1 Jn. 1:1-10 is a beautiful but difficult passage. This lesson seeks to lay out the basic principle we need to get in and stay in fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. This lesson focuses primarily on the second part of this process.
While we tend to overthink many of our worries in life, there are some legitimate concerns we should have. We believe the most important concerns are answered in the Gospel of Jesus. In this lesson, we focus on the impact of the resurrection that is raised in Rom. 4 and discussed in Rom. 5:1-4. The resurrection really changes everything!
In our ongoing "One Book" series we come to a familiar story in 1 Samuel. It's the story of God calling the "boy" Samuel to hear his word. In this lesson, we learn of the circumstances and responsibilities of "When We Hear God's Word."
One of the features of the New Testament church is the assembly. But why? What does God command the attendance of the assembly? This lesson focuses on the dynamic that when we gather in the assembly we encourage one another. In God's ultimate wisdom he knew that since the world is discouraging his people would need a regular time to experience encouragement!
When Jesus stopped to rest beside Jacob's well it set the scene for one of the most important dialogues in the New Testament (John 4). As he conversed with the Samaritan women, his intent was to explain what would be different about worship in the Christian era. This lesson follows three important realizations that make our assembly what God desires for it to be.
The Bible reminds parents of great responsibilities when we bring children into the world. But before some of those things are even needed, even before our children are born, there are prayers that we can pray for our children. This lesson reviews some of those simple prayers.
In our journey through the Old Testament following the worship stories of Israel we come to worship during the days of the prophets. The prophets are all unique but they addressed some of the very same issues that related to worship and life. As we notice in this lesson, their example provides warnings to not make the same mistakes they made. And for us the problems of idolatry, partial obedience and unfaithfulness are still pitfalls we must avoid.
What do you do when your world starts crumbling around you? Perhaps an enemy is out to get you, sickness or death has invaded your family or, even worse, sin has entered your life bringing terrible guilt and consequences. During these times we need to learn the language of lament like David. Psalm 63 is David's lament when Absalom has revolted. In this Psalm, not only does David show us to seek God during difficult times, but he also gives compelling reasons why.
The events of the book of Ruth happened during the days of the Judges. In a time of lawlessness, the book of Ruth shows us how love prevailed. This lesson highlights the relationship of Naomi and Ruth, Boaz and his fidelity to the Law of Moses and eventually the "kinsman redeemer" relationship he would have with Naomi and Ruth.
The book of Psalms, which literally means "Praise songs," was Israel's songbook of worship. Overall, the content and context of the Psalms remind us their assembly was "A Place of Praise." The same is true today in the Christian assembly. But Psalms also shows us the benefits of gathering with God's people. Beyond the worship given to God, we are blessed by being in the assembly. This lesson explores some of those benefits.
