Latest Lessons
Here are the most recent items added.
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
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
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
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.
April, 2016
The Dangers of False Teaching
In this lesson Paul describes the false teaching that was being promoted by certain teachers at the Galatian church and the dangerous consequences that would result.
April, 2016
Outsmarting Your Smart TV
Mike outlines how a Christian can maintain holy thinking and behavior in our media-drenched society.
April, 2016
Colossians 1:1-2
Paul argues for the all sufficiency of Christ and His teachings over the false wisdom being touted by heretical teachers.
April, 2016
Introduction and Outline
This first lesson in this series contains the background information on the history of the Galatian church, Paul's reason for writing this letter, and the general division of the topics that the Apostle addresses in his epistle to these people.
April, 2016
145 Year-Old Man Baptized
Here are three lessons we learn from the baptism of a 145 year-old man.
April, 2016
Introduction to Colossians
Background information on the date and circumstance surrounding the writing of this epistle by Paul, the apostle.
April, 2016
Colossians for Beginners
This 12 part series is an easy to understand explanation of Paul's epistle to the Colossian church. In it, the Apostle describes the many facets of Christ's pre-eminence (superiority) in both the physical and spiritual worlds thus establishing the reasons for His Lordship over all.
April, 2016
Galatians for Beginners
The Galatian letter is Paul's response to those in every age who would try to tamper with the essential message of the Gospel: That salvation is obtained by faith, not law, and that freedom in Christ moves us to live by the Spirit of God, not the spirit of this world.
March, 2016
#1 - Bad Eating Habits
In this last lesson, Mike will discuss the #1 issue in the survey - Bad Eating Habits and how one can turn this bad habit into a productive and healthy one.
March, 2016
A Christian's Benefit Package
In the Old Testament I came across Psalm 103 that describes the kind of benefit package that God provides to everyone who trusts in Him, and serves Him faithfully.
March, 2016
The God Who is Able
In the final lesson in this series, Mike explains the relationship that we have with God when we face trials and trouble.
March, 2016
#1 - Lack of Personal Discipline
Mike tackles the number one struggle in the survey, lack of personal discipline and highlights the difference between the popular notion of self-discipline and the Bible's teaching concerning this issue.
March, 2016
The God Who Listens
This lesson deals with the discouragement one feels when repeated prayers over a long period of time go unanswered.
March, 2016
#2 - Overly Critical
Mike reviews the ways we fall into being overly critical and how we can arm ourselves to resist this easy impulse.
March, 2016
No Fool Like a Rich Fool
This sermon reviews the parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12 and cautions of worldly-mindedness and selfish ambition.
March, 2016
The God Who Knows
In this lesson Mike will examine how God's all-knowing character affects our everyday lives and our spiritual development.
March, 2016
Surviving the Opposition's Candidate
According to the pundits, the possible presidency of either candidate would be the final step in the destruction of this nation. This election has so polarized the American people that each side views the other as the agent of the apocalypse should the other's candidate ascend to the top position in the land...
March, 2016
#3 - Overanxious
Mike tackles the most common of struggles, worry, and provides Biblical antidotes to this most debilitating human problem.
March, 2016
You Know You're a Christian When...
Mike uses the popular 'Redneck' joke format to examine the signs that indicate who the true Christians are in the eyes of unbelievers.
March, 2016
The Character of God: Holiness
In this lesson, we dig deeper into the essential character of God and find out that what He wants from us is that we get to know Him intimately and learn how to do this.
March, 2016
Where Will the Devil Find you?
March, 2016
Witness for Truth
March, 2016
Introduction
March, 2016
#4 - Easily Discouraged
In this lesson, Mike explains the different emotions and reactions present in discouragement and easy discouragement, and provides ways to deal with both.
February, 2016
Is God a He, She or It?
This first lesson explores the essential nature of God and how we can relate to Him effectively.
February, 2016
Getting to Know You, God
This 5-part series explores better ways to develop an intimate relationship with God.
February, 2016
#5 - Coping with Conflict
Tied at #5 with Coping with Change is another coping struggle - coping with conflict. This lesson will attempt to define conflict and offer strategies to help decrease the instances of conflict in our everyday lives.
February, 2016
#5 - Coping with Change
Tied for 5th place in our countdown was the issue of coping with change. This lesson provides practical strategies that help people deal with the anxiety often caused by life's many changes.
February, 2016
Don't Worry, Be Ready
In the final chapter of Peter's letter, the Apostle provides the way Christians in every era should respond to discouragement and persecution.
February, 2016
4 Ways to Create a Happy Marriage
Mike outlines the 4 "A's" necessary to build a lasting and happy marriage.
February, 2016
Beware of False Teachers
Peter continues his last letter to the church by emphasizing the important role of God's word in the development of the Christian character and the need to be on guard for those who would teach false things in God's name.
February, 2016
#6 - Neglecting Church
Neglecting attendance and involvement is the 6th most problematic issue according to our church survey. Mike will discuss this problem, its consequences and provide the top ten reasons why people neglect church services.
February, 2016
Trouble in Paradise
In this lesson, Mike develops five principles that Jesus gives the church to use in times of trouble.
February, 2016
Peter's Last Sermon
In II Peter, the Apostle writes a final letter before his execution in Rome, and in it, he instructs the church concerning the spiritual development they must have to truly experience the Christian life and hope of heaven.
January, 2016
#7 - Pride
The sin of Pride comes in at 7th place in our Sins and Struggles survey. This lesson will examine the roots of pride, how it is expressed, why it is a sin and ways to deal with this common problem.
January, 2016
The Meaning of Grace
In this final lesson from Peter's first epistle, Mike will review the last of grace's enabling features, Christian service and how Peter says that the leaders of the church should embody this virtue.
January, 2016
The Power of Praise
Mike explains what worship and praise do for those who participate, no matter who you are or how many have gathered in the name of the Lord.
January, 2016
The Meaning of Grace
Peter continues to list the various ways God's grace affects Christians. In this section, he describes the suffering many Christians experience because of their faith and how to properly respond when it does.
January, 2016
The Glory of the Church of Christ
The writer completes this great homage to Christ with some final thoughts on holy living and a final word of encouragement and greeting.
January, 2016
#8 - Cursing and Gossiping
Two sins tied for position number 8 in our survey. Mike will discuss the root cause of each, what the Bible says about these sins, and have some practical ways to manage and overcome these in our everyday lives.
January, 2016
Lessons from the Flood
During a trip to help clean up in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, I spoke to and interviewed over 500 people about the effect that these hurricanes had on them and the resulting lessons I learned from the flood.
January, 2016
The Meaning of Grace
Peter continues to describe the very real effects of grace on a Christian's character by cultivating a more submissive heart.
January, 2016
#9 - Anger
In this lesson Mike profiles 3 Biblical characters and described how each dealt with the problem of anger.
January, 2016
The Glory of the Church of Christ
The author continues his description of the type of people who belong in Christ's Church as those who have a holy lifestyle.
January, 2016
Multiplying by Faith
People use different methods to fulfill their needs. In this lesson, we will see that the way we use to see to our needs largely determines how well they are met.