Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
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.
November, 2016
Domestic Violence
The second part of this lesson on Domestic Violence examines the Bible's instructions concerning marriages struggling with this problem.
November, 2016
Michael Jackson and James
Michael Jackson's old song, "Black or White" reflects the attitude that James says Christians should have towards other people.
November, 2016
Preacher Count
It has long been held that preachers can't count. I suppose it's because they usually overestimate the size of attendance or count the unborn babies as present.
October, 2016
Domestic Violence
This lesson focuses on the profile of the typical abuser and reasons why women stay in these types of marital situations.
October, 2016
The Bottom Line
This section in the Book of James defines the type of thinking and behavior that constitutes the "bottom line" in what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
October, 2016
Building the Faith Muscle
A faith building program that has been used to help Christians build up their faith muscle and protect them from poor spiritual health.
October, 2016
The Marriage Bed
This lesson reviews the basic instructions God provides concerning the subject of sex in marriage.
October, 2016
Dealing with the Dragon
Sin is everybody's problem and in this lesson Mike reviews the true tested method that James provides to successfully deal with the everyday temptations to sin.
October, 2016
Dealing with your Enemies
Christians are in a unique situation when called on to deal with their enemies. This lesson will outline the various strategies that the Bible provides when believers must face those who injure them in some way.
October, 2016
What to do in Case of Divorce
Mike finishes up this section of the course by laying out some of the basic dos and don'ts for people caught up in a personal divorce.
October, 2016
Beyond the Trouble
James explains the radically different way Christians deal with trouble in life, and why they do so.
October, 2016
Saved by What?
A discussion about the core element of the gospel message - by what power are we saved and how does it work? The lesson will explain the ideas of faith and grace in their proper biblical contexts.
October, 2016
What to do in Case of Divorce
This class reviews the dos and don'ts for those people who are experiencing a divorce in their family circle or among their friends or co-workers.
October, 2016
Christianity: More Than Ceremony
This introductory lesson reviews the author, date written and general purpose for this practical book on Christian living.
October, 2016
James for Beginners
James' practical approach to Christian living makes his discussion of complex spiritual issues both easy to understand and implement in one's life.
October, 2016
7 Steps to a Successful Divorce
This lesson reviews what not to do if you want to succeed at marriage.
October, 2016
Dealing with Divorce
This series will examine the various causes for divorce and how to cope when you or someone close is going through a divorce as well as recovering from a broken marriage.
September, 2016
The Result of Grace
Paul concludes his teaching on grace by describing the final results in a person's life after being saved by faith in response to God's grace.
September, 2016
The Perseverance of God
This sermon examines how God perseveres in His efforts to seek and save sinful man.
September, 2016
The Refusal of Grace
Paul answers a critical question concerning the Jews - "Why weren't the Jews saved?"
September, 2016
The Request of Grace
Paul explains what this grace demands and how that very same grace enables us to meet those demands.
September, 2016
Profile of an Immoral Woman
Solomon sketches out the character of a woman who uses her sexual charm to seduce a foolish man.
September, 2016
Saved yet Struggling
Paul breaks off his general discussion on grace in order to focus on his personal struggle with sin.
August, 2016
The Glorious Church
In this world of competing church "styles" (progressive vs. traditional vs. visitor friendly, etc) it is necessary to realize that the Bible describes the church belonging to Christ as being glorious in nature, not big or successful.
August, 2016
Response of Grace
Paul continues with his answer to the question, "If I am under grace, why should I try to obey the Law?" In this section, he will respond to this question from an experiential instead of an historical perspective.
August, 2016
The Holy Spirit in You
Mike discusses the very real effects of the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every Christian.
August, 2016
Response of Grace
Paul continues to answer questions that his readers might ask concerning what he has written. In this section, he answers the possible question "if compliance to rules cannot save me, why should I even try?"
August, 2016
Response of Grace
In this lesson, Paul answers a third question concerning salvation: "What does salvation give me?"
August, 2016
Slow to Surrender
Surrendering to God is a slow but transformative process that changes who we are at our core, not just our beliefs, leading to a profound shift in identity and a restoration of the Edenic vision of walking with God, despite the challenges of battling sin and resistance.
August, 2016
Response of Grace
In this class, we look at the Law and Abraham as we begin chapter 4 of Romans. We'll also take a short 6 question "Faith Check" quiz.
Sermon
August, 2016
The Unholy Blessing of Same-Sex Marriage
A review of the progress of the same-sex marriage crusade along with what this means for Christians going forward.
July, 2016
Response of Grace
This section of Romans contains the reason why and the method how God's grace was revealed to sinful man.
July, 2016
The Upward Call
In this sermon, Mike describes the nature of the "upward call" that Paul mentions in Philippians 3:14 as well as some strategies to help obtain this blessing.
July, 2016
Response of Grace
In this lesson, Mike explains how God has responded to man's rejection of God's initial offer of grace.
July, 2016
Renouncing of Grace
Paul continues to describe the basis for the universal condemnation of mankind.
