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- 2013
- Frienemies - Betrayal is one of the hardest things we have to deal with, especially if it is a friend or brother or sister. David experienced much betrayal in his life and in these Psalms we learn how to effectively deal with friends who become enemies.
- God's Character and Power in Trials - In Psalms 29 & 30 23 see the awesome character and power of God, but in Psalm 30 we see David stuck in a trial. If God is so powerful how come He lets David undergo a life-threatening illness? In this we see how God works in difficulties in our lives as well.
- What To Do When You Mess Up - Everybody messes up now and again. How you feel about it and what you do about it makes a huge difference. Find out how David handled sin in a wonderful way we can learn from.
- Who Is In Control? - When we look around at our nation and our culture it is easy to become discouraged and bummed out. But in these two psalms we see reasons for rejoicing no matter what life throws our way.
- Walking With God - Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior - what next? How do you actually move forward in your life with God? There are forces that want to keep you from doing well, and we explore them in these two psalms.
- Taking The Long View - What do you do when the culture around you and life seems to go south? Do you rant and rave and get bummed? Get some incredible advice from David on how to put life and difficulty into perspective.
- The Problem & Solution to Sin - Sin is one of those things we don't want to talk about or face. But it is the central problem facing us every day. There is a solution, but it starts with facing sin head on.
- What To Do When I Am Depressed - Depression sometimes hits us, but we often don't know how to handle it or get out of it. In fact, we feel guilty for even being depressed. But these psalms give us some clues on what to do when we are down.
- The Warrior King & His Bride - <p>These three psalms give us a wonderful picture of salvation, the Bride of Christ, and Jesus the Warrior King who rules for truth, justice, and humility.</p>
- Return of the King - <p>Do you contemplate the love of the Lord for you? Do you think about him as the King of the earth and the King of your heart? In these psalms, catch a vision for what it will be like when Jesus rules.</p>
- How to Approach God - <p>Have you ever wondered how to approach God? Mankind makes up all kinds of ways to do it including external shows of religious piety or elaborate ceremony. But in these three psalms we see God's recipe for drawing close to Him.</p>
- The Unexpected Jesus - What do you expect from Jesus? The people, disciples, and the religious leaders had some very specific expectations of Jesus on Palm Sunday. He shattered all of them, just as He shatters our expectations as well. And that's a good thing!
- Resurrection Unexpected - No one really expected the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today we focus on the expectations of two of those who first saw Jesus: John and Mary. What they expected, and how Jesus actually met them, can help your relationship with Jesus too.
- The Cave of Worship - <p>From the real life lessons of David on the run, we discover ways to cope with danger, difficulty, and the demands of living a life of faith in a godless world.</p>
- When I Am Weak - Sometimes trouble just overwhelms you. You feel vulnerable, weak, unstable. If you ever feel this way, you are in good company. David felt that way too. He poured his heart out to God and depended on the Lord in a way that will help you in times of trouble.
- When I Am Lonely - Do you ever feel physically or emotionally alone? David knew very well how that felt. Fortunately for us, he wrote down both his feelings and his vision of what to do in these very difficult times.
- How To Get Satisfaction - Our age and our culture teach us that we can never be satisfied, but must continually strive towards satisfaction by the things we amass. The Psalms have a different approach. In them we learn the truth path to happiness and satisfaction.
- Provision and Presence - What do you need to be successful in this life? You need two things, the presence and provision of God. In Psalms 67 and 68 we get an idea of how to access both of those and what plans God has for our lives.
- 2012
- The Hero's Secret Strength - Every super hero has a secret strength and a hidden vulnerability. Jesus, the only real superhero, has a strength to help guide Him in every situation and a vulnerability that each of us should possess.
- Outcasts! - In Mark 2 we meet two outcasts: a paralyzed man and Levi. Each had a decision to make that mirrors decisions that we as humans must make as well with the presence of Jesus.
- The Hero's Hostile Takeover - When it comes to living life which rules you, law or love? Jesus brought this into sharp focus when it came to healing on the Sabbath and it brings us to confront just who is actually Lord of our lives.
- The Hero's Power, Position, and Person - When the religious authorities fail in their attempt to trip up Jesus with the Scriptures they descend to character assassination. They come dangerously close to eternal separation from God. How can that happen?
- Tilling Up The Mind - How open are you to the words of Jesus? Many of us are so hardened that His words bounce off, for others the past, present and future make our minds unable to process His thoughts. Today we examine the pliability of our minds.
- Taking The Test - What happens after you hear the words of Jesus? Is your life different? Today as we study Mark's gospel we see how the Lord gives the disciples an opportunity to test how much the words of Jesus became life in them.
- The Stonger Man - As humans we have been taken prisoner by a strong opponent who wants nothing but to destroy us. We see this captivity and torture revealed graphically as Jesus takes on not one but thousands of demons at once. It is a powerful picture of how our ultimate action hero sets us free. But the question is, how will you react to the presence of a truly stronger hero?
- How Much Do You Long for Jesus? - Many times the things that affect us the most are inside, beyond our ability to reach and heal. Such was the case with the woman we meet in this study. How she approached Jesus and what He did in response speaks to how we desire to be healed of infirmity we cannot see.
- Do you Trust Me No Matter What? - Jesus challenges us by not showing up when we think He should or answering prayers in the way we think. He also challenges us to go deeper than we ever have in our trust. What will be your answer when he challenges you to trust Him no matter what?
- What Do You Think About Jesus - really? - So what do you think of Jesus? You've heard about Him from the culture and even from the church but is that really Jesus? Some people are afraid of sharing their faith knowing the possible rejection they'll receive - so is it worth it?
- The Compassion & Provision of Jesus - Sometimes in our zeal of serving God we begin to take the reigns and can actually not really trust and rely on Jesus for the very work He has called us to.
- Battling the Broken Mind - The saying "It's all in your head" is truer than we would like to admit. What can start out as something done with good intentions can lead us very far astray save for one crucial ingredient: God's Word.
- What is Faith? - What is the real nature of faith? We often think it is blind trust in Jesus to give us what we ask for. In reality faith means a transformation of how you think of life, needs, and your relationship with Jesus.
- Incomplete Vision - Jesus asks a crucial question of His disciples - a question that every single person in all of creation and all of history must answer. How you answer may be influenced by a crucial lack in your life - a lack Jesus can uncover.
- Why Follow Jesus? - Probably one of the most common questions people have when evaluating Christianity is: "Why should I follow Jesus Christ?" He made a lot of claims, and might even have come back from the dead, but so what? In Mark 8 and 9 we see the two reasons why you should feel comfortable placing your life in His hands.
- Who's In Charge? - Face it, we humans like to be in charge of ourselves and as many others as we can. Though we aren't all power mongers, this default human behavior causes major problems when we see how God's universe really operates. The lesson comes home in this portion of Mark 9.
- Salty Christians - What influences you and what kind of influence are you on others? In the final portion of Mark Chapter 9, Jesus describes a common substance: salt. It is either salty or flavorless. When it comes to you affect on your environment are you salt or unsalty?
- Soft Heart - Hard Heart - As humans we naturally try to do what is in our own best self interest. This doesn't always coincide with the character of God. Such is the case with divorce. Jesus shocks His men and the Pharisees with a refreshing look at relationships. As we look at the topic, what seems to matter is the condition of our heart.
- Who Owns You? - Our idea about success involves three things - all of which were possessed by a man who approaches Jesus. What is he looking for and why? The answers should affect your outlook on this life and the one to come.
- Who's Really Blind? - Mark makes an important point about who we think we are in contrast to what we need to be in God's kingdom. Just when you think you have it all, you may not have anything and when you have nothing, you have just what you need.
- Riding in to Save the Day - What image comes to mind when you think about a hero riding in to save the day? Jesus, our ultimate action hero, rides into Jerusalem to save the day for humanity, but not in the way you would imagine, not this time anyway.
- Ganging Up On Jesus - In this portion of Mark we get a clearer picture of what it means to rely on God for things, and what it means to rely on the government. Here the religious leaders try to trip Jesus up, but they fall right into His trap.
- Who is God and how do you get to know Him? - Jesus had to answer some very complicated questions designed to trap Him. But being the master chess player, Jesus turned the traps into times of teaching and revealing much about His true identity.
- Learning to Love God - What is the most important thing in the universe? The answer might surprise you but goes right to the heart of both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus reveals it to us in Mark 12 as we go in depth into loving God.
- Radical Trust - <p>Mark wrote nothing by accident in his gospel. Just prior to the arrest of Jesus, he presents a stark contrast between those who think they have it all and those who have nothing. Which group is which? The answer may surprise you.</p>
- Looking to the End - There is a lot of excitement generated in the Christian community around the return of Jesus. Jesus' men were excited too, but what Jesus tells them is not a timeline or series of events, but how they should act while waiting. It's good advise for us too who await Jesus' return eagerly.
- Ultimate Worship - Ultimate Betrayal - It is at the darkest part of the night that a light shines the brightest. As we come to Mark 13 we see hope at the end of a terrible time in earth's history, when the lights will dim for the coming King. Then we see the path to that event beginning as the Lord is served with the ultimate act of worship and the ultimate act of betrayal.
- Intimacy & Agony - How do you handle impending doom? You know, those times when something bad is happening and it's about to get much worse? Jesus faced the ultimate in impending doom in the Garden of Gethsemane. How He handled it is a model for us in times of difficulty.
- Betrayal - Many times when we look at the portion of Mark 14 involving the arrest and trial of Jesus we focus on Judas - the betrayer. But Mark shows us that many more than Judas betrayed Jesus that night, and it shows us how short we fall and how great our Savior really is.
- The Darkest Day - The death of Jesus Christ is at the same time the deepest darkest day in human history and the beginning of the most promising era in human history. Though the physical agony great, the spiritual agony was even greater for our Lord.
- Jesus Died in Weakness - Weakness is not something valued by our culture or this age. But the death of Jesus shows us the strength we can all find in the weakest of moments.
- What Happened on the Cross? - What exactly happened on the cross of Jesus Christ? What did it mean then and what does it mean to me now? Is is just a mascot, a symbol, or something much much more?
- Jesus the Sneaky Savior - The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important even in human history. Coming down from that global perspective, what does the resurrection mean to me? That's the question we'll talk about as we conclude our study in Mark's gospel.
- Psalms Introduction - The Book of Psalms is the most unique book of the Bible. It was written over the longest period of time, has the most chapters, the most words, and the most quotations in the New Testament. But the Psalms is unique for another reason. It digs down into the emotions of the song writer. This openness also allows Yahweh to speak in ways that are personal and profound. In this introduction we get to the this most unique of books as a whole.
- Digging for Water - Everyone wants wisdom, but Psalm 1 gives more than just good advice, but vital information that can affect your entire life and beyond. It describes two paths in the life of your mind. Choices matter, which one are you making on a daily basis?
- God Our Rescuer - God our King - Psalms 2 & 3 show us that God is in charge no matter how the human default condition of rebellion tries to get in the way. They also show us that when faced with difficulty there are four things we do naturally that make our troubles worse, and four ways to go through difficulties God's way.
- What to do when you are surrounded - Are there times in your life when you feel penned in on every side and there is no where to turn for relief? Do you ever cry yourself to sleep only to wake up early? If so, then these psalms are for your comfort and hope.
- What To Do When Evil Threatens - Does God really hear our prayers and cries for help when other people abuse us? What should our reaction be in those situations? Learn some helpful hints from these psalms as David faces similar problems.
- When Evil Boasts - Sometimes it feels like people who boast there is no God and they will not be accountable for what they do are everywhere. But Psalms 10, 11, & 12 show us the true character of evil and the true heart of God who hears, observes, and rescues those who take refuge in Him.
- Waiting - <p>The thing we have the least patience with is waiting. When we are facing a difficulty we want instant results. When God doesn't operate on our table we get frustrated. David got frustrated too but how he handles it can help us have patience too.</p>
- Is This All There Is? - In our world of entertainment, glitz, and glamor, we are led to believe that if we follow the pattern of this age we can get satisfaction. But in the end it is only temporary. David tells us that the satisfaction that comes from a relationship with God has no expiration date.
- God as Your Warrior - No matter how deep of a hole you find yourself in, if you have a relationship with God He will hear, He will find, and He will rescue you, though the victory may not be what you expect, it is accomplishing God's will
- God is for you! - What fulfills your life? In this study we look at some reasons that God should be the one who brings you satisfaction, joy, answers, and rescue.
- Do You Feel Forsaken? - Often Christians their most difficult moments when they choose to trust God in difficult times and then He seems not to answer. David, and Jesus experienced this and we can learn from their reactions.
- The Good Shepherd - One of the greatest of all the psalms gives us hope when venturing out of the sheep pen that a God of great love will accompany us in life's darkest valleys.
- Victories out of Mistakes - Our first inclination when we blow it is to hide from God. But as we learn in these two psalms, our first reaction should be to turn to
- Be Encouraged! - As we walk through difficulties in life, one of the best ways to get perspective and see our way through to the end is encouragement. David shows us the best way possible to become encouraged!
- The Birth of Jesus: Mission Impossible - "Your mission, should you decide to accept it is to save mankind from a tyrant. Oh, and to do it you must become a human infant, completely helpless and vulnerable." In a big way, the mission of Jesus was impossible. The same holds true for us. But if Jesus could succeed, so can we!
- Mary's Christmas - What kind of a Christmas was it for Mary? A young girl having God's baby all alone with her husband in a strange town? Her experience teaches us a lot about what our celebration should really be about.
- 2011
- What Good Are You? - Sometimes we feel like God has to completely change us in order to use us. Paul shows us that God takes the background, weaknesses, and even difficulties and uses them for His kingdom, if we let Him.
- Don't Let Temptations Sink You - Though so often we start out with such good intentions, things happen in our life to trip us up from serving God. What are those things and how can we avoid them?
- What's More Important: You or the Gospel? - We have a lot of sources that would like us to imitate them: sports stars, movie stars, politicians, movers and shakers, even religious icons and leaders. Though we know we should imitate Jesus Christ, it is often hard for us to do that because He isn't here among us. So what to do? Paul gives us some help, and further advice on making the character we reflect the most effective for the gospel.
- What Should Stand Out, You or the Gospel? - 1st Corinthians 11 is one of the most controversial and misunderstood sections of Paul's writings. We'll explore it using culture, context, character, and language to find out what Paul is and is not saying to the Corinthians and to us today.
- Who Am I Better Than? - Divisions are never good in the body of Christ. But when the divisions take place over a celebration of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, things get serious real fast. In this lesson, we learn about avoiding the things that separate us, and clinging to that which makes us one.
- Spiritual Gifts Part 1 - If you think you understand the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts, you may want to check out this study.
- Gifts of the Holy Spirit - As humans we like two things: to impress and be impressive. That was one of the main problems the Corinthians faced in many areas including spiritual gifts. The more flamboyant the gift, the more impressive the show of the Spirit, the better.
- True Love - Part 1 - True love is a lot deeper than any of us imagine. Understanding it is probably the most important key to growing as a Christian.
- True Love - Part 2 - If you think you understand what real love is, think again. 1 Corinthians 13 is not a bunch of feel goodisms, but delves deeply into the character of a mature person in Christ. Are you ready?
- True Love - Part 3 - When it comes to studying about love, it is easy to feel under the pile because no human can measure up to the standard of love in 1 Corinthians 13 - and that's because it is God's standard. Thanks be to God that he makes us able, as we give our lives, hopes, desires, attitudes, and actions over to His Holy Spirit!
- True Love - Part 4 Love Goes the Distance - As we come to the end of our series on love we learn that true love 'goes the distance.' Love does not have limits, nor will it ever end. So how do you get this love flowing through your life? We also learn that a person who wants to mature in their faith will want to grow in true love.
- Spiritural Gifts Part 2 - There is a great deal of controversy today about the use of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. Many more charismatic denominations feature 1st Corinthians 14 as a way of encouraging the use of spiritual gifts, but a close reading of the passage doesn't seem to follow with that we see practiced--the opposite in fact. Today we'll try to bring some understanding of the proper role of the Spirit in the church.
- The Resurrection - Part 1 - The resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the very heart of Christianity. If there was no resurrection then there is no Christianity. Period. Want to know why it is so important? Paul's got that answer.
- The Resurrection - Part 2 - Are you Ready? - Do you ever hear those commercials for beds where they are giving big discounts on last year's model when the only difference is the fabric? As we study the second half of 1st Corinthians 15, we will look at our new model of resurrected body. But it's far more than just a change on the surface. What does looking forward to that model change mean to us as we live in this life's model?
- Principals for Giving - Often times as a Christian we think that what we do only affects us. In reality the body of Christ is an intertwined unit and who we are and what we do does indeed impact others for good or not. With that in mind, the Apostle Paul gives some parting but very important advice on how to live a maturing life in Christ.
- Come Out of Hiding - Part 1 - This week marks a special day in the church calendar and in the history of mankind. It's the day that our rescuer finally came out from hiding in plain sight. Today Pastor Tom Fuller will study why it is so important than you actually go into hiding once He's revealed.
- Come Out of Hiding - Part 2 - For some of us, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a reminder, not of the victory over death, but the death of victory in our lives. We fear really relishing in the resurrection because of our own failures, fears, and weaknesses. If that's you, then I've got some really good news for you!
- The Purpose of Suffering - Why do we go through hard times? Is it because God is not pleased with us? Is it that we just must suffer in order to really be deserving of God's grace? Though the reasons might be many (and those two are not among them), Paul gives us one of the most important reasons why suffering comes into our lives has he prepares the Corinthians to receive some hard advice from their spiritual father.
- The End is the Beginning - Do you find yourself discouraged and unfruitful in your walk with Christ? The answer may be simpler than you thought. Pastor Steve Hopkins of Calvary Chapel Salem brings us the wonderful word of the riches you have in Christ.
- Misunderstanding Motives - Often times we think that it's the big things that break apart relationships. But in reality, it is many times little things misunderstood that turn into big splits, both of people and of churches. As we study 2Corinthians 1 today we'll learn the big misunderstanding between the apostle and the Corinthian church and how we can avoid misunderstanding each other.
- Who Uses You? - How do respond when someone hurts you? Is it with veiled hatred and open contempt? The Apostle Paul had to deal with just such a situation and how he handled it can help us to deal with pain in a godly way.
- Leaning Against Legalism - We often measure our success by how closely we stick to a set of expectations - whether on the job, at home, or in our walk with the Lord. We do good, we feel good - we do bad, we feel bad. But measuring success is really much different in a relationship with Jesus. Paul talks about that as well as how to measure competency to minister.
- Super Cool or Super Real - Are you real? That might seem like an obvious question but consider the lengths you go to in order to present yourself as 'all together' to your friends and brothers and sisters. Being impressive by appearance can actually impede both your growth in the Lord and hinder healing and growth in the lives of those around you. Learn the difference between being super cool or super real. It's a challenging but life-changing message.
- The Coming Evaluation - One of the worst pieces of mail you can receive comes with three little letters in the return address: IRS. Getting audited is like going to the dentist without the novocaine. As troubling as it may seem, an even more important audit is coming for all of us. The good news is that you can affect what happens in that audit. Plus, the promise of a new style body free from the constraints and temptations of this life also comes with that audit!
- Jesus Became Sin for You - Just how did Jesus pay for your sins? To understand this will give you a new appreciation for just how bad evil is, how good God is, and the value of what Jesus did for you on the cross and bears for you each and every day. It also makes our job description as a Christian easier to understand and fulfill.
- How Far Will You Go? Part 1 - There are three questions each Christian should ask themselves when it comes to deciding just how far to go in serving the Lord. They are not easy questions, but your answers will reveal much about yourself. In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul gives us a clear choice and a wonderful path if we choose wisely!
- How Far Will You Go? Part 2 - Often we enter into partnerships without thinking of the consequences for either us or those that we influence. Though we are not to withdraw from this world, we need to be careful when we entangle ourselves in the values of this age. Today we examine being in the world while not being of the world.
- The Power of Positive Repentance - Taking criticism is one of the hardest things for us humans. When it comes to God's critique of our lives, and areas He needs to touch, we often react with our natural human defenses. But Paul in addressing the subject with the Corinthian church, gives us a wonderful pattern of how to receive criticism from God and how to respond in a way that is very affirming.
- Positive Giving - What motivates you to give? The Corinthians had an easy time setting unrealistic giving goals that set them up for failure, but a hard time giving in a way that released the gift to God and brought Him glory. In this chapter Paul gives us some valuable lessons in how to give freely and positively!
- What Do You Get When You Give? - What happens when you give of your time, talents, and money? Many ministries teach that you will receive a material blessing for material giving. I think they completely miss the mark. Paul, in this chapter, sets out a wonderful pattern of the true result of giving.
- Who is Better? - It is human nature to compare ourselves to one another. We do it all of the time very naturally and almost without noticing it. That's what was happening in Corinth and it was giving the Corinthians a false impression about who to trust.
- How to Spot a Fake - There are at least three ways that the enemy, working inside the church, moves Christians away from sincere faith and fidelity to the Lord Jesus. Learn what they are and how to spot and avoid them as Paul lays down the gauntlet against the false teachers in Corinth.
- Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People? - This question haunts many of us, especially as Christians. We think that things should go well if we are blessed of the Lord. When bad things happen, even seemingly disconnected things like losing a job or getting into an accident, we wonder why? Paul wondered this too, but provides a wonderful answer that will change your outlook on life.
- How Will God FInd You? - Many times we as Christians live our lives in the dark. We think we are reasonably good people trying our best. But our past, our associations, the flesh, and the culture around us, conspire to blind us to many things that are not like the Lord going on in our lives. Paul wants the Corinthians to wake up, not so he can punish but so that he can spur them on to real growth - with their eyes wide open.
- No Shortcuts to Maturty - <p>Too often as Christians we take short cuts to maturity. In reality the only way to become complete is to let the Lord take
you through difficulty and make you seem to "fail." In the process He builds life and a character in you that will lead you into His kingdom.</p>
- Any Other Gospel - <p>Without attention and energy, we humans will default back to our flesh pleasing ways even after coming to Jesus. That's where the lie of legalism is so pervasive. Paul begins his battle against legalism by contrasting human achievement with grace.</p>
- Going Under the House - <p>What do you rely on for how you behave? That might seem like a simple question but who and what influences you can mean the difference between relying on your own abilities or falling on the grace of Jesus. The answer is simple: die!</p>
- Billboards and Contracts - <p>If we're not supposed to follow the law to please God, then what is its purpose? Do we ignore it altogether? Paul wants the Galatians to understand the two main purposes of the law.</p>
- A New Family - <p>Are you happy with the family you grew up with? Chances are you aren't and that even now your vision of family is tainted. But what if you could have the perfect family and perfect relationships? Believe it or not, it is possible, with a family you have been invited to join.</p>
- Riding the Fence - <p>More times than we would probably like to admit, we slip into legalism. It can happen when God takes too long to answer a prayer, or answers in a way we don't expect. We take over the reigns, and it's a mistake!</p>
- The War Within - Being human we are born with certain default settings that drive us to think in certain ways. When we become a Christian a war starts between a new nature seeking to establish a beachhead and take over and the old regime that wants to stay in control.
- We're All Broken - The human mind is self-rationalizing and self-deceptive. Without a guide, we have no idea what is right and good. God's Word offers that guide but it's more than just reading a guidebook and determining to do better. We need to come to grips with the brokenness in us and God's offer of healing on a very deep level.
- The Real You - What is God like? Is your opinion of God based on an aloof, disconnected, or angry vengeful powerful being who is stern and judgmental? What would He be like if you ran into Him on the street? It might surprise you, but God is a lot like Galatians5:22-26.
- How Should I React to Sin? - There are two seemingly automatic reactions to seeing sin in the life of someone else. One is to avoid them. The other is to judge. In Galatians 6 we begin to see a third alternative. It's harder, but much more loving and effective.
- The Stark Contrast - The contrast between the old nature and the new couldn't be more stark as we finish up our study in Paul's letter to the Galatians. The question we all have to face is: where is our treasure, in this legalistic age, or in God's kingdom?
- The Hero Unveiled - In a world held captive by an evil enemy, Jesus Christ comes rushing in like a super hero to do battle with evil and rescue us from the tyrant of sin. In this introduction to the gospel of Mark we learn who is behind the stories and some amazing things about its author.
- The Hero's Authority - Wanting to do something and actually being able to do it are two entirely different things. Jesus may have been introduced as the ultimate action hero but without action it's just a good sound bite. In this study the hero demonstrates His authority and ability to do anything.
- 2010
- It's Time To Stop Pretending - We are more like the Pharisees than we would like to admit - hiding our true selves from others and from God and blaming external things for the consequences of our own behavior. But Jesus offers real hope if we will open up to Him in relationship.
- Sunset - Sunrise - Judah has finally come to its end. After a wonder sunset light of Josiah, the nation plunges into the darkness. But even though it seems all is lost, God brings the promise of the dawn of a new day, just as He does to us - so what is required for that new day to begin?
- How's Your Soil? - Jesus presents a familiar story with a real spiritual punch - take a listen and figure out if you are rocky, weedy, pathy, or pliable. It may be more significant than you ever dreamed.
- Ezra 1 - Wednesday study
- Getting Into The Weeds - Why does evil exist in the world and what are we to do about it? Jesus tells a good story and has some sober advice as we look at ourselves - are we weeds or wheat?
- A Beginning Is Sometimes All You Need - The returning exiles from Babylon faced a daunting task - rebuilding the temple and their nation. They were surrounded by enemies and devastation. What they did was do what they could and trust God for the rest - a good lesson for us as well.
- Treasure Island - Just how valuable is Jesus to you? Is He more of a common rock you use to skip across the water or buried treasure so valuable he is worth everything you own and more?
- Enemies - The returning exiles had nasty neighbors to contend with. When they wouldn't 'play ball' with the world, the world struck back.
- Overcome - How does suffering affect our ability to minister? As Jesus is overcome with grief how is it that He ended up with compassion, not bitterness?
- Doing Gods Work in the Face of Opposition without being a Jerk - The children of Israel faced yet another setback as they tried to rebuild the temple. We learn a lot about persevering and also working alongside governmental organizations while preaching the gospel. And when is it right to disobey the government?
- Overwhelmed - Do you get overwhelmed with the thought of serving Jesus? Good - that's just where He wants you. Learn the lessons the disciples got as Jesus gave them an impossible task to show that He is more than able to anything that will glorify God - through us!
- God at Work - Despite two attempts by adversaries, God moved on the hearts of the prophets, the leaders, and even government officials to support rebuilding the temple.
- In Over Your Head - The life of a disciple is not usually lived on the mountain top, but sinking in the storm. Gain some real encouragement from watching Jesus at work - sending us into the storm to show our need for Him, then being there to rescue us when we fail.
- Esther - Morality Play or Play on Morality? - Esther can be seen as a bunch of stereotypical caricatures or as a rich story full of moral ambiguities that shows us God at work through human frailty.
- Tradition!? - How important are traditions to you? Do they ever become more important than the gospel and actually keep you away from God? Learn how Jesus deals with the topic.
Pharisee, Jesus, tradition, Law, legalism
- Watching the Gloved Hand - Though you can't see God at work, He is often there behind the scenes, working for your good. See this at work in the lives of the Jews as recorded in Esther.
- Trust - There are three vitally important questions each person must ask in their life - and three different approaches to answering. How you answer will determine your eternal destiny. Jesus gives us the right way to respond in this chapter.
- Courage and Discernment - What are the two qualities shown by Mordecai and Esther that we can emulate as we face an enemy much more powerful than Haman in life here in this war zone?
- Glimpsing Heaven Through the Lens of the Cross - There are tremendous parallels between Mt. Sinai and the Mount of Transfiguration. Learn how Jesus revealed His true identity and how it relates to us who live down in the valleys of life.
- Ezra On the Scene - Ezra returns to Jerusalem to oversee the teaching of the Law to God's people.
- Pride - What trips us up more than anything else? The answer might surprise you but it doesn't surprise God. In Matthew 18 we learn about how overcoming that one thing helps us enter His kingdom and encourage others to do so too!
- Setting Things Right Again - The final chapters of Ezra give us a real blueprint for how to respond to sin in our lives. As long as we overlay the cross, we would do well to heed Ezra's attitude and actions.
- Resolving Conflict God's Way - If you think you knew what Matthew 18 was about - you might want to check out exactly what Jesus said, and how he framed resolving interpersonal conflict with the context of God's forgiveness of an unpayable debt.
- Introduction to Nehemiah - We begin a verse by verse study of the book of Nehemiah with an introduction with Alan Gray.
- God's Old Math - There is one prophecy in the Bible that above all others can pinpoint with certainty whether or not Jesus is or is not the promised Messiah. All you need is some math.
- Motivation for Movement - What moves you? Is it possible that what you are passionate about might be God trying to move His will forward? Nehemiah experienced great sadness, but turned that into prayer and action that saw God's timetable for salvation moved forward.
- Why The Cross? - Of all the means available to execute Jesus, why did the Father pick a wooden cross? The answer will both surprise and free you.
- Plan Well - Pray Well - Nehemiah had it on his heart to rebuild Jerusalem. How he approached the king and started his task can help us as we seek to serve the Lord
- Divorce - Divorce is one of the most controversial topics of debate among Christians. Much of what Christians think of divorce comes from Matthew 19. But what if Jesus was talking about something far more important than just divorce? Your understanding of divorce will change.
- When the Enemy Attacks - Nehemiah faced stiff opposition when he and the people tried to rebuild the wall. By working together and not giving into discouragement, God's work got done - and it can in your life too!
