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Walking Forward (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Ephesians 4:11-16 FIRST THOUGHT It took a variety of leaders to conduct both the political and religious business in Ephesus. People were accustomed to leaders. Leaders provided guidance for the people. Without the people, the leaders would have been ineffective in their duties and useless in their purpose. The same was true for the church Continue reading
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Walking Together (Ephesians 4:1-10)
Ephesians 4:1-10 FIRST THOUGHTS It does not take one long to look at our culture and realize that we live in a very divided culture. Left vs right, liberal vs conservative, rich vs poor, and Islam vs Christianity. It seems that the nation is about to come apart at the seams. There is even division Continue reading
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RESIDENCE: Christ in Us (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Ephesians 3:14-21 FIRST THOUGHTS What reveals a person’s priorities? Credit card statements, calendars, interactions, and interruptions all provide a glimpse into what’s important to people. Prayers reveal priorities. The content, frequency, and intensity of prayers indicate what matters most to us. We learn a great deal about Paul’s priorities, and consequently God’s priorities, from his Continue reading
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The Seven Churches of Revelation (Revelation 2-3)
Introduction The letter to the seven churches of Asia Minor is found in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of the book of Revelation. The section of the book is “The things which are.” This indicates that the letters were sent to seven literal churches. These seven churches are only a representation of possibly 100 separate Continue reading
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Focus on Scripture (2 Peter 1:12-21)
2 Peter 1:12-21 emphasizes the importance of being grounded in the truth of Scripture, which enables believers to live faithfully and confidently in a world filled with confusion and falsehoods. Continue reading
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Foundations of Faith (2 Peter 1:1-11)
Spiritual maturity is a process that requires intentional effort and is grounded in the knowledge of Christ, leading to fruitful living and assurance of salvation. Continue reading
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Freedom to Serve (Galatians 6)
Our freedom in Christ empowers us to live selflessly, engaging in acts of love and service that not only transform our own lives but also uplift our community, mirroring the love of Christ in every relationship and interaction. Continue reading
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Freedom in Christ: Living by the Spirit (Galatians 5)
Bible Passage: Galatians 5 Big Idea: Freedom in Christ equips us to live authentically and love selflessly in a world often characterized by law and selfishness. Through the Holy Spirit, we are invited to embody this divine love, making a transformative impact in our communities. Opening Thoughts In the fifth chapter of Galatians, Paul states Continue reading
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From Slavery to Sonship (Galatians 4)
Bible Passage: Galatians 4 Big Idea: The liberation from the law leads us into a deeper understanding and experience of our identity as children of God, equipping us to live in the freedom of grace rather than the bondage of works. Opening Thoughts One of the tragedies of being enslaved by legalism is that it makes a Continue reading
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Faith’s Assurance (Galatians 3)
Bible Passage: Galatians 3 Big Idea: Justification comes through faith in Christ alone, assuring believers of their status as God’s children and freeing them from the bondage of the law and the pressure of self-righteousness. Opening Thoughts Many of us have been a part of churches or traditions that said, “The way to receive the Continue reading
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The Freedom of Grace ( Galatians 2)
This lesson discusses Paul’s second visit to Jerusalem to affirm his gospel message and apostleship. Paul confronts the Judaizers’ false teachings that required Gentile believers to adhere to Jewish customs like circumcision. He recounts his public confrontation with Peter in Antioch for hypocrisy, underscoring that justification comes through faith in Christ, not by works of… Continue reading
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We Were Born Free (Galatians 1)
This lesson introduces Galatians 1, highlighting Paul’s emphasis on freedom through grace rather than adherence to the Mosaic Law. Paul wrote to counter the Judaizers, who insisted Gentile Christians follow Jewish legalistic practices like circumcision. The letter is described as a declaration of spiritual liberty, asserting salvation by grace alone and warning against false gospels… Continue reading
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Foundation of Faith (2 Peter 1:1–11)
Bible Passage: 2 Peter 1:1–11 Big Idea: Spiritual maturity is a process that requires intentional effort and is grounded in the knowledge of Christ, leading to fruitful living and assurance of salvation. Introduction The early believers were under constant pressure from two fronts. On the one front they were facing persecution from culture. They were Continue reading
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Leading With Humility (1 Peter 5:1-14)
Leading with humility is essential in effective Christian leadership. By following Christ’s example of selfless service and dependence on God’s grace, leaders can guide and nurture the church effectively. Continue reading
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