Nazarene Baptist Church

05/27/2026

Rev. Ricky V. Burgess, Pastor
Nazarene Baptist Church
Wednesday Bible Study
June 27, 2026
Spring Quarter

Lesson 13 (NIV) Living in Christian Community
Devotional Reading: Hebrews 1:1–6
Background Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1–12; Psalm 122:1–9; Hebrews 10:19–25

Lesson Text: Matthew 28:18–20; Hebrews 10:22–25

Key Text: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.—Hebrews 10:23

Introduction

A. Privileges and Responsibilities

B. Lesson Context

I. Building the Church (Matthew 28:18–20)

A. Jesus’ Authority (v. 18) Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19

B. Jesus’ Command (vv. 19–20a) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

C. Jesus’ Presence (v. 20b) And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

II. Living as the Church (Hebrews 10:22–25)

A. Approaching Rightly (v. 22) 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

B. Holding to Faith (v. 23) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

C. Encouraging One Another (v. 24) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

D. Gathering Together (v. 25) not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Conclusion
A. Life in the Kingdom
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember

05/20/2026

Rev. Ricky V. Burgess, Pastor
Nazarene Baptist Church
Wednesday Bible Study
May 20, 2026
Spring Quarter

Lesson 12 (NIV) Christian Rhythms of Life
Devotional Reading: Ecclesiastes 2:20–25
Background Scripture: Jeremiah 31:12–13; Mark 2:18–28; 6:30–32; John 2:1–11

Lesson Text: Mark 2:18–28

Key Text: He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”—Mark 2:27–28

Introduction
A. Challenging Cherished Customs
B. Lesson Context: Fasting
C. Lesson Context: Sabbath

I. Question of Fasting (Mark 2:18–22)

A. Differing Practices (v. 18) Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”

B. Fasting and Presence (vv. 19–20) Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. 20 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.

C. New and Old (vv. 21–22) “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

II. Question of Sabbath (Mark 2:23–28)

A. Accusation (vv. 23–24) One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

B. Accommodation (vv. 25–26) He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”

C. Account (vv. 27–28) Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Conclusion
A. Centering Customs on Christ
B. Thought to Remember
C. Prayer

05/13/2026

Rev. Ricky V. Burgess, Pastor
Nazarene Baptist Church
Wednesday Bible Study
May 13, 2026

Spring Quarter
Lesson 11 (NIV) Christian Manner of Justice
Devotional Reading: Luke 3:7–14
Background Scripture: Exodus 1:8–14; Amos 5:6–15; Zechariah 8:16–17; 1 Timothy 6:17–19
Lesson Text: Deuteronomy 24:14–21; Ephesians 6:5–9; 1 Timothy 6:17–19

Key Text: When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.—Deuteronomy 24:19

Introduction
A. Actions Speak Louder than Words
B. Lesson Context:

I. Generosity in Work (Deuteronomy 24:14–21)
A. Fair Payment (vv. 14–15) Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. 15 Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise they may cry to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

B. Individual Responsibility (v. 16) 16 Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin.

C. Remember Past Justice (vv. 17–18) Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. 18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.

D. Leave Some for the Poor (vv. 19–21) When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 20 When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 21 When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.

II. Mutual Respect in Work (Ephesians 6:5–9)
A. Obey as unto the Lord (vv. 5–7) Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

B. Reward for Obedience (v. 8) because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
C. Reciprocal Treatment (v. 9) And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

III. Future Rewards of Work (1 Timothy 6:17–19)
A. Rightly Placed Hope (v. 17) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

B. Richness in Deeds (v. 18) Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

C. Treasure to Come (v. 19) In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Conclusion
A. The Work of Faith
B. Prayer
C.Thought to Remember

05/06/2026

Rev. Ricky V. Burgess, Pastor
Nazarene Baptist Church
Wednesday Bible Study

May 6, 2026
Spring Quarter
Lesson 10 (NIV) Work as Christian Duty
Devotional Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:4–10
Background Scripture: Genesis 2:15–25; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–12

Lesson Text: Genesis 2:15; Exodus 20:9; John 5:17; 9:4; Acts 20:33–35; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–12

Key Text: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”—Acts 20:35

Introduction
A. Valuing Work
B. Lesson Context: Acts
C. Lesson Context: 2 Thessalonians

I. Work Given by God (Genesis 2:15; Exodus 20:9)
A. Commanded (Genesis 2:15) The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

B. Limited (Exodus 20:9) “Six days you shall labor and do all your work,”

II. Work of God (John 5:17; 9:4)
A. The Father (John 5:17) In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”

B. The Son (John 9:4) 4 “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

III. Work to Meet Needs (Acts 20:33–35)
A. Helping Oneself (vv. 33–34) 33 “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35

B. Helping Others (v. 35) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

IV. Work and the People of God (2 Thessalonians 3:6–12)
A. Be Not Idle (v. 6) 6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 10

B. An Imitable Example (vv. 7–9) For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.

C. Earning One’s Food (vv. 10–12) For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.

Conclusion
A. Embracing Work
B. Prayer
C.Thought to Remember

04/29/2026

Rev. Ricky V. Burgess, Pastor
Nazarene Baptist Church
Wednesday Bible Study
April 29, 2026
Spring Quarter
Lesson 9 (NIV)
Christian Expectation of Grace Devotional Reading: Revelation 5:1–5 Background Scripture: Jonah 1–4; Galatians 3:1–13
Lesson Text: Jonah 3:1–5; Jonah 4:6–11
Key Text The LORD said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”—Jonah 4:10–11a

