Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
June, 2012
Review of Re-Baptism
A study of the issue of re-baptism focusing on the first converts of the church at Ephesus.
June, 2012
Introduction to Ephesians
A review of the Apostle Paul's life and ministry and the circumstances leading up to the writing of this epistle.
May, 2012
Loving my Everyday Enemies
The command to love one's enemies is explored in the context of everyday life as well as the specific case of America's most active enemies among Muslim terrorists.
May, 2012
Why Mary?
One of the most difficult decisions that parents must make is who to appoint as guardians for their children in case both parents die at the same time. You think about who you would give your kids to if you are gone.
May, 2012
Recipe for a Successful Spiritual Life
Part 3 of a series looking at family, career and the way to experience a true spiritual regeneration in this life and an eternal existence in the next.
May, 2012
Recipe for a Successful Career
Part 2 of a 3 part series looking at the ingredients for success in the family as well as the pursuit of satisfying and rewarding careers.
May, 2012
The Voice of Faith
Critics often refer to the maturing of authors as the process of "finding one's voice." For example, writers who hit upon a message or theme in their books that make an impact on their readers are said to have found their "true voice."
April, 2012
Recipe for a Successful Family
The first of a 3 part series examining the qualities that promote harmony, joy, and intimacy in family settings.
Sermon
April, 2012
Regular Worship
Let's look at the bigger picture that God has designed for New Testament worship.
March, 2012
A Time for Everything
In this lesson we talk about Ecclesiastes 3:1 where Solomon describes there is a time for everything. When we realize there is a time for everything it will add so much to our lives.
Church 101
March, 2012
The Use of Media in Ministry
Media is the vehicle for communication and we as Christians are really in the business of communication.
March, 2012
Video Blog
This series presents a collection of short and engaging lessons that not only provide insights into these subjects through the lens of the Christian perspective. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding or simply curious about how faith intersects with various aspects of life, these lessons offer an enlightening journey that's both thought-provoking and enjoyable.
March, 2012
Jesus our Everyday Savior
Often, we've known God as the object of our prayers and praise, but do we truly see Him as our Savior in moments of need?
March, 2012
From Zero to Faith
How does one go from having no faith to having complete faith? OK I have faith, now what? These are the questions we discuss in this video blog.
March, 2012
Parable of the Cork
Don't let the weight of sin keep you from coming back to Christ
March, 2012
4 Rules for a Happy Life
The most sincere thing we can desire for somebody else is their happiness. It's usually the thing parents want the most for their children. They want their children to be happy. In this entry we'll look at the 4 rules for a happy life.
March, 2012
Carrying the Cross of Jesus Christ
The Cross has always been a powerful reminder of the suffering of Jesus Christ. It has also been a reference point for things Christians must suffer to serve the Lord. In this lesson we will look at how 'Carrying the Cross' demonstrates the way we respond to hardships and suffering.
March, 2012
Leading Your Child to Christ
This sermon examines the issue of when it is proper to baptize children.
March, 2012
Breaking the Sin Habit
Most of our sins are little ones. Our sins rarely get us on the 10 o'clock news. Few of us are ever convicted of robbery, murder, rape. The majority of Christians manage to avoid the big "whopping" sins most of the time. That's why when a Christian does break the law, it's news.
March, 2012
Fighting the Boredom Bear
If you were to ask marriage counselors what is one of the top reasons that marriages fail they would tell you that boredom leads or is near the top of the list.
March, 2012
Senior Moments
Senior "moments" usually refer to bouts of forgetfulness that seem to overtake all of us as we grow older. However, these moments can also refer to insights and lessons that come if you have been around for a while.
February, 2012
Making the Unknown God Known
This lesson gives several examples of smart men who wanted change the world without God and how they succeeded.
February, 2012
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ
The preeminence of Christ over all in the material and the spiritual world is demonstrated through the teachings of Paul the Apostle in the epistle to the Colossian church.
February, 2012
The Gift That Got Them There
In several weeks, we'll be celebrating the graduation of our high school and college seniors.
February, 2012
You Can't Clone a Soul
Let's get it straight. The road to immortality does not run through the uncertain terrain of cloning.
February, 2012
What Are They Learning?
"Bad company corrupts good morals" (1 Cor. 15:33), has always been the parent's most reliable come back to their children's lack of judgment in choosing friends. It's Biblical, easy to remember, and so to the point.
