Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
May, 2015
The Resurrection as Proof
This lesson looks at the resurrection of Jesus as both evidence for the claim of the inspiration of the Bible and as the pivotal teaching of the Christian faith.
May, 2015
The Apology Line
May, 2015
24/7
May, 2015
The Poverty of Riches
This sermon examines Jesus' dialogue with the "rich young ruler" in Mark 10:17. The great spiritual challenge of earthly wealth and the rewards of discipleship are reviewed.
May, 2015
What the Bible Says About Jesus
The main subject of the Bible record is not only the story of Jesus Christ but also a presentation of the reasons why He is considered the divine Son of God.
May, 2015
Seven Steps to Killing off the Debt Demon
May, 2015
Life Priorities for Disciples who are Addicts
May, 2015
The Remote Control Life
In a society where machines are taking precedent over people, the church has an opportunity to offer something sorely lacking in the lives of many people -- real relationships with real people.
May, 2015
6 Proofs of Inspiration (continued)
This lesson will examine the remaining 5 arguments that support the claim of Divine Inspiration for the Bible.
April, 2015
6 Proofs of Inspiration
This lesson will explain the first of six arguments that support the idea that the bible is an inspired text.
April, 2015
Solomon's Advice to America
Of all the leaders whose lives are described in the Bible, Solomon reflects our times and problems most exactly.
April, 2015
The New Testament Record
This lesson continues the review of the making of the bible with a discussion on how the Old and New Testaments were gathered and the criteria used to select the inspired books into the canon.
April, 2015
From Passover to Communion
In the final lesson of this series Mike will review the main events of Jesus' 'Passion' and focus in on the history of the Jewish Passover and its transition to the meal of remembrance that Christians around the world observe.
April, 2015
7 Spiritual Birthday Gifts
In this lesson Mike examines six gifts we receive from God at our conversion and the one gift that powers all of them.
April, 2015
The Writing of the Bible
This lesson examines the basis for all other doctrines contained in the Bible - the inspiration of this book by God.
April, 2015
I Love You, God
I've often been uncomfortable in leading a prayer with the words "I love you, Lord." After all, who am I to say these words to such a one as God?
April, 2015
Impressing the Boss
April, 2015
Icebreakers
April, 2015
Why Study Doctrine?
In this lesson, we will discuss why it is important to study the main doctrines contained in the Bible.
April, 2015
Understanding Your Religion
This series presents 7 basic doctrinal ideas that help the viewer have a "big picture" view of the Christian religion. Done in an informal style with helpful graphics and summaries, Understanding Your Religion is a useful guide for those seeking to know what Christians believe and how these beliefs affect what they do.
April, 2015
Rejection and Judgment
In this lesson Mike examines Jesus' response to those who rejected Him. A response that will pronounce a judgment on the religious leaders of that time as well as a long prophetic discourse about the destruction of Jerusalem and His return at the end of the world.
March, 2015
Top 10 Ways to Lose Your Soul
There are many ways a person can lose their salvation once they've obtained it. In this lesson we look at the top 10 ways people lose this precious gift from God.
March, 2015
Who are the Saints?
This final lesson in the series compares the Biblical description of a saint to popular misconceptions of who and what this person should be.
March, 2015
The Role of Women in Ministry
This lesson explores the role of women in ministry and compares the arguments for their participation in full or limited ministry.
March, 2015
Marriage - Divorce - Remarriage
Matthew 19 contains key information about Jesus' teaching concerning marriage and divorce. This study tries to correct certain misunderstandings about what Jesus is actually saying about who is guilty or innocent in these situations.
March, 2015
Leaving Home
March, 2015
Payback
March, 2015
3 Reasons for Becoming a Disciple
March, 2015
Threescore and Ten
March, 2015
The Role of the Preacher
This lesson compares the many modern views of the minister to the Biblical description of the role, qualifications and work of a local evangelist.
March, 2015
Relationships in the Kingdom
In this passage Jesus will explain the nature of relationships that people have in the Kingdom and how to repair them when they are broken.
March, 2015
The Selection Process
In this practical lesson, Mike reviews the process that the church can use to select, confirm and appoint deacons and elders in the local congregation.
March, 2015
Ministry to the Masses, Ministry to the Few
Jesus performs miracles for the crowds as well as private demonstrations of His power for His Apostles in order to strengthen their faith and prepare them for His own suffering and death on the cross.
March, 2015
The Laying on of Hands
In this lesson Mike will discuss the symbolism and practice of the laying on of hands from both the Old and New Testament perspective.
March, 2015
The Aroma of Christ
The lesson review the 4 ingredients necessary to create a life (aroma) that is pleasing to God.
February, 2015
The Use of Parables in Jesus' Teaching
This lesson will examine the reasons why Jesus used parables in His teaching ministry and what rules we need to follow in order to understand their original meaning and how to draw applications from them today.
