Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
November, 2025
The Gospel is Lord of MDR
Matthew 12 shows that Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, prioritizes mercy over legalism—a principle that challenges modern debates like Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage to be shaped by the gospel's redemptive grace rather than rigid human rules.
November, 2025
The New Wine of Christ
Matthew 9:14-17 shows that Jesus didn't come to patch up old religion but to bring a completely new, grace-filled life that cannot be contained by old mindsets or legalistic traditions.
November, 2025
Casting Out Demons, Then and Now
Matthew 8:28-34 highlights Jesus' absolute authority over demonic powers and frames today's debate over exorcism as a question of whether such miracles were temporary signs for the apostolic age or ongoing practices empowered by the Spirit.
November, 2025
Kingdom Living is Not the New Law
The Sermon on the Mount isn't a new rulebook, but a call to heart-level transformation that only God's grace—not human compliance—can produce.
November, 2025
Jesus and the Temptations
Matthew 4:1-11 shows Jesus overcoming Satan's temptations by fully trusting God's Word and refusing every shortcut that would pull Him away from His mission.
November, 2025
Even Jesus Had Problem People in His Family
Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1 shows that God works through imperfect people and broken family histories to bring redemption and hope to our own.
November, 2025
Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew, the author of the Gospel of Matthew, carefully arranges Jesus' teachings into sections, reflecting his organized and detail-oriented nature, making it easier for believers to remember and apply Jesus' words in daily life.
November, 2025
Introduction to AI Journey Through the New Testament
An invitation to join a groundbreaking exploration of the life and teachings of Jesus through a collaboration of human insight and artificial intelligence, uncovering fresh perspectives and timeless truths rooted in Scripture.
November, 2025
From Conviction and Communion to Joy
The New Testament illustrates a transformative journey in the Christian life, from recognizing sin to embracing grace, deepening knowledge of God, and ultimately experiencing lasting joy, all interconnected in a Spirit-led progression towards celebration and communion with God.
November, 2025
5 Views on the Role of Baptism
This article provides a comprehensive overview of five major views on baptism, highlighting the biblical arguments for each, such as the Sacramental/Regenerative View emphasizing baptism's link to forgiveness and new birth through key passages like Acts 2:38 and Romans 6:3-4.
October, 2025
The Vision of the New Temple and Temple Worship
In this final lesson Mike reviews Ezekiel's final vision of a renewed Temple which includes God's promise of His return to dwell among His people.
October, 2025
Restoration, Renewal and the Prophecy of Gog and Magog
This lesson will focus on Edom's destruction and the promise of Israel's full restoration as a type for the climatic victory of the church at the end of time.
September, 2025
A Modern 'Pilate' Moment
The assassination of Charlie Kirk in 2025 sparked a cultural and spiritual conversation, drawing parallels to the cosmic confrontation of Jesus' trial in John 18–19 and urging society to look beyond the crime to a deeper conflict of our time.
September, 2025
Oracles Against the Nations and the Shepherds of Israel
In this lesson we see Ezekiel's message shifting to judgments on foreign powers and a renewed call on shepherds who will faithfully serve God's people.
September, 2025
Oracles of Judgment and the Fall of Jerusalem
Chapters 12-24 of Ezekiel sees the prophet confront Judah's spiritual rebellion with a series of signs, oracles, and parables leading to the time of Jerusalem's fall.
September, 2025
The Power of the Men's Breakfast
Men's breakfasts provide a transformative space for Christian men to share experiences, confess struggles, and form bonds of accountability, shaping them into better leaders and servants of Christ through honest conversation and shared prayer.
September, 2025
Symbolic Oracles of Judgment and the Departure of God's Glory
This lesson will review both Ezekiel's warnings of impending judgment for the unrepentant sin of idolatry and the fulfillment of this prophecy as God removes His miraculous presence from the Temple in Jerusalem.
September, 2025
Introduction and Inaugural Vision
The first lesson deals with Ezekiel's amazing visions and initial message to the exiles from God.
