by God to leave his home and journey to an unknown land. Despite not knowing the destination, Abraham obeys, trusting God to lead him. God makes a covenant with him, promising to bless him, make him a great nation, and bless all families of the Earth through him. The chapter also shows Abraham’s human flaws when he lies in Egypt, reminding us that even people of great faith can falter. Ultimately, this chapter teaches us to trust God’s plans even when the path is unclear.

Genesis 13 Family Disputes

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 13 highlights how Abraham navigated a family dispute with his nephew Lot. Due to their large herds and limited space, tensions arose between their herdsmen, leading Abraham to propose a solution. He gave Lot the first choice of land, demonstrating humility and trust in God’s ultimate plan. This chapter teaches us how to handle conflicts gracefully, prioritize relationships, and trust God’s sovereignty even during difficult times.

Genesis 14

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 14 recounts war and rescue. Lot is kidnapped during a tribal war involving kings of the region. Abraham acts, leading 318 trained men to rescue Lot and retrieve the possessions taken. The chapter ends with a mysterious priest named Melchizedek blessing Abraham, showing us God’s provision and victory in battling spiritual or physical enemies

Genesis 15 The God Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 15 explores faith and God’s promises. Abraham, childless and wavering, questions God’s promise to provide descendants. God reassures Abraham, comparing his offspring to the stars in the sky. A covenant is sealed with a unique ceremony involving animals, showing God’s unconditional commitment to his promises. This chapter teaches patience, trust and God’s faithfulness.

Genesis 16 A Short Cut That Does Not Lead to the Right Place

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 16 depicts Abraham and Sarah’s impatience with God’s timing. Feeling barren, Sarah gives her servant Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. Hagar conceives and is mistreated, fleeing to the wilderness. God intervenes, providing mercy and promises for Hagar and her son Ishmael. The chapter teaches the dangers of taking shortcuts and underscores God’s compassion even amid human mistakes

Genesis 17 - 18a Closing The Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 17-18a reveals God’s reaffirmation of his covenant with Abraham. Abraham and Sarah receive new names, symbolizing their new roles in God’s plan. The covenant is sealed through circumcision, demonstrating obedience and faith. God visits Abraham to promise Isaac’s birth, challenging disbelief and reminding us that nothing is impossible for him.

Genesis 18 pt 2 Justice and Mercy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 18, we see the theme of “Justice and Mercy” play out as God reveals his plan to investigate the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes on behalf of his nephew Lot, pleading for mercy if 10 righteous people can be found in the city

Genesis 20 Raining Fire

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 19, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah showcases the consequences of living in sin and turning away from God. Lot and his family are rescued from the impending destruction, but not without facing the harsh realities of evil and judgment. This chapter serves as a warning against complacency and tolerance of sin, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in God.

Genesis 20-21 The Impossible Promise Fulfilled

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 20 and 21, we see how God fulfills his promise to Abraham and Sarah by giving them a son, Isaac, even though Sarah was barren. Despite various challenges and mistakes, God’s faithfulness prevails, showing that he always keeps his promises, even if it takes longer than expected.

Genesis 22 Abraham's Greatest Test

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 22, we see Abraham facing his greatest test of faith when God asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham shows his unwavering obedience and trust in God, ultimately being provided with a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God’s will, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Genesis 23 From Mourning to Joy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis Chapters 23 and 24, we see the transition from mourning to joy as Abraham deals with the death of his wife, Sarah, and then finds a wife for his son, Isaac. God works behind the scenes to fulfill his promises and bring blessings to Abraham’s family.

Genesis 25 An Imperfect Choice for the Perfect Plan

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 25, we see the end of Abraham’s life and the continuation of God’s promises through his sons. The theme is God’s sovereign choices and the importance of valuing spiritual blessings. Society often judges based on outward appearances, but God values unseen qualities. Esau disqualified himself because he despised his birthright, prioritizing temporary needs above eternal blessings. This chapter reminds us to seek spiritual things and trust in God’s purpose. Generations pass, but God’s plan of redemption remains steadfast.

Genesis 26 I've Seen This Before

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 26 teaches us about repetitive human behaviour and God’s ongoing faithfulness. Isaac dealt with a famine like his father Abraham and repeated some mistakes, such as lying to Abimelech about his wife. Despite Isaac’s errors, God blessed him wherever he went. The chapter shows the importance of trusting God instead of leaning on fear and deception. Isaac’s ability to dig wells, symbolizing God’s provision, reminds us of the necessity of spiritual sustenance, represented by the living water of the Holy Spirit. Even amid human flaws, God’s purpose prevails.

Genesis 27 Brother Against Brother

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 27 depicts betrayal and God’s sovereignty over human failings. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, with his mother Rebekah’s help, to steal Esau’s blessing. Despite human manipulation, God’s purposes prevailed, as Jacob was ultimately chosen over Esau. Esau’s bitterness and hatred against Jacob remind us of the dangers of despising spiritual privileges and pursuing fleshly desires. This chapter teaches that while humans may act out of selfish motives, God is still able to accomplish his good and perfect plans.

Genesis 28 Jacob's Ladder

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 28 marks the beginning of Jacob’s personal journey toward faith. Alone and afraid in the wilderness, he dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, revealing God’s active presence and assurance of his promises. Jacob begins to understand the importance of spiritual connection, expressing awe at God’s revelation. Though Jacob’s faith starts small, God’s covenant promises encourage him to take steps forward. This chapter shows us how moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal, as God often speaks the loudest during our times of difficulty.

Genesis 29 Double Trouble!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 29 recounts Jacob’s encounter with Laban, leading to deceit and “double trouble” in Jacob’s marriage. Jacob’s desire to marry Rachel led to hard work and patience. Laban tricked him, first giving him Leah instead, revealing the consequences of deception. This chapter shows how Jacob began to reap what he sowed, with interpersonal conflicts and favouritism causing rivalry between Leah and Rachel. Despite human struggles, God showed favour toward Leah by blessing her with children. God uses the imperfect relationships of people to further his purposes.

Genesis 30 Honesty is the Best Investment

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “Honesty is the Best Investment.” Jacob suffered deceit and unfair treatment from his uncle Laban, yet God continued blessing him. Despite Laban’s schemes to diminish Jacob’s prosperity, God intervened to give Jacob fruitful livestock and a growing family. This chapter shows us that God’s blessings come not through human effort or tricks but through faith and divine provision. Jacob learned that relying on superstitions and personal schemes is futile, as prosperity ultimately depends on God’s generosity. The story emphasizes that even when others are dishonest, God’s faithfulness prevails.

Genesis 31 Jacob On The Run

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is “Jacob on the Run.” Jacob decided to leave Laban’s oppressive household and return to his homeland, prompted by God. Despite Laban’s attempts to cheat Jacob repeatedly, God protected and prospered him. As Jacob fled, Laban pursued him, but God warned Laban against harming Jacob. This chapter highlights God’s justice and provision — God sees all injustice and acts in his time. Jacob’s confrontation with Laban teaches us about dealing with false accusations and trusting God’s protection, even when circumstances seem hostile. Justice may take time, but God always prevails

Genesis 32-33 Wrestling With God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Wrestling with God.” Jacob wrestles in prayer and literally with the angel of God, learning to surrender his fears and trust in God’s provision. God gives him a new name, Israel, meaning “he struggles with God.” Jacob’s reunion with Esau, which he feared would end violently, turns out to be peaceful, showing how God can calm situations when we trust him. Jacob learned that relying on God rather than schemes leads to blessing, and that wrestling with God in prayer can bring transformation.

Genesis 34 Vengeance

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “The Danger of Vengeance.” Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, is defiled by Shechem, but rather than seeking just resolution, Simeon and Levi exact violent revenge, killing all the males in the city. Their actions brought trouble to Jacob’s household and dishonoured God’s ways. This chapter teaches us that vengeance belongs to God, and our anger can lead to sin. God calls us to humility and trust in his justice instead of seeking personal revenge.

Genesis 35-36 Opposite Sides

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Opposite Sides.” Jacob’s family becomes more devoted to God’s covenant by purifying themselves and rejecting idols, while Esau and his descendants move away from the covenant and ally themselves with ungodly nations. This chapter demonstrates separation — not merely physical but spiritual — between those who follow God and those who reject him. The story urges us to evaluate which side we are on: God’s side or the world’s side.

Genesis 37 The Dreamer

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 37 introduces us to Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, who is given a colourful robe — a sign of favouritism that stirs jealousy among his brothers. Joseph’s dreams foretelling his future greatness add fuel to the fire. The chapter highlights themes such as sibling rivalry, betrayal and God’s sovereignty during trials. Despite the dysfunction in Jacob’s family, God begins to set the stage for his plan through Joseph. The chapter ends with Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery, unknowingly advancing God’s greater purpose to bring salvation through Joseph’s later role in Egypt.

Genesis 38 A Family Scandal!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 38 shifts the focus to Judah and his family, highlighting immorality and broken promises. Judah’s two wicked sons die, and Tamar, the widow of Judah’s eldest son, seeks justice through unconventional means. She disguises herself as a prostitute and tricks Judah into fathering twin sons, Perez and Zerah. The chapter reveals themes of sin, hypocrisy and God’s grace, showing that even flawed individuals are woven into His redemptive plan. Perez becomes part of the lineage of Jesus, demonstrating the surprising ways God works through human frailty.

Genesis 39 Is It Worth It To Do Right

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 39 continues Joseph’s story, revealing his integrity under great temptation. As a slave in Potiphar’s house, Joseph prospers because the Lord is with him. Potiphar’s wife tries relentlessly to seduce him, but Joseph refuses, declaring his loyalty both to God and his master. Though falsely accused, he remains steadfast in prison, where he finds favour with the prison keeper. This chapter reminds us that doing the right thing often brings temporary hardship but ultimately leads to God’s favour and reward.

