Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
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.
January, 2011
Drive-Thru Religion
I remember reading about a church that met at a drive-in movie lot. People would park, clip on the speakers, and honk to say "Amen". I don't think there's a trend here but this is a good example of the "drive-thru religion" mentality.
Devo
January, 2011
Every Excuse Works
Prioritizing spiritual growth over excuses like "I don't feel like it" or "I'm too tired" can lead to a fulfilling worship experience and a deeper connection with God.
Devo
January, 2011
Feel of Salvation
Understanding the role of feelings in the journey of salvation can lead to a deeper appreciation of the transformative power of regret, repentance, and restitution in our lives.
Devo
January, 2011
Forever Thanksgiving
Reflect on the everlasting soul within you and the gratitude it holds, a reminder to appreciate the true essence that remains when all else fades away.
Devo
January, 2011
Getting the Rite Right
Reflect on the deeper meaning behind ceremonial practices to truly connect with the essence of faith and salvation.
Devo
January, 2011
God Loves... Even Superman
Reflect on the humbling journey of self-discovery and empathy within this text, as it delves into the complexities of fame, fortune, and the universal love of God, inviting you to ponder on the interconnectedness of humanity.
Devo
January, 2011
Grass Wisdom
Appreciate the wisdom shared on maintaining your lawn and drawing parallels with church work, highlighting the importance of focusing on the green, nurturing growth, and giving a light touch to both grass and people.
Devo
January, 2011
Happy Dying
Reflect on the promise of a happy ending to your life and the comfort of the shadow of the cross in your final moments as described in this thought-provoking text.
January, 2011
He Could've Been a Role Model
Tommy Morrison, the heavyweight boxer from Oklahoma, has tested positive for the H.I.V. virus. He faced the media with this announcement recently and finished his news conference with the words, "I could have been a role model but I blew my chance."
Devo
January, 2011
Him or Me
Reflect on the choices presented in life and consider whether your actions will please God or simply gratify yourself, as the battle against temptation becomes clearer when we question whose pleasure we are seeking to fulfill.
Devo
January, 2011
Intensity vs. Accuracy
Reflect on the importance of accuracy in religion as highlighted in the prophetic words of Isaiah regarding the Moabite nation's futile intense religious rituals, emphasizing the need for biblical accuracy over mere intensity in worship and faith practices.
January, 2011
Jerry's Kids
If there's a TV in the restaurant, chances are that it's blaring out the Jerry Springer show at noon. Whether it's Pizza Hut or Tasty Burger, people are tuning in to the lunch time slug-fest each day as part of their midday routine.
Devo
January, 2011
Joy of Irresponsibility
Reflect on the freedom found in releasing responsibilities that do not belong to us, as Jesus bears our sins, oversees the church, and determines salvation, allowing us to focus on living out the gospel in our daily lives.
January, 2011
Keep Climbing!
Our youth group recently went on a hiking and rock climbing trip. Nineteen teenagers scurrying up a mountain with two guides and a middle-aged preacher making sure nobody fell – it wasn't a pretty sight.
January, 2011
Lord of Weather
The weather is much in the news at this time of year and there is endless discussion about its impact on the earth. We know, however, that regardless of its severity or change, the weather is meant to be a ministering agent for the Lord.
January, 2011
Loss of the Cross
As many of you already know, the courts have ordered the city of Edmond to remove the cross symbol from their city seal. This action, in a town where the church is quite numerous, should teach us a few important lessons for the future.
Devo
January, 2011
Mary was a Single Mom
Mary's unwavering faith and dedication as a single mother of seven showcase the extraordinary strength and resilience needed in today's world of parenting.
Devo
January, 2011
Mining the Word
Delve into the enriching practice of daily Bible reading with the aid of a notebook to uncover new insights and blessings that strengthen your faith and understanding.
January, 2011
Not Guilty
I knew the moment she said, "Not Guilty," that this trial was an emotional loser. Had Mr. Simpson been found guilty (football hero, movie nice guy, etc.) was going to spend a lifetime in prison. The "not guilty" decision left me feeling anguish for the victims and their families.
January, 2011
Total Pointlessness
Tom Whittaker, a mountaineer who lost his leg in a 1979 car accident, continues to climb challenging slopes with the help of a special prosthesis. When interviewed recently he said, "One of the things that really attracts me to mountaineering is its total pointlessness. So I've dedicated my life to it."
December, 2010
The 3 R's in Labor Day
The last thing we want to do on the Labor Day weekend is think about "work." But before we leave for the lake or start on the Labor Day project, let's spend a moment reviewing a few main ideas that the Bible has about our work that might be helpful when we get back to the job after the holiday is over.