September, 2025
Ezekiel for Beginners
The Book of Ezekiel focuses on the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people beginning in 597 BC. Ezekiel, a priest, is used by God to provide encouragement with his preaching and visions which nourish the faith of the captives.
August, 2025
Taylor & Travis
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement highlights the universal longing for genuine love, showing that even superstars desire the joy of building lasting relationships beyond the constant scrutiny of fame.
August, 2025
The Book of Lamentations
This final lesson focuses on the book of Lamentations which is a collection of five poetic laments that express Jeremiah's sorrow over the fall of the city of Jerusalem and the punishment of the Jewish nation.
August, 2025
Jeremiah'S Final Years and Flight to Egypt
This lesson looks at the conditions and actions of the people of Judah and their faithful prophet Jeremiah after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
August, 2025
Faith and the Limits of Human Inquiry
Understanding the limits of empirical knowledge, this article delves into the importance of faith in transcending beyond what can be observed, inviting readers to explore the concept of knowledge that goes beyond the senses.
August, 2025
The New Covenant
In this lesson we will see two amazing realities presented side by side separated only by time: Judgment in the final destruction of Jerusalem, and hope in the form of the New Covenant ushered in by the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
August, 2025
Confronting False Prophets
In this lesson we see Jeremiah transmit God's indictment against the false prophets and leaders who led Israel away.
August, 2025
Why People Leave the Church
In this lesson, Mike presents recent national statistics revealing why many major denominational groups are declining. He then examines how these trends have affected the Choctaw congregation since 1991 and offers practical strategies to help reverse this widespread pattern.
August, 2025
Why Death?
This article delves into the contrasting perspectives on death for believers and non-believers, highlighting the impact of sin and the promise of salvation through faith in Christ.
July, 2025
The Potter's House, Judah'S Broken Covenant, and the Fate of Its Kings
In this lesson we see Jeremiah's continued warnings of God's impending judgment on unrepentant Judah and the sad ending of its last rulers.
July, 2025
The True Demands of the Law
Approach the Sermon on the Mount through a grace-driven lens to understand Kingdom living, breaking free from a compliance mindset that reduces it to a checklist of behaviors, as seen in the Jewish approach to the Law of Moses, and embrace a transformed heart dependent on grace for true righteousness.
July, 2025
Temple Sermon and the People'S Rejection
This lesson focuses on Jeremiah's bold rebuke of those who thought that the physical presence of the Temple in Jerusalem would protest them despite Jeremiah's warnings of God's imminent punishment due to their disobedience.
July, 2025
The 3 Temptations of Jesus
In Matthew 4:1-11, Satan strategically tempts Jesus in the wilderness, aiming to lead Him astray from His divine mission by exploiting legitimate needs or roles, a profound insight into the spiritual battle faced by Jesus.
July, 2025
Jesus' Ancestors
Explore the diverse and intriguing genealogy of Jesus, from patriarchs to prostitutes, kings to idolaters, and Gentiles to Jews, showcasing God's redemptive plan through a lineage filled with both the faithful and the fallen.
July, 2025
Israel's Unfaithfulness and God'S Judgment
In this lesson we explore the familiar theme of Israel's unfaithfulness witnessed by their gross idolatry, God's sure judgment and call for repentance as well as His abundant mercy available for those who repent.
July, 2025
The Benefits of Worshipping God
Understanding the purpose and benefits of worship in the life of a believer is essential to deepening knowledge of God and experiencing joy in His presence.
July, 2025
Jeremiah's Call and Mission
In this lesson we will focus on Jeremiah's calling into ministry, God's assurance that He will provide for the task Jeremiah will be given to carry out and the prophetic role in encouraging people to trust and obey God, even in difficult circumstances.
July, 2025
Introduction to Jeremiah / Lamentations
In this opening lesson, we will examine the prophet Jeremiah's background as well as his call to ministry and the historical, political, and thematic elements of his time. There will also be some introductory material about Jeremiah's companion book of Lamentations.