Genesis 40-41 From the Pit to the Palace

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 40-41, Joseph interprets dreams in prison, and his reputation eventually reaches Pharaoh, who is deeply troubled by his own dreams. Pharaoh’s visions of cows and grain foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s wisdom leads to his promotion to second-in-command over Egypt, tasked with preparing for the famine. These chapters reveal how God’s timing is perfect and how faithfulness through trials positions us for his greater purpose and blessings.

Genesis 42 A Blast From the Past

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 42 is a poignant chapter in which Joseph’s brothers unknowingly face him during the famine in Egypt. Joseph tests them to draw out repentance and gauge whether they have changed since selling him into slavery. The story emphasizes the weight of unresolved guilt and the power of God’s providence in restoring relationships. Joseph’s brothers begin to confront their past mistakes, leading to eventual reconciliation and healing in the chapters to come.

Genesis 43-45 The Power of Forgiveness

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This section focuses on the remarkable story of reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. After enduring betrayal, imprisonment and slavery, Joseph rose to power in Egypt. When famine struck, his brothers sought food but did not recognize the brother they had wronged. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph tested their hearts and chose forgiveness over bitterness. Joseph acknowledged that God had worked through their evil actions to bring about a greater good: the survival of many. This story demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and God’s ability to turn evil into good.

Genesis 46-47 Foreigners in a Strange Land

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters detail the reunion of Jacob’s family with Joseph in Egypt during a severe famine. God assures Jacob of his plan to make Israel a great nation even in a foreign land. Jacob’s family prospers in Goshen, and Joseph administers Egypt’s resources wisely during the famine. God’s provision through Joseph is evident as he uses hardship to fulfill his promises and set the stage for Israel’s redemption story. This reminds us that even in times when we feel out of place (“foreigners in a strange land”), God is working for his glory and our good.

Genesis 48-49 Looking Ahead!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Jacob’s final days, he blesses Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. God’s sovereignty is evident as Jacob crosses his hands and gives the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger brother. Likewise, God’s sovereignty is further demonstrated as Jacob blesses his own sons, revealing their future roles in the nation of Israel. The theme “looking ahead” reminds us God is in control of history and the future. Though we face uncertainty, we can trust God’s guidance over our lives and the lives of future generations.

Genesis 50 Stop Complaining!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The final chapter of Genesis highlights two funerals — Jacob’s and Joseph’s — while showcasing Joseph’s full forgiveness of his brothers. After Jacob’s burial in Canaan, the brothers are filled with fear that Joseph might now seek revenge, but Joseph reassures them with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” This reminds us to stop complaining and trust that God can transform tragedy for his purposes. Even in death, Jacob and Joseph demonstrate unwavering faith in God’s covenant promises.

Jude

Jude 1 Contend for the Faith

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme in the study of Jude 1 is “Contend for the Faith.” Jude, a leader in the early Christian church and brother of James, wrote this letter as a warning against false teachers. These teachers were distorting the truth and leading believers astray. Jude called for steadfastness in faith and warned against falling into heresy. He stressed the importance of staying true to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to resist the temptations of false prophets.

Leviticus

Leviticus 1-2 Worship Matters

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Leviticus 1-2, we see God establish a system of sacrifices to prepare His people to worship Him properly and deal with sin. The theme is “Worship Matters.” The sacrificial system showed that sin is serious and must be paid for—even unintentional sins. These sacrifices remind us that God is holy and cannot ignore sin, but they also point us toward Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice to take away sin permanently. Offering the best animals or grain demonstrated that worship should cost us something and involve effort. This is a challenge to give God our best in everything, trusting Him as our provider through offerings like the grain's “first fruits.” Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus redeemed us, but we’re still called to bring the best of our time, talents, and resources to honour God in worship and to demonstrate gratitude.

Leviticus 3-5 Peace With God and Man

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Leviticus 3-5 is “Peace With God and Man.” These chapters explain offerings meant to restore peace between people and God, and address how unintentional sins can be forgiven. The peace offering symbolized gratitude and a harmonious relationship with God, reminding us that gratitude strengthens our connection with Him. The sin offering covered unintentional sins, showing that all sin—whether small or accidental—interrupts our fellowship with God and requires atonement through the shedding of blood. The guilt offering focused on how sins and offenses against others required confession and restitution. These laws teach us to be thankful, confess wrongs, and repair relationships with neighbours. Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus paid the price for us through His blood, but peace with God and others still requires repentance, honesty, and humility.

Leviticus 6-10 Holy Fire

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Aaron and his sons were chosen as priests to represent people before God. They were responsible for sacrifices as God instructed, reminding us to approach Him with reverence. When they followed God’s exact instructions, He demonstrated His approval through holy fire consuming the offering, showing that obedience matters. But Nadab and Abihu disrespected God by offering unauthorized "strange fire," leading to their immediate death—a warning against taking God lightly or disobeying His holiness. These chapters also show how God uses priests and church leaders to teach, guide, and offer sacrifices, pointing ahead to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest. Today, we approach God not through Old Testament priests but through Christ. We are all called to honour God deeply while being mindful of His holiness in our lives.

Leviticus 11 Impurity Should Not Be On The Menu

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 11 talks about pure and impure animals in the Old Testament dietary laws. These laws weren’t just about food—they taught deep spiritual lessons. Clean animals like those that chew their cud symbolize ruminating over God’s Word, while parted-hoof animals represent a separated, holy walk. Both traits are necessary to live a God-honouring life: focusing on the Word and living set apart from the world. God used these dietary laws to teach holiness, reminding the Israelites to stay distinct from pagan practices and impurities. While these ceremonial laws are no longer required for Christians today, striving for holiness remains important. Our teacher, John Mathews, reminds us that impurity doesn’t just come from outward things—it often comes from within. Ultimately, God calls us to be holy because He is holy, setting a higher standard for living lives that honour Him.

Leviticus 12 & 15 For Her And For Him

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 12 and 15 emphasize ceremonial purification related to everyday bodily functions. These chapters show that impurity isn’t always sinful—it’s often part of normal life. For instance, childbirth requires purification rituals, and bodily discharges make someone ceremonially unclean. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that these rules helped ensure the holiness of the tabernacle, where God dwelled among His people. While these ceremonial laws are not needed today, they remind us of the larger point: separation from impurity and striving to live holy lives. Jesus broke the barriers that separated us from God, offering full and permanent forgiveness. However, these chapters challenge us to recognize the importance of maintaining purity—not just outwardly but in our hearts, as sin still distorts every part of humanity. God asks us to be set apart for Him, even in how we handle everyday aspects of life.

Leviticus 13 & 14 Unclean! Unclean!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 focus on skin diseases like leprosy and the ceremonial rules surrounding them. The priests diagnosed and isolated lepers to protect the community and maintain tabernacle holiness. Our teacher, John Mathews, compares leprosy to sin—how it starts small, spreads, and damages lives. Sin, like disease, separates us from God and others. The chapters also remind us of Jesus touching and healing lepers, proving His power and breaking societal barriers. While we might not face physical leprosy today, these chapters encourage reflection on sin as an impurity needing purification. Jesus provides ultimate cleansing and restoration for all who turn to Him. This study reveals the importance of keeping purity in worship and resisting the spread of spiritual impurity in our lives and communities.

Leviticus 16 The Day of Atonement

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 16 details Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when the priest would make sacrifices to cover the sins of Israel. This was the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, symbolizing atonement through blood—the bull and goats sacrificed, including the scapegoat sent into the wilderness carrying the people’s sins. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that while the Old Testament sacrifices temporarily covered sins, they had to be repeated yearly. Today, Jesus is our ultimate atonement, offering a perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. This chapter shows God’s immense grace, His demand for holiness, and the cost of resisting sin. It asks believers to live repentant lives and fully embrace the forgiveness offered through Christ. This lesson reminds us why Jesus’s sacrifice is so significant and challenges us to live in gratitude for the salvation He provides.

Leviticus 17 & 19 Your Neighbor As Yourself

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 17 and 19 teach about holiness in worship and daily life. Chapter 17 focuses on proper sacrifice practices, warning against drinking blood and demanding that offerings be made only at the tabernacle. This ensured sacred practices weren’t corrupted by pagan rituals. Chapter 19 emphasizes God's command to love others, showing concern for the poor, elderly, and strangers. It also stresses fairness, truthfulness, and respect in relationships. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how these rules aimed to keep God’s people distinct from the immoral actions of surrounding pagan nations. These chapters remind us to honour God in worship and everyday actions. They challenge us to avoid spiritual compromise and treat others as God would—with justice, kindness, and love. Living by these principles glorifies God and uplifts those around us.

Leviticus 18 & 20 New Morality or Old Immorality

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters of Leviticus outline God's moral boundaries for human sexuality, emphasizing holiness and obedience. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how society's moral decay challenges faith, highlighting how sin extends its impact on communities and individuals. With examples like idol worship and sexual immorality, we understand God’s strict instructions to preserve purity. John encourages proactive resolve, like Daniel and Joseph, to resist temptation and obey God’s Word. This study reminds us to choose God’s standards over society’s influences and understand that the seemingly "new morality" today is just the old immorality under new labels.

Leviticus 21-22 Complete Purity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 21 and 22 show the high standards set for Israel’s priests and their families. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how leaders must lead by example, maintaining purity in their lives. The laws emphasize offering the best to God, including physical health and proper sacrifices. John compares these responsibilities to modern leaders like pastors, showing that accountability and dedication are required. The study reminds us that God doesn’t need offerings but desires gratitude and obedience from His people. By following these regulations, holiness is upheld, enabling a closer relationship with God. This chapter challenges us to honour God in all areas of life, offering Him our best and holding others in spiritual leadership to high standards.

