Week 9 - Tola, Jair, Jephthah, and Three Minor Judges
May 1, 2024 • Paul Braden, Kody Pritt • Judges 10—12
Following Abimelech, two lesser-known judges, Tola and Jair, ruled over Israel, though their accounts lack the dramatic events typical of earlier judges. Their periods did not feature the significant battles or the divine interventions seen during the tenures of figures like Ehud, Deborah, or Gideon, and the historian does not mention any periods of rest during their time, suggesting a phase of ongoing unrest rather than catastrophic turmoil.
Week 8 - Abimelech: The Anti-Judge
April 24, 2024 • Wes Grushon, Kody Pritt • Judges 9
Despite humble origins, Abimelech coveted the kingship his father, Gideon, refused. Unlike Gideon, Abimelech was no judge but an oppressor, leading to internal strife and bloodshed in Israel because of their unfaithfulness. Judges 9 highlights the political repercussions of Baal worship and the decline after Gideon's death. It demonstrates God's pattern of using internal discord to bring down the wicked and signifies another stage in Israel's decline, socially, morally, and spiritually.
Lesson 9 - General Issues, Part 2
April 28, 2024 • Matthew Allen • 1 Thessalonians 5:16–28
Paul has begun wrapping up his brief letter to the Thessalonians and now directs his thoughts to the spiritual qualities that must characterize Christians. He has just addressed Christian responsibilities to each other (5:12-15) and will now address the Christian’s spiritual duties (5:16-18) as well as the work of the Holy Spirit (5:19-22). Then, he will pen his final farewell and benediction (5:23-28).
Lesson 8 - General Issues, Part 1
April 21, 2024 • Matthew Allen • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15
Paul will now begin to conclude his letter by addressing various general issues relevant to life within individual congregations, having previously tackled significant topics such as sexual conduct, brotherly love, and misunderstandings about the end times in 4:1–5:11. His closing remarks are similar to what is found in other New Testament writings, like Romans 13:1–7, 1 Peter 2:13–17, 1 Peter 1:6–7, and James 1:2–4. Specifically, in verses 12-22, he revisits the themes of Romans 12:9–18, integrating early church teachings tailored to the specific needs and shortcomings in the faith of the Thessalonian church. This section stresses the importance of these teachings for the thriving of the early Christian churches, suggesting that modern churches should also consider these teachings carefully.
Lesson 9 - Spiritual Confidence
May 5, 2024 • Russ Robins, Dru McLaughin, Justin Spargo • 1 Corinthians 15:58
This lesson will focus specifically on confidence, an essential attribute of strong Christians. We will discuss the importance of trust, where to place it, and how to cultivate it. More importantly, we will explore how this confidence supports us throughout life, offering resilience and stability no matter our challenges. This is about acknowledging the necessity of confidence and understanding how it can be actively developed and maintained in our daily walk with Christ.
Lesson 8 - A Different Outlook on Death
April 28, 2024 • Russ Robins, Dru McLaughin, Justin Spargo • 2 Timothy 4:6–8
Paul approached his death with confidence, assurance, and hope. He demonstrated a spirit of positivity and optimism. So, how do we get there? In this lesson, we’ll learn how.
Lesson 7 - A Different Outlook on Life
April 21, 2024 • Russ Robins, Justin Spargo, Dru McLaughin • 2 Corinthians 5:11–17
In this lesson, we will explore how our relationship with Jesus redefines who we are and how we live, offering us a new perspective and an invigorated sense of purpose. The goal is to understand further the life-changing power of our faith and the continual renewal it brings.
Why You Were Saved
April 14, 2024 • Matthew Allen • Ephesians 1:4–6
In Ephesians 1, Paul reveals the divine blueprint of salvation, a plan devised before the foundation of the world, designed to assemble a holy and blameless body of believers. In the first half of Ephesians, Paul delves into the theological underpinnings of this body, while in the latter half, he turns to its practical outworking. At the core of this discussion, particularly in Ephesians 1:4-6a, lies the essence of why God created the church and, consequently, why you and I are a part of this marvelous construction.
