Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
August, 2024
Wednesday Night: What's in it for me?
The Wednesday night service is as inconvenient a habit as you can have. You have to rush home from work and rush through supper or delay supper until late.
August, 2024
Renewal of the Covenant and Moses' Final Days
In this final lesson, Mike summarizes the final eight chapters of Deuteronomy while highlighting the major differences between this last section and the first section of the book from chapter 1 to 26. In addition to this there is commentary about the extensive use of poetry and the final application lessons drawn from three different perspectives to complete the series.
August, 2024
How to Persevere in Preaching
5 indispensable rules that pave the way for your present-day survival and future prosperity as a preacher.
August, 2024
Detailed Laws for Living
Mike reviews the 18 different laws Moses refers to in this section with special emphasis on key ordinances as well as lesser known rules for living explained by the Jewish leaders nearing the end of his life.
August, 2024
Before You Say "Why Not"
When faced with a decision to do something or get involved in some scheme or plan, people sometimes base their choice on the popular saying "why not?"
August, 2024
The Essence of the Law
These chapters cover Moses' review of the commandments and the covenant between God and the Jewish people as they are poised to enter, conquer, and settle the land promised to their forefathers Abraham, Issac and Jacob.
July, 2024
Friendship Stew
In an article entitled, "Enjoying the Enduring Magic of Long-Term Friendship," Katherine Lowry lists several important ingredients found in friendships that are able to last for many years.
July, 2024
Introduction to Deuteronomy
In this introductory lesson, Mike will examine both the differences and similarities of Numbers and Deuteronomy, review the main events of these opening chapters and provide main lessons from this material for both the Jews it was first written for as well as modern Christians who read this material today.
July, 2024
The Rod of Discipline
Solomon, in Proverbs 13:24, emphasizes that discipline, akin to a shepherd's rod, is an essential expression of love necessary for a child's growth, as it teaches them accountability and obedience, ultimately preventing a life without direction and self-discipline.
July, 2024
Preparing to Enter the Promised Land
In the final lesson for the Book of Numbers, Mike details the various preparations made by the Jewish people before finally entering the Promised Land.
July, 2024
No Good Time to Die
When I lived in Montréal, I remember a shocking news story about a young woman who died instantly when a piece of concrete fell on her as she was eating supper with her husband in a downtown restaurant.
July, 2024
Journey to the Plains of Moab
These chapters highlight the various events that prepare the second generation of Jewish people for their entry into the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness.
July, 2024
Forever Praise
Let's begin our week by reading a psalm of praise.
July, 2024
Rebellion and Leadership
This lesson covers the principle events from the spies mission in surveying the Promised Land to the deaths of Miriam and Aaron as the Israelites near the end of their wilderness wanderings.
July, 2024
3 Steps to Contentment
Recent studies reveal a paradox: despite success and happiness, many struggle with dissatisfaction in themselves, public life, and family, leading to stress and conflict. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's wisdom, this article presents three essential steps to finding contentment.
July, 2024
The Good Idea of America
In July of 1776 the American Congress approved the Declaration of the Independence of the 13 United States of America. One of the key figures behind the Declaration was Thomas Jefferson, whose writing in "Defense of Liberty and Rights of Man" was the intellectual force behind the Revolution.
June, 2024
From Sinai to Kadesh
The title of this lesson mentions the place where Israel left after camping for a year (Sinai) and the locale (Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran) where many events that shaped their lives occurred. This lesson reviews several of these experiences.
June, 2024
What is Maturity?
An important topic that parents and teens often discuss is what is, or is not, mature. Parents and teens do not have the same idea about what maturity actually means.
June, 2024
Fearless Trust
In Psalm 27 David provides an example of the kind of attitude a believer should have when facing tough times.
June, 2024
Preparing to Depart
This lesson reviews the instructions God gave the Israelites concerning a census, the order for camps, travel and the responsibilities of both the priests and Levites.
