Stonebridge Bible Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Michael Easley
Jonny Ardavanis continues to walk through Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan at the well and what means to worship the Father in Spirit and Truth, as seen in John 4:16–26.
Jonny Ardavanis teaches through the Gospel of John. This week we look at John 4:1–18, and the conversation Jesus has with the Samaritan woman at the well.
Jonny Ardavanis teaches through John 3:22–30, where we examine the three characteristics of humility John the Baptist exhibits in his response to his disciples' questions.
Jonny Ardavanis teaches through the Gospel of John and expounds on the unfathomable love of God as detailed in John 3:16-21
Jonny Ardavanis teaches through John 3:11-21 and walks through the antinomy of God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Responsibility.
Jonny Ardavanis teaches through John 3:1–10, and continues to unpack what the Scriptures say about what it means to be born again (part 2).
Jonny Ardavanis continues teaching through John 2:23–3:4, where we examine what it means to be born again (part 1).
Jonny Ardavanis continues teaching through John 2:13–25, where we examine Jesus’ cleansing of the temple.
Beau Bekendam, guest teaching pastor (Christ Church, Carpinteria CA), walks through Luke 8:4–15 and how one can be a fruitful disciple of Jesus.
Jonny Ardavanis continues teaching through the Gospel of John. This week we examine John 2:1–12, as Jesus begins His public ministry with His first sign of turning water into wine.
Guest teaching pastor, Costi Hinn (Shepherd’s House, AZ), walks through Ephesians 5:18–20, and what it means to live a Spirit filled life.
Resurrection Sunday 2024 | Jonny Ardavanis examines 1 Corinthians 15:12–20, and what what life would look like without a risen Savior.
Jonny Ardavanis continues teaching through the Gospel of John. This week we examine John 1:37–51 and the four prerequisites of personal evangelism.
Jonny Ardavanis continues teaching through the Gospel of John. This week we examine John 1:35–43, and what it means to follow Christ.
Wayne Wolf, elder at Stonebridge Bible Church, dives into three principles of teaching the Word of God.
Jonny Ardavanis continues teaching through the Gospel of John. This week we look at John 1:29–37, and unpack the significance behind John the Baptist declaration of Jesus Christ the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Jonny Ardavanis continues teaching through the Gospel of John. This week we look at John 1:19–28 and the hallmark of a faithful witness exhibited by John the Baptist.
Jonny Ardavanis continues the study through the gospel of John. This week we look at John 1:14–18, examining the seven reasons why Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the greater tabernacle.
Jonny Ardavanis continues the study through the Gospel of John. This week we look at John 1:6–14 and examine the Logos in three distinct acts: 1. The Word Revealed; 2. The Word Rejected; 3. The Word Received.
Jonny Ardavanis continues the series through the gospel of John, where we examine the importance of Jesus Christ as the Creator, and the four consequences of removing this cornerstone truth of our faith.
Jonny Ardavanis continues the study through the gospel of John by examining John 1:1, and who Jesus is revealed to be.
Jonny Ardavanis begins a new teaching series on the Gospel of John and examines the author, the uniqueness and purpose of this gospel.
Justin Wolf walks through Jude 1:4–7, and examines the Scripture’s warning against false teachers.
Jonny Ardavanis concludes his teaching series on The Church. We examine 1 John 3:11–18, and what it says about loving one another as members of the body of Christ.
Jonny Ardavanis examines Psalm 19:7–14, and expounds on the six titles of the Word of God, the six qualities of the Word of God, and the eight promises the Word of God makes to you, as you commit your life to it.
Jonny Ardavanis expounds on the 5 Hallmarks of the Christmas Spirit that Mary exhibits in her magnificat, as recorded in Luke 1:46–55.
Jonny Ardavanis continues his teaching series on the church. This week we examine Romans 12:1–8, and the four responsibilities of believers to their local church.
Jonny Ardavanis continues the series on the Church by expounding on the calling, qualifications and functions of Elders, as described in 1 Peter 5:1–5.
Jonny Ardavanis continues his teaching on the Church, expounding on the Church's confession, builder and invincibility, as evident in Matthew 16:13–21.
Jonny Ardavanis walks through Revelation 2:1-7 and warning to the Ephesian church about losing their first love.
Jonny Ardavanis teaches through 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and why thanksgiving is the hallmark of a believer.
Dr. Erwin Lutzer opens the Word from Acts 7:54–60, and what happens to believers the minute they die.
Jonny Ardavanis walks through 2 Corinthians 5:10–21, and on the four aspects of gospel ambassadors.
Jonny Ardavanis concludes his study of the book of Jonah, and expounds on the heart of God as revealed in Jonah 4.
Jonny Ardavanis continues teaching through the book of Jonah. This week we look at Jonah chapter 3, and examine Nineveh's revival.
Jonny Ardavanis continues teaching through the book of Jonah, with Jonah's prayer in chapter 2:1-10, and walks through the 5 signs of surrender found in this passage.
Guest teacher, Morgan Maitland (teaching pastor at Summit Bible Church in Fontana, CA) opens the Word from 1 Corinthians 13, and expounds on the the 4 P's of Love.
Jonny Ardavanis continues his teaching series through the book of Jonah, The Rebellious Prophet & the Heart of God, with Jonah 1:7-16. We consider progression of fear found in this passage displayed by Jonah and the sailors on the ship.
Jonny Ardavanis continues his teaching series through the book of Jonah, The Rebellious Prophet & the Heart of God, with Jonah 1:4-6 and expounds on five observations on sin.
Jonny Ardavanis begins a new study from the book of Jonah, "The Rebellious Prophet & the Heart of God."
Jonny Ardavanis preaches on the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector from Luke 18:9–14.
Jonny Ardavanis continues the Summer in the Psalms series, and expounds upon the aspects of the love of God, as found in Psalm 103.
Scott Ardavanis, Senior Pastor of Grace Church of the Valley, opens the Word during Stonebridge Bible Church's Pastor Installation Service for Jonny Ardavanis.
Jonny Ardavanis continues through Psalm 46 and delves into the priority and the privilege of prayer.
Justin Wolf teaches through Jude 1–4, and what it means to contend earnestly for the faith.
Jonny Ardavanis continues the Summer in the Psalms series with Psalm 139, and God's omniscience.
Jonny Ardavanis teaches through Titus 3:1-8, and how the believer can live for Christ in a world that is growing increasingly hostile towards Him.
Jonny Ardavanis continues the Summer in the Psalms teaching series with Psalm 103, and teaches about the doctrine of God's Sovereignty.
Jonny Ardavanis continues the Summer in the Psalms series with Psalm 145, David's Psalm of Praise.
Justin Wolf teaches through Matthew 5:3-5 on what it means to be blessed, and how the call to salvation is embedded in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
Rusty Smith teaches on the need for the church to send out missionaries to those who have not yet heard the gospel.
Dr. Michael Easley teachers from Romans 16, and the commended workers that supported Paul's ministry in Rome.
Dr. Michael Easley teaches from Acts 20:28-32, and what the apostle Paul reminds and warns the Ephesian church elders, before he leaves to Jerusalem.
Dr. Michael Easley teaches from 2 Corinthians 11:21–28, on Paul's daily pressure for all the churches.
Wayne Wolf, Stonebridge Bible Church founding member and elder, teaches from the book of Acts and examines the question, "What compels us to come to church?".
