The World and the Wind Scatter. Christ Secures.
New Testament – Gospels and Acts
Some kinds of “too late” are annoying. Some feel final: the doctor has made the call, the funeral is over, the stone is rolled across the tomb. In John 11, Jesus arrives four days after Lazarus died, and what he tells Martha changes what “too late” means.
Companies spend millions on logos so you'll know them at a glance. On the night before the cross, Jesus gave His disciples a different identifying mark: love one another, just as I have loved you.
John 15:1 · “I AM” Series, Lesson 7 I. Introduction Diane is a wonderful gardener. Our backyard is an oasis – flowers grow everywhere. She tends the roses and the hibiscus, which she calls her “biscuits,” and she prunes them faithfully. And sometimes, she’ll cut an especially beautiful flower and put it in a … Continue reading I AM The True Vine
John 14:6 · “I AM” Series, Lesson 6 I. Introduction There’s a specific kind of frustration that comes when you ask someone for directions and they say, “You can’t miss it.” Diane always says that when someone tells you, “You can’t miss it,” you are now guaranteed to miss it. You can always miss it. … Continue reading I AM The Way, the Truth and the Life
John 11:25–26 · “I AM” Series, Lesson 5 I. Introduction — The Moment When “Too Late” Arrives There are different kinds of "too late." Some are annoying. Too late for the early-bird special. Too late to return that purchase without a receipt. Too late to get the good seats. Some are heavier. Too late to … Continue reading I AM The Resurrection and the Life
I. Introduction Think about the last time you asked someone for help and they couldn't come. Maybe a repairman said he'd be there Wednesday — he wasn't. Maybe a doctor said "we'll schedule something" and meant three weeks from now. Maybe a friend said "I'll be right there" and you were still waiting an hour … Continue reading The Word Was Enough
Our Shepherd knows His sheep. Do you know Him? Listen for His voice. #Jesus #Shepherd #BibleStudy #Sunday
John 10:9 · “I AM” Series, Lesson 3 I. Introduction Think about all the doors you passed through today. You probably didn't think about a single one of them. You just walked through. That's what doors do when they're working correctly — they're invisible. You don't think about a door until it's locked and you … Continue reading I AM The Door
John 8:12 · “I AM” Series, Lesson 2 Introduction - Light Changes Everything Legos are evil. I'm convinced of it. Step on one in the dark and it's an incredibly painful experience. In fact, some theologians believe the thorn in Paul's side — the one he begged the Lord three times to take away — … Continue reading I AM the Light of the World
John 6:35 · “I AM” Series, Lesson 1 I. Introduction Who does Jesus say He is? The Gospel of John describes Jesus beautifully, beginning with John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” But for our lesson today, I want to begin a … Continue reading I AM The Bread of Life
I. Introduction Jesus has been making His way toward Jerusalem for His final Passover. Along the way, He has been telling parables and teaching in synagogues. He has been describing the Kingdom of Heaven, sharing difficult wisdom such as “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than … Continue reading Behold! Your King is Coming!
I. Introduction – The Temple In our class last week, Tommy taught us that we should be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Well, He’s here. And here in Luke 2, we get our only inspired snapshot of Jesus between infancy and adulthood. And we’ll see in just a few short verses something … Continue reading The Temple
I. Introduction: How Did the Magi Know? Back in 2015, I traveled a lot more than I do today, and in December 2015, I found myself in the grand metropolis of Otley, UK. Now in the UK, I don’t know if they know what a warm sunny day is, but that weekend, the rain had … Continue reading The Gifts of the Magi, the Gift of Our Savior
Under pressure, Christians often struggle to openly demonstrate their faith. The denial of Jesus by Peter, driven by fear and pride, exemplifies this. However, Peter's restoration by Jesus reflects God's forgiveness and the transformative power of grace. This serves as a reminder of our need for humility and dependence on God in our journey of faith.
This week's passage in Matthew 26:26-56 showcases significant events in Jesus' life. It includes the institution of the Lord's Supper, Peter's denial prediction, Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, and His subsequent arrest. These events emphasize fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus' obedience to God's will, and the symbolism of the Lord's Supper elements.
I. Introduction Over the next three weeks, we will study Matthew 26, focusing on the last hours of Jesus, His arrest, and the trial events. Today, we begin with Matthew 26:1-25. This passage covers the events leading up to Jesus' arrest, marking the beginning of the Passion narrative. It includes Jesus predicting His crucifixion, the … Continue reading The Last Hours, Part 1
This content delves into Matthew 24, exploring Jesus' teachings on the signs of the end times and the necessity of vigilance and readiness. It discusses the Parable of the Fig Tree, the Unknown Day and Hour, and the Parable of the Faithful Servant, underscoring the importance of preparedness and ethical conduct in light of Christ's eventual return.
The Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 explores the signs preceding Christ's return and stresses the importance of understanding biblical prophecy. It begins with Jesus predicting the temple's destruction, symbolizing the end of an era. The passage discusses signs like deceptions, wars, famines, and earthquakes as indications of the approaching end times, emphasizing the need for endurance. It also highlights the significance of the "abomination of desolation" and the great tribulation, culminating in cosmic disturbances heralding the Second Coming.
Allow the God of Creation cleanse the temple that lives inside you.
The passage from Matthew 19:16-26 delves into the interaction between Jesus and the rich young ruler, offering insights into wealth, discipleship, and reliance on the Lord. It explores the challenges of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material abundance, emphasizing the role of divine grace in achieving true discipleship and entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.
In Matthew 19:13-15, Jesus blesses children despite disciples' rebuke, highlighting their importance in the kingdom of heaven. This contrasts with the metaphor of childlike humility in Matthew 18.
Is it lawful to get a divorce? Jesus teaches us that's not even the right question. #Marriage #Matrimony #Wedding #BibleStudy #bliss
Introduction: Contextual Background So we’re going to cover Matthew 18, several parables together, so it’s going to feel like we’re moving quickly. But there’s a theme, a purpose to Matthew’s writings, so it’s important to understand before the study how this chapter fits within the larger story of Jesus' ministry. Matthew's Gospel is organized in … Continue reading From Humility to Forgiveness
How did the magi know to go looking for a newborn King? Daniel, Isaiah and the star of Numbers 24 pointed the way. More importantly, how do you know to look for Him?
When Jesus healed the leper, we can learn about ourselves and Him.
The price Jesus paid for us, sinners in a broken world, was immense. It is available to all today. Accept the forgiveness so freely given. You don't have to do anything else to be a Christian. Tetelstai, It Is Finished. #Jesus #biblestudy #love
Jesus prays to the Father - for Himself, for His disciples, for future believes. He prays for you, too. Will you answer? #Jesus #hope #believe #pray #biblestudy
I. Introduction Jesus made 7 “I am” statement in the book of John. Do you remember what they were? I AM the Bread of Life I AM the Light of the World I AM the Door I AM the Good Shepherd I AM the Resurrection and the Life I AM the Way and the … Continue reading I Am the True Vine
I. Introduction Even though we’re still in the book of John, something is different. Jesus has demonstrated seven major miracles, each one demonstrating Jesus is the true Messiah. But He has completed His miracles, and now he will elaborate on His death and what it means for gentiles. But before we go there, I … Continue reading His Hour Has Come
Our Shepherd knows His sheep. Do you know Him? Listen for His voice. #Jesus #Shepherd #BibleStudy #Sunday
I. Introduction Who does Jesus say He is? The book of John describes Jesus beautifully, beginning with verse 1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” But I want to skip to verses 9-13 because it gives a nice introduction to our lesson today. … Continue reading Bread of Life
The source of all forgiveness and hope is found in the living water offered to all through our Lord Christ Jesus. #biblestudy #LivingWater #Hope #Jesus
I. Introduction – What Do We Do Under Pressure? It is easy to be a Christian at church. We are in our safe place. We have no triggers. We are surrounded by brothers and sisters who encourage us. So, it is easy to stand here in our safe environment and say, “I am a follower … Continue reading Denying Christ
I. Introduction From time to time, we all come to a big decision in our lives. I've lost my job; what should I do now? I have a medical issue; how should I treat it? Is this person right for me? Should I compromise, or should I stand my ground? We are faced with … Continue reading Willing
I. Introduction In our bible study lessons, we are getting closer to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Oddly, just in time for Easter. What are the odds? Jesus has been making His way toward Jerusalem for His final Passover. Along the way, He has been telling parables and teaching in synagogues. He has been … Continue reading Triumphal Entry
I. Introduction Sometimes it's difficult to teach a familiar parable; we have pre-conceived notions, or perhaps previous bible studies left in our heads. The Prodigal Son, the Lost Sheep, the Faithful Servant, the Ten Virgins, and so on. Even non-Christians have heard the phrase "good Samaritan." Let’s see if we can look at this parable … Continue reading Neighbors
The Pharisees' Halakha banned 39 kinds of work on the Sabbath, including picking grain. In Luke 6, Jesus shows what the Sabbath was really for — and who it points to.