July, 2025
Jeremiah / Lamentations for Beginners
The books of Jeremiah and Lamentations provide a powerful account of God's justice, judgment, and faithfulness in the face of persistent rebellion. Jeremiah delivers a sobering message of impending destruction due to Judah's sin while also offering hope through a promise of a New Covenant. Lamentations, written after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, is a poetic expression of grief over the city's destruction while affirming God's enduring mercy and hope of restoration.
June, 2025
The Endurance of Love
In this final lesson, Solomon reminds us that true love endures not only because of passion but also because the couple have cultivated other important qualities that must be present if a marriage is to both flourish and endure.
June, 2025
Training for Eternity
In this sermon Mike reviews what parents need to do to instill multigenerational faithfulness in their children.
June, 2025
The Cost of Compromise
Abraham's negotiation with God in Genesis 18:22-33 reveals the impact of righteous individuals in delaying divine judgment and highlights the crucial role of believers in influencing society, as seen through the narrative of Sodom and Lot's family.
June, 2025
The Celebration of Marriage
This lesson focuses on the beauty of the marital covenant and the blessed joy of intimacy in marriage.
June, 2025
Love in Bloom
In this lesson we examine more closely the excitement of love's pursuit, the guardrails the God has provided for this phase and some practical advice for those at every point of love's journey.
June, 2025
The Foundation of Love
In this first lesson Mike reviews the unique aspects of Hebrew poetry, provides a critical introduction to this work and begins to explain and develop the twin themes of respect and restraint contained in the first two chapters of Solomon's ode to human love.
June, 2025
Song of Solomon for Beginners
Aside from being a beautiful example of the unique style of Hebrew poetry, Song of Solomon also provides the reader with the Bible’s most powerful declaration of God’s blessings on physical love and affection in marriage.
May, 2025
Wisdom Against Foolishness and for Christlikeness
The final lesson in the series reviews one last failing that wisdom guards us from and explores the affinity shared by all those who seek the knowledge of Christ with the wisdom of Solomon.
May, 2025
The Beehive
In Montreal, a city once known as "the city of a hundred steeples," a call for spiritual revival echoes through the empty buildings, urging residents to seek meaning beyond the hustle of modern life.
May, 2025
Wisdom for Relationships, Wealth and Contentment
In this lesson Mike focuses on the many proverbs that instruct us concerning those things that have the power to make our lives joyful or bitter, all depending how we approach relationships and wealth.
May, 2025
The Miracle Cure
Comparing Christianity to the miracle drug penicillin, this article explains how sin is the rot that affects human beings and how Jesus Christ offers a 100% guarantee cure for eternal life.
May, 2025
Wisdom for Speech, Words, and Work
Mike provides practical lessons from Proverbs to guide each of us in the every day challenge of living our best lives for Christ.
May, 2025
And the Award Goes To...
This article reflects on the challenges artists and performers face in balancing fame and spiritual fulfillment.
May, 2025
Hebrew Poetry and a Life of Righteousness and Fear of the Lord
In this lesson, Mike reviews the elements peculiar to Hebrew poetry (the format for this book) and explains the two main themes found in chapters 10-18 of Solomon's collection of proverbs.
May, 2025
Every Person's Prayer
Facing the fear of suffering and death, believers find solace in the unwavering love of God that transcends all challenges, as expressed in Romans 8:38-39.
May, 2025
Praying in the Spirit
Delve into the profound essence of the soul and its emanations.
May, 2025
The Call and Personification of Wisdom
This first look at the text reveals how Solomon personifies "wisdom" as a women calling out for attention and rewards given to those who carefully respond.
April, 2025
Aspiring to Spiritual Greatness
In this sermon, Mike explores how true spiritual greatness is achieved not through worldly success, but by cultivating deep humility before God, with Moses' journey as a powerful example of the path to glory in God's kingdom.
April, 2025
General Introduction to Proverbs
This first lesson on the book of Proverbs will examine various types of ancient wisdom literature as well as the contribution of Proverbs to the writers of the New Testament and finish with info as to the author, date and presentation of these records through the centuries.