February, 2012
The Good Life
In I Chronicles 29:28, the writer summarizes David's life at his passing by enumerating three blessings any one of us today can relate to:
January, 2012
It's Still Called Stealing
The recent arrest of Kim Dotcom, CEO of the website Megaupload, for copyright crimes reminds us that stealing is still stealing...
January, 2012
Pump It Up
I suppose one sign that I'm truly over the hill is that I can no longer stand loud, aggressive music. I never thought that I'd be the one to yell, "Turn it down!"
January, 2012
The Blessing
One of the treasured memories of growing up in a French family in Quebec was the New Year's Day "blessing
Sermon
January, 2012
Why Jesus Had to Resurrect
In the Church of Christ we have no "special" services for religious holidays like Easter but the fact that Easter Sunday is celebrated by many seems to motivate people to make an extra effort to be at church service at this time.
Sermon
January, 2012
Mary - The Single Parent
A look at Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a woman, wife, and ultimately, a widow.
January, 2012
Does God Care About the Super Bowl?
Quarterback Tim Tebow's public display of faith has ignited a debate over the role that religion plays in sports. Does God care about who wins or loses? Can prayer alter the results of a sporting event? Will the most spiritually minded team win Super Bowl XLVI?
December, 2011
The First Christmas Gifts
A review of the significance represented in each of the gifts presented to Jesus by the Magi.
December, 2011
Divine Justice
As the execution of Oklahoma City bomber, Timothy McVeigh, approaches there will surely be a rise in the debate over the issue of the death penalty. Unfortunately, both sides often talk, over each others' heads and the discussion rarely moves toward any kind of resolution.
December, 2011
Common vs. Holy
Ezekiel outlines the duties of the newly appointed priests and he says that one of their tasks was to teach the people the difference between what is holy and what is common; what is clean and unclean.
December, 2011
Complexity or Courage?
President Bush struck a compromise in his decision over stem cell research. He had three Federal government funding options.
December, 2011
7 Things That Don't Matter
It doesn't matter what the world thinks of me...so long as Christ thinks of me.
December, 2011
Born Again Virgins
Recently I heard a report on the radio about a movement where people were once again choosing to remain celibate before marriage. A spokesperson for this group explained that reclaiming one's sexuality in this way was an effort to produce sexual rebirth and renewal.
December, 2011
3 Things to Make You Happy
The pursuit of true happiness requires 3 basic changes regardless of the person or circumstances.
December, 2011
Spiritual Security
There has been much talk concerning Social Security that has a lot of folks in a lather. The government is suggesting a variety of ways to save it or make it more viable.
Devo
December, 2011
For Men Only
Join us for a delicious breakfast and engaging conversation with fellow men at the planning breakfast this Saturday - a great opportunity to connect over food and fellowship!
December, 2011
They Could Have Been Champions
So you’re the disputed winners of the Olympic gold medal in pairs’ figure skating from Russia, what do you do? You could hang on to your prize and fight off criticism that your victory is tainted, never really exulting in, or being recognized for, this achievement. Or...
December, 2011
The Silence of the Lamb
Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged (John 19:1). When I try to imagine the reality of these words, I become indignant. What impudence, what arrogance, what monumental ignorance for a godless petty official to rain such humiliation on the Author of Life!
December, 2011
Tongue Trouble
Ever notice the amount of trouble your tongue gets you into? I think this type of weakness was on Jesus' mind when He chose Peter to become an apostle. A classic story that typified the problem occurs in Matthew 26:35 where Peter blurts out that no matter what, he will never deny or abandon Jesus.
December, 2011
Remember Your Enemies
As Memorial Day approaches, the nation honors those in the military past and present who have served and died to protect this nation.
December, 2011
Tobacco Statistics
Let's decide it once and for all. Is tobacco use sinful or not? If it isn't, we'll leave well enough alone. If it is, then all the Christians who use it need to stop.
December, 2011
RU-486 and Reality
In the year 2000, the U.S. government approved the use of the abortion pill RU-486. Abortion rights' advocates hailed the ruling as an important breakthrough claiming that this pill would cut down on surgically performed abortions and provide an "easier" early-abortion method.
December, 2011
What Would You Do Differently?
