Life Group Northwest Indiana - A Young Adults Small Group in Northwest Indiana

He had been a thorn in their side too long. There had been other opportunities to kill him in the past but those attempts had failed. Finally they had killed the messiah. Of course, I'm talking about the Philistines killing Saul. Naturally, some may be confused at the point. In today's lesson, we'll learn that the word "anointed" in the OT means "messiah." In the NT, Christ means anointed, messiah, or king. Saul was certainly not a type of Christ, but as scholar Michael Halsted teaches, Saul was a messiah, an anointed one. While the Philistines celebrated the death of Israel's messiah, they opened the door for David to become king, and for the prophesied line of Judah to take the throne. God even uses the wicked to accomplish His will, whether they know it or not. Today, we are to publish or proclaim the gospel or the good news of our Messiah, our LORD Jesus Christ!

A few studies back, our lesson was on "How Do We Respond To Evil?" In that study, Nabal had treated David foolishly, causing David to seek revenge. Had it not been for God's grace and the wisdom of a woman, David would have placed a permenant blot on his record. In today's study, we'll cover chapters 29 and 30 of 1 Samuel. In chapter 29, David finds himself in a dilemma of his own making. He had fooled Achish too well. Achish needed David at his side; but the lords of the Philistines would not have the giant killer at their side in battle. So David was sent home, away from the war and away from the possibility of fighting Israel and taking part in the death of Saul. As they arrived back at Ziklag, they found their town burnt to the ground and their families taken. David's men were out for blood; David's blood. What does David do? In today's study we'll see David turn back to God and see how David responds to God's grace. Will he keep God's grace for himself?

It is safe to say that God does not inform the believer of every action he should take. From the moment he wakes up, he is making decisions. We can say we don't ask God what exact outfit to wear, or what coffee creamer to use, or what type toothpaste is best. God does expect His disciples to use godly wisdom, Scripture, prayer, and discernment to make decisions throughout his day, while yielding to any moment he or she feels God is speaking clearly. But oftentimes we fail to include these guardrails in our decision making. We may often reason to ourselves and use conventional wisdom instead of wisdom from above. In today's study, we'll find David use his own reason to come to a conclusion that was not right in God's eyes. In our study, we'll discuss some ways we might also make the same mistake using our own reasoning.

In last week's study, we saw David at a high point. He refused to take the shortcut of killing Saul, discerning the situation as a test. Chapter 26 shows David in a similar situation and with a similar result. David will not raise his hand against God's anointed, even when it is what some might think is best for him, or what other's think God was doing in his life. But sandwiched between these high points is a story that, had it not been for the grace of God and a wise woman, David might have committed an act that could disqualify him from becoming king. While David would never raise a finger against the king, God's anointed, he has no problem wiping out an entire household over a slight. David is a respector of persons. So today's study discusses how we fall into the same trap. The real question to ask ourselves is "Why? Why might we be a respector of persons?" Join us as we discuss this and more!

In today's study, we'll see David presented with a test. This test is unique in that it offers David something that seems good. David has been chased for years by Saul and his men. Saul receives intel that places David in the area of the caves of Engedi. David and men are forced into hiding in the caves and as God would have it, Saul walks in, alone, into the same cave David and his men are hiding. David's men see this moment as God's working in David's life. They see it as good. All their running can be over. In this podcast, we'll discuss how David saw this as a test and how he discerned why it wasn't good but actually evil.

If there is anything we know about our God, it is that He is working. He's working now and into the future. He is not bound by time and space. He is always working. That is what makes His working in our own little world all the more amazing. In today's study, we'll discover how God works today. While clearly not exhaustive, we'll discuss these three areas: Provision, Partnership, and Protection. We're glad you're here!

