Unacceptable Gifts for God

Text: Amos 5:21-24 These words from God in our text might sound shocking to many people today. Why would God not accept worship that was being offered to Him? In this case, it was because of their sin. Yet there are other passages that describe other kinds of unacceptable gifts to God. In this lesson, […]

The Prodigal Son

Text: Luke 15:11-32 Jesus often used parables in His teaching – using an everyday illustration to describe a spiritual truth. In this parable, Jesus described a man with two sons – one demanded and squandered his inheritance, the other faithfully served his father. When the prodigal son returned, the father and the other son had very different […]

Choose Life

Text: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 The book of Deuteronomy is a book of reminders – of God’s law, God’s provisions, and events in the wilderness. This was necessary because it was given to the generation remaining after forty years in the wilderness. They were about to enter the promised land and needed to be reminded of these things. We also […]

God’s Provisions in the Plan of Salvation

Text: Matthew 22:1-4 Salvation is impossible without the Lord (Acts 4:12). He has made everything “ready” (Matthew 22:4). God gave a plan in His word by which we can be saved (hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized, and be faithful). Every step of the way, God has provided what is necessary for us to do what […]

Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel

Text: Ezekiel 34:1-7 This passage contains a prophecy against “the shepherds of Israel.” They failed to fulfill their role in leading the people by taking advantage of them and only looking out for themselves. The most obvious parallel to “shepherds” would be to elders shepherding the Lord’s church. However, there are applications for all of us. We […]

How to Fix Our Broken Nation

Text: Proverbs 14:34 After the recent mass shooting in San Bernardino, CA, the New York Daily News headline – “God Isn’t Fixing This” – mocked God, prayer, and Christians as a whole. Many believe that God does not fix the problems in the world because He does not exist, does not care, or is incapable of […]

The Obedience That Is Required By God

Text: Philippians 2:12-13 The Scriptures are clear – the Lord expects His people to obey Him (Luke 6:46; John 14:15; Hebrews 5:9). Our text is another passage that emphasizes the need for obedience. This lesson will take a closer look at this passage and see how Paul describes the obedience that is required by God. […]