Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
August, 2017
Jesus Facing Jerusalem
In this section, Jesus relays several parables in response to those who questioned His authority and mission, and as a way of teaching His disciples on the unseen reality of the Kingdom of God.
August, 2017
Jesus Facing Jerusalem
Now that Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He is met with stiff opposition from the Pharisees and Priests who question both His teachings and legitimacy to teach.
August, 2017
Fools 'R' Us
Mike reviews Paul's teaching in I Corinthians that establishes the difference between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of the world when it comes to death and dying.
August, 2017
Jesus Facing Jerusalem
Luke turns his attention to Jesus' preparation for His journey south to Jerusalem and the opposition that awaits Him there.
July, 2017
The Next 25 Years
Mike reviews past initiatives that have brought the congregation to this point and what will be needed to maintain our growth and development into the future.
July, 2017
Jesus in Galilee
In this final part of Jesus' ministry in Galilee, Luke continues to describe Jesus' miracles but adds a section explaining how He prepared and sent out disciples on their first missionary journey.
July, 2017
Jesus in Galilee
This section continues the description of the rise of Jesus' ministry with amazing miracles and includes the Lord's commendation of John the Baptist and his work now completed.
July, 2017
Jesus in Galilee
Luke describes the many miracles and teaching sessions by Jesus performed in and around his home town and neighboring area.
July, 2017
The Beginning
This lesson reviews the section in Luke that provides information on John the Baptist, Jesus' early life and the beginning of His ministry in Galilee.
July, 2017
Introduction to Luke/Acts
Mike begins with a critical review of all four gospels in order to prepare for a focused study of the Book of Luke.
July, 2017
Luke/Acts for Beginners
This series will review Luke's two-volume historical narrative concerning Jesus' life and ministry as well as the beginning and spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire as he experienced it.
June, 2017
Royal Psalms
Royal psalms were written for occasions such as royal coronations, anniversaries and weddings, or simply to honor the King.
June, 2017
Speed Parenting
For those who are using this book or the video version as a resource for a small group, this added section contains an exercise that can stimulate discussion.
June, 2017
Cultivating Obedience
This sermon summarizes all the instructions given by Moses to the Israelites in the thirty-four chapters of Deuteronomy down to a single word.
June, 2017
Family Mobile: Seven Ways to Look at the Christian Home
In this lesson, Mike continues to look at the family as a living mobile and examines the different elements that can create beauty, balance and form in the Sacred Family.
June, 2017
Praise Psalms
Praise psalms encompass the actual words sung and recited when worshipping God in various circumstances.
June, 2017
Assurance Psalms
The psalms that lift up God's name and providential care as protector and guide are referred to as assurance psalms.
June, 2017
Suffering Psalms
The suffering psalms described both the trouble and the effect on the author as he poured his heart out before God in prayer.
June, 2017
Family Mobile: Seven Ways to Look at the Christian Home
In this lesson, Mike looks at the family as a living mobile and examines the different elements that can create beauty, balance and form in the Sacred Family.
May, 2017
Worship Psalms
These beautiful and uplifting psalms describe the feelings of awe and joy experienced by those who traveled to the temple in Jerusalem in order to worship God and marvel at the city and temple at the heart of the Jewish religion.
May, 2017
Dealing with Anxiety
The world's solutions to stress involve things like drugs, vacations or some type of therapy. As Christians, however, we believe that even if these methods might be helpful, the most satisfying and permanent solution to the problems of worry and stress can only be found through faith, and specifically through faith in Christ.
May, 2017
Role Reversal
In this lesson, we look at several spiritual lessons our children teach us.
May, 2017
Penitential Psalms
The penitential psalms record expressions of personal lament and confession of sin by the psalmist.
May, 2017
The Grace of Giving
Mike outlines the rewards obtained by those who exercise the non-miraculous but very dynamic spiritual gift of liberality.
May, 2017
Preparing for Teen Parenting
Mike wraps up the section of teen parenting with a look a parenting tweens.
