In this story, crafty Jacob gets a big surprise from his Uncle Laban. As Jacob builds his family, God works through trials and blessings to teach Jacob important lessons and to prepare Jacob for His purposes. This lesson offers insights into God’s justice and the nature of the evil one. It also points to the
Jacob Builds a Family and a Flock (Gen. 29-31:13) View Lesson
Jacob Builds a Family and a Flock (Gen. 29-31:13) View Lesson
In Genesis 28 we find Jacob asleep, his head on a rock. Jacob dreams of a ladder that leads to heaven, with the Lord speaking from above, and angels descending and ascending on the ladder. He wakes up and anoints his rock pillow with oil, and names the place “the house of God." What does
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus gave Peter a new name and a new identity. Peter would have many trials and failures, but would become a pillar of faith for the Church as he served our Lord. What lessons can we learn from Peter's life, example and teaching, that we might have such faith? Teaching
In this story, the Syrian army surrounds the city to take Elisha. There with his servant, Elisha works a tremendous miracle with an unexpected twist. This lesson looks at the theme of spiritual blindness and the love God has for his enemies. Teaching Notes Elisha, Pt. 7: The Blind See (2 Kings 6:8-23) -
We pick up where we left off with the story of Naaman's healing, which some Christians through the centuries have viewed as a foreshadowing of baptism. We discuss one aspect of baptism, the power over death and the hope of eternal life. We then look at the story of Gehazi, who falls into the sins
Elisha, Pt. 6: Naaman, Gehazi, and the Floating Ax Head (2 Kings 5:17-6:7) View Lesson
Elisha, Pt. 6: Naaman, Gehazi, and the Floating Ax Head (2 Kings 5:17-6:7) View Lesson
As the story of Elisha continues, we see the prophet work two miracles of provision for a group in need. We are then introduced to Naaman, a famous commander of the Syrian army, who also happens to be a leper. There are many gems to mine from these stories as we see God's power and
Elisha, Pt. 5: More Miracles and the Story of Naaman, Part 1 (2 Kings 4:38-5:16) View Lesson
Elisha, Pt. 5: More Miracles and the Story of Naaman, Part 1 (2 Kings 4:38-5:16) View Lesson
These chapters of Genesis show us Isaac, who gives way to fear, Rebekah, who is filled with deception, and Jacob and Esau, whose struggle with each other provide lessons for Christians regarding our own inheritance. What a blessing to learn from their mistakes and examples! Teaching Notes Jacob Steals Esau's Blessing (Gen. 25:27-27:46) - Lesson Outline
Why is Biblical unity so difficult? Why do so many churches end up splitting apart, even churches comprised of Christians serious about following Jesus' teachings? This sad pattern is in stark contrast to early Christianity, where the church remained one for the first 200 years. Drawing on Scripture, examples from the early church, and his
The Scriptures call us to do two apparently contradictory things: 1) to become all things to all men, that we might by all means save some (1 Cor. 9:22), and 2) to keep ourselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27). Many churches focus on one command, while ignoring the other. One church is so relatable
This opening devotional for our retreat was a call to open our eyes to the spiritual battle we are in, and to recognize that God's supernatural power is far greater than the power and authorities that oppose God. May we have the faith of Elisha and the righteousness described in Scripture, to see God's Kingdom
Those Who Are With Us Are More Than Those Who Are With Them (2 Kings 6:16) View Lesson
Those Who Are With Us Are More Than Those Who Are With Them (2 Kings 6:16) View Lesson