death Archives

Pentecost: Peter Proclaims Jesus' Resurrection from the Dead (Acts 2:1-29)

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends in fire on the apostles, a crowd gathers, and Peter preaches the resurrection of Jesus. He begins by explaining how Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 16: “You will not leave my soul in Hades...." Using related passages and insights from early Christians, we learn about

Pentecost: Peter Proclaims Jesus' Resurrection from the Dead (Acts 2:1-29) 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

He Who Loves His Life Will Lose It (John 12:17-41)

With his death approaching, Jesus uses two puzzling figures of speech to explain both how He would die, and why He had to die. In the course of doing that, He reveals a great mystery that applies also to us: a seed must die in order to produce a great harvest. Jesus then goes on to quote from Isaiah,

He Who Loves His Life Will Lose It (John 12:17-41) View Lesson

More from the Good Shepherd (John 10:22-30)

Given that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and we are supposed to walk as he did, what does this characteristic of Jesus mean for our own lives? This lesson examines Jesus’, Paul’s, and Peter’s expectations for us as shepherds, whether of our family or our local church, and addresses the gap between the Biblical role

Before Abraham Was (John 8:51-59)

At the end of John 8 Jesus makes several remarkable statements for which the Jews take up stones to kill him. In addition to calling the Jews liars, Jesus says "if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death," that "Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad" and

Before Abraham Was (John 8:51-59) View Lesson

The Exodus Map, a Parable of the Christian Life

Hidden in plain view, in the famous story of the Exodus from Egypt, we find a detailed map of the Christian journey of faith. The connection is suggested in one of the psalms, but revealed by insights from three books in the New Testament and by early Christians. This is an unforgettable, faith-building lesson that sheds

The Exodus Map, a Parable of the Christian Life View Lesson

Joseph Sold into Slavery (Genesis 37)

We now turn to the story of Jacob’s son Joseph, whose life will fill most of the remaining pages of Genesis. The story of Joseph is full of lessons for us today, including the pivotal role he played in Israel’s history, his character qualities worthy of our imitation, and foreshadowing of things to come in

Joseph Sold into Slavery (Genesis 37) View Lesson

Elisha, Pt. 6: Naaman, Gehazi, and the Floating Ax Head (2 Kings 5:17-6:7)

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

Jacob Steals Esau's Blessing (Gen. 25:27-27:46)

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

Jacob Steals Esau's Blessing (Gen. 25:27-27:46) View Lesson

Elisha, Pt. 3: Three Kings and a Widow (2 Kings 3:1-4:1-7)

We pick up on part three of a series on the life of Elisha. The story of Elisha offers so much for us to learn. In this lesson, Elisha saves three kings (and Israel) from death, then turns and rescues a nameless widow and her sons. These stories reveal much about the heart of God

Elisha, Pt. 3: Three Kings and a Widow (2 Kings 3:1-4:1-7) View Lesson