May, 2017
Word Psalms
Mike examines the psalms that highlight the value and power of God's Word.
May, 2017
Breaking the Habit
In this sermon, Mike reviews the factors that go into both making and ultimately breaking the many bad habits we acquire as sinful human beings.
May, 2017
Nature Psalms
This lesson examines "nature" type psalms and how they are designed to not only highlight the beauty of creation but also how the creation serves to honor and reveal the power of God.
May, 2017
Satan's Tactics
God tells us that Satan is actively trying to ruin us. In this lesson, Mike reveals the many tactics Satan uses to destroy God's church.
May, 2017
Preparing for Teen Parenting
There are three basic stages that children go through before they become adults, and how we parent them during these periods will have an impact on what kind of people they become.
April, 2017
The Hinge of History
In this lesson, Mike describes the words of Jesus that changed the world in 4 important ways.
April, 2017
Parenting 101
Mike will examine the last 3 ways we can breathe L.I.F.E. into our children.
April, 2017
Wisdom Psalms
This class will examine the three types of psalms that make up the "Wisdom" category of psalms.
April, 2017
Jesus: My Shepherd
This lesson explores the character of Jesus in His role of Good Shepherd rather than His suffering as sacrificial lamb.
April, 2017
Parenting 101
The parenting relationship should be focused on the parent providing for the child's needs, not the reverse. It is God, in His love, who provides for us, and in the same way we provide for our children in our love.
April, 2017
Hebrew Poetry
In this lesson, Mike reviews the various literary devices that make Hebrew poetry unique.
April, 2017
Productive Communication
Many couples desire to love and need love but are poor communicators. Mike examines some of the ways to improve communication skills within marriage.
April, 2017
What is Biblical Love?
In this third and final lesson, Mike explores the concept of biblical love and answers the question, "Why is love greater than faith or hope?"
April, 2017
The Goal of Biblical Marriage
If God created marriage for life then God can provide the element that keeps us together for life - love.
April, 2017
Introduction to the Psalms
In this introductory lesson to the book of Psalms, Mike reviews the title, authorship, and use of this Jewish songbook.
April, 2017
Psalms for Beginners
This series will examine the different types of psalms as well as the various literary devices used by the authors of this book.
April, 2017
What is Biblical Hope?
In the second lesson in this series, Mike explains the main differences between hope as it is used and described here on earth and biblical hope which is described and manifested in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
April, 2017
What is a Biblical Marriage?
It is during the effort to know each other that the couple lays down the groundwork for their "oneness."
April, 2017
Sacred Families
This series explores the true purpose of home and family in God's design. Lessons deal with child development, parental discipline, and preparing children for adolescence with a focus on the tween years. There is also a discussion about biblical marriage and the establishment of the home.
March, 2017
What is Biblical Faith?
This lesson not only reviews what the Bible teaches concerning faith but also describes the legitimate spiritual experience that comes with having biblical faith.
March, 2017
Positive Thinking
In his return journey to God, Solomon has found that wisdom and wise living are the surest way to find contentment and avoid wasting one's short lifespan.
March, 2017
And Now These Three Remain: Faith, Hope and Love
Mike reviews the meaning and purpose of these Christian virtues as well as the relationship each has with the other.
March, 2017
Comments on the Rat Race
Solomon has been sharing the fruit of his hard-won wisdom. After living apart from God he returns and notes some of the things he has learned concerning wisdom itself.
March, 2017
Qualities of a Wise Leader
Solomon is no longer exploring and writing about the various experiences and pursuits of worldly living, which have left him unfulfilled and depressed. He now turns his attention to leadership and the qualities that leaders need to possess.
March, 2017
Wisdom Proverbs
In the first 6 chapters of the book we see the fruit of Solomon's rebellion. By chapter six he has exhausted his search, sees that his results are empty, and comments on this discovery using several parables.
March, 2017
Parables of: Seed, Mustard Seed and Workers
This parable likens the mustard seed and plant to God's word and the church that grows from it.
February, 2017
Politically Correct or Biblically Correct?