Dr. Michael Easley continues his teaching through the book of Proverbs, and what we can learn from four creatures who are hardwired with different types of wisdom.
Dr. Abraham Kuruvilla continues his teaching series on the women in the book of Mark who had an encounter with Jesus. In this sermon, Dr. Kuruvilla teaches through Mark 5:21-34: The woman with the bleeding disorder and Jairus' daughter.
Mark 5:21-34 Handout
Dr. Abraham Kuruvilla begins a new series on the women in the book of Mark who had an encounter with Jesus. In this sermon, Dr. Kuruvilla teaches through Mark 1:21-45: Peter's Mother-in-Law.
Dr. Abraham Kuruvilla concludes his four-part sermon series, Faith of our Fathers, with the story of Joseph from Genesis 39. Handout link: https://stonebridge-bible-church-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/2023-03-05-joseph.pdf
Justin Wolf, Elder at Stonebridge Bible Church, teaches through 2 Peter 3:1-9. We also hear from Rusty and Nicole Smith, who are serving as missionaries teachers at Rift Valley Academy, a Christian boarding school located in Kijabe, Kenya run by the African Inland Mission.
Dr. Michael Easley continues his teaching through the book of Proverbs, and what it says about the contrasting life choices between laziness or work.
Jonny Ardavanis teaches from Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
Dr. Easley continues his study on the book of Proverbs, and what the Word says about Life and Death.
Dr. Easley continues to teach through Proverbs with a cautionary word about the power of our words!
Dr. Michael Easley teaches from Proverbs and encourages us with a word about how important friendship is to our faith and wellbeing.
Dr. Easley interviews Jason Germain and ushers in the New Year with a message on supply chain theology encouraging us to be content and to know that God will supply all of our needs according to His abundance!
Ken Helton continues the Stonebridge Bible Church Christmas and advent series with a message about the Prince of Peace.
Wayne Wolf continues the Advent series focused on Isaiah 9:6, focusing on God's the Father as eternal.
Wayne preaches on Isaiah 9:6 as Stonebridge Bible Church continues its Advent series in preparation for the celebration of Immanuel.
Dr. Easley teaches us about seeking wise counsel with an encouraging message from Proverbs 9.
Dr. Easley continues his series on the book of Proverbs with a reminder to pursue wisdom.
Dr. Abraham Kuruvilla guest teaches and continues his series on the forefathers with a message about the life of Isaac.
Guard your mind, stay away from the seductions of the world, look past the seductions and see the casualties.
A strong word of caution against laziness and wickedness and an encouragement to seek after wisdom.
Dr. Michael Easley teaches Stonebridge Bible Church - "The Most Priceless Possession" - Prov. 3:13-18
Michael G. Vanlaningham, Ph.D. encourages us all about the importance of supporting the missionaries and going to all the world with the message of the Gospel!
Ken Helton guest teaches on the importance of hiding God's word in your heart, the entire Word of God!
Guest speaker David Nassar continues his two-part series on the Matthew 6:5-8 regarding the introduction to the Lord's Prayer.
Guest Speaker David Nassar preaches part one of a two-part sermon series on The Lord's Prayer.
Dr. Michael Easley continues his series in Proverbs by teaching from chapter 2 on the fear of the Lord.
Morris Proctor brings us the Word this week with a follow-up to his previous message on justification. Unpacking the doctrine of sanctification, Moe gives five steps to grow in godliness.
Dr. Moe Proctor preaches on Paul, Peter, and the Judaizers from Galatians 2. The Judaizers preached that salvation comes from faith in Jesus plus keeping the law, and Paul refutes this teaching through the doctrine of justification. The gospel is singular, the gospel is going to be slandered, and the gospel is sola fide - by faith alone.
Stonebridge Bible Church installs its first elders. Listen to each new elder as he shares his heart for God's Word, God's local church, and God's world.
Dr. Michael Easley preaches the third sermon in his series Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord. Wisdom is described as instruction, training, understanding, wise behavior, prudence, and knowledge and learning. Dr. Easy dives into what he calls the "cast of characters" in the book of Proverbs. In contrast to the personification of wisdom, Proverbs address the wicked, the naive/gullible, the fool, the mocker, the sluggard, and the senseless.
Dr. Michael Easley continues preaching on the book of Proverbs. The question Proverbs begs is, "Do I understand who God is?" Because if we truly fear God, we will turn away from evil. Believers must be on alert and remember that hundreds of times a day, we get to choose which path we will take.
Dr. Michael Easley begins his series, "Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord, the Beginning of Wisdom." God is the source of all wisdom, and it requires deliberate pursuit on the part of the believer. Wisdom is the process of discerning, perceiving, learning, and applying skills.
Dr. Morris Proctor preaches on Colossians 1:24-29. Believers are encouraged to speak openly the mystery of "Christ in you." Christ in you is God's glory in you. God saved us to make us like his Son Jesus. Believers need to be admonished in order to mature.
Dr. Easley preaches on the ramifications of the resurrection on this Easter Sunday morning. Jesus rose from the dead, "just as he said." His word is good. Do we believe him at his word? Citing historical, biblical, and primary sources, Dr. Easley shows that the resurrection was confirmed by prophecy and eyewitnesses. Lastly, nothing matters without the resurrection!
Preaching from Matthew 26:36-46, Moe Proctor shows how God revealed the cup of his wrath to Jesus on Thursday night in the garden. Jesus wrestled with God through literal blood, sweat, and tears, knowing how bad it was going to be. And in submission to the Father, Jesus said, "Not my will, but yours." The decision was made in the Garden of Gethsemane, and then Jesus got up and walked it out in Golgotha.
Dr. Michael Easley finishes preaching through the book of Philippians by examining Paul's final greetings to the Philippian church. Paul reminds the church that giving glory to God needs to be our main concern. He charges believers to choose joy in all their circumstances, no matter what.
Preaching from Philippians 4:14-19, Dr. Michael Easley explores Paul's commendation of the Philippian church in their giving with a clear reminder that stewardship can be a barometer of one's spiritual condition. Giving spreads the gospel and profits the giver with spiritual rewards that far outweigh any earthly gain.
Dr. Michael Easley preaches from Philippians 4:10-13 on what it means to be content in whatever state we find ourselves in.
Dr. Michael Easley continues preaching through the book of Philippians. Please join us as we learn what Scripture says about finding our true peace of mind.
Guest speaker Dr. Erwin Lutzer preaches from Matthew 14:22-33. Lutzer reminds believers that storms are to be expected in the Christian life. With Christ as our captain, we must commit our fears to Him and remember God's promises as we walk through each storm of life.
Dr. Michael Easley preaches on Philippians 4:1-7, as Paul challenges believers to live in harmony, rejoice in all circumstances, pray with thanksgiving, and rest in His peace. It is Paul's deep hope that believers will not only overcome anxiety in their lives, but also experience the unparalleled peace of God in their relationship with the Lord and each other.
Continuing through the book of Philippians, Dr. Michael Easley preaches on chapter 3, verses 17-21. Paul encourages believers to follow his example as one who lives for Christ. Reminding believers to follow godly examples and be a godly example to others, Paul warns of those who walk as enemies of Christ. And as his final reminder, Paul reminds the believers to live with their heavenly citizenship in mind; live as though you want to see Jesus' face.
