Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
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.
December, 2013
No Fear
I've noticed a trend in T.V. and movies of late and that is the marriage of the occult with science fiction or comedy or regular weekly soap operas. There was a time when the various characters and beliefs of the occult, such as witches and demons and fortunetelling etc. were relegated to scary movies or horror.
December, 2013
Daniel in Babylon
A background look at the person (Daniel) and the circumstances surrounding his exile from Jerusalem to Babylon as well as a first description of the dream that forms the basis for Daniel's prophecies.
December, 2013
The Holy Spirit and Christmas
Now when we think about it we might not at first see the connection between the two but hopefully, after this lesson, you will see that there would be no Christmas without the Holy Spirit.
December, 2013
Duck Dilemma
The duck people have gone and done it now. The patriarch of reality television's Duck Dynasty has actually shared his Christian perspective on the subject of homosexuality with a reporter for trendy GQ magazine.
December, 2013
Counterfeit Christmas
Where do they get these guys? I was listening to a National Public Radio discussion in the car recently where 3 "experts" we're parsing the latest pronouncement from the new Pope.
December, 2013
Gospel of John Review
A final look at the entire gospel and summary of its main theme. This lesson also includes a review test with questions over the entire book.
November, 2013
Planning for Death
The news of the passing of famous people reminds us once again that in the end we all must die, even celebrities.
November, 2013
Surrender
This lesson is a devotional meditation on the core spiritual exercise of the Christian faith.
November, 2013
Appearances to the Apostles
In this lesson, we will review the 11 recorded appearances of Jesus after His resurrection and final ascension into heaven.
November, 2013
Death / Burial / Resurrection
The apostle John provides the details surrounding the actual burial of Christ as well as the flow of events immediately after Jesus' resurrection.
Sermon
November, 2013
My Most Dangerous Sermon
This sermon looks at the reasons why the "money" sermon is dangerous for the preacher to preach but so necessary for the church to hear.
November, 2013
The Passion
This lesson examines the various trials and leaders Jesus faced before He is ultimately condemned to the cross. John also provides a brief description of the scene at the crucifixion.
November, 2013
What Christian Men and Women Want
This sermon looks at the qualities of character that are appealing in the opposite sex from a Christian perspective.
November, 2013
Daniel/Revelation for Beginners
This series explains in simple terms the relationship between these two books of the Bible. Each book will be reviewed to better understand the meaning of the symbolic language used in both and the message that the writers were communicating to their readers as well as a modern application for today's Christian.
October, 2013
Setting the Stage for Daniel/Revelation
This introductory lesson will situate the historical setting for the book of Daniel and its relationship to the Book of Revelation.
October, 2013
The Passion
John begins to describe the events that lead up to Jesus' torture and crucifixion.
October, 2013
Jesus' Final Teaching
In this last portion of Jesus' time with the Apostles before His death, the Lord makes what has been referred to as His "High Priestly" prayer where He prays for Himself, the Apostles and future generation of Christians.
October, 2013
Jesus' Final Teaching
In this section of the Lord's final teaching, He encourages the Apostles as He reviews with them what will take place in the near future.
October, 2013
The Aids Psalm
A psalm written by David goes through the phases that every victim of sin must go through (including the Modern Aids patient) in order to reach peace with self and God.
October, 2013
The 7 Powers of God's Word
God's power is revealed and experienced in His Word. This lesson outlines seven of these specific powers.
Sermon
October, 2013
The New You
In I Corinthians 6 Paul talks about a radical change that is possible and permanent and describes the three steps that lead to this new you.
October, 2013
Jesus' Final Teaching
Jesus continues teaching and encouraging His disciples before He is betrayed by Judas.
September, 2013
Heaven's Employee
This lesson explores the qualifications necessary if one were to be considered for employment in Heaven. (Barnabas)
September, 2013
Jesus' Final Teaching
John recounts four dialogues that Jesus has with different apostles after they had shared the Passover meal.
September, 2013
Jude vs. 17-25
After a sharp rebuke of those who would teach false ideas in the church Jude goes on to show how believers can protect themselves against such men and their dangerous ideas.
September, 2013
The Last Supper
The final hours of Jesus' life begin with the Passover meal with His Apostles where He will demonstrate both His power and humility.
September, 2013
Jude vs. 1-16
In the first part of his letter Jude describes the dangerous men and their tactics in spreading false doctrine.
September, 2013
EQ, IQ or LQ?