I. Introduction I think sometimes we just coast through our own lives without thinking much about it. I got up, I went there, I came back, I ate this, I went back to sleep. But along the way, we constantly make choices. What to wear, what to eat. Who to vote for, who not to … Continue reading Rejected
I. Introduction Well. I’m glad that’s over. I want to put 2020 in the history books. Then I want to take the history book and buy it. Then I want to plant a tree on top of it, just so I can burn it down. Then I want to salt the ground so it never … Continue reading Matured
I. Introduction Interesting lesson for me to study this week. This month, we’re in the book of Acts, and we’re up to Acts 3 & 4. I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but the church usually assigns a range of scripture and a suggested title for the lesson. This week's lesson from Acts 3 … Continue reading Acts 3-4, The Power to Stand
I. Introduction We’ve been going through the 7 “I am” discourses of Jesus. I AM the Bread of LifeI AM the Light of the WorldI AM the DoorI AM the Good ShepherdI AM the Resurrection and the LifeI AM the Way and the Truth and the LifeI AM the True Vine We’ve already covered the … Continue reading I AM The True Vine
I. Introduction Sheep aren’t the smartest animals. Have you ever seen a sheep act at a circus? Now, they aren’t completely dumb. I read about one study that shows they can recognize faces and voices. They have excellent hearing but very poor eyesight, so they tend to mindlessly follow wherever the sheep in front … Continue reading I AM the Good Shepherd
Introduction Who does Jesus say He is? The book of John describes Jesus beautifully, beginning with in verse 1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” But I want to skip to verses 9-13 because it gives a nice introduction to our lesson today. The … Continue reading I AM the Bread of Life
Introduction I think it’s easy to underestimate everything that Jesus has done for us. I’ll go further – no matter where you are in your Christian walk, you and I have already underestimated and continue to underestimate everything the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords has done, is doing, and will do for … Continue reading Jesus, Lamb of God
I. Introduction When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Me, I wanted to fly a jet for the US Navy. Something about being at sea, landing on that aircraft carrier. Of course, if I understand it, they use a system of green lights and red lights to … Continue reading The Keys to Happiness
I. Introduction We are finishing our study of Acts this week, and Paul is visiting with the Jews of Rome and pleading with them to open their hearts to the good news of Christ. Which is interesting to me because many of these same Jews have been trying to kill Paul for years. II. Acts … Continue reading Always on Mission
What does it mean to live a life well-lived? Money? Power? Beauty? Perhaps we can learn that there is more to this life than self.
I. Introduction Three weeks ago, I had the pleasure of teaching from my assignment in Leviticus 26. In that lesson, we discussed about the Lord’s promises to provide blessings to Israel if they put they followed God’s will, and the Lord’s promises of curses that follow if Israel turned away from the path God had … Continue reading Jews & Gentiles, Legalism & Antinomianism
Kind words do not cost much. They never blister the tongue or lips. They make other people good-natured. They also produce their own image on men’s souls, and a beautiful image it is. – Blaise Pascal Every spoken word, every action we take, effects another person. We either affect somebody positively or we affect negatively. … Continue reading Encouragement
I. Introduction – What Do We Do Under Pressure? It is easy to be a Christian at church. We are in our safe place. We have no triggers. We are surrounded by brothers and sisters who encourage us. So, it is easy to stand here and say, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ.” But when … Continue reading Denying Christ
I. Introduction – The Parable You probably cry at weddings. Statistics show that 86% of all women cry at weddings, 36% of all men do, and over 77% of all statistics are made up. The last wedding I attended was between two antennae. The wedding was ok, I suppose, but the reception was amazing. … Continue reading Offered to All
I. Introduction Today’s scripture is a familiar one; Jesus has been teaching and preaching in Judea when He was approached by a rich man, and they had a conversation about sewing and zoo animals. Let’s read the entire conversation and see if I understood it correctly. Matthew 19:16-26: Just then a man came up … Continue reading What Is Required?