- The Secret to a Good Life - All of us want to feel good about our lives. The society around us and even our innate senses dictate certain things that should lead to a good life. Today we meet a man who had all those things, yet felt he was missing something. That something is the key that Jesus reveals to him and us.
- Getting Dirty While Staying Clean - Nehemiah demonstrated incredible leadership skills while rebuilding Jerusalem. He kept morally pure while also making sure to help with the work.
- What Do You Want From Me? - Jesus asks a question twice in Matthew 20. How he asks it and to whom is very instructive and tells us a lot about the character of the king and those in his kingdom. It might just change your life.
- Fighting Against Opposition - Nehemiah faced a determined enemy who sought to stop God's work at any cost. It teaches us to be wise about the devices of the enemy of our souls.
- An Army of One - Jesus enters Jerusalem. Though He comes in peace, riding on a donkey, He is still an invading army, an army of One, coming to take back His palace and throne from miserable tenants who have stopped people from having a relationship with Him. He is also an army of one in our lives as well.
- How Do You Approach God's Word? - People have varying opinions about the Bible. Some think it is a bunch of myths or stories put together by people who wanted to control others. Some think it is partially true, partially not. Others consider it to be the written speech of God. Consider your approach as we study how Israel received God's Word after rebuilding Jerusalem
- Hostile Takover - Jesus puts the religious leaders on notice - He's taking back His kingdom. We also deal with one of the most misunderstood sections of the gospel: the Fig Tree.
- The Feasts of Israel - We take a closer look at Nehemiah 8 and see the marvelous way God provided the feasts as a prophetic picture of the Messiah and His kingdom.
- Jesus vs. the Tag Team - The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians try their best to trip up Jesus by asking tough questions. But Jesus' answers and his subsequent questions, He not only silences his opponents but raises vital issues for us to consider.
- Revival - We think revival is just hearing a motivational speaker at a special meeting. But revival starts much deeper and encompasses much more than that.
- Nehemiah Continued - Our continuing study through the book of Nehemiah
- Nehemiah Continued - Our continuing study through Nehemiah
- Jesus to Pharisees: You're Fired! - The religious leadership of Israel was supposed to lead people into relationship with Yahweh and pave the way for the Messiah. Instead they became self-serving and self-preserving, much in the way our flesh operates.
- Nehemiah Concluded - We reach the end of our study through Nehemiah, which includes an overview of the book.
- The Imprint of the Sin Nature - The Imprint of the Sin Nature - Matthew 23:13-39
We are more like the Pharisees than we'd like to admit. As Jesus brings to light their true selves, it reveals an instinct towards self-justification. He also reveals the way to healing.
- Adoption - Learn the real meaning of the word as it relates to our relationship with God.
- End Times Revisited - What was Jesus' purpose in bringing the prophecies in this chapter, to make us all end times scholars, focused on every little nuance that means the end is near? Perhaps Jesus has a larger purpose in mind.
- Job's Beginning - We begin our study through the book of Job with elder Alan Gray.
- Decisions - Consequences - As Jesus explains His return to His disciples, Jesus lays out the opportunities presented to us all, and the results of our decisions to those opportunities. In the end it all lies in relationships.
- The Difference Between Accuracy and Truth - Job's friends begin to respond to their friend's condition. What they say is accurately recorded, but is it true?
- Job Responds - After his well meaning friends give their two cents, Job gives them the depths of his depression.
- What's Your Mission? - Jesus goes from giving a broad view of history leading up to His return back to today's battle plan. We need to make sure we have in mind God's big plan, but implement His daily mission for us.
- Job - A Man of Feeling and Despair - Job shares his honest feelings with God and his desire to die. We contrast that with Paul, who went through agonies of his own, yet had hope. What is the difference?
- How to go through Suffering and Betrayal - Jesus experiences betrayal by a friend and must face disciples who cannot watch with Him in His deepest need. How he acts helps us to understand what Jesus was really about and how we can experience suffering in God's redemptive plan.
- The Argument Continues - Job's friends think they have knowledge of God wired. But even in his pain, Job fires back with some pretty accurate sarcasm.
- The Arrest and Trial of Jesus Christ - Why did God allow Jesus to go through a human trial - a trial that was illegal in fact? He had a very good reason as He controlled every facet, even using evil intent of men. And it was all for you!
- Job Hopes in God - Job responds to his 'friends' incorrect theology and still hopes in God despite his dire circumstances.
- When We Fail God - Both Peter and Judas failed God. They were alike in that way, but different in another that is the key to everything. What is that difference and what does it mean when you fail the Lord?
- Job Responds - Again - Job grows tired of the bad advice given to him by his 'friends'.
- The Pitable Pilate - Was Pilate someone to feel pity for? Who was really at fault for Jesus' crucifixion? And how does this portion of Matthew speak to the opinions of everyone about the truth of Jesus?
- Pulled Up By The Roots - Job continues to lament his plight, even thinking that God is his enemy. But what he doesn't yet know is that God is totally on His side, as He is on ours through Jesus Christ.
- Lessons from Job - Learn some serious life lessons about how a man beaten down can still look up with hope.
- Trying to Understand God - Job expresses confusion about the person of God in light of his calamities.
- The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ - The crucifixion of Jesus was among the darkest days ever on planet earth - spiritually as well as physically. What were the four miracles that occurred as Jesus gave up His life and how do they answer life's most crucial question?
- Job Wants An Audience - Job decides that his best shot is to come before God to hear His voice.
- Containing the Resurrection - The enemies of Jesus did their best to contain the possibility of His resurrection. Even today many try to contain the gospel, yet it is impossible as no power on earth can stop Him.
- Creation Support - These chapters of Job provide some great Scriptural evidence of the creation by showing an accurate view of the planet and its systems.
- Lesson 1: You and your church belong to God - Often times we think of our society today as so different from Bible times. But it may surprise you that the things facing the Corinthians are much the same as today, and so is God's grace!
- Job Finishes - Job finishes his defense.
- Lesson 2: Don't Worship Your Pastor - You might never think of yourself as worshiping your pastor. But that's just what has happening in Corinth and it happens in churches all over the world to this day. What are the dangers, how to spot it, and how to avoid it are the subject of part two in Lessons in How Not To Be A Christian.
- Elihu Confronts Job - Elihu thinks he has it all together when he confronts Job. He says that God repays a person for his deeds and that's why Job suffers. He's got it all wrong!
- Lesson 3: Don't Confuse the World's Values with God's - In today's politically correct world it seems more and more Christians are swallowing some pretty bad stuff in order to 'get along.' The culture pushes back to get us to conform to the values of our culture. Paul comes against that and says you should think twice and give room for God's wisdom.
- Elihu's Last Stand - Elihu is the last to speak before the powerful words of a rebuking God answer all the human wisdom passed off as truth arrives.
- Lesson 4: Don't Trust Your Mind - Trust the Lord's - The mind is one of the most amazing and most dangerous things we possess. It is incredibly creative, self-justifying and horribly deceiving and sick. So Paul tells us when it comes understanding God, using our minds only will never get us there.
- Part 1: How to Understand the Bible - There are some important keys we can use to understand the Bible--how to read it, and how to study it. Why do we teach verse by verse? Why do we teach the entire Bible?
- Lesson 5: Don't Remain a Baby - One of the most dangerous places to find yourself as a Christian is thinking you are more mature than you really are. This was one of the main reasons the Corinthian church had so many problems and may be a reason you are not moving forward in your walk. Learn how to spot babyness in you and how to grow up!
- Communicating the Word of God, Part 2 - Why is the Bible so wonderful, and what is it good for in our lives? We also talk about how to put together teachings, what are the most important factors.
- Lesson 6: Get Over Yourself and Get On with the Work - One of the greatest blessings is when God works through you. One of the greatest dangers is when God works through you. Learn how to avoid the penetrating gaze of the Lord and simply rejoice in His work through you.
- God Speaks - After all the hot air spoken by men, God finally enters into the debate and brings His knowledge!
- Lesson 7: Look out for the Culture of Celebrity - Is there such a thing as the celebrity pastor? Is that a good or bad thing? How should I look at a church to make sure I will be fed as a believer?
- God Continues - The Lord continues to bring Job and his friends to task.
- Lesson 8: Watch Out for Pride - Pride is a sneaky thing. It's the default program for humans and is at the root of the problem in Corinth, and often at the root of our problems as Christians.
- God Questions - The Lord turns the questioning to Job.
- Lesson 9: Handling Sin in the Church - Handling sin in the church has become very difficult from both angles - in our PC world much bad behavior is actually celebrated, but Christians are also wounding each other over weakness instead of supporting and helping. We'll try to walk the fine line between both extremes as we study 1 Corinthians 5
- Lesson 10: Don't use the world to solve problems - What happens when Christians disagree? If it is reasoning from the Scriptures about the Word, that's one thing. But when believers quarrel often it can be a sign of immaturity. When they try to resolve those disputes in front of the world, the gospel is threatened.
- The End of Job - Job concludes with God more than giving back to Job all that he had taken away.
- Lesson 11: Be Wary of Addictions - Is there something in your life that if it was taken away your life could not go on? Is there something you just can't stop doing? You may be addicted. In fact, even many Christians are addicted to something they are not even aware of - the flesh. How to combat it and get free is our subject.
- Lesson 12: Don't Panic Part 1 - Marriage and Divorce - There are many misunderstandings about Paul's words on marriage and divorce. Looking at them in the context of the situation they were written in, and context of our purpose as redeemed humans offers us some real wisdom.
- What Should You Change? - When we experience new life in Jesus Christ we might think a change in our external appearance, position, or circumstances will make us more useful to the Master. But you might just miss out on one of the greatest opportunities available to you.
- Birth of a Lamb - As you think about the birth of Jesus Christ, what do you suppose those who actually witnessed it were thinking? Pastor Tom shares a story he wrote that comes from the viewpoint of two shepherds: Lemuel in the fields around Bethlehem, and Joseph, who would raise a boy to become a Savior.
- Your Freedom vs. The Gospel - What's permissible for me to do once I believe in Jesus Christ? The answer to that question is actually tied up in how Jesus wants to use you in spreading the gospel. Learn in this lesson how to put His love above your freedom.
- 2009
- Knowing Your Place - Paul the Apostle knew who he was (and was not) and his job in the kingdom. It's his passion for his job that led him to write to a group of people he'd never met, in order to introduce himself and the theology of grace to them. It encourages us to know our place in that kingdom as well.
- The Lengths God Goes To - Ahab was not serving God. He was only going along to get what he wanted. Yet God performed miracles for him, to show his need of a relationship.
- The Power and the Shame - Paul lays out the entire book of Romans in just two verses and gives his reason for excitement about the gospel, an attitude that can infect us as well.
- When The Flesh Wants Its Way - Ahab ended up doing some extreme things to get something his flesh wanted. Learn what happens to us when we let the flesh get its way in our lives
- Man is Basically Good - Thought that might get your attention. The debate about the goodness of man rages, as does the arguments for the existence of God. Paul takes on both in this very hard hitting section.
- Good King - Bad King - What happens when a good king listens too much to a bad one? He almost gets killed. But that's not as bad as Ahab, who tries to manipulate the truth of God.
- Judgment - Many people have a hard time understanding or accepting the idea of God as a judge. We learn about judgment and the nature of God in this section. The news actually is good!
- Manipulate God or Be Maniupulated By God - Do you try to get your own way with God, or let God have His way with you? We compare the lives of Ahaziah, a man of man, with Elijah, a man of God
- Justification - How do you know if your good is good enough? What do you compare your goodness with to know? Get answers to these questions as Paul bursts some 'human' bubbles.
- Faithful and Faithless - When trouble hits, how do you react? Do you blame God, wonder why He doesn't answer the way you want, or expect? Learn the contrast between those who humbly put their weight down on God, or just want their way.
- Humanity's Greatest Folly - God's Great Gift - Do you know what are human's three great faults? It leads us to know why we can never reach God ourselves. But we also see in chapter three how God does what we cannot.
- Coming to God - Walking From God - This chapter gives us a clear picture of a pagan hearing of God's love and giving his all to get to it, and a man who is close to God who decides to walk away.
- The Audacity of Simple Faith - Abraham didn't have much to go on - God's promise. But what Abraham did, when he did it, and through what agency speaks volumes to the Jew and Gentile alike how to have trust in a God you cannot see.
- Missed Perceptions - In these chapters we see God care for those who are doing his work, providing and protecting in ways that go beyond our normal ways of seeing and perceiving. He also shows how that if you don't trust God, you can't trust your senses either.
- The War Is Over! - You may not have even known you were God's enemy. You started the war, but you couldn't end it, only God could. And how He did it and what He did for you will blow you away!
- God's Hit Man - Jehu did some heavy lifting for God. Sometimes we are called to do some difficult things, but that's all part of being a servant.
- A New Race - All that Adam did by his willful disobedience to God's command - infecting the human race with sin and the resulting death - Jesus undid by one sacrifice. Learn about the new race He created and how you can be a part of it.
- Serving God - Serving Myself - We see two men: Jehu and Jehoiada. Both do God's will in bringing down an evil reign and the worship of Baal. One does it by his own means to his own ends. The other does it for God's ends with God's methods. Which are you?
- Addicted to God - So what's your addiction? We all have one or another. As a pre-Christian you might have several in fact. How's that working out for you? I know it sounds funny, but trusting in Jesus actually leads to addiction-but a really really good one!
- What Kind of Faith Lasts? - What kind of faith do you have in God? We meet two kings who suffered from kinds of faith that don't turn into long lasting relationships. See the consequences for ignoring that vital part of a believer's life.
- The Battle of the Flesh - One of the most underrated struggles we have as Christians is that between the Spirit of God in us and the flesh trying to pull us back into ways that are not like God. If you experience that dissonance between what you want to be like and what you are like, you need to hear what Paul has to say.
- Pride Goeth Before ... - Personal and Spiritual pride can be the death of a person who wants to serve God. We look at two kings who started well, but trusting themselves instead of God got in the way.
- Abba - Do you discouraged and even condemned by your failure to live up to God's standards? Then you need to hear the encouraging words from Paul about your real position, your real relationship, your real destiny, and your real ability to not only overcome evil in your life, but thrive!
- The Prodigal Son - Another look at this classic story
- Change Management - Many of us have a hard time managing change. But God is the change management expert of all time. He uses a special secret to help bring about change that is just awesome and answers some basic problems we have with living life here.
- Fear of Failure - Ever feel discouraged that life is too much? Fear of failure is common, but God has a secret weapon to deploy on your behalf!
- What You Think is Good May Not Be - Ahaz thought he had things so in control that his big bully buddy Assyria would handle everything. In fact is enslaved him and ruined his nation. But in the darkest of days and to the most unlikely of people, God brought some of His brightest promises.
- We Are Not A Christian Nation - Should the church dissolve since our president has declared that we are not a Christian nation? The numbers of people claiming to be Christians has dropped dramatically. The question is, is the cross still relevant in this post-Christian world?
- Entitlement Mentality - Humans by nature feel a sense of entitlement, that by our very existence we are owed something - and that includes by God. Romans 9 is controversial in that it totally blows the entitlement mentality out of the water, but also surprising when we learn of how loving God really is.
- God Forces no one to Love Him - God desires for all to repent and be saved, and he sends us His word to show us the right way. We as humans seem to still want to run as far away as we can get. Israel found out that there is a point of no return.
- Fighting Battles God's Way - On Your Knees - Hezekiah is such a wonderful example of a man who put a relationship with God above his fears, yet was honest with God, and sought the right answer to prayer.
- The Word Speaks Louder Than Actions - Has God really rejected Israel forever? It's a touchy subject, but one Paul deals with strongly in these chapters. If God has not cast them away forever, then how do they, and us, reach God? By the Word.
- Humility and Humanity - Hezekiah was a great king, but he had a pride problem. See how God dealt with him, allowing him to suffer the consequences, but in it teaching him to be even more powerful - in God.
- The Living Sacrifice - Are you being impressed upon by the outside, or motivated by an inward change in character? That's at the heart of these first very important verses of Romans 12.
- The Evil Good King - Manasseh was the worst king Judah ever had. But before you write him off, read The Rest of the Story. Much the same as God never gives up on the worst of people.
- Finding Your Place - How do you get a sense of well being, identity and purpose? Is it by how you feel inside and how you compare to others outside? Paul gives us some wonderful advice on how to deal with this as a member of the body of Christ.
- Passover - Exodus 12-Passover
- The Bible - How well do you know your bible and how much time do you spend with it? '7 days with out Gods Word makes one weak'
- Wednesday - Wednesday Bible study
- Show or Show off? - Many times when we think of God using us and us using spiritual gifts we think of some pretty impressive stuff - miracles, prophecy, healings and the like. But Paul gives us some great instruction about the color of the ways God uses us.
- Josiah: Hearing the Word of God - There is one thread that weaves throughout Josiah's life - a dedication to hearing, understanding, and apply the Word of God to his life and the life of his nation. We have many things to learn from this very godly man.
- Living Life Upside Down - One of the hardest things we as Christians have to deal with is people who don't like us and who do bad things to us. We think we know how to react but Paul turns life upside down as he gives us the real way to overcome our enemies.
- The Beginning of Discipline and Restoration - As God stored up discipline for Judah, so too he stored up mercy and restoration - as God's people listened to and acted on His word.
- Observations of Praise - Three different Observations of Praise; 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 The story of Jehoshaphat and winning a battle through Praising God, Psalms 91:1-16 Praising the Lord and getting direction from Him, Acts 16:23-34 Paul and Silas in prison, worship and singing, earthquake opened the prison doors and released the chains, The Prison Guard was converted along with his family.
- The Focus on God's Promise - Ezra wrote Chronicles with some very important things in mind - laying out a case like a good lawyer, as God fulfills a promise He made back in Genesis 3:15. Learn the difference between this account, and the books of the kings of Israel.
- Love Your Government Neighbor - As Christians many believe government is an evil that should be avoided or opposed. Paul encourages us to be a redemptive force for the gospel by actually getting along with governmental authorities.
- Restoring Worship - David begins to restore proper worship of Yahweh, but first he must get angry and very afraid. Then he does two things that are a key to a healthy Christian walk.
- Loving Your Rights or Your Right to Love - What distractions keep you from being an effective witness for Jesus Christ? One of the chief distractions is focusing on the minor differences between us, instead of building each other up in love. Paul takes this topic head-on in Romans 14.
- God Comes Through - Are you feeling weak, discouraged, or down - like nothing is going your way? Then be encouraged and built up by seeing how God comes through for David and Israel. And learn valuable lessons about the proper attitude toward God and his abundant promises!
- Loving Your Rights or Your Right to Love Part 2 - We continue to look at how the Lord desires us to live in the war zone of this age - compliant with government as long as it doesn't force us to violate God's Word and loving to others who are not as far along as we in their walk with God.
- No Shortcuts - Though some of David's biggest sins are left out of 1 Chronicles, God brings David and Israel to task, but out of a terrible situation, God works a wonderful blessing for us all.
- Be Encouraged! - Paul's final theological words to the Romans hold a lot of weight. But in some ways Paul says to 'lighten up!' when it comes to dealing with people who are different than us in the body of Christ.
- A Heart of Giving - As 1 Chronicles draws to a close, we get a final glimpse at the man after God's own heart. We see his devotion to worshiping God, his humbleness at being able to give, and his leadership in supplying everything to do God's work. The lessons for our lives are as abundant as his gifts!
- Making Connections - For some, Paul's greetings at the end of Romans might seem boring and not relevant. To the contrary, Paul's connections with other believers offers us a rich tapestry of life and service in the 1st century church.
- Distinctive Direction - Jesus, in his first words at length in Matthew's gospel, tells us how we can make a difference in the world around us, and how impossible it is to please God on our own.
- Wednesday - Wednesday evening bible study
- Jesus-The Son of David - If you look at it one way, Jesus came from a very dysfunctional family and a dysfunctional family line. If God has set about to save the world, shouldn't He have made things a little better along the way? Actually, it's really a cool part of God's salvation plan.
- Re-learning Relationships - If you think you do pretty well with relationships, you might want to take a listen at Jesus' words in this portion of the Sermon on the Mount. We think it is about lust and divorce and promises - but it's really about making, keeping, and fixing broken relationships.
- It's All About The Task - Solomon is given a pretty big charge by his father David. He clearly doesn't feel up to it. Another man comes from a disadvantaged background and is given a huge job. In both cases God took weakness and made it strength. He can do it for you too.
- Freedom in Christ - Guest Speaker: Pastor Warren Wurzburger 'From Wide Awake Ministries'
- Joseph's Difficult Road - Many times we think of Mary's role in the birth of Jesus, but Matthew records the difficult road Joseph had to travel in protecting this little life that the enemy wanted to snuff out.
- Watching the Signs - How do you know God is about to do a work in your life? Watch the signs and what to look out for as Israel prepares for its Messiah.
- (Re)writing Your Destiny - Rehoboam had plenty of opportunities to listen to godly counsel, listen to the word of God, and listen to God's discipline. When faced with a choice, who influences you?
- How to Be Invisible - There is a way to do wonderful things for God and fade into the background. Our human nature wants to get the credit and be the focus. Our godly nature tells us otherwise. Learn how to be an active part of God's plan by disappearing.
- The Temple - God's Plan of Salvation - In the temple we have a wonderful picture of how Jesus Christ won our salvation, from being washed for service as a priest to coming back out from the Holy of Holies to bring about our renewed fellowship with God.
- Handling Temptation - One of the most difficult things for a Christian is to resist temptation. Satan brings temptations to us and tries to make it easy and logical for us to fulfill legitimate needs. Jesus shows us just how crafty he is, and how to resist.
- Being Human - Yet Being Encouraged By God - Sometimes when we look around us all we see are our mistakes. But God encourages us to focus and rely on Him - then He wins victories for us!
- Distractions - Did you know that this age seeks to distract you from becoming like the Lord and serving in His story? Plenty and want are two sides of the same coin and they seek to keep us from freely loving and being used by God. Find out how to beat them at their own game!
- Celebrating God's Presence - Solomon dedicates the temple, which turns into a celebration of God's love and the acknowledgment that it is through repentance, forgiveness, and restoration that we have a relationship with God.
- Introducing- God - The Beatitudes (it means 'blessing') are probably the most famous words Jesus uttered. They are also among the most mis-understood. To understand the Beatitudes we need to know Jesus person and His mission.
- Victory In Times of Struggle - Just as the Israelis were in the midst of a deep struggle to rebuild the temple at the writing of 2 Chronicles, so too we benefit from the promise of God's victory.
- 2 Chronicles - Wednesday evening bible study
- It's Never Too Late to Make a Big Mistake - Jehoshaphat was a good king who dedicated his heart to serve Yahweh. But a couple of major mistakes led to near disaster. Learn how God was faithful to help, but also to teach and discipline.
- Presenting the Gospel With Discernment - This portion of Matthew is one of the most misquoted and misunderstood parts of the Bible. Jesus isn't talking about political correctness but about correctly presenting the story of sin and salvation.
- When Fear Strikes - Start Singing - Jehoshaphat may have thought he was done with problems after God disciplined him. But God was about to bring the big battle to him so he and his nation would fall on their knees then raise their voices. It is an awesome lesson for us when trouble strikes.
- Prayer - Pretty much everyone under the right circumstances prays. The key question is are you praying to the right person in a way that they will hear you and respond? Learn some important key ingredients to powerful prayer.
- Relentless Dysfunction - The enemy will try relentlessly to introduce or maintain dysfunction in your life, just as he tried to wipe out the line of the Messiah using the dysfunctions of Jezebel and Athaliah. But you can have victory.
- What is Your Path? - Who you listen to matters. It determines who you belong to - who owns you. We can choose the easy road or the hard one, depending on who we listen to. Does it really matter what road we take. Absolutely!
- Who & How You Follow - We're all followers, but how you follow is very important. Joash didn't follow Jehoiada in a way that made him a follower of Yahweh, instead of Jehoiada. It became crucial in his later life, and in ours.
- Be Clean! - You may feel like you don't deserve God's love. You may have walked away from Him or have areas of your life that you don't want Him to see. Today's study should be a huge encouragement to you to seek out the One who is willing to touch you just the way you are and cleanse you!
- Rip Tide - What happens when we start out trusting God, but not with our whole heart? What happens when we begin to think that the marvelous help we get from God is coming from ourselves? And what happens when we push against the tide and set roots deep into the Lord to hold us steady?
- Who's in Control - We as humans have a hard time giving up control of anything, but in order to find the abundant life Jesus offers, we must cede authority of our lives to Him, even if that means going into choppy waters.
- Run Away or Return - We meet two kings of Judah. One, Ahaz, seems determined to get as far away from God as possible. God tries and tries to bring him back but he will not come. His son, Hezekiah, starts from day one to return he and his nation to the Lord. It is a great picture of how close God really is when we repent.
- Are You Sick? - Jesus tweaks the argument of who is in control just a little bit to introduce the real sickness in mankind - sin. He is in control of that too. Are you willing to give Him control over your total cleansing from evil?
- Bridging The Gap - First Hezekiah restores Judah's relationship with God, now he sets about trying to restore Israel's relationship with God by inviting his brothers to the north to Passover. It's a great example and teaches us lessons about how to bridge the gap that exists between us.
- Harassed and Helpless - How many times do we go through our lives thinking we have it all together, only to encounter a crisis that blows us away? Life is a lot more tenuous that we like to think. But into that crisis comes One who says 'do not fear, only believe.' Are you willing?
- How to Study the Bible-Part 1 - Part 1
- Special-Randall Nye the Science Bible Guy - an interesting look and science and the Bible
- Real Life Evangelism Part 2 - Ever think that you could never be a missionary? Think again. Just as Jesus sent out His 12, He sends you out as an undercover operative in hostile territory to spread His love. Find out how and how to be prepared for your mission!
- Real Life Evangelism Part 1 - Want to be a part of bringing God's love to the world but think you have to be a missionary to the jungles of Africa to do it? Think again. Share the gospel without speaking a word.
- How to Study the Bible-Part 2 - Part 2 of this series
- Serving God & Suffering - It's a common mistake to think that when we get closer to God things will go easy for us. It's often the opposite. Hezekiah did a lot of good things, but God wanted more trust, and so he put him in a box. Learn about how that can lead us to more faith and more strength in the Lord.
- What Do You Expect From Jesus? - Have you ever stopped to consider what you expect from Him? A helper, a rescuer from your troubles, a self-help guru, someone that thinks like you? In this chapter Jesus punctures the expectations of others and ask that you really listen to Him.
- Three Kings - Three Faiths (or not) - In Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah we see represented the three ways humanity responds to the Word of God. Which group do you fall into. Also learn about perseverance for those who steadfastly refuse to repent.
- Sabbath - A lot of people have had questions about the purpose of the Sabbath. Jesus takes it head on and reveals a lot about how we should live our lives.
- They Never Saw It Coming - God sent Someone on a secret mission. The operative's arrival had to be kept a secret from at least three groups of people or all of humanity could be in jeopardy. Yet the secret was let out to a select few. Who were they and why they were told of the mission can help us understand and appreciate Christmas all the more.
- Why Should we celebrate Christ's Birth? - In our society you can't even utter the word 'Christmas' in many circles. Why not just do away with it?
- The Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit - Ever wonder what that really is - and worried you might have done it? Let's spread some truth into this very misunderstood idea from Matthew 12:22-32
- 2008
- Jesus The Bread of Life part 2 - If there is any source of real lasting life anywhere other than in Jesus the Bread of Life then you should take it. But is there?
- Jonathan - The Great Example - Jonathan is one of the unsung heros of the Bible. The way he lived his life is a great example to us in living a visible Christian life and trusting God more than ourselves.
- Removing the Filters - Often times where someone comes from or how they sound alters how we hear them. This was the case for those hearing Jesus. But if you really listen to his words they do deeper than you can image.
- Saul - The Great Pretender - Saul was having a very bad day that he just couldn't get ahead of. But his very bad day started with a very lacking relationship with Yahweh and a belief in self above God. Thing is, many of us face the same challenges as this doomed king of Israel.
- Revelation - Just how much does Jesus know about you and what does he do with that information? A woman and some Pharisees find out but his response is very different between those who need forgiveness and those who want it.
- David - The Making of a Servant Leader - David was a nothing that God made into the forerunner of Christ. Learn how anyone who is humble and available can be used if he has a relationship with God
- Fighting the enemy God's Way - The enemy taunts us to fight on his turf with his weapons. God motivates us to fight for his glory with his weapons. Learn how David's example of fighting Goliath can help us face the enemy in our lives.
- Lost in Translation - How well do you know Jesus, really? Jesus probes some Jews who say they believe but don't. Jesus says the truth will set us free, but sometimes we are speaking a different language and so can't understand what he is saying at first.
- Now I can see - A blind man who gets sight and insight, and religious leaders who think they understand but are blind! Learn how to cope with the Lord waiting to answer prayers.
- The Path of Jealousy - Jealousy is a very potent emotion and we see Saul fall full force into its clutches. It can also affect us as well. We also learn of the loving servanthood that Jonathan shows.
- The Voice of the Shepherd - Sheep hear the particular voice of their shepherd. They respond to it and follow him. Jesus is calling. Are you listening?
- Facing Peril - David faces a dangerous situation but does so by having faith in God, though he was being treated very unfairly. This speaks a lot to us as we face difficulties that are not our fault.
- Jesus wept. - Jesus feels our trials a lot more than we give him credit for. We beg God to answer and when it doesn't happen we think we did something wrong or God doesn't care. Jesus here reveals a greater purpose for our difficulties.