February, 2015
The Role and Work of Deacons
In this lesson we review the role deacons play in the church and also examine I Timothy 3:8-13 which gives some of the qualifications necessary to be considered for the role.
February, 2015
What Money Can't Buy
David calls on everyone to listen to his teaching that it will be beneficial to both rich and poor, that each will have something to learn. Then he goes ahead to list the limits of money.
February, 2015
Jesus Faces Skepticism
Matthew describes the aggressive questioning Jesus would begin to draw from the Jewish religious leaders as His ministry progressed.
February, 2015
The Role and Work of Deacons
In this two part lesson Mike will discuss the Biblical profile of the man who is qualified to serve as Deacon and the nature of his work as well as the limit of his authority.
February, 2015
What Blood Buys
This sermon describes the actual physical and spiritual advantages made possible in a person's life by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
February, 2015
Names and Mission of the Apostles
Matthew lists the names of those chosen by Jesus to be His special messengers, and reviews the instructions and warnings Jesus gives them before sending them out on their first solo mission.
February, 2015
Why Keep Praying?
A summary of reasons why, despite the delay or doubt that God is hearing us, we must persevere in prayer.
February, 2015
Appointing Elders
In this lesson, we review the few passages that shed light on how elders should be selected, and look at passages that describe the elders' wife.
February, 2015
Jesus' Power
In this section Matthew describes 3 amazing days in Jesus' busy life.
February, 2015
Four Letter Words
This lesson is a call to Christians to purify their language in order to perfect their witness.
January, 2015
The Work of the Elder
This lesson examines not only the work done by Elders but provides a systematic way of gathering this and other information about various topics in the New Testament.
January, 2015
Sermon on the Mount
In this lesson we review the five main topics discussed by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount.
January, 2015
The Power of Prayer
Many times Christians lose their focus in prayer because of various trials and experiences. This sermon explores several key reasons why one must persevere in this basic spiritual exercise.
January, 2015
Elders: Specific Qualifications
In this lesson, we go from general characteristics to specific qualifications of Elders.
January, 2015
What's in a Name?
The first step in sanitizing immoral behavior usually begins by giving it a new name. This allows its proponents an opportunity to redefine the activity without constant reference to the image created by the previous term.
January, 2015
Beginnings of the Gospel
This lesson begins the comments and explanations of the material that Matthew lists in his opening narrative which include Jesus' genealogy, birth, escape to Egypt and return to Nazareth.
January, 2015
Elders: Character Profile
Aside from the specific Biblical qualifications necessary for a man to serve as an elder in the church, this person also needs to possess certain character traits that will identify him as a worthy candidate. This lesson reviews seven of these traits.
January, 2015
The New Testament Canon
In this lesson we continue to examine background information about Matthew himself and a closer look at the purpose and structure of his book.
January, 2015
The Biblical Model for Church Leadership
This lesson examines the biblical model for church leadership and how these leaders are to relate to the congregation.
January, 2015
Introduction to Matthew's Gospel
This introductory lesson will review the historical, political and social conditions that led up to and include the times in which this gospel record was written.
January, 2015
Moses' Rescue Plan
This sermon describes how Moses' encouraging words to his people seemingly trapped between an advancing army and a raging sea can be used by us today when we are in need of rescue.
January, 2015
Introduction to Church Leadership Roles
Church growth is tied to church leadership. In this introductory lesson, the various Biblical roles of leadership are identified and compared to one another.
January, 2015
Elders, Deacons, Preachers, Saints
This series describes in detail the various biblical leadership roles in the church and examines how these can be exercised in order to promote individual as well as the corporate growth of the church.
January, 2015
Matthew for Beginners
This series provides an in-depth look at the most well-structured gospel record originally designed to address Jewish questions about Jesus but later used by the early church as a primer for new Christians.
December, 2014
Speaking the Word with Boldness
This lesson highlights the idea that the way we share our faith (with power) is as important as the content of our message.
December, 2014
Jesus: Lord of Hopeless Situations
The Bible refers to Jesus in ways that describe His sovereignty (e.g. Lord of the Harvest, Lord of the Sabbath, etc.). In this lesson Mike will explore Jesus' Lordship over the most hopeless of situations in our lives.
December, 2014
Be Ready
In the final lesson on this series Mike summarizes the Apostle Paul's arguments on being ready for Jesus' sure return.
December, 2014
Final Summary
In this last lesson Mike will wrap up this long study by sharing three key lessons taught to us by Genesis.
December, 2014
Too Busy?
In our fast paced society it is often difficult to determine the difference between busy and too busy. The following 7 statements should help busy people (especially Christians).
Devo
December, 2014
When We Respond
Devo
December, 2014
Why I Love my Father – God
December, 2014
Jacob's Prophecies
At the end of his life Jacob gives each of his sons a prophecy concerning their future. This event along with the death of both Jacob and Joseph will close out the Genesis record.
