As a church, most of our teaching is expository, meaning we go through a text in the Bible, normally a whole book, and examine it chapter by chapter and verse by verse. The lessons below are different. For these, we start with a topic and look throughout the Bible to see what God has revealed to us through His Scriptures about it. In addition to these topical lessons, we have also tagged the key topics that are discussed in our expository lessons. To find lessons (either topical or expository) that address a specific topic, click here.
Image credit: 1 Chronicles 4:39 © Annie Vallotton
In Luke’s account of Jesus' birth to Mary, a virgin, we see the fulfillment of ancient prophecies that few Christians today fully appreciate. A better understanding of these things can strengthen our faith and equip us to persuade skeptics. In this story we also encounter Mary's profound humility and trust in God. She is an
In this second lesson on the Holy Spirit, we consider what it means that the Spirit lives in Christ's followers during our short lifetimes, "a deposit" of our future glory. With examples from both the Old and New Testaments, we see how the Holy Spirit seeks to lead God's people, including the church today. We
Few Christians would deny the existence of the Holy Spirit! But what does it mean to believe in the Holy Spirit? Who is He? What is His nature and personality? And what is His role in our lives? In this first of two lessons, we explore what the Scriptures say about the Holy Spirit and
When we pray for one another as Christians, what do we pray for? This lesson examines two prayers of Paul for the church in Ephesus, that we might imitate his example and receive blessings that our heavenly Father desires to give. Teaching Notes Paul's Prayers for the Ephesians - Lesson Notes
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
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 -
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
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