Wayne Wolf preaches from Acts 2:42-47. The fear of the Lord starts the process of obtaining wisdom. How does the believer gain wisdom? Using the example of the apostles, Wayne lays out how believers can gain Godly wisdom through devotion to God's Word, fellowship with other believers, the breaking of bread, and a posture of prayer.
Dr. Michael Easley continues his exegesis of Philippians with chapter 3 verses 12-16. The call to Christian liberty gives us freedom to obey Christ and live without guilt or shame. As we work out our salvation with fear and trembling, we must remember that we are not working for our salvation. Christ has accomplished it all through his death on the cross, and now we are sanctified day by day to become more like Him.
Guest speaker Jim Traficant preaches on Acts 16 as he shares his incredible story of suffering and praise.
Dr. Michael Easley reflects on 2021 and encourages believers to walk into 2022 holding fast to God's Word.
Preaching from Philippians 3:10-11, Dr. Michael Easley asserts that to know Christ well, we must:
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embrace that we are powerless and he is eternally powerful
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understand that we will suffer
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be conformed to his death
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which results in the resurrection from the dead.
Dr. Michael Easley continues his exposition of the book of Philippians in chapter 3, verses 1-3, with Paul's warnings about self.
Dr. Michael Easley preaches on one of the most well-known passages in all Scripture - John 3:16. Desiring that all men would be saved, God sent his Son Jesus not to judge but to offer eternal life. God's love is universal in character, sacrificial in nature, and eternal in purpose.
Dr. Easley continues in his Advent series Lessons and Carols with a sermon on the incredible gift Mary was given, and the joy she found because God chose her. If the Bible is true, then the message of Jesus is cause for great joy. God's forgiveness of our sins over and over again is cause for great joy!
From the beautiful song "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and also Micah 5, Dr. Michael Easley continues in his Advent series Lessons and Carols. With the birth of Jesus, the New Testament sees the fulfillment of all the promises of the Old Testament writers, of which even the religious powers of Jesus’ day understood: Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. This One will be our peace.
Dr. Michael begins his Advent series Lessons and Carols by preaching on hope from Isaiah 9:1-7. Jesus, the soon and coming King reigns. Scripture bears out that Jesus is Lord of lords, King of kings, yet His reign is not yet universal in the sense that He will end war, deal with evil, reign over all, literally and completely. Your hope in Jesus is not in vain.
Dr. Michael Easley continues in the book of Philippians by teaching about Epaphroditus. Preaching from chapter 2, verses 25-30, Dr. Easley outlines yet another example of a disciple living faithfully for Jesus Christ and others.
Dr. Easley continues in the book of Philippians chapter 2, verses 19-24. Unpacking Timothy's character qualities and spiritual gifts, Dr. Easley highlights Timothy's genuine concern for God's church, his gift of encouragement, and his proven worth. Dr. Easley encourages listeners to follow Timothy's lead and yield to the Lord and seek to serve others.
To love God is to keep his commandments. Dr. Michael Easley teaches on Philippians 1:12-18. Why should we obey God and not reason with him for a different result? A holy fear of God and an awesome respect of Christ Jesus compels us to hold fast to the Word of life and grow in sanctification.
Dr. Michael Easley continues his exegesis of Philippians. Preaching on chapter 2, verses 9-11, Dr. Easley teaches how one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord.
Looking at Christ's humility, how shall we then live? Dr. Easley preaches through Philippians 2:5-8 to help find the answer to this question.
Dr. Michael Easley continues preaching through the book of Philippians with chapter 2, verses 1-4.
On Paul’s third missionary journey he decided to return to Jerusalem with his offering for the Christians there, but all along the way he was warned of coming danger. Focusing on the powerful verse 14 in the NIV: “When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord’s will be done,'” Morgan asserts that there are times when we cannot have our way or fulfill our wishes. We have to give the matter to the Lord and say, “Your will be done.” But in Paul’s case, God’s will unfolded in a way that greatly advanced the Gospel. Our God always does what is in our best long-term interests and for the far-flung cause of His Gospel and His Glory. Our greatest disappointments are overturned by divine providence, and our heartaches are—through the power of the resurrection—overruled, overturned, overridden—though we may not see it as such until eternity.
Dr. Michael Easley preaches on Philippians 1:27-30. Living with joy no matter what, believers in Christ Jesus are to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the calling of the gospel of Christ. Followers are called to be steadfast - standing firm together, and fearless - not alarmed by opponents. Listen and be encouraged as Dr. Easley discusses how this passage teaches believers to live as citizens of God's eternal heavenly kingdom during this earthly life.
Preaching from Acts 18:1-9, Dr. Robert Morgan reviews Paul’s second missionary journey and points out its hardships. When Paul arrived in Corinth he did so with fear and trembling. He seemed to be at a low spot, especially following his traumatic flogging in Philippi. But the Lord appeared to him and gave him five great statements to strengthen his spirit.
Dr. Michael Easley continues on in his in-depth study of the book of Philippians. This week he exegetes Philippians 1:19-26. Paul offers the proper perspective on suffering in this present life and joy in the life to come.
Dr. Michael Easley preaches on Philippians 1:12-18, explaining how Paul's circumstances resulted in the gospel's progress. Paul teaches us to live with joy no matter what, turning his circumstances around for the glory of God.
Dr. Michael Easley continues in his exegesis of the book of Philippians. Diving into chapter 1 verses 9-11, Pastor Easley examines the necessity of love, knowledge, discernment, and blamelessness in a believer's life until Christ's return.
Dr. Michael Easley preaches on Philippians 1:7-8. Paul's affection for the Philippian church was so deep because they were on the same mission of the gospel. Christ living in us allows believers to love other people, and the infiltration of the gospel of Christ should inflame our love for the body of Christ.
Dr. Michael Easley moves forward in the book of Philippians. Paul stresses that believers in Jesus Christ should have "joy no matter what." In great humility, Paul levels the playing field as equates himself to a bondservant of Christ. Because of our hope in Christ Jesus, believers can smile at the future, no matter what.
It’s remarkable to step back on this Big Book and see that it begins and ends with connections that are impossible to ignore. In this episode, Michael teaches an overview of the book of Revelation.
Michael teaches through the book of Jude: a letter that begins as a letter about salvation but makes an abrupt shift to address something more important.
Michael teaches through the very short, personal letters of 2 and 3 John. Each letter details different facets of fellowship and encourages believers to hold fast to the truth of Christ.
Dr. Michael Easley preaches on the first Epistle from John. "These have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name."
Dr. Michael Easley preaches on this marvelous book and a final address from the Apostle Peter, the original spokesperson of the Church, imploring the believers to remember what he taught after he's gone.
A truly pastoral charge, the book of 1 Peter deals with living with and in suffering and calls us to rejoice nonetheless in the joy of our salvation.
Faith without works cannot be called faith. It is dead, and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient. Faith must move into action. Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith "works." It endures trials; it obeys God's Word; it produces doers; it harbors no prejudice; it controls the tongue; it acts wisely; it provides the power to resist the devil; it waits patiently for the coming of the Lord. (Wilkinson & Boa, Walk Thru The Bible)
Michael teaches on the book of James from his series The Big Book: Cover to Cover.