- Learning Trust - Both Jonathan and David learn who you can trust and who you can't. This is important for David's training as Israel's next king and important for Christians to learn as well.
- Paul's Summary of the Gospel - What do you live for and who are you
- Stripping It All Away - God takes David's training up a notch, removing all support so he can learn God is his support.
- Preparing Jesus, Preparing for Jesus - This chapter provides some real contrasts between real and trumped up worship, real belief and real betrayal. It is all a part of preparing Jesus for the cross and preparing us to receive him.
- On the Job Training - God trains David to be a godly leader through times of running for his life. He learns selfless love and qualities of a king after God's heart.
- Love & Betrayal - Are you ashamed to be served by Jesus? Be careful how you answer. As Jesus demonstrates what real love is, he also recoils at real betrayal.
- Motive, Means, and Opportunity - David was presented with a problem: He was to become king and now had the opportunity to make it happen by killing Saul. What he learns gives us some valuable information about timing and agency of God's plan in our life.
- Home - Jesus' disciples are more than a little anxious about his declaration that he was going and somewhere they couldn't follow yet. He reveals a wonderful promise of hope to all of us who feel this place is not our home either.
- Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands - David is faced with a great insult. He reacts in anger, but as he learns from a beautiful and wise woman - reacting in anger is not always God's way.
- It's a Good Day to Die - This Easter we look at the resurrection through the eyes of the two men who died on crosses next to Jesus. We learn how a simple difference in attitude can make a huge difference in eternity. This study is also encouraging if you are facing difficulties in your life.
- The Real Holy Spirit - Many of your ideas about the Holy Spirit are wrong. What is the real role and purpose of Jesus representative on earth in your life?
- Final Exam - David has been going through a graduate course in spiritual leadership during his time of running from Saul. In this final exam David learns he has passed the course. But then God takes him on to a PhD!
- Pruning - Jesus uses the picture of a vineyard to teach us about how to have real life, good fruit and benefit from the Lord pruning our lives.
- Waking The Dead - Saul in his last desperate attempt to get help reaches out to the demonic world. But even there God finds him and judges him. Meanwhile David is in the midst of the enemy camp but is calm because he has a relationship with Yahweh.
- Becoming a Sprinkler - Jesus moves from talking about being in the vine to abiding in his love, words, and joy. Learn about what it means to have so much of Jesus in you that you just can't keep it in any more!
- Keeping Your Head - David is faced with danger, bitterness, danger, defeat, and despair. But instead of striking out or giving up he latches on the Lord. It is a lesson for us all in times of difficulty
- What's in Your Bag? - As followers of Jesus we all have difficulties that face us in life. In John 16 Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit comes to help us not only overcome but be at peace when life feels anything but peaceful. We just need to reach into the bag!
- The End of Saul - Saul ended his life as he lived it - with him and not God in control. What do we learn from Saul's life to help us make sure we remain close to the Lord?
- The Real Lord's Prayer - What is on Jesus' heart when he prays for himself, and for you? How could this change your prayers?
- Finding Your Way in Victory - We know what to do in times of trial - pray! But what do we do when things go our way? Do we seek the Lord or just think we know what to do? David was smarter than that and we can learn from his example.
- Handling Jesus - Six groups or individuals think they can handle Jesus. Their reactions are similar to ours when we encounter the truth of Jesus Christ. Which group are you in?
- Honor Amidst Evil - David shows once again how to mirror a godly character even while most of those around him are consumed with ambition and revenge. Sound like your workplace?
- What Was Jesus Thinking on the Cross? - Most of us know the crucifixion story and what it means. But have you ever considered what Jesus was thinking and feeling on the cross? It may surprise and comfort you.
- A Slow Fade In - The reality of the resurrection dawned slowly on those involved. Each was missing a crucial piece of the story. How does Jesus put the story of His new life together for you?
- Cementing a Kingdom - David finally takes over a united kingdom. Will he act like other men when they come into power? No. He is God's man and his example for us is wonderful.
- Restoration - Peter blew it, that's for certain. He denied the Lord three times. But in Chapter 21 we see the gentle way Jesus restores Peter to fellowship and purpose. He does the same for us.
- David the Serious Delirious Worshipper - What was David's passion? What drove him like nothing else? It was a passion for the presence of God. He shows the real David and is not at all concerned about what anyone but God thinks. Are we that way in our worship of God?
- Your Part in the Story - God begins the write an exciting story after Jesus returns to heaven. He does it not through kings and princes but through ordinary people called to extraordinary things through the power of the Holy Spirit. What's your part in the story God is writing?
- What Do You Desire to Do? - Most people, when they get really comfortable with their place and person begin to think of ways to keep that going. When David gets comfortable he thinks of ways to bless and honor God. We see what wonderful things happen with that kind of attitude in a believer's life.
- Meet the Real Holy Spirit - Perhaps you think you understand the Holy Spirit. Maybe you think you've seen His work on Christian TV. To fully understand the Spirit's role in the church and in your life you need to listen to this message.
- Justice and Mercy - David shows both the qualities of God in being a just king but also reaching out in mercy to someone who didn't deserve it. Learn just how precious we are in God's sight as He chooses to bless us!
- The Path to Temptation - David faces personal failure after great success as king of Israel. His path to temptation is a familiar one to us all. Learn the steps David could have taken to keep from falling.
- Is the Church Dead? - Some today proclaim that the church is an archaic thing of the past and that the church Jesus envisioned isn't anything like church as we know it today. So let's go back and examine what church is really supposed to be. And it's all summed up on one word.
- Josh and Audra Cadd - Josh and Audra give an update of their activities in Kenya and the Sudan
- The Road to Redemption - God knows just how to reach the heart of someone who has been blinded by sin. And He knows just how to restore you if you have blown it. Learn how he dealt with David and broke him in order to build him.
- Miracles - What are miracles and what purpose do they serve in our lives and in the kingdom of God?
- Uncontrolled Lust - Two of David's sons mirror their father's behavior in sexual lust and lust for power. They are sad chapters in David's life, but chapters we can learn from when facing the enemy's grand scheme.
- Opposition - Siding with Jesus means siding against the enemy. He will do anything to keep you from sharing the new life you have. How do you deal with it? Learn from Peter and John's experience.
- The Better Part of Valor - When faced with one of his greatest crises, David responds by not striking out or feeling sorry for himself. When Absalom takes over David lets God take over. His behavior is a lesson for us when times go really bad.
- The Attack on Integrity - The enemy tries various means to make us ineffective for the Lord. The attacks come from within, trying to rot away our integrity and from without as the enemy tries to cow us. See how the early church handled these attacks.
- A Servant's Heart - The greatest man or woman of God can perform the most menial tasks willingly. Plus, the most lowly of jobs can actually be the most mighty works for God if you combine two things: wisdom and God's Spirit. Learn how it worked in the life of Stephen.
- What to do when you are stuck - David had done all he could. Now he had to leave his fate up to those he had encountered in his life and to the Lord. What do you do when you can't do anything more? Find out what God did for David.
- The Amazing Incredible Flexible Philip - Does life happen to you or do you happen to life? See how Philip adjusted to changing life circumstances and how learning from him can help us cope too.
- The Gospel's Greatest Enemy - Saul was the biggest enemy yet faced by the church. A servant of Satan he tried everything to stamp out The Way. How he turned to Jesus may be the key to your life.
- The Broken Heart of a Father - David knows he must remain king but does not want his son Absalom harmed. How often do we as parents not want our kids to suffer for their decisions. But the Lord teaches us some tough life lessons for our kids' ultimate good.
- An End to a Means - We see three distinct leadership styles in Absalom, Joab, and David. How do they compare with God's leadership style?
- Seeker or Saver? - Are you a person who resists change or seeks it? Peter and Cornelius were two such people. Learn how God intervened to bring truth and life to each.
- God's Faithfulness to the Undeserving - David had to deal with a promise made to a people who were evil. It reveals the power of God's love to those who shouldn't receive it. David also writes an incredible song about God's faithfulness.
- Freedom to Serve - Peter gets throne into prison but God gets him out. It's in part thanks to earnest prayers of the saints. Just how does prayer work into the will of God in our lives?
- Summing It All Up - David nears the end of his life. He shares the distilled wisdom from a life lived in service to the Lord. Also learn a lot about how to serve the Lord by looking at who served David.
- Starting Off Well - The Lord slowly moved Saul from enemy of the gospel to Paul, a full-fledged missionary with a message to the Gentiles. How does God move us out into ministry for Him? Learn some lessons from Paul and Barnabas.
- Mistakes of man and the Mercy of God - David makes a terrible mistake, but God uses it to discipline his children who must suffer the consequences of sin, but also experience the mercy of God who overcomes sin and death and our biggest mistakes.
- Keep Driving Until You Can't - When faced with adversity, our tendency is to panic, take our hands off the wheel, and just let it happen to us. We see in the example of Paul and Barnabas that God is in control no matter what happens and that as long as you can share the gospel you can move forward.
- David's Final Crisis - David appears weak physically, but thanks to some quick action by a godly man, he acts strong spiritually and wins the day. We can learn lessons about what to do when circumstances appear to go against the Lord
- Dealing With Disputes - Whether your dispute is with another believer or with a whole church, there are vital lessons to handling conflict contained in Acts 15. Learn how to find God's will, keep your integrity, and still be a family.
- What Were They Thinking? - Enemies of God try to overthrow his promises as soon as Solomon is king and David dies.
- Plan B - Do you ever get into a situation where you are trying to follow God's will but things just don't seem to work out? If so, you are in good company. Find out how the Lord used a pinball to guide Paul, and you!
- The Foundation of Character - We begin to learn not about Solomon's actions but about his character and his relationship to God. We also see the seeds of disobedience that will cause great problems for Solomon and the nation later on.
- How Do You Hear the Word? Part 1 - When God's Word is communicated, the state of your mind can greatly affect how your heart receives what God is saying. We have the first part in a discussion from Acts 17 on the ways the Bible is communicated and received.
- Building The Temple - Though God gave Solomon a huge task in building the temple, he focused on some important fundamentals that can guide us when God calls us into ministry of any size or kind.
- How Do You Receive the Word Part 2 - The philosophers of Paul's day are not really that much different from what we see in the world around us in a post-Christian society. How Paul addressed them can help us in dealing with people who collect thoughts like Matchbox cars.
- It's All About Jesus - Solomon builds and dedicates the temple. It represents God's presence on earth and the way for man to approach God, just as Jesus is God's presence on earth and the way to reestablish fellowship with the Father.
- Finding Friends in Low Places - Do you ever find yourself in a place where nothing is going right? The Apostle Paul came to Corinth in just such a state. Learn how God brought him help and fellowship just when he needed it.
- Warning Signs - Solomon had all the success life could offer, power, wealth, women - but God warned Solomon that he needed to walk with Him - advice Solomon didn't end up taking. How can that hurt us as Christians?
- Firing on All Cylinders - Finally after years of struggle, Paul sees victory after victory, even amidst tough opposition in Ephesus. It is an affirmation of his apostleship. What happens as God begins to work more through you than on you?
- Slow Motion Fall - Solomon had everything going for him, but he neglected to do some very crucial things and let himself be influenced by others. Learn how we as Christians can fall the same way and how to avoid it.
- Paul's Pep Talk - Sometimes in the face of difficulty we need some encouragement to stay the course. That's what Paul gives us as we prepares for a very difficult time in his life.
- The Bully and The Backslider - Rehoboam and Jeroboam are not exactly model kings - both do harm in different ways and we can learn a lot by contrast of how not to lead the people of God.
- Walking Headlong into Trouble - What do you do when you know trouble is coming? Do you run the other way as fast as you can? Paul didn't and his example helps us when we face difficulty or when those close to us face trials.
- Listening & Obeying - Jeroboam isn't interested in hearing God, so the Lord provides a prophet who loses his life to send a message.
- Different Method - Same Message - Paul shows himself a situational master at showing different sides of himself depending on who he was with. He also changed his argument depending on the audience. What was his guiding force and how can it help us share the gospel?
- Needs & Solutions - We all have needs, we all have influences. We all make choices based on our influences on how to fulfill those needs. We learn from four kings about what influences and solutions are good, and which are not.
- Facing the Court - The Apostle Paul has put himself in harms way and now stands before a Roman court. Thanks to the Lord working through other people, he is bold to share his faith - a boldness we can have too.
- From Bad to Worse to Elijah - Just when things get to being the darkest, when the kings are running away from God to Ba'al, in comes Elijah, a man who got scared and confused just like us, but who had to audacity to trust God.
- The Escape Button - We learn from the Apostle Paul that as we mature as a Christian it becomes less about us and what we get and more about the Lord and what we give for Him, including ourselves.
- Impotent Evil - Elijah goes up against hundreds of priests of Ba'al and shows by his perseverance in prayer and obedience to God how to overcome evil.
- How do you live - Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
- Paul's Testimony - An in-depth look at Paul's Testimony
- When Ministry Fails - When things didn't go like Elijah thought, he ran away from ministry. God came to him and gently corrected and restored the prophet. Learn how he works in our lives when we rely on the miracles instead of the miracle maker.
- Shipwreck - The Apostle Paul is thrown into (literally) a very tough spot while on his way to possible execution in Rome. Why does God allow turmoil upon turmoil in our lives and how can he use it for His (and our) good?
- Shake It Off - Paul safely escapes shipwreck only to have a snake come out of the fire and bite him. Instead of panicking or making a big show of how 'bullet proof' he was, the Apostle simply goes about the business of serving God. It's a great lesson for us when we face adversity.
- 2007
- The Crucifixion Revisited - Ever wonder what crucifixion was really like, and why God chose the cross for Christ's death? We explore some of the symbolism and history of the cross.
- A Gently Revealed Life - Jesus takes time to reveal the resurrection to His disciples, with an empty tomb, a Bible study, and a personal visit - just as He reveals His new life to those that seek Him.
- Joshua Introduction - Joshua is a book about being an everyday hero, about trusting God\'s might above our sight. In this introduction we learn how God prepared Joshua to face his battles, and how God prepares us to face ours.
- Kenya Report - Tom & Margaret Fuller detail their mission trip to Kenya.
- Preparing For Victory - God gives Joshua a promise, His presence, and a proclamation of victory over the enemy. God does the same for us as we prepare to lead the victorious Christian life.
- The Scarlet Cord - Rahab tied a scarlet cord from her window, part of a wonderful picture God paints of sin, salvation, and purification.
- Rahab and the Spies - Rahab lived in a doomed city, but she reached out in faith to the enemy, to become one of them, and find salvation.
- Stepping Out For God - Before God took the children of Israel into the Promised Land they needed to commit to Him, with no turning back. God, in turn, provided a way to do the impossible. When God calls us and we step out for Him, he comes through for us too.
- Principals for Following God - In the crossing of the Jordan God gives us nine principals for discovering the will of God in stepping out for Him to do His work.
- Why Defeat The Canaanites - God told Joshua to destroy the Canaanites. Why did they deserve to be destroyed and has God ever done this again? It's a controversial subject with an important spiritual point.
- Cutting Away the Flesh - Before Joshua can go into battle the Lord has to cut away the flesh, provide new life, new food, and show who the real boss is. Before we can have victory in Christ we must go through the same thing.
- Why God Weakens Us - God weakened the Israelites right before they went into battle through circumcision. God sometimes weakens us just when we think we need to be strong so that He can be strong through us
- And the Walls Came A Tumblin' Down - Learn about how the world poses a threat like Jericho to victory in our Christian life and how God brings those walls down.
- 12 Steps To Killing Worldly Attitudes - Using the battle with Jericho as an example, learn how God takes down worldly attitudes in our lives as Christians
- Getting Tripped Up By the Flesh - The three things that trip up Christians after major victories for the Lord are arrogance, independence, and giving into the flesh. Learn how we can actually become our own worst enemy and how to stop it!
- Fighting Temptation - Learn how we justify giving into temptation and how to fight sin and temptation in our lives.
- Your Mistakes, God's Victories - Do you ever feel like you are damaged goods and God can\'t use you because of your sin and weakness? That may actually be a sly plot of the devil, but God is great about turning your mistakes in His victory as He did for Joshua.
- Keeping Perspective - When things look like they are going your way, it is very good to stop and take perspective about who is really doing the work in you and who you serve and what God has done for you.
- The Sideways Attack - Satan won\'t play dead for long as we grow in our maturity for the Lord. Learn how Joshua and Israel was fooled by a sly enemy, and how not to be fooled by Satan.
- When Temptation Looks Like Opportunity - Sometimes the enemy comes to us and makes a choice seem like a good thing. We need to avoid the mistakes of Joshua and make sure that the opportunity isn't really a temptation.
- Re-Discovering the Resurrection - Emotions ran high for those who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. How those emotions changed and what changed them made the difference between faith and disbelief.
- The Lord Wins the Victory - It\'s so wonderful to see God use our mistakes to bring forth His victory in our lives, just as he did for Joshua and Israel.
- Elements of a Successful Campaign - As God used Israel to spare Gibeon and route the enemy, He teaches us 10 principals for fighting battles for the Lord on missions he calls us to.
- The Enemy's Hail Mary Play - When you are really maturing in your Christian walk the enemy still has tricks up his sleeve: overwhelming numbers and your greatest fear. Learn how God overcomes both.
- Facing Your Greatest Fears - The Israelites faced the giant Anakim at the end of the campaign against Canaan. They were Israel's greatest fear but God prepared them for victory just as He will do for us against our great fears.
- Fighting Remnants - The Children of Israel conquered Canaan but didn\'t conquer all the cities and some had to be overcome more than once. This happens in the life of a Christian wanting to lead a victorious life in Christ as well.
- The Secret to Contentment - Learn how what God gave to the Levites can be a spiritual principal to believers who struggle with contentment
- In It for the Long Haul - Caleb is a wonderful example of someone who starts strong and finishes strong for the Lord. Learn some principals to keep you vibrant in your walk with the Lord.
- The Elements of Courage - We learn from the courageous life of Caleb about how God works courage into our everyday lives.
- Eeyore or Winnie - which will you be? - Some of the tribes of Israel had a choice of how they conquered their land. It\'s a picture for us too as we seek to overcome the flesh and have victory over the enemy.
- The Last Mile - Joseph thought they needed an easy answer, but Joshua told them that they had what they needed to be victorious. There are lessons here for the maturing Christian and our walk with God.
- Make Room for Mercy - Make Room for God - As we head out full bore into a victorious life in Christ, sometimes we forget the qualities of mercy and ownership. God reminds us of who He is and who we belong to.
- Rest on Every Side - Do you ever find yourself holding your breath spiritually due to conflict and trial on all sides? Learn the blessing of God's promise of peace and rest.
- Paul & The Blues - Elder Ed Gierok shares about the Apostle Paul and the blues. How did Paul keep going in the face of difficulty?
- Graduation Day - There comes a time when you are ready to graduate, fly solo, go out and do a ministry apart from the nurturing Christian environment in which you grew. Joshua gives us some help on prospering and remaining faithful.
- Santification - Something between justification and glorification in the life of the Christian is the ongoing experience of sanctification.
- Faithful Followers - Today within the Church there is a debate of sorts. Believers are debating whether or not Christians should be motivated by the prospect - indeed the promise - of rewards to be given out at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
- Ignoring God's Best - Reuben, Gad, and 1/2 of Manasseh did a good job justifying their actions which took them away from God. When we do the same we do so to our own peril. Learn how it happens and how to get back!
- Reverse Osmosis - Joshua's final words to the nation of Israel is don't allow the world around them to infiltrate their lives but cling to the Lord. They are sound words for Christians today too.
- Principals for Victory from Joshua - We take a global look at the book of Joshua - what lessons we learned about having a victorious life in Christ. This is a good overview of the entire book.
- Winding Down - The Children of Israel begin the period of the Judges well, but begin to neglect their relationship with God and this led to defeat, much as the Christian who does not nurture that relationship will exist in the weakened flesh.
- Altars and Enemies - Two things dragged down Israel as they tried to live in the Promised Land, and the same two things can trip us up as we try to live life with Christ. Learn what they are and how to defeat them.
- The Way Down - In one of the saddest chapters of the Bible, Israel first neglects, then abandons their relationship with Yahweh. Through it all, though He remains faithful to them and stands ready to help when they cry out, just like with us.
- God's Left-Hand Man - Do you ever feel unqualified or disabled when it comes to serving God? Learn from how God used a left handed man and someone with just a stick to win victory. If God can use them He can use you!
- God's SWAT Team - Shamgar and Ehud both had handicaps but stepped up and served anyway. Learn how God can work with us no matter what holds us back through special weapons and tactics.
- The Work or the Worker - Which matters most to you - doing the job or getting the credit? That's what Barak faces in a battle against Israel's enemies. He makes the right choice - do we? Also - letting God do a complete work of healing in our lives.
- Getting the Call - Learn how God speaks to the Christian and how we can respond and be a part of the action by learning how He worked with Barak.
- Good News - Gods Calling, Do you know what God has called you to do? Here is how to discover it.
- Crucifying The Flesh - To help understand how we can destroy the flesh by the power of the Spirit we look at how our "old self" has been crucified with Christ.
- Gideon, The Reluctant Hero - Have you been afraid that your lack of skills, background, or ability to hear God disqualifies you for service? Learn how God worked with a timid man and turned him into a hero.
- The Folly of Fleeces - Gideon put a fleece before the Lord. Does that mean we as Christians should do the same thing? Learn about finding God's will in your life.
- The Creation of Humility - God strips away from Gideon everything he had confidence in so that Gideon will have confidence in God. Learn the basis of humility and how God works it in us.
- King Making - King Breaking - Gideon shunned position but kept power, his son Abimelech had position but not power as both were ruled by the flesh and from the flesh reaped corruption. Learn how we can fall prey to that as Christians and how to avoid it.
- The Problems with Position and Power - Gideon and his son both struggled with position and power. They can do real harm to the Christian unless done in the context of Jesus Christ. How to be transformed into one who acts like Jesus is the key.
- Sin and the Pitcher Plant - If you have ever found yourself enticed by sin once then unable to stop once you gave in, then listen to this message as God shows Israel what they need to do in order for God to rescue them.
- Repentance - What is the difference between true repentance and false? We learn from the example of Israel what it means to repent and how good it is for your life.
- Jephthah: The Rough and Tumble Guy - How does an outcast rebel outlaw end up in the hall of faith and did Jephthah really sacrifice his daughter?
- Samson Part 1 - Samson had everything going for him: supportive, godly parents, a good home environment, and blessing from God. So why did he decide to walk a path of selfishness and what does that say to us?
- The Nazirite Vow - Why did Samson have a lifelong Nazirite vow, who else had it and what is the significance to Jesus and the Christian today? A thought provoking study.
- On The Edges of Timnah - How close to the world can you get without getting into trouble? Samson finds out and the results are less than pleasant. Learn about how to keep your purpose pure as you live in the world as a Christian.
- Samson, Part 3 - What happened to Samson that brought him back to the Lord and what was his real source of strength. How does that relate to our own strengths in the hands of God?
- Return to your first love - Capitalize on the time you have: How do you spend your spare time. How does Christ fit into your life?
- The Flesh and Faith of Samson - Samson lived almost his whole life giving into the flesh. Yet the Spirit of God still worked through him and in the end rescued him from himself. If you struggle with fleshly desires you need to listen to this study.
- Losing Your Way - Like a hiker without a map, compass, or landmark - Israel has gone off the trail and into danger. How can that happen to us and how to get back on the trail to God?
- The Folly of Self Fulfillment - The people in these chapters had the wrong focus and missed true self fulfillment, which is found only in God. Learn how to avoid their pitfalls and live a tough life that is full of joy.
- Restoring the Broken - When you let the natural nature of the human heart take over you don't go from bad to good you go from bad to worse. Yet in the midst of a tragic story we find tremendous hope.
- Destroying the Flesh by the power of the Spirit - Lessons from Judges and tips on how to kill the flesh and empower the Spirit of God in your life.
- Hope in the Hard Times - Do you go through difficult trials that don't seem to have any way out? So did Naomi, but God showed his love and an alternative she hadn't thought of, like he does with us.
- Worship 2007 - Part 1 - What is worship and why should we as Christians study and contemplate it? Pastor Tom brings us over 30 years of worship leading experience and study in this multi-part series.
- Worship 2007 Part 2 - We continue our study of the words of worship. How is worship like a sacrifice?
- The Kindness of God - Even when we feel we don't deserve it, God shows us loving kindness and opens the fields of his riches for us to enjoy.
- The Sacrifice of Praise - Worship Part 3 - Learn how the Old Testament sacrifices tie into our New Testament worship, and look at two people who gave us wonderful examples of worship from the Scriptures as we conclude this three part series on worship.
- Relationships Take Risks - How much risk have you taken in your relationship with God? In the final chapters of Ruth we learn how far and how anxious God is to have a relationship with us and what commitment he makes to us.
- Who Is The Word? - You might have a lot of questions about who Jesus Christ really is. John helps us understand the voice from the heavens. Are you ready to listen?
- The Two Sides of Leadership - We see the two sides of leadership: the bad in the sons of Eli, and the good in God preparing Samuel to be a godly leader.
- Who Are You? - When the Pharisees approach John the Baptist demanding to know his credentials John never responds with who he is, but who he knows and who he represents. Learn the value of being an agent for Jesus Christ.
- Listening to God - How well do we listen when God speaks? Samuel did, but the elders of Israel did not and it led to a tragic mistake.
- What Are You Seeking? - How do respond to a change in your environment? When Jesus comes on the scene he forces us to think in new ways. Learn how his early disciples dealt with the coming of a big change: the Messiah.
- The Fall of Dagon - When the Ark of the Covenant fell into the hands of the Philistines it was more than they could handle. God shows us some great object lessons about who he is compared to the gods of this world.
- What is Jesus to You? - We all have expectations of who Jesus is and what He is about. Are yours correct? Jesus
- So You Want a King? - Israel wanted to be like all the nations around them but when they demanded a king they got what they wanted, not what they needed. Sometimes we make that same error as well.
- Honest Conversations With God - A man comes to Jesus with an open heart and mind. The Lord reveals to him some of the most amazing truths found in the Bible. Is it time you had a good, honest, talk with God?
- Man's King - Saul was everything that is attractive to us: tall, young, handsome, rich, and powerful. Yet was he God's king or man's?
- The Outcast - Do you ever feel like you have to keep everyone at arms length because you just don't trust them? Perhaps you feel like who you are is just not acceptable. Jesus comes to such a person in John 4 and engages them in a patient yet revealing dialog that changes them forever.
- Victories and Mistakes - Saul gets his first test in a personal crisis. Israel gets busted on demanding a king, yet God shows his grace and mercy - a lesson for us when we blow it.
- Are You Disabled? - You may appear as if you have it all together but inside be disabled spiritually. Jesus meets two people and shares with them how to become abled. Which group are you in?
- The Beginning of the End - Saul gets his big test as king and he fails. Why did he fail and what can we learn from his failure as we face our big tests?
- The Real Christmas Inn - Was Jesus born in a wooden stable surrounded by wisemen and shepherds? Check out this study for the real facts of the first Christmas and how to help your holiday be more merry.
- Jesus The Bread of Life - part 1 - Are you looking for short term fixes to your life or long term solutions? Are you looking for a leader to get you out of a jam or a savior to bring you into peace?
- The Power of Sorrow - Hannah was brought very low in many ways, but in her time of desperation God moved in a powerful way. We need to not underestimate what He can do in us through times of trouble either.
- 2006
- The Beginning of the End - As the Lamb opens the 7 seals on the scroll of man's destiny, terrible things happen - politically, militarily, economically and with natural disastors unprecedented in world history. What does it mean to us and to salvation? See God's hand of love even i
- The Church of Tolerance - In our society today, tolerance is considered a virtue. But our definition of it has changed - and accepting and even applauding any and every practice will weaken and pollute our lives. Learn how to safeguard your church and your life from compromise.
- Waking The Dead - We are studying the church at Sardis. How do you wake up a dead church or a dead believer? Learn how Christians and churches can fall into a coma and how important it is to stay awake in your relationship with Jesus.
- The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Do you feel insignificant in your service to God? You may be more powerful than you thought. Or do you feel pretty secure? You may be more in need and weak than you thought. Take some advice from Philadelphia and Laodicea.
- Reverse the Curse - Many times we don't realize that the pain and suffering of this world is caused by a curse that God will reverse during the Tribulation. Learn the origins, effects, and ending of this worldwide curse.
- What is heaven like? - We see in Revelation 4 that the first words John hears are worship - and that the highest order of angels and the best of the redeemed humans bow to God - what does that tell us about our activities here on earth?
- The Scroll - John weeps in heaven as no one is found who can take control of planet earth's destiny - until a slain Lamb who is standing comes to claim ownership. We also learn about what happens to our prayers when they don't seem to be answered.
- God's Seal - Do you ever feel like God doesn't know or care what you are going through? Does it seem like your life is out of control or out of God's control? Learn about Gods seal of ownership and protection as we study the sealed saints & the Tribulation Christia
- Mass Destruction - As a part of Gods judgment against a sinful world many natural disastors will take place that will cause much sorrow on earth. Gods intent is for repentence, but will man listen?
- Demonic Destruction - In this chapter we see what happens when Satans forces are let loose for a short time - they torment and destroy billions of people - people who are not sealed by Gods mark.
- The Dragon, the Woman, and the Two Witnesses - Learn about Satans plan to destroy the redemptive work of God, how God remains in control no matter what awful thing happens - and about how He always has a witness on the earth.