April, 2025
Proverbs for Beginners
In this series Mike will not only review this inspired example of ancient wisdom literature but also demonstrate its importance and relevance to the New Testament writings and today's believers as well.
April, 2025
April 20, AD 30
On April 20, AD 30, Jesus rose from the dead. This event, recorded and witnessed, is the core of our faith. In this sermon, Mike reminds us that because Jesus rose, we will too. He calls us to worship, give, and live with purpose—and to share the message of resurrection with others.
April, 2025
The Kings of Judah
This one lesson overview provides a summary of the kings who ruled the Southern Kingdom of Judah with emphasis on their role in God's plan to ultimately fulfill His promises to bring the Messiah to the world.
April, 2025
David's Rise and Reign
This lesson groups together the events in King David's life that appear in several books of that period (Samuel, Kings, Chronicles) as well as accounts that are exclusively found in Chronicles.
April, 2025
Introduction to Chronicles
In this introductory lesson Mike reviews the various features and history of Chronicles as well as a special focus on the purpose, meaning and manner of producing the many "genealogies" found in this book.
April, 2025
I & II Chronicles for Beginners
I & II Chronicles retell the history of Israel from Adam to the post-exilic period, with a focus on the Davidic dynasty, the Temple, and covenant faithfulness. Written for a post-exilic audience, these books emphasize God's enduring promises, the centrality of worship, and the importance of repentance and restoration. Chronicles provides theological reflections on Israel's past to inspire hope and faithfulness in God's ongoing redemptive plan.
March, 2025
The Fall of Israel and Judah
In this final lesson, Mike will summarize the lives and rule of the remaining kings of Judah before its defeat and captivity, as well as provide a description of Jewish life while in exile.
March, 2025
The Missing Ingredient
In this lesson Mike describes a man who seems to have everything except what he needed to get what he really wanted.
March, 2025
The Fall of Israel and Judah
This lesson briefly reviews the reigns of both northern and southern kings noting each ruler's faithfulness and significant activity taking place under their rule.
March, 2025
The Divided Kingdom
This lesson traces the history of the Divided Kingdom with the initial break during Rehoboam's reign (Solomon to the rule of the worst king's son) of the Northern Kingdom, Ahab and his evil wife Jezebel.
March, 2025
Solomon's Glory and Fall
In this first lesson on the book of I Kings, Mike traces both the rise and decline of Israel's most dynamic and famous king, Solomon.
March, 2025
I & II Kings for Beginners
This study provides a summary of the life and times of all the monarchs who ruled the Promised Land during the period recorded in the books of I & II Kings.
February, 2025
The Decline of King David
This final lesson in II Samuel traces the negative family and national events that were a direct result of David's sin with Bathsheba.
February, 2025
The Rise of King David
In this lesson Mike will trace David's rise to the highpoint of his reign over Israel and his relationship with God as a man after His own heart.
February, 2025
Life in the Meantime
This lesson looks at life not from the occasional mountain peak moments nor the dark valley days but from those long stretches of "in the meantime" periods where too often we tend to lose our worry.
February, 2025
The Rise and Fall of King Saul
This lesson summarizes the familiar history of the relationship between Israel's first two kings, Saul and David. There is also information concerning God's choice of Saul and lessons for the church today based on these leaders of long ago.
February, 2025
The Rise of Samuel and the Anointing of Saul
In this opening lesson Mike sets the historical setting for the books of Samuel and traces the rise of Samuel as a judge of Israel and a key figure in the nation's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy.
February, 2025
I & II Samuel for Beginners
In this series Mike summarizes the life and times of the first two of Israel’s kings. In four compact lessons, the rise and decline of both Saul and David are described with lessons drawn for today’s readers.
January, 2025
Chaos in Israel
This final lesson traces both the religious and moral low points in Israel's history.
January, 2025
How to Develop Self-Control
In this lesson Mike reviews 5 things that every Christian must do in order to develop this virtue.
