Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
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
When responding to the gospel invitation, remember it's not about giving but about receiving God's mercy through the blood of Christ, offering forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who respond.
Devo
December, 2014
Why I Love my Father – God
Embrace the profound reasons shared for loving the heavenly Father and consider how your own relationship with Him can be enriched through simple acts of faith and devotion.
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
Embrace happiness by living a spiritual life, focusing on today, and honoring your conscience - discover four rules to enhance your lifetime joy and peace.
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
Understanding the balance between correction and love in relationships is key - delve into the profound insights shared about the transformative power of expressed love in this thoughtful reflection.
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.
October, 2014
Jacob Leaves Laban
After 20 years of service, Jacob prepares for his departure from Laban by offering him a potentially lucrative proposal.
October, 2014
I & II Thessalonians
No other book of the Bible gives a clearer sequence and detail of the events surrounding the glorious return of Jesus Christ than the two letters Paul writes to a young church at Thessalonica (Greece) who fear that their departed loved ones will be left behind when that great day comes.
October, 2014
Introduction to I & II Thessalonians
This first lesson will review the history of the city of Thessalonica as well as the circumstances surrounding the writing of these two epistles (letters).
October, 2014
Jesus Above All Else
This lesson warns against the easy complacency Christians become used to when living in peaceful and prosperous times.
September, 2014
School Daze!
The Bible doesn't mention the back to school experience but there are a couple of principles that might make the experience a little smoother for both. Try reading these to each other.
September, 2014
The King's Victory
This final lesson reviews the main events in Jesus' last days on earth.
September, 2014
The Battle for the Blessing
In this lesson, we will see the outcome of Jacob's deceit in obtaining Esau's blessing and how God's will is completed despite the manipulations of men.
September, 2014
How to Witness to Roman Catholics
Roman Catholics have a very distinctive view of Christianity. This lesson explores the best ways to engage and share, with a Catholic, a more biblical approach to the Christian faith.
September, 2014
The Life of Esau and Jacob
After the death of Abraham, the promise is passed on to one of his sons but not without difficulty and division in his family.
September, 2014
Types in Genesis
This lesson reviews some important types or previews that are contained in Genesis and realized centuries later in the New Testament.
September, 2014
The King's Judgment
Chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew contain 3 views that Jesus uses to describe the destruction of Jerusalem, the second coming, and the cycle of devolution present in the world since Adam's sin.
September, 2014
What Angels Teach Us
We don't know much about angels but the little information the Bible does give yields some very important life lessons.
September, 2014
The King's House
Matthew describes the scene as Jesus enters the holy city where He will suffer a series of challenges and rejections culminating in His crucifixion.
September, 2014
Abraham's Test
This lesson leads to the climax of Abraham's journey of faith and describes the events surrounding Sarah's death.
August, 2014
Growing up in Christ
In this sermon Mike describes the normal pattern of growth necessary for a healthy Christian life.
August, 2014
The Kingdom's Loss
In this lesson, Matthew recounts the story of a young man who typifies the greatest loss to the kingdom.
August, 2014
Who is the King?
As the time for His suffering and death draws near Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure by establishing His true identity with them.
August, 2014
The Source of Islam
In chapters 20 and 21 of Genesis, we read about Abraham's continued walk of faith and a description of the people who were the source for the religion of Islam.
August, 2014
Lot's Poor Choices
In this lesson, we see the very real consequences of Lot's choices concerning where he chose to live with his family after separating from Abraham.
August, 2014
Sarai and Hagar's Conflict / Abram and Circumcision
This lesson looks at the very source of the Jewish/Arab conflict as well as the distinguishing mark given to Abraham and all his male descendants... circumcision.
August, 2014
The Passion as Witness
Most discussions concerning "miracles" usually devolve into a semantics exercise wherein the exact nature of what a miracle is becomes foremost and the idea of power is left aside. And yet the two are inseparable since the miracle and the power behind it are one.
August, 2014
Kingdom Kindness
This lesson will examine the many acts of simple kindness done by Jesus as He established His kingdom.
August, 2014
The Kingdom Grows
Jesus used parables as a mainstay of His teaching. This lesson looks at the definition, use and meaning of parables used by the Lord and recorded by Matthew.
August, 2014
Wholly Devoted
In this lesson Mike demonstrates the superior way man can devote himself to God through Christ in comparison to the Old Testament's system of sacrifice and giving.
August, 2014
Biblical Invitations
This sermon examines the biblical basis for the tradition in most Churches of Christ to extend an "invitation" at the end of each sermon.
August, 2014
The Kingdom in Conflict
In this lesson, we begin to see the "push back" from the Jewish religious leaders in response to Jesus' popularity and effectiveness in establishing His kingdom through His teaching and miracles.
July, 2014
The Gospel in the Old Testament
In this section of Genesis God reveals the core principle of the Gospel to Abraham, salvation by a process of faith.
July, 2014
What Kids Need to Know
Three important things today's children need to know if they are to grow up to become well balanced adults leading faithful lives.
July, 2014
The King in Action
In this study, we will examine how Matthew describes the incredible pace and impact of Jesus' ministry in establishing His kingdom.
July, 2014
Melchizedek: A 'Type' for Christ
This lesson introduces the fascinating figure of Melchizedek, one of the earliest types or previews for Christ in the Bible.
July, 2014
Spiritual Toughness
One of our seniors suffered chest pains and had to be rushed to the hospital recently. They told her to take it easy and not do so much, she wasn't getting any younger and neither was her heart.
July, 2014
The Kingdom Character
In this lesson on the Beatitudes, we will note the differences between the imputed righteousness of Christians in the Kingdom and those who seek to be right by upholding the "law."
July, 2014
Abraham and Lot
This lesson reviews the relationship between Abraham and his nephew Lot as well as the godly wisdom the family leader used to resolve a serious dispute.
July, 2014
The King's Temptation
Matthew continues his portrayal of Jesus as King with the description of Jesus' encounter with the Prince of darkness in the desert.
July, 2014
Abraham: Father of a Nation
With the beginning of chapter twelve, the book of Genesis focuses once again on one specific individual. This time the writers will detail the life of Abraham who was to become the father of the Jewish nation and how the Seed of Promise was kept alive through him.
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.