New Testament
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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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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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Walking to Battle (Ephesians 6:10-24)
Ephesians 6:10-24 First Thoughts The Bible is full of people who met challenges with courage and confidence. Elijah faced the prophets of Baal. David stood his ground in front of Goliath. Esther risked death to reveal Haman’s plot. Peter defied the order to stop preaching the gospel. Each of these people put their confidence in… Continue reading
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Walking as Family (Ephesians 5:22-6:4)
Ephesians 5:22-6:4 First Thoughts Like Jewish society, Greco-Roman political leaders understood the household to be the basic building block of the state. Their philosophers wrote heavily about the relationships of authority and subordination in the home. They believed that order in the home created an ordered society. The Roman Empire was a paternal society, with… Continue reading
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Walk Wisely ( Ephesians 5:15-21)
Ephesians 5:15-21 Opening Thoughts Who or what do you consult when planning a trip? If you were traveling in an unknown remote area and could select only one form of navigational help, which would you choose? Would you prefer a map, a GPS device, or an experienced guide who had frequently traveled that area and… Continue reading
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Walking in Love (Ephesians 5:1-14)
Ephesians 5:1-14 FIRST THOUGHTS Who has been a great example for you? Why? Gait is a word that only athletes or medical specialists use very often. It refers to the way a person walks—the movement of a person’s limbs while in motion. When there is an abnormality in a person’s gait, it can potentially cause… Continue reading
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Rejoicing in Christ – the Power of Life (Philippians 4)
Philippians 4 After Paul addressed serious problems with false teachers, and opponents in the third chapter, He concludes the letter with a variety of exhortations, encouragements, and reminders. Paul has told them that rejoicing is the principle, pattern, and prize of the Christian life. In Philippians 4 he is going to remind them that it… Continue reading
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Walk Differently (Ephesians 4:17-32)
Ephesians 4:17-32 FIRST THOUGHTS What might we be able to determine about people based on how they walk? One of my favorite pass times is to take a seat at the mall while my wife is shopping and people watch. You can learn a lot about a person from the way they are dressed,… Continue reading
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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
NAVIGATION
REsent Post
- Perseverance Through Prayer
- Finding Strength in Surrender
- The Power of Words
- The Call to Genuine Action
- The Power of Persevering Trust
CrossSites Bible Study 