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Dr. J. Vernon McGee
These Sunday Sermon messages form a collection of the most effective and fruitful sermons given by Dr. J. Vernon McGee during his 21-year pastorate (1949-1970) at the historic Church of the Open Door when it was located in downtown Los Angeles.
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The presence of trouble does not mean the absence of the Lord. In Matthew 14, the disciples are exactly where Jesus told them to be—and still they find themselves battling wind and waves. Dr. J. Vernon McGee brings us into that storm and shows us a Savior who saves just at the right time. If you’re rowing hard against the current, be encouraged: the Lord has not lost sight of you, and He will see you through.
In one short parable, Jesus gives us a picture that reaches far beyond the kitchen. Dr. McGee explains how leaven in Scripture points to the subtle spread of error—and why believers must be grounded in the truth of God’s Word. It’s a timely reminder that the gospel is not about what we do for God, but about what Christ has already done for us. Be pointed again to the simplicity and sufficiency of His grace.
What happens when the Word of God is scattered into human hearts? Jesus tells the story of a farmer sowing seed—but the real focus isn’t the seed, it’s the soil. God’s Word is still being sown throughout the world today. Some hearts reject it, some respond for a moment, and some are choked by life’s distractions. But when the seed falls on good soil, it produces a harvest. The question is simple—and searching: What kind of ground are we?
The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most familiar teachings of Jesus—and one of the most misunderstood. Dr. J. Vernon McGee helps us discover that it is not a program for fixing society or a checklist for becoming good enough for God. Instead, it reveals the character of those who already belong to Him. As Jesus speaks about giving, praying, and fasting, we see that true faith is not about outward performance but about a sincere relationship with our heavenly Father—and a life that flows from knowing Him.
John stands as the final voice of the Old Testament prophets, bridging the gap between the Law and the coming of Christ. With blunt honesty and fearless conviction, he calls people to repent because the King has arrived. John’s remarkable life, message, and humility, remind us that the path of faith is found in a simple confession: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Most readers hurry past the opening genealogy of Matthew, but in this message, we slow down and see what’s hidden in plain sight. Inside this long list of names are unlikely people—sinners, outsiders, and lives marked by scandal, faith, and grace. As the family line of Jesus unfolds, we discover that the gospel itself is already written there: God begins with sinners, honors faith, and redeems through love. Even a genealogy becomes a powerful testimony to the fact that God loves us and sent His Son to save us.
As the long, restless journey nears its end, Israel faces the sunset of life. Dr. J. Vernon McGee looks at Jacob in his final days—a man once marked by striving, now leaning into faith. The deceiver has become a worshiper. Through blessing, remembrance, and hope, we’re reminded that a life shaped by God may end quietly, but it never ends without purpose, promise, and the faithfulness of God.
Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and locked away in prison, Joseph’s suffering was real. Yet Dr. J. Vernon McGee shows that so was the hand of God. As Joseph’s story unfolds, we’re reminded that even in seasons of waiting and confinement, God is working behind the scenes—moving His servant, in His perfect time, from the prison to the palace.
What if the choices we try to forget are the very ones shaping our future? In this striking message from Genesis 29–32, Dr. J. Vernon McGee follows Jacob’s long journey through deception, discipline, and finally surrender. With honesty and urgency, he reveals the unbreakable spiritual truth that whatever we sow we will also reap and shows how even God’s correction is an invitation to grace, restoration, and a life made right with Him.
In a world full of confident voices, how do you know what’s real? Dr. J. Vernon McGee borrows the setup of a game show to ask a timeless question: How do you recognize the true person of God? As he walks us through Esau and Jacob in Genesis, Dr. McGee shows the difference between religious appearance and a life changed by the Spirit—and invites each of us to stop striving in our own strength and yield to Christ
Sometimes the most important moments arrive quietly, after a long season of waiting. Dr. McGee walks us through the story of Isaac and Rebekah—a journey marked by prayer, trust, and a decisive step of faith. It’s a reminder that God is at work behind the scenes, faithfully bringing His plans together in His perfect time.
The world once shared a single language—and a single goal. But when human pride took center stage, God stepped in and changed everything. Dr. McGee takes us to the Tower of Babel and explains how the confusion of languages reshaped humanity’s story. Along the way, we’re reminded why unity without God never lasts—and how God’s purposes move forward even when human plans fall apart.