How do we know the love of God? The most popular verse in the Scriptures tells us that we can know God's love for the world by His sending of His "only begotten Son." This mystery is understood by us today as the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, isn't it still a mystery to us as to why God loves the world that much? Along with this mystery is another: Why does God partner with mankind to accomplish His will? Why is He so kind? God's love for and work with humanity is truly amazing and a mystery. Yet He chooses to nonetheless. Yet, somewhere along the way, we "think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think." We begin think that God "needs" us individually in order to accomplish His will. But we must not miss that God can use anyone, even His enemies to accomplish His will. If this is the case, should we revisit our perceptions of our own importance? God found us so valuable He sent His Son to die for us. But that is the only reason we have value. Because He made us and sees value in us. Join us as we discuss this most important topic.

What is the one thing that is holding you back from success? Is it a person, or maybe a situation? Did someone else block you or did they receive an opportunity you should have? If you had the power to remove it/them, would you do it? In today's study, we'll discuss how Jonathan had every reason and opportunity to hate David and to eliminate him as a threat. But unlike his father, he didn't. Why was Jonathan so different than his father? Why was he free from the standards of conventional wisdom? We'll discuss this and more in this episode. Enjoy!

The rise of Saul to the throne is surpassed only by the rise of David. Saul had slain his thousands, but David his ten thousands. David's rise was meteoric. It's hard to imagine the amount of success David enjoyed. We understand it was God working in him and David working with God. But to see his status changed from shepherd to anointed to giant-killer to the son-in-law to the king to...to a man running for his life. As hard as it is for us to understand his meteoric rise, many people lived a life on the run like David did. However, in David's case, he was an innocent man. In today's study, we'll observe from his own hand what was going through his mind when those who would assassinate him gathered around his home. What would he do? Where would he turn? David turned to his God. No wonder God's heart desired David to be king. He was truly "better" than Saul. Join us as we observe David transition from fear to faith.

In this lesson, we'll discuss the "Leadership Lessons of Saul." But unlike most leadership books, these lessons of leadership are NOT to be copied. Saul was a man that used others to get his way and allowed anger to dominate him. We'll discuss these areas and more in today's lesson.

This portion of our series covers the epic story of David and Goliath. The story is so well known, that even people who've never read the Bible reference David's miraculous victory over Goliath. But what if what we've known about this story is wrong? What if, instead of David needing to overcome insurmountable odds in order to defeat Goliath, the story is upside down, and Goliath was the one who didn't stand a chance? This scenario was presented by best selling author Malcolm Gladwell in his book David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants. In today's lesson, we'll work through his case for why Goliath was the one who never stood a chance, and why Gladwell is both wrong and right.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe that God cannot speak one truth to one person, and another truth to another person. God cannot contradict Himself. So when a passage "seems" to contradict another, our understanding must be lacking. We must not understand the text properly. This concept has come up before in this series. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul disobeyed God's command and God repented making Saul king. Later in the passage, Samuel told Saul that God cannot lie or repent, because God is God and not a man. So does God repent or not? Here in chapter 16, another contradiction seems to come up. Can a good God send evil? If God is by nature good, how can He send evil? Some may say, "God is sovereign. Who are we to question what God does?" But that does not answer the question. If God is good, how can he use or direct evil? Again, our understanding must be in the wrong, not God's goodness. Join us as we study and discuss why God would send an evil Spirit to Saul.

We interrupt our current series in reflection and celebration of the Resurrection of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are eager to discuss this defining moment in history. In this study, we'll hear two commands from Paul for the church to comfort one another with truth. The first comfort is the comfort of the resurrection of all saints, including those who sleep. To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord. When a brother or sister in Christ have been persecuted or suffered and dies, we know that they are presently with Jesus. Secondly, we comfort one another with truth in the preparation of Jesus' imminent return. Jesus' followers will not be surprised when He comes. Rather, they are armed and ready. Join as we dig into this and more.

We all do it. We all assess others based upon height, athleticism, looks, knowledge, etc. There may be a place for noticing these things, but in today's passage, we see God doesn't assess that way. For one thing, God was the one who gave them height, athleticism, looks, or knowledge. So he's not impressed by them as we are. No, God is actually impressed by what is inside the person. He looks on the heart. The writer makes it clear to us that this assessment is impossible for us to make. Nobody has the ability to assess another person's heart. So how can we see as God sees? God makes it clear to Samuel that he should not look at Jesse's oldest son, or any of them for that matter, as man sees, but as God sees. In today's study, we'll focus on the heart we can assess: Our own. We can lie to ourselves but deep down, we all know our own hearts. The challenge is simple and direct: Would God choose us because of our heart?

Have you ever met someone who wanted something so badly, it affected all their decision making? Have you ever heard anyone say that it seems no matter what they do, something bad happens? It may just be bad luck, but it possibly might be that that individual is dominated by their emotions, their desire for approval from others, or some other thing. At every turn, King Saul seemed to do the wrong thing. But each time, his decision was based upon his own passion, wisdom, or desire for glory. In this study, we'll discuss the topic of "Why We Reject God." This passage is one of the saddest passages in Scripture. Saul seemed to have every gift, and every opportunity to excel, but the event that was used to describe his life is one of rejection. This passage should challenge us to question our motives and humble ourselves before our patient God.

When was the last time you were faced with a test? Thinking back, how badly did you want to get through it? Did you ask God for help? We can measure how badly we desire something by what kind of deal we offer God. In today's passage, we remember three people who made a deal with God. We'd call their deal an oath. Basically, it's a negotiation with God saying, "If you do this, I'll do that." The focus of this study is "Does God want what we are offering Him?" Did God want Jephthah to offer his child? Did God want Saul to kill Jonathan? We can all agree God would not. Conversely, we can agree God was clearly in favor of Hannah's vow. Join us today as we delve into this intriguing and helpful subject.

In our last study, we discussed "Why Spiritual Leaders Fall." In this study, we'll learn "Why Spiritual Leaders Rise." The tragic fall of Saul was due simply to his lack of obedience. But it is important to ask ourselves, "Why? Why did Saul disobey?" Bible scholar John Woodhouse wrote that ultimately, Saul disobeyed because he did not trust God would save the day. The world was closing in and Samuel and God were nowhere to be found. So he acted. In this study, we'll see how another royal responded to difficult situations. Jonathan teaches us both how to trust God will deliver, while also understanding He isn't required to save us. Join us as we learn these lessons and more.

Success and Failure in Leadership. Thousands and thousands of books have been written over the centuries about leaders and their successes and failures. It's safe to say thousands more will be written in the future. Wise people will study the past and make decisions with their stories in mind. Today's study is a short narrative passage about a king in Israel. Her first king. The king was promised eternal success if he followed one main rule: Don't turn away from God. Unfortunately, it did not take him long to ruin his potential dynasty. As we look back and study how this Spiritual leader fell, we'll see it was for one reason: He did not obey God's command. That's it. Join us we learn the simple, yet difficult truth of why Spiritual leaders fall.

If you're anything like me, you'd agree it can be frustrating to read of the Israelites disobedience over and over and over again. Of course, I quickly remember that I have turned away from Him at times in my life. His grace is certainly most amazing. But have you ever asked yourself, "If God is so powerful and so full of grace, why do I turn away from Him?" The might be we have forgotten His great power and His great grace. Join us as we study this and more!

One might wonder how someone could come up with the title "How to Become a Skull-Crusher from 1 Samuel 11. We're glad you asked. This passage shows Saul in his greatest moment. After God's Spirit came upon him, Saul rallied Israel to fight against an enemy who is bullying their brothers and sisters in Jabesh-Gilead. Israel launched an attack in the early hours of the morning and took Nahash and the Ammonites by complete surprise. A truly wonderful victory for Israel. However, digging deeper, we find that Nahash's name means "Serpent." Join us as we follow the trail through the Scriptures as we lead to our Saviour Jesus Christ, the ultimate skull-crusher.

