CHICAGO UBF SPECIAL BIBLE STUDY SERIES, JANUARY 2024

As we start the new year 2024, many of us are praying about finding an annual key verse. In God’s word, we want to find real spiritual direction for ourselves and for our ministry in the new year. As I prayed about this for our community, I was inspired to develop a special series in the month of January that helps us as God’s people to refresh and rediscover the basics.

Week 1: Worship (January 1–7)

Our first study will be Matthew 2:1–12, with the title, “We Have Come to Worship Him.” As we begin this new year, we want to hold the powerful message of Christmas in our hearts, and through it, get a glimpse of the inspiring beauty of genuine worship of Jesus, in all its aspects. We also want to consider how and why such genuine worship should be at the heart of both our personal lives and our weekly Sunday services. We want to come together in worship with a right mind, heart and spirit. For example, this means doing our best to get to the service on Sunday early, not late, even if we’re bringing someone. May God grow us as real worshipers and fill our Sunday worship services with authentic wonder and reverence for Christ in 2024.
*Click here to Go to the Bible study questions

Week 2: Identity (January 8–14)

In our next lesson we will study 1 Peter 2:1–12, with the title, “Our New Identity in Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5 will be Chicago UBF’s key verse for 2024. Knowing who we are in this world is foundational to all we think and do. But often we don’t know or we forget this essential truth. We allow our situation, people, or our culture to define us, and we just give in to our sins or to the push and pull of life around us. No matter our life stage, accepting our true identity in Christ helps us discover God’s vision for us, both personally and as a community, and gives us real direction. May God show us how to live out our new identity in Christ practically in 2024.

Week 3: Prayer (January 15–21)

This third week we’ll study Romans 8:1–39, with the title, “The Spirit Helps Us.” We’d all like to have a deep and vibrant prayer life, but many wonder how. We don’t feel strong or disciplined enough to do it. But a life of prayer is possible for anyone through the Holy Spirit. In Christ, the Spirit sets us free, gives us life, changes our mindset, draws us into intimacy with God, shows us how to pray, and molds us into Christ’s image. Many of us have a weekly or even daily prayer meeting that we attend. For those who do not, we plan to begin Wednesday night prayer meetings this month for those who are available and would like to join. May the Spirit ignite and sustain our prayer life in 2024.

Week 4: Giving (January 22–28)

The fourth week we will study 2 Corinthians 8–9, with the title, “This Act of Grace.” As God’s people, giving to God and to others is essential. Yet giving can sometimes seem like a mere duty, a law, or even a burden. We want to come back to the heart of why we give, in what ways we can give, and renew in us the true spirit of Christian giving. After this study, regular members will be invited to renew their annual world mission offering pledges, and newcomers, to make new pledges. May God grow us as those whose giving is full of the grace of Jesus in 2024.