Faith without works cannot be called faith. It is dead and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient. Faith must move into action. Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates rue faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith "works." It endures trials; it obeys God's Word; it produces doers; it harbors no prejudice; it controls the tongue; it acts wisely; it provides the power to resist the devil; it waits patiently for the coming of the Lord (Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru The Bible).
Join Michael Easley as he teaches an overview of the book of James from his series The Big Book: Cover to Cover.
Many Jewish believers, having stepped out of Judaism into Christianity, wanted to reverse their course in order to escape persecution by their countrymen. The writer of Hebrews exhorts them to "press on" to maturity in Christ. His appeal is based on the superiority of Christ over the Judaic system. Christ is better than the angels, for they worship Him. He is better than Moses, for Moses was created by Him. He is better than the Aaronic priesthood, for His sacrifice was once for all time. He is better than the Law, for He mediates a better covenant. In short, there is more to be gained by suffering for Christ than by reverting to Judaism. Pressing on to maturity produces tested faith, self-discipline, and a viable love seen in good works.
Michael teaches on the book of Hebrews.
Paul's "postcard" to Philemon is the shortest and perhaps the most intimate of all his letters. It is a masterpiece of diplomacy and tact in dealing with a festering social sore in the Roman Empire: human slavery. Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, had stolen from his master and run away to Rome. There he came in contact with Paul's (who was under house arrest) and with the claims of Jesus Christ. After his conversation, Onesimus faced yet another confrontation, this time with his estranged master Philemon. Paul sends him back with this letter in hand, urging Philemon to extend forgiveness. Onesimus had left him as a bond servant. Now he was returning as his brother in the Lord. Therefore, Paul exhorts, "Receive him as you would me." (Wilkinson & Boa, Talk Thru The Bible)
Michael teaches on the book of Philemon.
Titus, a young minister, is left on the island of Crete by Paul to begin the challenging task of organizing new converts into local churches. In this letter, Paul shares with Titus some practical wisdom regarding church organization and administration. Leaders must be chosen on the basis of proven character and conduct; false teachers must be quickly detected and removed; church members of all ages must be encouraged to live lives worthy of the gospel they claim to believe. Young and old, leader and laity, must demonstrate the reality of their faith by being "careful to maintain good works." (Wilkinson & Boa, Talk Thru The Bible.)
Michael continues The Big Book series, teaching on the book of Titus.
2 Timothy is Paul's last will and testament to his spiritual son Timothy. Writing from a Roman prison cell, Paul imparts his final words of wisdom and encouragement to Timothy who is ministering in the midst of opposition and hardship in Ephesus. Paul stresses the importance of godly living, preaching the Word both in and out of season, and preparing for the coming apostasy within the church. Underlying all that Paul says is the importance of God's Word -- the only foundation strong enough to withstand persecution from without and problems from within. (Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru The Bible.)
Michael continues The Big Book: Cover to Cover with the book of 2 Timothy.
According to Wilkinson and Boa in their book Talk Thru the Bible, Paul, the aged and experienced apostle, writes to young pastor Timothy who is facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the church at Ephesus. The task is challenging: false doctrine must be erased, public worship safeguarded, and mature leadership developed. In addition to the conduct of the church, Paul talks pointedly about the conduct of the minister.
Timothy must be on his guard lest his youthfulness become a liability, rather than an asset to the gospel. He must be careful to avoid false teachers and greedy motives, pursuing instead righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness as befitting a man of God.
Join Michael as he teaches on the book of 1 Timothy.
Michael returns to his series The Big Book: Cover to Cover with the book of 2 Thessalonians.
1-2 Thessalonians are generally considered the earliest canonical Pauline letters. 2 Thessalonians is only 47 verses long, but it's a very practical book in many ways, and very applicable in our current situation.
“Paul’s first letter evidently left some Thess. believers unconvinced. They still questioned whether the Day of the Lord had already come and gone, they may have been confused by other issues wrongly attributed to Paul’s teaching (2 Thessalonians 2:1–2). 2 Thessalonians is the apostle’s further clarification regarding the return of Christ. (In a way, this gives me solace; even under Paul’s teaching, people were confused about the eschaton!) Beware of deception.
As to this “confusion”, we read in 2:1–12 the apostle clarification on Christ’s return, warning the Thessalonian believers should not be too easily swayed by any rumor that Christ has already returned. This event, he explains, will be preceded by a rebellion (v. 3), by the exposure of “the man of lawlessness” who is presently restrained but will proclaim himself divine (vv. 3–7), and finally by Christ’s destruction of this person (v. 8).Paul again confronts certain believers who continued their refusal to work because they felt that the imminent return of Christ rendered labor unnecessary. Citing his own ministry among them as an example to be followed (3:7–9), Paul repeats the command he had given in person that anyone refusing to work not be sustained by the others (v. 10). He then urges the idle believers to earn their living (v. 12).
2 Thessalonians may be less affectionate in tone than its predecessor, but its corrective comments on Christ’s return have admirably comforted believers through the centuries.” (From Allen C. Myers, The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary)
Sanctification: Becoming more like the person of Jesus Christ, less like my sinful self and more like my savior. It’s a transformation process. We often differentiate between salvation and sanctification.
The backdrop of the Thessalonian letters is found in Acts 17:1-5: Thessalonian Jewish leaders had chased Paul all the way to Berea (about 90 miles) According to Wilkson and Boa, Talk Thru The Bible: “The church at Thessalonica was in many ways a model church. Paul had many things to commend the believers for: their exemplary faith, diligent service, patient steadfastness, and overflowing joy. But in the midst of his commendation, Paul voices a word of caution. Abounding in the work of the Lord is only one step removed from abandoning the work of the Lord through complacency. Thus, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to excel in their faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to give thanks always for all things. In short, Paul encourages them to “stay on target” as they labor for the Lord.” Listen as Michael teaches an overview to the book of 1 Thessalonians.
Written to believers in Colossae, Asia Minor or modern-day Turkey, Colossians is another of the “prison epistles” written, most likely, while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. The letter’s intent is to correct the false teaching that had infiltrated the church of Colossae.
According to Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru The Bible: “Colossians is one of the most Christ-centered books of the Bible. Paul stresses the supremacy of the person of Christ and the completeness of the salvation He provides in order to combat a growing heresy in the church at Colossae. Christ, the Lord of creation and Head of the body which is His church, is completely sufficient for every spiritual and practical need of the believer.”
Join Michael as he teaches on Colossians, which affirms that Christ is the sovereign King of the universe, there is no other. That’s always a comfort and recalibration.
“Philippians is the epistle of joy and encouragement in the midst of adverse circumstances. In it, Paul freely expresses his fond affection for the Philippians in view of their consistent testimony and support, and lovingly urges them to center their actions and thoughts on the person, pursuit, and power of Jesus Christ. Paul also seeks to correct a problem with disunity and rivalry, urging his readers to imitate Christ in His humility and servanthood. In this way the work of the gospel will go forward as believers seek to stand fast, be of the same mind, rejoice always, and pray about everything.” (Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru The Bible) Join Michael as he teaches an overview of the book of Philippians, offering a fresh look at a text many may be familiar with.
Michael returns to The Big Book: Cover to Cover series, exploring the book of Ephesians. What do you have to do to be saved? An overview of Ephesians offers some answers.