Leviticus 23-25 The Feast Days of Israel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God gives Israel instructions for feast days and the Sabbath, teaching gratitude, rest, and trust. Our teacher, John Mathews, reveals how these feasts celebrated God’s blessings and reminded the people of His provision, faithfulness, and future promises. The Sabbatical year allowed land to rest, teaching sustainable practices, while the Year of Jubilee emphasized forgiveness and resetting relationships. John highlights how each feast foreshadows Jesus Christ, from His crucifixion on Passover to the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost. This study calls us to rest in God’s promises, celebrate His blessings, and trust His provision through intentional gratitude.

Leviticus 1-4 Obedience and Responsibility

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 26 teaches blessings versus curses based on obedience to God, while chapter 27 warns about vows and keeping promises. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains God’s desire for repentance when His people stray, showing His mercy despite severe consequences for sins like idolatry. Chapter 27 teaches that promises to God must be taken seriously because He values accountability. The study highlights how God’s justice and mercy work together and shows us the importance of taking personal responsibility in faith, obedience, and promises. As John reminds us, God doesn’t expect perfection but does expect genuine effort in seeking Him.

Numbers

Numbers 1-4 A Head Count

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The Israelites were commanded by God to conduct a census of all the tribes, counting men from 20 years and older, to determine each tribe's numerical strength for future combat. The Levites were exempted from this census, but Moses counted them separately later. The camp was arranged by tribes, with the order in which they were to set out and regroup later also specified. The sons of Aaron were ordained as the chief priests, and the Levites as their assistants, with each of the three sons of Levi (Kohath, Merari, and Gershom) in charge of different aspects of the tabernacle when it was to be disassembled, transported, and reassembled in the next location.

Numbers 5-6 A Holy God and a Purified People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
A holy God and a purified people is the theme for today's study on Mission 66. Chapter 5 discusses a test to confirm guilt or affirm innocence for any woman accused of adultery, while chapter 6 explores the ceremonial purity required of anyone wishing to submit to the Nazirite Vow. This vow includes not drinking wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with death. The chapter ends with a beautiful blessing from God.

Numbers 7-9 Preparing for the Presence of God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is "Preparing for the Presence of God" where the Israelites prepare for the dedication ceremony of the tabernacle. They bring offerings, wash and attire themselves properly, and reinstate the Passover celebration. When everything is done in good order, God shows up in a pillar of cloud and fire, indicating His presence and pleasure.

Numbers 10-11 Complaint Department

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme was "complaint department." In chapter 10, the Israelites set out with high hopes and great expectations, but in chapter 11 they ran into the hot dry desert which sapped their strength and shortened their tempers. And as it often happens today, when hardship and difficulties come upon us, instead of praying, and trusting in God's provision, they complained to each other and criticized Moses. Let's remember to support our church leaders and remember that God is our only true source of any relief and supply.

Numbers 12-13 Being Careful With Our Words

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is being careful with our words and having faith in God's power. We learn from Aaron and Miriam's mistake of speaking against Moses, and from the spies who were sent to check out the land of Canaan. The ones with faith, like Joshua and Caleb, were in the minority, but they trusted God to give them the land. We also see the importance of humility and meekness, as exemplified by Moses, who was able to write the first five books of the Bible without promoting himself.

Numbers 14 A Bad Report

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is the danger of complaining and rebellion against God-ordained leadership. The Israelites forgot about God's promises and miracles, and instead believed the bad report of the spies, leading to severe punishment. Moses' humility and prayer for the people are contrasted with the rebellion of the Israelites.

Numbers 15-17 Intentional Sin

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Numbers 15-17, we see a contrast between God’s mercy towards unintentional sins and His firm judgment on intentional sins. A man gathering sticks on the Sabbath and Korah’s rebellion against Moses showed what happens when people disrespect God’s authority. Despite seeing miracles and being led by God, the Israelites grumbled and challenged their leaders. God made it clear that He chooses His leaders—confirming Aaron’s role by making his staff blossom.

Numbers 18-20 A Torturous Trek

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 18-20 highlights responsibilities, purification rituals, and challenges faced during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. Priests and Levites were tasked with maintaining the tabernacle and relied on the people’s tithes for sustenance. The red heifer ceremony symbolized purification, foreshadowing Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice. Chapter 20 reveals the consequences of partial obedience through Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, symbolizing the importance of faith and prayer. Lastly, Moses’ brother Aaron dies, transferring the high priest’s duties to his son Eleazar. This torturous trek showed how disobedience, discouragement, and conflict impacted the nation, yet God remained faithful in guiding them toward the Promised Land.

Numbers 21 The Serpent That Brought The Cure

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 21 teaches us about sin, faith, salvation, and God’s miraculous provision. The Israelites complained against God and Moses, facing discipline when fiery serpents attacked. Their repentance brought a cure—Moses lifted a bronze serpent on a pole, and whoever looked on it in faith was healed. This symbol points to Jesus, who said, "As Moses lifted up the serpent, the Son of Man must also be lifted up." Like the Israelites bit by snakes, we are poisoned by sin, but salvation is freely offered through Jesus’ sacrifice. Later, Israel gained military victories over kings Sihon and Og, showing God’s protection as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The lesson is clear: salvation is so simple—faith in God’s plan leads to healing, forgiveness, and new life.

Numbers 22-24 Balaam And His Talking Donkey

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 22-24 introduces Balaam, a prophet for hire, and his talking donkey. King Balak of Moab, fearing the Israelites, hires Balaam to curse them. God warns Balaam not to curse the nation He has blessed. When Balaam reluctantly agrees to go, his donkey sees an angel blocking the path and miraculously speaks to correct Balaam’s foolishness. Despite many attempts by Balak to manipulate him, Balaam can only speak God’s message, which contains blessings for Israel. These blessings reaffirm God’s unchanging promises to His people and foretell a coming star, the Messiah, who will rise from Jacob and rule forever. Through this story, we see God’s power over all creation, His unstoppable plans for His people, and the destructiveness of greed as exemplified in Balaam's eventual downfall.

Revelation

Revelation 1 The Beginning Of The End

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 1 serves as an introduction to the book, revealing that God showed John, while he was on the island of Patmos, the coming return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a message of hope to believers who were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. Even though the theme is “the beginning of the end,” for true believers in Christ it signifies the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal happiness. The return of Christ will be so glorious that it will completely outweigh all our present trials and sufferings.

Revelation 2 First Love

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today on Mission 66, our teacher John Mathews takes us through Revelation 2, where we learn the importance of maintaining our “first love” for Jesus. The chapter contains letters to four different churches in Asia Minor, each with its own set of challenges and commendations. Jesus praises the church in Ephesus for their hard work and perseverance but points out they have abandoned their initial passionate love for him. Smyrna is commended for its faithfulness amid poverty and persecution, while Pergamum is called out for tolerating false teachings. Thyatira is recognized for its works and love but reprimanded for tolerating a false prophetess. The key takeaway is that our actions and endurance must be fueled by a deep, abiding love for Jesus, who is our primary reason for living faithfully. These letters remind us to self-reflect and realign our hearts to Jesus, ensuring we’re serving him out of love rather than obligation or habit.

Revelation 3 Lukewarm!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s Mission 66 study with our teacher, John Mathews, delves into the messages for the last three of the seven churches in Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The overarching theme is “lukewarm,” as Jesus Christ critiques each church’s actions and spiritual state. The church in Sardis appears alive but is spiritually dead and needs to wake up. Philadelphia, though weak, has kept Jesus’ word and is promised protection from future trials. Laodicea is criticized for being lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — and is warned about complacency. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, seeking entrance into the hearts of believers to restore fellowship and urging them to be zealous and repent. These messages call for self-examination, urging believers to love Jesus as their first love, remain vigilant, awake, faithful and never lukewarm.

Revelation 4-5 Before the Throne

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 4 and 5 invite us to take a peek beyond our human limitations, revealing the eternal glory of Jesus Christ. We see him on his majestic throne, ruling heaven and Earth. The chapters delve into the vision of the Apostle John, who is shown a door standing open in heaven, a throne and various heavenly beings. The main theme revolves around the power and majesty of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, who is worthy of all praise and worship, and who will take back rightful ownership of the Earth.

Revelation 6 The Horsemen Of The Apocalypse!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 6 explores the opening of the seven seals, known as the “seal judgments,” marking the end of the age. As each seal is opened, a new judgment is unleashed upon the world. These judgments are symbolized by the four horsemen of the apocalypse: conquest, war, famine and death. The main theme of this chapter is the unveiling of God’s justice and judgment on the world’s rebellion and sin.

Revelation 7 144 Thousand

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 7 introduces us to the 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel who are marked with a seal for protection during the tribulation. This chapter also presents a countless multitude from every nation, dressed in white robes and praising God. The main theme is God’s mercy in the midst of judgment, as He marks His servants for protection and gathers a great multitude of believers from all nations.

Revelation 8-9 Die Hard

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for Revelation Chapters 8 and 9 is “die hard,” which shows the unyielding nature of humanity even in the face of severe divine judgment. As the end of time approaches, people will become increasingly resistant to God, refusing to repent despite catastrophic events. In these chapters, the seventh seal is opened, introducing the Trumpet Judgments. The Earth experiences unprecedented disasters: a third of the world burns, seas turn to blood, waters become poisoned and darkness covers the skies. Yet, the people’s hearts remain hardened. Demonic creatures emerge, tormenting those without God’s seal. Despite the pain, humanity clings to its sinful ways rather than turning to God. This reveals the depth of human depravity and the danger of hardening one’s heart against the Almighty.

Revelation 10-11 No More Delay

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapters 10 and 11, under the theme “no more delay.” We explore the divine revelation with the two witnesses who, after being killed by the Antichrist, are resurrected and ascend into heaven. This is followed by the Seventh Trumpet blast, signaling that the kingdoms of the world will be handed over to God and his Christ, indicating that there will be no more delay. This is a testament to the inevitability of God’s reign forever and ever.