Watching people die is always a growth experience. I don't say this lightly because the trauma for family and friends is real and painful. But if you're in the medical profession or serve as a hospice worker or minister, the constant passing of people from this life to the next occurs repeatedly in your everyday work and serves more to teach than frighten or depress.
December, 2011
Can You Hear Me Now?
Most of us have seen the cellular phone company's commercial where a man is seen walking around holding a phone to his ear asking the person on the other end of the line, "Can you hear me now?" We can relate to this ad because we have all had this very same experience when, in the middle of a cell phone conversation, we lose contact for a moment.
November, 2011
Resurrection / Appearances / Ascension
Section VII - Events #140-154 are discussed along with practical applications.
Sermon
November, 2011
God Bless You - Mike and Family
Mike reflects on the challenges and blessings of a faithful journey. He shares heartfelt experiences of enduring personal trials, maintaining strong family bonds, and growing in faith through it all. This lesson offers inspiration for anyone facing life's ups and downs, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their belief and trust in God's plan.
November, 2011
Victory in Jesus
Paul describes the manner and result of the resurrection of the body - part 2.
November, 2011
Concerning the Collection
One of the few Biblical teachings on the manner and purpose of financial giving as part of the worship service.
November, 2011
Life of Jesus in Chronological Order
This series follows the events of Jesus' life in chronological order. There are 154 individual events and each is given in order with appropriate Scriptural references in each gospel as well as background information for every event.
November, 2011
Last Passover to Crucifixion Week (continued)
Section VI continued - Events #129-139 are discussed along with practical applications.
Sermon
November, 2011
Evangelizing Homosexuals
We need to evangelize this growing number of people but are usually hard-pressed to know where to begin. This lesson provides some information towards this end.
November, 2011
Victory in Jesus
Paul describes the manner and result of the resurrection of the body - part 1.
November, 2011
Order in Worship
A lesson teaching how the various spiritual gifts are to be used in a public worship setting.
November, 2011
Last Passover to Crucifixion Week
Section VI - Events #119-128 are discussed along with practical applications.
November, 2011
The Purpose of Preaching
In this lesson, Paul explains what is the proper use and purpose for the spiritual gifts they have received including the gift of preaching (prophecy).
November, 2011
3rd Passover to Final Week
Section V continued - Events #107-118 are discussed along with practical applications.
November, 2011
The Character of Love
One of the most famous and quoted passages in the Bible describes the character of Christ's love.
November, 2011
Revival At The Flying J
She won us over in a minute. We staggered into the truck stop after an 800 mile drive. We were hungry, tired, and in no mood for polite talk. Our waitress had her own problems, having to cover two separate seating sections since she was obviously the only server on the floor. This did not defeat her good humor and attentiveness however.
November, 2011
3rd to Last Passover
Section V continued - a continued look into events #95-106 is discussed along with practical applications.
October, 2011
Many Members - One Body
Paul demonstrates why the human body is the perfect figure to represent how the church functions and grows.
October, 2011
3rd to 4th Passover (continued)
Section V continued - Events #82-94 are discussed along with practical applications.
October, 2011
Unworthy Communion
Paul outlines proper conduct in public worship with regard to the Lord's Supper.
October, 2011
3rd to 4th Passover
Section V - Events #68-81 (Ministry from the 3rd Passover to the beginning of the last Passover week) are discussed along with practical applications.
October, 2011
Veils: Custom or Command?
A lesson designed to help the church discern God's will in the face of changing cultural norms.
October, 2011
2nd to 3rd Passover (continued)
Section IV continued - Events #47-67 are discussed in order to complete section IV.
October, 2011
Freedom Through Slavery
Paul reminds the Corinthians of 4 areas where he has given up his freedom in order to guarantee the salvation of others.
October, 2011
2nd to 3rd Passover
Section IV - Events #33-46 (Public Ministry of Jesus from 2nd Passover to 3rd Passover) are discussed along with practical applications.
October, 2011
License to Love
In this lesson, Paul deals with the delicate issue of Christian liberty and how to deal with situations that required discretion.
September, 2011
1st to 2nd Passover
Section III - Events #23-32 (Public Ministry of Jesus from 1st Passover to 2nd Passover) are discussed along with practical applications.