January, 2025
Samson
Mike reviews the life and times of one of the most iconic and erratic characters of the Old Testament.
Church 101
January, 2025
Are Epaphroditus and Epaphras the Same Person?
January, 2025
From Abimelech to Jephthah
Mike reviews the arch of success and failure experienced by some of Israel's best and least known Judges.
January, 2025
Gideon and His Victory
Mike reviews the spectacular rise of Gideon as a leader and judge of Israel as well as his fall into idolatry.
December, 2024
Look for the Rainbow
The disastrous floods that ravage various parts of the world each year remind us of the catastrophic deluge that God once used to destroy the earth in the days of Noah.
December, 2024
Deborah and Barak
This section reviews the events leading up to the Canaanite invasion of Israel and its defense by Deborah, the only female judge in Jewish history, along with God's call of Barak.
December, 2024
Dealing with Pain at Christmas
Perhaps the reason why Christmas time is "special" is because, for some reason or other, everything seems more intense at Christmas.
December, 2024
Introduction to Judges and Israel's Cycle of Sin
This first lesson in Judges covers the authorship and dating of this book as well as a comparison with the book of Joshua and a survey of the events and reasons why Israel falls away from its faithful obedience to God as in the days of Joshua.
December, 2024
Promised / Not Promised
I remember Christmas disappointments; left-winger equipment instead of goalie equipment; toboggan instead of pool table... Anybody remember theirs? The problem many times as children is that we are not clear on what was promised.
December, 2024
Divine Desire
This sermon explores the things God truly desires from us beyond the rituals of public worship.
December, 2024
A Good Death
Wang Zhiming, a Miao pastor in China, chose martyrdom over denying his faith, leaving behind a powerful message of steadfast belief in Christ.
December, 2024
Joshua's Farewell and Covenant Renewal
The final section of Joshua's book contains this great leader's final words of wisdom to the Jewish nation and a renewal of the people's covenant with God marking a national and spiritual high point in Israel's history.
December, 2024
Psalm of Suffering
In Psalm 6, David the king of Israel, goes through a range of emotions as he suffers from an undisclosed illness.
December, 2024
Division of the Land
Mike describes the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel along with the provisions for certain individuals and groups.
December, 2024
Living on the Brink of Hope
When our children were young, during the weeks preceding Christmas, I watched them as they counted down the days, hours, and minutes until that special moment when the "gifts" were opened.
November, 2024
Southern and Northern Campaigns
After the conquest of Jericho and Ai, Joshua leads the Israelites on a military campaign to possess large portions of Canaanite territory.
November, 2024
A 1,000 Choices Along the Way
As Christians, we eventually learn that there are always choices to make if you want to follow God's way. A thousand little decisions.
November, 2024
Conquest of Jericho and Ai
In this lesson Mike reviews the reasons for both the Israelite's victories and defeat in their campaigns to capture both these cities in an effort to settle the Promised Land.
November, 2024
Honor to Whom It is Due
Many years ago I took a trip in one of our church vans. When the weather suddenly changed and it began to rain so hard that the windshield wipers couldn't keep up.
November, 2024
Joshua's Commission and the Crossing of the Jordan
This lesson deals with Joshua's first act of leadership as the new head of the people, crossing the Jordan river and entering the Promised Land for the first time.
November, 2024
Freedom from Sin
What does Paul mean when he says that we have been freed from sin; that we become slaves to righteousness?
November, 2024
Odds and Ends About Grace
In this lesson Mike introduces four new ideas about the grace of God not mentioned in the 76 sermons, classes and articles he has produced over the years concerning this topic.
November, 2024
Introduction to Joshua and Judges
In this first lesson Mike covers introductory material such as, authorship, dating, historical context, along with a comparison of authors and other points of interest to prepare students for the study of these two books in proper context.
November, 2024
Joshua / Judges for Beginners
This series based on the books of Joshua and Judges reviews the significant changes and turmoil experienced by the Jewish people as they transitioned from a nomadic existence in the wilderness to a settled nation occupying the Promised Land.