Revelation 12 The Lady and the Dragon!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we explore Revelation Chapter 12, focusing on the theme “the Lady and the Dragon.” This chapter represents the battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The Lady, representing the nation of Israel, gives birth to the Messiah, who will reign over the entire Earth. The Dragon, representing Satan, attempts to thwart God’s plan, but ultimately fails. The conflict continues with the Dragon pursuing the Lady, but God provides protection. The chapter concludes with the Dragon making war on the rest of her offspring, symbolizing the ongoing conflict between good and evil.

Revelation 13 The Mark of the Beast!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapter 13, where we explore the theme “The Mark of the Beast.” This chapter presents a sort of satanic trinity, involving the Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophet, in opposition to God and his people. The Beast, who receives power from the Dragon, forces all people to receive a mark, known as the Mark of the Beast. The number of the Beast, 666, represents the empire of humankind opposing God. Only those with their names written in the Book of Life, the true followers of Jesus Christ, will be free from the power of the Beast.

Revelation 14 Time's Up!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “Time’s up!” We’re studying Revelation 14, where we learn about the 144,000 witnesses chosen by God, the final warnings given by angels and the ultimate judgment of Earth’s inhabitants. This chapter reminds us that everything happening in the world is not forever. There will come a time, known only to God, when judgment will be passed. The righteous will be harvested into God’s kingdom, while the unrighteous will face eternal judgment.

Revelation 15-16 Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we will delve into Revelation Chapters 15 and 16. The theme is “Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls.” We learn about the time of the end when God’s wrath is to be poured out on the earth. These chapters discuss the seven last plagues, symbolizing God’s final judgments on a disobedient world. Despite these harsh judgments, we are reminded of God’s righteousness and justice. This study will help us understand the severity of sin and the necessity of God’s judgment, while emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the end times.

Revelation 17 Lady in Red!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today, we dive into Revelation 17, with the theme “Lady in Red.” Here, we encounter a symbolic image of a prostitute dressed in purple and scarlet, riding a beast with seven heads and 10 horns. This “Lady in Red” represents a false religious system that deceives and leads people away from the truth of Jesus Christ. The chapter warns us about the dire consequences of following this path and urges us to stay true to God’s Word. The “beast” symbolizes the political powers that oppose God. This study will help us understand the importance of discerning truth and standing firm in our faith in the face of deception.

Revelation 18-19 The Market Collapses

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Our journey today takes us through Revelation Chapters 18 and 19. The theme for today is “The Market Collapses.” In Chapter 18, we learn about the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of worldly systems that oppose God. Chapter 19 transitions to a scene of joy and rejoicing as the faithful in heaven celebrate the destruction of evil and prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This study aims to remind us not to place our trust in earthly wealth or systems, but in God’s eternal kingdom.

Revelation 20 The Return of the Living Dead

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s study takes us through Revelation 20, themed “The Return of the Living Dead.” This chapter discusses the victory of Christ in the Battle of Armageddon, the imprisonment and final rebellion of Satan, and the eventual judgment of the dead. Importantly, we learn about the two resurrections: the first resurrection to eternal life for those who believe in Christ, and the second for the wicked. This chapter underscores the significance of faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of having our names in the Book of Life.

Revelation 21 City of Light

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Revelation 21, the Apostle John shares his vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where a new Jerusalem descends from heaven. This chapter paints a picture of a glorious city of light where God dwells with his people. It offers hope and assurance for those who believe in God, revealing that they will inherit a place free from pain, death, and sorrow. However, it also warns that those who choose to live in sin will face the second death, a permanent separation from God.

Revelation 22 Winner Takes All

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In the final chapter of Revelation, Chapter 22, we hear Jesus’ promise of his soon return. This chapter paints a glorious picture of the new heaven and earth, with a crystal-clear river of life and the tree of life bearing fruit. It offers a great promise for those who believe in God, as they will dwell with him in this heavenly city. But there’s also a solemn warning for those who choose to continue in sin, revealing they will face eternal separation from God. The chapter ends with a call for everyone to come, drink from the water of life and be saved. The theme of this chapter is “Winner Takes All.”

Genesis

Genesis 50 Stop Complaining!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The final chapter of Genesis highlights two funerals — Jacob’s and Joseph’s — while showcasing Joseph’s full forgiveness of his brothers. After Jacob’s burial in Canaan, the brothers are filled with fear that Joseph might now seek revenge, but Joseph reassures them with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” This reminds us to stop complaining and trust that God can transform tragedy for his purposes. Even in death, Jacob and Joseph demonstrate unwavering faith in God’s covenant promises.

Genesis 48-49 Looking Ahead!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Jacob’s final days, he blesses Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. God’s sovereignty is evident as Jacob crosses his hands and gives the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger brother. Likewise, God’s sovereignty is further demonstrated as Jacob blesses his own sons, revealing their future roles in the nation of Israel. The theme “looking ahead” reminds us God is in control of history and the future. Though we face uncertainty, we can trust God’s guidance over our lives and the lives of future generations.

Genesis 46-47 Foreigners in a Strange Land

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters detail the reunion of Jacob’s family with Joseph in Egypt during a severe famine. God assures Jacob of his plan to make Israel a great nation even in a foreign land. Jacob’s family prospers in Goshen, and Joseph administers Egypt’s resources wisely during the famine. God’s provision through Joseph is evident as he uses hardship to fulfill his promises and set the stage for Israel’s redemption story. This reminds us that even in times when we feel out of place (“foreigners in a strange land”), God is working for his glory and our good.

Genesis 43-45 The Power of Forgiveness

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This section focuses on the remarkable story of reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. After enduring betrayal, imprisonment and slavery, Joseph rose to power in Egypt. When famine struck, his brothers sought food but did not recognize the brother they had wronged. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph tested their hearts and chose forgiveness over bitterness. Joseph acknowledged that God had worked through their evil actions to bring about a greater good: the survival of many. This story demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and God’s ability to turn evil into good.

Genesis 42 A Blast From the Past

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 42 is a poignant chapter in which Joseph’s brothers unknowingly face him during the famine in Egypt. Joseph tests them to draw out repentance and gauge whether they have changed since selling him into slavery. The story emphasizes the weight of unresolved guilt and the power of God’s providence in restoring relationships. Joseph’s brothers begin to confront their past mistakes, leading to eventual reconciliation and healing in the chapters to come.

Genesis 40-41 From the Pit to the Palace

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 40-41, Joseph interprets dreams in prison, and his reputation eventually reaches Pharaoh, who is deeply troubled by his own dreams. Pharaoh’s visions of cows and grain foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s wisdom leads to his promotion to second-in-command over Egypt, tasked with preparing for the famine. These chapters reveal how God’s timing is perfect and how faithfulness through trials positions us for his greater purpose and blessings.

Genesis 39 Is It Worth It To Do Right

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 39 continues Joseph’s story, revealing his integrity under great temptation. As a slave in Potiphar’s house, Joseph prospers because the Lord is with him. Potiphar’s wife tries relentlessly to seduce him, but Joseph refuses, declaring his loyalty both to God and his master. Though falsely accused, he remains steadfast in prison, where he finds favour with the prison keeper. This chapter reminds us that doing the right thing often brings temporary hardship but ultimately leads to God’s favour and reward.

Genesis 38 A Family Scandal!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 38 shifts the focus to Judah and his family, highlighting immorality and broken promises. Judah’s two wicked sons die, and Tamar, the widow of Judah’s eldest son, seeks justice through unconventional means. She disguises herself as a prostitute and tricks Judah into fathering twin sons, Perez and Zerah. The chapter reveals themes of sin, hypocrisy and God’s grace, showing that even flawed individuals are woven into His redemptive plan. Perez becomes part of the lineage of Jesus, demonstrating the surprising ways God works through human frailty.

Genesis 37 The Dreamer

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 37 introduces us to Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, who is given a colourful robe — a sign of favouritism that stirs jealousy among his brothers. Joseph’s dreams foretelling his future greatness add fuel to the fire. The chapter highlights themes such as sibling rivalry, betrayal and God’s sovereignty during trials. Despite the dysfunction in Jacob’s family, God begins to set the stage for his plan through Joseph. The chapter ends with Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery, unknowingly advancing God’s greater purpose to bring salvation through Joseph’s later role in Egypt.

Genesis 35-36 Opposite Sides

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Opposite Sides.” Jacob’s family becomes more devoted to God’s covenant by purifying themselves and rejecting idols, while Esau and his descendants move away from the covenant and ally themselves with ungodly nations. This chapter demonstrates separation — not merely physical but spiritual — between those who follow God and those who reject him. The story urges us to evaluate which side we are on: God’s side or the world’s side.

Genesis 34 Vengeance

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “The Danger of Vengeance.” Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, is defiled by Shechem, but rather than seeking just resolution, Simeon and Levi exact violent revenge, killing all the males in the city. Their actions brought trouble to Jacob’s household and dishonoured God’s ways. This chapter teaches us that vengeance belongs to God, and our anger can lead to sin. God calls us to humility and trust in his justice instead of seeking personal revenge.

Genesis 32-33 Wrestling With God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme is “Wrestling with God.” Jacob wrestles in prayer and literally with the angel of God, learning to surrender his fears and trust in God’s provision. God gives him a new name, Israel, meaning “he struggles with God.” Jacob’s reunion with Esau, which he feared would end violently, turns out to be peaceful, showing how God can calm situations when we trust him. Jacob learned that relying on God rather than schemes leads to blessing, and that wrestling with God in prayer can bring transformation.

Genesis 31 Jacob On The Run

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is “Jacob on the Run.” Jacob decided to leave Laban’s oppressive household and return to his homeland, prompted by God. Despite Laban’s attempts to cheat Jacob repeatedly, God protected and prospered him. As Jacob fled, Laban pursued him, but God warned Laban against harming Jacob. This chapter highlights God’s justice and provision — God sees all injustice and acts in his time. Jacob’s confrontation with Laban teaches us about dealing with false accusations and trusting God’s protection, even when circumstances seem hostile. Justice may take time, but God always prevails

Genesis 30 Honesty is the Best Investment

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “Honesty is the Best Investment.” Jacob suffered deceit and unfair treatment from his uncle Laban, yet God continued blessing him. Despite Laban’s schemes to diminish Jacob’s prosperity, God intervened to give Jacob fruitful livestock and a growing family. This chapter shows us that God’s blessings come not through human effort or tricks but through faith and divine provision. Jacob learned that relying on superstitions and personal schemes is futile, as prosperity ultimately depends on God’s generosity. The story emphasizes that even when others are dishonest, God’s faithfulness prevails.

