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Teaching Notes
perseverance
Introduction to 2 Peter and Growing Spiritually (2 Peter 1:1-15)
As we begin our study of 2 Peter, we address the question of the authenticity of this letter, one of the last to be accepted into the canon of the New Testament. Was the apostle Peter truly its author? How should we view this letter? We then turn to Peter's opening charge: that we continue […]
Introduction to 2 Peter and Growing Spiritually (2 Peter 1:1-15) View Lesson
The Goal of Our Faith (1 Peter 1:1-9)
Peter’s letter begins with a demolition of the modern so-called "prosperity gospel." He reminds us that our goal is heaven, not a comfortable life here on earth. We can rejoice in the face of suffering, which serves to refine our faith as gold is refined by fire. Peter’s challenges are especially compelling in view of […]
To Destroy the Works of the Devil (1 John 2:28-3:7)
In this passage John challenges us to "abide in Him" in order that we be prepared for the Day of Judgment. Persevering all the way to the end can seem overwhelming, and so we consider the practical approach of Dr. William Osler, a Christian physician who advocated living life in separate "day-tight" compartments. We also […]
To Destroy the Works of the Devil (1 John 2:28-3:7) View Lesson
The Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-10)
A third of the world's population calls itself Christian. Yet most believe that following Jesus and making it to heaven do not actually require obeying what He taught. In John 15, Jesus provides an allegory of the Vine and the branches, a beautiful picture of how to understand our relationship with Jesus and what is […]
The Most Disturbing Story in the Bible (Judges 19-21)
**Due to the disturbing nature of the subject, this lesson may not be suitable for children** The Old Testament contains some things that are difficult for us to reconcile: oppression of women, brutal violence, indifference toward the helpless, and even genocidal wars. Perhaps the most disturbing story of them all (containing all of these elements) is the […]
The Most Disturbing Story in the Bible (Judges 19-21) View Lesson
The Exodus Map, a Parable of the Christian Life
Hidden in plain view, in the famous story of the Exodus from Egypt, we find a detailed map of the Christian journey of faith. The connection is suggested in one of the psalms, but revealed by insights from three books in the New Testament and by early Christians. This is an unforgettable, faith-building lesson that sheds […]
Lessons from the Apostle Peter
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus gave Peter a new name and a new identity. Peter would have many trials and failures, but would become a pillar of faith for the Church as he served our Lord. What lessons can we learn from Peter's life, example and teaching, that we might have such faith? Teaching […]
The Wheat and the Tares
This lesson tackles a foundational and often misunderstood teaching of the Kingdom of God revealed in many of Jesus' parables, including the parable of the wheat and the tares (weeds). God will ultimately separate the good and the evil at the last day. This lesson addresses our responsibility as individual Christians to strive to be […]
1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13 - Making It All the Way to the End: Lessons from the Desert
In this passage of Scripture, Paul warns the Corinthians of sins that can destroy their relationship with God and disqualify them from the ultimate prize of eternal life. Paul uses four examples, including the story of the Israelites escaping from Egypt and wandering through the desert, to teach us to persevere to the end. Paul's instruction […]
1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13 - Making It All the Way to the End: Lessons from the Desert View Lesson