Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
July, 2014
The King's Birth
Each gospel writer viewed Jesus from his own perspective and each writes about Him with a particular audience and objective in mind. This series of lessons examine Matthew's gospel and his presentation of Jesus as a King. The first lesson sees Matthew developing this idea by describing a royal birth.
July, 2014
The King and His Kingdom
Each gospel writer presents Jesus from different perspectives. Matthew focuses on the royal nature of the Lord and how He established His Kingdom here on earth. Our course will examine Jesus as King and the nature of His Kingdom.
July, 2014
Close to Greatness
The Bible is filled with stories of heroes and their feats of great faith and perseverance. In this lesson those who only come close to greatness are discussed and what their near misses can teach us today.
July, 2014
The Table and the Tower
Lesson #26 looks at two fascinating source events that explain the origins of all the different nations and languages in the world today.
July, 2014
Do Not Grow Weary
In this sermon we look at four remedies God provides to keep us from growing weary in the faith. We also look at some of the good works of the Choctaw Church of Christ in Oklahoma City as examples of faith in action.
July, 2014
Solomon's Summary
Solomon spent much of his life searching in all the wrong places for the things that would satisfy him. He tried wealth, sensual pleasure, building projects and various intellectual pursuits. But he found that with each new peak experience there was a valley of dissatisfaction that soon followed.
June, 2014
The Preacher's Wife
She is not appointed but expected to serve, rarely mentioned but ever present. I speak, of course, of the minister's wife
June, 2014
The Rainbow Covenant
This lesson explains the promises made by God to Noah concerning the survival of his family and Noah's prophecy about the future of each of his sons and their descendants.
June, 2014
Power of Love
I saw Mohammed Ali making an appearance on TV the other day. He was frail and shaky, a victim of Parkinson's disease. His spokesperson said the former champ was here to promote love and unity and Ali's eyes lit up when the kids approached to hug him and shake his hand - a response of love.
June, 2014
The Impact of Grace
The final lesson in the Grace for Beginners series examines the very real changes that the grace of God produces in our everyday lives.
June, 2014
Effects of the Great Flood
The book of Genesis records the extent of the damage caused by the worldwide flood and the changes that resulted from this cataclysmic event.
June, 2014
My Grace is Sufficient
Paul describes how God's grace empowered him to deal successfully with the thorns in his life.
June, 2014
Flood Details
In this lesson, we get a "close-up" view of the final preparations for the impending flood and physical details concerning the cause and destructive power of this cataclysmic event.
June, 2014
The Building of the Ark
This lesson contains many details concerning the dimensions and building of the Ark as well as its use as a "type" for the church.
June, 2014
No Grace - No Gospel
This lesson examines other mistaken images used to explain the concept of grace and reviews the stories of King David and Paul the Apostle to demonstrate how God's grace actually worked in producing their forgiveness.
June, 2014
The Times of Noah
This lesson looks at the condition of the antediluvian world that Noah lived in and examines the information the Bible gives us about this Old Testament Patriarch.
May, 2014
Reality over Religion
The Jewish nation of Jesus' day sought a savior who could free them from Roman authority. They molded their religious hopes around this false human dream.
May, 2014
God's Most Precious Gift
This lesson describes the actual benefits in one's life produced by God's grace.
May, 2014
Seniors and Sin
In Genesis 27 we read the story of how Isaac's attempt to bless Esau (against God's will) was foiled by Rebekah's devious intervention. Isaac's disobedience and Rebekah's scheming demonstrate that even in old age, as they were, it is possible to fall into serious sin.
May, 2014
The Seed of Promise
In this section of Genesis the author identifies and traces the lineage of those people who will eventually deliver the Seed of Promise to mankind.
May, 2014
The True Plan of Salvation
This lesson explores the common misunderstandings of how grace and faith work in the salvation of one's soul.
May, 2014
The Punishment of Cain
This passage looks at the result of Cain's sin and the punishment meted out to him by God.