Lesson 6 - A Peace Not Like the World
April 14, 2024 • Russ Robins, Dru McLaughin, Justin Spargo • John 14:27, Philippians 4:7–13
Paul knew from personal experience that God is the God of peace. Every need he had was met every time – whether in circumstances of need or abundance. Paul possessed the ultimate confidence that God was with him. In verse 12, he says that he has learned the secret of being content and that he found true peace. True peace comes when we do not allow our circumstances to impede our influence and activity in the kingdom. In other words, it comes when we entirely devote ourselves to God and completely depend on His resources. This is why Paul could write down the words that so many of us have memorized: I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Paul understood that no matter what came upon him, good or bad, persecution or abundant blessing, he would be given the strength to fulfill God’s purposes.
Before the Foundation of the World
April 7, 2024 • Matthew Allen • Ephesians 1:3–4
Ephesians is built around the church as the body of Christ. 1:22-23 says Jesus is the head of the body, manifesting His will through the body's function. The church is not an organization—it is people. In Ephesians 1, Paul goes back into eternity past to show that God master-planned the church before the world began.
Week 7 - Gideon's Victory and Defeat
April 17, 2024 • Matthew Allen, Wes Grushon • Judges 7—8
The story of Gideon's deliverance illustrates the principles of faith, emphasizing God's desire for His people to rely entirely on Him. Here, God reduced Gideon's army to ensure their victory was attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. It also notes God's accommodations for Gideon's hesitations, demonstrating patience and understanding towards his uncertainties. Furthermore, the preparations for battle illustrate the importance of faith and obedience in achieving victory, showcasing how God equips and guides His people through challenges.
Week 6 - Gideon's Call and Commission
April 10, 2024 • Matthew Allen, Wes Grushon • Judges 6
The story of Gideon unfolds in Judges 6-8, who lived during a time when the Israelites were dealing with seven years of occupation by the Midianites. Heavily oppressed, the Israelites pray to the Lord for assistance, prompting God to remind them of His past deeds on their behalf, Judges 6.1-10. Gideon's story teaches valuable lessons about obedience to God, even in moments of doubt.
Lesson 7 - Like a Thief in the Night
April 14, 2024 • Matthew Allen • 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
As Chapter 5 begins, we see Paul moving from addressing misunderstandings about Christ's return to emphasizing its significance through a balance of two concepts: the unpredictability of the timing and the possibility of delay. Drawing from Jesus' teachings, Paul urges constant vigilance, advocating for a life reflective of the expectation that Christ could return at any moment and preparing for the possibility that it may not happen soon. Given the uncertain timing of Christ's return, these instructions are intended for practical guidance rather than speculative prediction. They focus on distinguishing ourselves from the world in conduct and outlook.
Lesson 6 - The Hope of Christ's Return
April 7, 2024 • Matthew Allen • 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
In Thessalonica, a young church wrestled with serious questions about life, death, and hope. Paul, recognizing their struggle, addressed these concerns in this part of his letter, which has served as a source of hope through the ages. During his time with them, Paul had effectively communicated the doctrine of Jesus’ second coming to the Thessalonians, ensuring they understood its certainty. However, because of his quick and unplanned departure, not all issues related to this event were addressed, with new challenges emerging after his departure.
Lesson 15 - Judea Under the Romans
April 2, 2024 • Matthew Allen
Lesson 5 - Freedom from Sin
April 7, 2024 • Russ Robins, Justin Spargo, Dru McLaughin • Colossians 2:11–14
Before God adopted you, you were dead in your sins and trespasses and separated from him. Your sins had piled up before him, and there was no way you could repay the debt you owed – except by eternal death. When you chose to call upon his name by responding to the gospel invitation, God made you alive with him and forgave (you) all (your) trespasses. At the moment of your baptism, the debt you owed was canceled. You are no longer obligated to pay it – because Jesus took your debt of sin away, nailing it to the cross. Oh, how precious is our adoption! Without Him, we would be hopelessly lost, under sin, and eternally doomed.
The Resurrection and the Life
March 31, 2024 • Matthew Allen • John 11:25–26
It is really the greatest news that has ever come into this world. Death is not the end. Today, we will examine the story of Lazarus's resurrection. John 11 occurs only days away from the cross. To escape persecution, Jesus and the disciples had gone across the Jordan. Now, (11:7-16) - Jesus returns to Judea as the disciples object. Why did Jesus' return to Bethany?