How do you know if a person is saved? What do we believe? How do we behave—and can that be measured? As Christians we generally agree on belief, but what behaviors are acceptable? This is precisely the question Paul addresses to the church in Galatia. "The Epistle to the Galatians has been called “the charter of Christian liberty.” It is Paul’s manifesto of justification by faith and the liberty it produces. (Paul confronts) … -people who are willing to give up the priceless liberty they possess in Christ. Certain Jewish legalists are influencing the believers in Galatia to trade their freedom in Christ for bondage to the Law. Paul writes to refute their false gospel of works, and to demonstrate the superiority of justification by faith.” (Wilkinson & Boa, Talk Thru The Bible) Join us as Michael teaches on the book of Galatians.
“Since Paul’s first letter, the Corinthian church had been swayed by false teachers who stirred the people against Paul. They claimed he was fickle, proud, unimpressive in appearance and speech, dishonest, and unqualified as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul sent Titus to Corinth to deal with these difficulties, and upon his return, rejoiced to hear of the Corinthians’ change of heart. Paul wrote this letter to express his thanksgiving for the repentant majority, and to appeal to the rebellious minority to accept his authority. Throughout the book he defends his conduct, character, and calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ.” (Wilkinson & Boa, Talk Thru The Bible) 2 Corinthians is more “stream of consciousness” than any of Paul’s other letters. Paul is a strategic writer, and this letter is so personal that it has some scholars scratching their heads. This letter gives is unique insight into who Paul is. Listen in as Michael continues his Cover-to-Cover series with 2 Corinthians.
First-century Corinth was the leading commercial center of southern Greece. The city was infamous for its immorality and paganism. But in spite of great obstacles, Paul was able to plant a Christian church there on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–17). Though gifted and growing, the church was plagued with problems: moral and ethical, doctrinal, and practical, corporate and private. Paul writes the letter of First Corinthians to deal with some of these disorders, and to answer questions which the Christians in Corinth had raised on crucial issues. (Wilkinson & Boa, Talk Thru The Bible) Join Michael as he teaches on the book of 1 Corinthians.
Romans is the first of thirteen letters from Paul, 9 written to groups and 4 to individuals. "Romans, Paul’s magnum opus, is placed first among his thirteen epistles in the New Testament. While the four Gospels present the words and works of Jesus Christ, Romans explores the significance of His sacrificial death. Using a question-and-answer format, Paul records the most systematic presentation of doctrine in the Bible. But Romans is more than a book of theology; it is also a book of practical exhortations. The good news of Jesus Christ is more than facts to be believed; it is also a life to be lived—a life of righteousness befitting the person “justified freely by His [God’s] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24) (Wilkinson & Boa, Talk Thru The Bible) Michael teaches an overview of the book of Romans.
According to Wilkinson and Boa in their book Talk Thru The Bible, Luke begins the Book of Acts where he left off in his gospel. Acts records the initial fulfillment of the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19–20 as it traces the beginning and growth of the New Testament church. Christ’s last words before His ascension were so perfectly realized in the Book of Acts. A key verse, Acts 1:8, provides an outline for the book:
- First, you’re going to receive power to be My witnesses.
- The indwelling of the Holy Spirit will be with you permanently.
- To be My Witnesses in:
Jerusalem: Peter’s ministry is the primary focus –Acts 1-7
Judea & Samaria: Philip’s ministry –Acts 8-12
Remotest part: Paul’s ministry the bulk of Acts –13-28
This one verse is a literary masterpiece. Join Michael as he teaches on the Book of Acts, or The Acts of The Apostles, but perhaps more aptly titled: The Acts of The Holy Spirit.
According to Wilkinson’s and Boa’s Talk Thru The Bible: “The Gospel of John is a gospel apart. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the synoptic gospels because, despite their individual emphases, they describe many of the same events in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. John draws mainly upon events and discourses not found in the other gospels to prove to his readers that Jesus is God in the flesh, the eternal Word come to earth, born to die as God’s sacrifice for human sin. Seven miraculous signs prove that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). No finer gospel tract has ever been penned than John’s inspired account of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Join us as Michael returns to The Big Book Cover to Cover series teaching on gospel of John.
“Luke, a Gentile physician, builds his gospel narrative around a historical, chronological presentation of Jesus’ life. Luke’s is the longest and most comprehensive of the four Gospels, presenting Jesus Christ as the Perfect Man who came to seek and save sinful men. Growing belief and growing opposition develop side by side. those who believe His claims are challenged to count the; cost of discipleship; those who oppose Him will not be satisfied until the Son of Man hangs lifeless on a cross. But the Resurrection ensures that His ministry of seeking and saving the lost will continue in …His disciples once they have been equipped with His power.” (Wilkinson's and Boa's Talk Thru The Bible) J. Sidlow Baxter observes: "Whereas the emphasis in Matthew is on what Jesus said, and in Mark on what Jesus did, here in Luke it is rather on Jesus Himself." Join us as Michael teaches on Luke, the largest contributor to the New Testament.
From Wilkinson's and Boa's Talk Thru The Bible: "Mark, the shortest and simplest of the four Gospels, gives a crisp and fast-moving account of the life of Christ. With few comments, Mark lets the narrative speak for itself as it tells the story of the Servant who is constantly on the move preaching, healing, teaching, and finally dying for sinful men. A ministry disciples, and finally culminates on the cross. There the Servant who “‘did not come to be served,’” makes the supreme sacrifice of servanthood by giving “‘His life a ransom for many’” (10:45). And that pattern of selfless service becomes the model for those who follow in the Servant’s steps.” Michael teaches on the book of Mark.
Michael Easley resumes his series The Big Book: Cover to Cover with the Gospel of Matthew. The whole story rides on Chosen People who will receive God’s Covenant Promises.
Together, the four gospel accounts make up approximately 46% of the New Testament. The person and work of Jesus Christ is the culmination of salvation history, fulfilling and, indeed, completing God’s work of eternity-past through eternity-future. These gospel accounts are the culmination of salvation history.
Each of the four gospels have a different emphasis. The emphasis in Matthew: King and Kingdom. The word gospel (gk. euangelion, εὐαγγέλιον) is used 99 times in the New Testament, simply meaning “good news.” The gospel, in regards to Christianity, is in fact the best news.
Michael teaches on Psalm 90, which contrasts God's eternal nature with man's frailty. Our time on earth is limited and we are to use it wisely, not living for the moment, but for the Kingdom of God. This psalm was written by Moses, making it the oldest of all the psalms in the Bible.
God's Word is true and wonderful. Remain faithful to it no matter how bad the world becomes. Obedience to His laws is the only way to achieve real happiness. Suspected to have been written by Ezra after the temple was rebuilt, Psalm 119 is a repetitive mediation on the beauty of God's Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith. Join us as Michael teaches on Psalm 119, which is both the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible.
"Don't let the world teach you theology" is one of Michael's favorite truisms. The best antidote, he always suggests, is "getting your nose in the book... reading the Bible" with purpose. In this lesson, Michael teaches on the importance of spending time in God’s Word.