September, 2011
Keeping the Lock in Wedlock
Paul addresses the problems connected with marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
September, 2011
Beginning of Ministry
Section II - Events #16-22 (Beginning of Jesus' Ministry) are discussed along with practical modern-day applications.
September, 2011
Flee Fornication
A lesson reviewing key Bible ideas about sexual immorality and Paul's warning about this subject to the Corinthians and by extension, to us today.
September, 2011
Boyhood
Section I - Events #1-15 (Jesus' boyhood) are discussed along with practical applications.
Sermon
September, 2011
Why Me, Why Now?
One thing you learn a lot about as a minister is suffering and death. You're among the first to be called when there is illness and the last person to see the dead as they are buried at their funerals.
September, 2011
The Power of the Cross
In this lesson, Paul reveals the true source of spiritual power for the growth of the church- the cross of Christ.
September, 2011
Introduction to the Life of Jesus
The introductory lesson reviews references from each gospel. The purpose and advantages of a sequential study of Jesus' life as well as the 7 major categories the events are divided into.
September, 2011
The Foolishness of God
Paul demonstrates how tempting it is to use human methods to bring people to God instead of God's method which is the preaching of the gospel.
September, 2011
I Corinthians for Beginners
Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church deals with issues that continue to affect Christians to this day. In this epistle, the apostle addresses problems such as division in the church, sexual immorality, the proper use of spiritual gifts, the role of women in ministry and the importance of maintaining the authentic gospel message.
Sermon
July, 2011
Evangelizing the Postmodern Generation
We are all called to follow Christ in every generation. It is the responsibility of one generation to teach and evangelize the next generation to carry on the mission.
Church 101
May, 2011
The Work of a Preacher
What does it take to be a preacher? Here are some things every preacher should do.
March, 2011
Ten Ways To Become A Better Husband
Recently the men who attended our "Married Men Support Group" were asked to suggest ways that men could improve as husbands. Below is a sampling of some ideas that were brought forth.
Sermon
January, 2011
Sheep Seeking Shepherd
This sermon delves into the deep spiritual need that every person has for guidance, comfort, and salvation through Christ. Drawing from biblical imagery, Mike explains how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls out to those who are lost, offering them safety and purpose under His care. This teaching serves as a reminder of our need to follow Christ's voice in order to find peace and direction in our lives.
January, 2011
7 Steps to Joy
Homecoming can become a joyful opportunity for every single person in the congregation. Here are the seven steps that will take one there:
January, 2011
75.8
After countless advances in medical technology, doctors tell us that our average lifespan is 75.8 years. These figures teach us a couple of interesting lessons no matter what our age is.
January, 2011
80 million to 1
My cousin was a gambler. He died last year of self-inflicted wounds, but while alive he taught me the definitive lesson about gambling. He said, "When you win, you lose; and when you lose, you lose."
Devo
January, 2011
A Shred of Doubt
Reflect on the transformative power of redemption through the story of Paul the Apostle and find solace in the belief that forgiveness knows no bounds.
January, 2011
Be All You Can Be
The military's catchy recruiting slogan is, "Be all you can be." The call is to achieve your utmost potential.
Devo
January, 2011
The Best of Both Worlds
Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes highlights the importance of finding satisfaction in the fruit of our labor on earth, a reminder for Christians to balance earthly pursuits with spiritual preparation for the future.
Devo
January, 2011
Christ Lovers
Encounter the magnetic pull of faith as you read about the subtle yet powerful interactions of Christ lovers in everyday life.
January, 2011
Christian Style Christmas
At one time or another I've tried and taught most of the ideas that Christians think about Christmas and its celebration; denouncing it, ignoring it or simply accepting its inevitability.
January, 2011
Circle of Salvation
This week I had the great joy of baptizing my youngest daughter, Emilie. She is the last of my children to obey the gospel and with her baptism the circle of salvation is complete around our family.
Devo
January, 2011
Clinging Faith
In moments of incomprehensible hardship, embracing a "clinging" faith may be the only way to navigate through the chaos and find solace, as beautifully expressed in the words of I Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Devo
January, 2011
Common Ground
Understanding the importance of finding common ground in political and religious discourse can lead to a deeper connection and unity among individuals with differing beliefs and values.
Devo
January, 2011
Doing the Right Thing
Embrace the challenge of consistently choosing the right path in Christianity, guided by biblical principles, despite the opposition and inevitable mistakes along the way.