June, 2024
Lap Talk
I'd like to talk to you about an experience I had as a young father many years ago. It began when my youngest son, William, came home from school one day feeling a little low.
June, 2024
Introduction
In this first lesson Mike will introduce the fourth and fifth books of the Pentateuch and examine their main characteristics as well as their similarities and differences.
June, 2024
Numbers / Deuteronomy for Beginners
The books of Numbers and Deuteronomy are natural companions and profitable for a study together since they both provide information about the observation of laws and rituals as well as detailed information about the Jewish peoples' 40 years in the wilderness.
June, 2024
Raising Christian Kids
It seems that older people are the ones who are interested in religion and younger ones have little time for spiritual things.
June, 2024
Zechariah / Malachi
In this last lesson, Mike reviews the longest book of the Minor Prophets and the last prophet to speak in the Old Testament.
June, 2024
A Father's Prayer
Over the years I've learned that each child in a family has specific needs and, as a father who knows his children, I often pray for God to bless them in particular ways.
May, 2024
Zephaniah / Haggai
Mike reviews the work of the last prophet to serve before the destruction of Jerusalem (Zephaniah) and the first prophet to speak to the exiles who returned home after 70 years of captivity (Haggai).
May, 2024
How Christians Grieve
In this session, Mike compares the five stages of grief originally taught by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross to the grieving process outlined in the Book of Job.
May, 2024
Trust is like a Rope
In the Old Testament the word for trusting faith was a Hebrew word that meant a rope. I'd like to use this imagery to explain something about how trust is built and how trust is destroyed.
May, 2024
Nahum / Habakkuk
Both Nahum and Habakkuk are unusual in that they spoke primarily about the foreign nations of Assyria and Babylonia (Chaldeans) and how God would both use and deal with these empires.
May, 2024
Effective Prayer
In Matthew 6:9, Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray. "Pray, then, in this way:" This was not so much the teaching of what words to say because the Jews were trained to memorize the psalms and were experienced in offering praise and worship at the temple.
May, 2024
Jonah
We finish up Jonah's book with a series of lessons applied to the prophet's contemporaries as well as helpful insights for the modern reader of today.
May, 2024
How to Help the Unsaved Die
Several years ago, a Christian woman asked me what she could do for her father, who was not a Christian, and who was dying of cancer. After prayer, and some serious soul-searching, I provided her with three suggestions for helping her unsaved father pass.
May, 2024
Jonah
In this first part of Jonah's book, Mike will review the good and bad traits of Jonah's character as well as how these play against his most unusual experience in the belly of a fish.
May, 2024
Keep Your Eye on the Ball
In the summer of 1992, I watched a girl from Oklahoma, Shannon Miller, rise to the lead in the individual gymnastics competition at the Olympics and then win her medals.
May, 2024
Obadiah / Micah
Mike continues his review of the Minor Prophets with a look at the times, message, book and applications from two eighth century BC prophets, Obadiah and Micah.
April, 2024
Facts About Prayer
Here are a few commonly asked questions regarding the act of praying.
April, 2024
Can He Preach?
In this lesson Mike provides the church with the basic criteria needed to discern which candidate to choose when hiring a preaching minister.
April, 2024
Joel / Amos
Mike reviews the lives, ministry, messages and times of both Joel and Amos – two of the 12 Minor Prophets.
April, 2024
Deny Sin, Not Self
In Colossians 2:20-23, Paul teaches that the denial of the flesh does not necessarily decrease the power nor the attraction of the flesh.
April, 2024
Hosea
In the story of Hosea, the first of the Minor Prophets, the class will review information about the Prophet Hosea as well as his times, message, book and lesson drawn from his writings.
April, 2024
Cup Fever
Montréal is best known for its hockey madness. When the Canadiens are in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup Championship there is a total media blitz about the team and its chances to score the biggest prize in hockey.
April, 2024
The Call of the Prophet
This lesson examines the special characteristics of the prophet's call to ministry.
