Your weekly guide to Discovery Class

Can you believe it?!  We are already into the month of May!  The year is flying by!

This week we are taking a "detour" of sorts and starting a two-week "mini-series" called, "The Hardened Heart".  I hope you'll find it interesting and impactful!

I have been providing an "infogram" of each week's lesson.  If you find these helpful, I encourage you to take one off of the cabinet as you enter the class.  As we all have different learning styles, you "visual" learners might find the drawings to be helpful in understanding the material.  They can also be helpful if you want to go back and review the lesson.  Sometimes a picture helps spark a memory or discussion.   Please don't feel obligated to use them however.  

The Deacon board has approved the purchase and installation of a "Smart Board" for the gym.  The board has been purchased and is on its way!  Once it arrives, appropriate electrical connections and a protective cabinet will need to be created before final installation.  I'm looking forward to its arrival!  I have high hopes of it enhancing our discussions!

5/4/26

Wow!  What a great conversation we had last Sunday!  I am always encouraged by the incites you provide as we navigate our way through God's Word.  Thank you so much for your dedication and attention to the lesson.  I think I might get more out of it than you do!  Lol!  I learn a ton from each of you.{

Since we didn't get through all of Lesson A of the mini-series, I am developing a "Part 2" to the lesson.  Its focus will be on contrasting and comparing Pharoah and King David.  These are rich stories in the Old Testament that provide us with some concrete examples of how a heart can either be hardened and softened.

I'll post the lesson outline and research materials ASAP (Hopefully by Wednesday).  So be sure to check back in later this week so you can get an advance copy of the lesson.  In the mean time I encourage you to begin looking the story of Pharoah in Exodus 7-11.  Also take a look at David's journey in Psalm 32 and 51.  Again, I'll provide specific references in the new notes.

There is a lot going on at Edgewood!  I hope you take the opportunity to get the Edgewood link on the Announcements page.

Have a great week!

5/12/26

This week we will be moving on to "Lesson B" of the mini-series.  We've been talking about the difference between a hard heart (Pharaoh) and a contrite heart (David).  Now the question is, "What causes a hear to grow hard?"  I would also ask, "How do I avoid getting a hard heart?"

So, that's where we are headed in the coming week.  The title of the lesson "The Silence of the Watchman".  I encourage you to take a look at the lesson outline by clicking on the link for the mini-series under the Lesson Series Catalog above.  There you will find a brief outline and the Scripture verses we will be using for our text.

I also encourage you to check out the Research Materials tab in the menu.  There you will find links to the research I'm using in developing these lessons.  These are not exhaustive lists, but they may give you a starting point for your own study.  I hope you find them useful!

I've also included a link to the Edgewood Baptist Church web page.  You'll find it right below this week's announcement.  I encourage you to check it out from time to time.  We have a VERY active church!  There's always something going on!  Part of our Christian walk is to be in community with our fellow believers.  Keeping up with the church calendar and seeking ways to get involved is a first step in doing that.

Lots to do and see here at Discovery Class Updates!  I look forward to seeing you Sunday!  God bless and have a great week!

5/18/26

After a brief "rabbit trail", this week we are going to head back to the "Anatomy of Sin" series.  I would suggest reviewing Lesson 1 before diving into Lesson 2.

The context for this series is found in 1 John 5:16-21.  Lesson 1's focus was on verses 16 and 17.  This week we will zero in on verse 18.  In the lesson outline you'll find a series of discussion questions  intended to kick start your study.  I encourage you to read through the outline and check out the research materials as well.

This week's lesson is titled, "The Divine Immune System".   Those of us who are in Christ have "immunity" from the penalty of sin.  How encouraging is that!   I can't wait to share that good news with you on Sunday!

I have posted another blog on our home page.  I have been fascinate by the contrast of the two thieves on the cross and explore that in the blog.  I hope you take the time to read it AND provide me with some feedback.  I read every comment personally.

I hope to see you Sunday!  Have a great week.

Mike

5/25/26