In this lesson, Mike reviews the thinking and goals of the Politically Correct movement in America and how Christians can respond to and live in a nation that is heavily influenced by this cause.
February, 2017
Worship Attitude
In chapter five there is an abrupt change as Solomon comments on the attitude necessary for proper worship and then goes on to talk about the enemy of spirituality - materialism.
February, 2017
Parable of the Wheat and Tares
By using parables, Jesus was able to teach large crowds but keep the true meaning of His lessons only for those who believed in Him.
February, 2017
Things That are "For Sure"
David, despite his difficult life filled with trials, was able to rejoice in some of the things that were certain in life, things that he (and we) could count on.
February, 2017
How to Measure Spiritual Success
Measuring progress is an important factor in the success of any enterprise, whether it is physical growth, the development of a talent, the success of a business or organization, you need to be able to see and measure your progress!
February, 2017
One Plus One Equals Survival
In Solomon's experiment with wealth and power, he concludes that life at the "top" is filled with grief (oppression, envy, disillusionment).
February, 2017
The Cardinal Sin
Pride, the root of all sin, lures us with the desire to rise above others—even God—but true greatness and lasting rewards lie in humility, as exemplified by Jesus and taught throughout Scripture.
February, 2017
Make Me a Servant
This devo discusses the desire to be a servant like Jesus, highlighting the challenges and rewards of servanthood, emphasizing the need for preparation, sensitivity to opportunities for service, and the ultimate reward of honor from God.
February, 2017
Parable of the Sower and the Seed
This lesson begins the final series of parables on the kingdom - the five parables that use agriculture as a base for their stories.
February, 2017
Breaking Me Softly
Admitting and accepting admonition from God leads to greater self-awareness, safety from repeating sinful activities, and ultimately brings greater joy by allowing more room for Jesus in one's life.
February, 2017
The Baptism Wheel
Mike presents a unique visual in explaining biblical baptism.
February, 2017
A View from the Top
Solomon examines one final area of life (the pursuit of wealth and power) in order to find contentment apart from God.
February, 2017
Pray For My Enemies?
Praying for enemies, whether believers or non-believers, is powerful as it can bring healing, forgiveness, and ultimately lead them to God's purpose, emphasizing the importance of fervent prayer for all individuals, especially those who may not have others interceding for them.
February, 2017
Parables of: Hidden Treasure, Pearl and Debt
Parables are lessons that use physical things and situations in the material world to explain or mirror principles and situations that exist in the spiritual or unseen world. These three parables are excellent examples of this teaching method.
February, 2017
Wall of Righteousness
This devo emphasizes the importance of standing up against evil, drawing parallels between the failure of Jewish leaders in Ezekiel's time and the actions of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in opposing the Nazi regime, highlighting the principle that God not only punishes evil but also those who fail to resist it.
January, 2017
The Point of No Return
This lesson deals with the difficult issue concerning the possibility that a Christian could actually lose salvation.
January, 2017
A Time for Everything
In his journal, Solomon has described the various ways he has sought for satisfaction and joy apart from God. In the balance of this chapter he provides some final thoughts on the search for meaning in the events of one's life here on earth.
January, 2017
Holy Hunger
In this devo, Mike highlights the barriers Christians face in satisfying their holy hunger for God, emphasizing the confusion between knowing about God and truly knowing Him, as well as the false satisfaction derived from worldly pursuits, ultimately urging a shift towards seeking a personal relationship with God through faith, prayer, and obedience.
January, 2017
Parable of the Bridesmaids and Talents
The parable of the Bridesmaids or Foolish Virgins and the one that follows it, the parable of the Talents are both looking forward to the time when the kingdom on earth will be examined and purged.
January, 2017
Introduction to Holy Hunger
This devo discusses how some famine-stricken individuals in search of nourishment waited too long to seek help, leading to their bodies rejecting food, drawing a parallel between physical and spiritual hunger and emphasizing the importance of recognizing and satisfying the spiritual hunger within us.
January, 2017
A Time for Everything
Solomon now explores the context in which a person's life and work is carried out - the framework of time.
