We all desperately need spiritual wisdom. We need it to make important decisions regarding marriage, raising children, careers, friendships, where to live, how we spend our money… so many things! Church leaders especially need it to know how to best guide and protect the flock. In this lesson, we review the importance of wisdom and
In Luke 11, Jesus' disciples ask Him to teach them to pray. Why? They certainly had been taught to pray as Jews. Could it be that they saw Jesus praying in a very different way? This lesson, based on insights from an early Christian teacher, helps us consider the meaning of "the Lord's prayer" 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
Co-taught by Chuck Pike and David Adams, this lesson explores three levels of the famous Daniel and the lions' den story. In the details of this story (the first level), we are challenged and inspired as Christians by Daniel's prayer life and personal integrity (the second level). We then look for a third level, to
Daniel Cast Into the Pit of Lions (Daniel 6:7-29) View Lesson
Daniel Cast Into the Pit of Lions (Daniel 6:7-29) View Lesson
Daniel's three friends are thrown into a furnace of fire when they refuse to obey a Babylonian law that violates God's law. Christians over the centuries (including the writer of Hebrews!) have taken great inspiration from such faithful obedience. We consider how we are to navigate various laws of our own countries today, without compromising
Daniel's Three Friends in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3) View Lesson
Daniel's Three Friends in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3) View Lesson
When King Nebuchadnezzar has a terrifying dream, he decides to kill all the wise men in his kingdom (including Daniel). Facing great adversity, Daniel demonstrates wisdom and godliness, showing us how to face our own earthly struggles. This chapter also contains a famous prophecy that reminds us that God is over the nations and their
Why did the early church pray so much? How were their prayers so effective? Could it be that they simply prayed as Jesus taught and showed them? May we experience this type of prayer! This lesson is built on a short devotional taught by Chuck Pike in 2020, adapted from Tertullian's work "On Prayer". Teaching
For over nineteen and a half centuries, there was little confusion in the church as to Paul's straightforward instructions to women to cover their heads when they pray (and to men to uncover when they pray). However, most churches today have relegated this passage to the dustbin, claiming it addresses only an ancient Corinthian custom.
Head Covering and Uncovering (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) View Lesson
Head Covering and Uncovering (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) View Lesson
Here we see in Tabitha, who Peter raised from the dead, a tremendous example of a godly woman. However, are the same qualities equally revered in Christian women today? Next, we come to the conversion of Cornelius, opening the gospel door to the Gentiles. Cornelius is described as a “righteous” man, with a life characterized
Tabitha Raised and the Conversion of Cornelius (Acts 9:26-11:18) View Lesson
Tabitha Raised and the Conversion of Cornelius (Acts 9:26-11:18) View Lesson
In Psalm 20, David writes of one facing affliction and the hope and protection available to this afflicted person. We consider the honest question: does God hear our prayers in times of trial? We also look at what it means to put our trust in "the name of the Lord" and the protection this brings.