Here we learn about Israel's practice of tithing, giving to the Levites 10% of what their land produced. Should Christians follow this practice? What did Jesus and the apostles teach about giving, and how did the early Church put those teachings into practice? In this lesson we also consider the sacrifice of the red heifer […]
Here Paul encounters a group of believers who knew only the baptism of John the Baptist. With insights from an early Christian writer, we explore the purpose and limitations of John’s baptism. The word spreads from Ephesus throughout the region, bearing fruit and creating conflict. Many publicly burn their very expensive collections of occult scrolls, […]
If we want to understand the gospel that Paul preached, we need to start with the story of his own conversion and the message he preached to unbelievers. Only after that should we proceed to his letters. In this lesson we examine the three accounts of Paul’s dramatic conversion story, all found in Acts. In the […]
Peter concludes his Pentecost message by explaining that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, based on the prophecy of Psalm 110. In this lesson we explore why this provoked the strong, “cut to the heart” response from Peter’s audience, and why it still matters for us today. When the people ask what […]
In this teaching we first tackle the question of why Paul wrote this letter (to address two doctrinal challenges facing the church). In addressing those problems, Paul develops the foundational idea that since Christians have died and been buried with Christ, we must now be raised with Him. This concept has profound implications regarding baptism and how we live […]
In this teaching we first tackle the question of why Paul wrote this letter (to address two doctrinal challenges facing the church). In addressing those problems, Paul develops the foundational idea that since Christians have died and been buried with Christ, we must now be raised with Him. This concept has profound implications regarding baptism and how we live […]
The offerings of the Levitical priests foreshadow our own service to God, as indicated throughout the New Testament. Therefore, God’s instruction in Leviticus regarding what was an “acceptable offering" can help unlock wonderful insights that apply to us today. This instruction points to significant aspects of baptism, confessing sin, and the Lord’s Supper. Perhaps the […]
In this lesson we first tackle laws related to childbirth, which shed light on important passages in the New Testament related to the birth of Jesus. Next, we turn to laws regarding various forms of leprosy: leprosy of the skin (infectious disease), and leprosy of garments and the home (mold or mildew). We consider the […]
Laws Regarding Childbirth and Leprosy (Leviticus 12-14) View Lesson
Why should we care about the ordination of the first priests? If we study this passage carefully, we may find ourselves hidden in the story. Like them, we have been washed, clothed with special clothing, anointed, and called to a ministry of sacrifice and prayer. Also, we will see that this anointing points to the […]
Teaching Notes In this video, Chuck Pike discusses 1 Peter 3:21 and Peter's teaching on baptism. What does it mean when Peter says that baptism is an "antitype" that saves us? This is an excerpt from a longer lesson. Find the full lesson here: Persecuted for Righteousness; Hades and Baptism (1 Peter 3:13-22)