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,
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 View Lesson
The Life of Joseph: Character Lessons and Foreshadowings of Christ View Lesson
Throughout the Scriptures, we are warned that false prophets and teachers will seek to deceive God's people. Despite these warnings, why do most Christians think this will not happen in their own church? Understanding these Old and New Testament warnings will prepare us to recognize and deal with false teachers. Teaching Notes Deuteronomy 13 -
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
Peter speaks of inexpressible and exceeding joy. What is this joy? Where do we get it? Can we experience this type of joy when we are experiencing even severe trials? We are going to dive deep into what Jesus, Peter, Paul, and James have to say about exceeding joy. Teaching Notes Teaching notes - coming
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,
Most Christians are quite familiar with the story of the star of Bethlehem, the visit of the magi, the three gifts, and the treachery of King Herod. In this lesson we seek to go deeper by asking probing questions, listening to insights from early Christian writer Origen, and considering little-known connections between this story and
Many of us come from very different church backgrounds with various views as to how we ought to engage with Christmas. Bring Christ back into Christmas? Reject Christmas as a pagan holiday? For some, this can be a confusing and troubling season! This lesson helps us sort out how to think about Christmas. It also
What is the most important thing for a Christian? Many of us place great importance on various teachings of Christ in our day-to-day lives. Yet, what did Jesus say was the most important thing? This lesson can help us consider this important question, remaining humble and focused on what the Lord would have us focus
The Two Most Important Things in the Christian Life View Lesson
The Two Most Important Things in the Christian Life View Lesson
Our congregation is currently wrestling with what the Scriptures teach about the Lord's Supper, including the emphasis and priority we should give to it. We are recognizing we have fallen short of what we see in Scripture. This lesson examines Jesus' and New Testament teachings, the foreshadowing of the Eucharist in the Old Testament, how