January, 2017
Parable of the Wedding Feast
In this parable, Jesus tells the story itself and then the true meaning of the story as it relates to the kingdom.
January, 2017
The Burden of Leadership
This lesson explores the personal and spiritual demands and responsibilities required of church elders.
January, 2017
The Pursuit of Meaning Through Work
Solomon now explores the context in which a person's life and work is carried out - the framework of time.
January, 2017
Types of Parables on the Kingdom
Once people heard Jesus' teachings many turned away from Him because He was not describing the "kingdom" that they had hoped would come.
January, 2017
Response Killers
Mike looks at the Bible basis for the "invitation" feature of public worship and some of the reasons why many are hindered in coming forward at the appropriate time.
January, 2017
The Pursuit of Pleasure
Solomon begins his search for happiness and contentment with the exploration of sensory pleasures and reports on his findings.
January, 2017
Introduction to The Kingdom Parables
In this first lesson, Mike will briefly review the history of thought concerning the King and the Kingdom, from the Old Testament prophets to New Testament times.
January, 2017
The Kingdom Parables
This series reviews the parables that define the central theme of Jesus' preaching ministry: seeking and finding the Kingdom of heaven.
January, 2017
Loving the Invisible God
Mike outlines several ways that believers can deepen not only their expression of love for God but also their experience of His love as well.
January, 2017
Introduction to Ecclesiastes
In this first lesson, Mike reviews some of the basic information about this book. The class will review the life of the author, Solomon, and the circumstances surrounding the writing of this text.
January, 2017
Ecclesiastes for Beginners
Ecclesiastes is the fascinating journal of a wise man's search for satisfaction and meaning without reference to God. In his life journey Solomon ultimately learns the valuable lesson that without God in one's life, that life is meaningless.
December, 2016
Love and Marriage
In the final lesson of this series, Mike discusses the various types of love that we express and focuses on the type of love necessary to make a marriage last a lifetime.
December, 2016
Four PS's from James
In this final lesson, Mike will review the six ways Christians are different and James' final words of encouragement to his readers.
December, 2016
Grieving at Christmas
Despite the pain of grief at Christmas there are ways that God helps us carry on.
December, 2016
Divorce Busters - Part 2
In this second part of the Divorce Busters lesson, Mike provides three key suggestions that can help those who are experiencing marriage trouble.
December, 2016
Who's the Boss?
James outlines the basic rules for success that Christian business people should follow.
December, 2016
Divorce Busters - Part 1
In this lesson, Mike gives seven suggestions to single people to help them find the right marriage partner.
December, 2016
Who Do You Think You Are?
James addresses the causes and cures for the destructive sins of harsh criticism and gossip.
December, 2016
Three Resurrections
Mike explains the nature and purpose of the three permanent resurrections described in the New Testament.
December, 2016
Succeeding at Remarriage
In this lesson, Mike outlines various strategies to create happy and healthy subsequent marriages.
December, 2016
Love's Goodbye
In my job as a minister I have watched many people die. As awful as this sounds, there is a sameness to the process that, with time...
November, 2016
The Most Asked Questions About Divorce and Remarriage
This lesson drills down into the arguments for or against a Christian's permission to remarry after a divorce.
November, 2016
Divorce and the Gospel of Grace
This lesson examines the impact of the gospel message on those who have been divorced.
November, 2016
Prescription for Worldliness
In this section of this epistle, James performs a spiritual check-up on his readers.
November, 2016
The God of Second Chances
The story of David and Bathsheba is used to illustrate the gracious nature of God's character and the power of His forgiveness.
November, 2016
Mixed Religious Marriages
This lesson will deal with the difficult task of balancing one's faith while maintaining a positive relationship with a non-believing spouse.
November, 2016
Teaching Teachers' Tongues
In this lesson, James reviews both the qualifications and results that Christian teachers should aspire to.
November, 2016
The Seven Heavens
This sermon compares the various ideas that exist about heaven with the Bible's description of this dimension.