Michael digs into the book of Malachi, the final book in the Old Testament. According to Wilkinson’s & Boa’s Talk Thru the Bible: “Malachi marks the close of the Old Testament prophecy, and the beginning of 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments. Having learned little from their captivity, the people soon lapse into many of the same sins that resulted in their exile in the first place. Covetousness, idolatry, mixed-marriages with pagan people, abuse of the poor, calloused hearts. In a question-and-answer format, Malachi answers Judah’s hardheartedness and pronounces God’s curse upon all who practice such things… It will remain for John the Baptist, the promised forerunner who would come in the power and spirit of Elijah to bring a hope-filled message: Behold! The Lamb of God.”
We rarely have answers to our "why" or "how long" questions, but we have clear instructions from the Lord: Trust Him. Join us for another remarkably timely reminder from an ancient prophet whose words to his original audience point them, and us, to timeless truth about the God we serve. Michael teaches on the book of Zechariah.
Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 586BC and many Jews lived in exile in Babylon. Around 538BC, Cyrus came to the throne in Persia and offered some relief, permitting some Israelites to return to their land. As the Israelites come home, they have major projects they must attend to -- they have to rebuild, beginning with the temple complex. They started rebuilding but then stopped and there was a 16-year halt in the rebuilding process. This is where Haggai comes in to offer four oracles encouraging the completion of the rebuilding projects. Michael teaches an overview of the book of Haggai, the second-shortest book in the Bible.
Some translate Zephaniah “Jehovah has concealed,” “Jehovah has hidden” or “Jehovah has covered”-in terms of protection. We have to look at what “hidden” means in this context. Consider Moses hidden for three months after he was born, protecting him from Pharaoh’s orders to murder every Hebrew boy. The wicked also hide – they hide themselves and prey upon the innocent, but cannot hide their sins from God. Scripture tells us Zephaniah was the son of Cushi (‘KYOO-shigh’) and the great-great-grandson of Hezekiah. He was a contemporary of King Josiah of Judah and the prophet Jeremiah. We don’t have a ton of background on Zephaniah, or many of the prophets, but maybe God wants us to be less focused on the man and more focused on the message. Join us as Michael teaches through the book of Zephaniah, a book of warning and encouragement with practical application fitting for our time.
Men have always had the same responses to crisis: How long? How can this go on? Why do the righteous suffer? Why do the wicked prosper? God, why aren’t You doing something? Unlike most prophets who spoke to Judah, Israel, Assyria, the Babylonians–some people group–this is a conversation between a prophet and God. Join us as we study this unique prophetic text of Habakkuk.
In the second week of Stonebridge’s Sunday morning live stream amid Covid-19 forcing churches to cease holding in-person worship services, Michael and Wayne discuss how the church is persevering and Michael offers listeners encouragement in Christ, moving beyond the fear.
Michael and Executive Pastor Wayne Wolf update Stonebridgers in the church's first Sunday morning live stream broadcast to how the church is reacting to Covid-19 and its effect on members, Franklin, Nashville and the nation. Michael offers words of encouragement from Psalm 18.
Michael teaches on the book of Nahum, which delivered a potent decree of God's judgment in three short chapters. Nahum's message is clear: God is indeed a God of wrath. Is it possible, however, that God's wrath demonstrates His love?
Nahum prophesies to the Ninevites 100-150 years after Jonah’s reluctant ministry, which resulted in the greatest “revival” in Old Testament record.
Nineveh is an interesting chapter because it was a serious capital. It was surrounded by massive 100-foot walls, 200 towers set around the wall for defense, 150-foot wide, 60-foot deep moat surrounded this incredible fortress. The city was massive. Its grandeur couldn’t rival Jerusalem’s at its zenith.
Nineveh responded to Jonah’s message in 760BC. However, In less than 40 years (by 722BC) they had regressed completely back to their old ways. Sargon II destroyed Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel at that time. 10 tribes were dispersed in that area, and under Sennacherib the Assyrians nearly captured Jerusalem, then under King Hezekiah’s reign, in 701 BC. By the time of Nahum, circa 660BC, Assyria was at the height of its power and wealth under Ashurbanipal, whose reign from 669-633BC exceeded all other Assyrian kings. Nineveh was his capital and fortress, but Ashurbanipal’s sons were no match for the future their father had established and their power failed.
Nahum is God’s voice of an overflowing flood (Nahum 1:8), which literally came true when the Tigris overflowed and destroyed part of Nineveh’s wall. Babylonians took advantage of the opportunity, breached the wall through the destroyed sections and invaded, plundered, burned, and destroyed the city. Nahum 3:11 prophesied that Nineveh would “be hidden” and indeed it was until the site was discovered in 1842. Nahum stated that God was coming not with a call to repentance, but with the sword of judgment. While Jonah brought God’s warning of judgment unless they repented, Nahum brings God’s vice of judgment in cold terms, a pronouncement of death.
Michael teaches an overview of the book of Micah, a reminder of God's Word, His coming judgment, and His gracious goodness. From Bruce Wilkinson's and Kenneth Boa's, Talk Thru the Bible: “Micah prophesied during a period of intense social injustice in Judah. False prophets preached for riches, not for righteousness. Princes thrived on cruelty, violence, and corruption. Priests ministered more for greed than for God. Landlords stole from the poor and evicted widows. Judges lusted after bribes. Businessmen used deceitful scales and weights. Sin had infiltrated every segment of society. A word from God was mandatory. Micah enumerates the sins of the nation, sins which will ultimately lead to destruction and captivity. But in the midst of blackness there is hope. A Divine Deliverer will appear and righteousness will prevail. Though justice is now trampled underfoot, it will one day triumph.”
Widely regarded as a children's story or a "whale's tale," Jonah is a text many of us ought to look at with fresh eyes. It is the living word of God. It’s also ridiculed by scholars because they cannot abide a man being swallowed by a large fish and survive. They have worked overtime to dismiss and re-interpret or allegorize the account entirely.
G. Campbell Morgan: Men have been looking so hard at the great fish that they have failed to see the great God.
This is a good reminder for how we want to read the Scripture: As God’s living word. Nineveh was a famous literal city. God sent His prophet Jonah to warn of impending doom; Jonah tries to escape his duty and the story unfolds. Today, Michael teaches an overview of the book of Jonah.
Michael teaches an overview of the book of Obadiah. We don't know a lot about the prophet Obadiah or the exact timeframe in which this was written, but we know a lot about his message. It's very clear.
Amos prophesied during a period of national optimism in Israel… But below the surface, greed and injustice were festering. The prophet Amos strives to remind God’s people who He is, what He has promised, and to contend that He will indeed do as He said. He is unchanging and His Word is sure. Michael teaches an overview of the book of Amos, perhaps the oldest book of the Minor Prophets.
Joel uses a recent calamity in the nation of Judah to teach his hearers a prophetic lesson. A locust plague had invaded the land, destroying every green thing in its path. Grapevines were stripped clean; grain fields lay bare; fruit trees stood leafless and unproductive. The devastation was so complete that even grain offerings to God were impossible. Joel uses the locust invasion as the starting point of his sermon. As bad as the locust plague was, it would pale by comparison with what God was about to bring upon His people. An army from the north would come to attack the nation, leaving behind devastation even more complete than that of the locusts. The only hope for Joel’s hearers: heartfelt repentance before that terrible day arrives. Joel 1:1 “The Word of the Lord that came to Joel” – this underscores that this is the very word of God, and I don’t think we can be reminded of this too often. What Joel received, Judah heard, and today we’re reading it. Join us as Michael teaches on Joel, a small but influential text which calls us to repentance.
