As the twelve tribes prepare to cross the Jordan River and conquer Canaan, Joshua reminds two and a half of the tribes of a special agreement they had made with Moses. The way these unlikely heroes confirm and keep their promise remains an inspiring example for Christians today: to sacrifice and work together in unity
We Will Go Everywhere You Send Us (Joshua 1:10-18) View Lesson
We Will Go Everywhere You Send Us (Joshua 1:10-18) View Lesson
Before Joshua entered the Promised Land, the Lord commanded him to be “strong and courageous.” Joshua conquered fear (and we can as well) by knowing that God would be with him wherever he went. We also consider why Joshua (born ‘Hoshea’) was given the name ‘Joshua’ by Moses. Early Christians saw this as part of a faith-building
James reminds us of Jesus' high standard of integrity: let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’, and your ‘no’ be ‘no’ at all times. This is one of the most challenging teachings on righteousness in all of Scripture. In closing, James, called 'camel knees' based on his devotion to prayer, encourages us to confess our sins to
Keep Your Word and Pray with Righteousness (James 5:12-20) View Lesson
Keep Your Word and Pray with Righteousness (James 5:12-20) View Lesson
James has strong words for the rich, who are oppressing the poor. While socialists and Marxists have offered similar complaints, the solution offered by James (and Jesus) is quite different! James calls the Christians to demonstrate patient endurance in the face of their trials. This reminds us of the character of God Himself, and is
James addresses the sin of boasting and the arrogance behind it. This subject permeated Jesus’ teaching as well. In this lesson, we look at wonderful examples of humility recorded in Scripture for us to imitate. Then we contrast that with the ‘hall of spiritual losers’, bad examples whose pride and arrogance serve as a stark
James insists we must not judge others. Jesus taught the same thing in the Sermon on the Mount. So why do so many Christians in our circles feel entitled to judge and look down on others? What excuses do Christians make to justify this behavior? We explore the significance of this teaching and tackle some
James now gives five practical spiritual laws we can always rely on. They include: requirements for effective prayer; that we can be either a friend of the world or a friend of God; we will receive God's favor when we are humble; if we resist Satan, he will flee from us; and if we draw near
Five Spiritual Laws for Day-to-Day Living (James 3:13-4:10) View Lesson
Five Spiritual Laws for Day-to-Day Living (James 3:13-4:10) View Lesson
Here again, James blasts sins of the tongue, employing colorful, memorable analogies to convict us all. While most Christians tend to view these sins as relatively minor, Jesus and the apostles taught otherwise. Taming your tongue is difficult, but not impossible. Your salvation may depend on it! Teaching Notes James 3:1-12 - Lesson Notes
James begins by asking his readers a question: Can a person be saved by faith alone, without works? Then answers it clearly, backing up his conclusion with compelling reason and Scripture. WARNING: If you have been influenced directly or indirectly by Martin Luther’s teaching, you will likely find this lesson rather disturbing. However, we will
The sin of favoritism has caused significant problems in many churches. Sadly, the human heart is highly susceptible to showing partiality to those who possess wealth, fame, stature, or other things the world esteems. Yet the Scriptures could not be clearer: God shows justice equally to all men, showing no partiality. As Christians, we should do