Genesis 29 Double Trouble!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 29 recounts Jacob’s encounter with Laban, leading to deceit and “double trouble” in Jacob’s marriage. Jacob’s desire to marry Rachel led to hard work and patience. Laban tricked him, first giving him Leah instead, revealing the consequences of deception. This chapter shows how Jacob began to reap what he sowed, with interpersonal conflicts and favouritism causing rivalry between Leah and Rachel. Despite human struggles, God showed favour toward Leah by blessing her with children. God uses the imperfect relationships of people to further his purposes.

Genesis 28 Jacob's Ladder

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 28 marks the beginning of Jacob’s personal journey toward faith. Alone and afraid in the wilderness, he dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, revealing God’s active presence and assurance of his promises. Jacob begins to understand the importance of spiritual connection, expressing awe at God’s revelation. Though Jacob’s faith starts small, God’s covenant promises encourage him to take steps forward. This chapter shows us how moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal, as God often speaks the loudest during our times of difficulty.

Genesis 27 Brother Against Brother

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 27 depicts betrayal and God’s sovereignty over human failings. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, with his mother Rebekah’s help, to steal Esau’s blessing. Despite human manipulation, God’s purposes prevailed, as Jacob was ultimately chosen over Esau. Esau’s bitterness and hatred against Jacob remind us of the dangers of despising spiritual privileges and pursuing fleshly desires. This chapter teaches that while humans may act out of selfish motives, God is still able to accomplish his good and perfect plans.

Genesis 26 I've Seen This Before

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 26 teaches us about repetitive human behaviour and God’s ongoing faithfulness. Isaac dealt with a famine like his father Abraham and repeated some mistakes, such as lying to Abimelech about his wife. Despite Isaac’s errors, God blessed him wherever he went. The chapter shows the importance of trusting God instead of leaning on fear and deception. Isaac’s ability to dig wells, symbolizing God’s provision, reminds us of the necessity of spiritual sustenance, represented by the living water of the Holy Spirit. Even amid human flaws, God’s purpose prevails.

Genesis 25 An Imperfect Choice for the Perfect Plan

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 25, we see the end of Abraham’s life and the continuation of God’s promises through his sons. The theme is God’s sovereign choices and the importance of valuing spiritual blessings. Society often judges based on outward appearances, but God values unseen qualities. Esau disqualified himself because he despised his birthright, prioritizing temporary needs above eternal blessings. This chapter reminds us to seek spiritual things and trust in God’s purpose. Generations pass, but God’s plan of redemption remains steadfast.

Genesis 23 From Mourning to Joy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis Chapters 23 and 24, we see the transition from mourning to joy as Abraham deals with the death of his wife, Sarah, and then finds a wife for his son, Isaac. God works behind the scenes to fulfill his promises and bring blessings to Abraham’s family.

Genesis 22 Abraham's Greatest Test

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 22, we see Abraham facing his greatest test of faith when God asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham shows his unwavering obedience and trust in God, ultimately being provided with a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God’s will, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Genesis 20-21 The Impossible Promise Fulfilled

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 20 and 21, we see how God fulfills his promise to Abraham and Sarah by giving them a son, Isaac, even though Sarah was barren. Despite various challenges and mistakes, God’s faithfulness prevails, showing that he always keeps his promises, even if it takes longer than expected.

Genesis 20 Raining Fire

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 19, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah showcases the consequences of living in sin and turning away from God. Lot and his family are rescued from the impending destruction, but not without facing the harsh realities of evil and judgment. This chapter serves as a warning against complacency and tolerance of sin, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in God.

Genesis 18 pt 2 Justice and Mercy

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Genesis 18, we see the theme of “Justice and Mercy” play out as God reveals his plan to investigate the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes on behalf of his nephew Lot, pleading for mercy if 10 righteous people can be found in the city

Genesis 17 - 18a Closing The Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 17-18a reveals God’s reaffirmation of his covenant with Abraham. Abraham and Sarah receive new names, symbolizing their new roles in God’s plan. The covenant is sealed through circumcision, demonstrating obedience and faith. God visits Abraham to promise Isaac’s birth, challenging disbelief and reminding us that nothing is impossible for him.

Genesis 16 A Short Cut That Does Not Lead to the Right Place

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 16 depicts Abraham and Sarah’s impatience with God’s timing. Feeling barren, Sarah gives her servant Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. Hagar conceives and is mistreated, fleeing to the wilderness. God intervenes, providing mercy and promises for Hagar and her son Ishmael. The chapter teaches the dangers of taking shortcuts and underscores God’s compassion even amid human mistakes

Genesis 15 The God Contract

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 15 explores faith and God’s promises. Abraham, childless and wavering, questions God’s promise to provide descendants. God reassures Abraham, comparing his offspring to the stars in the sky. A covenant is sealed with a unique ceremony involving animals, showing God’s unconditional commitment to his promises. This chapter teaches patience, trust and God’s faithfulness.

Genesis 14

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 14 recounts war and rescue. Lot is kidnapped during a tribal war involving kings of the region. Abraham acts, leading 318 trained men to rescue Lot and retrieve the possessions taken. The chapter ends with a mysterious priest named Melchizedek blessing Abraham, showing us God’s provision and victory in battling spiritual or physical enemies

Genesis 13 Family Disputes

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 13 highlights how Abraham navigated a family dispute with his nephew Lot. Due to their large herds and limited space, tensions arose between their herdsmen, leading Abraham to propose a solution. He gave Lot the first choice of land, demonstrating humility and trust in God’s ultimate plan. This chapter teaches us how to handle conflicts gracefully, prioritize relationships, and trust God’s sovereignty even during difficult times.

Genesis 12 A Route With No Map

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 12 introduces the story of Abraham while spotlighting themes of faith, obedience and God’s promises. Abraham is called by God to leave his home and journey to an unknown land. Despite not knowing the destination, Abraham obeys, trusting God to lead him. God makes a covenant with him, promising to bless him, make him a great nation, and bless all families of the Earth through him. The chapter also shows Abraham’s human flaws when he lies in Egypt, reminding us that even people of great faith can falter. Ultimately, this chapter teaches us to trust God’s plans even when the path is unclear.

Genesis 11 The Tower of Babel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme in Genesis Chapter 11 is the Tower of Babel and the human effort to achieve unity and greatness without God. We witness how people’s pride led them to build a tower to reach heaven, which resulted in God confusing their language and scattering them over the earth. This chapter also introduces us to Abraham, whose lineage leads to the Messiah, showing God’s plan of redemption for humanity.

Genesis 9 & 10 Hope For A New Humanity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This study guide covers Genesis Chapters 9 and 10, focusing on the theme of “Hope for a New Humanity.” In these chapters, God blesses Noah and his sons, instructing them to repopulate the earth. Noah’s sons are revealed as the ancestors of the world’s nations. God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by a flood again. The chapters also highlight the importance of respect for parents and the sanctity of human life.

Genesis 7 & 8 The Greatest Flood Ever

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Genesis 7 & 8 is “The Greatest Tsunami Ever.” These chapters describe God’s judgment on a wicked world through the great flood and his mercy in saving Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark. Water from both the heavens and the deep covered the earth, wiping out all life except those preserved in the ark. God’s faithfulness is shown as he remembers Noah, causes the waters to subside, and establishes a fresh start for humanity. The ark and its door symbolize salvation, and Noah’s faith in God’s word saved him.

Genesis 6 The Giant Corruption

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Genesis 6 teaches us about the growing corruption of humanity before the flood. Sin had spread widely, with people turning away from God and indulging in evil. Despite their rebellion, God showed patience by giving them 120 years to repent. However, their wickedness led to judgment in the form of a great flood. This chapter also introduces Noah, a righteous man who found favour with God because of his obedience. Through Noah, we see that faithfulness to God brings His protection and blessings, even during times of judgment. Key themes include the consequences of sin, God’s patience, and the rewards of righteousness.

Genesis 5 Through a Time Tunnel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s lesson, we focused on the genealogies in Genesis Chapter 5. We learned that these genealogies are not just lists of names, but important historical records that show how people are interconnected and significant to God’s plan. Most notably, we examined the different fates of the lines of Cain and Seth. While Cain’s line was marked by separation from God and eventually perished, Seth’s line, which included people who called upon the name of the Lord, survived, showing us the importance of reliance on God.

Genesis 4B The Downward Spiral

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “The Downward Spiral,” which focuses on Genesis Chapter 4. After Adam and Eve’s fall, Cain’s murder of Abel leads to a downward trajectory in humanity. Cain’s lineage, featuring figures like Lamech who justify their sins and move further away from God, represents this spiral. Simultaneously, the birth of Seth to Adam and Eve gives hope, as his descendants include those who call upon the name of the Lord. The study shows two different paths in history -- one that pursues a relationship with God and another that rejects him.

Genesis 4A Second Chance

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is about “Second Chance.” Genesis Chapter 4 introduces us to Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. This chapter outlines the importance of offerings and the consequences of sin. It shows us that God is merciful and gives second chances, as demonstrated by his treatment of Cain, even after Cain committed the first murder by killing his brother Abel.

Genesis 3b The Banquet of Consequences

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The second half of Genesis 3 talks about the aftermath of Adam and Eve's disobedience. When they ate the forbidden fruit, they set off a series of unfortunate consequences. This chapter highlights the reality of sin and its consequences, showing us that disobedience to God's commands leads to separation from Him, pain, hard labour, and ultimately death. It also reveals God's mercy in not allowing humans to live forever in a state of sin.