Have you ever observed someone who was caught in a lie, and would not admit the charade? Kids will often do it. They hold so tightly to the lie, even though we as adults see right through it. They still think they can talk their way out of being found out. The same thing goes for hiding. Often times, though we may not be able to put a finger on it, we can see that something is not right about that person. They are too jittery or constantly look around or over their shoulder to see if they are being watched. This, of course, is the opposite for someone who has nothing to hide. In today's study, we'll discuss possibilities for why Saul was hiding from his duty. Over the years, some have interpreted Saul's hiding as shyness or even humility. However, contextually, we read in the previous chapter that God had already revealed His plan for Saul to be king. Saul was hiding from God as much as he was from the people. In some ways, it's just like Jonah. They both did not like the sound of God's plans. Today, we'll discuss these possibilities and compare them to why we may also hide from God and others.

Are you a good person? If we are deeply religious, we may pretend and say we have a problem with this or that. But most people think they are good people. Typically, bad guys are easy to identify. They break laws, hurt or abuse others, take advantage of the weak etc. But most of us would say we're pretty good. Saul was a good guy. He's the kind of guy a Father would approve of if his daughter brought him home. He's handsome, kind, respectful, tall, popular; he seems to be a natural leader. But there is a clearly a difference between someone who is good, and someone who is righteous. In fact, we can say that you can be good without being righteous, but cannot be righteous and not be good. Saul's example should challenge us to not ask ourselves if we are good but rather "Am I righteous?" So what about you? Are you a good person?

There is something in all humans that desires peace and prosperity. This is not sinful desire. There is nothing wrong with peace and prosperity. However, when they come, there is no telling what we will do in order to keep it. In this story, we'll observe the behavior of Samuel's sons as well as the elders of Israel. One question to keep in mind is, "Why do we need more, when already have everything?" Samuel's sons were judges during a great time of peace and prosperity. So why turn away? The elders acted no differently in demanding a king. In order to preserve peace and prosperity, they revealed what mattered most to them. They must protect them, even if they must turn from the God who provided peace and prosperity in the first place.

Every great leader has a story. In most cases, they had to wait for their moment to lead. Oftentimes, they thought opportunity had passed them by. Sometimes they thought they were ready to lead but the right moment and opportunity had not come yet. Samuel provides us with an illustration of a man who waited for the right moment to lead, but acted courageously when it came. Israel had suffered for decades by the hand of the Philistines. She was finally ready to call out to God. Join us as we study a good example of leadership.

In this passage, we see how patient God was with a heathen nation. Their offering to God was completely wrong, but they're motives were right. They were trying to glorify the God of Israel. So He played along with their test to prove Him. However, we also see God respond quickly to Israel's disobedience. As Luke 12:48 says,..."For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required..." As we study this passage together, we'll find that Israel had lost her way. She had forgotten what made her special. She had forgotten why she was unique. She was chosen by God for no other reason but by His grace. We who are saved are also unique. Jesus bought us with His death on the cross. Are we guilty today as they were then? Have we forgotten our "unique?"

Most of us have heard of the story of the Trojan Horse. The Greeks were laying siege to the city of Troy for 10 long years with little success. Then, one day, the city Troy saw the Greeks sailing away leaving behind a massive horse made of wood. Of course, this is now their trophy of war! So the people of Troy brought it in their gates and everyone celebrated. We know how it ended, 40 of the Greeks finest soldiers were inside the horse and in the dark of night they opened the gates for the Grecian army which sailed back under the cover of darkness. Similarly, the ark of God was taken by the Philistines. We can imagine the party they through. But only a few days later, the nation was in chaos and Dagon, the god of the Philistines, was destroyed. The beauty of this passage is that this was not a trap laid by any one Israelite. The main character was the God of Israel. He alone did all the work. This must remind us that we were made for Him. He is all-powerful. He does not NEED us to accomplish His will. Our God is truly AWESOME!!!

