The New Testament tells the story of Jesus, the promised Christ, and the beginning of His church. In it, we find the good news of the Kingdom of God, our King’s teaching, the revelation of God’s nature and character, and what it means to follow Christ. We hope that our study of the New Testament books helps you understand the love of God more fully and to love Him and others with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
In many churches, the ‘ideal’ Christian lifestyle held up is to be married with a family. However, Paul (and Jesus) had a rather different perspective. In this message we explore Paul’s view on the spiritual advantages of the single way of life. This is an important lesson for those who are single, for church leaders,
On the Single Way of Life (1 Corinthians 7:25-40) View Lesson
On the Single Way of Life (1 Corinthians 7:25-40) View Lesson
Eating meat sacrificed to idols? What does that topic offer Christians today? Perhaps more than you realize! Well over a billion people belong to religions where classical idolatry is still rampant. Plus, various forms of idolatry have crept into the Christian church. We also gain important insights as Paul emphasizes the importance of loving others
On Idolatry and Loving Others (1 Corinthians 8:1-13) View Lesson
On Idolatry and Loving Others (1 Corinthians 8:1-13) View Lesson
Is it better to have church leaders financially supported by the church, or self-supported through secular work? It depends! Paul makes the case for church-supported ministers, then explains why he personally chose the other way. In this lesson we explore the advantages of both alternatives. We also consider what Paul meant when he called us
Church-Supported or Self-Supported Ministers? (1 Corinthians 9:1-23) View Lesson
Church-Supported or Self-Supported Ministers? (1 Corinthians 9:1-23) View Lesson
Paul urges us to pursue the Christian life with the intensity of a runner training to win a race. He then turns to the story of Israel’s journey out of Egypt to warn us about the dangers of sin. In the ‘Exodus Map’ we can see a scale model of the Christian spiritual journey. Warning:
In a discussion on meat sacrificed to idols, Paul confirms all food is from God (therefore good), and that idols are nothing. However, he also mentions demons, which are a real danger. In this message we explore what we know about demons from Scripture, how they can impact our world today, and what we should
For over nineteen and a half centuries, there was little confusion in the church as to Paul's straightforward instructions to women to cover their heads when they pray (and to men to uncover when they pray). However, most churches today have relegated this passage to the dustbin, claiming it addresses only an ancient Corinthian custom.
Head Covering and Uncovering (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) View Lesson
Head Covering and Uncovering (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) View Lesson
The Corinthians' observance of the Lord’s supper exposed major problems in the church. We take this opportunity to explore the basis for the Lord’s supper and to consider questions that have divided Christians for centuries. When Jesus said, “this is my body…this is my blood”, did He mean for us to take that literally or
Paul now begins to address problems related to the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to the church, foretold in the Old Testament Scriptures. What was their purpose? Where did they come from? Paul then paints a beautiful picture of Christian unity: a vibrant, functioning body composed of members with diverse roles and gifts. This
Gifts of the Spirit and Unity (1 Corinthians 12:1-26) View Lesson
Gifts of the Spirit and Unity (1 Corinthians 12:1-26) View Lesson
After discussing the various gifts in the church, Paul makes a powerful, memorable point that love is the greatest of them all. He then goes on to describe the characteristics of true Christ-like love. To start: love suffers long! While we are all familiar with this passage, do we live as if this is the most
The Greatest of These is Love (1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13) View Lesson
The Greatest of These is Love (1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13) View Lesson
Some churches claim that the gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy no longer exist. However, others embrace these things as part of their worship. In this passage Paul also forbids women from speaking in the church. Was that command based on local culture, or does it still apply today? In this message we tackle
Tongues, Prophecy and Women Speaking in Church (1 Corinthians 14:1-40) View Lesson
Tongues, Prophecy and Women Speaking in Church (1 Corinthians 14:1-40) View Lesson