Imagine waking up to a world that’s gone silent. That’s the moment Noah faced when he stepped off the ark. Dr. McGee shows how God met that unsettling new beginning with promises, direction, and hope. It’s a reminder that when life shifts suddenly and the future feels unfamiliar, God is already there, steady and faithful, ready to lead us forward.
After the flood, Noah waited—watching, listening, and trusting God to show him what came next. Dr. McGee explains how the simple act of sending out birds reveals a deeper lesson about patience, discernment, and learning to rely on God when the future isn’t clear. It’s a reminder that faith often means looking for God’s direction instead of rushing ahead.
1) Who are the three shepherds in Zechariah 11:8?2) Does Acts 15:1-29 teach that the Gentiles are not required to follow the Law?3) Why does Acts 21:20 say that many of the Jews were zealous of the Law?4) Is it true that Satan cannot duplicate the miracles Jesus performed?5) What is doctrine?6) Where do we get our souls? From our parents or from God?7) Who is the woman mentioned in Revelation 12?
We are living in days of apostasy, and the most severe attack on the Word of God, the Christian faith, and the church is coming from within the church itself. What can believers do about it?
The apostasy is coming—blatant immorality, rejection of God’s Word, and denial of Christ as our Lord. In this message Dr. McGee details the apostasy in the twentieth century.
Corrects our mistaken notion that God's love is a sentimental feeling rather than a deep concern for His own.
If you’ve ever been confused about prophecy, this is the booklet for you. Dr. McGee clearly spells out God’s scenario for the future as described in the Bible, event by event, from the Rapture to the New Jerusalem.
Habakkuk was saying to God, “My country is in a mess! Why don’t You do something about it?” If you are asking “Why, God?” about anything, you can identify with Habakkuk and profit from God’s answer to him.
Three incidents in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ inform us that He wept, and those tears reveal the heart of God.
Defines the Trinity, showing where it is declared in both Old and New Testaments and illustrated by nature. The Trinity is a great truth we cannot fully understand, but a truth critical to the life of the believer.
Living in an age of technological and scientific discovery, we may ask whether or not God changes to accommodate our transitioning world. But God is perfect, and by definition there’s no need for perfection to change.
God is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. He is everywhere, and He indwells believers. What He does depends on what we allow Him to do through us.
To answer this question we would need an entirely new measuring stick, because God cannot be compared to anything on earth. He is infinite in stature and influence.
How can one describe someone who has never been seen? Although we can’t know what God looks like, we can allow others to see a glimpse of Him—through the way we live our lives.
If you compiled a list of all the things you’d like to see but haven’t, it would be quite long. Consider the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, or even the end of war or a cure for cancer. But you might be surprised to know that there’s one thing that God hasn’t seen.
It's been said that the eyes are the gateway to the soul. What we see and watch can have a direct impact upon our lives. But the eyes can also reveal the soul of a person. What about Jesus, what would His eyes reveal?
An overwhelming majority of people today believe that they will go to heaven. Some even believe that one day all people of all time will dwell in the presence of God, and they claim to have Scriptural support for this theory. But do they?
Dr. McGee says "the most important thing to do in our suffering is to draw near to God. When we do, He promises to draw near to us. In this popular message, he gives us seven reasons Scripture says we suffer, and also suggests four benefits of suffering for the believer.
The angel Gabriel is perhaps most well-known for breaking the news to Mary about her pregnancy with the Lord Jesus Christ. But it wasn’t the first time he came to earth and spoke of Jesus. In this intriguing study in the book of Daniel, find out why both appearances are important to us today.
(Daniel 9) The neglect of prayer has affected all areas of the Christian's personal life and the total life of the church. That is why we need to see men like Daniel as our models for prayer.
(Daniel 9) With every wind of change in the news there are those who attempt to use events to determine the exact date that the Lord will return for the church. Although the day and hour of Christ’s return is unknowable, there is a very precise prophetic calendar in Scripture.
(Daniel 1) Throughout history, we have venerated and highly esteemed those whoin the midst of temptation, turmoil, trials and troubleshave stayed the course and followed God, unmoved by the opposition they faced. Daniel is one such man.
(Titus 2:11-15) If you want to know how to become a Christian and what your life should look life after making the decision to follow Jesus, this foundational sermon answers these questions and many more. Dr. McGee turns to Titus to show us that children of God are different in their origin, in their manner of life, and in their destination.
(Ezekiel 47) In this age of grace, is the Holy Spirit being slowly withdrawn from the world? Dr. J. Vernon McGee entertains two extreme viewpoints and then shares his more balanced opinion on the matter.
During the Millennium there will be built a new temple with a return to the sacrificial system. But if Christ’s death on the cross removed the need for sacrifices for sins, why is there a return to the sacrificial system during the Millennium?
The most powerful, beautiful, and awesome angel of all is also the archenemy of mankind. He is fearful and very dangerous, and his name is Satan.
In the ancient Near East, the first line of defense was to build a wall around a city. But they also needed to know if an enemy was approaching, so they put watchmen on the wall. The Scriptures take that image and make application for our role in the world as Christians.
During these early years of the 21st century, we have faced overwhelming problems that appear to have no answer. There seems to be no end to the personal and social ills that plague us. Is there no place we can turn for relief?
(2 Timothy 3) The source of most societal problems can be traced to difficulties in the homeadultery, divorce, abuse, teenage rebellion, pornography, and the list goes on. But what are the answers to these troubles?
(2 Timothy 2:2) The world, the flesh and the devil. According to Dr. J. Vernon McGee, these are three enemies that constantly oppose and seek to destroy every child of God. In this study we determine the strategy of these three enemies and discover the method to overcome them and live in victory.
What will you say when you come to the end of your life’s journey? Will you look back at all your accomplishments or express gratitude for those who impacted your life for good? Is there something even more important to speak about at that time?
God would take an entire book of the Old Testament to put a primary emphasis on a particular doctrine that was to be developed in Christ. I suppose God patiently, again and again and again, went over these things so that the human family might learn. Dr. J. Vernon McGee shares this truth and shows us how God used Jonah to foreshadow the greatest story ever toldthe resurrection of Jesus Christ.
As the day of Christ's death drew near, His burden for Jerusalem grew heavy in His heart. But Jesus was not the only man to weep over Jerusalem, for there was a man whom God used to send His final message of judgment to the people of Judah.
When God spoke through His prophets, He had them use real life experiences or even act out their messages. Hosea was told to marry a prostitute, Ezekiel dug through a wall in his house, and Joel used a locust storm to make his point. And in Jeremiah’s prophecy we find one of the most familiar prophetic illustrations of all.
Among the noise and activity of life in a busy world, it can be difficult to find a quiet spot away from the telephones, televisions, cars, sirens, and many other distractions. But believers can find a sanctuary of the soul.
(Jeremiah) If you’re not worshipping the living God, you have a god. It may be yourself, money, status, sex, or something else. We have many substitutes for God. That's the important message we hear from Dr. J. Vernon McGee as we the travel the pages of Jeremiah. Hear Jeremiah's earnest pleadings and solemn warnings to those who turned from God and see why the words of the ancient prophet still speak to us today.
If you had to choose a man to give a harsh message to an unresponsive and hostile audience, would you pick someone with tender emotions who would likely cry about the message he had to deliver? That's the kind of man God chose to bring a tough message to His people.
Over 40 years ago, Dr. McGee said that lawlessness is growing and will finally break out until it actually is world revolution. Lawlessness began with the fall of man in Genesis chapter 3, and according to Scripture it will culminate in the person of the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation.
Paul wraps up his first letter to the Thessalonians with instructions for Christians to follow as we look for Jesus Christ’s return. These are practical instructions, designed to impact us on the sidewalks of lifewherever we are called to walk. One of them is to not quench the Spirit. But what does that mean? Dr. McGee gives us three commands we must carry out before we can see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
What happens if we die before the Rapture? That’s one of the many important questions new and confused believers in the church in Thessalonica were asking of Paul. Find out exactly what happens when Jesus calls His church out of this world and why it's so important to us now.
Although there is uncertainty about the outcome of Middle East conflicts in the court of world opinion, God is clear that He will one day restore the nation of Israel and bring peace to that land.
(Isaiah 55:1-3) Are we saved because God sovereignly chooses us to be saved or because we choose salvation of our own free will? Are these two contradictory or can they be reconciled?
(Isaiah 53) When we consider the powerful arm of the Lord, we might think about how He delivered Israel from Egypt or the fire sent down from heaven during Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal. But what about the mighty arm of God as revealed in the cross?
(Isaiah 40:1-11) Not only is Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, but He is also called the Shepherd who cares for His flock.
For centuries, man has been seeking the idyllic form of society where all people live in perfect harmonywhere poverty and sickness have been abolished and prosperity exists for all. But how do these man-made visions compare with the God-given revelation about the coming Millennium?
For centuries, man has been seeking the idyllic form of society where all people live in perfect harmonywhere poverty and sickness have been abolished and prosperity exists for all. But how do these man-made visions compare with the God-given revelation about the coming Millennium?
(Isaiah 11, 12) For centuries, man has been seeking the idyllic form of society where all people live in perfect harmonywhere poverty and sickness have been abolished and prosperity exists for all. But how do these man-made visions compare with the God-given revelation about the coming Millennium?
(Isaiah 6:1-9) God called Isaiah through a most glorious vision of the Almighty and commissioned him to declare judgment upon the people of Israel.
King Uzziah is dead and Isaiah's position in the Kingdom of Judah is shaky. What's a prophet to do? Dr. McGee examines this important transition of power and we learn the most important lesson of all: God is, was, and will always be the true source of power in Judah and in our lives today.
(Psalm 118) Science, philosophy, and psychology can’t tell us what lies beyond the grave. Faced with the prospect of death, mankind has become helpless. Yet Scriptures speak not of the despair of death, but rather God's Word focuses on the hope of resurrection.
(Colossians 3) Have you ever noticed how often the Bible speaks about clothing? From the tunics of skin God made for Adam and Eve to Revelation 19 where the armies in heaven are clothed in fine linen, white and clean? It also speaks of the spiritual clothing we’re called to put off and put on.
Many ask the question, Why do we have to suffer? Well, the Scriptures give us many reasons. One is provided for us in Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians.
In every realm and every strata of society, the world is being shaken. Our homes, our social lives, our work lives, even in some churches ... nothing seems solid. In times like these, the Bible is the only place to turn for help, comfort, andmost importantlysalvation.
Throughout time, some of the most wonderful stories have been about love. Whether fact or fiction, they capture our hearts and stir our souls. One of the greatest love stories is found in the Old Testament book of the Song of Solomon.
Painted with bold strokes and bright colors, that’s how Dr. J. Vernon McGee describes the often misaligned and misunderstood Old Testament book, Song of Solomon. Contrary to popular thought, this passionate love story is more than just an illustration of an ideal relationship between a man and woman. The greater message is its picture of the intimate bond between Jesus and each of us, when we know Him as our Savior.
Solomon’s youth was characterized by a fervent love for God and a faith untainted by the pollution of compromise. So he appeals to young people: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.’
(Ecclesiastes 3) The Industrial Revolution may have transformed the world, yet now we’re dependent upon these very machines, to the point that we feel we could never live without them! But where is God in all of this?
(Ecclesiastes 1) Looking for meaningful, happy lives, people today turn to seminars, retreats, and self-help books. When one system fails they go on to the next, believing that their persistence will lead them to the right formula. Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes did the same thing.
(Philippians 4:6, 7) Anxiety shines a spotlight for us on how much we need the Lord. That's what Dr. McGee reminds us of as we explore God's Word and discover His solution to the things that keep us up at night. Be willing to do this one thing and be ready to receive God's unexplainable peace.
(Philippians 3) What really happened on the Damascus Road? In the book of Acts Paul gives us the basic facts, but in Philippians 3 he bares his soul and tells us the full story about a mighty transformation. Hear his first-hand account of the revolution that took place in his life and heart as he came to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
(Psalm 116) God hears, helps, and is holy. That’s the good news we hear as we travel through Psalm 116 and study David's Psalm of thanksgiving and praise.
(Psalm 67) As Christians we are all familiar with the Great Commission as our mandate to go to all the world and make disciples. But long before Jesus Christ gave us this final command, the heart of God for missions was revealed to the people of Israel in the Psalms.
(Psalm 45) My friend, every flower ought to remind you of Jesus. He is the lily of the valley. He is the rose of Sharon. How wonderful He is. That's how Dr. J. Vernon McGee introduces this study of Psalm 45, which reveals the beauty and majesty of Jesus upon His second coming.
(Psalm 29) When we become a new creation in Christ we don't escape the storms of life, but God does promise to see us through. Follow along in Psalm 29 as we learn that no matter our circumstances, God is in control and available to comfort us and give us His peace.
Our finite minds can’t fully grasp all that God is, so the Bible gives us human terms we can understand such as love, light, and Father. But does He also have a motherly nature?
Dr. J. Vernon McGee argues that the great tragedy today is that Christians are not meditating on the Word of God and the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The church in Galatia seems to be more interested in following the Law than living by faith. In Galatians 6 the apostle Paul tells us what it really looks like to follow Jesus and bear His signature over our lives.
(Galatians 5:22, 23) Jesus made it clear that the evidence that someone is a Christian is the fruit they bear. But what evidence of fruit bearing should we find in our own lives as we examine whether or not we’re in the faith?
(Galatians 4) What are the requirements for salvation? In Paul’s letter to the Galatians he deals with the nature of Law and grace and how they relate to the salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ.
(Esther 8) After Esther intervenes on behalf of the Jews, King Xerxes sends a new decree that changes the course of history. Similarly, God's new decree of grace through Jesus Christ abolished the Law and ushered in a new day for all who follow Him. Dr. McGee shows us the parallels between these historical events and reminds us of God's lavish love for His people.
(Esther 6:47:10) The gallows are constructed and Haman's plan to execute Mordecai and destroy the Jews is set in motion, but what happens next no one could have predicted. Our takeaway: No matter how smart, cunning, or connected we are, this is God's world and we can't get away with sin.
(Esther 5:16:4) God is moving in the affairs of the world. Even when we can't see Him, even when His name is not mentioned, even when all seems lost, He is ready and willing to save us. That's the message Dr. J. Vernon McGee shares in this examination of Queen Esther's brave decision to come before King Xerxes with a bold request.
(Esther 4) When God breaks into our lives and calls us to Himself, what purpose does He have? Is it merely to save us from our sin, or does He have a greater use for us in His kingdom?
Hatred for God’s people is a common theme throughout history. We see it today, and Queen Esther certainly saw it in her day, too. Examine the life of Esther, King Xerxes, and the villainous Haman and see how nothing or no one can ever keep God from loving and preserving His people.
Long before Esther became queen, God was moving in the difficult circumstances of her life. He's working in ours, too. In this message Dr. J. Vernon McGee reminds us that God leads us, guides us, and will never give up on us.
(Esther 1) Before Esther became queen, another woman was removed from the position. Learn the story of Queen Vashti and how one justified but controversial decision changed the course of her life, Esther's life, and ours too.
(Esther) What determines the events in our lives? Is it chance? Is it our choices? What we’ll discover that the foundation of the Bible is that God’s providence is always at work in every event.
We’re at war with spiritual beings, but what weapons do we have to fight off the attacks? We’ll discover not only what they are, but how to use them in our daily warfare in the heavenlies.
Does God require a tithe? Are we commanded to give 10% of our salaries? Paul makes the issue of giving abundantly clear in his second letter to the Corinthians.
We read in Ecclesiastes that there is no new thing under the sun. Yet Paul said in 2 Corinthians that he who is in Christ is a new creation. How can these seemingly contradictory statements be reconciled? Well, one was made from the viewpoint of a man living under the S-U-N and the other from a man living under the S-O-N.
What makes prayer effective? Nehemiah, the businessman, gives us a practical model. Dr. J. Vernon McGee highlights Nehemiah's "Three S's"solicitude, supplication, and submissionand how they can help us transform our own relationship with God.
The cornerstone of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ; without it there would be no reason to believe that Jesus could save us from anything. But many in post modernity are downplaying its value and importance.
There was a time when traveling preachers commonly put up a large tent or hung a banner on the side of a meeting place announcing a revival. In most cases the effects of their vigorous teaching produced only minimal lasting results. So this begs the question, What is revival?
Creative thought has been expressed and recorded on paper for centuries. Yet one book has stood the test of time and has been circulated and maintained by the common manthe Word of God.
With humility and candor, Dr. McGee takes us through a systematic study of one of the most well-known chapters in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13. Together we look at the preeminence, prerogatives, and permanence of God's love and discover that while we can’t keep God from loving us, we can get into a place where we don't realize His love in our lives.
(1 Corinthians 3:11-15) Once the foundation of a building is set you can get a good sense of its general dimensions, but what you can’t tell by the foundation is the beauty of the materials chosen by the builder, which can only be displayed when the building is complete.
We are told over and over again that Christians should not judge, but what about the biblical standards of holiness, righteousness, and justice? How do we uphold these principles and yet not judge those who are living in sin?
The Jews are looking for a sign and the Greeks are seeking after wisdom, but to the Jews the cross is a stumbling block and to the Greeks it is foolishness. These are the traits of those who do not believe, but the elect are willing to believe in the foolishness of the gospel.
The Church of Corinth had three of the greatest Bible teachers come through their church, but instead of developing greater unity around the person of Christ it resulted in the division of the church. Paul in his letter confronts the church and points them back to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hezekiah, King of Judah, was facing the final days of his life, but God granted him his request for a longer life. But the consequence of Hezekiah’s extended life was that the people turned away from God, which proved to be the beginning of the end for the nation.
What would you do if an army, ready to destroy you, surrounded your city and sent you a letter demanding that you surrender or die? King Hezekiah’s response is one we should all follow when the troubles of life press us, even to the edge of death itself.
Elijah was one of the greatest prophets of God. He stopped the rain, was fed by ravens, and raised the dead. But did he leave us with some great writing? Indeed, he did!
Although the concept of kingdoms, kings, and queens is somewhat foreign to us here in the U.S., Scripture makes clear that there is a kingdom that will come on this earth and be ruled by the King Jesus Christ.
The goal of any competitive sport is to defeat your opponent and win the game. But is it possible that the greatest victory in your life could come from surrendering?
Do you struggle with doing what is right? The Apostle Paul battled that in his own life. Dr. McGee reveals Paul’s insights that can bring peace to your soul.
Prophecy was clear that Jesus was coming, and still the people didn't recognize Him. Prophecy is clear He is coming again. Will you be ready? As Dr. McGee asserts, If we can get our eyes fixed on Jesus, it will revolutionize our own personal lives and the church. It would give a basis on which the Spirit of God could move.
Dr. McGee turns our attention to the heavens which, as the Psalmist says, declare the glory of God and reveal to us the bright and morning star of Scripture and the Son of Righteousness.
Of the over 300 prophecies that speak of the first coming of Christ, one has been embroiled in a heated debate. But its validity is central to our salvation. It is the virgin birth of Jesus.
Through Joseph, the Lord Jesus gets the legal title to the throne of David, but through NathanDavid to Nathan down to MaryHe gets the blood title to the throne of David. Follow His line and find out more about the importance of this genealogy as Dr. McGee explores "unsual" prophesies that lead to the birth of Christ.
Jesus was not God’s afterthought; He was not God’s second best. Join Dr. McGee for this message in a series where he takes us through some less-traveled (or as he calls them "unusual") prophesies showing the preparations God made through the centuries for the coming of our Lord Jesus.
Join Dr. McGee for a grand adventure through Scripture as he shows us that the Lord Jesus Christ is the great theme of prophecy, and that all prophecy (in one sense or another) revolves around Himas does the entire Word of God.
If Jesus is the only way of salvation and the way to God, then what about those who have never heard the gospel? That’s a question we often hear from unbelievers and that confuses believers. Dr. McGee looks to the Scriptures to reveal the answer.
Paul set forth in Galatians 6:7 the principle, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Dr. McGee reveals how God works this principle out in the lives of men using the story of Ahab and Jezebel as his example.
God uses some of the strangest stories to teach us lessons for living the Christian life. Such was the case when a man lost a borrowed ax head by dropping it into the Jordan River. Dr. McGee gleans some amazing lessons for us from this seemingly minor event in the life of Elisha.
Dr. McGee takes us to the Scriptures and uses the healing of Naaman, the captain of the Syrian army, from leprosy as a principle of what the Bible really says about why and when God heals.
Modern tracking technology makes it possible for missiles to reach their targets with pinpoint accuracy, but in ancient times arrows had no tracking technology. That is, until God guided the flight of a randomly-shot arrow to fulfill His prophetic word in the life of a king who mocked Him.
How do you handle difficulties in your life? How do you cope with the dark clouds of despair that surround you during times of trial and tribulation? David gives us help as he finds stability, strength, and security upon the Rock of God.
David sinned and as a result he had to pay the consequences of that sin. Part of that punishment was when David was betrayed by his own son, Absalom. This message illustrates that God’s children cannot get by with sin.
David set the standard by which every king after him was measured. However, even the great king had his breaking point. Follow along as we recount three events in the life of David that sum up his entire biography and then focus in on onehis heartbreaking relationship with his son Absalom. Together we'll see that choosing God's way is the only path that leads to salvation.
Aside from killing Goliath, David is probably best known for his sin with Bathsheba. This message presents four things that happen to every believer when they sin, while at the same time asserting that God offers forgiveness to those who love Him. David repented and was forgivenif God hadn't forgiven him, there would be no hope for our own forgiveness.
Is all sin equal? Or in God’s eyes are some worse than others? Join Dr. McGee in 1 Chronicles 21 as he takes a look at the life of David and warns us against the one sin he says is greater than all others.
(2 Samuel 9) When David befriends the son of his friend Jonathan, it illustrates beautifully the forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ.
The one passage of Scripture that puts down the backbone for all of prophecy is found in 2 Samuel 7. This is the great chapter where God promises David a Son to sit on his thronethe coming Savior of the world. This promise of God to David becomes the theme song of all the prophets.
When David attempts to move the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, he learns the hard way a very important lessonGod’s commandments must be followed exactly and to the letter. If not, God will judge and discipline, for He is a holy God.
This message builds on a touching story during the days of David’s destruction when men came to him who were in debt, in distress, and discontented. Featured as our example is the heroic act of love by three of David’s mighty men.
From the outside, Saul and David seemed similar. Both were regal, handsome, and victorious in battle. But look a little deeper and the differences between the two men are glaringly obvious. In this study, Dr. J. Vernon McGee tells us more about these stark contrasts and how they mirror the disparities between Jesus Christ and the Antichrist.
Dr. McGee retells perhaps the most familiar Bible story to everyone who has ever attended Sunday schoolthat of David and Goliath. We often miss the spiritual overtones to the story because of the spectacular exploits of David. In his usual style, Dr. McGee digs out splendid spiritual truths from this simple story.
If salvation is by good works the question has always been, How many good works must be completed to be saved? But one can never do enough good works to merit salvation. This is clearly portrayed in the life of Cornelius, Peter’s first gentile convert.
Jesus Christ came to this earth to suffer and die, was buried and rose from the dead after three days, and then ascended back to the Father in heaven. But until the time of His second coming, He is still busy at work for all those who believe.
How’s your prayer life? If it’s like that of many Christians, it can use a little boost. Dr. McGee examines how the early church prayed and provides us with principles of prayer that we can apply to our own lives today.
What does it mean to be a church? How is it possible to know if a church is biblical? Dr. McGee examines the marks of what it means to be a church. These marks are the standard that all Bible believing and teaching churches should evidence in order to be a true church of God.
Biographical stories reveal to us the depths of human suffering and the heights of accomplishment men have achieved. Be prepared to be moved by the story of a man who will be known as a kinsman redeemer.
The names of four women are woven through the genealogy of Christ, and in their stories we find the plan of salvation.
Of all the judges that God called to serve Him, Samson probably had the greatest opportunity to succeed like no other judge before him. But his weakness for women and his self-centered and selfish attitude made him one of the greatest failures. However, God has much to teach us through the life of a man who failed to be faithful to the Lord.
In the days of the judges there was a man who sacrificed his daughter to the Lord because of the oath he swore, but did he really sacrifice her? That has been the burning question for many as they consider the Scriptures concerning Jephthah and his daughter.
In this sermon, Dr. McGee correlates Israel’s experience of passing over the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land with our experience of lives transformed through identification with the risen Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul talks about being absent from the body and at home with the Lord. Well, where is that home? And what is it like? Dr. McGee answers these questions and in doing so gives us hope, saying, "One of the reasons so many of God’s people have become discouraged along life’s pathway is because they’ve lost sight of the place we’re going."
In an honest search for its meaning, Dr. McGee tackles this confusing and difficult passage of Scripture, which is often skipped by theologians and Bible commentators. Gain the tools you need to answer the question for yourself.
For many of us, tragedies, struggles, and misdeeds in our pasts seem to determine the quality of our lives and the potential of our futures. But does it really need to be this way? Is there a way to break the bondage of our pasts?
What's your biggest fear? We all have them. In fact, Dr. J. Vernon McGee tells us King David had so many he belonged to a "fraternity of fears." In this study of Job 41, learn how the bravest men in the Bible conquered their fears and how we can, too.
(Galatians 6)Sometimes life is just hard. While some of our burdens can be lessened by sharing them with those we trust, like family and friends, others we simply bear alone. But, in Galatians 6 we learn there is one burden too heavy for us; one burden we can't bear. So, what can we do? Join Dr. McGee as he tells us there is One who is willing to carry this burden for us, but we must trust Him entirely. As he says, " It's either all on Him or it's all on You. He doesn't share."
John is known as the apostle of love, but Zephaniah is the prophet of love. He tells us about another side of God's love, thoughthe love of the Great Physician who is willing to take His children into painful surgery to root out the disease of sin in our lives. Learn that God loves you just as much when He is subjecting you to surgery as when He overwhelms you with gifts.
What does the Resurrection mean to you today? Dr. McGee says we must each answer this question for ourselves. So, walk through the pages of John 20 and discover that we only gain our life when we lose itby turning it over to the living Christ.