Introduction
A. I’m the Judge!
B. Lesson Context: Historical
C. Lesson Context: Literary

I. The Prophet’s Message (Jonah 3:1–5)

A. Directive from the Lord (vv. 1–2) Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”.

B. Proclamation of Jonah (vv. 3–4) Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”

C. Response of the Ninevites (v. 5) The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

II. The Prophet’s Anger (Jonah 4:6–11)

A. Divine Provision (vv. 6–7) Then the LORD God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered.

B. Divine Questioning (vv. 8–9) When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”

C. Divine Corrective (vv. 10–11) But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

Conclusion
A. Our Graciously Patient God
B. Prayer
C.Thought to Remember

04/22/2026

Rev. Ricky V. Burgess, Pastor
Nazarene Baptist Church
Wednesday Bible Study

April 22, 2026

Spring Quarter
Lesson 8 (NIV)
Family: Distinct and Obedient

Devotional Reading: 2 Samuel 7:25–29
Background Scripture: Matthew 19:3–9; Ephesians 6:1–4; 2 Timothy 1:3–5

Printed Text: Deuteronomy 6:3–9 Matthew 19:3–9

Key Text: These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.—Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Introduction

A. The Crossroads of Life
B. Lesson Context

I. Receiving the Law (Deuteronomy 6:3–9)

A. Blessing for Obedience (v. 3) Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

B. Right Response to the Lord (vv. 4–5) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

C. Internal Inscription (v. 6) These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.

D.External Repetition (vv. 7–9) Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

II. Applying the Law (Matthew 19:3–9)

A. The Question (v. 3) Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”

B. The Response (vv. 4–6) “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

C. The Rebuttal (v. 7) “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

D. The Clarification (vv. 8–9) Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Conclusion
A. Walking the Walk
B. Prayer
C.
Thought to Remember

04/19/2026

04/15/2026

Rev. Ricky V. Burgess, Pastor
Nazarene Baptist Church
Wednesday Bible Study
April 15, 2026

Spring Quarter
Lesson 7 (NIV)
Children: Gift and Model
Devotional Reading: Psalm 8 Background Scripture: Matthew 18:1–6; Mark 9:36–37, 42; 10:13–16; Luke 2:1–20

Lesson Text: Mark 9:36–37, 42; Mark 10:13–16

Key Text: “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”—Matthew 10:15

Introduction
A. Role Models
B. Lesson Context: Historical
C. Lesson Context: Children

I. Jesus and a Child (Mark 9:36–37, 42)

A. Welcoming, Part 1 (vv. 36–37) He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them,
37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

B. Warning, Part 1 (v. 42) “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.

II. Disciples and Children (Mark 10:13–16)

A. Welcoming, Part 2 (vv. 13–14) People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples re
buked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

B. Warning, Part 2 (vv. 15–16) Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Conclusion
A. Greatness Is Childlikeness
B. Thought to Remember
C. Prayer

04/08/2026

Rev. Ricky V. Burgess, Pastor
Nazarene Baptist Church
Wednesday Bible Study
April 8, 2026

Lesson 6 (NIV)
Authority: Belonging to God
Devotional Reading: Proverbs 31:4–9
Background Scripture: Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1, 6–8; 1 Peter 2:13–17

Lesson Text: Mark 12:17 Romans 13:1, 6–8 Peter 2:13–17

Key Text: Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.—Mark 12:17

Introduction
A. Higher Authority
B. Lesson Context: General
C. Lesson Context: Mark
D. Lesson Context: Romans
E. Lesson Context: 1 Peter

I. Teaching on Authority (Mark 12:17) Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.

II. Tribute to Authority (Romans 13:1, 6–8)

A. Source of Authority (v. 1) Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

B. Payment of Debt (vv. 6–7) This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

C. Fulfillment of Law (v. 8) Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

III. Submission to Authority (1 Peter 2:13–17)

A. Doing Good (vv. 13–15) Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

B. Behaving Properly (vv. 16–17) Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Conclusion
A. The Highest Authority
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember

04/07/2026

Rev. Ricky V. Burgess, Pastor
Nazarene Baptist Church
Wednesday Bible Study

April 8, 2026

Lesson 6 (NIV)
Authority: Belonging to God
Devotional Reading: Proverbs 31:4–9
Background Scripture: Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1, 6–8; 1 Peter 2:13–

17 Lesson Text: Mark 12:17 Romans 13:1, 6–8 Peter 2:13–17

Key Text: Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.—Mark 12:17

Introduction
A. Higher Authority
B. Lesson Context: General
C. Lesson Context: Mark
D. Lesson Context: Romans
E. Lesson Context: 1 Peter

I. Teaching on Authority (Mark 12:17) Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.

II. Tribute to Authority (Romans 13:1, 6–8)

A. Source of Authority (v. 1) Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

B. Payment of Debt (vv. 6–7) This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

C. Fulfillment of Law (v. 8) Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

III. Submission to Authority (1 Peter 2:13–17)

A. Doing Good (vv. 13–15) Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

B. Behaving Properly (vv. 16–17) Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Conclusion
A. The Highest Authority
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember