We tend to think of burdens as things that keep us from fulfillment. But, could it be possible to carry a burden that actually makes it possible for us to do the very thing we were made to do? Today... Read More
It is almost predictable: a Christian is sharing the reality of sin and the need for a Savior and soon hears: “Didn’t Jesus say not to judge others? Why are YOU judging me?” Is this true? How would you respond?... Read More
Paul’s letter to the Colossians serves as the backdrop for our study today of the two most common religious extremes and how they undermine the hope we have in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Referenced Scriptures: Colossians 1:21-23, Ephesians 2:1-3
Understanding our mission in life is critical if we are to live a purpose-filled life. Jesus never envisioned His people struggling with aimlessness or merely living busy lives. Jesus wants more for us. Today, you will not only find out... Read More
We value asking questions to better understand how to live life in a God- centered, Christ-exalting way. We believe that church should be the best place in which people can get solid answers to life’s questions from God’s Word. Q1... Read More
Christianity is often associated with mere performance rather than renewed identity. But we were not saved from something we did; we were saved from our unbelief. In light of this, we will contrast two types of people and their quest... Read More
The doctrine of the Trinity is a fundamental distinctive among Christians, but how is it that the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible? What is the basis and relevance of this subject to our lives? Today, we will... Read More
The one constant in this life is change. It’s the source of much of our fear, anxiety, and frustration. Although mankind has, over the centuries, considered the earth, the sun and the stars to be permanent fixtures in our experience,... Read More
If God made everything, who made God? Have you ever asked or been asked that question? This morning we’ll answer that as we discuss an attribute of God we don’t often consider – his aseity or self-existence. This is not... Read More
Wisdom is one of those things that everyone wants, but not all people possess. Why is that? God-centered wisdom begins with how we relate to God before how we are to live life. Today, we will discover that our ability... Read More
The idea of God’s faithfulness begs the question: What is God faithful to? When someone is faithful, there is always an object unto which faithfulness is being expressed. The faithfulness of a student to class is seen in attendance. The... Read More
The mental picture a person has of God is THE most significant life-shaping force that a person can possess. In other words, what we think about God will shape our lives like no other subject or idea can. Therefore, we... Read More
We value asking questions to better understand how to live life in a God- centered, Christ-exalting way. We believe that church should be the best place in which people can get solid answers to life’s questions from God’s Word. Q1... Read More
The idea of “justice” has received more airtime in the last year than at any other time in my lifetime. Websites, podcasts, and the Twitter world overflowed with proponents, antagonists, and an assortment of shadowy social architects calling for “justice.”... Read More
The mental picture a person has of God is THE most significant life-shaping force that a person can possess. In other words, what we think about God will shape our lives like no other subject or idea can. Therefore, we... Read More
God is love. What exactly does that mean? Today, we will see that this simple statement carries a profound meaning born from the very foundation of why all things exist. Scripture References: 1 John 4: 7-21, John 3:16, John 17:3,... Read More
“Who is God?” “What does He want from me?” “How does God relate to me?” The answers to these questions reveal a person’s theology. What happens when someone’s theology is wrong, and something you believe about God is not true?... Read More
We value asking questions to better understand how to live life in a God- centered, Christ-exalting way. We believe that church should be the best place in which people can get solid answers to life’s questions from God’s Word. Q1... Read More
“Who is God?” “What does He want from me?” “How does God relate to me?” The answers to these questions reveal a person’s theology. What happens when someone’s theology is wrong, and something you believe about God is not true?... Read More
Asaph reminds all Christians of how eternally important it is to remember the glorious deeds of the Lord, lest we forget. As we remember what God has done our hope in God will grow as will our joy-filled obedience to... Read More
The last words of a person reveal their top priorities. In moments like this, words become like jewels – few and precious. The absolute values of life float to the surface and occupy the mind. Relationships are cherished, and love... Read More
In part 1, we considered how we all want friends, but we all need allies. Allies are people you can rely on and rely on you. People who desire our best and stand by you in your worst. Today, we... Read More
Humans are not good at being alone. Being alone is more associated with punishment (e.g., isolated confinement) than pleasure. While we all want friends, we all need allies. Allies are people you can rely on and they can rely on... Read More
“Joy” and “death” don’t seem appropriate in the same sentence, and they would forever be at odds if it weren’t for another word that we celebrate at Easter – “resurrection.” So today, we will explore three joy-inducing reasons that the... Read More
Some people believe that Jesus is the ultimate model for ethical living. It is. Others believe that Jesus is the most spiritual man who has ever walked this earth. That is true. Still, others believe that Jesus is the finest... Read More
