John the Baptist was asked three questions: "Are you the Christ?", "Are you Elijah?" and "Are you the Prophet?" John said he was not Elijah (whose return was prophesied in Malachi), but Jesus said that John was the Elijah to come. How do we resolve this apparent contradiction? Also, what is this reference to "the
As we continue in the first chapter of John, we continue our deep dive into the identity of Christ, his divinity, and his appearances in the Old Testament. We are also introduced to John the Baptist, an important character in the beginning of all four Gospels. John was asked three questions: are you the Christ,
More on the Divinity of Christ; 3 Questions for John the Baptist (John 1:19-28, Pt. A) View Lesson
More on the Divinity of Christ; 3 Questions for John the Baptist (John 1:19-28, Pt. A) View Lesson
What should Christians do with Christmas? Some desire to embrace the season, some focus on Jesus, some ignore the season completely. How do we maintain unity in the church with different opinions regarding Christmas? This lesson tackles these questions and provides insights for us related to the events surrounding the birth of Christ, including the significance
On Christmas and the Birth of Christ (Matthew 1 & 2) View Lesson
On Christmas and the Birth of Christ (Matthew 1 & 2) View Lesson
Jacob, on his deathbed, calls in his twelve sons and tells each one what will happen to his descendants in days to come. To his fourth son, Judah, he utters one of the most detailed and explicit prophecies about Jesus in all the Bible. Early Christian writers such as Justin Martyr used this prophecy as
Jacob's Final Blessing of His 12 Sons (Genesis 49:1-27) View Lesson
Jacob's Final Blessing of His 12 Sons (Genesis 49:1-27) View Lesson
**Genesis 38 contains some adult material that may be inappropriate for young listeners.** With Joseph sold into slavery by his brothers and bound for Egypt, the story of Genesis takes a strange detour as we are introduced to Tamar, who, facing a terrible situation, deceives her father-in-law Judah and bears twins. We see how God
Tamar's Story; Joseph Sent to Prison (Genesis 38-39a) View Lesson
Tamar's Story; Joseph Sent to Prison (Genesis 38-39a) View Lesson
This lesson includes quite disturbing material: serious problems in Jacob’s family. While it might be tempting to skip over troubling stories that involve exploitation, violence, vengeance and unrestrained passion, there are important lessons to learn here as well. This passage of Scripture also provides the backdrop for fascinating prophecies to be fulfilled at the birth
At God's command, Abraham takes his beloved son, through whom God has promised to build a great nation, to a mountaintop to sacrifice him on an altar. This is yet another disturbing story. Why would God command such a horrific thing? Why is this in the Bible? Why do the Scriptures include so many specific
The Scriptures teach that no person has ever seen God. Yet in Genesis 18 we learn that Abraham spoke with, washed the feet of, and fed God. What does this mean? This story also provides wonderful examples for us today in the life and character of Sarah, in Abraham's pleading with God for the people
Unusual House Guests for Abraham and Lot (Genesis 18-19:3) View Lesson
Unusual House Guests for Abraham and Lot (Genesis 18-19:3) View Lesson
In Genesis 17, God gives Abraham and God's people the "everlasting covenant" of circumcision. What is this covenant? Does circumcision have anything to do with Christians today? Why should we care? This lesson is packed with the heart of God, foreshadowing of Christ, and an explanation of the circumcision made available to us under the
At age seventy-five, Abraham and his wife Sarah obey God and leave their homeland, to embark on a great mission to an unknown land. We learn of the many important promises God gives to Abraham as well as how Abraham conducts himself along their journey, as a peacemaker. This lesson takes a close look at
Abraham Enters Canaan and a Meeting with Melchizedek (Genesis 12-14) View Lesson
Abraham Enters Canaan and a Meeting with Melchizedek (Genesis 12-14) View Lesson