- The Unholy Trinity - We meet the two other members of Satans attempt to make himself god - the two beasts known as the Antichrist and the False Prophet. Who are they, where to do they come from and what will they do? We also discuss the mark of the beast and the coming world
- The Significance of Palm Sunday - Palm Sunday often gets overlooked under the shadow of Resurrection Sunday. But it is very significant for four important reasons. Also - how do you act when Jesus approaches your life?
- God is Fair & Just - In the end, no one will be able to accuse God of not being fair. One reason for that is contained in chapters 14 and 15 of Revelation. God also gives us some reasons to hope when we face darkness in our own lives
- Ressurection Reluctance - Easter should be a happy day, but for those who first experienced the risen Lord it was anything but joyful. This speaks to how you might experience Jesus at first too.
- The End of Man's Reign - The Last Plagues - The Battle of Armageddon, & The End of Man's Reign
- Wired to Explode - How is your life wired? Jesus paints a picture of God's character to show us how differently we are wired and how much we are in need of a Savior.
- The Coming Warrior King - Like the cavalry to the rescue, Jesus comes riding back to earth on a white horse to wipe out the enemy and set up His kingdom. What does that mean to us as we find ourselves in need of rescue right here and now?
- Heaven Homecoming - If you've ever wondered what heaven is like, we get one of our most complete looks at it in the final chapters of Revelation. We'll also see heaven and hell compared.
- The Reporter's Gospel - Luke presents Jesus as a man, yet with a miraculous birth. Chapter 1 brings us a transition from Old to New Covenants, and two ways of receiving God's Word - which way do you respond?
- Do you feel insignificant? - Luke 2 teaches us that Jesus purposefully came to those who no one would choose - from a young poor couple to outcast shepherds. Learn also about his ordinary/extraordinary childhood.
- Fighting Temptation - The Devil does not appear to us in a red suite with a pitchfork. In fact, Satans temptations are often attractive and fill legitimate needs - or seem to. Learn how Jesus fought these temptations and how we can as well.
- When Jesus Becomes Real - Jesus Christ invades the normal world and brings about healing, foregiveness and acceptance to the outcasts of society. When does He become real to you?
- What Is God Like? - Have you ever wondered if you could meet God - would you like Him? We learn from Luke 6 that many of God's characteristics run counter to our natural way of thinking. Learn how freeing it is to live life like God lives life!
- How Do You Approach Jesus? - Meet 5 people or groups who approached Jesus in many different ways. Jesus reaction tells a lot about how we should and should not approach Jesus when we are in need, in grief, in sin, or in control.
- Redefining the Family - What is God's Family and how do you join it? Jesus redefines family, contrasts it with our earthly family and tells us how to join and what it's like in his family.
- Don't Be Afraid - Only Believe - Does Jesus have authority over the difficulties in your life? What if God doesn\'t seem to answer your prayers on time, do you still trust Him? In this study we see Jesus take authority over the powers of darkness and death itself.
- The Christian EULA - Ever wonder what you are signing up for with Jesus Christ? Luke 9 gives us some practical examples of the principals in the Christian discipleship.
- The problem with Power - When we draw close to Jesus sometimes the aura of His power makes us feel powerful on our own. Luke 9 teaches us lessons on the real source of power and the real cost of discipleship.
- Self Service - As Christians we desire to do things for the Lord. But sometimes we are really just doing them for ourselves. Learn how to spot self service and your attitudes while serving.
- How to Approach God in Prayer - We have many ways in which we think we can get God to answer prayers. Luke 11 gives us insight as to our approach to God and the real way He answers prayer.
- Are You A Closet Pharisee? - Jesus has some tough things to say the Scribes and Pharisees, but these two groups started out as well meaning, sincere people about their relationship to God. What happened to them can happen to us as well.
- Eternally Cool - Who you know, who you are, and who you serve are vital for life and eternity. Each day we have a choice. What will yours be?
- What Possesses You? - The Health, Weatlh & Prosperity gospel has made a come back. Should we expect God to bless us financially? Is it a sign of His favor if we become rich or His displeasure if we are not?
- Growing Shallow Roots - How attached are you to this world and how much do you worry about being provided for here? How attached are you to heaven? What happens when God doesn\'t answer your prayers?
- The Proper Care & Feeding of a Christian - The proper growth medium and conditions that help Christians grow. Also, how to spot a bad leader.
- God the Patient Gardener - Do you ever picture God as a vindictive judge who can\'t wait to throw judgment at sinners? This and other misconceptions about God are addressed in Luke 13.
- The Nature and Purpose of Suffering - How many times do you question whether God causes suffering as a judgment? There are really four causes for suffering. Find out how God uses them for good.
- Giving and Taking Honor - Jesus gives us an understanding of what true honor is and how honor born of humbleness is so much better. Also learn how to be a salty Christian.
- The True Costs and Benefits of Discipleship - Jesus wants us to count the cost before we approach Him as disciples. What is the cost of discipleship and can we actually do it? Also learn about the different forms of discipleship.
- Lost and Found - Learn the heart of a father as he longs for his lost children to return to him. If you have ever felt like you cannot approach God, this is a study to listen to.
- The 7 Stages of the Prodigal - Do you have ever wonder whatt causes someone to walk away from God or how it could even happen to you? Learn the stages and how to get with God and even stop the Prodigal in his tracks.
- The Mission Statement of Jesus Christ - In this study we take a wider view of the first 15 chapters of Luke, and see how Jesus mission in chapter 4 works out in His life, and in yours.
- Who Is Your God? - Each of us has to serve somebody. Jesus in Luke 16 gives us some real incentive to make the Lord God our only God.
- Hell - In Luke 16 we have one of the most graphic descriptions of Hades. From this we can learn what hell is like, who goes there, and how to avoid it.
- The Keys to Discipleship - Learn how to live a more effective Christian life by learning what the Lord wants from us and how to have the right attitude as a disciple.
- The Heart of a Servant - We as humans struggle with serving anyone but ourselves. Even as Christians we have a hard time having a true servant\'s heart. Jesus shares some hard words, but they are also comforting and freeing when we realize the joys of being a servant.
- Contrasts - What are those things that bring your heart closer to God and what are those that drive you further away? We learn them from studying contrasts in people Jesus tells us about or encounters in this chapter.
- Was Jesus the Messiah? - Believe it or not, many people today, especially the Jews, continue to reject Jesus as the Messiah for the same reasons they did in the 1st century. What are the Jews looking for and what prophecies were fulfilled at the coming of Jesus?
- Able Available & Actively Seeking - When Jesus comes around your life are you like Zacchaeus who couldn\'t wait to see and experience Jesus - or are you like the third servant in Jesus\' parable who wants nothing to do with the family business?
- Being Faithful in the Small Things - We as humans always want to do everything big, but often when it comes to serving God He gives us what we think are small tasks. How do we remain faithful in our service to Him no matter what?
- The Coming of the King - Jesus exposes real emotions as he comes to Jerusalem for the last time. It tells a lot about his attitude towards the lost, and towards our hearts as well.
- Trick Questions - Probing Answers - Jesus\' opponents try to trip him up, but his answers back reveal much about the human character and how many of us \"play\" church.
- Heaven - You have probably wondered what heaven will be like. In Luke 20 Jesus gives us a small picture of relationships in heaven. In this study we explore what Scripture says about our eternal state.
- Fighting the Fear of Fear - Much of our lives are spent worrying about the future and what might happen. Many times we worry more about possibilities than probabilities. Jesus encourages us to pay attention to His work in the world around us and gives us tools to fight fear.
- How to Deal with Calamity - Jesus gives some pretty horrible news to his disciples but then gives them three things to avoid and two things to do in order to survive and thrive amidst terrible difficulty.
- Plotting, Power & Getting Ahead - Though evil plotted heavily against Jesus He remained in total control of every situation. Sometimes do you adopt the ways of the world to accomplish God\\\\\\\'s will?
- The Significance of the Passover - Passover is perhaps the oldest ceremony in the world. It is filled with symbolism about God's rescue of His people. These symbols portray an incredible portrait of the Messiah, Jesus.
- The power of darkness - Satan has a plan for each of our lives - to sift us like wheat. If we recognize it we can overcome it in the power of the Holy Spirit
- The Schemes of the Enemy - Learn the 13 devices Satan used in the betrayal of Jesus and how we can learn how to blunt his attacks.
- Giving The Perfect Christmas Gift - We agonize over what to give to friends and loved ones, but the perfect gift is within all of our reach.
- Reactions to the Crucifixion - How do you react to the cross of Jesus? It may say a lot about your spiritual condition and your relationship to Christ. Learn how many of the witnesses reacted.
- 2005
- The Self Importance of Man - Even after being saved from the flood, man goes about disobeying God and building monuments to self. Find out the creative solution God used to solve that problem!
- The Rapture Part 2 - Ever wonder about the Great Tribulation? We launch into a two part series on the prophecies and timings - and answer the question: will Christians go through it?
- God's Purpose for Pain - Learn about God giving courage to those who needed to try their faith as he prepares a leader to rescue Israel from slavery to sin and as a picture of God rescuing us from sin as well.
- The Plot & The Promise - Abraham and Sarah think they know best how to fulfill Gods promise. Doing things our way can have unintended consequences.
- Genesis 9 - Echoes of the Flood - Why does life continue to exist on earth? Its because God made a covenant with us. Chapter 9 also shows the reemergence of worship and sin.
- Sold out to God or the World? - What are the signs of good leadership? Abram exhibits them as he and 318 men take on a whole army. Then Abram must make a choice - serve God or the world. How would you respond?
- Becoming Ready to Share the Gospel - How should we live our lives in a way that Jesus is evident and the gospel relevant? Paul has some practical advise. Also information on how Gnosticism is rampant today.
- Abraham: Faith & Mistakes - Do you ever make mistakes? Believe it or not, so did Abraham! Learn what he learned from his mistakes - and how we really can trust God to take care of us.
- The End of Things - Do you worry about the end of things? So did the Thessalonians. Paul the Apostle brings them and us some words of encouragement.
- Opposition - Guide or Goad? - Are you aware of the tricks the enemy will use to keep you from being used by God? Learn what they are and how to overcome them!
- When The Enemy Seems to Win - How often are we discouraged when things do not go the way we planned? Is it our lack of faith, or a plot from the enemy to stop us from serving God?
- The Anti-Christ - Who is the "Man of Lawlessness" and when will he appear? What should we as Christians do in response?
- A Meal & A Promise - What would you do if God came to dinner? Abraham gives his best to the Lord and receives fellowship, promise, and plans for the future in return.
- Live to Please God - Look to Your Redemption - We make two mistakes when looking for Jesus' return - tune out or fall into despair. Learn how to occupy and the first of three studies on the Rapture of the church.
- Sodom Destroyed! - Learn about how God may have destroyed Sodom and why Lot's life there compromised his fruitful walk with God.
- The Rapture Part 3 - We discuss the difference between the mid, post, and pre-Tribulation Rapture
- Mistakes Remade - Abraham gets reprimanded by a Cannanite king - what happens when we don't learn the lessons God is trying to teach?
- Ready To Go - Are you anxiously waiting at the gate for the Rapture - or sleeping in your seat? Paul gives us some practical advise for how to stay alert and ready to board!
- The Biggest Test - Abraham faces his biggest challenge yet. And through it God shows a wonderful picture of Jesus Christ through the sacrifice of Isaac.
- Report Card - Do you ever get a report card from God on how you are doing? The Thessalonians get one from Paul and we learn about moving our relationship on in Jesus.
- The Darkest Night to the Brightest Morning - Have you ever encountered a "dark night of the soul?". Then identify with the disciples who hid away for fear - come out into the light of Jesus' resurrection!
- Sibling Rivalry - Learn how two brothers fight from before birth - and how differences in attitude towards God can mean a big difference in how your life goes.
- Spiritual Paralysis - There are two main causes of paralysis in the Christian - attack of the enemy or lethargy of the spirit. Learn how to combat both.
- Backfiring Schemes - What happens when everyone does the wrong thing? We find that in this chapter - and how God gets His way despite our best efforts to mess up!
- Spotting False Doctrine - Paul encourages Timothy to put an end to people who wanted to argue for argument's sake. It gives us some information on how to spot bad teaching and stand up for what is right!
- Killing the Flesh - the Spiritual Journey of Jacob - Jacob begins a relationship with God after the Lord strips away everything he has. It is a process God brings each of us through.
- The Roles of Women in Church - This is among the most controversial sections in the Bible. Paul appears on the surface to be against women, but if you look at the context there is much more here - and more important issues than how we dress and act.
- The Transformation of Jacob - part 2 - As God got ahold of Jacob's life, He began to bring changes - in part by mirroring Jacob's old character in others like Laban and Rachael.
- Spotting Bad Leaders - Growing Good Ones - What makes good leadership material? It might surprise you that it's not the strong, dictatorial man-in-charge, but is someone who models the gentle and giving spirit of Jesus.
- Confrontation! - Laban confronts Jacob after God tells him to leave and go to Canaan. We learn how God peels away the flesh and transforms us with His character through the confrontation between Laban and Jacob.
- Counterfeit Theology - How can you tell real doctrine from false? It involves knowing the source of the information and knowing the real thing very well.
- Jacob's Final Transformation - After Jacob gave his heart to God, and saw the Lord change his character, there was a point where God needed to break Jacob so that he would be fully devoted. God does that in our lives as well - what does it mean?
- Treating People Right - What is the appropriate response to bad leadership, or people that you have to correct that are older or younger than you? Find out - along with how Paul told Timothy to treat widows on the church payroll.
- The Secret to Lasting Contentment - What is true contentment? Is it gaining security by gaining possessions? Learn the mistakes of loving things - even if you don't have any.
- Unexpected Welcome - Unexpected Sin - After dreading the meeting - Jacob and Esau have a family reunion. But then jealousy and violence take over as Jacob's sons do something unthinkable.
- What to do if you make a Big Mistake - We all make small errors now and again. But what do you do if you make a big blunder? We learn from Jacob and what he did after Shechem about how to get back with God.
- Don't Give Up - Do you face opposition in your life? Does it discourage you? Listen to Paul's words of encouragement to a discouraged pastor and find hope.
- Persevere Under Hardship - Are you going through tough times? It could be that God is making you into a wonderul tool - to use in furthering His kingdom. Find out how Paul encouraged Timothy to stay with it under pressure.
- Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone - Joseph had it all - favored by his father, in a position of power - yet God moved him out of the place of having it all to having nothing. What does that teach us?
- The truth of God's word - How fully do you trust that the bible is God's word?
and what happens to your faith if you doubt the bible?
- How Do You Find God's Will? - Learn how to find God's will for your life by looking at how Abraham's servant searched for a wife for Isaac, his son.
- Come Before Winter - Is it winter in your life? Do you feel abandoned and without hope? Let the last words of the Apostle Paul encourage you as he prepared to cast off for the next shore.
- Living a Godly Life in a Godless World - Joseph was stuck as a slave, then a prisoner in Egypt. He could have claimed God had forgotten him, but Joseph remained faithful and a man of character on the inside and outside. It gives us many lessons on how to live our lives in Christ.
- Be Prepared When God Comes Calling - Joseph languished in prison for two years after he thought he had a chance to get out. But when Pharaoh came calling suddenly he was ready to serve. So how do we keep "at the ready" when God comes to ask us to serve unexpectedly?
- Which Side of the Cross Are You On? - Titus ministered in an area where the culture influenced the Christian community with immorality, independence, and idleness. These same character traits exist in our culture as well - placing Christians on opposite sides when they don't need to be. How m
- The Folly of Being Inconvenienced - We fight so much for individual rights that we forget that our behavior is being watched by others - and can make a difference whether they come to Christ or not. So being free in Christ means freedom to say "no" to things we can do.
- How Deeply Will You Repent? - Joseph tests his brothers - but he is not being capricious or vindictive - rather he is testing whether they are the same characters who tried to kill him. We learn important lessons about the kind of repentence we have.
- Moving Into Harms Way - With God's Blessing - Jacob and his family move to Egypt, knowing that they will face hardship. Yet God also promised to go with them and bring them. He makes the same promise to us if we will go the place of worship, peace, and refreshment.
- Making the Gospel Attractive to the World - Christians are more and more known for what we are against than what we are for. This confuses people about what the gospel is really about. Paul gives some very practical advice on how to be practically spiritual in an unsaved world.
- How to Change Your Character - We as humans see things we don't like in ourselves - then just decide to change. But we are who we are and cannot change - unless God does the transformation. We also hear how God uses this to turn what the enemy means for harm into good.
- Restoring Relationships - Breaking Down Barriers - Broken relationships are among the Christians thorniest problems - yet relationships are so vital to our life as a believer. Paul gives us some good ways to help break down barriers we put up between ourselves and restore broken relationships.
- New & Improved or Tired & Old - Sometimes the new and improved isn't - and we become leary. When God came up with a new and improved way to approach Him, some thought the new way was uncomfortable so they wanted to go back.
- Moses - The Reluctant Hero - Most of the time we think of spiritual giants just itching to do God's work. Moses was actually very reluctant to answer God's call. This gives us ordinary folks hope. God takes us - whatever we have in our hand - and uses it for His glory.
- Are You Light Sensitive? - Jesus Christ is like the perfect photograph of the Father - not just physical likeness but His entire personality and character. As He shines His light on your life - are you photo-sensitive to His character?
- Angels - Angels are awesome beings capable of great feats. But are they to be worshipped? We look at the differences between angels and the son of God, Jesus Christ.
- Moving Ahead When Opposition Comes - When we are on a mission from God and we run into barriers and things don't seem successful - how do we react? Moses experienced this upon returning to Egypt. We learn how God works with us but keeps on task.
- Are You Paying Attention? - There are a lot of things that distract us in this life - but if we are not careful we may drift past the most important thing ever.
- Do You Fear the Word of the Lord? - The plagues of Egypt get closer and closer to home. God warns the Egyptians how to escape His judgment. Some listen, others do not. What is the condition of your heart when it comes to receiving from God's Word?
- Rebellion - The Faith Killer - Many of us are exposed to the gospel, but as the Israelites had a choice to go into the Promised Land, we have a choice whether to believe God when He says salvation is through Jesus Christ. Do you have a hard or soft heart to the Lord?
- Afraid of the Dark - There is no more deep darkness than when you stand in opposition to God - as Pharaoh does in these chapters. But there is also always light and hope for those who have a relationship with God. What darkness covers your life right now?
- Finding Rest in God - We run around in our lives looking for peace and rest - but when we see the promise of rest that God promises in Jesus sometimes we hesitate to "seal the deal." Let Him give you rest for your soul!
- The Passover - The Passover is a wonderful picture of the plight of sinful man and the provision of a gracious God - a God who judges sin with death but gives grace through the blood of the Lamb of God.
- How Well Does Jesus Know You? - We may not realize it, but we all need a guide - someone to take us into the dangerous presence of God. Many of us feel ashamed because of our own failures. But Jesus knows our weaknesses through and through, yet willingly guides us to the Father.
- Stripping Our Power - So We Can See God's - God led Israel straight into a trap and then watched their reaction. He does that to us sometimes as well - to let us know whether we trust Him and to show us His great power.
- Are You A Make-Believer? - The most important decision you can ever make is whether to put your full weight and trust in Jesus Christ. The lesson from Hebrews 5&6 is that you can't hang out with Christians and be saved.
- Rose Colored Glasses - The blush of first love wears off quickly for the children of Israel as God brings them some small tests to see how much they will trust Him.
- Melchizedek - Melchizedek is one of the most mysterious people in the Old Testament, but he holds the key why Jesus is a better high priest than one born of Aaron. Also learn how Jesus knows all of your needs before you do.
- Who Do You Listen to? - Who do you let speak into your life? Is it someone who sees what God has done and worships him or is it someone who is an enemy of God like Amalek? Also - the difference between approaching God at Mt Sinai and at Mt Zion.
- Telegraph or Telephone Connection to God - What is your connection to God like - a telegraph or a telephone? Learn why the model of the Tabernacle is so crucial to understanding the heavenly presence of God
- The Ten Commandments - Learn about God's basis for character, worship, relationships, and society.
- Living Debt Free - How is your debt ratio with God? Do you walk around feeling the weight of your sin, past present and future, around you neck? Learn what it means to live a guilt free - debt free life.
- Living God on the Outside - The Book of the Covenant is God's Law applied to life. It shows us that in man's sinful nature we try to exploit any system for our own gain. But if we would allow God's life to live out from inside us, we would naturally love Him and love others - the h
- Hard Wiring God's Character - Do you revisit old sins? Did you know that God has forgotten them purposefully and it would be wrong to go over and over them? Learn about freedom from guilt in the once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
- What is Faith? Part 1 - What is your definition of faith? You may be surprised to learn that it could be different from how the Bible defines it. Learn the keys true faith.
- What Is Faith? Part 2 - What is faith? We see faith worked out in what we call heros of the Old Testament - but they, like us, were stretched and confronted with problems as they learned to trust God.
- Hanging In There - Are you at the end of your rope? Suffering from trials and troubles? Perhaps it is the Lord's discipline- given out of love for your good. Find hope and help in the first part of Hebrews 12.
- Which Mountain Are You Coming To? - Are you afraid to approach God? It could be that you should be - if you do not have Jesus - but perhaps you are afraid because you are coming to the wrong mountain - Mt Sinai instead of Mt Zion. Also learn about a city that cannot be shaken - ever.
- The Nugget of Truth - What are some modern day ways that we can fall into the same error as the Hebrews? Also - carving down to the nugget of God's truth - and - letting the Spirit live out the Law of God in our lives.
- Revelation Overview - Learn how to understand and interpret the book, the themes, purpose, main character, culture and other tools in unveiling this book of unveilings.
- Seeing Jesus Face to Face - What would it be like to see the risen Lord? John did - but it was in a lonely and desolate place. Are you in such a place? You might be surprised at what the Lord can show you there.
- The Busy Church - How does busyness hurt our ability to witness for Jesus? How does ministry sometimes change our focus from loving the Messiah? Learn how to avoid the trap of busyness from Jesus' critique of the Ephesian church.
- Threats from Without - Dangers from Within - Do you fear external forces will harm you? You are not alone, but you also don't need to fear in Jesus. But - perhaps you are not aware of an internal danger that the enemy seeks to use against you.
- The Morning After Christmas Eve - Do you ever experience spiritual highs followed by big time lows? Did Mary and Joseph experience that the morning after Jesus birth? How do we cope with defeat and weakness? Learn the lessons from 3 figures in the Bible.
- Luke 3 - The Tilling of the Heart - How is the soil of your heart? Are you ready to receive what God has to say? Learn what true repentance means and doesn't mean in the ministry of John the Baptist.
- 2004
- Jesus: The Man From Nowhere - Jesus springs on the scene with no pedigree, no history, and only a strange man to vouch for him. And yet people were instantly drawn to Him - why?
- Who's The Boss? - How much of what you think do and say is under your control - and should it? Learn how Jesus can take control of more of your life.
- Who Is Jesus to You? - Jesus is labeled as rebellious Jew, crazy man, evil demon possessed and mere human. Will you choose one of these labels? The Lord wants you to engage Him in order to find out for yourself.
- Are You Truth Proof? - Many people have bullet-proof armor around their hearts - so that God's truth simply bounces off. Learn about how to have a soft heart and fertile soil to grow God's truth
- Freedom From Bondage - Jesus frees a man inhabited by thousands of demons. You may not be possessed by a demon - but what destructive habits possess you? Find freedom in Jesus!
- Do You Trust Me - No Matter What? - Jesus meets two individuals with desperate needs. One needs to acknowlege Him as she clings for healing - the other must ignore the environment and choose to cling to Jesus.
- Training For Discipleship - Believe it or not, you don't have to have it all together to serve Jesus Christ. In this week's study of the Gospel of Mark we learn how Jesus trained His disciples through disappointment and death to bring the gospel.
- How Far Will You Go? - Jesus has a way of always challenging us to go forward. Just when we think we know Him, He reveals something new that forces us into faith.
- Rules or Reality? - It's much easier for us to follow rules than to allow the character of God to rule our behavior. Jesus challenges us to let go of law and let the Spirit guide.
- The Things of God or the Things of Men? - What the most difficult problem that faces the church today? Its that we try to do God's will by using human means. Learn how not the short-circuit God's way of growing you.
- Having Doubts - It was part of Jesus
- Greatness is a Childish Attitude - What does it take to get ahead in God's kingdom? Is it initiative, authority, and chutzpah? Or is really servanthood, childlike trust, and openness to change?
- Childlike Trust - In this study we look at broken things - trust, relationships, and priorities. But we also see how by simple child like trust in God, that which is broken can be mended.
- Power Play - Jesus Christ came to earth to reveal the nature of the REAL boss
- Questions from "The Passion of the Christ" - If you saw or heard about the movie, you may want the backstory and the "why" that is not addressed in Mel Gibson's film.
- The Arrival - Why is the number 173,880 important? It involves Jesus coming to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, fulfilling a prophecy given hundreds of years before. Was He really the Messiah? Find out!
- What Belongs to God - As Jesus addresses the attacks of the religious leaders, He teaches us how to be good stewards, good citizens, and good students of the Word.
- Integrity - This week we see integrity defined by Jesus in the form of several people
- The End Times - Signs or Salvation - Jesus gives His disciples some signs to look for in the end times - but not so they would focus on the signs, but so that they wouldn't panic and would do the Master's will instead.
- The Last Supper - In this study we see the worst of humanity in the betrayal of Jesus - and the best in the selfless gift of Mary. Learn also how Jesus is the Passover Lamb.
- Betrayal, Bravery, & Bravado - In the arrest or Jesus we see the worst and the best man can muster - and how its not enough without the strength of our Lord.
- The Crucifixion - Jesus chose to go to the cross - to be beaten and spat upon and to be separated from the Father - even though He didn't have to. The question is: why did He do it? Also learn when it's right to speak up and when to remain silent.
- The Resurrection - Risen and Sent - Have you ever felt that doing things for God is impossible and if you fail you've fouled up God's plan? This message will encourage you to step out, even if you fail.
- How Free Are You? - As Christians we consider ourselves to be free - but in fact we fall into slavery very easily - slavery to legalism. What is legalism and its corallary labelism?
- Living By Trust - Not By Effort - What happens after we are saved? Sometimes we treat salvation like a car wash - God cleans us up and then tells us not to get dirty again. But is that really grace?
- Attaining Your Goals - How do you get where you want to be? Naturally we try hard and try to be motivated - and hope God approves of us. In reality we need to trust in the Holy Spirit instead of our own abilities.
- The Purpose of the Law - What is the purpose of the Law - its like an external supervisor. Grace gives us in internal partner to make us like God - not just obey external rules.
- Coming of Age - Have you grown up in your Christian faith? Some would tell you "growing up" means following more rules - but Paul tells us maturing means relationship, not rules.
- Giving Up on Grace - We like to do things our own way. God often times is much too slow for our schedule
- Sinful Nature or the Spirit - Its Your Choice - We have a choice when it comes to encouraging the fruit of the Spirit - or acting in our flesh. The absence of legalism doesn't equal sin - it means a life filled with the Spirit.
- Helping The Fallen - What happens when you sin? Legalism tells us to look down on that brother because they "failed." But in Galatians, Paul gives us a new way to help those who have fallen.
- God's Love Letter to You - If you need some encouragement - find out how He master-minded your salvation, and wishes to lavish wonderful things on to your life.
- Are You A One-Brick Building? - If you are a follower of Christ, God has a building project in you - creating you for things He planned a long time ago - but He is also building you into something greater. The question is, are you ready, or do you like going it alone?
- Getting Close To God - How do you feel approaching God - guilty, weak, timid? Paul encourages us to see our relationship with the Father as it really is - and shows us that you can't outlove God!
- What Does A Christian Look Like? - Do you know what a Christian should be like? It may surprise you to learn what God approves of and what He wants to take out of your character.
- A Fresh Coat of Paint Without Sanding - Paul tells us in the second half of chapter 4 that we need to let Christ sand us way down to the bear wood, in order to cover us with His way of thinking and acting.
- Living a Life of Love - How we act and how we speak to each other really does matter to God. You may be just mirroring what you see people doing and saying around you - but is it right?
- In the Beginning ... - Is the story of creation a myth? And what is the book of Genesis about anyway? Learn what this first book is, and what it is not as we begin our journey through God's wonderful story.
- Marriage - God's Masterpiece - Is marriage dead? No way - it's alive and well and a way God communicates the gospel. There are a lot of misconceptions about the roles of husband & wife that this section clears up.
- The Garden of Delight - and the Fall - Did you know that God always intended to bless man? Learn the original purposes for man, woman, and marriage - plus learn how the serpent deceived Eve and how it still does it to this day.
- Family & Job Relationships - Learn how to get along as parents and children - and how to deal with a difficult boss at work in this practical guide to everyday living.
- Be A Mighty Warrior - What is spiritual warfare really about and how as a believer do you defend yourself from attack while not giving ground to Satan?
- Finding Joy Despite Circumstances - What is real joy and how to do you find it? Paul the Apostle begins teaching us by showing joy is found by partnering with others' lives and sharing the gospel.
- The Choice of Cain - In this chapter we learn of the anquish that sin causes, why Cain's offering was rejected by God and how his attitude reveals what was in his heart - and the choices he made because of that attitude.
- Attitude Adjustment - the Way of Joy - Finding joy does not involve making your circumstances better - it involves making your mind work like Jesus' mind. Find out how and how unity works with different kinds of people.
- Are You Ready to go Home? - Genesis 5 is filled with death, but there is one bright light in a man who walked with God and got called home. As we look at our lives, would we be ready if God said that to us?