Michael teaches an overview of the book of Hosea. Though judgment and destruction are sure, salvation will come. Hosea is called by God to prophesy during Israel’s last hours, just as Jeremiah would be called years later to prophesy to the crumbling kingdom of Judah. Hosea’s personal tragedy becomes an intense illustration of Israel’s national tragedy. It is a story of one-sided to love and faithfulness—between a prophet and his faithless wife (Hosea and Gomer) and Jehovah and His faithless people. Just as Gomer is married to Hosea, Israel is betrothed to God. In both cases the bride plays the harlot and runs after other lovers. But unconditional love keeps seeking even when it is spurned. In Hosea’s case, that means buying back his wife from the slave market; for Israel it means purifying punishment followed by restoration to the Land of Promise."
Michael teaches the first apocalyptic text in the Bible, the book named for Daniel, the exile whose pious life in among a pagan culture drew attention from his enemies and favor from His God. Sometimes referred to as the “Apocalypse of the Old Testament,” Daniel presents a majestic sweep of prophetic history. The Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans will come and go, but God will establish His people forever. Nowhere is this theme more apparent than in the life of Daniel, a young God-fearing Jew transplanted from his homeland and raised in Babylonia. His adventures—and those of his friends—in the palace, the fiery furnace, and the lion’s den show that even during the Exile God has not forgotten His chosen nation. And through Daniel, God provides dreams—and interpretations of dreams—designed to convince Jew and Gentile alike that wisdom and power belong to Him alone!
Michael teaches through the book named for the prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel prophesies among the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the last days of Judah’s decline and downfall. His ministry is in some ways similar to that of his older contemporary, Jeremiah. But while Jeremiah delivers a chilling message of destruction in Jerusalem, Ezekiel brings a warming message of reconstruction in Babylon. Jeremiah is a man of tears, Ezekiel is a man of visions. Join us as we look at what his visions reveal to us about God’s judgment, righteousness, and mercy.
Michael teaches an overview of the book of Lamentations. A mournful post-script to the longest book of the Bible (Jeremiah), Lamentations serves a sure and certain warning. As God’s people grieve the loss of the Tabernacle because of Jerusalem's sin, heaven remains silent. Yet the book contains more than just the backward glances of a vindicated prophet. ‘It is a mute reminder that sin, in spite of all its allurement and excitement, carries with it heavy weights of sorrow, grief, misery, barrenness, and pain. It is the other side of the eat, drink, and be merry’ coin’ (Charles R. Swindoll, The Lamentations of Jeremiah, “Introduction”). Lamentations both mourns the fall of the city and offers reproof, instruction, and hope to its survivors.”
So, what does this tell us about who God is? How should we read and respond to this difficult text? The encouragement found in the sorrowful prose of this book may surprise you–and even offer hope: God’s lovingkindness never ceases.
Michael returns to the Big Book Cover to Cover series, teaching on the book of Jeremiah, the second-longest in the Bible. We know more about Jeremiah's life than we know of any other prophet. For 40+ years, Jeremiah ministers to Judah and to Gentile nations, announcing God’s judgement due to their apostasy, idolatry, false worship, and overall decay as God’s people. Unfortunately, the recipients of his message chose to “beat the messenger” rather than heed the message.
Guest speaker, Wayne Wolf, preaches on the faith of Zechariah and Elizabeth on this second Sunday of Advent.
Michael introduces the Major Prophets and teaches an overview on the book of Isaiah. We transition into the Prophetic books, with Isaiah the 1st of 5 major prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel followed by the 12 minor prophets. Isaiah is perhaps one of the most loved and, in a way, important prophets of the Old Testament.
Prior to the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, there was great controversy around the book of Isaiah because it’s such a beautiful Biblical Hebrew piece. Some argued it must have had multiple authors or been written across multiple timestamps, but the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls demonstrated a unity in Isaiah as well as a dating much earlier than liberal scholarship had proposed.
It’s the oldest manuscript we have. The Dead Sea Scrolls copy of Isaiah is a thousand years older than the oldest manuscript we had, but proved to be word for word accurate with our standard Hebrew Bible upon their discovery in 1947 with very slight variation (around 5%, mostly attributed to misspellings and slips of the pen). This discovery also ultimately offered strong evidence that the entire canonized Old Testament that we have today was completed by 450 B.C. The Greek Translation of the Old Testament – the Septuagint – is dated to about 250 years B.C.
Michael teaches an overview of Song of Solomon. The Song of Songs or Song of Solomon is a complex, mysterious, and somewhat uncomfortable book. As the Bible is meant to serve as a guide in all aspects of life, it is a gift to look at this text and derive from it God’s intentions and design for sexual intimacy.
The book of Ecclesiastes, which Michael teaches on today, seemingly fails to fit in with the rest of Scripture. It has no obvious outline, no narrative. Where Proverbs offers practical guidance for living, Ecclesiastes offers musings and observations about this life. This unusual book meets the discouraged and disillusioned in their struggle, and offers a a gentle encouragement toward that which gives meaning. What is the purpose of all we encounter, endure, and experience in this life? Is it truly all in vain?
Some classify the Books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon as “Poetical Books” or “Wisdom Literature.” It is, perhaps more precise to classify Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes as Wisdom Literature.
At the most basic level, Proverbs is a book of wisdom. In a way, it’s a book of wit.
Much of the collection is in couplets and, as we noticed in the Psalms, parallelism is very easy to see.
Beyond parallelism, the literary style is referred to as māšāl or something like a byword, or to be compared to, or we could simplify it to a simile: Proverbs 6:23 – the commandment is a lamp, the teaching is a light.
According to Wilkinson and Boa in their book Talk Thru the Bible: Proverbs is perhaps the most practical book in the Old Testament because it teaches wisdom (lit., “skillful living”) in the multiple aspects of everyday life. In short pithy statements, maxims, and stories, Solomon and other contributors set forth about nine hundred proverbs—inspired precepts dealing with wisdom and folly, pride and humility, justice and vengeance, laziness and work, poverty and wealth, friends and neighbors, love and lust, anger and strife, masters and servants, life and death. These maxims are not theoretical but practical; they are easily memorized, timeless truths that touch on every facet of human relationships. Reading a proverb takes only a few seconds; applying a proverb can take a lifetime.
Join Michael as he teaches an overview of the book of Proverbs.
Poetry, as a form of language, was and is a powerful tool to teach without a written form for the masses. Once the lyric was written and put to music, the story, theology, history, work of God, lament of man, praise to YHWH could easily be taught and retained. Join us as Michael teaches the book of Psalms and discusses how we should understand and read these lyrics as New Testament believers.
We’re moving from the historical books to the Wisdom/Poetry Literature, beginning with the book of Job. In this important text we are forced to ask impossible questions about difficulties in life: loss, illness, suffering; and to wrestle with the possibility that, perhaps, the answers to those questions aren’t ours to have.Join us as Michael helps us understand the book of Job.
Some scholars argue that the book of Esther shouldn't be in the Bible. Neither God's name nor his laws appear in the text, no miracles occur, no prophet speaks. But here, in this text, we see God's providence. Michael teaches an overview of the book of Esther.
