The following studies are the reason for the existence of this site. As my class enjoys discussion of these topics, it is my hope and prayer that they will be helpful to others in the world. Please excuse typos and other such problems. I generally attempt to clean these up as I find them, however they sometimes slip out of my grasp! Feel free to Email me if any truly glaring errors jump out at you.
The Passion of Christ
A study of Christ's crucifixion in three parts. This study was developed for an Easter study in 1999 and shared with some friends of ours who subsequently moved to Florida. This is a powerful examination of what happened at the Cross of Christ and has been used on subsequent occasions.
Part 1 - The foretellingPart 2 - The crossroads in history
Part 3 - The atonement
God Reveals Himself
This study takes a look at God as willing and wanting to reveal Himself in man's history. This study was developed in the Fall of 2000.
God reveals HimselfPrayer
This study takes a look at the topic of Prayer in many different levels. It was developed starting in October of 2000. It is this study that made me pay more attention to my prayer life and to develop some wonderful habits which will (Lord willing) last me throughout my life.
The Study of PrayerProphesies of Jesus
As Christmas 2000 approached, this workbook-type study was developed to give everyone a feel for the some of the prophesies of Christ's birth and life. It is important that we never lose sight of the fact that God never works in a vacuum.
The Prophesies of JesusHow do YOU look at Jesus?
Right at Christmas 2000, this study came to me as I contemplated the statement of Christ to His mother that forms the centerpiece of this study. We all look at Jesus in some way or another. This statement is true of every living soul. However, it is only those who look at Christ as Lord and Savior who can derive any benefit from Him!
How do YOU look at JesusThe Gospel According to Romans
This study spanned a month and a half. It is not a complete study about the book of Romans. It is a study of the plan of Salvation from the perspective of the apostle Paul whose perspective of grace is unparalleled. We must never forget the goal of God, the salvation of every soul. Christ died for all of us for we are ALL sinners. More recently, I chanced upon Max Lucado's book "In the Grip of Grace" (Word, 1996). I wish I had this book when I developed this material, especially his "Parable of the River" section.
The Gospel according to RomansThe Great "I AM"
The phrase that never ceases to amaze me is "...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." (John 1:14 NKJV) The gospel of John presents Jesus as YHWH of the Old Testament and backs it up with Christ's specific "I Am" statements. This study investigates this aspect of Scripture, presenting the "I AM" of the burning bush and then moves into the pronouncements by Jesus to identify Himself as the face of God that should have been already familiar to Israel!
The Great I AMChristian Living Ethics
It is incredible how many Christians do not seem to have a clue about how their actions speak louder than their witnesses sometimes. Christians are not given license to behave in any way they please! This study explores this critical subject.
Christian Living EthicsAn Easter Story
This was a truly amazing study that focused completely on what we were going to do as a class. It was our intent to drive 2 hours up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, find a nice overlook field (since the mountain edge faces East), and do our sunrise service on Easter Sunday. Our studies met on Saturday evenings, so I felt led to create a complete worship experience for the weekend and to keep everyone focused on the greatest time in the Christian calendar! The first part created the framework for the Resurrection and left everyone hanging with the bad news of Christ's entombment. Then, at our sunrise service, we explored the joy of the Empty Tomb. The whole experience was truly awesome, with the preparation and the sights and sounds of the beautiful pristine morning around us.
An Easter Story in Two PartsThe Man of Faith
Starting in April 2001, our class turned its attention to a study of the life of Abraham. "He believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness." (Genesis 15:6 NKJV) This person is paramount as the he stands as a powerful example to each Christian of salvation by grace. Our salvation is based upon our heart's position towards the Lord and not by our actions.
The Man of FaithThe Choice of Christianity
This study discusses the implications of the decision for follow Christ. It is based upon Joshua 24:15's statement, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." The choice of Christianity has several ramifications and levels of influence, starting with the individual and extending to the ends of the Earth.
The Choice of ChristianityThe Book of Daniel
This is our first study which involves the study of Eschatology (the study of the End Times). This ever-popular subject has so much spin on it in so many places that I decided to attempt to take a straight shot at this complex subject. Everyone thinks that Revelation is the end-all and be-all of eschatalogical studies -- little do many folks realize that the Book of Daniel is imperative to understand Revelation!
The Book of DanielColossians: The Complete Sufficiency of Christ
This study was created to actually spend time following this letter of the Apostle Paul over three weeks. The book of Colossians is a great book that stresses the Lordship and Godhood of Jesus Christ. The book also deals with much practical Christianity and is as applicable today as it was almost 2000 years ago.
The Complete Sufficiency of ChristThe Word of God: A Short Introduction to the Scriptures
This is a short, simple introduction to the validity and authority of the Bible that we use. The study describes the authority of God and Christ and the revelation of the written Word.
A Short Introduction to the ScripturesHow to Recognize a Christian
This single-session study delves into the behavior expected of a Christian. It discusses the litmus test to determine the validity of a Christian witness as validated by the fruit of the Spirit. Christians must beware of false prophets and false so-called Christians and not accept teachings from either of these groups.
How to Recognize a ChristianBearing Witness: Testifying to God's Grace
We are all aware of the need for a Christian to bear vocal testimony, but do we realize that the most powerful witness that we have is our Christian lifestyle. Or is our Christian lifestyle a farse that negates our spoken testimony? This short study approaches this delicate yet crucial subject.
Testifying to God's GraceThanksgiving: The Christian's Response
As Thanksgiving 2001 approaches, this study challenges us to be thankful. The people of God are exhorted to offer up praise and thanksgiving. How often do we turn God into a bottomless cookie jar to fulfill our requests and yet ignore the humble thanksgiving that He deserves?
The Christian's ResponseThe Theology of Hymns
No matter our stand in life, whether we are Christian or not, it is true to state that there has been some hymn that we have heard at some time. Many of these hymns teach us the tenets of our faith and develop our theological understanding! This study takes several hymns and uses them to link to powerful theological truths. We do not concentrate on the stories behind the hymns as much as the truth that underlies their words!
Theology of HymnsThe Christian Essential Toolkit
This study delves into the meanings and derivations of several Christian practices. This includes baptism, tithing, Lord's Supper and Fellowship. The purpose underpinning this study is to gain a better understanding of the Church's practices.
Christian Essential ToolkitScrooge and the Gospel
As Christmas 2001 approached, we tried a new type of study. This one took the story of Scrooge and compared it to the Jesus' parable of Lazarus and the rich man.
Scrooge and the GospelWhen We Resist God
This multiweek study delves into the 10 plagues that God unleashed on Egypt. The perspective is that of Pharaoh's hardened heart which proudly resisted God and reaped the consequences. A heart that constantly resists the Lord is a fertile ground for disaster.
When We Resist GodUsing the Bible
This one-week study was created to acquaint members of our Bible study with the concepts underlying the world's best-selling book! The Bible has a long fascinating history and has caused much debate even within Christian circles. This study introduces some of the critical topics concerning the Bible including understanding translations and how to get use out of Study Bible aids.
Using the BibleGrateful for Grace
This three-week study takes one through the marvellous world of God's undeniable grace. Using quotes from Max Lucado's "In The Grip of Grace" and Philip Yancey's "What's So Amazing About Grace," this study brings this fabulous subject to the forefront of life.
Grateful for GraceApproach to Death
This study delves into the Christian's approach to death. Since Christ's resurrection, death does not hold fear for His children. It is a mere transition into His eternal Kingdom. This study deals with a difficult subject.
Approach to DeathConceived for God
This study compares and contrasts the lives of two Nazerites, Samson and John the Baptist. God had selected each of them from their births to serve Him.
Conceived for GodThe Tabernacle
This is a multi-week study that delves into the Tabernacle, especially into the significance of its materials and objects.
The TabernacleWhen We Sin
This is a serious study for Christians. We all have to deal with our dual natures. Christians are saved but also they have their old sin-natures that keep haunting them. This study explores the tension that arises between the two sides of their lives.
When We SinTotally Stoned!
This study is centered on some of the crucial stones and rocks in Scripture. While it is not exhaustive, it is indeed a great introduction to a topical Bible series.
Totally StonedStudying the Bible: John 4
This study attempts to show HOW good personal Bible study should be done. The topic is the Samaritan Woman at the Well.
John 4Studying the Bible: John 9
Another entry in the Studying the Bible series. This specific study is centered on the Man born Blind.
John 9Strife Among Believers
This is a serious study for believers. It concentrates on James 4. This study deals in a forthright fashion with very meaty material for mature Christians.
Strife Among BelieversWhen Christians Say Goodbye
Sometimes, Christians find that they have to say goodbye to a friend, a family member, or a Christian sibling. This occurred within our own group. This study was done in conjunction with a goodbye ceremony for one of our member families.
When Christians Say GoodbyeStudy of Hosea
The book of Hosea is one among the 12 books of the so-called minor prophets. This study spends several weeks walking through this often-overlooked book to derive new lessons about the depth of God's love for His people.
Study of HoseaDeath of a Daughter
A study about Jairus's daughter. It is through the death of this unnamed child in Scripture that we actually see the effect of faith and the power of God over even death.
Death of a DaughterManna From Heaven
This study spans the Old and New Testaments to look at God's provision for His people. First, He provided manna to feed the Israelites in the desert after the Exodus. Then, He provided the ultimate "bread from heaven" for the salvation of all mankind.
Manna From Heaven1 Corinthians 1: A Wake Up Call to Our Church
The book of 1 Corinthians is one of the first letters written by Paul, if not THE first epistle that he wrote. Thi study exists to open our eyes to the problems within the universal church surrounding us and specifically to how we may be contributors to those problems.
Manna From Heaven
Containers for God's Treasure
This study approaches 2 Corinthians 4 and discusses how God has entrusted a major cornerstone of the Kingdom to Christians. He has chosen to place His Spirit into us, fragile jars of clay.
Containers for God's TreasureThe Faith of Abraham
This study begins with a short passage in Hebrews and fleshes in the underlying material from the life of Abraham. In studying this subject, we pick up some of the major points of the life of faith.
The Faith of AbrahamThe Destiny of the Unbeliever
This serious study contemplates the destiny that we hope does not befall any person. If one is not saved by the blood of Christ, one's eternal future is bleak. People need to realize that they have been created as eternal beings and not allow themselves to be blinded by the problems of this transient life.
The Destiny of the UnbelieverUnequal Yokes
This study focuses on some of the ways that Christians can be unequally yoked with non-believers. Unequal yokes can cause intense problems to Christians in their daily walks. It is a great study for sharing with a group of believers.
Unequal YokesActive Faith
This study delves into James 2:14-26. It deals with the fact that faith has several actions that it produces in the life of a believer. Faith is not a static entity.
Active FaithShepherds and Sheep
This study delves into James 2:14-26. It deals with the fact that faith has several actions that it produces in the life of a believer. Faith is not a static entity.
Shepherds and SheepJesus Knows My Sorrows
It is important to realize that Jesus shared our humanity and that because of this, He is fully able to understand what we deal with daily. Hebrews 2:14,15 states, “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.†This study explores this critical aspect of our Savior.
Jesus Knows My Sorrows