The Soul of a Nation

The Fall Quarter (September–November 2026)
Beginning with a study of Joshua, this quarter looks at ancient Israel’s entry into the Promised Land (Unit I). Establishing ancient Israel’s presence in Canaan is as much a spiritual task as a military or political task. Still, Joshua never achieved unity for God’s people by any measure. What Joshua leaves undone at the end of his life sets the stage for the period of Judges. The three lessons on Judges (Unit II), highlight Israel’s propensity to ignore God and God’s ways. Living without God’s law meant “all the people did what was right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:6). In the five lessons of Unit III, we meet Samuel. His faithfulness to the Lord as prophet and judge plays a pivotal role in Israel’s history. It sets the stage for the glorious reign of King David. As God’s anointed ruler, David will unite the biblical kingdom of Israel geographically, politically, and spiritually. Noteworthy, too, is the contrast of David, who “did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (1 Kings 15:5) against the backdrop of the godliness and disorder the people experienced in the period of Judges.

Power to the People

The Winter Quarter (December 2026–February 2027)
This quarter focuses on powerful living for powerless people. The love letters of 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude encourage the diaspora—the newly converted, persecuted, and now scattered church—to demonstrate the way of Christ by living holy lives. This primarily Gentile church includes women and slaves who are living in a culturally hostile environment. To these social outcasts, 2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness.” John’s love letters expand on this theme, stressing the importance of living in God’s light and love. Jude’s short letter propels believers to defend God’s Word and live in and through God’s love.

Unit I, “Living with God’s Power”
Unit II, “Power to Endure”
Unit III, “Living in Perilous Times”