Lessons Archive

The Resurrection of Jesus (Easter 2021)

The entire Christian faith is based on the resurrection of Jesus from the grave on the third day. Either it happened or it did not. From the beginning, there were two competing explanations for the empty tomb, with each claiming a conspiracy by the other side. In evaluating the competing claims, we consider the powerful, logical argument made by early Christian writer Eusebius. We close by looking at implications of the resurrection: our hope of victory over death, and a demonstration of the incredible power of the Spirit.

The Resurrection of Jesus (Easter 2021) View Lesson

Death and Beyond (in Memory of Chris Traganos)

One year ago we lost Chris Traganos, our dear friend and brother, to death. Chris ended his race strong, an upward call to us all. What happened to Chris after his death, and what will happen to us? In this lesson we look to Jesus and the apostles for the answers, and also consider how

Death and Beyond (in Memory of Chris Traganos) View Lesson

Beware of False Teachers (2 Peter 1:16-2:11)

Peter says that just as there were false prophets in the past, there will be false teachers in the church. Therefore, we should not be surprised when they appear. Yet many Christians believe that while this has happened to other groups, false teachers could never overtake their church! In this lesson we consider Peter’s warning

Beware of False Teachers (2 Peter 1:16-2:11) View Lesson

Introduction to 2 Peter and Growing Spiritually (2 Peter 1:1-15)

As we begin our study of 2 Peter, we address the question of the authenticity of this letter, one of the last to be accepted into the canon of the New Testament. Was the apostle Peter truly its author? How should we view this letter? We then turn to Peter's opening charge: that we continue

Introduction to 2 Peter and Growing Spiritually (2 Peter 1:1-15) View Lesson

Beware the Adversary (1 Peter 5:8-14)

As he concludes his letter, Peter warns the Christians to be sober and vigilant as they face another form of suffering: the attacks of the devil. Peter compares Satan to a lion, seeking to devour the children of God. Unlike most modern Christian teachers, Jesus and the New Testament writers frequently mention Satan. In this

Beware the Adversary (1 Peter 5:8-14) View Lesson

Submission in the Church (1 Peter 5:5-7)

Peter calls the young men to submit to their elders in the church. But what should we do when we are under unrighteous shepherds? While navigating such a challenge is extremely difficult, the Scriptures provide us clear direction and inspiring examples of those who suffered in the same way. Peter's commands to clothe ourselves with

Submission in the Church (1 Peter 5:5-7) View Lesson

Shepherd the Flock (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Peter exhorts his fellow elders to be good shepherds of the flock. We first consider Peter’s unusual role in the church, and then examine the historic controversy surrounding his role. Historically, the Catholic Church has asserted that Jesus established Peter as the first pope, while Protestants reject such a claim and tend to focus on

Shepherd the Flock (1 Peter 5:1-4) View Lesson

Do Not Think It Strange (1 Peter 4:12-19)

Peter says we should not think it strange when we are tested. We explore the significance and range of this word in Scripture, also translated "to try" (or even "to tempt" when Satan is involved). While the Lord tests us for good, we must never put God to the test. In view of the various

Do Not Think It Strange (1 Peter 4:12-19) View Lesson

Suffering Well (1 Peter 4:1-11)

Suffering as a Christian has been the overarching theme of this letter of Peter. Here Peter addresses the personal, internal suffering that comes from denying our own desires for sins of the flesh. Then he calls us to devote ourselves to four things: being watchful in prayer, having fervent love for one another, being hospitable,

Suffering Well (1 Peter 4:1-11) View Lesson

Persecuted for Righteousness; Hades and Baptism (1 Peter 3:13-22)

Peter begins by giving us guidance for when we face suffering, including persecution. Yet, are we really being persecuted for the sake of righteousness? Peter then explains that Jesus "preached to the spirits in prison" after His death. We examine how early Christians understood this puzzling passage, and how it sheds light on what happens

Persecuted for Righteousness; Hades and Baptism (1 Peter 3:13-22) View Lesson