- The Source of Joy - Most of us would say that we are joyful when something good happens to us or someone we love. But the source of our joy does not come from circumstances. Learn where the real sources of joy come from.
- The Practical Guide to Joyful Living - 8 Concepts towards having joy in your life. This chapter is jam-packed with jewels of verses to encourage you and give you peace in the midst of life's storms.
- The Decay of Man - After the fall, man continued to become more violent and less receptive to God - why? Also learn about the mystery of the Sons of God and the Nephillim and why God judged the earth.
- The Battle For the Mind - Which should take precidence - the mind or faith? Are the two mutually exclusive or can they get along together? Such are the questions out of Colossians 1: do you have the mind of man or the mind of Christ?
- The Flood - Part 1 - A lot of people consider the flood to be a myth - or at best, a localized event. But we consider Scriptural and scientific evidence for the flood and how it answers many questions about our earth and our destiny.
- Life as a Stunted Plant - Do you feel a lack of growth? It could be that you are experiencing the effects of bad doctrine or that you need to re-connect to the root - Jesus Christ.
- Genesis 8 - The Flood Part 2 - God teaches Noah and us patience in times of trouble.
- The Birth & Death of Jesus Christ - There are many parallels between Jesus' birth and His death, burial and resurrection. Thinking about them will bless your Christmas!
- Where's Your Mind Set? - Often we want to make ourselves better but go about it the wrong way. Paul the Apostle gives us tips in how to put off the old nature and put on Christ's character.
- 2003
- Does God Owe You? The 4 Keys to Faith - When we do a job we expect to get paid for it. When we do something right we might expect God to repay us - but that's not how it works in God's economy. Learn about the four keys to faith by Paul's account of Abraham's faith.
- The "All Access" Pass to God - What sin did by separating you from God
- How to Keep From Sinning - If you execute someone for a crime you can
- Waging War Against the Flesh - After we come to Christ there are two natures that live inside of us - the fleshly nature and the new life given to us by God. These two natures don't get along well at all - in fact they are at war with each other. Learn how to wage war against the flesh
- Nothing Can Separate You from God's Love - Do you feel discouraged, down, like you don't "measure up" to God's love? Then take heart and be encouraged. This most wonderful chapter in God's Word tell us that no person, no event, nothing at all - can separate you from God's love.
- The God-Enhanced Heart - We receive from the Lord a God-enhanced heart. God takes what we are like and enhances it - some to destruction, like Pharoah, some to incredible compassion and mercy, like Moses. What kind of heart do you have?
- The Obstinate or Submissive Heart - We have a choice when it comes to serving God - we can be obstinate and stubborn and independent, or can let our hearts break and be submissive to Him. Find out the perils of the obstinate heart and the beaty of the broken heart in Romans 10.
- What Happens To The Jews? - Have you ever wondered whether the Jews are still God's people? Has He rejected them after they rejected His Son Jesus? Have you ever wanted to reach out to a Jewish friend with the gospel? Study Romans 11 to get answers!
- Paul's Quick Start Guide To Christian Living - In one short chapter of the Bible, the Apostle Paul gives us a "quick start" guide to Christian living. Packed into this chapter are 6 "life principals" for living a successful life as a Christian in a fallen world.
- How To Get Along in the World - Paul talks about how the Christian is supposed to live in society. Not only does he say that we should obey the laws of the land
- The Pitfalls of a Mature Believer - As we grow in Christ we realize just how much freedom we have in Him. But what about the immature believer - what do we do with our freedom if it causes our brother or sister to stumble or be distressed?
- Bearing With the Weak - How do we handle people who disagree with us? Paul gives us some good advice on how to listen actively, respond prayerfully, and watch circumspectfully when dealing with the less mature in Christ.
- Workers and the Worriers - Which are you - one who is dedicated to the work of building up the body of Christ and spreading the gospel, or worrying about getting your way? You might be surprised as we loook at these two types in Romans 16
- A Very Modern Ancient City - The problems that plagued Corinth - immaturity, carnality, worldly influences, division, style wars and the like - are still present today. Find out the comparisons and how to find peace in God despite the world around us.
- Cloth Tearer or Net Mender? - We all know that division causes problems - but where does it really come from? Paul gives us insights and warnings that any one of us could be the cause of division in our church. Find out the qualities of a good and bad leader.
- The Foolish Wisdom of God - At first blush, God's wisdom seems so elementary, so foolish even. We as humans love to debate and create big complicated philosophies. Instead, the Apostle Paul shows us how to simplify our understanding to know the REAL wisdom of God.
- Becoming a Heroic Builder - We are all construction workers. What kind of a builder are you in God's building project? Are you the sloppy, get it done fast kind - or an expert builder. Find out how to become a master tradesman in God's kingdom.
- Pick Up The Oars! - This week we
- Dealing With Sin - How do you deal with sin - in your life, or in the life of someone else? Paul gives us some adivse in how to keep sin away without ruining our relationships.
- The Danger of Taking Shortcuts - We like solutions
- How Radical Should You Get? - When we first come to Christ we are tempted to make radical changes to our lives in order to prove our devotion to God. But there are some dangers there - and Paul addresses these in answer to a perplexing question.
- Liberty or Legalism? - How free should you be as a Christian - especially when dealing with younger, less mature believers. Paul addresses a difficult subject as freedom and legalism are compared. The answers may surprise you.
- Spiritual Fitness - In chapter 9, we explore having the Lord as your avocation
- Fast Pass - Many of us want to bypass trial and temptation - but God says there is no "Fast Pass" around difficulty. In fact, we need to learn from the mistakes of others in order to learn patience and the way to withstand temptation.
- Cultural Reality & Spiritual Carnality - Men and women, head coverings, improper use of communion - Paul tackles these and other controversial subjects in this chapter - we look at the one key verse that makes it all make sense.
- Being A Body Part - Learn about the Context, Motivation, and Operation of the gifts of the Spirit as we study this chapter. Learn the four keys to living life as a part of the body of Christ.
- The Real Meaning of Love - No matter how gifted you are
- The Gifts of the Holy Spirit - The gifts of the Spirit have split churches and keep Christians apart
- The Logic & Illogic of the Resurrection - When it comes to understanding God, logic is important - but when we use human standards of logic we can miss God completely. Find out what illogical ideas people have about God. This study also explains ways to tell why you believe what you believe.
- Getting A New Body - We spend many hours and much effort to make our present bodies better. While there's nothing wrong with it, we should also be preparing to get our new bodies - ones that won't decay or atrophy.
- Finding Direction - What happens when something goes wrong - does it mean you are bad? What happens when you think you've heard God and things don't work out - does it mean you didn't hear right? Paul answers both questions in this 1st chapter.
- The Schemes of the Enemy - How can a Christian be a pawn of Satan? It's easier than you may think. Learn about the schemes of the enemy and how not to fall prey to Satan's devices.
- Making Changes - How do you make changes in your life? Do you do it by comparing yourself to others around you - do you do it by comparing yourself to come external standard, or do you do it by God's Spirit? Learn the best way to make changes that last.
- Overcoming Discouragement - Is it okay to be doing badly? Is it okay to be weak? The world would say "no" but the Apostle Paul uses weakness and discouragement to see the Lord's life created in him and others.
- The Change Within - When we look to the outside appearance of things our senses, and our emotions can mislead us. We need to look to what changes God is making in us, in preparing us for a new body and a new life with Him
- Evaluating Your Effectiveness - What kind of gauge do you use to measure your effectiveness? Often we use the world as our measure and it leads us to see failure, when God really sees success. Learn the keys to accurately measuring your life for God.
- What Is Repentance? - When I say
- The Grace of Giving - Have you ever wondered whether tithing was in the New Testament? You might be surprised at the answer. Find out the 11 qualities of true giving to God as we continue our study of Paul's letter to the Corinthians.
- The Indescribable Gift - In this study we
- Real Spiritual Power - Learn to tell the difference between real spiritual power and fake power. Paul tells us that being impressive doesn't mean you are effective. Learn too how to take your very thoughts captive.
- Gullibility - How gullible are you? How quick are you to believe what you hear - and what do you base your decisions on? The Corinthians were too quick to believe, and we can learn lessons ourselves on how to know truth from error.
- Finding Strength Through Weakness - We learn the secret of Paul the Apostle - that though he saw things no other man has ever seen, the most important secret of all is letting us fall by the wayside and let God live through us.
- Self Examination - If only we
- Christmas Without Christ - What would Christmas without Christ be like? If you really think about it, you might be surprised how familiar it is. This week we get down to the real core of Christmas.
- Assessing the Past - Planning the Future - How do we accurately assess our past year and plan for the next. We'll learn some practical and spiritual tips on how to see God in the past, present, and future from a man who had many regrets and fears - the Apostle Peter.
- 2002
- The Fine Line in Giving - We all want to do things for the Lord, but how often are those things actually done for ourselves? Learn how to properly unleash the light of the Lord inside of you.
- How to Manage Money, and keep it from managing you - Why does money have such a hold on us? Jesus gives us some practical advice on how to keep from becoming like the world.
- Understanding Judgment - It
- A Helping, Healing Hand - Jesus is ready to extend His hand to you
- Ready for the Journey? - Do you find yourself with one foot in the world and one foot in Jesus? Learn how to let go, step off the dock, and let Him take you on life
- Meeting Evil - What do you do when you meet the enemy? Jesus reveals the sly ways of Satan, and how to deal with the devil.
- To Follow With a Whole Heart - How determined are you to get near to Jesus? As we learn about some gentlemen who spared nothing to find the Savior, Jesus challenges us to follow with a whole heart.
- Don't Be Afraid, Only Believe - Facing the most difficult of circumstances can lead to two things
- Ready to Go? - Who fills the vacuum in your heart? What do you put your faith in and what kind of a leader are you? Are you ready to step out for the Lord at a moment
- The Wise and Innocent - What does it mean to be wise and serpents and innocent as doves? Jesus gives us some practical advice on how to survive in the world, living among a pack of wolves as innocent lambs.
- Decision Time! - Its decision time
- Why Look for Living Among the Dead? - Like the disciples after Jesus died - we look for life in places where there is only death. Jesus had risen - how often do we go to places where we find sin and death and expect to find things that help our lives?
- What is God Like? Part 1 - Jesus reveals His true character
- What is God Like? Part 2 - Jesus reveals His true character
- Because I Said So - Don
- The Strong Man vs. Jesus - Nothing can happen to you apart from God
- Blaspheme of the Holy Spirit - It
- The Folly of Following Signs - The danger of looking to external
- What Kind of Soil Are You? - The soil of our lives is often like a garden soil
- Pulling Up Weeds - How to discover make-believers in the church, and make-believing attitudes in ourselves.
- Captain Hook's Treasure Hunt - Getting to know God can be like going on a treasure hunt
- Be A Feast Giver - Two kings, two feasts
- What's Your Focus? - The storms of life distract us from focusing on God
- Paper Dolls or French Horns? - Which would you rather be - a Christian who puts on Christ's character like a costume, or an instrument playing beautiful music in God's hands?
- Audacious - How do you approach God - tenaciously or tentatively? It can make a big different in how your prayers get answered.
- One Step At A Time - There are two vital things that Jesus wants to know - are you ready for the test? And are you willing to take just one step to become closer to God?
- How Much Faith Is Enough? - All of us know we need to have faith - but many of us have faith in the wrong thing. In this study Jesus reveals who He really is, and challenges us to trust in Him, not trust in faith.
- Continual Worship - Learn how to lift up praise to God continually, even in the toughest of circumstances.
- Alpha Male or Child of God - Many times winning at all costs is the mantra that we live by. But Jesus challenges us to become like a child - what does that mean, really, and how does it help God rescue us?
- How To Resolve Conflict - We all live with the consequences of conflict
- Divorce - Jesus gives us insight into the heart of God, revealing how to save relationships that are faltering and how to avoid the trap of divorce. Learn how God truly envisioned marriage and learn about keeping commitments. Also learn how to avoid legalism
- How Do You Get to Heaven? - The question many ask, but few find the answer to
- What Are You Worth - How do you figure your self worth
- Why Do You Worship? - Which Jesus do you want to meet
- Bearing Fruit - What happens when Jesus inspects your life? He cursed the fig tree because it didn't bear fruit - why? And how do we bear fruit for our Savior?
- You're Invited To A Party - God is throwing a huge party and you're invited. The only way you get in is by special invitation and by putting on wedding clothes. At the same time the world demands your loyalty and is having a party of it's own - so which party do you want to go to?
- Have It Your Way? - Many times we seek to understand and manipulate God by our human ideas. We need to get rid of our preconceptions about what God is doing in our lives and let Him direct how we think and pray.
- Let God See The Plumbing - When it comes down to it, do you let God in on the inside of you - or do you hold Him at arms length? Take a lesson from the religious establishment of Jesus' day - let God into the ugly inner parts of your life, and let the Great Plumber heal you.
- The End Is Near - Don't Be Alarmed - We hear about violence and famine, war and crime every day on the news. Jesus said this was the beginning of the end for this world - but He also says something else to us - "Don't be alarmed." How do we keep a peaceful heart in times of great storm?
- The Abomination! - There is a hidden infection out there, resting under the surface, waiting to erupt into the world system. Do you know what it is and more importantly, are you ready? Learn about end times prophecy and the Rapture of the church.
- Are You In Or Out? - In the end we will not be able to say "I don't want to play this religion game." It won't be about religion, but about relationship with God. As Jesus prepares to go to the cross, He shares His very last teaching, about our lives, and about the end times.
- Faith, Suffering, & the Will of God - The story of Jesus betrayal, arrest, and trial could be seen as a dark time, but it teaches us things about faith, suffering, and finding the will of God in our lives like no other portion of Scripture.
- It Is Your Responsibility - We can
- He Is With You Always - Do you ever feel lonely, depressed, abandoned? Jesus has three special words of encouragement for you - words that will give you comfort and purpose, especially in times when you don't feel like going on.
- The Righteousness & Wrath of God Revealed - Our study through the book of Romans 1 shows us a God who loves humans, but must reveal His wrath on anything that is not like Him. It is one of the best chapters in the Bible to clearly understand God's righteous character, and our fallibility.
- The Secret Self - How do you get in good standing with God? Sometimes we mistake the outward signs of rightness for inward reality. In fact, the Lord urges us to examine the "secret self" and lay it bare to God and let His Son cleanse it. Are you willing?
- Christ-mis Assumptions - The people of Israel had some mis-assumptions about the Messiah. These mis-assumptions caused them to miss Jesus' coming. We too can fall into these same misconceptions about how God works despite how the circumstances appear. Audio missing first 5 min.
- Getting Right With God - Some people think that God looks at our lives and balances the good against the bad. If we have more good than bad, we get to heaven. That's not how it works - to get right with God you've got to go around the law and get rightness from another source.
- 2001
- Ambition - I think many of us struggle with the direction of our lives
- The Accuser - How his accusers acted, and how Paul responded can teach us lessons when we face trials
- Escape or Deliverance? - To escape means to use your own power to avoid trouble. Deliverance means God uses His power to take you out of trouble. It
- Shipwreck - How do you react when tragedy strikes? Do you get mad at God? Do you panic? This section of Acts teaches us how to keep calm and see God in the midst of terrible circumstances
- Superstition - d
- Our Place In This World - u
- Life From Death - Today we are going to learn about the process of getting life from death. Not physical life, like new skin, but spiritual life, springing up from the work God is doing inside of us.
- Prepare For Action - Fervent love isn
- Blockheads or Living Stones? - Peter identifies five character traits that he wants swept away in the cleanout of your spiritual garage. All involve the way we treat other people
- Slaving Away - We like to joke about how our jobs are like slave labor
- The Battle Of The Sexes - Learn the true way husbands and wives, men and women should relate to each other
- Arm Yourselves! - We need an attitude adjustment
- Resurrection or Resuscitation? - No description available
- Be Stiff & Pliable - No description available. The audio on this tape is not usable.
- Add To Your Faith - Just like physical tools will rust if not kept clean and dry
- Chocolate poison, puppies, and the Real Thing - The sellers of spiritual poison are all around us
- Truth or Consequences - But today we
- Wholesome Thinking - Peter wants us to do three things: Have a right mind, Have a right perspective, and Live a right life
- The Love Molecule - Love, true love, does not exist apart from God
- The Real World - Today we
- The Soul Survivor - In the game of living the Christian life
- The Transformers - Woudn't it be neat if we could just be transformed the instant we come to Jesus? It doesn't work that way, but bit by bit God transforms us into His image - but where does it start? With love.
- How To Please God - Now we move on to deal with the quality of the life of the person in God
- Overcoming Fear - Fear is something we all deal with
- God or genie? - Sometimes we treat God like He is some kind of cosmic genie. That if we say the right words or do the right things then He
- The Real Purpose of Trials - Many times we think trials are there to punish us - we've done something wrong and that's why times are tough. But in reality, God designs difficulties to accomplish certain things. James sheds light on the real purpose for trials.
- The Games People Play - We treat Christianity like a game
- The Real Meaning of Faith & Works - Today we talk about what happens when we look outward at other people
- The Words We Speak - There
- Fights & Quarrels - Why do we fight? Why do we get upset when things don't go our way or we don't get what we want? The answer can be found in James chapter 4. Learn how to manage expectations and manage emotions when things start to heat up.
- The Real Purpose of Evil - No description available
- Patient Endurance - What do you rely on to get by? Are the foundations of your life secure? What would happen to you if something catastrophic and unanticipated took place? James tells us how to cope with catastrophes both large and small through patience.
- Powerful Prayer - How do you pray with power? James gives us the secret to connecting with God. It might surprise you how much of yourself it takes - giving up what you want, to give God room to do what He wants.
- The Promised King - We learn why Matthew wrote the gospel and what it reveals about Jesus the King. Did you know that He has a plan for your life as well?
- Men: Wise & Foolish - Why do you worship God? We learn some lessons on worship from the Wise Men who came to give gifts to Jesus. Their attitude may not be what you expected.
- Jesus Center Stage - As Jesus takes on His public ministry He gives us insight into how we can serve Him
- Temptation Wilderness! - Learn how the enemy tempts us and how to resist. And learn the difference between temptation and sin.
- The Calling - What is an encounter with Jesus really like? As Jesus receives His calling, we learn how to receive ours as well.
- Happiness is ... - What are the beatitudes, really? Learn the true meaning behind what is probably the most famous section in the Bible.
- Salt, Light, and Anger - In this study we look in depth at the character Jesus wants to create in us, in feelings, commitments, and conflict. Learn how to manage your anger.
- How To Beat Lust - Learn what lust really is and how to beat it
- Angel Speak - Part 1: The End of Fear - No description available
- Angel Speak - Part 2: The Beginning of Joy - No description available
- Angel Speak - Part 3: The Savior Baby - No description available
- Angel Speak - Part 4: Peace - No description available
- Saving Relationships - What are the primary purposes for marriage? Learn how God feels about commitment. You might be surprised.
- 2000
- Staying In the Tent - No description available
- Marriage - This study is not just for married folks. If you are a young person, or single
- Under The Hand - Paul addresses a particular side of parenting
- In Honor of Mothers - No description available
- Acts 1 - What is God's plan for your life? You can get some help from the experience of the Apostles as they waited for further instructions from Jesus after His resurrection.
- The Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Learn the true purpose of the Holy Spirit - we present a balanced, Scriptural perspective on an important part of a believer's life.
- Faltering Father, Faithful Father - No description available
- The First Church - What was the first church like, and how does that speak to us in the 21st century about what church should and shouldn't be.
- Perplexed or Empowered - We are ordinary men, just like Peter and John. Obvious to the elite and powerful, we are nobody. Yet God chooses to use us, if we will but have courage.
- Making Choices - What is God calling you to do? Have you faced persecution or rejection or trial in it? Are you discouraged, ready to give up? Learn to see God growing you as much as He is using you.
- Stephen, Part 2 - We find Stephen, a powerful witness for Jesus, contending with men of a synagogue made up of freed slaves. When they cannot win against his arguments, they hire others to lie about Stephen to the rulers of the day
- The Call of Stephen - No description available
- Visions of Change - Feelings eventually become views, which held long and firm enough become opinions
- A Passion For Your Presence - No description available
- Prison Break - Peter finds himself alone in prison - but he is not really alone. Sometimes in life we feel like we're boxed in with no where to turn. God comes to us and helps us escape from our prisons too.
- Turn Signals - We see Paul & Barnabus receive a job from God
- Onward Christian Soldier - Paul faced long odds and serious injuries: but kept going. We too can take hope from his example as we battle for our King and Lord: Jesus Christ against a very tough and ruthless enemy: Lucifer, the Devil himself.
- The Singing Jailbreak - Today we find our friends: Paul and Silas, singing their way out of jail. And it
- The Battle For The Mind - Today we are going to see two groups of people who treat the knowledge of God
- The Lowest Point - What
- Magic, The Occult, and God - How do you picture the Devil? Is a funny-looking guy in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork? Is he an all powerful force, which you are incapable of resisting? In truth, neither is accurate.
- A Sure Walk Into Darkness - In his missionary journeys Paul has faced lots of problems
- Turning 2 negatives into a positive - Sometimes God destines for us to go through tough times too
- Christmas Myths Unveiled - No description available
- 1999
- Our Series
- The Psalms - Songs from God's Heart
- 2013
- Frienemies - Betrayal is one of the hardest things we have to deal with, especially if it is a friend or brother or sister. David experienced much betrayal in his life and in these Psalms we learn how to effectively deal with friends who become enemies.
- God's Character and Power in Trials - In Psalms 29 & 30 23 see the awesome character and power of God, but in Psalm 30 we see David stuck in a trial. If God is so powerful how come He lets David undergo a life-threatening illness? In this we see how God works in difficulties in our lives as well.
- What To Do When You Mess Up - Everybody messes up now and again. How you feel about it and what you do about it makes a huge difference. Find out how David handled sin in a wonderful way we can learn from.
- Who Is In Control? - When we look around at our nation and our culture it is easy to become discouraged and bummed out. But in these two psalms we see reasons for rejoicing no matter what life throws our way.
- Walking With God - Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior - what next? How do you actually move forward in your life with God? There are forces that want to keep you from doing well, and we explore them in these two psalms.
- Taking The Long View - What do you do when the culture around you and life seems to go south? Do you rant and rave and get bummed? Get some incredible advice from David on how to put life and difficulty into perspective.
- The Problem & Solution to Sin - Sin is one of those things we don't want to talk about or face. But it is the central problem facing us every day. There is a solution, but it starts with facing sin head on.
- What To Do When I Am Depressed - Depression sometimes hits us, but we often don't know how to handle it or get out of it. In fact, we feel guilty for even being depressed. But these psalms give us some clues on what to do when we are down.
- The Warrior King & His Bride - <p>These three psalms give us a wonderful picture of salvation, the Bride of Christ, and Jesus the Warrior King who rules for truth, justice, and humility.</p>
- Return of the King - <p>Do you contemplate the love of the Lord for you? Do you think about him as the King of the earth and the King of your heart? In these psalms, catch a vision for what it will be like when Jesus rules.</p>
- How to Approach God - <p>Have you ever wondered how to approach God? Mankind makes up all kinds of ways to do it including external shows of religious piety or elaborate ceremony. But in these three psalms we see God's recipe for drawing close to Him.</p>
- The Unexpected Jesus - What do you expect from Jesus? The people, disciples, and the religious leaders had some very specific expectations of Jesus on Palm Sunday. He shattered all of them, just as He shatters our expectations as well. And that's a good thing!
- Resurrection Unexpected - No one really expected the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today we focus on the expectations of two of those who first saw Jesus: John and Mary. What they expected, and how Jesus actually met them, can help your relationship with Jesus too.
- The Cave of Worship - <p>From the real life lessons of David on the run, we discover ways to cope with danger, difficulty, and the demands of living a life of faith in a godless world.</p>
- When I Am Weak - Sometimes trouble just overwhelms you. You feel vulnerable, weak, unstable. If you ever feel this way, you are in good company. David felt that way too. He poured his heart out to God and depended on the Lord in a way that will help you in times of trouble.
- When I Am Lonely - Do you ever feel physically or emotionally alone? David knew very well how that felt. Fortunately for us, he wrote down both his feelings and his vision of what to do in these very difficult times.
- How To Get Satisfaction - Our age and our culture teach us that we can never be satisfied, but must continually strive towards satisfaction by the things we amass. The Psalms have a different approach. In them we learn the truth path to happiness and satisfaction.
- Provision and Presence - What do you need to be successful in this life? You need two things, the presence and provision of God. In Psalms 67 and 68 we get an idea of how to access both of those and what plans God has for our lives.
- 2012
- The Hero's Secret Strength - Every super hero has a secret strength and a hidden vulnerability. Jesus, the only real superhero, has a strength to help guide Him in every situation and a vulnerability that each of us should possess.
- Outcasts! - In Mark 2 we meet two outcasts: a paralyzed man and Levi. Each had a decision to make that mirrors decisions that we as humans must make as well with the presence of Jesus.
- The Hero's Hostile Takeover - When it comes to living life which rules you, law or love? Jesus brought this into sharp focus when it came to healing on the Sabbath and it brings us to confront just who is actually Lord of our lives.
- The Hero's Power, Position, and Person - When the religious authorities fail in their attempt to trip up Jesus with the Scriptures they descend to character assassination. They come dangerously close to eternal separation from God. How can that happen?
- Tilling Up The Mind - How open are you to the words of Jesus? Many of us are so hardened that His words bounce off, for others the past, present and future make our minds unable to process His thoughts. Today we examine the pliability of our minds.
- Taking The Test - What happens after you hear the words of Jesus? Is your life different? Today as we study Mark's gospel we see how the Lord gives the disciples an opportunity to test how much the words of Jesus became life in them.
- The Stonger Man - As humans we have been taken prisoner by a strong opponent who wants nothing but to destroy us. We see this captivity and torture revealed graphically as Jesus takes on not one but thousands of demons at once. It is a powerful picture of how our ultimate action hero sets us free. But the question is, how will you react to the presence of a truly stronger hero?
- How Much Do You Long for Jesus? - Many times the things that affect us the most are inside, beyond our ability to reach and heal. Such was the case with the woman we meet in this study. How she approached Jesus and what He did in response speaks to how we desire to be healed of infirmity we cannot see.
- Do you Trust Me No Matter What? - Jesus challenges us by not showing up when we think He should or answering prayers in the way we think. He also challenges us to go deeper than we ever have in our trust. What will be your answer when he challenges you to trust Him no matter what?
- What Do You Think About Jesus - really? - So what do you think of Jesus? You've heard about Him from the culture and even from the church but is that really Jesus? Some people are afraid of sharing their faith knowing the possible rejection they'll receive - so is it worth it?
- The Compassion & Provision of Jesus - Sometimes in our zeal of serving God we begin to take the reigns and can actually not really trust and rely on Jesus for the very work He has called us to.
- Battling the Broken Mind - The saying "It's all in your head" is truer than we would like to admit. What can start out as something done with good intentions can lead us very far astray save for one crucial ingredient: God's Word.
- What is Faith? - What is the real nature of faith? We often think it is blind trust in Jesus to give us what we ask for. In reality faith means a transformation of how you think of life, needs, and your relationship with Jesus.
- Incomplete Vision - Jesus asks a crucial question of His disciples - a question that every single person in all of creation and all of history must answer. How you answer may be influenced by a crucial lack in your life - a lack Jesus can uncover.
- Why Follow Jesus? - Probably one of the most common questions people have when evaluating Christianity is: "Why should I follow Jesus Christ?" He made a lot of claims, and might even have come back from the dead, but so what? In Mark 8 and 9 we see the two reasons why you should feel comfortable placing your life in His hands.
- Who's In Charge? - Face it, we humans like to be in charge of ourselves and as many others as we can. Though we aren't all power mongers, this default human behavior causes major problems when we see how God's universe really operates. The lesson comes home in this portion of Mark 9.
- Salty Christians - What influences you and what kind of influence are you on others? In the final portion of Mark Chapter 9, Jesus describes a common substance: salt. It is either salty or flavorless. When it comes to you affect on your environment are you salt or unsalty?
- Soft Heart - Hard Heart - As humans we naturally try to do what is in our own best self interest. This doesn't always coincide with the character of God. Such is the case with divorce. Jesus shocks His men and the Pharisees with a refreshing look at relationships. As we look at the topic, what seems to matter is the condition of our heart.
- Who Owns You? - Our idea about success involves three things - all of which were possessed by a man who approaches Jesus. What is he looking for and why? The answers should affect your outlook on this life and the one to come.
- Who's Really Blind? - Mark makes an important point about who we think we are in contrast to what we need to be in God's kingdom. Just when you think you have it all, you may not have anything and when you have nothing, you have just what you need.
- Riding in to Save the Day - What image comes to mind when you think about a hero riding in to save the day? Jesus, our ultimate action hero, rides into Jerusalem to save the day for humanity, but not in the way you would imagine, not this time anyway.
- Ganging Up On Jesus - In this portion of Mark we get a clearer picture of what it means to rely on God for things, and what it means to rely on the government. Here the religious leaders try to trip Jesus up, but they fall right into His trap.
- Who is God and how do you get to know Him? - Jesus had to answer some very complicated questions designed to trap Him. But being the master chess player, Jesus turned the traps into times of teaching and revealing much about His true identity.
- Learning to Love God - What is the most important thing in the universe? The answer might surprise you but goes right to the heart of both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus reveals it to us in Mark 12 as we go in depth into loving God.