Being a child of God is a wonderful thing. He is so good to His people. There isn't a feeling in the world like when you realize that your sins are forgiven and our Saviour Jesus Christ is presently preparing a place for us in Heaven. But not only will we live in Heaven with our God then, but we can speak to our Father in Heaven now. Through Jesus, we have access to our Father in Heaven, and for some reason we can't fully understand, the Creator of the Universe wants to hear from us. What an amazing God we serve. But often times, we get used to our Father and forget He is the Ruler and Creator of everything. If we are not careful, we might even begin to think He owes us favors, or He is bound to deliver us even if we act foolishly. This was the story of Israel in 1 Samuel 4. God was a genie and lucky charm wrapped in one. "We lost the battle, but wait, we have God's Ark, now we are sure to win." If we are not careful, we will act the same way today.

1 Samuel 3 provides us with an interesting development: The chapter begins by saying that the Word of God was precious or rare in those days. God had not spread His Word openly. This statement prepares the reader for change. Here we find the Judge of Israel, Eli and a seemingly ordinary child, Samuel. Of the two, you'd imagine Eli would be the one hearing from God, but it is Samuel who God chooses to speaks to and Eli must ask the child for God's Word. In today's lesson, we'll discuss why we may not hear from God and what we we can do about it.

Does it surprise anyone to hear news of a leader failing? Saved or unsaved, it seems we expect our leaders to mess up. But that is newsworthy stuff. That's attention grabbing to us, right? We don't want to read stories about leaders doing good work day after day. It's not entertaining. If there was anything we could catch from our new series, it is that Israel during the time of the judges had a leadership issue. In today's lesson, we'll discover that this included the office of the High Priest. In fact, there were even leadership issues in the Tabernacle. Today we'll discuss what we should know and what we should do when a leader falls. But most importantly, we must not forget that we are responsible for own actions. We cannot blame leaders for our own failures. Join us today as we follow Hannah's example.

In times of troubles or trials, it's fair to say we usually go into self-preservation mode. We do what we can, with God's help, to make it through it. That was always God's design when He sent the trial. However, when we come out of the trial, we certainly realize the amazing love of God to bring us through, but we are also more aware of His working in the world on a grand scale. In today's lesson, we'll pray with Hannah as she praises God for His goodness to her, but also of His amazing working in the world.

Most good stories have a hero and a villain. They have unexpected twists and turns. Stories are not engaging when we can write the ending ourselves. In this study, we find ourselves in 1 Samuel 1. The story takes place during the time of the Judges. I like to call this time period in Israel "The Wild West." Everyone did that which was right in his own eyes. The nation of Israel had a leadership problem. But as in our study of Ruth, there was a family that still honored and served Yahweh. The story begins introducing Elkanah, the patriarch of the family, but surprisingly, he is not the main character of this introduction. Rather, the main character is a woman, one of Elkanah's wives, Hannah. This unlikely character will face insurmountable odds to become the mother of a prophet, judge, and kingmaker all in one. We know him as Samuel. Join us we study this chapter and the super human faith of Hannah.

It could be said that you cannot study the life of David without also studying the life of Saul. Likewise, you can't study the life of Saul without studying the life of Samuel. But before we begin the book of 1 Samuel, we will allow the book of Judges to teach us about how the people of Israel behaved in this time period. In this study, we'll focus on the phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel." This phrase is mentioned four times in the final five chapters of Israel. Under the inspiration of God's Spirit, the writer clearly draws our focus to this statement. Is that true? Did Israel not have a king? We'll discuss this and more in this first episode of our new series, "The Life and Times of David."

One of the wonderful things about the Scriptures is the consistency throughout, especially concerning who God says He is. The God of the Bible is Supreme and Preeminent. There are spiritual beings that have amazing abilities and powers, but , they are created beings with delegated authority. The God of the Bible is above all things. Join us we discuss the Doctrine of the True God.

If you are a believer in Christ, no doubt you are thankful for the grace God showed in calling and drawing you to Him. While God does not need mankind, His plan from the beginning was to partner with mankind to accomplish His will in spreading the Gospel to every nation and creature. Join us today as we discuss "The Doctrine of Missions."

