When a Sign Deserves a Sigh
What causes Jesus to sigh? In Mark 8:11 some Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign which resulted in Jesus giving a disapproving sigh. Even today, our attitude and actions are sometimes a sign that causes Jesus to sigh.
Rest a While
Our culture demands we go, go, go. It translates into being busy, busy, busy. Biblically speaking, we must allow our faith to work and serve, but we must remember that work demands rest. In Mark 6:30-31, Jesus shows us after we work we should "rest a while."
The Last, Great Lesson on Joy
The theme of Philippians is "joy." That being the case, we shouldn't be surprised that Paul's last words of this book (Phil. 4:14-19) are about joy too. But the last, great lesson on joy in Philippians is a lesson about "the joy of giving." We normally don't associate "giving" with "joy" but Paul did. In this lesson we notice some tangible ways to better appreciate how there really is joy in giving as Paul uses the gift of the Philippians as a lesson for us today.
The Five Steps to Salvation
You can't really reduce something as dynamic as salvation into a simple list of things to do, but we sometimes try. But this lesson is not what you might think. It's a story about five things four men did to help a man who needed Jesus. When we follow their "steps" we can bring others to Jesus!
Seeing Philippians 4:13 Like Paul
One of the most memorable verses in the Bible is often not clearly understood. Phil. 4:13 is not the motivation to win the game or run a race. It can be, but it's much, much more. It's really about persevering through trials and struggles to be able to do what God has asked you to do. And when you fail at that, it is the calm reassurance Jesus will cover for you.
The Greatest Things
We like "lists" and "facts." The Bible contains some lists and lots of facts, but it is so much more. Yet, in Matthew chapters 16-20, there's what we might call a list of some of the greatest things. This lesson explores how these things impact our decision to follow Jesus and serve in his church.
A Microcosm of Our World, Our Opportunities and Our God
Matthew 14 contains three very familiar stories that are like a miniature world that we live in today. This lesson takes us on a survey of these stories reminding us that while the world seems against us, we should take advantage of our opportunities to make a difference but when we fail God is always there to rescue us.
How to Make a Difference in Our World
Christianity is a religion that is both private and public. The public side of Christianity is the nature of Paul's words in Phil. 4:5-12. The emphasis seems to center on how our handling of people and situations have a tremendous impact on those who will witness our faith during times of difficulties and trials. This lesson is a reminder that you really can make a difference in our world!
How to Pray Like Jesus
Jesus is known for so many things, but the example he sets for us in prayer is the subject of this study. In this lesson we take a look at his personal prayer life and some of the things he taught about praying in Matthew 6.
How to Rejoice in the Lord Always
In Philippians 4:4 Paul gives a command, not a suggestion. The key word in this verse is "always." In this lesson, we discuss how to do that even during times when we don't feel like.