December, 2014
The Existence of China
This sermon outlines the process one must undertake to move from unbelief to belief in anything including Christianity.
December, 2014
The Judgment Day
This lesson reviews Jesus' teaching about His return in Matthew 24-25 in order to complement the instructions that Paul provides the Thessalonians on this same subject.
Devo
December, 2014
How to Live Happily
December, 2014
Family Reunion
This lesson describes the final episode in Joseph's story where Jacob, Joseph and their families are reunited and settled in Egypt.
December, 2014
What is the Deluding Influence?
This lesson examines the nature of God's will and how it accommodates man's will in relation to his ability to choose or reject salvation.
December, 2014
Reunion and Reconciliation
After reuniting with his brothers after a separation of 20 years, Joseph lays a plan that will determine if a reconciliation will be possible.
November, 2014
Who is the Man of Lawlessness?
This lesson examines the various theories put forth to explain the identity of the "Man of Lawlessness" Paul refers to in this epistle.
November, 2014
Thanks and Giving
This lesson helps us to get beyond the turkey and sports to find a deeper meaning for true thanks and giving from a Christian perspective.
November, 2014
Confrontation
Joseph finally confronts his brothers who initially sold him into slavery.
November, 2014
Events Before the Last Day
Paul continues teaching this young church about the events that must occur before Jesus' second coming.
November, 2014
From Prison to Prince
After languishing in prison for several years Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and in doing so successfully is transformed from being a prisoner to becoming a prince of Egypt.
November, 2014
Introduction to II Thessalonians
In his second letter to this church, Paul continues to encourage and praise them for their faithfulness and provides even more teaching about the second coming of Christ.
Devo
November, 2014
You Have got to Show it
November, 2014
The History of Baptism
The two things that the Church of Christ is known for by those who are not members are the fact that we don't use instruments of music in our worship, and we require all to be baptized by immersion. Baptism is not a modern religious invention, it has a history as long as Christianity itself and in this lesson, I'd like to review that with you.
November, 2014
Jude for Beginners
In his short letter Jude warns the church against false teachers and reminds us that all of Christian doctrine has already been given by the Apostles.
November, 2014
Joseph's Story
After explaining Judah's connection to the coming Messiah, the Genesis writers finish their narrative with the telling of Joseph's story.
November, 2014
Soft Rebellion
There are no new arguments in the effort to expand women's role in the church to include those tasks that have traditionally been given to men. Some women want to lead prayer as well as teach and preach in public assemblies and find sup...
November, 2014
The God of the Bible
This lesson dispels the popular notions about God and focuses on the description of God's nature which is revealed only through the Bible.
November, 2014
8 Ways To Be Ready
In the final section of his letter to the Thessalonians Paul outlines eight ways to prepare for the sure return of Jesus Christ.
November, 2014
Judah and Tamar
The story of Jacob's family focuses in on one particular son, Judah, through whom the Messiah would eventually come, and examines his unusual relationship with his daughter-in-law Tamar.
November, 2014
To Change or Overcome?
This sermon explores the two approaches that have been tried in the effort to improve or save this world.
November, 2014
Preparing for the End
In this lesson, Paul outlines the actual order of events that will take place when Jesus returns.
October, 2014
Waiting out the Storm
I was watching the endless rain. Saturday, Sunday and now a third day of gray drizzle continued as I found my way to work on a cold damp Monday morning. Folks came in telling stories of swollen creeks and flooded roads as the earth could no longer soak in the deluge.
October, 2014
And When I Die...
The lesson outlines three important steps in preparing for one's own death.
October, 2014
True Churches
After having laid out the necessary credentials for recognizing true ministers of the gospel, Paul does the same for true churches.
October, 2014
The Beginning of the End
This lesson begins the story of Joseph, Jacob's son with Rachel, who will become the bridge for the family's travel to and 400-year settlement in Egypt.
October, 2014
On the Run Again
After a long period of silence Jacob's story picks up again as his sons cause trouble and we see Jacob in the familiar role of being on the run.
October, 2014
Knowing Your Spiritual Limits
This lesson examines the ways and reasons God limits our opportunities and results in ministry.
October, 2014
True Ministers
In this lesson, Paul defends against attacks by the false teachers in the Thessalonian church by listing the credentials that identify true ministers of God's word in every age.
October, 2014
Jacob and Esau - Round 2
After gathering his wives and children and leaving Laban behind, Jacob faces the dangerous confrontation with his brother Esau who had vowed to kill him because of his deception in the matter of the blessing from Isaac.
October, 2014
Genuine Conversion
In the opening section of his letter Paul, the Apostle, describes the attributes that reveal a genuine conversion to Christ.
October, 2014
Jacob's Family
In this section of Genesis, we learn how Jacob came to have two wives who would, in addition to their female slaves, bear the 12 sons of Jacob.