It is not difficult to have a conversation with a complete stranger and come quickly to the agreement that this world is not as it should be. In recent days, even unbelievers can be heard saying, "It seems like something important is about to happen." The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ started the clock, and since that time, His return is imminent. Join us as we discuss the importance of the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and what that means for the last days.

As believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and students of God's Word, we believe that we cannot work our way into heaven, but rather, we are saved by God's grace. He does all the work. We need only to submit to Him and His call to salvation. Since we are saved by grace, we are kept by that same grace. We don't earn salvation and we don't need to work to keep it. So are we to live freely then, as we want or desire? Join us as we discuss the doctrine of the "Perseverance of the Saints" or what is also called, "Eternal Security."

We as Christians believe God is Sovereign. He can do as He pleases. However, God does not rule alone. Prior to the flood, there was great violence in the land. Mankind committed evil continually against each other. After the flood, God gave His law to Noah, and all mankind. God created man in His image. Since He values life, anyone who was guilty of murder would lose their life as well. It is here God begins to partner with mankind in governing life. The purpose of Civil Government should be to protect life and to do good for the people they serve. Join us as we learn more about the doctrine of "Civil Government."

The thought of standing at the judgment seat before the great and holy God of Heaven and knowing the verdict is guilty is horrifying. But praise be to God for His AMAZING GRACE. He did not leave us in our sin. He sent His Son to drink the cup that was meant for us. Now we can stand before the great and holy God of Heaven and hear Him say that we are justified or found innocent by faith in our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ!!! Are you justified? What will be God's verdict when you stand before Him? He loves you and the entire story of the Bible is the revelation of His desire to save mankind from sin. John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Join us today as we discuss the Doctrine of the Freeness of Salvation. Simply put, God did not send his Son to die to save some. One of the most well known Scriptures in God's Word is John 3:16; For God so loved the world... God is not a respecter of persons. His will is for all to come to repentance. Just because some won't does not mean that that is His intention. The story of the Bible is God's message of salvation to all who will receive the sacrifice of His Son. Have you freely received Jesus Christ?

In our study last week, we discussed the doctrine of "the Church." Today, we'll discuss the doctrines of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. When determining whether a church is, indeed, a church biblically, there are three main indicators that will help us. First and foremost, "do they preach the Gospel?" The second indicator is, "do they baptize converts?" While it may not happen every week or every month, there should be baptisms in a local church. The third indicator of a biblical church is, "do they observe the Lord's Supper?" Each of these three indicators were commands given by our LORD Jesus Christ. Join us as we learn more about these indicators of a Biblical Church.

The Church is such a unique place. It's a place where believers happily admit that their life was full of sin, and they were all destined for an eternity in hell apart from God. Yet, Jesus the Christ, the Saviour of the world died for the sins mankind, providing a way of escape. Believers claim the promise that Jesus provided in His death, burial, and resurrection. However, believers are not made perfect after salvation. God is sanctifying His church, but we are not perfect like our Saviour. Yet God's Spirit provides Spiritual gifts for His church, to enable her to become the spotless bride that will be presented to Christ Jesus. Are you thankful for the church? Do you see it as a precious gift from our Father? Join us as we learn more about the wonderful gift from God called "the church."

Have you ever wondered how amazing it is that the God of the Creation wants us to know Him? When thinking through all of Creation, why would God care about us in this way? The Scriptures are filled with examples of God's desire for mankind to seek Him and know Him. Sin made a relationship with a holy and just God impossible; But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound!!! Join us as we discuss the doctrine of "Grace in New Creation."

In our last study on the Virgin Birth, we studied how God the Father would send His Son to the world. Today, we will discuss the ultimate purpose for His coming. Simply put, Jesus came to the earth as a baby, in order that He could live a perfect, sinless life and accomplish all that the Father asked of Him, including drinking the cup of wrath on the cross in the place of mankind, so that any who would believe upon Him would be saved. This is what we believe as Christians. Join us today as we study more in depth about our salvation through the shedding of Jesus Christ's blood and His death on the cross in our place.