December, 2010
7 Gift Suggestions for Dad
If you've purchases your Father's Day gift, this article is not for you. The other 99% listen up. Here's a little help to choose for the hardest man to shop for – Dad.
Devo
December, 2010
Abstinence vs. Moderation
Understanding the importance of abstinence over moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption, considering its addictive nature and negative impact, is crucial for maintaining credibility as a Christian.
Devo
December, 2010
Baseball Blues
Witnessing the impact of parents' behavior at youth sports games sheds light on the importance of bringing positive values to the field, urging a reflection on the true essence of sportsmanship and character-building in our children.
Devo
December, 2010
Dare You!
Dare to ask in faith for what is beyond reach and experience the richness of God's blessings and presence in your life.
Devo
December, 2010
Don't - Just do it
Consider the impact of media influence on your decisions and actions, questioning motives and consequences before simply following the trends.
Devo
December, 2010
Goodfinder Trait
Embrace the power of being a "goodfinder" and discover the joy that comes from acknowledging the good in yourself and others, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Devo
December, 2010
Gospel Math
Understanding Christian mathematics involves more than just addition and subtraction - it's about being added to the body of Christ and multiplying blessings in the Kingdom of God.
Devo
December, 2010
Invisible Gifts
Reflect on the precious memories of Christmases past and cherish the invisible gifts that warm your heart in this heartfelt reminder of the true essence of the holiday season.
Devo
December, 2010
It's a Comforting Thought...
Embrace the comforting promise of divine support in times of struggle and find solace in the belief that God provides strength and meaning beyond just overcoming sin.
Devo
December, 2010
Lord Will Provide
Embrace peace of mind by trusting in God's promises to provide, encouraging generosity, and praising Him in all circumstances, as outlined in the book of Psalms.
Devo
December, 2010
My Retirement
Embrace the perspective shift on retirement and discover the hidden treasures of this phase by offering it to the Lord with wisdom and faith.
Devo
December, 2010
Successful Parenting
Encouraging parents to delve into John Croyle's insightful book on successful parenting, emphasizing the importance of unconditional love, belief in children, discipline, and continuous effort in shaping their future.
December, 2010
Things my Mother Taught me
The Bible teaches us to honor our fathers and mothers. One way to do this is to live in such a way that they receive honor from what we say and do. I'd like to honor my own mother, Jane Rose Mazzalongo, by sharing three important lessons she has taught me.
December, 2010
Fathers and Sons
When I was fifty two years old I learned that my father was not my real father. The man I had known as "dad" was long dead by the time this revelation came so it did not change anything between him and me.
December, 2010
So You Want To Be A Missionary?
To make it as a preacher or missionary, I believe there are four indispensable resources required.
Church 101
December, 2010
4 Resources for Missionaries
To make it as a preacher or missionary, I believe there are four indispensable resources required.
Church 101
September, 2010
Preaching or Meddling?
The oldest joke about preachers is that when they begin to deal with our true bad habits and sins in their sermons, we say that "they've gone from preaching to meddling".
August, 2010
Random Blessings
Sometimes God surprises us. Not just with big things but with random blessings that sprinkle our day with evidence of His constant love and incredible kindness towards us. Here are a few random blessings that immediately come to mind.
Devo
July, 2010
Passover Sleep
Find peace in the comforting embrace of God's love through the symbolic act of baptism, just like Emilie did in the story shared.
May, 2010
Twister Religion
The recent storms that spawned at least a dozen tornadoes across the state of Oklahoma in the U.S. also sparked a spike in some peoples' faith.
Sermon
March, 2010
Loneliness
Loneliness is a catchword for a variety of feelings associated with being by oneself. The "feelings" associated with being alone are usually caused by the reasons why a person finds themselves alone to begin with.
Church 101
March, 2010
The Origin of The Bible
This article looks at the history of writing and examines how the Bible originated and closes with information on how the Old Testament was organized.
Sermon
January, 2010
The Eternal Church
Jesus said that nothing will or can destroy the church. The Bible says that it will continue to grow until it fills and dominates every other kingdom in the world and remain that way forever.
Sermon
December, 2009
Materialism
Mike reviews two different types of materialism and how we are to deal with it.
December, 2009
Jesus Loves Tiger Woods
I prayed for Tiger Woods today. From now on he will be referred to by the media as "disgraced golfer" Tiger Woods... a heavy burden to carry at such a young age, hence my prayer on his behalf.
