In this lesson we "connect the dots" between the message of the Gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4), the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58), the giving nature of Christians (1 Cor. 16:1-2) and the "grace" involved in the giving (2 Cor. 8 & 9). We'll learn that giving/sharing is rooted in the grace of God.
As we continue our "One Book" series, Song of Solomon present a story about a man and woman who are in love. While the content of this book is sometimes difficult to study in mixed company, ultimately, it is the story of the meeting, marriage and struggle involved in the marriage relationship. From this story, we learn three key things that keep our marriages healthy.
The call of Christianity is to live a life set apart from the world. And when Christians do this it really does make a difference. This was apparently something that was out of order on the island of Crete when Paul wrote to Titus. In Titus 3:1-8, Paul gives Titus reminders about the need to truly make an impact on their world.
"What's the meaning of life?" Not long after man inhabited this globe humans began to ask that question. The book of Ecclesiastes expected that question and gives us answers. In this lesson we examine how life must never be lived "apart from God" and we look at three practical ways to deal with the frustrations that are common to life (key passages: Ecc. 3:1-15, Ecc. 12:13-14)
Perhaps the greatest compliment God ever gave Christians is wrapped in the statement "You are the salt/light of the world." An evaluation of Matt. 5:13-16 demands that we fulfill our role to make a difference in this world.
The part of worship we called "communion" or "the Lord's Supper" is very unique to Christian worship. In our last lesson in our "Why We" series we give the biblical justification for continuing this ancient practice. This "sermon" is unique in that we intertwine preaching, singing, praying and communion throughout the majority of the service.
The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom (see Prov. 1:1-7). Often said to be associated with other "wisdom literature" like the books of Ecclesiastes and Job, it offers us practical and heavenly insight into how life can be lived more in tune with God than the world. In this lesson, we examine the structure (parts) of the book and then focus on the parable of the lazy vineyard owner in Prov. 24:30-36.
Most churches on the Christian spectrum believe in Giving, at least in theory. Where we struggle, however, is in the practice of giving. In this lesson, we answer the question some ask about why we give, but we do so by establishing a fundamental, theological truth that allows us to give the way God wants Christians to give.
It is clear that God deems preaching important. In Rom. 10:14, scripture states that preaching is needed for people to hear and believe the word. In this lesson, we examine the first sermon ever preached in the setting of the new church God would establish on the day of Pentecost after Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. An examination of this sermon in Acts 2 helps us understand "Why We Preach."
In our "Why We? series we are addressing the things we do in the assembly. Not only do we pray in our corporate worship, it's something we do all the time in our Christian walk. In this lesson, we consider the powerful example of Hannah, who would eventually become the mother of Samuel, from 1 Sam. 1-2. Being barren provides the backdrop to some powerful reasons that confirm "Why We Pray."
