The book of Job is one of the most challenging in all the Bible. Sometimes, a study of it leaves us with more questions than answers. But Job reveals some critical information. In this lesson we explore salvation/redemption, being a servant to God and, of course, the problem of suffering.
Imagine you've never been to "church" and you decide to go see what those people do on Sundays. One of the most unique things you'd witness is singing. You'd probably think, "Why do these people do this?" This lesson examines the biblical logic of singing and neuroscience related to singing.
Beyond the pain that Jesus endured at Calvary, God devised a mysterious plan that connects us to the cross. In this lesson, we contemplate baptism and the church. The goal is to see these as they relate to the cross. To fail to understand them in this way is a failure to see their simplistic and mysterious beauty.
In our "One Book" series we consider the short book of Esther in this lesson. There is no question God, whose name is not mentioned in this book, is involved in the story as he uses a beautiful Jewish woman in a courageous way. God's in control but Esther still needed to do what was right. Scriptures referenced: Esther 4:1-17 Subscribe in iTunes Subscribe on YouTube
The cross as a tool of execution is foreign to us, yet the cross remains the symbol of Christianity to this day. Part of the mystery of the cross involves what crucifixion actually involved. In this lesson, we investigate this difficult information. We end with three thought-provoking indications from the cross. Scriptures referenced: Matt. 27:35, Mk. 15:35, Lk. 23:33, Jn. 19:18 Subscribe in iTunes Subscribe on YouTube
In our "One Book" series Nehemiah tells the story about rebuilding the walls around the city of Jerusalem. In just 52 days this great work is accomplished. But what is significant to consider is how Nehemiah serves as a great example of leadership. In this lesson, which surveys the book named after him, we'll highlight some of those great leadership characteristics. (passages of importance: Neh. 1, 3, 4 and 13).
It's true that many people don't truly understand what the cross means. But is it possible for disciples to not understand the meaning of the cross? The answer is "yes" according to Mark 8:22-38. In this lesson we connect what seems to be two unconnected stories with a lesson Jesus teaches about the true meaning of the cross.
It's not easy to be a Christian in our modern, post-Christian society. Standing with Jesus is out of touch and makes us feel uncomfortable in our world. Yet, in some ways, that's always been true. A story in Acts 4 is the perfect example of this. After Peter and John were told not to preach about Jesus anymore, they assembled with other Christians and prayed a prayer affirming how to face a world that threatens our faith. What they affirmed in Acts 4:24-30 is the heart of the Christian's faith. Today we should affirm the same basic beliefs as we continue to be the church of Jesus in a hostile environment.
The book of Ezra documents two groups of exiles returning from the seventy-year Babylonian exile. After considering the two groups and what seems to be their goals, we offer some practical considerations for Christians today.
In God's master plan for the church he designed a special group of workers called "deacons." All Christians are to "serve" and "minister" but those who serve as deacons perform a work in the church that is crucial to a local church's unique needs. This lesson takes a look at this important role.
