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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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!
