Text: Luke 11:1 Disciples to Jesus: “Teach us to pray.” Here we’ll notice three prayers that each emphasize a different element of our prayers. This is not a comprehensive list of how to pray or what to pray for, but highlights some examples for our learning. The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:7-13) — Pray for Needs […]
June 20, 2011
The “Miracle” of Birth
Text: Genesis 4:1 Two Ways in which God Can Operate Directly — through miracles Indirectly — through providence Childbirth fits into the realm of providence, rather than the miraculous Childbirth is Common This is not to say that conception & childbirth are automatic & without risk of complications But childbirth is common for all peoples, […]
June 13, 2011
The Conquest of Jericho
Text: Joshua 6 Follow God’s Instructions (v. 3-5) Begins with faith (v. 2) – God had already given the people the city God’s instructions are simple – easy to understand (Ephesians 3:4) and carry out (1 John 5:3) God’s instructions are unconventional – different than man’s solutions, but God’s way is always best (Isaiah 55:8-9) […]
May 22, 2011
Sins of the Rich Man
Text: Luke 16:19-31 Focused Only on This Life (v. 19) Nothing wrong with riches (1 Timothy 6:17) or enjoying life (Ecclesiastes 11:9) But wealth & enjoyment are not our ultimate goal (1 Timothy 6:9; Ecclesiastes 7:2-3) If we’re not careful, these can turn us away from God (Luke 8:14) This world is only temporary (1 […]
May 8, 2011
The Justice of God
Text: Ezekiel 18 This lesson was written in light of the news of Osama bin Laden’s death. God Wants All to be Saved (v. 23, 32) Jesus came to save the world (John 3:16) — God wants all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9) But just because God wants all to be saved does not […]
March 20, 2011
The Faith of Daniel’s Friends
Text: Daniel 3 Setting: Nebuchadnezzar made a golden image (v. 1), commanded all to worship it (v. 4-6). The people obeyed (v. 7), except for some Jews — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (v. 12). Nebuchadnezzar became angry and called the men before him to answer (v. 13-15). They Knew What Was Right These men did […]
