Here the Lord made provision for the time in the future when Israel would desire to have a strong ruler over them, to be “as all the rest of the nations”. Those instructions are key to understanding the later downfall of the Jewish kingdom and provide practical guidance for us today. We also explore passages
This lesson looks at two tremendous character traits of Joseph (Genesis 37-50): his high standard of purity, and his ability (through years of mistreatment) to see God's hand work good out of evil. We are also inspired by the Genesis account of Joseph's life, the details which foreshadow Jesus' betrayal, death, and resurrection. Teaching Notes
The Life of Joseph: Character Lessons and Foreshadowings of Christ (1/26/25) View Lesson
The Life of Joseph: Character Lessons and Foreshadowings of Christ (1/26/25) View Lesson
In this second of a two-part series, we look at dozens of references to good and bad angels. They are everywhere in the Bible! Who are these angels? What do they do? What is their relationship to us? May we open our eyes to the spiritual battle that rages around us. Let us take comfort
Angels and the Spiritual Battle, Pt. 2 (1/12/25) View Lesson
Angels and the Spiritual Battle, Pt. 2 (1/12/25) View Lesson
Angels, both good and bad, are everywhere in the Bible. The goal of this lesson, the first of a two-part series, is to open our eyes to the reality of the heavenly hosts -- engaged in spiritual warfare, either to destroy us (bad angels) or to protect and strengthen us (good angels). While extremely sobering,
Angels and the Spiritual Battle, Pt. 1 (12/29/24) View Lesson
Angels and the Spiritual Battle, Pt. 1 (12/29/24) View Lesson
In this passage, Moses instructs the people to appoint judges over them who "shall not show partiality." Such a simple character quality that is sadly missing in so many church leaders! We address what impartial judgment looks like, and the damage to the church when leaders show partiality (and fail to address sin in the
How do we respond when people we love make bad decisions? Do we become angry? Anxious? Give in to despair? In this short lesson, we confront a profound truth: God is not controlling or coercive. Instead, out of His great love and respect, He gives each of us freedom to make our own decisions. Grasping
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
Three Major Feasts Each Year (Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17) View Lesson
Three Major Feasts Each Year (Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17) View Lesson
The Jews were commanded to give a tithe. Should Christians give 10% of their income to the Church? We look at God's expectations for His people around giving (in both the Old and New Testaments), with insights from early Christians as to the kind of generous heart Jesus wants His followers to have! Teaching Notes
Tithing and Being Generous (Deuteronomy 14:22-15:18) View Lesson
Tithing and Being Generous (Deuteronomy 14:22-15:18) View Lesson
Do you consider what you say to be a salvation issue? Jesus did! In this lesson, we address one of the most practical aspects of living as a Christian: our speech. Buckle up! This may be one of the most practical and challenging lessons published on this website. Teaching Notes By Every Careless Word -
Should Christians today care about the distinction between the clean animals (which could be eaten by Jews) vs. the unclean animals (which could not)? Several passages in the New Testament explain that we are no longer bound by these rules. However, early Christians saw in them foreshadowings of important truths that continue. In this lesson,