Genesis 3a Fig Leaves

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we dive into Genesis 3, exploring the theme of "The Fall of Man and the Fig Leaves." This chapter tells us about Adam and Eve's disobedience to God's command, the deceit of the serpent, and the consequences of their actions. It also discusses their attempts to cover up their wrongdoings using fig leaves, which symbolizes our human attempts to hide our sins and make ourselves appear righteous.

Genesis 2

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today we explored Genesis 2, where we learned about the creation of man and woman. God created a perfect environment for man, the Garden of Eden, and gave him authority over other creatures. Man was not meant to be alone; thus, God created a woman to be his companion. This chapter shows us a time of innocence, where man and woman existed in harmony with nature, under God's guidelines. It establishes the divine design for family: a man and a woman, together for life, setting the foundation for all human relationships.

Genesis 1b Science and the Bible

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today's study explores the theme "Science and the Bible," focusing on the creation account in Genesis 1. Our teacher, John Mathews, emphasizes that both science and faith have their unique roles and that they need not conflict with each other. He explains the Bible's account that everything in the universe was created by God and was inherently good. The teacher also discusses the reliability of the Bible, the age of the earth, and the theory of evolution.

Genesis 1 Out of Chaos Order

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today's study, we explore Genesis 1, the first chapter of the Bible, where we learn about the creation of the universe. Our teacher, John Mathews, talks about how God brought order out of chaos and formed the world. He highlights the power of God's word in creation and emphasises that God is good, and all He does is good. This chapter serves as the foundation of understanding God's purpose and the beginning of life.

Exodus

Exodus 35-40 Glory of God Through Worship

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This part of the Bible describes how the tabernacle was built and how God manifested His glory in it. The tabernacle was a place of worship, representing God’s presence among His people—just like the Garden of Eden originally did. The tabernacle’s construction reminds us that serving God involves effort. God provided wisdom and skills to workers like Bezalel and Oholiab, as well as the materials needed to glorify Him. The completion of the tabernacle and the arrival of God’s glory within it show His faithfulness when we follow His instructions. It also represents God’s desire to live among His people and foreshadows Jesus, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Today, we are God’s tabernacles when we worship Him with true devotion.

Exodus 33-34 The Glory and The Veil

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme in Exodus 33-34 is “The Glory and the Veil.” God renews His covenant with Israel after their sin of worshiping the golden calf. Moses spent time in God's presence, and his face shone as a result. This reminds us of spending time with God transforms us in visible ways! Moses used a veil because Israel couldn’t fully grasp the glory of God, highlighting how unbelief veils hearts from seeing God’s glory. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, this veil is removed, revealing God’s love and greatness. We also learn that while Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law, His moral commands still matter today. God's love, patience, and willingness to forgive remind us that there’s always hope for us, no matter how far we’ve fallen, if we come to Him with a truly repentant heart.

Exodus 32 Getting Egypt Out of God’s People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites created a golden calf and fell into idolatry. This revealed their continued attachment to the sinful practices of Egypt. Moses interceded for the people, and God showed mercy, though consequences followed. This chapter reminds us that even after being saved, we must actively remove sin and worldly influences from our lives. God calls us to worship Him alone and to remain faithful, even when tempted to stray.

Exodus 26-31 The Lost Ark Isn’t Lost, Just Replaced

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the consecration of the priests. The Ark of the Covenant was the centrepiece, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and authority. The priesthood and sacrifices allowed the Israelites to approach a holy God. However, the Ark and Tabernacle were temporary. In Christ, we now have a far better representation of God’s presence. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tabernacle, offering us direct access to God.

Exodus 24-25 Marking His Presence

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God reconfirms His covenant with the Israelites and provides instructions for building the Tabernacle, a physical representation of His presence among His people. The Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, and other sacred furnishings are described in detail. These items symbolize God’s holiness, provision, and authority. The Tabernacle served as a central place for worship, fostering unity among the Israelites. Ultimately, these foreshadow Christ, who perfectly fulfills God’s plan to dwell with His people.

Exodus 21-23 Fair is Fair

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "Fair is Fair." These chapters contain laws that promote justice, compassion, and fairness in society. They cover topics such as slavery, personal injuries, property rights, and treatment of the vulnerable. These laws reflect God’s desire for His people to live in harmony and integrity. They also emphasize the importance of honesty, impartiality, and compassion for the poor and oppressed. While these laws were specific to ancient Israel, the principles of justice and mercy remain relevant today.

Exodus 19-20 The Covenant of Law

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for this study is "The Covenant of Law." In these chapters, God establishes His covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, giving the Ten Commandments as the foundation of His moral law. The Israelites are called to be a holy nation, set apart for God. God’s presence is revealed in thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire, demonstrating His holiness. The Ten Commandments remind us of God’s standards and show us how far short we fall, pointing us to our need for salvation through Jesus Christ. While we cannot perfectly keep the law, it remains a guide for godly living, and our obedience reflects our gratitude for God’s grace.

Exodus 17-18 Don't Be in Dismay Pray!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 17-18, the theme “Don’t Be in Dismay, Pray!” highlights God’s provision and guidance during challenges. In chapter 17, the Israelites complain about thirst, and God provides water from a rock. When the Amalekites attack, Moses prays while Joshua leads the battle. God’s power prevails when Moses’ hands are lifted, teaching the importance of prayer and teamwork. In chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This wisdom helps Moses avoid burnout and trains others for leadership. These chapters remind us that God provides for both our physical and spiritual needs when we trust Him.

Exodus 15-16 Praise or Complaint

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 15-16, the theme “Praise or Complaint?” contrasts the Israelites’ joy after crossing the Red Sea with their complaints in the wilderness. Chapter 15 begins with a joyful song of victory, praising God for His power and deliverance. But soon after, the people complain about bitter water and food shortages. God provides sweet water and manna, teaching them to trust Him daily. Manna, described as “bread from heaven,” symbolizes God’s provision and points to Jesus as the Bread of Life. These chapters remind us to choose gratitude over grumbling and trust God to meet our needs.

Exodus 13-14 Stand Firm and See

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 13-14, the theme “Stand Firm and See” shows us how God leads His people. After freeing the Israelites from slavery, God leads them to the Red Sea, where Pharaoh’s army traps them. The Israelites panic, but Moses tells them to trust God. God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land while drowning Pharaoh’s army. This incredible miracle demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness. Chapter 13 also introduces the importance of dedicating firstborns to God and celebrating the Passover as a reminder of His deliverance. These chapters teach us to trust God, even in impossible situations, and to remember His faithfulness.

Exodus 11-12 The First Passover

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 11-12, the theme is “The First Passover.” God prepares to deliver the final and most devastating plague: the death of the firstborn in Egypt. However, He gives the Israelites specific instructions to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act of faith protects their households from the death angel. The Israelites obey, and the plague strikes Egypt, leading Pharaoh to finally release them. The Passover foreshadows Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice brings salvation. These chapters remind us of God’s power, His deliverance of His people, and the importance of obedience and faith in His plan.

Exodus 9-10 The Gathering Storms!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Exodus 9-10, we see the theme “The Gathering Storms.” Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to obey God’s command to release the Israelites, and as a result, the plagues intensify. From the death of livestock to painful boils, destructive hail, locusts, and even a thick darkness, Egypt is devastated. Despite these signs, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. These chapters teach us the importance of listening to God and responding to His warnings before the consequences escalate. God demonstrates His power, control over nature, and care for His people, sparing the Israelites from the plagues. The lesson is clear: we must obey God the first time and not let our hearts grow hard like Pharaoh’s.

Exodus 7-8 Or Else!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, unfolds the narrative of Moses confronting the pharaoh with divine signs and plagues, demonstrating God

Exodus 5-6 Bricks Without Straw

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, discusses the challenges faced by Moses and the Israelites as they strive for freedom from slavery in Egypt. The theme revolves around facing difficulties with faith and trust in God’s promises.

Exodus 4 Signs and Wonders

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Chapter 4 reveals God equipping Moses with miraculous signs to convince the Hebrews and the pharaoh of his divine commission to lead the people out of Egypt. Through these signs, Moses learns to rely on God’s power rather than on his own strength.

Exodus 3 The Burning Bush

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
This chapter delves into Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, where he receives his divine calling to confront the pharaoh and lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Through miraculous signs, God reassures Moses of his presence and power in fulfilling this mission.

Exodus 44 Baby Versus Pharaoh

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In this chapter, we learn about Moses, a significant figure chosen by God to deliver the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Moses, despite his upbringing in the pharaoh’s palace, is revealed to be of Hebrew descent, setting the stage for his divine call to lead his people to freedom.

Exodus 01 During the Time of Slavery

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Exodus begins by recounting how God’s people, the Israelites, multiplied in Egypt after Joseph’s death. A new pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaved the Israelites and ruthlessly oppressed them out of fear of their growing population. Despite the pharaoh’s cruel orders, including infanticide, God preserved his people. Faithful midwives defied the king’s orders and obeyed God instead. The theme “during the time of slavery” reminds us that even in dark times of suffering, God is at work preparing deliverance and fulfilling his promises.

Leviticus

Leviticus 1-4 Obedience and Responsibility

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 26 teaches blessings versus curses based on obedience to God, while chapter 27 warns about vows and keeping promises. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains God’s desire for repentance when His people stray, showing His mercy despite severe consequences for sins like idolatry. Chapter 27 teaches that promises to God must be taken seriously because He values accountability. The study highlights how God’s justice and mercy work together and shows us the importance of taking personal responsibility in faith, obedience, and promises. As John reminds us, God doesn’t expect perfection but does expect genuine effort in seeking Him.