April, 2024
Keeping Your Vows
Most of us who look back on our wedding day know that weddings are for making vows, but marriages are where we work at keeping those vows.
April, 2024
Introduction
This first lesson will review the historical appearance of each prophet as well as a comparison of the Hebrew Bible to the Old Testament.
April, 2024
The Minor Prophets for Beginners
In this series, Mike introduces the books of the Minor Prophets providing a summary of content, history, main features and information about each author as well as modern applications from each book.
April, 2024
He Could Have Done More
Jesus had the potential of doing so much, but He didn't. He could have cured all the lepers, freed the Jews from Roman domination, stopped the hunger and suffering of the poor, but He didn't.
March, 2024
Jesus Doesn't do Funerals
Have you ever noticed that Jesus spoiled every funeral He attended?
March, 2024
Why I am a Member of the Church of Christ
With 100's of church types to choose from – Mike explains the three reasons why he deliberately chose to be a member of the Church of Christ.
March, 2024
Bringing Your Friend to Christ
I have noticed something about our teens lately that is quite encouraging: they are not ashamed of us.
March, 2024
The Fight for Faith
It seems that atheists are in need of publicity.
March, 2024
Book of Esther
The story of Esther is used to illustrate how God's providence works in the life of believers.
March, 2024
Giving God 100%
Today, I would like to talk about the need to give God 100% and why we should not be afraid of doing so.
February, 2024
Book of Ruth
The book of Ruth teaches us the five basic elements that produce strong, satisfying and long lasting relationships.
February, 2024
Ruth/Esther for Beginners
Ruth and Esther both demonstrate the type of faith and courage believing women of any era can project when called upon to rise up beyond their perceived strength.
February, 2024
The Gift of Forgiveness
The pleasure of most gifts is to unwrap and examine them. In this lesson, I would like to do this with our most precious gift, forgiveness.
February, 2024
When Ordinary Men and Women do Extraordinary Work
This final lesson wraps up Nehemiah's task, highlighting the way God provides for all of His builders, and finishes with a final encouragement contained in a segment called, "the art of finishing."
February, 2024
Lessons on Leadership
In I Chronicles 14:12 we read about David's military leaders waging a successful battle against the Philistines and taking some of the spoils including foreign idols. David forced them to destroy these objects because they violated God's commands. In this brief episode we see several qualities to look for in leaders of any place or time.
February, 2024
Unity vs. Conformity
In this lesson, Mike highlights the differences in the two main approaches used to create "oneness" in the church.
February, 2024
When Ordinary Men and Women do Extraordinary Work
A deeper dive into Nehemiah's story with a focus on his method of inspiring his followers.
February, 2024
The "Old" Rules
In 2007 a book "All the Rules" was published. The authors claimed it could help a woman find a man to marry her.
February, 2024
Building up Without Compromise or Fear
This lesson continues the description of the building process as well as the 7 things God does to cause the Jewish effort to succeed.
February, 2024
Making and Keeping Friends
We know that friendship is an important part of life. A good friend brings us joy and good times. We usually turn to our friends for comfort and help when we are in trouble or sad.
February, 2024
Building up Without Compromise or Fear
This lesson outlines the basic steps of a successful project whether secular or spiritual.
January, 2024
The Qumran Community
This article will investigate the origins and customs of this "monastic" and ultra conservative sect of Jews from whom we have a priceless treasure (Dead Sea Scrolls), scriptural transcripts representing the greatest archeological find in the modern era.
January, 2024
Let's be on Time
Punctuality is a common problem in churches. In this lesson, Mike looks at the question, why is being on time for worship services a problem?
January, 2024
Encouraged and Led by God's Champions
In this lesson, Mike describes the main leaders who seemed to make the rebuilding process a great work of faith and courage against great odds eventually glorifying God.
January, 2024
How to Create Your Teacher Account
In this guide, we will explain how our teacher/student functionality works.
January, 2024
How to Manage Your Donations
In this guide, we will go through the steps to update, or remove, your giving to our ministry that was done using the Realm online donation portal.