Sermon
November, 2009
The Promise Land
A lesson that parallels an immigrant's experience with the experience of Christians who come into the kingdom and seek the promise of heaven.
November, 2009
Heroes Are Made Not Born
What makes someone a champion? Is it courage, training, ability or strength of character? In this lesson, we're going to study about David and see how God took a young unknown shepherd boy and transformed him into one of the greatest heroes in Jewish history.
November, 2009
The Power of the Cross
People come to God because of the cross of Jesus. It is the magnetic force within Christianity that has the power to pull people toward God. In this lesson, will try to explain what it is about the cross that attracts people to Jesus.
November, 2009
Religious Myths
In this lesson we're going to try to separate myth from reality. We're going to try to separate what people think the Bible teaches from what is actually written.
November, 2009
The End of the World
I'm no prophet and I don't know when the end of the world is going to be but I do know that the Bible does teach very specific and easily understood things about the end of the world
November, 2009
He is There and We Can Know Him
In this lesson we will look at good and bad reasons for believing in God.
November, 2009
I Will Build My Church
When I say the word church what do you think of? A building with arches and a cross on it? Perhaps a place where you can go to sit, pray and think? When Jesus said, I will build my church, what did He mean did? In this lesson, we're going to try to find out exactly that.
November, 2009
Why People Reject the Bible
More copies of the Bible exist in the world than any other book. It has been translated into more languages distributed in more countries made accessible to more people than any other publication since the invention of the printing press and yet the majority of people who own Bibles don't read them or refuse to follow the teachings that the Bible gives.
November, 2009
Communion
In this lesson we see the relationship between the Jewish Passover and the communion that Christians celebrate throughout the world.
November, 2009
Baptism
When we talk about baptism what's the first thing that comes to your mind? Maybe babies having a priest putting water on their forehead. In this lesson, we're going to find out the biblical idea of baptism.
November, 2009
Forgiveness
When the court puts a man into prison it is providing the punishment that justice demands for his crimes. God also demands justice for crimes or sins but God is able to give something that prisons can't offer, that is forgiveness for those sins. In this study we're going to look at a man who was guilty of two of the worst sins that a person can commit, adultery and murder. We're also going to see how God dramatically changed his life by forgiving him of these sins.
November, 2009
Suffering
One thing is sure in life and that is that sooner or later, we or someone we love, will have to face the problem of suffering. When we talk about this problem of suffering the key question to answer is this how do we respond to suffering. In this lesson we will explore the wonderful epistle of james as he talks to us about the problem of suffering.
November, 2009
The Bible: Who Wrote it?
When you read the Bible, what exactly are you reading? Are you really looking at something that has been created by God, inspired by God and given to men or are you merely reading something that was created by human thinking or invention.
November, 2009
Who is this Jesus?
2,000 years ago there was a man called Jesus who had quite an impact on his people and now 2,000 years later people are usually uncomfortable when discussing Him. Why? Who is this person that's so long after He lived on this earth the mere mention of his name immediately creates tension.
Devo
September, 2009
The Discipline of Failure
Learn from the stories of David, the woman at the well, and Peter the Apostle, who despite their failures, were used mightily by the Lord, showing that your past mistakes do not define your future potential.
July, 2009
The King Who Matters
The "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, died last week. He will be remembered for his music, performance style, and unfortunate allegations of child molestation as well as the grotesque degeneration of his appearance largely due to an overdependence on plastic surgery.
Devo
June, 2009
Just a Minute
Exercise self-control and savor the rewards of a single extra minute before indulging in that tempting treat.
Sermon
June, 2009
Servant-Leadership
When I review the qualities in men who are fathers, the one that I find most appealing and helpful for the well-being of the family is a man's ability and willingness to be a servant-leader.
Devo
May, 2009
Not All Will Die
Reflect on the transformation awaiting believers when Jesus returns, reminding us that faithfulness in life is more crucial than the timing of our physical existence.
May, 2009
Stand-By Service
When it comes to caring and serving there are some members who are always on "stand-by."
May, 2009
The 10 Stages of Motherhood
Every parent looks forward to the day when their child will truly understand what being a parent is all about
April, 2009
Christian Worship in 150 AD
Justin Martyr was a Samarian Christian who lived in the second century. He was a Platonist philosopher who was converted to Christianity and became a strong defender of the faith. In one of his works, "Apology of the Christian Religion", written in around 150AD, he describes a typical Christian worship service of that day.
Devo
April, 2009
Present Pain, Future Gain
Reflect on the unknown future impact of your present faithfulness, just like the great figures of faith who couldn't foresee the outcomes of their actions but trusted in God's plan.