July, 2016
Rewards of Repentance
Discover the transformative power of biblical repentance and how it leads to salvation, confirms faith, and avoids punishment for sin, emphasizing the importance of sincerely embracing repentance for spiritual growth and blessings.
July, 2016
Renouncing of Grace
Paul begins his epistle by explaining the universality of sinfulness and how it has affected mankind.
July, 2016
God Provides at Mt. Moriah
This lesson explores how people of faith react when facing their 'moment of truth.'
July, 2016
Introduction to Grace in Romans
In this introductory lesson, Mike looks at a key passage in the first chapter that summarizes the entire epistle.
July, 2016
Grace in the Book of Romans
The grace of God is powerfully revealed and described in the story of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, and nowhere is the grace of God more eloquently explained than in the book of Romans.
June, 2016
Weak Link
Embrace your role in the team, whether strong or weak, and remember that in the church, everyone gets to play and contribute equally towards the final victory by staying faithful to Christ.
June, 2016
Colossians Conclusion
Final review lesson on the Colossian letter focusing on the idea that only Jesus is preeminent in every area of life, history, and the created world.
June, 2016
The True Disciple
In this sermon, Mike reviews the criteria listed by John the Apostle in his three epistles concerning the character and actions of a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ.
June, 2016
Colossians 3:22-4:18
Paul continues describing the standard of living that flows from Jesus' teaching and adds a final feature of that design - an ordered society.
June, 2016
Ali's Final Weigh-In
Recently, ex-boxing champ Muhammad Ali died, and the media is filled with praise for both his athletic accomplishments, which are richly deserved, and his "social activism."
June, 2016
The Resurrected Life
This lesson examines the reasons why Christians believe in Jesus' resurrection and how this event should transform one's life.
June, 2016
Colossians 3:18-21
In this lesson Paul will add the two final elements included in the Christian standard/ethic established by Jesus.
June, 2016
A Call to Live in Freedom
In his final appeal to the Galatian Christians, Paul encourages them to reject the soul-killing teachings of the Judaizers and live as free men according to the teachings of the Holy Spirit.
May, 2016
The Dividing Line
Regardless of what point you start from, most religious discussions boil down to one issue - where's the dividing line?
May, 2016
Colossians 3:12-17
This lesson continues the discussion on Christian ethics and how various elements come together to establish a Christian "Standard" for life and morality.
May, 2016
Freedom Through Faith
In this section Paul will explain how freedom, like all other spiritual blessings, is obtained through a system of faith and not law.
May, 2016
Colossians 3:1-11
Paul begins to explore another area where Christ is first or preeminent and that is in the determination of what is ultimately right or wrong.
May, 2016
How Law and Faith Work Together
In this lesson Paul establishes the main argument of his letter to the Galatians, that spiritual blessings have always been obtained through a system of faith and not through a system of merit.
May, 2016
Who is Your Jesus?
The resurrection of Lazarus reveals how different people perceive Jesus in different ways.
May, 2016
Colossians 2:15-23
In this lesson the Apostle delves into the heart of the gospel message by listing the blessings accomplished by the cross of Christ. He also encourages the church not to be pulled away from the core doctrine of the cross.
May, 2016
Spirit and Power Through Faith
The Apostle rebukes and questions his readers for their foolish and dangerous attempt at returning to a system of law/works in order to obtain salvation and sanctification.
May, 2016
It's Not Easy Being A Mother
Mike shows why mothers deserve honor not only on Mother's Day but every day for their special role in God's plan for life.
May, 2016
Colossians 2:1-14
Paul transitions to a discussion concerning the preeminent position of Jesus' doctrine.
May, 2016
Paul Confronts Peter
Paul goes into detail describing the core idea of the gospel message, that we are saved by a system of faith and not by a system of law which the false teachers were promoting.
May, 2016
What Does God Want From You?
In this lesson, we learn that God wants the very same thing from us today as He required from the Jews who wandered in the desert during the time of Moses.
May, 2016
Colossians 1:18b-29
The third part of a series of lessons exploring the teaching on Jesus' preeminence in personal relationships.
April, 2016
Paul's Conversion and Commission
Paul continues to describe his own conversion to Christianity from Judaism and his early contact with the Apostles at Jerusalem as a way of establishing his legitimacy as a teacher and Apostle.
April, 2016
Colossians 1:13-18a
This lesson continues to develop the thought that Christ is first and foremost as far as a relationship with God is concerned.
April, 2016
Chronology of the Apostle Paul's Life
Paul recounts his own personal history of faith and early work as a missionary establishing churches throughout the Roman Empire. He also describes an important confrontation with another Apostle over the very issues that existed in the Galatian church.
April, 2016
The Changeless Role of Women
In this sermon, Mike reviews those Scripture passages that detail the precise role that women play in the home and church in every generation.
April, 2016
Colossians 1:3-12
Paul offers a prayer which will serve as a bridge to the idea that Christ is pre-eminent in their relationship with God.