- Radical Trust - <p>Mark wrote nothing by accident in his gospel. Just prior to the arrest of Jesus, he presents a stark contrast between those who think they have it all and those who have nothing. Which group is which? The answer may surprise you.</p>
- Looking to the End - There is a lot of excitement generated in the Christian community around the return of Jesus. Jesus' men were excited too, but what Jesus tells them is not a timeline or series of events, but how they should act while waiting. It's good advise for us too who await Jesus' return eagerly.
- Ultimate Worship - Ultimate Betrayal - It is at the darkest part of the night that a light shines the brightest. As we come to Mark 13 we see hope at the end of a terrible time in earth's history, when the lights will dim for the coming King. Then we see the path to that event beginning as the Lord is served with the ultimate act of worship and the ultimate act of betrayal.
- Intimacy & Agony - How do you handle impending doom? You know, those times when something bad is happening and it's about to get much worse? Jesus faced the ultimate in impending doom in the Garden of Gethsemane. How He handled it is a model for us in times of difficulty.
- Betrayal - Many times when we look at the portion of Mark 14 involving the arrest and trial of Jesus we focus on Judas - the betrayer. But Mark shows us that many more than Judas betrayed Jesus that night, and it shows us how short we fall and how great our Savior really is.
- The Darkest Day - The death of Jesus Christ is at the same time the deepest darkest day in human history and the beginning of the most promising era in human history. Though the physical agony great, the spiritual agony was even greater for our Lord.
- Jesus Died in Weakness - Weakness is not something valued by our culture or this age. But the death of Jesus shows us the strength we can all find in the weakest of moments.
- What Happened on the Cross? - What exactly happened on the cross of Jesus Christ? What did it mean then and what does it mean to me now? Is is just a mascot, a symbol, or something much much more?
- Jesus the Sneaky Savior - The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important even in human history. Coming down from that global perspective, what does the resurrection mean to me? That's the question we'll talk about as we conclude our study in Mark's gospel.
- Psalms Introduction - The Book of Psalms is the most unique book of the Bible. It was written over the longest period of time, has the most chapters, the most words, and the most quotations in the New Testament. But the Psalms is unique for another reason. It digs down into the emotions of the song writer. This openness also allows Yahweh to speak in ways that are personal and profound. In this introduction we get to the this most unique of books as a whole.
- Digging for Water - Everyone wants wisdom, but Psalm 1 gives more than just good advice, but vital information that can affect your entire life and beyond. It describes two paths in the life of your mind. Choices matter, which one are you making on a daily basis?
- God Our Rescuer - God our King - Psalms 2 & 3 show us that God is in charge no matter how the human default condition of rebellion tries to get in the way. They also show us that when faced with difficulty there are four things we do naturally that make our troubles worse, and four ways to go through difficulties God's way.
- What to do when you are surrounded - Are there times in your life when you feel penned in on every side and there is no where to turn for relief? Do you ever cry yourself to sleep only to wake up early? If so, then these psalms are for your comfort and hope.
- What To Do When Evil Threatens - Does God really hear our prayers and cries for help when other people abuse us? What should our reaction be in those situations? Learn some helpful hints from these psalms as David faces similar problems.
- When Evil Boasts - Sometimes it feels like people who boast there is no God and they will not be accountable for what they do are everywhere. But Psalms 10, 11, & 12 show us the true character of evil and the true heart of God who hears, observes, and rescues those who take refuge in Him.
- Waiting - <p>The thing we have the least patience with is waiting. When we are facing a difficulty we want instant results. When God doesn't operate on our table we get frustrated. David got frustrated too but how he handles it can help us have patience too.</p>
- Is This All There Is? - In our world of entertainment, glitz, and glamor, we are led to believe that if we follow the pattern of this age we can get satisfaction. But in the end it is only temporary. David tells us that the satisfaction that comes from a relationship with God has no expiration date.
- God as Your Warrior - No matter how deep of a hole you find yourself in, if you have a relationship with God He will hear, He will find, and He will rescue you, though the victory may not be what you expect, it is accomplishing God's will
- God is for you! - What fulfills your life? In this study we look at some reasons that God should be the one who brings you satisfaction, joy, answers, and rescue.
- Do You Feel Forsaken? - Often Christians their most difficult moments when they choose to trust God in difficult times and then He seems not to answer. David, and Jesus experienced this and we can learn from their reactions.
- The Good Shepherd - One of the greatest of all the psalms gives us hope when venturing out of the sheep pen that a God of great love will accompany us in life's darkest valleys.
- Victories out of Mistakes - Our first inclination when we blow it is to hide from God. But as we learn in these two psalms, our first reaction should be to turn to
- Be Encouraged! - As we walk through difficulties in life, one of the best ways to get perspective and see our way through to the end is encouragement. David shows us the best way possible to become encouraged!
- The Birth of Jesus: Mission Impossible - "Your mission, should you decide to accept it is to save mankind from a tyrant. Oh, and to do it you must become a human infant, completely helpless and vulnerable." In a big way, the mission of Jesus was impossible. The same holds true for us. But if Jesus could succeed, so can we!
- Mary's Christmas - What kind of a Christmas was it for Mary? A young girl having God's baby all alone with her husband in a strange town? Her experience teaches us a lot about what our celebration should really be about.
- 2011
- What Good Are You? - Sometimes we feel like God has to completely change us in order to use us. Paul shows us that God takes the background, weaknesses, and even difficulties and uses them for His kingdom, if we let Him.
- Don't Let Temptations Sink You - Though so often we start out with such good intentions, things happen in our life to trip us up from serving God. What are those things and how can we avoid them?
- What's More Important: You or the Gospel? - We have a lot of sources that would like us to imitate them: sports stars, movie stars, politicians, movers and shakers, even religious icons and leaders. Though we know we should imitate Jesus Christ, it is often hard for us to do that because He isn't here among us. So what to do? Paul gives us some help, and further advice on making the character we reflect the most effective for the gospel.
- What Should Stand Out, You or the Gospel? - 1st Corinthians 11 is one of the most controversial and misunderstood sections of Paul's writings. We'll explore it using culture, context, character, and language to find out what Paul is and is not saying to the Corinthians and to us today.
- Who Am I Better Than? - Divisions are never good in the body of Christ. But when the divisions take place over a celebration of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, things get serious real fast. In this lesson, we learn about avoiding the things that separate us, and clinging to that which makes us one.
- Spiritual Gifts Part 1 - If you think you understand the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts, you may want to check out this study.
- Gifts of the Holy Spirit - As humans we like two things: to impress and be impressive. That was one of the main problems the Corinthians faced in many areas including spiritual gifts. The more flamboyant the gift, the more impressive the show of the Spirit, the better.
- True Love - Part 1 - True love is a lot deeper than any of us imagine. Understanding it is probably the most important key to growing as a Christian.
- True Love - Part 2 - If you think you understand what real love is, think again. 1 Corinthians 13 is not a bunch of feel goodisms, but delves deeply into the character of a mature person in Christ. Are you ready?
- True Love - Part 3 - When it comes to studying about love, it is easy to feel under the pile because no human can measure up to the standard of love in 1 Corinthians 13 - and that's because it is God's standard. Thanks be to God that he makes us able, as we give our lives, hopes, desires, attitudes, and actions over to His Holy Spirit!
- True Love - Part 4 Love Goes the Distance - As we come to the end of our series on love we learn that true love 'goes the distance.' Love does not have limits, nor will it ever end. So how do you get this love flowing through your life? We also learn that a person who wants to mature in their faith will want to grow in true love.
- Spiritural Gifts Part 2 - There is a great deal of controversy today about the use of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. Many more charismatic denominations feature 1st Corinthians 14 as a way of encouraging the use of spiritual gifts, but a close reading of the passage doesn't seem to follow with that we see practiced--the opposite in fact. Today we'll try to bring some understanding of the proper role of the Spirit in the church.
- The Resurrection - Part 1 - The resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the very heart of Christianity. If there was no resurrection then there is no Christianity. Period. Want to know why it is so important? Paul's got that answer.
- The Resurrection - Part 2 - Are you Ready? - Do you ever hear those commercials for beds where they are giving big discounts on last year's model when the only difference is the fabric? As we study the second half of 1st Corinthians 15, we will look at our new model of resurrected body. But it's far more than just a change on the surface. What does looking forward to that model change mean to us as we live in this life's model?
- Principals for Giving - Often times as a Christian we think that what we do only affects us. In reality the body of Christ is an intertwined unit and who we are and what we do does indeed impact others for good or not. With that in mind, the Apostle Paul gives some parting but very important advice on how to live a maturing life in Christ.
- Come Out of Hiding - Part 1 - This week marks a special day in the church calendar and in the history of mankind. It's the day that our rescuer finally came out from hiding in plain sight. Today Pastor Tom Fuller will study why it is so important than you actually go into hiding once He's revealed.
- Come Out of Hiding - Part 2 - For some of us, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a reminder, not of the victory over death, but the death of victory in our lives. We fear really relishing in the resurrection because of our own failures, fears, and weaknesses. If that's you, then I've got some really good news for you!
- The Purpose of Suffering - Why do we go through hard times? Is it because God is not pleased with us? Is it that we just must suffer in order to really be deserving of God's grace? Though the reasons might be many (and those two are not among them), Paul gives us one of the most important reasons why suffering comes into our lives has he prepares the Corinthians to receive some hard advice from their spiritual father.
- The End is the Beginning - Do you find yourself discouraged and unfruitful in your walk with Christ? The answer may be simpler than you thought. Pastor Steve Hopkins of Calvary Chapel Salem brings us the wonderful word of the riches you have in Christ.
- Misunderstanding Motives - Often times we think that it's the big things that break apart relationships. But in reality, it is many times little things misunderstood that turn into big splits, both of people and of churches. As we study 2Corinthians 1 today we'll learn the big misunderstanding between the apostle and the Corinthian church and how we can avoid misunderstanding each other.
- Who Uses You? - How do respond when someone hurts you? Is it with veiled hatred and open contempt? The Apostle Paul had to deal with just such a situation and how he handled it can help us to deal with pain in a godly way.
- Leaning Against Legalism - We often measure our success by how closely we stick to a set of expectations - whether on the job, at home, or in our walk with the Lord. We do good, we feel good - we do bad, we feel bad. But measuring success is really much different in a relationship with Jesus. Paul talks about that as well as how to measure competency to minister.
- Super Cool or Super Real - Are you real? That might seem like an obvious question but consider the lengths you go to in order to present yourself as 'all together' to your friends and brothers and sisters. Being impressive by appearance can actually impede both your growth in the Lord and hinder healing and growth in the lives of those around you. Learn the difference between being super cool or super real. It's a challenging but life-changing message.
- The Coming Evaluation - One of the worst pieces of mail you can receive comes with three little letters in the return address: IRS. Getting audited is like going to the dentist without the novocaine. As troubling as it may seem, an even more important audit is coming for all of us. The good news is that you can affect what happens in that audit. Plus, the promise of a new style body free from the constraints and temptations of this life also comes with that audit!
- Jesus Became Sin for You - Just how did Jesus pay for your sins? To understand this will give you a new appreciation for just how bad evil is, how good God is, and the value of what Jesus did for you on the cross and bears for you each and every day. It also makes our job description as a Christian easier to understand and fulfill.
- How Far Will You Go? Part 1 - There are three questions each Christian should ask themselves when it comes to deciding just how far to go in serving the Lord. They are not easy questions, but your answers will reveal much about yourself. In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul gives us a clear choice and a wonderful path if we choose wisely!
- How Far Will You Go? Part 2 - Often we enter into partnerships without thinking of the consequences for either us or those that we influence. Though we are not to withdraw from this world, we need to be careful when we entangle ourselves in the values of this age. Today we examine being in the world while not being of the world.
- The Power of Positive Repentance - Taking criticism is one of the hardest things for us humans. When it comes to God's critique of our lives, and areas He needs to touch, we often react with our natural human defenses. But Paul in addressing the subject with the Corinthian church, gives us a wonderful pattern of how to receive criticism from God and how to respond in a way that is very affirming.
- Positive Giving - What motivates you to give? The Corinthians had an easy time setting unrealistic giving goals that set them up for failure, but a hard time giving in a way that released the gift to God and brought Him glory. In this chapter Paul gives us some valuable lessons in how to give freely and positively!
- What Do You Get When You Give? - What happens when you give of your time, talents, and money? Many ministries teach that you will receive a material blessing for material giving. I think they completely miss the mark. Paul, in this chapter, sets out a wonderful pattern of the true result of giving.
- Who is Better? - It is human nature to compare ourselves to one another. We do it all of the time very naturally and almost without noticing it. That's what was happening in Corinth and it was giving the Corinthians a false impression about who to trust.
- How to Spot a Fake - There are at least three ways that the enemy, working inside the church, moves Christians away from sincere faith and fidelity to the Lord Jesus. Learn what they are and how to spot and avoid them as Paul lays down the gauntlet against the false teachers in Corinth.
- Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People? - This question haunts many of us, especially as Christians. We think that things should go well if we are blessed of the Lord. When bad things happen, even seemingly disconnected things like losing a job or getting into an accident, we wonder why? Paul wondered this too, but provides a wonderful answer that will change your outlook on life.
- How Will God FInd You? - Many times we as Christians live our lives in the dark. We think we are reasonably good people trying our best. But our past, our associations, the flesh, and the culture around us, conspire to blind us to many things that are not like the Lord going on in our lives. Paul wants the Corinthians to wake up, not so he can punish but so that he can spur them on to real growth - with their eyes wide open.
- No Shortcuts to Maturty - <p>Too often as Christians we take short cuts to maturity. In reality the only way to become complete is to let the Lord take
you through difficulty and make you seem to "fail." In the process He builds life and a character in you that will lead you into His kingdom.</p>
- Any Other Gospel - <p>Without attention and energy, we humans will default back to our flesh pleasing ways even after coming to Jesus. That's where the lie of legalism is so pervasive. Paul begins his battle against legalism by contrasting human achievement with grace.</p>
- Going Under the House - <p>What do you rely on for how you behave? That might seem like a simple question but who and what influences you can mean the difference between relying on your own abilities or falling on the grace of Jesus. The answer is simple: die!</p>
- Billboards and Contracts - <p>If we're not supposed to follow the law to please God, then what is its purpose? Do we ignore it altogether? Paul wants the Galatians to understand the two main purposes of the law.</p>
- A New Family - <p>Are you happy with the family you grew up with? Chances are you aren't and that even now your vision of family is tainted. But what if you could have the perfect family and perfect relationships? Believe it or not, it is possible, with a family you have been invited to join.</p>
- Riding the Fence - <p>More times than we would probably like to admit, we slip into legalism. It can happen when God takes too long to answer a prayer, or answers in a way we don't expect. We take over the reigns, and it's a mistake!</p>
- The War Within - Being human we are born with certain default settings that drive us to think in certain ways. When we become a Christian a war starts between a new nature seeking to establish a beachhead and take over and the old regime that wants to stay in control.
- We're All Broken - The human mind is self-rationalizing and self-deceptive. Without a guide, we have no idea what is right and good. God's Word offers that guide but it's more than just reading a guidebook and determining to do better. We need to come to grips with the brokenness in us and God's offer of healing on a very deep level.
- The Real You - What is God like? Is your opinion of God based on an aloof, disconnected, or angry vengeful powerful being who is stern and judgmental? What would He be like if you ran into Him on the street? It might surprise you, but God is a lot like Galatians5:22-26.
- How Should I React to Sin? - There are two seemingly automatic reactions to seeing sin in the life of someone else. One is to avoid them. The other is to judge. In Galatians 6 we begin to see a third alternative. It's harder, but much more loving and effective.
- The Stark Contrast - The contrast between the old nature and the new couldn't be more stark as we finish up our study in Paul's letter to the Galatians. The question we all have to face is: where is our treasure, in this legalistic age, or in God's kingdom?
- The Hero Unveiled - In a world held captive by an evil enemy, Jesus Christ comes rushing in like a super hero to do battle with evil and rescue us from the tyrant of sin. In this introduction to the gospel of Mark we learn who is behind the stories and some amazing things about its author.
- The Hero's Authority - Wanting to do something and actually being able to do it are two entirely different things. Jesus may have been introduced as the ultimate action hero but without action it's just a good sound bite. In this study the hero demonstrates His authority and ability to do anything.
- 2010
- It's Time To Stop Pretending - We are more like the Pharisees than we would like to admit - hiding our true selves from others and from God and blaming external things for the consequences of our own behavior. But Jesus offers real hope if we will open up to Him in relationship.
- Sunset - Sunrise - Judah has finally come to its end. After a wonder sunset light of Josiah, the nation plunges into the darkness. But even though it seems all is lost, God brings the promise of the dawn of a new day, just as He does to us - so what is required for that new day to begin?
- How's Your Soil? - Jesus presents a familiar story with a real spiritual punch - take a listen and figure out if you are rocky, weedy, pathy, or pliable. It may be more significant than you ever dreamed.
- Ezra 1 - Wednesday study
- Getting Into The Weeds - Why does evil exist in the world and what are we to do about it? Jesus tells a good story and has some sober advice as we look at ourselves - are we weeds or wheat?
- A Beginning Is Sometimes All You Need - The returning exiles from Babylon faced a daunting task - rebuilding the temple and their nation. They were surrounded by enemies and devastation. What they did was do what they could and trust God for the rest - a good lesson for us as well.
- Treasure Island - Just how valuable is Jesus to you? Is He more of a common rock you use to skip across the water or buried treasure so valuable he is worth everything you own and more?
- Enemies - The returning exiles had nasty neighbors to contend with. When they wouldn't 'play ball' with the world, the world struck back.
- Overcome - How does suffering affect our ability to minister? As Jesus is overcome with grief how is it that He ended up with compassion, not bitterness?
- Doing Gods Work in the Face of Opposition without being a Jerk - The children of Israel faced yet another setback as they tried to rebuild the temple. We learn a lot about persevering and also working alongside governmental organizations while preaching the gospel. And when is it right to disobey the government?
- Overwhelmed - Do you get overwhelmed with the thought of serving Jesus? Good - that's just where He wants you. Learn the lessons the disciples got as Jesus gave them an impossible task to show that He is more than able to anything that will glorify God - through us!
- God at Work - Despite two attempts by adversaries, God moved on the hearts of the prophets, the leaders, and even government officials to support rebuilding the temple.
- In Over Your Head - The life of a disciple is not usually lived on the mountain top, but sinking in the storm. Gain some real encouragement from watching Jesus at work - sending us into the storm to show our need for Him, then being there to rescue us when we fail.
- Esther - Morality Play or Play on Morality? - Esther can be seen as a bunch of stereotypical caricatures or as a rich story full of moral ambiguities that shows us God at work through human frailty.
- Tradition!? - How important are traditions to you? Do they ever become more important than the gospel and actually keep you away from God? Learn how Jesus deals with the topic.
Pharisee, Jesus, tradition, Law, legalism
- Watching the Gloved Hand - Though you can't see God at work, He is often there behind the scenes, working for your good. See this at work in the lives of the Jews as recorded in Esther.
- Trust - There are three vitally important questions each person must ask in their life - and three different approaches to answering. How you answer will determine your eternal destiny. Jesus gives us the right way to respond in this chapter.
- Courage and Discernment - What are the two qualities shown by Mordecai and Esther that we can emulate as we face an enemy much more powerful than Haman in life here in this war zone?
- Glimpsing Heaven Through the Lens of the Cross - There are tremendous parallels between Mt. Sinai and the Mount of Transfiguration. Learn how Jesus revealed His true identity and how it relates to us who live down in the valleys of life.
- Ezra On the Scene - Ezra returns to Jerusalem to oversee the teaching of the Law to God's people.
- Pride - What trips us up more than anything else? The answer might surprise you but it doesn't surprise God. In Matthew 18 we learn about how overcoming that one thing helps us enter His kingdom and encourage others to do so too!
- Setting Things Right Again - The final chapters of Ezra give us a real blueprint for how to respond to sin in our lives. As long as we overlay the cross, we would do well to heed Ezra's attitude and actions.
- Resolving Conflict God's Way - If you think you knew what Matthew 18 was about - you might want to check out exactly what Jesus said, and how he framed resolving interpersonal conflict with the context of God's forgiveness of an unpayable debt.
- Introduction to Nehemiah - We begin a verse by verse study of the book of Nehemiah with an introduction with Alan Gray.
- God's Old Math - There is one prophecy in the Bible that above all others can pinpoint with certainty whether or not Jesus is or is not the promised Messiah. All you need is some math.
- Motivation for Movement - What moves you? Is it possible that what you are passionate about might be God trying to move His will forward? Nehemiah experienced great sadness, but turned that into prayer and action that saw God's timetable for salvation moved forward.
- Why The Cross? - Of all the means available to execute Jesus, why did the Father pick a wooden cross? The answer will both surprise and free you.
- Plan Well - Pray Well - Nehemiah had it on his heart to rebuild Jerusalem. How he approached the king and started his task can help us as we seek to serve the Lord
- Divorce - Divorce is one of the most controversial topics of debate among Christians. Much of what Christians think of divorce comes from Matthew 19. But what if Jesus was talking about something far more important than just divorce? Your understanding of divorce will change.
- When the Enemy Attacks - Nehemiah faced stiff opposition when he and the people tried to rebuild the wall. By working together and not giving into discouragement, God's work got done - and it can in your life too!
- The Secret to a Good Life - All of us want to feel good about our lives. The society around us and even our innate senses dictate certain things that should lead to a good life. Today we meet a man who had all those things, yet felt he was missing something. That something is the key that Jesus reveals to him and us.
- Getting Dirty While Staying Clean - Nehemiah demonstrated incredible leadership skills while rebuilding Jerusalem. He kept morally pure while also making sure to help with the work.
- What Do You Want From Me? - Jesus asks a question twice in Matthew 20. How he asks it and to whom is very instructive and tells us a lot about the character of the king and those in his kingdom. It might just change your life.
- Fighting Against Opposition - Nehemiah faced a determined enemy who sought to stop God's work at any cost. It teaches us to be wise about the devices of the enemy of our souls.
- An Army of One - Jesus enters Jerusalem. Though He comes in peace, riding on a donkey, He is still an invading army, an army of One, coming to take back His palace and throne from miserable tenants who have stopped people from having a relationship with Him. He is also an army of one in our lives as well.
- How Do You Approach God's Word? - People have varying opinions about the Bible. Some think it is a bunch of myths or stories put together by people who wanted to control others. Some think it is partially true, partially not. Others consider it to be the written speech of God. Consider your approach as we study how Israel received God's Word after rebuilding Jerusalem
- Hostile Takover - Jesus puts the religious leaders on notice - He's taking back His kingdom. We also deal with one of the most misunderstood sections of the gospel: the Fig Tree.
- The Feasts of Israel - We take a closer look at Nehemiah 8 and see the marvelous way God provided the feasts as a prophetic picture of the Messiah and His kingdom.
- Jesus vs. the Tag Team - The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians try their best to trip up Jesus by asking tough questions. But Jesus' answers and his subsequent questions, He not only silences his opponents but raises vital issues for us to consider.
- Revival - We think revival is just hearing a motivational speaker at a special meeting. But revival starts much deeper and encompasses much more than that.
- Nehemiah Continued - Our continuing study through the book of Nehemiah
- Nehemiah Continued - Our continuing study through Nehemiah
- Jesus to Pharisees: You're Fired! - The religious leadership of Israel was supposed to lead people into relationship with Yahweh and pave the way for the Messiah. Instead they became self-serving and self-preserving, much in the way our flesh operates.
- Nehemiah Concluded - We reach the end of our study through Nehemiah, which includes an overview of the book.
- The Imprint of the Sin Nature - The Imprint of the Sin Nature - Matthew 23:13-39
We are more like the Pharisees than we'd like to admit. As Jesus brings to light their true selves, it reveals an instinct towards self-justification. He also reveals the way to healing.
- Adoption - Learn the real meaning of the word as it relates to our relationship with God.
- End Times Revisited - What was Jesus' purpose in bringing the prophecies in this chapter, to make us all end times scholars, focused on every little nuance that means the end is near? Perhaps Jesus has a larger purpose in mind.
- Job's Beginning - We begin our study through the book of Job with elder Alan Gray.
- Decisions - Consequences - As Jesus explains His return to His disciples, Jesus lays out the opportunities presented to us all, and the results of our decisions to those opportunities. In the end it all lies in relationships.
- The Difference Between Accuracy and Truth - Job's friends begin to respond to their friend's condition. What they say is accurately recorded, but is it true?
- Job Responds - After his well meaning friends give their two cents, Job gives them the depths of his depression.
- What's Your Mission? - Jesus goes from giving a broad view of history leading up to His return back to today's battle plan. We need to make sure we have in mind God's big plan, but implement His daily mission for us.
- Job - A Man of Feeling and Despair - Job shares his honest feelings with God and his desire to die. We contrast that with Paul, who went through agonies of his own, yet had hope. What is the difference?
- How to go through Suffering and Betrayal - Jesus experiences betrayal by a friend and must face disciples who cannot watch with Him in His deepest need. How he acts helps us to understand what Jesus was really about and how we can experience suffering in God's redemptive plan.
- The Argument Continues - Job's friends think they have knowledge of God wired. But even in his pain, Job fires back with some pretty accurate sarcasm.
- The Arrest and Trial of Jesus Christ - Why did God allow Jesus to go through a human trial - a trial that was illegal in fact? He had a very good reason as He controlled every facet, even using evil intent of men. And it was all for you!
- Job Hopes in God - Job responds to his 'friends' incorrect theology and still hopes in God despite his dire circumstances.
- When We Fail God - Both Peter and Judas failed God. They were alike in that way, but different in another that is the key to everything. What is that difference and what does it mean when you fail the Lord?
- Job Responds - Again - Job grows tired of the bad advice given to him by his 'friends'.
- The Pitable Pilate - Was Pilate someone to feel pity for? Who was really at fault for Jesus' crucifixion? And how does this portion of Matthew speak to the opinions of everyone about the truth of Jesus?
- Pulled Up By The Roots - Job continues to lament his plight, even thinking that God is his enemy. But what he doesn't yet know is that God is totally on His side, as He is on ours through Jesus Christ.
- Lessons from Job - Learn some serious life lessons about how a man beaten down can still look up with hope.
- Trying to Understand God - Job expresses confusion about the person of God in light of his calamities.
- The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ - The crucifixion of Jesus was among the darkest days ever on planet earth - spiritually as well as physically. What were the four miracles that occurred as Jesus gave up His life and how do they answer life's most crucial question?
- Job Wants An Audience - Job decides that his best shot is to come before God to hear His voice.
- Containing the Resurrection - The enemies of Jesus did their best to contain the possibility of His resurrection. Even today many try to contain the gospel, yet it is impossible as no power on earth can stop Him.
- Creation Support - These chapters of Job provide some great Scriptural evidence of the creation by showing an accurate view of the planet and its systems.
- Lesson 1: You and your church belong to God - Often times we think of our society today as so different from Bible times. But it may surprise you that the things facing the Corinthians are much the same as today, and so is God's grace!
- Job Finishes - Job finishes his defense.
- Lesson 2: Don't Worship Your Pastor - You might never think of yourself as worshiping your pastor. But that's just what has happening in Corinth and it happens in churches all over the world to this day. What are the dangers, how to spot it, and how to avoid it are the subject of part two in Lessons in How Not To Be A Christian.
- Elihu Confronts Job - Elihu thinks he has it all together when he confronts Job. He says that God repays a person for his deeds and that's why Job suffers. He's got it all wrong!
- Lesson 3: Don't Confuse the World's Values with God's - In today's politically correct world it seems more and more Christians are swallowing some pretty bad stuff in order to 'get along.' The culture pushes back to get us to conform to the values of our culture. Paul comes against that and says you should think twice and give room for God's wisdom.
- Elihu's Last Stand - Elihu is the last to speak before the powerful words of a rebuking God answer all the human wisdom passed off as truth arrives.
- Lesson 4: Don't Trust Your Mind - Trust the Lord's - The mind is one of the most amazing and most dangerous things we possess. It is incredibly creative, self-justifying and horribly deceiving and sick. So Paul tells us when it comes understanding God, using our minds only will never get us there.
- Part 1: How to Understand the Bible - There are some important keys we can use to understand the Bible--how to read it, and how to study it. Why do we teach verse by verse? Why do we teach the entire Bible?
- Lesson 5: Don't Remain a Baby - One of the most dangerous places to find yourself as a Christian is thinking you are more mature than you really are. This was one of the main reasons the Corinthian church had so many problems and may be a reason you are not moving forward in your walk. Learn how to spot babyness in you and how to grow up!
- Communicating the Word of God, Part 2 - Why is the Bible so wonderful, and what is it good for in our lives? We also talk about how to put together teachings, what are the most important factors.
- Lesson 6: Get Over Yourself and Get On with the Work - One of the greatest blessings is when God works through you. One of the greatest dangers is when God works through you. Learn how to avoid the penetrating gaze of the Lord and simply rejoice in His work through you.
- God Speaks - After all the hot air spoken by men, God finally enters into the debate and brings His knowledge!
- Lesson 7: Look out for the Culture of Celebrity - Is there such a thing as the celebrity pastor? Is that a good or bad thing? How should I look at a church to make sure I will be fed as a believer?
- God Continues - The Lord continues to bring Job and his friends to task.
- Lesson 8: Watch Out for Pride - Pride is a sneaky thing. It's the default program for humans and is at the root of the problem in Corinth, and often at the root of our problems as Christians.
- God Questions - The Lord turns the questioning to Job.