May, 2014
8 Universal Principles for Natural Church Growth
A review of C.A. Schwartz's book "Natural Church Development" and its application to the New Testament ministry system being studied from Acts chapter 2 in this seminar.
May, 2014
Implementing the New Testament Plan for Growth
The "nuts and bolts" of how to implement the Biblical plan for church organization and growth.
May, 2014
The 5 Biblical Ministries
An in-depth study of Acts chapter 2 where Luke clearly explains the Biblical ministry system and how ministry and growth are interrelated.
May, 2014
A Biblical Plan for Growth
This lesson argues for the idea that the New Testament has a specific plan for organizing and growing a local congregation.
May, 2014
Polite Conversation
One of the more subtle mistakes we make in our spiritual lives is to substitute polite conversation for heartfelt prayer with God. Polite conversation tends to review the things we know God likes to hear; praise for His kindness, petition for our needs, a reference to others and their needs.
May, 2014
Remembering Who We Are
The basis for growth is faithfulness. This lesson reviews the Restoration principles that first led to the church's tremendous growth in the past.
May, 2014
Church Growth Questionnaire/Discussion Groups
A kick-off discussion session where participants share their thoughts on what is necessary to promote church growth.
May, 2014
Unlimited Growth
All churches want growth but never know how to produce it. The Unlimited Growth series sets forth a step by step approach to generating church growth which is biblically-based and easily implemented in any congregation regardless of size, age or location.
May, 2014
What's so Good About the Good News?
This lesson will examine the mistaken ideas that many have concerning the concept of grace as well as the core reason why the "Good News" is truly good.
May, 2014
The First Liberated Woman
Luke's gospel describes a "modern" woman of that age who became the first truly liberated woman of the New Testament.
May, 2014
Grace for Beginners
This 6-part series explores the meaning and value of God's grace expressed in Jesus' cross as well as some common misconceptions concerning this blessing.
May, 2014
Cain and Abel
This lesson explores the series of events leading up to the first murder.
April, 2014
Paradise Lost
In this lesson God describes the consequences of sin on Adam, Eve, and the creation.
April, 2014
The Judgment
After Adam and Eve's sin the Bible describes the judgment imposed on Satan, Eve and Adam.
April, 2014
Eve's 5 Mistakes
This lesson reviews the mistakes Eve made which led her to commit the first sin in human history.
April, 2014
What Does it Take to Believe?
This lesson explores the elements necessary in one's character and spirit in order to be able to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
April, 2014
What 60+ Years Has Taught Me
My birthday was in April and with each celebration I see more clearly some of the basic realities of my life.
April, 2014
Parable of the Arrow
A modern parable comparing the construction of a hunting arrow to the construction of a healthy and growing congregation.
April, 2014
Who's Your Person?
As Christians, we are our brother's keeper whether we realize it or not. How we care for each other in society, family or the church is a true measure of our moral health.
April, 2014
The First Appearance of Satan in the Bible
This lesson explains the first glimpse of Satan in the physical world and examines information about this spiritual being from various Bible writers.
April, 2014
Rock Throwing
The Old Testament law stated that in capital offenses, the primary witness was to cast the first stone at the point of execution. (Deuteronomy 17:7) In the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) Jesus refers to this point of law when addressing the woman's accusers, however He reverses the rules for this occasion.
April, 2014
The Non-Negotiables
One of Christianity's main features is it's exclusivity. This lesson will examine several non-negotiable demands that contribute to its exclusive nature.
April, 2014
The Creation of Woman
In this section the writer of Genesis not only describes the unique creation of woman but also sets forth God's foundational principles for marriage and the family unit.
March, 2014
The Moral Choice
This lesson will examine how God created the impulse in man that is his will as well as his sense of need.
March, 2014
Keeping Your Spouse Happy
The last lesson in this series provides practical biblical advice to both husbands and wives on how to make each other happy.
March, 2014
They Knew Who He Was By How He Was
Reviewing the evidence of Jesus' divine nature through His teachings and miracles.