Leviticus 23-25 The Feast Days of Israel

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In these chapters, God gives Israel instructions for feast days and the Sabbath, teaching gratitude, rest, and trust. Our teacher, John Mathews, reveals how these feasts celebrated God’s blessings and reminded the people of His provision, faithfulness, and future promises. The Sabbatical year allowed land to rest, teaching sustainable practices, while the Year of Jubilee emphasized forgiveness and resetting relationships. John highlights how each feast foreshadows Jesus Christ, from His crucifixion on Passover to the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost. This study calls us to rest in God’s promises, celebrate His blessings, and trust His provision through intentional gratitude.

Leviticus 21-22 Complete Purity

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 21 and 22 show the high standards set for Israel’s priests and their families. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how leaders must lead by example, maintaining purity in their lives. The laws emphasize offering the best to God, including physical health and proper sacrifices. John compares these responsibilities to modern leaders like pastors, showing that accountability and dedication are required. The study reminds us that God doesn’t need offerings but desires gratitude and obedience from His people. By following these regulations, holiness is upheld, enabling a closer relationship with God. This chapter challenges us to honour God in all areas of life, offering Him our best and holding others in spiritual leadership to high standards.

Leviticus 18 & 20 New Morality or Old Immorality

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
These chapters of Leviticus outline God's moral boundaries for human sexuality, emphasizing holiness and obedience. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how society's moral decay challenges faith, highlighting how sin extends its impact on communities and individuals. With examples like idol worship and sexual immorality, we understand God’s strict instructions to preserve purity. John encourages proactive resolve, like Daniel and Joseph, to resist temptation and obey God’s Word. This study reminds us to choose God’s standards over society’s influences and understand that the seemingly "new morality" today is just the old immorality under new labels.

Leviticus 17 & 19 Your Neighbor As Yourself

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 17 and 19 teach about holiness in worship and daily life. Chapter 17 focuses on proper sacrifice practices, warning against drinking blood and demanding that offerings be made only at the tabernacle. This ensured sacred practices weren’t corrupted by pagan rituals. Chapter 19 emphasizes God's command to love others, showing concern for the poor, elderly, and strangers. It also stresses fairness, truthfulness, and respect in relationships. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how these rules aimed to keep God’s people distinct from the immoral actions of surrounding pagan nations. These chapters remind us to honour God in worship and everyday actions. They challenge us to avoid spiritual compromise and treat others as God would—with justice, kindness, and love. Living by these principles glorifies God and uplifts those around us.

Leviticus 16 The Day of Atonement

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 16 details Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when the priest would make sacrifices to cover the sins of Israel. This was the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, symbolizing atonement through blood—the bull and goats sacrificed, including the scapegoat sent into the wilderness carrying the people’s sins. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that while the Old Testament sacrifices temporarily covered sins, they had to be repeated yearly. Today, Jesus is our ultimate atonement, offering a perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. This chapter shows God’s immense grace, His demand for holiness, and the cost of resisting sin. It asks believers to live repentant lives and fully embrace the forgiveness offered through Christ. This lesson reminds us why Jesus’s sacrifice is so significant and challenges us to live in gratitude for the salvation He provides.

Leviticus 13 & 14 Unclean! Unclean!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 focus on skin diseases like leprosy and the ceremonial rules surrounding them. The priests diagnosed and isolated lepers to protect the community and maintain tabernacle holiness. Our teacher, John Mathews, compares leprosy to sin—how it starts small, spreads, and damages lives. Sin, like disease, separates us from God and others. The chapters also remind us of Jesus touching and healing lepers, proving His power and breaking societal barriers. While we might not face physical leprosy today, these chapters encourage reflection on sin as an impurity needing purification. Jesus provides ultimate cleansing and restoration for all who turn to Him. This study reveals the importance of keeping purity in worship and resisting the spread of spiritual impurity in our lives and communities.

Leviticus 12 & 15 For Her And For Him

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 12 and 15 emphasize ceremonial purification related to everyday bodily functions. These chapters show that impurity isn’t always sinful—it’s often part of normal life. For instance, childbirth requires purification rituals, and bodily discharges make someone ceremonially unclean. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that these rules helped ensure the holiness of the tabernacle, where God dwelled among His people. While these ceremonial laws are not needed today, they remind us of the larger point: separation from impurity and striving to live holy lives. Jesus broke the barriers that separated us from God, offering full and permanent forgiveness. However, these chapters challenge us to recognize the importance of maintaining purity—not just outwardly but in our hearts, as sin still distorts every part of humanity. God asks us to be set apart for Him, even in how we handle everyday aspects of life.

Leviticus 11 Impurity Should Not Be On The Menu

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Leviticus 11 talks about pure and impure animals in the Old Testament dietary laws. These laws weren’t just about food—they taught deep spiritual lessons. Clean animals like those that chew their cud symbolize ruminating over God’s Word, while parted-hoof animals represent a separated, holy walk. Both traits are necessary to live a God-honouring life: focusing on the Word and living set apart from the world. God used these dietary laws to teach holiness, reminding the Israelites to stay distinct from pagan practices and impurities. While these ceremonial laws are no longer required for Christians today, striving for holiness remains important. Our teacher, John Mathews, reminds us that impurity doesn’t just come from outward things—it often comes from within. Ultimately, God calls us to be holy because He is holy, setting a higher standard for living lives that honour Him.

Leviticus 3-5 Peace With God and Man

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme of Leviticus 3-5 is “Peace With God and Man.” These chapters explain offerings meant to restore peace between people and God, and address how unintentional sins can be forgiven. The peace offering symbolized gratitude and a harmonious relationship with God, reminding us that gratitude strengthens our connection with Him. The sin offering covered unintentional sins, showing that all sin—whether small or accidental—interrupts our fellowship with God and requires atonement through the shedding of blood. The guilt offering focused on how sins and offenses against others required confession and restitution. These laws teach us to be thankful, confess wrongs, and repair relationships with neighbours. Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus paid the price for us through His blood, but peace with God and others still requires repentance, honesty, and humility.

Leviticus 1-2 Worship Matters

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Leviticus 1-2, we see God establish a system of sacrifices to prepare His people to worship Him properly and deal with sin. The theme is “Worship Matters.” The sacrificial system showed that sin is serious and must be paid for—even unintentional sins. These sacrifices remind us that God is holy and cannot ignore sin, but they also point us toward Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice to take away sin permanently. Offering the best animals or grain demonstrated that worship should cost us something and involve effort. This is a challenge to give God our best in everything, trusting Him as our provider through offerings like the grain's “first fruits.” Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus redeemed us, but we’re still called to bring the best of our time, talents, and resources to honour God in worship and to demonstrate gratitude.

Numbers

Numbers 22-24 Balaam And His Talking Donkey

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 22-24 introduces Balaam, a prophet for hire, and his talking donkey. King Balak of Moab, fearing the Israelites, hires Balaam to curse them. God warns Balaam not to curse the nation He has blessed. When Balaam reluctantly agrees to go, his donkey sees an angel blocking the path and miraculously speaks to correct Balaam’s foolishness. Despite many attempts by Balak to manipulate him, Balaam can only speak God’s message, which contains blessings for Israel. These blessings reaffirm God’s unchanging promises to His people and foretell a coming star, the Messiah, who will rise from Jacob and rule forever. Through this story, we see God’s power over all creation, His unstoppable plans for His people, and the destructiveness of greed as exemplified in Balaam's eventual downfall.

Numbers 21 The Serpent That Brought The Cure

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 21 teaches us about sin, faith, salvation, and God’s miraculous provision. The Israelites complained against God and Moses, facing discipline when fiery serpents attacked. Their repentance brought a cure—Moses lifted a bronze serpent on a pole, and whoever looked on it in faith was healed. This symbol points to Jesus, who said, "As Moses lifted up the serpent, the Son of Man must also be lifted up." Like the Israelites bit by snakes, we are poisoned by sin, but salvation is freely offered through Jesus’ sacrifice. Later, Israel gained military victories over kings Sihon and Og, showing God’s protection as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The lesson is clear: salvation is so simple—faith in God’s plan leads to healing, forgiveness, and new life.

Numbers 18-20 A Torturous Trek

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Numbers 18-20 highlights responsibilities, purification rituals, and challenges faced during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. Priests and Levites were tasked with maintaining the tabernacle and relied on the people’s tithes for sustenance. The red heifer ceremony symbolized purification, foreshadowing Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice. Chapter 20 reveals the consequences of partial obedience through Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, symbolizing the importance of faith and prayer. Lastly, Moses’ brother Aaron dies, transferring the high priest’s duties to his son Eleazar. This torturous trek showed how disobedience, discouragement, and conflict impacted the nation, yet God remained faithful in guiding them toward the Promised Land.

Numbers 15-17 Intentional Sin

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Numbers 15-17, we see a contrast between God’s mercy towards unintentional sins and His firm judgment on intentional sins. A man gathering sticks on the Sabbath and Korah’s rebellion against Moses showed what happens when people disrespect God’s authority. Despite seeing miracles and being led by God, the Israelites grumbled and challenged their leaders. God made it clear that He chooses His leaders—confirming Aaron’s role by making his staff blossom.

Numbers 14 A Bad Report

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is the danger of complaining and rebellion against God-ordained leadership. The Israelites forgot about God's promises and miracles, and instead believed the bad report of the spies, leading to severe punishment. Moses' humility and prayer for the people are contrasted with the rebellion of the Israelites.

Numbers 12-13 Being Careful With Our Words

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is being careful with our words and having faith in God's power. We learn from Aaron and Miriam's mistake of speaking against Moses, and from the spies who were sent to check out the land of Canaan. The ones with faith, like Joshua and Caleb, were in the minority, but they trusted God to give them the land. We also see the importance of humility and meekness, as exemplified by Moses, who was able to write the first five books of the Bible without promoting himself.

Numbers 10-11 Complaint Department

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme was "complaint department." In chapter 10, the Israelites set out with high hopes and great expectations, but in chapter 11 they ran into the hot dry desert which sapped their strength and shortened their tempers. And as it often happens today, when hardship and difficulties come upon us, instead of praying, and trusting in God's provision, they complained to each other and criticized Moses. Let's remember to support our church leaders and remember that God is our only true source of any relief and supply.