January, 2024
How to Build a Good Reputation
In order to have a good name there are two things necessary regardless of what you wear or who you know.
January, 2024
God Stirs up the Builders' Hearts
Pagan kings are moved by God to fulfill Jeremiah's prophecy that the Jews in captivity would be free to return home and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.
January, 2024
Just One Sin
Moses was the greatest Jewish leader, he received the 10 commandments, he interceded for the people time and time again but because of just one sin, Moses was prevented from entering the land that he had led the people towards for 40 years. This ending to his life teaches us several important lessons about how God feels concerning sin.
January, 2024
Jewish Historical Timeline
In this introductory lesson, Mike traces the history of the Jewish people from 1020 BC's United Kingdom to the time of the prophet Malachi in 400 BC.
January, 2024
Gratitude
I believe that gratitude leads to happiness, and ingratitude leads to darkness, pride and ultimately separation from God.
January, 2024
Ezra / Nehemiah - Let Us Rise Up and Build
Let us rise up and build is the story of the Jewish peoples' return from 70 years of exile and the heroic leaders who guided them to rebuild a broken land, city, temple, and nation in preparation for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
January, 2024
The 3 Realities of Christmas
Mike reviews the two versions of Christmas that people celebrate along with three important realities brought to light by one of these.
January, 2024
Blessing or Bait?
There is a disturbing parallel between catching bass and the way Satan works in luring us into destruction.
January, 2024
Monday Morning Devotionals
This devotional series is designed to help Christians start their week off right. It is a spiritual exercise that sets the tone, begins the self-talk, and reminds the soul that our spirit is primary and should be fed first as each week begins. Join us for a brief new devotional message every Monday.
December, 2023
Waiting Patiently for Christmas
This lesson reviews the little known story of Simeon, a man who waited a lifetime for God to keep a promise.
December, 2023
With the Help of our God
When we, as Christians, succeed in God's service it discourages evil ones, unbelievers, and scoffers.
Church 101
October, 2023
How We Stream 24/7 on Twitch and YouTube
In this guide, we will look at how we create our never-ending Bible study by stream our on-demand videos to platforms using remote computers.
August, 2023
The Origins of the Synagogue
This article will examine the origins of the modern synagogue and note the developments that ultimately forged this ancient Jewish entity.
August, 2023
Day #52
The book of Revelation is one single revelation but what is it revealing?
August, 2023
Day #51
You can overcome the dragon through the blood of Christ and the testimony of the saints.
August, 2023
Day #50
Is Jesus a lion or a lamb?
August, 2023
Day #49
Today we will get an overview of Revelation, and glean its most basic messages.
August, 2023
Day #48
There is nothing else you have to do today that is as important as what you are about to do right now.
August, 2023
Day #47
Hopefully you want your faith to grow. It won't happen by accident. Crave growth. Crave the Word.
August, 2023
Day #46
It does not do much good to love God's Word and study it all the time, if you are not planning to apply what it says to your life.
August, 2023
Day #45
Walk by faith today and not by sight.
August, 2023
Day #44
Paul writes to explain why he had Titus stay in Crete.
August, 2023
Day #43
II Timothy was probably the last letter Paul wrote.
August, 2023
Day #42
Have you ever met anyone who regretted spending too much time reading the Bible?
August, 2023
Day #41
God sees your hard work and rewards you even if others do not. Do everything you do for God.
August, 2023
Day #40
Do you know someone who is fun to be with until things don't go their way?
August, 2023
Day #39
We sing our hymns a'capella, without instruments because this is the type of music that was used in the first century church.
August, 2023
Day #38
Why was Paul upset with the churches in Galatia?
August, 2023
Day #37
It is important to keep yourself physically fit, but it is not more important than staying spiritually fit.
August, 2023
Day #36
What did Paul mean when he said, do not be bound together with unbelievers?
August, 2023
Day #35
The church in Corinth was a mess but God still loved them.