March, 2014
Blended Families
The final lesson about blended families deals with how to successfully be a step-parent.
March, 2014
Winning the War
The old adage, "Winning the battle, losing the war", is a warning to those involved in a struggle that it is important to keep one's eye on what you're fighting for.
March, 2014
God's Rest and Man's Creation
This lesson continues to describe in greater detail the creation of human beings as well as the nature of the "rest" God takes after His creative activity.
March, 2014
Successful Suffering
While no one is exempt for suffering in various ways during one's lifetime, there are some who profit from their sorrowful experiences. This lesson explores what successful suffering actually produces in concrete terms.
March, 2014
Blended Families
This lesson examines the day to day challenges of raising children in a blended family environment.
March, 2014
The Creation of Man
This lesson examines the Divine Council and the similarities between the natures of God and man.
March, 2014
The Mary of the Bible
In this sermon Mike will compare the information on Mary, Jesus' mother, contained in the Bible to the various doctrines put forth by the Catholic church.
March, 2014
Day #5
This lesson reviews God's creation activity on day #5. The class also provides a quiz over the material covered so far.
March, 2014
Blended Families
This class will provide information and statistics concerning blended families and several strategies for successfully integrating two families into one.
March, 2014
As Good As Gold
This sermon reviews the practical as well as the theological implications of the golden rule.
March, 2014
7 Habits of Highly Effective Church Members
This series of lessons uses Steven Covey's approach (7 Habits of Highly Effective People) to explore the spiritual habits that saints and leaders in the church cultivate in order to become effective in ministry.
March, 2014
7 Habits of Highly Effective Deacons
In the final session, Mike will profile the ministry of Stephen as the template for effective service in Acts Chapters 6 and 7.
March, 2014
7 Habits of Highly Effective Ministers and Elders
In this session, Mike examines those Biblical qualities that both preachers and elders need to develop in order to be effective and thus successful in carrying out their respective roles in ministry.
March, 2014
7 Habits of Highly Effective Christians
In this session, Mike examines the basic attitude and habits all Christians must have in order to grow spiritually.
March, 2014
Day #3 and #4
We continue to examine the process of creation and the elements God brings into being on day number 3 and 4.
March, 2014
Remarriage and Renewal
This lesson provides biblical advice for those who remarry after losing a spouse through death or divorce.
February, 2014
Gay Nation
It seems that the surest way to secure your fifteen minutes of fame in America these days is to declare to the world that you're gay.
February, 2014
Day #2 and #3
The lesson describes the creation of the "heavens" and the peculiar atmosphere that existed in the pre-flood era.
February, 2014
Marriage or Divorce
This lesson will examine the advantages and disadvantages of remaining married or getting a divorce in resolving relationship problems.
February, 2014
The Scent of Christmas
They say that smell is attached to memory and I believe it. My parents have been dead for years and yet they are brought to mind most readily through my sense of smell.
February, 2014
Finding the Peace of God
Money has a way of creating more worries and health is so fragile, youth is temporary and usually not appreciated by those who possess it, power corrupts and great intelligence leads to pride, but peace of mind is precious at every season in life, every position in society, every level of ability.
February, 2014
The Day/Age Theory of Creation
In this section we will examine another attempt to harmonize the Evolution theory with the Creation story in the Bible.
February, 2014
Why Christians Divorce
There are less instances of divorce among Christians but it still happens. This lesson explores some of the reasons Christians divorce, despite training and teaching to the contrary, and how to avoid this situation.
February, 2014
Playing it Safe
In this day of roller coaster markets and the threat of entire nations collapsing because of financial downturns, it's easy to get into the "play it safe" mindset.
February, 2014
In Love for Life
The Bible teaches that a man and a woman are to remain married for life. This course helps couples learn how to love one another in such a way that their marriage will last a lifetime.
February, 2014
What Does Your Child See?
There is nothing more joyful than watching our children "grow" in the wisdom and admonition of the Lord. This thought leads me to wonder if children receive the same joy and encouragement from seeing their parents "grow".
