I AM The True Vine

  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 vase in the kitchen.  And here’s the thing … Continue reading I AM The True Vine

A Response to “The Protestant Reformation Was a Total Failure. Period.”

I don't usually delve into discussions of apostasy or church authority. My own personal feeling is to pursue unity where possible — Paul puts it well in Ephesians 4:3: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." But I recently read an article on Catholic Share by Godwin … Continue reading A Response to “The Protestant Reformation Was a Total Failure. Period.”

I AM The Door

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 don't have the key, or someone slams it … Continue reading I AM The Door

The Temple

  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

Finding Wisdom

I.             Introduction An old friend once told me a story that every married man understands. His wife tried on a new dress and asked, “Does this dress make me look fat?” He answered with complete honesty. It was true - and it was also unwise. Later he said something I have never forgotten: truth and … Continue reading Finding Wisdom

God Protects Us

             I.      Introduction We all arrived safely at the office today. Raise your hand if you’re not here. We don’t always stop to think about it, but even something as ordinary as getting to work safely is evidence of God’s care. Scripture reminds us that our steps are ordered by the Lord, and His protection … Continue reading God Protects Us

Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving

  I.      Introduction The air is filled with the warm aromas of a hearty feast, families gather around tables laden with dishes like roast turkey, sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole. Expressions of gratitude echo through the air during this festive season, as traditions like cranberry sauce and dressing bring family and friends together.  Beyond … Continue reading Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving

Blessings for Those Who Fear the Lord

The content reflects on Psalm 128, emphasizing that true success is found in reverence for the Lord, rather than societal measures like wealth or titles. It illustrates how blessings extend from individual faith to family and community, advocating for a life focused on God's guidance. Happiness arises through obedience and faithful living.

Forgiveness

The content discusses the profound nature of forgiveness as exemplified in Psalm 32, highlighting the contrast between God’s unconditional forgiveness and human reluctance to forgive. It shares tragic stories, notably the Amish community's response to a shooting, emphasizing how true forgiveness is a choice that leads to healing and joy.

Our Creator

             I.      In the Beginning In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  And God saw the light was good.  God separated the light from the darkness, and there was evening, and there was morning, and there was the first day. And … Continue reading Our Creator

Does God Exist?

             I.      Introduction "God is Dead."  -Nietzsche, 1882. "Nietzsche is Dead."  -God, eternal. We're working through various Psalms for a few weeks, and this week we'll explore how God reveals Himself to us.  In other words, How do I know God exists, and how does that affect me?  Does God Exist? In 2009, journalist John … Continue reading Does God Exist?

Enduring Trials

Enduring Trials for the Glory of Christ How Suffering Purifies, Strengthens, and Prepares Us for Eternal Glory I. Introduction In 1 Peter 4:12–19, Peter speaks tenderly but urgently to Christians facing trials. Last week in 1 Peter 4:7-11, Peter had called believers to stay focused on prayer, love, hospitality, and service. Now, he turns directly … Continue reading Enduring Trials

Pray, Love, Serve

In 1 Peter 4:7-11, Peter emphasizes living purposefully as believers, urging spiritual alertness, deep love, and faithful service in light of Christ's imminent return. He encourages prayerful living, selfless love, and the responsible use of spiritual gifts to glorify God, highlighting the importance of community and unity amidst challenges.

Submission and Suffering

In 1 Peter 2:18-25, Peter instructs believers to submit to their masters, emphasizing respectful conduct even in harsh situations. He advocates for enduring unjust suffering as a commendable act of faith, mirroring Christ’s example. Ultimately, such trials lead to spiritual strength and divine recognition, reaffirming God's purpose in believers' lives.

In the World, Not Of the World

Christians are temporary residents in this world, called to live righteously and submit to authorities as a reflection of their faith. It encourages believers to appreciate life’s beauty while remembering their eternal destination, acting as ambassadors of Christ through loving behavior, and adhering to God’s will above all.

Love and Obedience

We explore Peter's teaching in 1 Peter 1:22-25 about the significance of obedience, purification, and sincere love among believers. It highlights that true love, stemming from a transformed heart, is rooted in the eternal Word of God, contrasting the fleeting nature of human life with the permanence of God's promises and the transformative power of the gospel.

Be Holy

1 Peter 1:13-16 emphasizes the call to holiness for believers, highlighting the importance of mental preparedness, sobriety, and hope in Christ’s grace. Peter encourages followers to shed past ignorance, embrace moral purity, and embody God's holiness in all aspects of life, ensuring that their conduct reflects their identity as God's children.

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.

The Last Hours: Part 3

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.

The Last Hours, Part 2

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.

The Last Hours, Part 1

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

Readiness for the Lord’s Return

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 Signs of the Times

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.

The Rich Young Ruler

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.

Thanksgiving

  I.      Introduction The air is filled with the warm aromas of a hearty feast, families gather around tables laden with dishes like roast turkey, sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole. Expressions of gratitude echo through the air during this festive season, as traditions like cranberry sauce and dressing bring family and friends together.  Beyond … Continue reading Thanksgiving

His Hour Has Come

  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

Bread of Life

  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

Willing

             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

Triumphal Entry

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

Neighbors

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

Hope

I. Introduction We are continuing our special series of bible studies on Advent, and this week we are going to study Hope. I sort of felt like I made a mistake this week studying.  I loved Chris’ lesson on Joy last week.  Chris told us he relied heavily on Brad’s lesson, and he was teaching a … Continue reading Hope

Give Everything You Are to the Lord

   I.      Introduction A study of Malachi 3 This Spring, we studied the following minor prophets, beginning with Nahum, then Zephaniah, Obadiah, Zechariah, Habakkuk, Haggai, and now Malachi.  Many times, these Minor Prophets brought us a repetitive reminder: God is perfect. God is holy. God is awesome. We are flawed. We are rebellious. We deserve … Continue reading Give Everything You Are to the Lord