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
The tabernacle is constructed in accordance with all the detailed instructions the Lord had given Moses. Since the tabernacle was a physical model of spiritual things to come, the details were purposeful and necessary to follow even if the artisans did not understand the reason why. We examine the importance of following God’s commands even
The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple (Exodus 36:8-40:32) View Lesson
The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple (Exodus 36:8-40:32) View Lesson
Since the high priest of the tabernacle represents Christ (from Hebrews 8-10) his attire takes on greater significance for us. In this lesson we look at that special clothing, particularly the spectacular breastplate which featured twelve unique gemstones on its front panel. Early Christian writer Tertullian pointed to this as one of several Old Testament
In our ongoing study of the tabernacle we now turn our attention to the Holy Place, the sanctuary. Just as the High Priest represents Christ, the other priests foreshadow us Christians, members of the new "royal priesthood." The Holy Place, where they minister daily, represents the church. In this lesson we explore the three objects
We have come to a part of Exodus that frustrates so many Christians: the instructions the Lord gives Moses for constructing the tabernacle. The Lord is extremely specific, and for very good reason. We learn in Hebrews that the tabernacle is a model representing the church and heaven itself. With the help of a modern
In the Law of Moses, all men are required each year to "appear before the Lord" during three annual Feasts: Unleavened Bread (or Passover), Harvest (or Pentecost), and Ingathering (or Tabernacles). All three play a significant role in the New Testament ministry of Jesus and the apostles. Remarkably, these feasts, which God commands the Israelites
In our 2019 summer retreat in Pennsylvania, we laid a foundation of what the Scriptures teach about the Holy Spirit. In this follow-up lesson and in light of those foundational teachings, we review much of Paul's letter to the Ephesians and, perhaps, see this letter in a new light. We discover Paul has much to say
On Saturday evening of our 2019 Retreat, several brothers taught on different topics in a session entitled The Spirit of Wisdom. In the first session, brother Mahlon Fisher spoke about how to stay strong without an ideal local fellowship, providing key principles that have helped him continue to grow as a Christian over the past
The Spirit of Wisdom: Staying Strong without an Ideal Local Fellowship View Lesson
The Spirit of Wisdom: Staying Strong without an Ideal Local Fellowship View Lesson
What should Christians do with Christmas? Some desire to embrace the season, some focus on Jesus, some ignore the season completely. How do we maintain unity in the church with different opinions regarding Christmas? This lesson tackles these questions and provides insights for us related to the events surrounding the birth of Christ, including the significance
On Christmas and the Birth of Christ (Matthew 1 & 2) View Lesson
On Christmas and the Birth of Christ (Matthew 1 & 2) View Lesson
In Genesis 17, God gives Abraham and God's people the "everlasting covenant" of circumcision. What is this covenant? Does circumcision have anything to do with Christians today? Why should we care? This lesson is packed with the heart of God, foreshadowing of Christ, and an explanation of the circumcision made available to us under the