Full-length sermons on a variety of Bible topics complete with Scripture references, PowerPoint, student worksheets and transcripts.
The final lesson in the series reviews one last failing that wisdom guards us from and explores the affinity shared by all those who seek the knowledge of Christ with the wisdom of Solomon.
In this lesson Mike focuses on the many proverbs that instruct us concerning those things that have the power to make our lives joyful or bitter, all depending how we approach relationships and wealth.
Mike provides practical lessons from Proverbs to guide each of us in the every day challenge of living our best lives for Christ.
In this lesson, Mike reviews the elements peculiar to Hebrew poetry (the format for this book) and explains the two main themes found in chapters 10-18 of Solomon's collection of proverbs.
This first look at the text reveals how Solomon personifies "wisdom" as a women calling out for attention and rewards given to those who carefully respond.
This first lesson on the book of Proverbs will examine various types of ancient wisdom literature as well as the contribution of Proverbs to the writers of the New Testament and finish with info as to the author, date and presentation of these records through the centuries.
On April 20, AD 30, Jesus rose from the dead. This event, recorded and witnessed, is the core of our faith. In this sermon, Mike reminds us that because Jesus rose, we will too. He calls us to worship, give, and live with purpose—and to share the message of resurrection with others.
This one lesson overview provides a summary of the kings who ruled the Southern Kingdom of Judah with emphasis on their role in God's plan to ultimately fulfill His promises to bring the Messiah to the world.
This lesson groups together the events in King David's life that appear in several books of that period (Samuel, Kings, Chronicles) as well as accounts that are exclusively found in Chronicles.
In this introductory lesson Mike reviews the various features and history of Chronicles as well as a special focus on the purpose, meaning and manner of producing the many "genealogies" found in this book.
In this final lesson, Mike will summarize the lives and rule of the remaining kings of Judah before its defeat and captivity, as well as provide a description of Jewish life while in exile.
This lesson briefly reviews the reigns of both northern and southern kings noting each ruler's faithfulness and significant activity taking place under their rule.
This lesson traces the history of the Divided Kingdom with the initial break during Rehoboam's reign (Solomon to the rule of the worst king's son) of the Northern Kingdom, Ahab and his evil wife Jezebel.
In this first lesson on the book of I Kings, Mike traces both the rise and decline of Israel's most dynamic and famous king, Solomon.
This final lesson in II Samuel traces the negative family and national events that were a direct result of David's sin with Bathsheba.
In this lesson Mike will trace David's rise to the highpoint of his reign over Israel and his relationship with God as a man after His own heart.
This lesson summarizes the familiar history of the relationship between Israel's first two kings, Saul and David. There is also information concerning God's choice of Saul and lessons for the church today based on these leaders of long ago.
In this opening lesson Mike sets the historical setting for the books of Samuel and traces the rise of Samuel as a judge of Israel and a key figure in the nation's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy.
This final lesson traces both the religious and moral low points in Israel's history.
Mike reviews the life and times of one of the most iconic and erratic characters of the Old Testament.
Mike reviews the arch of success and failure experienced by some of Israel's best and least known Judges.
Mike reviews the spectacular rise of Gideon as a leader and judge of Israel as well as his fall into idolatry.
The disastrous floods that ravage various parts of the world each year remind us of the catastrophic deluge that God once used to destroy the earth in the days of Noah.
This section reviews the events leading up to the Canaanite invasion of Israel and its defense by Deborah, the only female judge in Jewish history, along with God's call of Barak.
Perhaps the reason why Christmas time is "special" is because, for some reason or other, everything seems more intense at Christmas.
This first lesson in Judges covers the authorship and dating of this book as well as a comparison with the book of Joshua and a survey of the events and reasons why Israel falls away from its faithful obedience to God as in the days of Joshua.
I remember Christmas disappointments; left-winger equipment instead of goalie equipment; toboggan instead of pool table... Anybody remember theirs? The problem many times as children is that we are not clear on what was promised.
The final section of Joshua's book contains this great leader's final words of wisdom to the Jewish nation and a renewal of the people's covenant with God marking a national and spiritual high point in Israel's history.
In Psalm 6, David the king of Israel, goes through a range of emotions as he suffers from an undisclosed illness.
Mike describes the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel along with the provisions for certain individuals and groups.
When our children were young, during the weeks preceding Christmas, I watched them as they counted down the days, hours, and minutes until that special moment when the "gifts" were opened.
After the conquest of Jericho and Ai, Joshua leads the Israelites on a military campaign to possess large portions of Canaanite territory.
As Christians, we eventually learn that there are always choices to make if you want to follow God's way. A thousand little decisions.
In this lesson Mike reviews the reasons for both the Israelite's victories and defeat in their campaigns to capture both these cities in an effort to settle the Promised Land.
Many years ago I took a trip in one of our church vans. When the weather suddenly changed and it began to rain so hard that the windshield wipers couldn't keep up.
This lesson deals with Joshua's first act of leadership as the new head of the people, crossing the Jordan river and entering the Promised Land for the first time.
What does Paul mean when he says that we have been freed from sin; that we become slaves to righteousness?
In this lesson Mike introduces four new ideas about the grace of God not mentioned in the 76 sermons, classes and articles he has produced over the years concerning this topic.
In this first lesson Mike covers introductory material such as, authorship, dating, historical context, along with a comparison of authors and other points of interest to prepare students for the study of these two books in proper context.
Sometimes when we listen to the news and they talk about the number of people there are in the world and the magnitude of the problems, we feel rather insignificant.
In 1990 there was an unusual movie called "Awakenings" with Robert De Niro and Robin Williams. It was about a man who, for some reason, was in a coma for years and then suddenly came out of it for a while with the help of his doctor.
This devotional looks at the profound difference between "keeping" and "seeking" God's kingdom, finding freedom and hope in the promise that those who earnestly seek will ultimately find it.