Everyone has a desire for an enduring legacy. Who doesn’t want to be remembered well and to have an impact that lasts long after we are gone? What if you could have a lasting effect that stretches far beyond your... Read More
There are circumstances in life that command special attention: a first kiss, the first day of school, first job, etc. At these times, the awareness is high because the occasion is unique. Similarly, Timothy needs to heighten his awareness to... Read More
Job descriptions are essential if things are to get done. Whether it is a parent describing to a child how to clean their room or a CEO leading a world-wide corporation, knowing what you are supposed to do is critical... Read More
Last week we looked at who we should follow and how we should follow them. This week we see how Paul exhorts Timothy to stay rooted in God’s Word. We hope you are encouraged by the kindness of our Lord... Read More
For thousands of years, humans found their way in life by looking to the sky. Sailors used the constellations, sun, and moon to reach distant lands. Today, our navigating occurs through GPS (Global Positioning System). If you want to know... Read More
During World War 2, the United States developed a warning system to detect enemy submarines approaching the continental Unites States. The goal was twofold, to recognize and repel possible harm to people. Paul is helping Timothy do just this in... Read More
“Don’t act like a tourist,” said the tour guide. He went on to tell the group that there are people who look for tourists to cheat or steal from. The naïveté of a tourist serves as an example of how... Read More
Paul continues his warning to Timothy about false teachers in the church. Last week, Paul outlined the methods every church leader and every believer should employ when confronting such adversaries. Today, Paul zeroes in on their true motivations and the... Read More
We all want to be more successful and fulfilled than we are currently. Whether it be in our relationships, at home, work, our school, we live between striving and wondering if we are missing out or if this is just... Read More
Last week we considered how the functional details of life are only manageable when the foundational truth for life are established. But how do you know if you have a solid foundation? Are there signs or characteristics that you are... Read More
In part 1, we considered how the foundational principles for leading will be seen in the functional details of what a leader does. These functional details are best seen in the “Do’s and Don’ts” of everyday living. Today, we will continue to examine this dynamic at work as Paul coaches Timothy.
Scipture references: 2 Timothy 2:14-19, 1 Timothy 1:3-8, 1 Tim. 1:18-20, Mark 6:1-6, Ephesians 2:1-7, Matthew 5:17-18, Romans 8:1-4, John 6:37-40
We value asking questions to better understand how to live life in a God- centered, Christ-exalting way. We believe that church should be the best place in which people can get solid answers to life’s questions from God’s Word.
Q1 (1:16). Does God establish a specific design, purpose, and role for the government in His Word? If not, who established those things? If so, please elaborate on the biblical design, purpose, and role of the government.
Q2 (17:44). What does the Bible say about education? Can we separate education and discipleship? If so, how? If not, how should we educate our children?
Q3 (25:29). Does Critical Race Theory compromise the Gospel? If not, why? If so, how do we ensure that what is pure does not become impure or a combination of both?
Understanding and fulfilling one’s purpose is the most important thing in life. However, most people spend little if any time focused on enjoying this task. This morning, we look to the Gospel to redirect our attention.
Scripture References: Genesis 1-3, Matthew 26:41, Romans 7:15, Genesis 2:7, Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 6:23, Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:6, Isaiah 53:5-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Colossians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 10:31
It is a basic truism: We know a person by what they do. A “perfectionist” is someone who wants things to be perfect. An organized person has a place for everything, etc., etc. What can the birth of Christ tell us about God? Today we will continue the devotional thought from Christmas Eve.
Scripture references: Luke 2:1-20, Luke 1:1-4, Micah 5:2
Today, we continue looking over the shoulder of Timothy as he gets a Ph.D. in church leadership from the Apostle Paul. Today’s lesson aims to reveal some basic and yet foundational principles on which the functional details of leadership. We are glad you have joined us to explore this together.
Scripture References: 2 Timothy 2:14-19, 1 Timothy 1:3-8, John 16:13-15, Ephesians 4:32
Every generation has a defining moment that holds the power to shape a generation. Similarly, there are also defining moments in individuals’ lives that reveal who they are, their character. Today we will discover these characteristics and how each of us relates.
Scripture references: 2 Timothy 2:11-13, 1 Timothy 1:15, 3:1, 4:9-10, John 15:14, Matthew 10:26-33, John 6:25-71
In chapter two, Paul is “coaching-up” Timothy in his leadership in the Church at Ephesus. First, Timothy needed encouragement in his various roles (2:1-7), and now Paul turns to Timothy’s motivation – the “why” that will fuel his actions. Like Timothy, our motivation is key to our maturity. If our motivation is wrong or not aligned, we will struggle in our relationship with Jesus.
Scripture References: Matthew 16:13-18, Psalm 89:34-37, Isaiah 9:6-7, Philippians 1:12-14
As Timothy is strengthened by the grace provided through Christ, he is able to function as a manager in training-up faithful men. He can also live like a soldier – on mission for his commander. Paul now provides two more metaphors to give insight into another dimension of how he is to lead.
Scripture references: 2 Timothy 2:5-7, Acts 9:19–22, 1 Corinthians 15:9–10, Matthew 6:14, John 15:12–14