- Lesson 9: Handling Sin in the Church - Handling sin in the church has become very difficult from both angles - in our PC world much bad behavior is actually celebrated, but Christians are also wounding each other over weakness instead of supporting and helping. We'll try to walk the fine line between both extremes as we study 1 Corinthians 5
- Lesson 10: Don't use the world to solve problems - What happens when Christians disagree? If it is reasoning from the Scriptures about the Word, that's one thing. But when believers quarrel often it can be a sign of immaturity. When they try to resolve those disputes in front of the world, the gospel is threatened.
- The End of Job - Job concludes with God more than giving back to Job all that he had taken away.
- Lesson 11: Be Wary of Addictions - Is there something in your life that if it was taken away your life could not go on? Is there something you just can't stop doing? You may be addicted. In fact, even many Christians are addicted to something they are not even aware of - the flesh. How to combat it and get free is our subject.
- Lesson 12: Don't Panic Part 1 - Marriage and Divorce - There are many misunderstandings about Paul's words on marriage and divorce. Looking at them in the context of the situation they were written in, and context of our purpose as redeemed humans offers us some real wisdom.
- What Should You Change? - When we experience new life in Jesus Christ we might think a change in our external appearance, position, or circumstances will make us more useful to the Master. But you might just miss out on one of the greatest opportunities available to you.
- Birth of a Lamb - As you think about the birth of Jesus Christ, what do you suppose those who actually witnessed it were thinking? Pastor Tom shares a story he wrote that comes from the viewpoint of two shepherds: Lemuel in the fields around Bethlehem, and Joseph, who would raise a boy to become a Savior.
- Your Freedom vs. The Gospel - What's permissible for me to do once I believe in Jesus Christ? The answer to that question is actually tied up in how Jesus wants to use you in spreading the gospel. Learn in this lesson how to put His love above your freedom.
- 2009
- Knowing Your Place - Paul the Apostle knew who he was (and was not) and his job in the kingdom. It's his passion for his job that led him to write to a group of people he'd never met, in order to introduce himself and the theology of grace to them. It encourages us to know our place in that kingdom as well.
- The Lengths God Goes To - Ahab was not serving God. He was only going along to get what he wanted. Yet God performed miracles for him, to show his need of a relationship.
- The Power and the Shame - Paul lays out the entire book of Romans in just two verses and gives his reason for excitement about the gospel, an attitude that can infect us as well.
- When The Flesh Wants Its Way - Ahab ended up doing some extreme things to get something his flesh wanted. Learn what happens to us when we let the flesh get its way in our lives
- Man is Basically Good - Thought that might get your attention. The debate about the goodness of man rages, as does the arguments for the existence of God. Paul takes on both in this very hard hitting section.
- Good King - Bad King - What happens when a good king listens too much to a bad one? He almost gets killed. But that's not as bad as Ahab, who tries to manipulate the truth of God.
- Judgment - Many people have a hard time understanding or accepting the idea of God as a judge. We learn about judgment and the nature of God in this section. The news actually is good!
- Manipulate God or Be Maniupulated By God - Do you try to get your own way with God, or let God have His way with you? We compare the lives of Ahaziah, a man of man, with Elijah, a man of God
- Justification - How do you know if your good is good enough? What do you compare your goodness with to know? Get answers to these questions as Paul bursts some 'human' bubbles.
- Faithful and Faithless - When trouble hits, how do you react? Do you blame God, wonder why He doesn't answer the way you want, or expect? Learn the contrast between those who humbly put their weight down on God, or just want their way.
- Humanity's Greatest Folly - God's Great Gift - Do you know what are human's three great faults? It leads us to know why we can never reach God ourselves. But we also see in chapter three how God does what we cannot.
- Coming to God - Walking From God - This chapter gives us a clear picture of a pagan hearing of God's love and giving his all to get to it, and a man who is close to God who decides to walk away.
- The Audacity of Simple Faith - Abraham didn't have much to go on - God's promise. But what Abraham did, when he did it, and through what agency speaks volumes to the Jew and Gentile alike how to have trust in a God you cannot see.
- Missed Perceptions - In these chapters we see God care for those who are doing his work, providing and protecting in ways that go beyond our normal ways of seeing and perceiving. He also shows how that if you don't trust God, you can't trust your senses either.
- The War Is Over! - You may not have even known you were God's enemy. You started the war, but you couldn't end it, only God could. And how He did it and what He did for you will blow you away!
- God's Hit Man - Jehu did some heavy lifting for God. Sometimes we are called to do some difficult things, but that's all part of being a servant.
- A New Race - All that Adam did by his willful disobedience to God's command - infecting the human race with sin and the resulting death - Jesus undid by one sacrifice. Learn about the new race He created and how you can be a part of it.
- Serving God - Serving Myself - We see two men: Jehu and Jehoiada. Both do God's will in bringing down an evil reign and the worship of Baal. One does it by his own means to his own ends. The other does it for God's ends with God's methods. Which are you?
- Addicted to God - So what's your addiction? We all have one or another. As a pre-Christian you might have several in fact. How's that working out for you? I know it sounds funny, but trusting in Jesus actually leads to addiction-but a really really good one!
- What Kind of Faith Lasts? - What kind of faith do you have in God? We meet two kings who suffered from kinds of faith that don't turn into long lasting relationships. See the consequences for ignoring that vital part of a believer's life.
- The Battle of the Flesh - One of the most underrated struggles we have as Christians is that between the Spirit of God in us and the flesh trying to pull us back into ways that are not like God. If you experience that dissonance between what you want to be like and what you are like, you need to hear what Paul has to say.
- Pride Goeth Before ... - Personal and Spiritual pride can be the death of a person who wants to serve God. We look at two kings who started well, but trusting themselves instead of God got in the way.
- Abba - Do you discouraged and even condemned by your failure to live up to God's standards? Then you need to hear the encouraging words from Paul about your real position, your real relationship, your real destiny, and your real ability to not only overcome evil in your life, but thrive!
- The Prodigal Son - Another look at this classic story
- Change Management - Many of us have a hard time managing change. But God is the change management expert of all time. He uses a special secret to help bring about change that is just awesome and answers some basic problems we have with living life here.
- Fear of Failure - Ever feel discouraged that life is too much? Fear of failure is common, but God has a secret weapon to deploy on your behalf!
- What You Think is Good May Not Be - Ahaz thought he had things so in control that his big bully buddy Assyria would handle everything. In fact is enslaved him and ruined his nation. But in the darkest of days and to the most unlikely of people, God brought some of His brightest promises.
- We Are Not A Christian Nation - Should the church dissolve since our president has declared that we are not a Christian nation? The numbers of people claiming to be Christians has dropped dramatically. The question is, is the cross still relevant in this post-Christian world?
- Entitlement Mentality - Humans by nature feel a sense of entitlement, that by our very existence we are owed something - and that includes by God. Romans 9 is controversial in that it totally blows the entitlement mentality out of the water, but also surprising when we learn of how loving God really is.
- God Forces no one to Love Him - God desires for all to repent and be saved, and he sends us His word to show us the right way. We as humans seem to still want to run as far away as we can get. Israel found out that there is a point of no return.
- Fighting Battles God's Way - On Your Knees - Hezekiah is such a wonderful example of a man who put a relationship with God above his fears, yet was honest with God, and sought the right answer to prayer.
- The Word Speaks Louder Than Actions - Has God really rejected Israel forever? It's a touchy subject, but one Paul deals with strongly in these chapters. If God has not cast them away forever, then how do they, and us, reach God? By the Word.
- Humility and Humanity - Hezekiah was a great king, but he had a pride problem. See how God dealt with him, allowing him to suffer the consequences, but in it teaching him to be even more powerful - in God.
- The Living Sacrifice - Are you being impressed upon by the outside, or motivated by an inward change in character? That's at the heart of these first very important verses of Romans 12.
- The Evil Good King - Manasseh was the worst king Judah ever had. But before you write him off, read The Rest of the Story. Much the same as God never gives up on the worst of people.
- Finding Your Place - How do you get a sense of well being, identity and purpose? Is it by how you feel inside and how you compare to others outside? Paul gives us some wonderful advice on how to deal with this as a member of the body of Christ.
- Passover - Exodus 12-Passover
- The Bible - How well do you know your bible and how much time do you spend with it? '7 days with out Gods Word makes one weak'
- Wednesday - Wednesday Bible study
- Show or Show off? - Many times when we think of God using us and us using spiritual gifts we think of some pretty impressive stuff - miracles, prophecy, healings and the like. But Paul gives us some great instruction about the color of the ways God uses us.
- Josiah: Hearing the Word of God - There is one thread that weaves throughout Josiah's life - a dedication to hearing, understanding, and apply the Word of God to his life and the life of his nation. We have many things to learn from this very godly man.
- Living Life Upside Down - One of the hardest things we as Christians have to deal with is people who don't like us and who do bad things to us. We think we know how to react but Paul turns life upside down as he gives us the real way to overcome our enemies.
- The Beginning of Discipline and Restoration - As God stored up discipline for Judah, so too he stored up mercy and restoration - as God's people listened to and acted on His word.
- Observations of Praise - Three different Observations of Praise; 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 The story of Jehoshaphat and winning a battle through Praising God, Psalms 91:1-16 Praising the Lord and getting direction from Him, Acts 16:23-34 Paul and Silas in prison, worship and singing, earthquake opened the prison doors and released the chains, The Prison Guard was converted along with his family.
- The Focus on God's Promise - Ezra wrote Chronicles with some very important things in mind - laying out a case like a good lawyer, as God fulfills a promise He made back in Genesis 3:15. Learn the difference between this account, and the books of the kings of Israel.
- Love Your Government Neighbor - As Christians many believe government is an evil that should be avoided or opposed. Paul encourages us to be a redemptive force for the gospel by actually getting along with governmental authorities.
- Restoring Worship - David begins to restore proper worship of Yahweh, but first he must get angry and very afraid. Then he does two things that are a key to a healthy Christian walk.
- Loving Your Rights or Your Right to Love - What distractions keep you from being an effective witness for Jesus Christ? One of the chief distractions is focusing on the minor differences between us, instead of building each other up in love. Paul takes this topic head-on in Romans 14.
- God Comes Through - Are you feeling weak, discouraged, or down - like nothing is going your way? Then be encouraged and built up by seeing how God comes through for David and Israel. And learn valuable lessons about the proper attitude toward God and his abundant promises!
- Loving Your Rights or Your Right to Love Part 2 - We continue to look at how the Lord desires us to live in the war zone of this age - compliant with government as long as it doesn't force us to violate God's Word and loving to others who are not as far along as we in their walk with God.
- No Shortcuts - Though some of David's biggest sins are left out of 1 Chronicles, God brings David and Israel to task, but out of a terrible situation, God works a wonderful blessing for us all.
- Be Encouraged! - Paul's final theological words to the Romans hold a lot of weight. But in some ways Paul says to 'lighten up!' when it comes to dealing with people who are different than us in the body of Christ.
- A Heart of Giving - As 1 Chronicles draws to a close, we get a final glimpse at the man after God's own heart. We see his devotion to worshiping God, his humbleness at being able to give, and his leadership in supplying everything to do God's work. The lessons for our lives are as abundant as his gifts!
- Making Connections - For some, Paul's greetings at the end of Romans might seem boring and not relevant. To the contrary, Paul's connections with other believers offers us a rich tapestry of life and service in the 1st century church.
- Distinctive Direction - Jesus, in his first words at length in Matthew's gospel, tells us how we can make a difference in the world around us, and how impossible it is to please God on our own.
- Wednesday - Wednesday evening bible study
- Jesus-The Son of David - If you look at it one way, Jesus came from a very dysfunctional family and a dysfunctional family line. If God has set about to save the world, shouldn't He have made things a little better along the way? Actually, it's really a cool part of God's salvation plan.
- Re-learning Relationships - If you think you do pretty well with relationships, you might want to take a listen at Jesus' words in this portion of the Sermon on the Mount. We think it is about lust and divorce and promises - but it's really about making, keeping, and fixing broken relationships.
- It's All About The Task - Solomon is given a pretty big charge by his father David. He clearly doesn't feel up to it. Another man comes from a disadvantaged background and is given a huge job. In both cases God took weakness and made it strength. He can do it for you too.
- Freedom in Christ - Guest Speaker: Pastor Warren Wurzburger 'From Wide Awake Ministries'
- Joseph's Difficult Road - Many times we think of Mary's role in the birth of Jesus, but Matthew records the difficult road Joseph had to travel in protecting this little life that the enemy wanted to snuff out.
- Watching the Signs - How do you know God is about to do a work in your life? Watch the signs and what to look out for as Israel prepares for its Messiah.
- (Re)writing Your Destiny - Rehoboam had plenty of opportunities to listen to godly counsel, listen to the word of God, and listen to God's discipline. When faced with a choice, who influences you?
- How to Be Invisible - There is a way to do wonderful things for God and fade into the background. Our human nature wants to get the credit and be the focus. Our godly nature tells us otherwise. Learn how to be an active part of God's plan by disappearing.
- The Temple - God's Plan of Salvation - In the temple we have a wonderful picture of how Jesus Christ won our salvation, from being washed for service as a priest to coming back out from the Holy of Holies to bring about our renewed fellowship with God.
- Handling Temptation - One of the most difficult things for a Christian is to resist temptation. Satan brings temptations to us and tries to make it easy and logical for us to fulfill legitimate needs. Jesus shows us just how crafty he is, and how to resist.
- Being Human - Yet Being Encouraged By God - Sometimes when we look around us all we see are our mistakes. But God encourages us to focus and rely on Him - then He wins victories for us!
- Distractions - Did you know that this age seeks to distract you from becoming like the Lord and serving in His story? Plenty and want are two sides of the same coin and they seek to keep us from freely loving and being used by God. Find out how to beat them at their own game!
- Celebrating God's Presence - Solomon dedicates the temple, which turns into a celebration of God's love and the acknowledgment that it is through repentance, forgiveness, and restoration that we have a relationship with God.
- Introducing- God - The Beatitudes (it means 'blessing') are probably the most famous words Jesus uttered. They are also among the most mis-understood. To understand the Beatitudes we need to know Jesus person and His mission.
- Victory In Times of Struggle - Just as the Israelis were in the midst of a deep struggle to rebuild the temple at the writing of 2 Chronicles, so too we benefit from the promise of God's victory.
- 2 Chronicles - Wednesday evening bible study
- It's Never Too Late to Make a Big Mistake - Jehoshaphat was a good king who dedicated his heart to serve Yahweh. But a couple of major mistakes led to near disaster. Learn how God was faithful to help, but also to teach and discipline.
- Presenting the Gospel With Discernment - This portion of Matthew is one of the most misquoted and misunderstood parts of the Bible. Jesus isn't talking about political correctness but about correctly presenting the story of sin and salvation.
- When Fear Strikes - Start Singing - Jehoshaphat may have thought he was done with problems after God disciplined him. But God was about to bring the big battle to him so he and his nation would fall on their knees then raise their voices. It is an awesome lesson for us when trouble strikes.
- Prayer - Pretty much everyone under the right circumstances prays. The key question is are you praying to the right person in a way that they will hear you and respond? Learn some important key ingredients to powerful prayer.
- Relentless Dysfunction - The enemy will try relentlessly to introduce or maintain dysfunction in your life, just as he tried to wipe out the line of the Messiah using the dysfunctions of Jezebel and Athaliah. But you can have victory.
- What is Your Path? - Who you listen to matters. It determines who you belong to - who owns you. We can choose the easy road or the hard one, depending on who we listen to. Does it really matter what road we take. Absolutely!
- Who & How You Follow - We're all followers, but how you follow is very important. Joash didn't follow Jehoiada in a way that made him a follower of Yahweh, instead of Jehoiada. It became crucial in his later life, and in ours.
- Be Clean! - You may feel like you don't deserve God's love. You may have walked away from Him or have areas of your life that you don't want Him to see. Today's study should be a huge encouragement to you to seek out the One who is willing to touch you just the way you are and cleanse you!
- Rip Tide - What happens when we start out trusting God, but not with our whole heart? What happens when we begin to think that the marvelous help we get from God is coming from ourselves? And what happens when we push against the tide and set roots deep into the Lord to hold us steady?
- Who's in Control - We as humans have a hard time giving up control of anything, but in order to find the abundant life Jesus offers, we must cede authority of our lives to Him, even if that means going into choppy waters.
- Run Away or Return - We meet two kings of Judah. One, Ahaz, seems determined to get as far away from God as possible. God tries and tries to bring him back but he will not come. His son, Hezekiah, starts from day one to return he and his nation to the Lord. It is a great picture of how close God really is when we repent.
- Are You Sick? - Jesus tweaks the argument of who is in control just a little bit to introduce the real sickness in mankind - sin. He is in control of that too. Are you willing to give Him control over your total cleansing from evil?
- Bridging The Gap - First Hezekiah restores Judah's relationship with God, now he sets about trying to restore Israel's relationship with God by inviting his brothers to the north to Passover. It's a great example and teaches us lessons about how to bridge the gap that exists between us.
- Harassed and Helpless - How many times do we go through our lives thinking we have it all together, only to encounter a crisis that blows us away? Life is a lot more tenuous that we like to think. But into that crisis comes One who says 'do not fear, only believe.' Are you willing?
- How to Study the Bible-Part 1 - Part 1
- Special-Randall Nye the Science Bible Guy - an interesting look and science and the Bible
- Real Life Evangelism Part 2 - Ever think that you could never be a missionary? Think again. Just as Jesus sent out His 12, He sends you out as an undercover operative in hostile territory to spread His love. Find out how and how to be prepared for your mission!
- Real Life Evangelism Part 1 - Want to be a part of bringing God's love to the world but think you have to be a missionary to the jungles of Africa to do it? Think again. Share the gospel without speaking a word.
- How to Study the Bible-Part 2 - Part 2 of this series
- Serving God & Suffering - It's a common mistake to think that when we get closer to God things will go easy for us. It's often the opposite. Hezekiah did a lot of good things, but God wanted more trust, and so he put him in a box. Learn about how that can lead us to more faith and more strength in the Lord.
- What Do You Expect From Jesus? - Have you ever stopped to consider what you expect from Him? A helper, a rescuer from your troubles, a self-help guru, someone that thinks like you? In this chapter Jesus punctures the expectations of others and ask that you really listen to Him.
- Three Kings - Three Faiths (or not) - In Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah we see represented the three ways humanity responds to the Word of God. Which group do you fall into. Also learn about perseverance for those who steadfastly refuse to repent.
- Sabbath - A lot of people have had questions about the purpose of the Sabbath. Jesus takes it head on and reveals a lot about how we should live our lives.
- They Never Saw It Coming - God sent Someone on a secret mission. The operative's arrival had to be kept a secret from at least three groups of people or all of humanity could be in jeopardy. Yet the secret was let out to a select few. Who were they and why they were told of the mission can help us understand and appreciate Christmas all the more.
- Why Should we celebrate Christ's Birth? - In our society you can't even utter the word 'Christmas' in many circles. Why not just do away with it?
- The Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit - Ever wonder what that really is - and worried you might have done it? Let's spread some truth into this very misunderstood idea from Matthew 12:22-32
- 2008
- Jesus The Bread of Life part 2 - If there is any source of real lasting life anywhere other than in Jesus the Bread of Life then you should take it. But is there?
- Jonathan - The Great Example - Jonathan is one of the unsung heros of the Bible. The way he lived his life is a great example to us in living a visible Christian life and trusting God more than ourselves.
- Removing the Filters - Often times where someone comes from or how they sound alters how we hear them. This was the case for those hearing Jesus. But if you really listen to his words they do deeper than you can image.
- Saul - The Great Pretender - Saul was having a very bad day that he just couldn't get ahead of. But his very bad day started with a very lacking relationship with Yahweh and a belief in self above God. Thing is, many of us face the same challenges as this doomed king of Israel.
- Revelation - Just how much does Jesus know about you and what does he do with that information? A woman and some Pharisees find out but his response is very different between those who need forgiveness and those who want it.
- David - The Making of a Servant Leader - David was a nothing that God made into the forerunner of Christ. Learn how anyone who is humble and available can be used if he has a relationship with God
- Fighting the enemy God's Way - The enemy taunts us to fight on his turf with his weapons. God motivates us to fight for his glory with his weapons. Learn how David's example of fighting Goliath can help us face the enemy in our lives.
- Lost in Translation - How well do you know Jesus, really? Jesus probes some Jews who say they believe but don't. Jesus says the truth will set us free, but sometimes we are speaking a different language and so can't understand what he is saying at first.
- Now I can see - A blind man who gets sight and insight, and religious leaders who think they understand but are blind! Learn how to cope with the Lord waiting to answer prayers.
- The Path of Jealousy - Jealousy is a very potent emotion and we see Saul fall full force into its clutches. It can also affect us as well. We also learn of the loving servanthood that Jonathan shows.
- The Voice of the Shepherd - Sheep hear the particular voice of their shepherd. They respond to it and follow him. Jesus is calling. Are you listening?
- Facing Peril - David faces a dangerous situation but does so by having faith in God, though he was being treated very unfairly. This speaks a lot to us as we face difficulties that are not our fault.
- Jesus wept. - Jesus feels our trials a lot more than we give him credit for. We beg God to answer and when it doesn't happen we think we did something wrong or God doesn't care. Jesus here reveals a greater purpose for our difficulties.
- Learning Trust - Both Jonathan and David learn who you can trust and who you can't. This is important for David's training as Israel's next king and important for Christians to learn as well.
- Paul's Summary of the Gospel - What do you live for and who are you
- Stripping It All Away - God takes David's training up a notch, removing all support so he can learn God is his support.
- Preparing Jesus, Preparing for Jesus - This chapter provides some real contrasts between real and trumped up worship, real belief and real betrayal. It is all a part of preparing Jesus for the cross and preparing us to receive him.
- On the Job Training - God trains David to be a godly leader through times of running for his life. He learns selfless love and qualities of a king after God's heart.
- Love & Betrayal - Are you ashamed to be served by Jesus? Be careful how you answer. As Jesus demonstrates what real love is, he also recoils at real betrayal.
- Motive, Means, and Opportunity - David was presented with a problem: He was to become king and now had the opportunity to make it happen by killing Saul. What he learns gives us some valuable information about timing and agency of God's plan in our life.
- Home - Jesus' disciples are more than a little anxious about his declaration that he was going and somewhere they couldn't follow yet. He reveals a wonderful promise of hope to all of us who feel this place is not our home either.
- Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands - David is faced with a great insult. He reacts in anger, but as he learns from a beautiful and wise woman - reacting in anger is not always God's way.
- It's a Good Day to Die - This Easter we look at the resurrection through the eyes of the two men who died on crosses next to Jesus. We learn how a simple difference in attitude can make a huge difference in eternity. This study is also encouraging if you are facing difficulties in your life.
- The Real Holy Spirit - Many of your ideas about the Holy Spirit are wrong. What is the real role and purpose of Jesus representative on earth in your life?
- Final Exam - David has been going through a graduate course in spiritual leadership during his time of running from Saul. In this final exam David learns he has passed the course. But then God takes him on to a PhD!
- Pruning - Jesus uses the picture of a vineyard to teach us about how to have real life, good fruit and benefit from the Lord pruning our lives.
- Waking The Dead - Saul in his last desperate attempt to get help reaches out to the demonic world. But even there God finds him and judges him. Meanwhile David is in the midst of the enemy camp but is calm because he has a relationship with Yahweh.
- Becoming a Sprinkler - Jesus moves from talking about being in the vine to abiding in his love, words, and joy. Learn about what it means to have so much of Jesus in you that you just can't keep it in any more!
- Keeping Your Head - David is faced with danger, bitterness, danger, defeat, and despair. But instead of striking out or giving up he latches on the Lord. It is a lesson for us all in times of difficulty
- What's in Your Bag? - As followers of Jesus we all have difficulties that face us in life. In John 16 Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit comes to help us not only overcome but be at peace when life feels anything but peaceful. We just need to reach into the bag!
- The End of Saul - Saul ended his life as he lived it - with him and not God in control. What do we learn from Saul's life to help us make sure we remain close to the Lord?
- The Real Lord's Prayer - What is on Jesus' heart when he prays for himself, and for you? How could this change your prayers?
- Finding Your Way in Victory - We know what to do in times of trial - pray! But what do we do when things go our way? Do we seek the Lord or just think we know what to do? David was smarter than that and we can learn from his example.
- Handling Jesus - Six groups or individuals think they can handle Jesus. Their reactions are similar to ours when we encounter the truth of Jesus Christ. Which group are you in?
- Honor Amidst Evil - David shows once again how to mirror a godly character even while most of those around him are consumed with ambition and revenge. Sound like your workplace?
- What Was Jesus Thinking on the Cross? - Most of us know the crucifixion story and what it means. But have you ever considered what Jesus was thinking and feeling on the cross? It may surprise and comfort you.
- A Slow Fade In - The reality of the resurrection dawned slowly on those involved. Each was missing a crucial piece of the story. How does Jesus put the story of His new life together for you?
- Cementing a Kingdom - David finally takes over a united kingdom. Will he act like other men when they come into power? No. He is God's man and his example for us is wonderful.
- Restoration - Peter blew it, that's for certain. He denied the Lord three times. But in Chapter 21 we see the gentle way Jesus restores Peter to fellowship and purpose. He does the same for us.
- David the Serious Delirious Worshipper - What was David's passion? What drove him like nothing else? It was a passion for the presence of God. He shows the real David and is not at all concerned about what anyone but God thinks. Are we that way in our worship of God?
- Your Part in the Story - God begins the write an exciting story after Jesus returns to heaven. He does it not through kings and princes but through ordinary people called to extraordinary things through the power of the Holy Spirit. What's your part in the story God is writing?
- What Do You Desire to Do? - Most people, when they get really comfortable with their place and person begin to think of ways to keep that going. When David gets comfortable he thinks of ways to bless and honor God. We see what wonderful things happen with that kind of attitude in a believer's life.
- Meet the Real Holy Spirit - Perhaps you think you understand the Holy Spirit. Maybe you think you've seen His work on Christian TV. To fully understand the Spirit's role in the church and in your life you need to listen to this message.
- Justice and Mercy - David shows both the qualities of God in being a just king but also reaching out in mercy to someone who didn't deserve it. Learn just how precious we are in God's sight as He chooses to bless us!
- The Path to Temptation - David faces personal failure after great success as king of Israel. His path to temptation is a familiar one to us all. Learn the steps David could have taken to keep from falling.
- Is the Church Dead? - Some today proclaim that the church is an archaic thing of the past and that the church Jesus envisioned isn't anything like church as we know it today. So let's go back and examine what church is really supposed to be. And it's all summed up on one word.
- Josh and Audra Cadd - Josh and Audra give an update of their activities in Kenya and the Sudan
- The Road to Redemption - God knows just how to reach the heart of someone who has been blinded by sin. And He knows just how to restore you if you have blown it. Learn how he dealt with David and broke him in order to build him.
- Miracles - What are miracles and what purpose do they serve in our lives and in the kingdom of God?
- Uncontrolled Lust - Two of David's sons mirror their father's behavior in sexual lust and lust for power. They are sad chapters in David's life, but chapters we can learn from when facing the enemy's grand scheme.
- Opposition - Siding with Jesus means siding against the enemy. He will do anything to keep you from sharing the new life you have. How do you deal with it? Learn from Peter and John's experience.
- The Better Part of Valor - When faced with one of his greatest crises, David responds by not striking out or feeling sorry for himself. When Absalom takes over David lets God take over. His behavior is a lesson for us when times go really bad.
- The Attack on Integrity - The enemy tries various means to make us ineffective for the Lord. The attacks come from within, trying to rot away our integrity and from without as the enemy tries to cow us. See how the early church handled these attacks.
- A Servant's Heart - The greatest man or woman of God can perform the most menial tasks willingly. Plus, the most lowly of jobs can actually be the most mighty works for God if you combine two things: wisdom and God's Spirit. Learn how it worked in the life of Stephen.
- What to do when you are stuck - David had done all he could. Now he had to leave his fate up to those he had encountered in his life and to the Lord. What do you do when you can't do anything more? Find out what God did for David.
- The Amazing Incredible Flexible Philip - Does life happen to you or do you happen to life? See how Philip adjusted to changing life circumstances and how learning from him can help us cope too.
- The Gospel's Greatest Enemy - Saul was the biggest enemy yet faced by the church. A servant of Satan he tried everything to stamp out The Way. How he turned to Jesus may be the key to your life.
- The Broken Heart of a Father - David knows he must remain king but does not want his son Absalom harmed. How often do we as parents not want our kids to suffer for their decisions. But the Lord teaches us some tough life lessons for our kids' ultimate good.
- An End to a Means - We see three distinct leadership styles in Absalom, Joab, and David. How do they compare with God's leadership style?
- Seeker or Saver? - Are you a person who resists change or seeks it? Peter and Cornelius were two such people. Learn how God intervened to bring truth and life to each.
- God's Faithfulness to the Undeserving - David had to deal with a promise made to a people who were evil. It reveals the power of God's love to those who shouldn't receive it. David also writes an incredible song about God's faithfulness.
- Freedom to Serve - Peter gets throne into prison but God gets him out. It's in part thanks to earnest prayers of the saints. Just how does prayer work into the will of God in our lives?
- Summing It All Up - David nears the end of his life. He shares the distilled wisdom from a life lived in service to the Lord. Also learn a lot about how to serve the Lord by looking at who served David.
- Starting Off Well - The Lord slowly moved Saul from enemy of the gospel to Paul, a full-fledged missionary with a message to the Gentiles. How does God move us out into ministry for Him? Learn some lessons from Paul and Barnabas.