I. Introduction We’re continuing in the Book of Acts, and last week, Theresa gave a great lesson that touched on Peter’s character. I like Peter. He’s messy. When I study Peter, I find I’m often studying myself. Peter’s growth isn’t clean and neat, it’s random and backsliding and lurching forward. It’s full of mistakes. … Continue reading Acceptance
I. Introduction We’ve been studying the early church as witnessed in the Book of Acts, and before I begin today’s lesson, I want to review where we’ve been and then maybe we’ll have a better idea of where we’re going. I think it’s important to know where we are before we begin a journey. … Continue reading Evangelizing in the Wilderness
I. Introduction The last time I taught, we studied who the Holy Spirit is and His perfect timing at appearing at Pentecost 50 days after the Passover Lamb was slain. And we studied how, at the moment of our trust in Jesus, that He is the Son of God who laid down His life … Continue reading Integrity
I. Introduction Today we’re going to study Acts chapter 2, so open your bibles to John chapter 16. II. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit Jesus is teaching and comforting His disciples in the hours before His crucifixion. He’s letting them know His hour has come where the Son of Man will be sacrificed, and the … Continue reading The Power of the Holy Spirit
I. Introduction We’re only going to study 5 verses today. How long can that possibly take? Let’s start by turning to Matthew 11. When I just sit down and read the bible, I often just read quickly without slowing to ponder the meaning. But once I stop to examine a passage, often I find … Continue reading My Yoke is Easy
I. Introduction The Roman Empire conquered by force much of the known world in days leading up to the birth of Jesus. By 37 BC, the Romans placed Herod the Great to rule Judea as a Roman province, with Roman troops stationed in Jerusalem to enforce the peace. After the death of Herod in … Continue reading The Faith of the Centurion
I. Introduction I have missed a few weeks due to travel again. I was fortunate enough that the weekend wasn’t too windy or cold or rainy, so I got out to see a Victorian Festival in Otley UK. The very first thing I saw was a brass band – I love brass bands, I … Continue reading Gifts of the Magi
I. Introduction Sometimes it's difficult to teach a familiar parable; we have pre-conceived notions, or perhaps previous bible studies left in our heads. The Prodigal Son, the Lost Sheep, the Faithful Servant, the Ten Virgins, and so on. Even non-Christians have heard the phrase "good Samaritan." Let’s see if we can look at this parable … Continue reading Be a Good Neighbor
I. Introduction From time to time, we all come to a big decision in our lives. I've lost my job; what should I do now? I have a medical issue; how should I treat it? Is this person right for me? Should I compromise, or should I stand my ground? We are faced with decisions … Continue reading Praying About Difficult Decisions
I. Introduction Forgive me ahead of time; it was difficult to focus this week on preparing a lesson. We had plumbing leak #4 this past Sunday and our study was damaged by the leaking pipes. We were already working on a solution to replace the ancient galvanized piping with the newer PEX tubing which was … Continue reading How to Develop Your Faith
Image via Wikipedia I almost made coffee last week. I'm a cheerful riser. Happy to talk and visit, happy to greet the new day. I'm almost always in a good mood first thing in the morning. But my brain isn't exactly working at full speed. I need a routine to follow in the morning or … Continue reading Almost Persuaded
Fred took us through Acts 15 last week; we're going to cover from the latter part of Acts 15 through Acts 18 today, Paul's second missionary journey. In Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas have spread the gospel of Christ among many churches. Now, they want to revisit those same churches and see how the new … Continue reading Facing Questions
Home, home on the range Where the deer and the antelope play Where seldom is heard A discouraging word For what can an antelope say? Every spoken word, every action we take, effects another person. We either affect somebody positively or we affect negatively. Even many neutral actions, since they don't affect another in a … Continue reading Encouragement
I don't realize how much teaching bible study has meant to me until I have to skip my turn. I've had to abdicate my responsibility for business reasons and asked the assistant pastor to find somebody to fill in for me. And I miss it. I start bible studies at least a week in advance, … Continue reading Lesson Interruptus
The book of Acts was written approximately 60AD; the strongest evidence is that Acts closes with Paul in a Roman prison. We also know that Paul was martyred in 63AD or 64AD, and this would surely have been mentioned by the author. Who knows who the author of Acts is? Most scholars believe it's written … Continue reading Empowered to Witness
I’ve discovered how slow to understand I must be. We’ve been remarking that when Chris or Fred teach, they get large amounts of text to cover. Chris had the entire Beatitudes plus half of the New Testament to teach in 30 minutes. Fred gets, like, the entire Old Testament when he teaches. And when I … Continue reading Christian Behavior in God’s Church
Sometimes we bite off more than we can chew. I remember my grandfather saying to me that my “eyes were bigger than my stomachâ€. He was referring to the way I’d heap food on my plate and then be unable to eat everything. My eyes were bigger than my stomach. Home remodeling projects can easily … Continue reading Take Part in Missions
I’m sure you’ve all heard the prayer that goes, Dear God, So far today, I've done all right. I haven't gossiped, and I haven't lost my temper. I haven't been grumpy, nasty or selfish. But in a few minutes, God, I'm going to get out of bed and that is when I'm going to need … Continue reading Resisting Temptation
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