One of the greatest challenges for Christians is to not harden our hearts when we face challenges and suffering. The Hebrews writer points back to this psalm and the lessons from Israel’s time in the Wilderness, to teach us important lessons about spiritual perseverance. In this message we explore the characteristics of a soft heart,
After being delivered from the belly of the whale, Jonah heeds God's call to go to the wicked city of Nineveh. His preaching produces radical repentance. In this story are many important lessons for us, including the nature of our merciful Father, the soft hearts of the Ninevites (despite their wicked lifestyles), and the power
Many Christians dismiss the Book of Jonah as a cute children’s story involving a whale, or as the account of a second-rate prophet. However, Jesus saw it differently. In Matthew 12, He said that the only sign that would be given to that generation would be “the sign of Jonah”. Jesus went on to state
*This lesson was taught on November 6, 2022* Most Christians understand that the Son of God, the Word of God, was involved in the Creation of all things "in the beginning and His incarnation when He was born to the virgin Mary in Bethlehem. However, what was He doing between those two points in time?
This is an extremely practical psalm for Christians, as Peter demonstrates in his first letter. Here David urges all of the Lord's saints to fear Him. He then describes the characteristics of a righteous, God-fearing life. David also highlights the wonderful blessings of this way of life, which include God’s protection and His hearing our prayers. This
Psalm 34 - I Will Teach You the Fear of the Lord View Lesson
Psalm 34 - I Will Teach You the Fear of the Lord View Lesson
In His teaching and parables, Jesus had much to say about wealth: exposing its deception, limitations, and how His followers should understand and use it. But these were not new teachings! In Psalm 49, the psalmist cries out with a riddle regarding wealth. This psalm's wisdom and vivid imagery exposes wealth's folly, helping us use
In many Christian circles, the ‘good news’ is presented along the lines of: “Christ suffered so that we don’t have to.” Is that true? Should we expect to see less suffering in this life when we turn to the Lord? Starting with this passage from David, we consider examples throughout the Scriptures of righteous people
Psalm 34:19-20 - Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous View Lesson
Psalm 34:19-20 - Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous View Lesson
Sailing from Caesarea to Rome, Paul and Luke experience a violent storm, a deadly snake, a shipwreck and a miraculous deliverance. Through chains and affliction, Paul boldly proclaims the gospel of the Kingdom of God. As we conclude our study in Acts, may we be inspired by Paul's unshakeable faith in the inspiration of Scriptures.
When Festus proposes a trial in Jerusalem, Paul instead uses his rights as a Roman citizen to appeal his case to Caesar. We consider the teaching and examples of Jesus and the apostles on how to interact with governments under difficult circumstances. This can prepare us for times of persecution. We also look at the
Paul's Defense before Festus and Agrippa (Acts 25-26) View Lesson
Paul's Defense before Festus and Agrippa (Acts 25-26) View Lesson
As Paul planted churches, he placed significant importance on appointing elders (aka shepherds or bishops) as church leaders. What does God desire and require of His shepherds? What should the life, character, and faith of a New Testament elder look like? What are God's expectations for every Christian who follows the Good Shepherd? In this