Numbers 7-9 Preparing for the Presence of God

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for today is "Preparing for the Presence of God" where the Israelites prepare for the dedication ceremony of the tabernacle. They bring offerings, wash and attire themselves properly, and reinstate the Passover celebration. When everything is done in good order, God shows up in a pillar of cloud and fire, indicating His presence and pleasure.

Numbers 5-6 A Holy God and a Purified People

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
A holy God and a purified people is the theme for today's study on Mission 66. Chapter 5 discusses a test to confirm guilt or affirm innocence for any woman accused of adultery, while chapter 6 explores the ceremonial purity required of anyone wishing to submit to the Nazirite Vow. This vow includes not drinking wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with death. The chapter ends with a beautiful blessing from God.

Numbers 1-4 A Head Count

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The Israelites were commanded by God to conduct a census of all the tribes, counting men from 20 years and older, to determine each tribe's numerical strength for future combat. The Levites were exempted from this census, but Moses counted them separately later. The camp was arranged by tribes, with the order in which they were to set out and regroup later also specified. The sons of Aaron were ordained as the chief priests, and the Levites as their assistants, with each of the three sons of Levi (Kohath, Merari, and Gershom) in charge of different aspects of the tabernacle when it was to be disassembled, transported, and reassembled in the next location.

Jude

Jude 1 Contend for the Faith

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme in the study of Jude 1 is “Contend for the Faith.” Jude, a leader in the early Christian church and brother of James, wrote this letter as a warning against false teachers. These teachers were distorting the truth and leading believers astray. Jude called for steadfastness in faith and warned against falling into heresy. He stressed the importance of staying true to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to resist the temptations of false prophets.

Revelation

Revelation 22 Winner Takes All

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In the final chapter of Revelation, Chapter 22, we hear Jesus’ promise of his soon return. This chapter paints a glorious picture of the new heaven and earth, with a crystal-clear river of life and the tree of life bearing fruit. It offers a great promise for those who believe in God, as they will dwell with him in this heavenly city. But there’s also a solemn warning for those who choose to continue in sin, revealing they will face eternal separation from God. The chapter ends with a call for everyone to come, drink from the water of life and be saved. The theme of this chapter is “Winner Takes All.”

Revelation 21 City of Light

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In Revelation 21, the Apostle John shares his vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where a new Jerusalem descends from heaven. This chapter paints a picture of a glorious city of light where God dwells with his people. It offers hope and assurance for those who believe in God, revealing that they will inherit a place free from pain, death, and sorrow. However, it also warns that those who choose to live in sin will face the second death, a permanent separation from God.

Revelation 20 The Return of the Living Dead

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s study takes us through Revelation 20, themed “The Return of the Living Dead.” This chapter discusses the victory of Christ in the Battle of Armageddon, the imprisonment and final rebellion of Satan, and the eventual judgment of the dead. Importantly, we learn about the two resurrections: the first resurrection to eternal life for those who believe in Christ, and the second for the wicked. This chapter underscores the significance of faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of having our names in the Book of Life.

Revelation 18-19 The Market Collapses

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Our journey today takes us through Revelation Chapters 18 and 19. The theme for today is “The Market Collapses.” In Chapter 18, we learn about the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of worldly systems that oppose God. Chapter 19 transitions to a scene of joy and rejoicing as the faithful in heaven celebrate the destruction of evil and prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This study aims to remind us not to place our trust in earthly wealth or systems, but in God’s eternal kingdom.

Revelation 17 Lady in Red!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today, we dive into Revelation 17, with the theme “Lady in Red.” Here, we encounter a symbolic image of a prostitute dressed in purple and scarlet, riding a beast with seven heads and 10 horns. This “Lady in Red” represents a false religious system that deceives and leads people away from the truth of Jesus Christ. The chapter warns us about the dire consequences of following this path and urges us to stay true to God’s Word. The “beast” symbolizes the political powers that oppose God. This study will help us understand the importance of discerning truth and standing firm in our faith in the face of deception.

Revelation 15-16 Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we will delve into Revelation Chapters 15 and 16. The theme is “Seven Plagues and Seven Bowls.” We learn about the time of the end when God’s wrath is to be poured out on the earth. These chapters discuss the seven last plagues, symbolizing God’s final judgments on a disobedient world. Despite these harsh judgments, we are reminded of God’s righteousness and justice. This study will help us understand the severity of sin and the necessity of God’s judgment, while emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the end times.

Revelation 14 Time's Up!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s theme is “Time’s up!” We’re studying Revelation 14, where we learn about the 144,000 witnesses chosen by God, the final warnings given by angels and the ultimate judgment of Earth’s inhabitants. This chapter reminds us that everything happening in the world is not forever. There will come a time, known only to God, when judgment will be passed. The righteous will be harvested into God’s kingdom, while the unrighteous will face eternal judgment.

Revelation 13 The Mark of the Beast!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapter 13, where we explore the theme “The Mark of the Beast.” This chapter presents a sort of satanic trinity, involving the Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophet, in opposition to God and his people. The Beast, who receives power from the Dragon, forces all people to receive a mark, known as the Mark of the Beast. The number of the Beast, 666, represents the empire of humankind opposing God. Only those with their names written in the Book of Life, the true followers of Jesus Christ, will be free from the power of the Beast.

Revelation 12 The Lady and the Dragon!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we explore Revelation Chapter 12, focusing on the theme “the Lady and the Dragon.” This chapter represents the battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The Lady, representing the nation of Israel, gives birth to the Messiah, who will reign over the entire Earth. The Dragon, representing Satan, attempts to thwart God’s plan, but ultimately fails. The conflict continues with the Dragon pursuing the Lady, but God provides protection. The chapter concludes with the Dragon making war on the rest of her offspring, symbolizing the ongoing conflict between good and evil.

Revelation 10-11 No More Delay

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
In today’s study, we delve into Revelation Chapters 10 and 11, under the theme “no more delay.” We explore the divine revelation with the two witnesses who, after being killed by the Antichrist, are resurrected and ascend into heaven. This is followed by the Seventh Trumpet blast, signaling that the kingdoms of the world will be handed over to God and his Christ, indicating that there will be no more delay. This is a testament to the inevitability of God’s reign forever and ever.

Revelation 8-9 Die Hard

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
The theme for Revelation Chapters 8 and 9 is “die hard,” which shows the unyielding nature of humanity even in the face of severe divine judgment. As the end of time approaches, people will become increasingly resistant to God, refusing to repent despite catastrophic events. In these chapters, the seventh seal is opened, introducing the Trumpet Judgments. The Earth experiences unprecedented disasters: a third of the world burns, seas turn to blood, waters become poisoned and darkness covers the skies. Yet, the people’s hearts remain hardened. Demonic creatures emerge, tormenting those without God’s seal. Despite the pain, humanity clings to its sinful ways rather than turning to God. This reveals the depth of human depravity and the danger of hardening one’s heart against the Almighty.

Revelation 7 144 Thousand

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 7 introduces us to the 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel who are marked with a seal for protection during the tribulation. This chapter also presents a countless multitude from every nation, dressed in white robes and praising God. The main theme is God’s mercy in the midst of judgment, as He marks His servants for protection and gathers a great multitude of believers from all nations.

Revelation 6 The Horsemen Of The Apocalypse!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 6 explores the opening of the seven seals, known as the “seal judgments,” marking the end of the age. As each seal is opened, a new judgment is unleashed upon the world. These judgments are symbolized by the four horsemen of the apocalypse: conquest, war, famine and death. The main theme of this chapter is the unveiling of God’s justice and judgment on the world’s rebellion and sin.

Revelation 4-5 Before the Throne

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 4 and 5 invite us to take a peek beyond our human limitations, revealing the eternal glory of Jesus Christ. We see him on his majestic throne, ruling heaven and Earth. The chapters delve into the vision of the Apostle John, who is shown a door standing open in heaven, a throne and various heavenly beings. The main theme revolves around the power and majesty of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, who is worthy of all praise and worship, and who will take back rightful ownership of the Earth.

Revelation 3 Lukewarm!

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today’s Mission 66 study with our teacher, John Mathews, delves into the messages for the last three of the seven churches in Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The overarching theme is “lukewarm,” as Jesus Christ critiques each church’s actions and spiritual state. The church in Sardis appears alive but is spiritually dead and needs to wake up. Philadelphia, though weak, has kept Jesus’ word and is promised protection from future trials. Laodicea is criticized for being lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — and is warned about complacency. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, seeking entrance into the hearts of believers to restore fellowship and urging them to be zealous and repent. These messages call for self-examination, urging believers to love Jesus as their first love, remain vigilant, awake, faithful and never lukewarm.

Revelation 2 First Love

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Today on Mission 66, our teacher John Mathews takes us through Revelation 2, where we learn the importance of maintaining our “first love” for Jesus. The chapter contains letters to four different churches in Asia Minor, each with its own set of challenges and commendations. Jesus praises the church in Ephesus for their hard work and perseverance but points out they have abandoned their initial passionate love for him. Smyrna is commended for its faithfulness amid poverty and persecution, while Pergamum is called out for tolerating false teachings. Thyatira is recognized for its works and love but reprimanded for tolerating a false prophetess. The key takeaway is that our actions and endurance must be fueled by a deep, abiding love for Jesus, who is our primary reason for living faithfully. These letters remind us to self-reflect and realign our hearts to Jesus, ensuring we’re serving him out of love rather than obligation or habit.

Revelation 1 The Beginning Of The End

John MathewsEsther Sisulu
Revelation 1 serves as an introduction to the book, revealing that God showed John, while he was on the island of Patmos, the coming return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a message of hope to believers who were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. Even though the theme is “the beginning of the end,” for true believers in Christ it signifies the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal happiness. The return of Christ will be so glorious that it will completely outweigh all our present trials and sufferings.