faith & obedience Archives

Feeding Thousands, Walking on Water and Working (John 6:1-29)

In the first part of John 6, Jesus feeds 5,000 men (plus women and children) and then walks on the water, calling Peter to do the same. The first miracle caused those who witnessed it to proclaim that Jesus was the Prophet foretold in Deuteronomy 18; the second caused Jesus' apostles to proclaim Jesus as

Feeding Thousands, Walking on Water and Working (John 6:1-29) View Lesson

Lessons from the Book of Ruth

The story of Ruth is an inspiring tale of three unlikely individuals, who God would use in a remarkable way to accomplish His purposes. This study takes a close look at the character strengths of Naomi, Boaz, and Ruth, who set a standard for Christians today, that we might also be made useful for the designs and

Lessons from the Book of Ruth View Lesson

Does God Play Favorites?

Does God treat everyone the same, or does He play favorites? James A. Harding, a Christian teacher and preacher, tackled this question in the early 1900's and provided a startling and unforgettable answer. That answer takes us to Scriptures that teach us much about the character of God, as well as what can be expected

Does God Play Favorites? View Lesson

The Deaths of Jacob and Joseph (Genesis 49:28-50:26)

As we come to the end of our study of Genesis, our story concludes with the deaths of Jacob and Joseph. This final chapter provides the opportunity for us to reflect on extremely important topics of the Christian faith, including death, forgiveness, the sovereignty of God and our role in His plan and purposes, Biblical

The Deaths of Jacob and Joseph (Genesis 49:28-50:26) View Lesson

Elisha, Pt. 7: The Blind See (2 Kings 6:8-23)

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) -

Elisha, Pt. 7: The Blind See (2 Kings 6:8-23) View Lesson

Those Who Are With Us Are More Than Those Who Are With Them (2 Kings 6:16)

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

Isaac Marries Rebekah and the Birth of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 23:1-25:26)

In this passage of Scripture there is much to learn! We see God's hand and Spirit at work in the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. We come to the end of Abraham's life and take the time to recognize the legacy of faith and righteousness Abraham left for God's people for all time. We are

Isaac Marries Rebekah and the Birth of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 23:1-25:26) View Lesson

Abraham's Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22)

At God's command, Abraham takes his beloved son, through whom God has promised to build a great nation, to a mountaintop to sacrifice him on an altar. This is yet another disturbing story. Why would God command such a horrific thing? Why is this in the Bible? Why do the Scriptures include so many specific

Abraham's Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22) View Lesson

Isaac Born, Ishmael Cast Out (Genesis 21)

In Genesis 21 we find another disturbing story: Abraham casting out his own son Ishmael and his maidservant Hagar, who both nearly die in the desert. While it would be easy to pass over this story, there are significant lessons here, some which Paul explains in Galatians 4. This story offers significant challenges and hope

Isaac Born, Ishmael Cast Out (Genesis 21) View Lesson

Abraham's Faith, a Strange Vision and the Birth of Ishmael (Genesis 15 & 16)

Genesis 15 opens with a most amazing promise, one in which we appear! We then look at the faith of Abraham, who trusts God with his future. We are called higher by his example, as well as by Jesus' and Paul's teaching on the sin of worry. We also take a hard look at how

Abraham's Faith, a Strange Vision and the Birth of Ishmael (Genesis 15 & 16) View Lesson