(Exodus 15) Expectations are cruel companions. Rarely do they deliver and most assuredly, they leave us disappointed. Dr. J. Vernon McGeewho was no stranger to life’s challengesleads us back to the wilderness to learn how not to turn bitter in those moments of dashed expectations but, instead, how to turn to God.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-7) True comfort is more than just a pat on the arm and sympathetic platitudes. God’s comfort is able to sustain us through the most difficult of times because it is bound to His authority and sovereignty in all things.
According to the Law of Moses, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement to sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat. He acted as a mediator between God and Israel. Today, we also have a High Priest: Jesus Christ.
There’s no such thing as good that does not proceed from the cross. That's the wisdom we hear in this fast-paced journey through the amazing three-year ministry of Jesus. It’s a rich study, one that’s full of important lessons for us today.
Between the birth of Jesus and His baptism, Scripture seems to be silent. Yet upon closer inspection, we find a wealth of information about the activities and events that occurred during the formative years of Jesus’ life.
Picture albums are great for capturing moments in time that tell a story or reveal the personality of a person. God has His own picture albumit’s the Old Testament. In it, He reveals the person and work of Christ long before He came to this earth in human form.
What most people fail to understand about the birth of Jesus is that the story began long before the coming of a baby placed in a manger.
Scripture reveals the undeniable truth that Jesus died on the cross; no student of the Bible could disagree with this fact. The problem comes to a head when the question is raised, Why did Jesus die? It is at this point that men have departed.
One of the first things, if not the very first thing, our Lord did when He began His public ministry was to choose certain men. Why them? How did He call them? Hear the answers to these questions as Dr. McGee reminds us that God's still calling men and women to service and salvation today. Is He calling you?
Join Jesus as he visits the home of a rather rude and openly hostile Pharisee for dinner. Together we'll watch what happens when a prostitute shows up to see Jesus and how He adeptly turns the tables away from her scandal and focuses instead on the equally important, but more subtle, sin of the Pharisee.
In the days that John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness, many repented of their sins and were baptized by John. During this time Jesus was also baptizedbut why, if He was without sin?
The divorce rate in our country still continues to rise at an alarming rate. But is all divorce wrong? And is it really the problem or just a symptom of something else that is wrong?
The Pharisees, the Herodians, the Sadducees, and the Scribes are ready to launch a final verbal assault on Jesus. Their weapon of choice? The most dangerous weapon known to man: Flattery. Travel the pages of Matthew 22 and hear how Jesus' answer is just important to each one of us today as it was to those who asked it.
Although the battle with temptation may be fierce, Scripture makes it clear that our High Priest can sympathize with our weakness because He was tempted also, yet He did not sin.
As he traveled to Jerusalem with the shadow of the cross looming over His head, He took the time to fulfill His appointment with a woman at a well who needed to experience the truth of salvation in her life.
Jesus asked His disciples, Who do men say that I am? This question revealed some wild and weird speculations by the multitudes who had witnessed the words and works of Jesus. Today, men are no different; there are still many who have created more outlandish speculations about a man who lived 2000 years ago.
For thousands of years there has been more confusion concerning the person of Jesus Christ than anyone who has ever lived. Was He a prophet? Was He God? Was He a man? Did He exist at all? Join Dr. McGee in Matthew 16:13-20 as we listen to Jesus Himself answer this question once and for all.
Most of our trouble and problems can be traced back to the poverty of our prayer lives. In the Gospel of Luke, our Lord uses a few brushstrokes to paint four portraits of prayer. They are simply snapshots to carry with you in your Christian walk, very practical. Put these snapshots together for a composite picture of prayer.
The Jews were told to remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. By the time of Jesus, the concept of keeping the Sabbath had been twisted beyond comprehension, and Jesus challenged the people’s misconceptions.
Throughout history, scholars have questioned the reason Jesus washed the disciples' feet. Many dismiss the spiritual significance with explanations of human error on the part of the building owner. Dr. McGee answers these questions with a real and raw message that requires us to respond to this gentle act just like the disciples did.
One of the most significant relationships a son can have is with his father, for it is by the father’s influence that a boy grows up to be a man. But what is a father to do when a crisis comes to his son’s life?
Going to the hospital is generally not a pleasant event, but would a visit from the Lord Jesus make your stay more enjoyable? It did for one man as Jesus found him by the pool of Bethesda.
God loves sinners, but He absolutely hates sin. Dr. McGee shows that while many in the world describe Jesus as meek and mild, incapable of hatred and anger, a close and careful examination of the Gospels reveals our Lord's intense and passionate hatred of evil.