Accept One Another

Romans 15:7  ·  “One Another” Series, Lesson 2 The Command I. Love Comes to the Front Door Let me begin by telling a story.  Many years ago, when I was still in college, I attended my first church retreat; it was in the Hill Country of Texas. And… I wore shorts. I didn’t know there … Continue reading Accept One Another

Christlike Submission

I.             Introduction Bill had the honor last week of telling wives to submit to their husbands.   I think Bill made it clear that whatever misogynistic and sarcastic comment I was probably going to make isn’t supported by scripture. So last week, after emphasizing mutual submission in the latter half of Ephesians 5 and addressing husbands … Continue reading Christlike Submission

Imitate God: Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom

Ephesians 5:1-21 emphasizes living in reflection of God’s character through love, light, and wisdom. Paul encourages believers to embody Christ-like love, reject immoral behaviors, and make intentional, Spirit-led choices. This transformation fosters community unity and a distinctive witness in a morally ambiguous culture, underscoring the significance of intentional Christian living.

Unity and Maturity

In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul emphasizes believers' unity and spiritual maturity. He calls for humility, gentleness, patience, and love to maintain this unity, which is the Holy Spirit's work. Each believer has unique gifts for church edification, aiming for Christlikeness and stability in truth, fostering a healthy church community.

God’s Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles

Introduction: God’s Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul reflects on his role in revealing the "mystery" that had been hidden for ages—that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel in God’s redemptive plan. God’s eternal purpose, beginning with Adam and continuing through Abraham and Israel, culminates in Christ. From the very beginning, God’s … Continue reading God’s Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles

Ephesians 2:1-10 From Death to Life

In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul emphasizes the transformative journey of believers, highlighting humanity's past spiritual death and need for salvation. God's rich mercy and grace lead to renewed life through faith in Christ, free from boasting. Believers are created for good works as evidence of their faith and God's purposeful design.

Ephesians 1:1-14: Understanding Our Identity and Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Paul's letter to the Ephesians unveils spiritual wisdom and blessings in Christ. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and the believers' identity as saints, apart from worldly achievements. Paul discusses grace, predestination, redemption, and the Holy Spirit's seal, contrasting with secular views. This comprehensive understanding directs believers towards eternal and spiritual realities.

Joy Through Humility

I. Introduction – Joy Through Humility Thanks for letting me teach today and share what the Lord has taught me. Our lesson today is on humility, a subject I’m well versed in. I’ve studied and practiced humility for years, and have become exceptionally proficient in humility. I took an online course called “How Humility Will … Continue reading Joy Through Humility

Kingdom Warfare

  Introduction   I wondered when we were going to get to study this. Armor of God class? Today we are going to study the Armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-18. So let’s read our scripture first and try to imagine it being read in Tony’s encouraging voice because no doubt at the end of class … Continue reading Kingdom Warfare

Kingdom Liberty

Introduction   We’ve been progressing through the Chronological Bible this year. We spent a long time in the Old Testament and I feel like we just arrived in the New Testament, and there are only 6 weeks left to wrap up our one-year journey. The Old Testament had many rules, and until this year it … Continue reading Kingdom Liberty

Authority of Scripture

I. Introduction There are many sources for inspiration. Inspirational movies, Like Rocky I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X.  Now they’ve changed the names of the movies to Creed and started over at I.  But the story of a man overcoming all odds to become a winner is inspirational. And “It’s a Wonderful … Continue reading Authority of Scripture

With Perseverance

I. Introduction In our recent study of the Book of Galatians, Galatians taught us a lot about what it takes to become a believer, and all the misconceptions that people may have about what it takes to get into heaven.  It’s not following certain rules, it’s not performing certain rituals, it’s not anything we do.  All … Continue reading With Perseverance

True Freedom

I. Introduction We’ve been studying the book of Galatians and the truth of how God loves us, to free us from our bondage to sin. So that no one may boast by works, our salvation is secure through faith alone, in Christ alone, by grace alone. And I also know we’re supposed to study Galatians … Continue reading True Freedom

True Grace

  I.   Introduction   It is so difficult to become a Christian. There are so many rules. I used to think that rule #1 was to attend church every week. You know what I learned after I started going to church every week?   The church meets throughout the week, too. Turns out, Wednesday … Continue reading True Grace

Finding Strength

             I.      Introduction We continue this week in our study of Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth, and this week we will focus on 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 – Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times … Continue reading Finding Strength

In the Hands of the Potter

             I.      Introduction We are continuing our study of Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth, and today’s scripture is 2 Corinthians 4.  It’s a simple topic.  It’s instructions on how to live our lives as Christians.  When I studied for this lesson, I began by thinking how entirely unworthy I am to give a … Continue reading In the Hands of the Potter

Serving God’s People

I. Introduction I remember as a kid playing games upstairs in the hallway with my sister and brother. Sometimes we played Chinese Checkers, Monopoly, Hot Wheels, occasionally we would work on jigsaw puzzles. Or we might just play Solitaire with a deck of cards. We didn’t always get all the pieces back in the box. … Continue reading Serving God’s People

Liberty versus Love

Introduction What is the most common phrase in the entire bible? "Fear Not." There is another very common phrase used throughout the bible, it is "one another." These are instructions on how to get along with … well, one another. "Love on another" is used at least a dozen times in the New Testament. • … Continue reading Liberty versus Love

Living by the Gospel

Usually when I post a bible study lesson, it's all formatted nice and neat. The new bible class is an interactive format, and I thought that preparing a full lesson might inhibit discussion. So instead, I'm just posting my outline and thoughts; this week's lesson explores the balance between legalism and freedom. -------------- Introduction Story: … Continue reading Living by the Gospel

Faithful Inside and Out

Image via Wikipedia I. Introduction We're wrapping up the letters of from Paul to the church of Thessalonica today. Paul's 1st letter consisted mostly of encouragement as the church faced prosecution and urged Christians to live by high moral standards in an immoral society. Anybody think this might be applicable today? Paul also talked about … Continue reading Faithful Inside and Out

Walking Together

Image via WikipediaLet’s talk football. Today’s the big day, Superbowl 43, Pittsburgh Steelers versus Arizona Cardinals. Pittsburgh is going for their 6th Championship ring, and they are a football dynasty. Arizona Cardinals last won an NFL title in 1947 and hold the record for the longest drought without a title.There are great reasons to root … Continue reading Walking Together

Walking in Christ

What is your philosophy of life, and what does it say about you? I found a collection of quotes about life; here’s a small sample – Erma Bombeck: "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could … Continue reading Walking in Christ

We Are the Message

Image by Loci Lenar via FlickrI’ve discovered the secret to time travel, and have successfully traveled into the future. I’m still doing it - at the rate of 1 second per second. I can’t seem to go any faster or slower. It amazes me that Thanksgiving has been over for more than a week, and … Continue reading We Are the Message