EQ (Emotional quotient) and IQ (Intelligence Quotient) measure various parts of our personality and thinking but to be a well rounded Christian we must also measure our LQ (Love Quotient)
September, 2013
Reaction to Lazarus' Resurrection
In this section John describes the reaction that various people had to Lazarus' miraculous resurrection.
September, 2013
Freedom in Christ
This lesson examines the "freedom" that Paul mentions in Galatians 5:1 and what it means in both spiritual and practical terms in a Christian's life.
September, 2013
The Resurrection of Lazarus
The death and resurrection of Lazarus are viewed from the eyes of the principal characters who witnessed this great miracle by Jesus.
September, 2013
A Labor of Love
This lesson talks about the parable about workers and their work and how God rewards His laborers.
Sermon
September, 2013
Salted Speech
Being effective in sharing our faith requires that we salt all our speech with grace, not just know the facts about religion.
September, 2013
Jesus Rebukes the Jewish Leaders
The parable of the Good Shepherd points to both the failings of the Jewish leadership and the eventual redemptive work of the true leader and shepherd of Israel.
August, 2013
The Healing and the Attack
Jesus performs a great miracle and is immediately attacked by His enemies in the Jewish leadership. This lesson details the dialogue the Lord has with the Pharisees.
August, 2013
What Defeats the Gospel
The Gospel is God's power to save but there are many things that defeat it in this world. This lesson examines those forces which win out in the short term.
August, 2013
Wall of Righteousness
In the book of Ezekiel, the Lord rebukes Jewish leaders for abandoning their role as spiritual shepherds over the nation.
August, 2013
Weak Link
I watched him sit on the bench for most of the game. His eyes looked pleadingly at the coach every time he came near. Just a chance to play coach, his eyes said, just one time at least.
August, 2013
Plane Thinking
It's amazing how being thirty thousand feet in the air can give you a whole new perspective on life. Recently, I few out to California and, as the plane cruised far above the desert and mountains, I realized how different life seemed from this precarious angle.
August, 2013
Pray for your Enemies
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells His disciples that they should "pray for those who persecute you." This is timely instruction for our nation especially during these turbulent times, but, have you ever wondered what praying for your enemies does? After all they don't see or hear the prayer so how can it affect them?
August, 2013
Wonderchild Gone Bad
The tragic story of an exceptionally gifted servant of God who fails to live up to his potential and calling. (Samson)
August, 2013
The Pharisees' Attack
More dialogue between Jesus and a woman caught in adultery as well as His denunciation of the hypocritical Jewish leaders.
August, 2013
Jesus in Jerusalem
In this lesson we examine the dialogue that Jesus has with various groups during one of His trips to Jerusalem.
August, 2013
The Pilgrim Spirit
This sermon examines the ways that Christians can maintain the pilgrim attitude so necessary to successfully navigate this world on the journey to the next.
August, 2013
In Defense of Martha
I believe Martha's gotten a bad rap as far as Bible characters go. The most quoted reference about Martha is where Jesus gently admonishes her concerning this good woman's frustration at not receiving help from her sister, Mary, in serving their guests.
July, 2013
Grandparent's Day
September 8th is "Grandparents' Day" according to the flower and gift industry. Certainly grandparents are worthy of a bouquet or an outing at the Golden Corral, but if we really want to please them, how about some things that would truly make a difference in their lives?
July, 2013
Jesus Knows His Own
In this final section of Jesus' dialogue with an unbelieving crowd, the Lord sets forth the acid test for true discipleship.
July, 2013
The Miracle Catch
Jesus teaches Peter the qualities necessary to become a "fisher of men".
July, 2013
Reassurance for New Elders
One of the most common reactions that new elders have at being selected for this position is a feeling of unworthiness. After all, we're giving a man the responsibility of watching over the eternal souls of hundreds of people. This is quite a responsibility and a certain hesitation and sense of humility is natural.
July, 2013
Belief is a Must
Jesus continues His dialogue with the unbelieving crowd and emphasizes that belief is a must if they are to receive the 2 promises He makes to them.
July, 2013
From an Early Age
The Apostle Paul's makes the case not only for the inspired source of the Bible but also the importance of learning it as soon as possible in one's life.
Devo
July, 2013
Decisions, Decisions
Consider the impact of your decisions on your faith, family, and future to ensure they align with your values and lead you towards spiritual growth and blessings.
July, 2013
Why is Giving More Blessed Than Receiving?
This lesson reviews the actual reasons why the act of giving provides a greater reward than the act of receiving.