After the fall, mankind was in need of a Saviour. By His grace the Father sent His Son Jesus Christ to earth live a perfect life, to suffer, to be crucified on the cross, be buried, and to rise again. This is the believer's hope. But how would the Father send His Son? Would He just appear, similar to Christ's ascension? Would He come as a man or as God? When He came, how could we be certain that He was the One? Fortunately, God did not leave us to figure these questions out on our own. Through His prophets, particularly the prophet Isaiah, God revealed to the Jews and to the world that He would send His Son to be born as a baby; to be conceived by His Spirit and a virgin. Join us today as we parallel Isaiah's prophecy with the Gospel accounts of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.

At the end of creation, God saw that everything He created was very good. There was nothing in that was not good. However, as we turn the page from creation, the next passage presents a challenge to God's perfection. Did God lie to Adam? Is He guilty of withholding good from Adam and Eve? How could a loving God punish mankind through one man? God has been accused of all three of these questions. But logically speaking, how can he be guilty of all three? He either lied and withheld, or He punished; but He can't have done all three. This is the position the world would present to believers. They challenge God's integrity, provision, and love. In today study, we'll follow through the text and observe Eve's encounter with the serpent and compare it to Jesus' encounter with Satan. Praise be to God that although sin and death does indeed come to all mankind because of Adam's sin, by one man God's grace is poured out to mankind. Praise God for His Grace in the person of His Son Jesus Christ.

Join us as we discuss the very important doctrines of faith and repentance. In this study, we'll discover God's expectation for salvation. While there may be many perspectives and interpretations of faith and repentance, to be saved, one must first understand the work of Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and secondly, how he should respond. God does not only provide the way for salvation, He also lays out how He wants it accomplished. It is the readers responsibility to question their own faith and repentance, and compare to God's requirements and submit to Him.

We are fortunate as humans in that we have the ability to observe our universe and enjoy its beauty. Land and sea; the sun, moon and stars; mountains, trees, and animals. Upon observation, one transcending truth is noted: order. In God's Word, we are provided the account of how God created everything. In Creation, we see order. God created matter and took the chaos and ordered it. We can say that this Creation is the only way to have and sustain life. Join us today as we go through the Scriptures and discuss the doctrine of Creation.

In the Gospels, Jesus taught that Christians should never be the cause of another brother or sister falling. However, He did say that, realistically speaking, offenses or stumbling blocks will happen. If we are not careful, we can fall into the trap of seeing mankind as the reason we are tested. But Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Satan is our true enemy. If he is our enemy, it would be wise to know his tactics. Today, we'll discuss this accuser of the brethren in order to prepare ourselves for the battles we will face against him and his demons.

When we read God's Word, it is evident that His Spirit is working in the world today. Though some might challenge this claim, His working is revealed to the world in the lives of transformed believers. Today, we'll discuss the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The question that seemed to rise up in our lesson today is "Do you use the Spirit or does the Spirit use you?" I trust you will humbly ponder this question today.

In this episode, we will discuss the doctrine of the Word of God. Fortunately, by God's grace to us, He provided His Word to mankind. We do not need to wonder how we should live our lives. Join us as we discuss the doctrine of the marvelous Word of God.

If someone was to ask you what you believe about a specific doctrine of the Bible, would you be able to answer? Would you know what passages to reference, or would you have to quote someone like your pastor, professor, or favorite author? Would you consider faith in God as your own, or that of another? Do you desire to know or wish you knew more about what the Bible says we should believe about this or that doctrine? In this series, we'll discuss one doctrine each week. Far from exhausting them, we will attempt to introduce what the doctrine is and provide illustrations and passages that speak to that doctrine. We trust this series will whet your appetite and provoke you to study and learn more about what the Bible says about itself.