Joshua’s Challenge to the People

Text: Joshua 24:14 We remember Joshua’s famous statement: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” But what did serving the Lord include? What was he challenging the people to do? This lesson examines Joshua’s challenge to the people to see how it applies to us. Fear the Lord Reverence for God […]

“The Spirit is Willing, But the Flesh is Weak”

Text: Matthew 26:36-41 Shortly before His arrest, Jesus prayed to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter, James, and John went with Him and were told to keep watch and pray; but they fell asleep. It is at this point that Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This statement […]

Unacceptable Gifts for God

Text: Amos 5:21-24 The Lord’s words in this passage are almost unthinkable to many today. They cannot imagine God not accepting whatever it is they choose to give Him. Yet this passage and others we will notice are clear – some gifts are unacceptable to God. Gifts Offered Without Cost Are Unacceptable Example of David […]

“We Are Unworthy Slaves”

Text: Luke 17:7-10 Most of the denominational world is under the heavy influence of Calvinism (unconditional election, irresistible grace, etc.). So they object to our teaching that obedience is necessary. They argue that we believe we can “earn” our salvation. But this is not the case. The passage under consideration in our lesson is important […]

“Consider Your Ways!”

Text: Haggai 1:5 Haggai prophesied about the need to rebuild the temple. As the people were instructed to do this, they were also told to consider their ways. It is important for us to consider the lessons revealed by the prophet Haggai. Do Not Make Excuses The people were saying, “The time has not come…for […]

What People Want and Don’t Want in Religion

Text: Colossians 2:20-23 Paul describes certain practices that fall under the category of “self-made religion,” or “will worship” (KJV). This is worship according to the will of man. People often want to be religious because it satisfies their conscience. But they want to be religious on their terms, not God’s. So in this lesson, we […]

As Obedient Children

Text: 1 Peter 1:14-16 Christians are the children of God. Just as an earthly father would, our heavenly Father expects certain behavior out of His children. What is God’s will that He expects of us? Our text mentions a few things. God Expects Us to be Obedient “As obedient children” (v. 14) – many try […]