February, 2014
The Main Story
A continuation of the decoding of symbolic language to tell the story of the church's persecution by Rome in the first century and her eventual victory.
February, 2014
The Main Story
The final lesson continues to explain the meaning of the symbolic language in describing the climactic ending to the visions that John has described in this final book of the bible.
February, 2014
The Money Trap
This lesson examines the pressure put on a relationship because of bad money management and provides suggestions on how couples can better address financial issues using a Christian perspective.
February, 2014
The Gap Theory in Creationism
This lesson will begin a review of various alternative interpretations of the creation portion of the book of Genesis.
February, 2014
The Main Story
This lesson decodes the symbolic language used in John's visions to tell his story.
February, 2014
The Main Story
A continuation of the explanation of the symbolic language used to tell the main story in Revelation.
February, 2014
Holy Sex
In this concluding lesson, the class will examine a "case study" of a couple dealing with sexual issues and how the principles we have studied can be applied to resolve their difficulties.
January, 2014
Old Earth vs. Young Earth
In this lesson, we will discuss the major arguments supporting the young (6,000 to 10,000 years) versus the old (millions to billions of years) age of the earth.
January, 2014
John's Visions
We continue the review of the Apostle's visions which tell the basic story contained in Revelation.
January, 2014
The Foundational Verse of the Bible
In this lesson we will demonstrate how the very first verse of the Bible refutes the major philosophies that try to explain man's existence without reference to God.
January, 2014
Interpretations of Revelation
This lesson reviews the 4 major interpretations given by scholars as to the meaning of the book of Revelation.
January, 2014
Holy Sex
This lesson examines God's original purposes for sexual union in marriage and the spiritual element necessary to achieve full satisfaction in this complex area of married life.
January, 2014
Introduction to the Book of Revelation
Background information as to the setting, conditions, and purpose for the writing of the book of Revelation by John the Apostle.
January, 2014
Lessons from the Desert
The Jewish peoples' wandering in the desert provides very modern lessons as to what God continually requires of His people in every age.
January, 2014
Vision Within a Vision
Aside from the four main visions recorded in Daniel's book, he makes additional prophecies that give more detailed accounts of what took place between the major events mentioned in the four initial visions.
January, 2014
Cords of Love
All of us are in a relationship, want to be in a relationship, or in and out of relationships. So this subject is relevant to each of us no matter where we're at. And when we're in a relationship we usually want it to work, no matter what kind of relationship that is.
January, 2014
A Time for Strength and Courage
In this sermon, I want to examine this quality of courage and demonstrate the various elements that come together to produce it. I want to do this by reviewing the story of a man who found the courage to stand up for God when it wasn't a popular or safe thing to do.
January, 2014
Book of Origins
In this introductory lesson we will examine the 14 different things and events whose origins are found in the book of Genesis.
January, 2014
Authorship and Division of Genesis
This second lesson will examine the various theories about the authorship of Genesis and it's natural and imposed divisions.
January, 2014
Having it All
Really having it all requires certain things that only God can give us. In this lesson we will examine what those things are.
January, 2014
Four Visions of Daniel's Prophecies
This study begins to examine the visions Daniel has about future kingdoms and relates them to actual historical facts.
January, 2014
The Currency of Love
This lesson examines various communication methods and how to improve communication in marriage.
January, 2014
Genesis
A 50 lesson series that covers all 50 chapters of Genesis. From creation to the flood and on to Abraham finishing with Joseph in Egypt. A complete study of the first book in the Bible.
January, 2014
Why Love Is The Greatest
In his letter to the Corinthian church Paul says that love is the greatest of all the virtues. This lesson gives some reasons why this is so.
January, 2014
Four Episodes in Daniel's Life
A review of the outline of the book and overview of the major events in Daniel's life while exiled in Babylon.
January, 2014
The Love Connection
The first lesson in our series kicks off with a short history of the idea of love itself and how these have influenced our modern concepts of marriage.