- Mistakes of man and the Mercy of God - David makes a terrible mistake, but God uses it to discipline his children who must suffer the consequences of sin, but also experience the mercy of God who overcomes sin and death and our biggest mistakes.
- Keep Driving Until You Can't - When faced with adversity, our tendency is to panic, take our hands off the wheel, and just let it happen to us. We see in the example of Paul and Barnabas that God is in control no matter what happens and that as long as you can share the gospel you can move forward.
- David's Final Crisis - David appears weak physically, but thanks to some quick action by a godly man, he acts strong spiritually and wins the day. We can learn lessons about what to do when circumstances appear to go against the Lord
- Dealing With Disputes - Whether your dispute is with another believer or with a whole church, there are vital lessons to handling conflict contained in Acts 15. Learn how to find God's will, keep your integrity, and still be a family.
- What Were They Thinking? - Enemies of God try to overthrow his promises as soon as Solomon is king and David dies.
- Plan B - Do you ever get into a situation where you are trying to follow God's will but things just don't seem to work out? If so, you are in good company. Find out how the Lord used a pinball to guide Paul, and you!
- The Foundation of Character - We begin to learn not about Solomon's actions but about his character and his relationship to God. We also see the seeds of disobedience that will cause great problems for Solomon and the nation later on.
- How Do You Hear the Word? Part 1 - When God's Word is communicated, the state of your mind can greatly affect how your heart receives what God is saying. We have the first part in a discussion from Acts 17 on the ways the Bible is communicated and received.
- Building The Temple - Though God gave Solomon a huge task in building the temple, he focused on some important fundamentals that can guide us when God calls us into ministry of any size or kind.
- How Do You Receive the Word Part 2 - The philosophers of Paul's day are not really that much different from what we see in the world around us in a post-Christian society. How Paul addressed them can help us in dealing with people who collect thoughts like Matchbox cars.
- It's All About Jesus - Solomon builds and dedicates the temple. It represents God's presence on earth and the way for man to approach God, just as Jesus is God's presence on earth and the way to reestablish fellowship with the Father.
- Finding Friends in Low Places - Do you ever find yourself in a place where nothing is going right? The Apostle Paul came to Corinth in just such a state. Learn how God brought him help and fellowship just when he needed it.
- Warning Signs - Solomon had all the success life could offer, power, wealth, women - but God warned Solomon that he needed to walk with Him - advice Solomon didn't end up taking. How can that hurt us as Christians?
- Firing on All Cylinders - Finally after years of struggle, Paul sees victory after victory, even amidst tough opposition in Ephesus. It is an affirmation of his apostleship. What happens as God begins to work more through you than on you?
- Slow Motion Fall - Solomon had everything going for him, but he neglected to do some very crucial things and let himself be influenced by others. Learn how we as Christians can fall the same way and how to avoid it.
- Paul's Pep Talk - Sometimes in the face of difficulty we need some encouragement to stay the course. That's what Paul gives us as we prepares for a very difficult time in his life.
- The Bully and The Backslider - Rehoboam and Jeroboam are not exactly model kings - both do harm in different ways and we can learn a lot by contrast of how not to lead the people of God.
- Walking Headlong into Trouble - What do you do when you know trouble is coming? Do you run the other way as fast as you can? Paul didn't and his example helps us when we face difficulty or when those close to us face trials.
- Listening & Obeying - Jeroboam isn't interested in hearing God, so the Lord provides a prophet who loses his life to send a message.
- Different Method - Same Message - Paul shows himself a situational master at showing different sides of himself depending on who he was with. He also changed his argument depending on the audience. What was his guiding force and how can it help us share the gospel?
- Needs & Solutions - We all have needs, we all have influences. We all make choices based on our influences on how to fulfill those needs. We learn from four kings about what influences and solutions are good, and which are not.
- Facing the Court - The Apostle Paul has put himself in harms way and now stands before a Roman court. Thanks to the Lord working through other people, he is bold to share his faith - a boldness we can have too.
- From Bad to Worse to Elijah - Just when things get to being the darkest, when the kings are running away from God to Ba'al, in comes Elijah, a man who got scared and confused just like us, but who had to audacity to trust God.
- The Escape Button - We learn from the Apostle Paul that as we mature as a Christian it becomes less about us and what we get and more about the Lord and what we give for Him, including ourselves.
- Impotent Evil - Elijah goes up against hundreds of priests of Ba'al and shows by his perseverance in prayer and obedience to God how to overcome evil.
- How do you live - Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
- Paul's Testimony - An in-depth look at Paul's Testimony
- When Ministry Fails - When things didn't go like Elijah thought, he ran away from ministry. God came to him and gently corrected and restored the prophet. Learn how he works in our lives when we rely on the miracles instead of the miracle maker.
- Shipwreck - The Apostle Paul is thrown into (literally) a very tough spot while on his way to possible execution in Rome. Why does God allow turmoil upon turmoil in our lives and how can he use it for His (and our) good?
- Shake It Off - Paul safely escapes shipwreck only to have a snake come out of the fire and bite him. Instead of panicking or making a big show of how 'bullet proof' he was, the Apostle simply goes about the business of serving God. It's a great lesson for us when we face adversity.
- 2007
- The Crucifixion Revisited - Ever wonder what crucifixion was really like, and why God chose the cross for Christ's death? We explore some of the symbolism and history of the cross.
- A Gently Revealed Life - Jesus takes time to reveal the resurrection to His disciples, with an empty tomb, a Bible study, and a personal visit - just as He reveals His new life to those that seek Him.
- Joshua Introduction - Joshua is a book about being an everyday hero, about trusting God\'s might above our sight. In this introduction we learn how God prepared Joshua to face his battles, and how God prepares us to face ours.
- Kenya Report - Tom & Margaret Fuller detail their mission trip to Kenya.
- Preparing For Victory - God gives Joshua a promise, His presence, and a proclamation of victory over the enemy. God does the same for us as we prepare to lead the victorious Christian life.
- The Scarlet Cord - Rahab tied a scarlet cord from her window, part of a wonderful picture God paints of sin, salvation, and purification.
- Rahab and the Spies - Rahab lived in a doomed city, but she reached out in faith to the enemy, to become one of them, and find salvation.
- Stepping Out For God - Before God took the children of Israel into the Promised Land they needed to commit to Him, with no turning back. God, in turn, provided a way to do the impossible. When God calls us and we step out for Him, he comes through for us too.
- Principals for Following God - In the crossing of the Jordan God gives us nine principals for discovering the will of God in stepping out for Him to do His work.
- Why Defeat The Canaanites - God told Joshua to destroy the Canaanites. Why did they deserve to be destroyed and has God ever done this again? It's a controversial subject with an important spiritual point.
- Cutting Away the Flesh - Before Joshua can go into battle the Lord has to cut away the flesh, provide new life, new food, and show who the real boss is. Before we can have victory in Christ we must go through the same thing.
- Why God Weakens Us - God weakened the Israelites right before they went into battle through circumcision. God sometimes weakens us just when we think we need to be strong so that He can be strong through us
- And the Walls Came A Tumblin' Down - Learn about how the world poses a threat like Jericho to victory in our Christian life and how God brings those walls down.
- 12 Steps To Killing Worldly Attitudes - Using the battle with Jericho as an example, learn how God takes down worldly attitudes in our lives as Christians
- Getting Tripped Up By the Flesh - The three things that trip up Christians after major victories for the Lord are arrogance, independence, and giving into the flesh. Learn how we can actually become our own worst enemy and how to stop it!
- Fighting Temptation - Learn how we justify giving into temptation and how to fight sin and temptation in our lives.
- Your Mistakes, God's Victories - Do you ever feel like you are damaged goods and God can\'t use you because of your sin and weakness? That may actually be a sly plot of the devil, but God is great about turning your mistakes in His victory as He did for Joshua.
- Keeping Perspective - When things look like they are going your way, it is very good to stop and take perspective about who is really doing the work in you and who you serve and what God has done for you.
- The Sideways Attack - Satan won\'t play dead for long as we grow in our maturity for the Lord. Learn how Joshua and Israel was fooled by a sly enemy, and how not to be fooled by Satan.
- When Temptation Looks Like Opportunity - Sometimes the enemy comes to us and makes a choice seem like a good thing. We need to avoid the mistakes of Joshua and make sure that the opportunity isn't really a temptation.
- Re-Discovering the Resurrection - Emotions ran high for those who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. How those emotions changed and what changed them made the difference between faith and disbelief.
- The Lord Wins the Victory - It\'s so wonderful to see God use our mistakes to bring forth His victory in our lives, just as he did for Joshua and Israel.
- Elements of a Successful Campaign - As God used Israel to spare Gibeon and route the enemy, He teaches us 10 principals for fighting battles for the Lord on missions he calls us to.
- The Enemy's Hail Mary Play - When you are really maturing in your Christian walk the enemy still has tricks up his sleeve: overwhelming numbers and your greatest fear. Learn how God overcomes both.
- Facing Your Greatest Fears - The Israelites faced the giant Anakim at the end of the campaign against Canaan. They were Israel's greatest fear but God prepared them for victory just as He will do for us against our great fears.
- Fighting Remnants - The Children of Israel conquered Canaan but didn\'t conquer all the cities and some had to be overcome more than once. This happens in the life of a Christian wanting to lead a victorious life in Christ as well.
- The Secret to Contentment - Learn how what God gave to the Levites can be a spiritual principal to believers who struggle with contentment
- In It for the Long Haul - Caleb is a wonderful example of someone who starts strong and finishes strong for the Lord. Learn some principals to keep you vibrant in your walk with the Lord.
- The Elements of Courage - We learn from the courageous life of Caleb about how God works courage into our everyday lives.
- Eeyore or Winnie - which will you be? - Some of the tribes of Israel had a choice of how they conquered their land. It\'s a picture for us too as we seek to overcome the flesh and have victory over the enemy.
- The Last Mile - Joseph thought they needed an easy answer, but Joshua told them that they had what they needed to be victorious. There are lessons here for the maturing Christian and our walk with God.
- Make Room for Mercy - Make Room for God - As we head out full bore into a victorious life in Christ, sometimes we forget the qualities of mercy and ownership. God reminds us of who He is and who we belong to.
- Rest on Every Side - Do you ever find yourself holding your breath spiritually due to conflict and trial on all sides? Learn the blessing of God's promise of peace and rest.
- Paul & The Blues - Elder Ed Gierok shares about the Apostle Paul and the blues. How did Paul keep going in the face of difficulty?
- Graduation Day - There comes a time when you are ready to graduate, fly solo, go out and do a ministry apart from the nurturing Christian environment in which you grew. Joshua gives us some help on prospering and remaining faithful.
- Santification - Something between justification and glorification in the life of the Christian is the ongoing experience of sanctification.
- Faithful Followers - Today within the Church there is a debate of sorts. Believers are debating whether or not Christians should be motivated by the prospect - indeed the promise - of rewards to be given out at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
- Ignoring God's Best - Reuben, Gad, and 1/2 of Manasseh did a good job justifying their actions which took them away from God. When we do the same we do so to our own peril. Learn how it happens and how to get back!
- Reverse Osmosis - Joshua's final words to the nation of Israel is don't allow the world around them to infiltrate their lives but cling to the Lord. They are sound words for Christians today too.
- Principals for Victory from Joshua - We take a global look at the book of Joshua - what lessons we learned about having a victorious life in Christ. This is a good overview of the entire book.
- Winding Down - The Children of Israel begin the period of the Judges well, but begin to neglect their relationship with God and this led to defeat, much as the Christian who does not nurture that relationship will exist in the weakened flesh.
- Altars and Enemies - Two things dragged down Israel as they tried to live in the Promised Land, and the same two things can trip us up as we try to live life with Christ. Learn what they are and how to defeat them.
- The Way Down - In one of the saddest chapters of the Bible, Israel first neglects, then abandons their relationship with Yahweh. Through it all, though He remains faithful to them and stands ready to help when they cry out, just like with us.
- God's Left-Hand Man - Do you ever feel unqualified or disabled when it comes to serving God? Learn from how God used a left handed man and someone with just a stick to win victory. If God can use them He can use you!
- God's SWAT Team - Shamgar and Ehud both had handicaps but stepped up and served anyway. Learn how God can work with us no matter what holds us back through special weapons and tactics.
- The Work or the Worker - Which matters most to you - doing the job or getting the credit? That's what Barak faces in a battle against Israel's enemies. He makes the right choice - do we? Also - letting God do a complete work of healing in our lives.
- Getting the Call - Learn how God speaks to the Christian and how we can respond and be a part of the action by learning how He worked with Barak.
- Good News - Gods Calling, Do you know what God has called you to do? Here is how to discover it.
- Crucifying The Flesh - To help understand how we can destroy the flesh by the power of the Spirit we look at how our "old self" has been crucified with Christ.
- Gideon, The Reluctant Hero - Have you been afraid that your lack of skills, background, or ability to hear God disqualifies you for service? Learn how God worked with a timid man and turned him into a hero.
- The Folly of Fleeces - Gideon put a fleece before the Lord. Does that mean we as Christians should do the same thing? Learn about finding God's will in your life.
- The Creation of Humility - God strips away from Gideon everything he had confidence in so that Gideon will have confidence in God. Learn the basis of humility and how God works it in us.
- King Making - King Breaking - Gideon shunned position but kept power, his son Abimelech had position but not power as both were ruled by the flesh and from the flesh reaped corruption. Learn how we can fall prey to that as Christians and how to avoid it.
- The Problems with Position and Power - Gideon and his son both struggled with position and power. They can do real harm to the Christian unless done in the context of Jesus Christ. How to be transformed into one who acts like Jesus is the key.
- Sin and the Pitcher Plant - If you have ever found yourself enticed by sin once then unable to stop once you gave in, then listen to this message as God shows Israel what they need to do in order for God to rescue them.
- Repentance - What is the difference between true repentance and false? We learn from the example of Israel what it means to repent and how good it is for your life.
- Jephthah: The Rough and Tumble Guy - How does an outcast rebel outlaw end up in the hall of faith and did Jephthah really sacrifice his daughter?
- Samson Part 1 - Samson had everything going for him: supportive, godly parents, a good home environment, and blessing from God. So why did he decide to walk a path of selfishness and what does that say to us?
- The Nazirite Vow - Why did Samson have a lifelong Nazirite vow, who else had it and what is the significance to Jesus and the Christian today? A thought provoking study.
- On The Edges of Timnah - How close to the world can you get without getting into trouble? Samson finds out and the results are less than pleasant. Learn about how to keep your purpose pure as you live in the world as a Christian.
- Samson, Part 3 - What happened to Samson that brought him back to the Lord and what was his real source of strength. How does that relate to our own strengths in the hands of God?
- Return to your first love - Capitalize on the time you have: How do you spend your spare time. How does Christ fit into your life?
- The Flesh and Faith of Samson - Samson lived almost his whole life giving into the flesh. Yet the Spirit of God still worked through him and in the end rescued him from himself. If you struggle with fleshly desires you need to listen to this study.
- Losing Your Way - Like a hiker without a map, compass, or landmark - Israel has gone off the trail and into danger. How can that happen to us and how to get back on the trail to God?
- The Folly of Self Fulfillment - The people in these chapters had the wrong focus and missed true self fulfillment, which is found only in God. Learn how to avoid their pitfalls and live a tough life that is full of joy.
- Restoring the Broken - When you let the natural nature of the human heart take over you don't go from bad to good you go from bad to worse. Yet in the midst of a tragic story we find tremendous hope.
- Destroying the Flesh by the power of the Spirit - Lessons from Judges and tips on how to kill the flesh and empower the Spirit of God in your life.
- Hope in the Hard Times - Do you go through difficult trials that don't seem to have any way out? So did Naomi, but God showed his love and an alternative she hadn't thought of, like he does with us.
- Worship 2007 - Part 1 - What is worship and why should we as Christians study and contemplate it? Pastor Tom brings us over 30 years of worship leading experience and study in this multi-part series.
- Worship 2007 Part 2 - We continue our study of the words of worship. How is worship like a sacrifice?
- The Kindness of God - Even when we feel we don't deserve it, God shows us loving kindness and opens the fields of his riches for us to enjoy.
- The Sacrifice of Praise - Worship Part 3 - Learn how the Old Testament sacrifices tie into our New Testament worship, and look at two people who gave us wonderful examples of worship from the Scriptures as we conclude this three part series on worship.
- Relationships Take Risks - How much risk have you taken in your relationship with God? In the final chapters of Ruth we learn how far and how anxious God is to have a relationship with us and what commitment he makes to us.
- Who Is The Word? - You might have a lot of questions about who Jesus Christ really is. John helps us understand the voice from the heavens. Are you ready to listen?
- The Two Sides of Leadership - We see the two sides of leadership: the bad in the sons of Eli, and the good in God preparing Samuel to be a godly leader.
- Who Are You? - When the Pharisees approach John the Baptist demanding to know his credentials John never responds with who he is, but who he knows and who he represents. Learn the value of being an agent for Jesus Christ.
- Listening to God - How well do we listen when God speaks? Samuel did, but the elders of Israel did not and it led to a tragic mistake.
- What Are You Seeking? - How do respond to a change in your environment? When Jesus comes on the scene he forces us to think in new ways. Learn how his early disciples dealt with the coming of a big change: the Messiah.
- The Fall of Dagon - When the Ark of the Covenant fell into the hands of the Philistines it was more than they could handle. God shows us some great object lessons about who he is compared to the gods of this world.
- What is Jesus to You? - We all have expectations of who Jesus is and what He is about. Are yours correct? Jesus
- So You Want a King? - Israel wanted to be like all the nations around them but when they demanded a king they got what they wanted, not what they needed. Sometimes we make that same error as well.
- Honest Conversations With God - A man comes to Jesus with an open heart and mind. The Lord reveals to him some of the most amazing truths found in the Bible. Is it time you had a good, honest, talk with God?
- Man's King - Saul was everything that is attractive to us: tall, young, handsome, rich, and powerful. Yet was he God's king or man's?
- The Outcast - Do you ever feel like you have to keep everyone at arms length because you just don't trust them? Perhaps you feel like who you are is just not acceptable. Jesus comes to such a person in John 4 and engages them in a patient yet revealing dialog that changes them forever.
- Victories and Mistakes - Saul gets his first test in a personal crisis. Israel gets busted on demanding a king, yet God shows his grace and mercy - a lesson for us when we blow it.
- Are You Disabled? - You may appear as if you have it all together but inside be disabled spiritually. Jesus meets two people and shares with them how to become abled. Which group are you in?
- The Beginning of the End - Saul gets his big test as king and he fails. Why did he fail and what can we learn from his failure as we face our big tests?
- The Real Christmas Inn - Was Jesus born in a wooden stable surrounded by wisemen and shepherds? Check out this study for the real facts of the first Christmas and how to help your holiday be more merry.
- Jesus The Bread of Life - part 1 - Are you looking for short term fixes to your life or long term solutions? Are you looking for a leader to get you out of a jam or a savior to bring you into peace?
- The Power of Sorrow - Hannah was brought very low in many ways, but in her time of desperation God moved in a powerful way. We need to not underestimate what He can do in us through times of trouble either.
- 2006
- The Beginning of the End - As the Lamb opens the 7 seals on the scroll of man's destiny, terrible things happen - politically, militarily, economically and with natural disastors unprecedented in world history. What does it mean to us and to salvation? See God's hand of love even i
- The Church of Tolerance - In our society today, tolerance is considered a virtue. But our definition of it has changed - and accepting and even applauding any and every practice will weaken and pollute our lives. Learn how to safeguard your church and your life from compromise.
- Waking The Dead - We are studying the church at Sardis. How do you wake up a dead church or a dead believer? Learn how Christians and churches can fall into a coma and how important it is to stay awake in your relationship with Jesus.
- The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Do you feel insignificant in your service to God? You may be more powerful than you thought. Or do you feel pretty secure? You may be more in need and weak than you thought. Take some advice from Philadelphia and Laodicea.
- Reverse the Curse - Many times we don't realize that the pain and suffering of this world is caused by a curse that God will reverse during the Tribulation. Learn the origins, effects, and ending of this worldwide curse.
- What is heaven like? - We see in Revelation 4 that the first words John hears are worship - and that the highest order of angels and the best of the redeemed humans bow to God - what does that tell us about our activities here on earth?
- The Scroll - John weeps in heaven as no one is found who can take control of planet earth's destiny - until a slain Lamb who is standing comes to claim ownership. We also learn about what happens to our prayers when they don't seem to be answered.
- God's Seal - Do you ever feel like God doesn't know or care what you are going through? Does it seem like your life is out of control or out of God's control? Learn about Gods seal of ownership and protection as we study the sealed saints & the Tribulation Christia
- Mass Destruction - As a part of Gods judgment against a sinful world many natural disastors will take place that will cause much sorrow on earth. Gods intent is for repentence, but will man listen?
- Demonic Destruction - In this chapter we see what happens when Satans forces are let loose for a short time - they torment and destroy billions of people - people who are not sealed by Gods mark.
- The Dragon, the Woman, and the Two Witnesses - Learn about Satans plan to destroy the redemptive work of God, how God remains in control no matter what awful thing happens - and about how He always has a witness on the earth.
- The Unholy Trinity - We meet the two other members of Satans attempt to make himself god - the two beasts known as the Antichrist and the False Prophet. Who are they, where to do they come from and what will they do? We also discuss the mark of the beast and the coming world
- The Significance of Palm Sunday - Palm Sunday often gets overlooked under the shadow of Resurrection Sunday. But it is very significant for four important reasons. Also - how do you act when Jesus approaches your life?
- God is Fair & Just - In the end, no one will be able to accuse God of not being fair. One reason for that is contained in chapters 14 and 15 of Revelation. God also gives us some reasons to hope when we face darkness in our own lives
- Ressurection Reluctance - Easter should be a happy day, but for those who first experienced the risen Lord it was anything but joyful. This speaks to how you might experience Jesus at first too.
- The End of Man's Reign - The Last Plagues - The Battle of Armageddon, & The End of Man's Reign
- Wired to Explode - How is your life wired? Jesus paints a picture of God's character to show us how differently we are wired and how much we are in need of a Savior.
- The Coming Warrior King - Like the cavalry to the rescue, Jesus comes riding back to earth on a white horse to wipe out the enemy and set up His kingdom. What does that mean to us as we find ourselves in need of rescue right here and now?
- Heaven Homecoming - If you've ever wondered what heaven is like, we get one of our most complete looks at it in the final chapters of Revelation. We'll also see heaven and hell compared.
- The Reporter's Gospel - Luke presents Jesus as a man, yet with a miraculous birth. Chapter 1 brings us a transition from Old to New Covenants, and two ways of receiving God's Word - which way do you respond?
- Do you feel insignificant? - Luke 2 teaches us that Jesus purposefully came to those who no one would choose - from a young poor couple to outcast shepherds. Learn also about his ordinary/extraordinary childhood.
- Fighting Temptation - The Devil does not appear to us in a red suite with a pitchfork. In fact, Satans temptations are often attractive and fill legitimate needs - or seem to. Learn how Jesus fought these temptations and how we can as well.
- When Jesus Becomes Real - Jesus Christ invades the normal world and brings about healing, foregiveness and acceptance to the outcasts of society. When does He become real to you?
- What Is God Like? - Have you ever wondered if you could meet God - would you like Him? We learn from Luke 6 that many of God's characteristics run counter to our natural way of thinking. Learn how freeing it is to live life like God lives life!
- How Do You Approach Jesus? - Meet 5 people or groups who approached Jesus in many different ways. Jesus reaction tells a lot about how we should and should not approach Jesus when we are in need, in grief, in sin, or in control.
- Redefining the Family - What is God's Family and how do you join it? Jesus redefines family, contrasts it with our earthly family and tells us how to join and what it's like in his family.
- Don't Be Afraid - Only Believe - Does Jesus have authority over the difficulties in your life? What if God doesn\'t seem to answer your prayers on time, do you still trust Him? In this study we see Jesus take authority over the powers of darkness and death itself.
- The Christian EULA - Ever wonder what you are signing up for with Jesus Christ? Luke 9 gives us some practical examples of the principals in the Christian discipleship.
- The problem with Power - When we draw close to Jesus sometimes the aura of His power makes us feel powerful on our own. Luke 9 teaches us lessons on the real source of power and the real cost of discipleship.
- Self Service - As Christians we desire to do things for the Lord. But sometimes we are really just doing them for ourselves. Learn how to spot self service and your attitudes while serving.
- How to Approach God in Prayer - We have many ways in which we think we can get God to answer prayers. Luke 11 gives us insight as to our approach to God and the real way He answers prayer.
- Are You A Closet Pharisee? - Jesus has some tough things to say the Scribes and Pharisees, but these two groups started out as well meaning, sincere people about their relationship to God. What happened to them can happen to us as well.
- Eternally Cool - Who you know, who you are, and who you serve are vital for life and eternity. Each day we have a choice. What will yours be?
- What Possesses You? - The Health, Weatlh & Prosperity gospel has made a come back. Should we expect God to bless us financially? Is it a sign of His favor if we become rich or His displeasure if we are not?
- Growing Shallow Roots - How attached are you to this world and how much do you worry about being provided for here? How attached are you to heaven? What happens when God doesn\'t answer your prayers?
- The Proper Care & Feeding of a Christian - The proper growth medium and conditions that help Christians grow. Also, how to spot a bad leader.
- God the Patient Gardener - Do you ever picture God as a vindictive judge who can\'t wait to throw judgment at sinners? This and other misconceptions about God are addressed in Luke 13.
- The Nature and Purpose of Suffering - How many times do you question whether God causes suffering as a judgment? There are really four causes for suffering. Find out how God uses them for good.
- Giving and Taking Honor - Jesus gives us an understanding of what true honor is and how honor born of humbleness is so much better. Also learn how to be a salty Christian.
- The True Costs and Benefits of Discipleship - Jesus wants us to count the cost before we approach Him as disciples. What is the cost of discipleship and can we actually do it? Also learn about the different forms of discipleship.
- Lost and Found - Learn the heart of a father as he longs for his lost children to return to him. If you have ever felt like you cannot approach God, this is a study to listen to.
- The 7 Stages of the Prodigal - Do you have ever wonder whatt causes someone to walk away from God or how it could even happen to you? Learn the stages and how to get with God and even stop the Prodigal in his tracks.
- The Mission Statement of Jesus Christ - In this study we take a wider view of the first 15 chapters of Luke, and see how Jesus mission in chapter 4 works out in His life, and in yours.
- Who Is Your God? - Each of us has to serve somebody. Jesus in Luke 16 gives us some real incentive to make the Lord God our only God.
- Hell - In Luke 16 we have one of the most graphic descriptions of Hades. From this we can learn what hell is like, who goes there, and how to avoid it.
- The Keys to Discipleship - Learn how to live a more effective Christian life by learning what the Lord wants from us and how to have the right attitude as a disciple.
- The Heart of a Servant - We as humans struggle with serving anyone but ourselves. Even as Christians we have a hard time having a true servant\'s heart. Jesus shares some hard words, but they are also comforting and freeing when we realize the joys of being a servant.
- Contrasts - What are those things that bring your heart closer to God and what are those that drive you further away? We learn them from studying contrasts in people Jesus tells us about or encounters in this chapter.
- Was Jesus the Messiah? - Believe it or not, many people today, especially the Jews, continue to reject Jesus as the Messiah for the same reasons they did in the 1st century. What are the Jews looking for and what prophecies were fulfilled at the coming of Jesus?
- Able Available & Actively Seeking - When Jesus comes around your life are you like Zacchaeus who couldn\'t wait to see and experience Jesus - or are you like the third servant in Jesus\' parable who wants nothing to do with the family business?
- Being Faithful in the Small Things - We as humans always want to do everything big, but often when it comes to serving God He gives us what we think are small tasks. How do we remain faithful in our service to Him no matter what?
- The Coming of the King - Jesus exposes real emotions as he comes to Jerusalem for the last time. It tells a lot about his attitude towards the lost, and towards our hearts as well.
- Trick Questions - Probing Answers - Jesus\' opponents try to trip him up, but his answers back reveal much about the human character and how many of us \"play\" church.
- Heaven - You have probably wondered what heaven will be like. In Luke 20 Jesus gives us a small picture of relationships in heaven. In this study we explore what Scripture says about our eternal state.
- Fighting the Fear of Fear - Much of our lives are spent worrying about the future and what might happen. Many times we worry more about possibilities than probabilities. Jesus encourages us to pay attention to His work in the world around us and gives us tools to fight fear.
- How to Deal with Calamity - Jesus gives some pretty horrible news to his disciples but then gives them three things to avoid and two things to do in order to survive and thrive amidst terrible difficulty.
- Plotting, Power & Getting Ahead - Though evil plotted heavily against Jesus He remained in total control of every situation. Sometimes do you adopt the ways of the world to accomplish God\\\\\\\'s will?
- The Significance of the Passover - Passover is perhaps the oldest ceremony in the world. It is filled with symbolism about God's rescue of His people. These symbols portray an incredible portrait of the Messiah, Jesus.
- The power of darkness - Satan has a plan for each of our lives - to sift us like wheat. If we recognize it we can overcome it in the power of the Holy Spirit
- The Schemes of the Enemy - Learn the 13 devices Satan used in the betrayal of Jesus and how we can learn how to blunt his attacks.
- Giving The Perfect Christmas Gift - We agonize over what to give to friends and loved ones, but the perfect gift is within all of our reach.
- Reactions to the Crucifixion - How do you react to the cross of Jesus? It may say a lot about your spiritual condition and your relationship to Christ. Learn how many of the witnesses reacted.
- 2005
