Why did the early church pray so much? How were their prayers so effective? Could it be that they simply prayed as Jesus taught and showed them? May we experience this type of prayer! This lesson is built on a short devotional taught by Chuck Pike in 2020, adapted from Tertullian's work "On Prayer". Teaching
The Israelites must pass through the lands of five other nations in succession on their way to Canaan. We find valuable lessons for us in each encounter. However, there are troubling passages to wrestle with as well. How could a good and loving God “harden” the spirit of Sihon, and then tell His people to
Many consider this to be the single most important book in the Old Testament. Why is that? We begin by considering ten reasons why this book is so important for Christians to study today. After establishing the context for Deuteronomy, we explore the first chapter, where Moses recounts the journey from Mt. Sinai to the time at Kadesh Barnea
Introduction and Recounting the Journey (Deuteronomy 1) View Lesson
Introduction and Recounting the Journey (Deuteronomy 1) View Lesson
As Paul concludes his letter, his love for the brothers and sisters in Corinth is palpable despite the many problems he has addressed. We also see his deep love for the poor Christians in Jerusalem, as he instructs the church in Corinth to set aside money for their brothers and sisters across the Mediterranean Sea. We explore (and are
Helping the Poor and Final Exhortations (1 Corinthians 16) View Lesson
Helping the Poor and Final Exhortations (1 Corinthians 16) View Lesson
This is an unusually challenging message that could disrupt your spiritual life! In it, we make the case for memorizing extended passages of Scripture, then meditating on that day and night. While this is hard work, it will produce wonderful blessings for those who persevere. We begin by reviewing Bible passages that encourage this, then
I Have Hidden Your Word in My Heart: Memorizing Scripture! View Lesson
I Have Hidden Your Word in My Heart: Memorizing Scripture! View Lesson
In his final remarks on the resurrection of the body, Paul explains when the resurrection will happen and describes a great mystery: our bodies will be transformed, and death will be destroyed. Because of this hope, Paul directs his "beloved brethren" to be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord". May we
The Resurrection of the Body - Part 4 (1 Corinthians 15:50-58) View Lesson
The Resurrection of the Body - Part 4 (1 Corinthians 15:50-58) View Lesson
The belief in the bodily resurrection produced the same scorn and ridicule in Jesus' day as it does today. However, many Jews believed in the resurrection of the dead, including the Pharisees. How did they come to this faith? We dig into the Old Testament Scriptures to answer this question, inspired by examples of men
The Resurrection of the Body - Part 3 (1 Corinthians 15:35-49) View Lesson
The Resurrection of the Body - Part 3 (1 Corinthians 15:35-49) View Lesson
Paul taught that man consists of three parts: the body, soul and spirit. Understanding this concept, aided by early Christian insights, can help us to appreciate the inner struggle we often experience. It disarms the popular Reformation teaching on “total depravity” and explains how even unbelievers can demonstrate noble character. In this message we also tackle
The Resurrection of the Body - Part 2 (1 Corinthians 15:20-34) View Lesson
The Resurrection of the Body - Part 2 (1 Corinthians 15:20-34) View Lesson
One of the great challenges to Biblical unity is unresolved conflict between Christians. Fortunately, in Matthew 18, Jesus not only gives us a process to revolve conflict with one another, but also the heart we are to bring to conflict resolution. In this second of a two-part series on unity, we cover Jesus' simple, challenging,
Before going to His death, Jesus prays for the unity of His followers. He promises that by this unity the love and glory of God will be revealed, and the world would believe that God sent Him. In this first of a two-part lesson, we examine why this unity is so difficult and how to