Introduction to the Book of Hebrews

Ryan Lowery

Hebrews 1:1-2

To understand the book of Hebrews, you have to understand the Old Testament. An overview of Biblical history starting with creation and original sin, through God's covenants with Abraham and David, and including times of idolatry and captivity for the people of Israel.

Christian Discipleship Relationships (Part 2)

Gary DeLashmutt

1 John 4:19

Part of building true discipleship relationships means rejecting the overuse of technology. Two primary priorities that Paul mentions: face to face relating and a healthy emotional concern for others' spiritual welfare.

Where Do You Stand?

Jim Leffel

1 Kings 18:1-40

Elijah has a confrontation with the prophets of Baal. Who can command the Heavens? Elijah proves once and for all that there is only one God and he is Yahweh. This epic battle reveals the idolatry present in the hearts of man. This idolatry may take a different form but is present to this day.

The Exodus: Lessons in Spiritual Growth

Dennis McCallum

Exodus 17:6

Paul looks back on the story of the Exodus to illustration how to grow spiritually. To grow spiritually, we need to have a thirst for God. We also need to be wary of anything that would take precedence over God. Paul shows how many of the experiences the Hebrews had during the time of the Exodus are still prevalent in our lives today

Learning from Israel's Mistakes

James Rochford

Luke 17:12-17

Paul encourages the Corinthians to learn from the mistakes of the Israelites, including idolatry, sexual immorality, ingratitude, and self-righteousness. These practices sapped their spiritual vitality, as they do ours today, but this passage offers us ways to restore our walks with God.

No god but God

Mike Sullivan

Isaiah 30:20-22

God responds to the idolotry of the Israelites by describing some of His character and nature. He warns them against being fearful and trusting in useless idols. Ways of identifying idols in your life include: things you feel you can't live without, pursuit of something that leaves no time for God, extreme emotions related to a certain thing/career/person or an inordinate need for control. Fortunately, God makes it easy to turn away from idols and turn towards Him.

How to Live in Babylon

Scott Risley

Daniel 1:1-21

The book of Daniel is filled with predictive prophecy and contains more fulfilled prophecies than any other book of the Bible. Despite what skeptics have said, there are many reasons to trust the authenticity of the book of Daniel. In chapter 1 we'll meet Daniel and learn how he ended up in Babylon as a teenage boy. We'll see his first big test of faith and learn how he resisted the powerful current of the culture surrounding him.

Taking Your Stand with God

Conrad Hilario

Isaiah 43:2-5

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon constructs an enormous golden statue and commands his entire empire to worship it under the penalty of death. Daniel's companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, faithfully refuse to worship the statue and are thrown into a fiery furnace. Miraculously, God rescues them and the astonished King Nebuchadnezzar commands his empire to worship God alone. In the face of persecution, Christians today must count the cost of following God and consider whether or not we value Him above all else, even our very lives.

Still Standing

James Rochford

Daniel 3:1-30

The worldview of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is put to the test by the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. In the face of death, they took a stand on God's Word and power, without placing any conditions on God. God blessed their example by saving them when they were about to die for their faith.