Michael teaches on the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a contemporary of Ezra’s. Where Ezra is moving the exiles back to Jerusalem, most of Nehemiah’s account is in Jerusalem as he attempts to repair the wall around the city to prevent enemies from entering who would physically and spiritually destroy Israel’s newly reestablished temple complex. Nehemiah’s task is a restoration project not unlike Ezra’s attempts to reform the Jews who had fallen away from YHWH.
Join us as Michael continues our series The Big Book – Cover to Cover with the book about Ezra, scribe and priest who played a pivotal role in Israel’s history. This book continues the account from 2 Chronicles 36:21-23 and covers about 23 years, with a 60 year gap between the 22nd and 23rd year. It begs the question: What have we set our hearts on?
Michael continues his survey of the Bible with 2 Chronicles. While 1 and 2 Chronicles tell a continuous story, 2 Chronicles has a different emphasis. In 1 Chronicles, the emphasis is the importance of the temple in national life – but in 2 Chronicles, the emphasis is the impotence of the temple in national life. 2 Chronicles condemns ritualism, the idea that what satisfies God is external conformity rather than internal reality. While 1 Chronicles emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as a nation, 2 Chronicles emphasizes the importance of following formal recognition with actual recognition in attitudes and actions. Tragically, we see in 2 Chronicles that Israel’s recognition of God was only formal, not actual. Listen in as Michael helps us see the lessons we can apply to our lives as we read about the failures of the Israelites.
Michael continues his survey of the Bible with 1 Chronicles. 1-2 Chronicles cover the same time period as 2 Samuel-2 Kings, but offers more and different detail because it was written for a different purpose. What we know of the past shapes how we view our present and plan our future. What we know of our theological history will affect the way we understand and live out our faith. First Chronicles helps us to fill out our understanding of the history of our theological roots.
Michael continues his survey of the Bible with the book of Second Kings. In this book we see the reign of 19 more kings in the Divided Kingdom, the transfer of leadership between Elijah and Elisha, and are introduced to a new prophet: Isaiah. As we read about the faith of the prophets and failures of many of these kings, we’re prompted to ask: where do we turn in times of trouble? Do we seek answers from our own resources, worldview, network, friends?
May we learn to first inquire of the Lord when we find ourselves in need of guidance.
Dr. Easley preaches on the book of First Kings, which begins with a portrait of the king we’re all longing for... and ends in disaster. Power un-checked and un-submitted to the Lord breeds injustice and corruption. The nation of Israel splits into the Divided Kingdom and we are left longing for the King who will rule justly, mercifully, perfectly.
Michael teaches on the book of 2 Samuel, which takes place at about the mid-way point in the timeline between Abraham and Jesus Christ. It’s here that we come to know David, the man after God’s own heart, whose reign is mired by his great failures – and redeemed by God’s great graciousness to him.
We’re in the first of six books that make up a the majority of the historical texts. In 1 Samuel, which Michael teaches on today, we witness the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy. Hannah prays for a son, and the son is Samuel. She prays “if you give me this son, I’ll give him back to you.”
Ruth is a beautiful story of love, faithfulness, loyalty, and redemption set right in the time when the judges were judging. Michael preaches on the book of Ruth.
Judges has often been referred to as profiling the darkest days in Israel’s history. Judges is a tectonic shift in the storyline, as we look at a generation who doesn’t know God. Michael preaches on Judges as he continues his overview of the Bible.
We’ve moved through the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) and into the Historical Books. Michael teaches an overview of the book of Joshua.
Moses leads his people as far as he will be allowed to go toward the Promised Land and is buried by God in the book of Deuteronomy. This book is much more than a second-telling of the law. It’s a recounting of Israel’s history and an underscoring of who God is, and what He’s promised. Join us as we look today to the fifth and final chapter of the Pentateuch as Michael continues his overview of the Bible with the book of Deuteronomy.
To the first recipients, Leviticus offered freedom from the burden of the Law through instruction for confession and worship. The Pentateuch––the first five books of the Bible––is a whole in five parts. We might even say it’s one book with five chapters, and Leviticus is one of them. Michael continues his series The Big Book - Cover to Cover, focusing on the book of Leviticus.
It may be a surprise when we realize that technically only about two chapters of Exodus (Exodus 13:17-Exodus 15:21) deal with the “Exodus proper.” So, there is much more for us in these 40 chapters. We’re continuing our overview study of the Scriptures by looking at each book week by week. Join us today as Michael teaches about Exodus.
For the third week of Advent, Wayne Wolf teaches on Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1:21-22.
The Detailed Description and Destruction of False Teachers. Christianity requires constant re-education. We’re not teaching something new; rather we are re-educating, re-affirming, reminding, and teaching others who have yet to learn. Michael teaches from 2 Peter 2:10b–22.
Austin Brown and Holly Woodard share Thanksgiving testimonies and Michael Easley teaches from 1 Chronicles 29:9-13.
Peter explains God’s judicial dealings with three well-known historical stories and reminds readers that God judges justly. He uses examples that his audience would’ve been familiar with to display both God’s righteous judgment and God’s deliverance of the righteous. Like Peter’s readers, we live in a time of darkness, an unrighteous and ungodly world, rife with immorality, corruption and people who despise authority. Interesting that this was written some 1,950-some years ago! Michael teaches from 2 Peter 2:4-10.
God’s Word is Reliable, Practical, and, indeed, from God. Michael teaches from 2 Peter 2:1-3.
God’s Word is Reliable, Practical, and, indeed, from God. Michael teaches from 2 Peter 1:19-21.
Dr. Michael Easley teaches an overview of the book of Proverbs.
Some classify the Books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon as “Poetical Books” or “Wisdom Literature.” It is, perhaps more precise to classify Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes as Wisdom Literature. At the most basic level, Proverbs is a book of wisdom. In a way, it’s a book of wit. Much of the collection is in couplets and, as we noticed in the Psalms, parallelism is very easy to see. Beyond parallelism, the literary style is referred to as māšāl or something like a byword, or to be compared to, or we could simplify it to a simile: Proverbs 6:23 – the commandment is a lamp, the teaching is a light. From Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Boa's "Talk Thru the Bible":
“Proverbs is perhaps the most practical book in the Old Testament because it teaches wisdom (lit., “skillful living”) in the multiple aspects of everyday life. In short pithy statements, maxims, and stories, Solomon and other contributors set forth about nine hundred proverbs—inspired precepts dealing with wisdom and folly, pride and humility, justice and vengeance, laziness and work, poverty and wealth, friends and neighbors, love and lust, anger and strife, masters and servants, life and death. These maxims are not theoretical but practical; they are easily memorized, timeless truths that touch on every facet of human relationships. Reading a proverb takes only a few seconds; applying a proverb can take a lifetime.” (1)
God’s Word is Reliable, Practical, and, indeed, from God. Michael teaches from 2 Peter 1:16-18.
God’s Word is Reliable, Practical, and, indeed, from God. Michael teaches from 2 Peter 1:19-21.
God’s Word is Reliable, Practical, and, indeed, from God. Michael teaches from 2 Peter 1:5-7.
God’s Word is Reliable, Practical, and, indeed, from God. Michael teaches from 2 Peter 1:3-4.
Michael Easley leads the church in a time of prayer and shares the context of "why start a church?"
Michael Easley leads the church in a time of prayer and shares the context of "why start a church?".