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Too often, we use the word “amazing” to describe someone or something that is impressive to us, but have you ever considered some of the truly amazing characters in the Bible that we have been able to study and learn from?
At one time or another, all of us have felt as if we were the only person in the world, totally alone in our struggles. In reality that has never been true of us, but Noah was one person who could actually claim such a grievance. Besides his wife and his three sons (and their wives), Noah had to stand alone against the world with only his faith in God to secure him. Covers Hebrews 11:7.
Probably few people today - especially men - have an appreciation for the kind of person Jesus was. The Western caricature of Him as "gentle Jesus, meek and mild," couldn't be further from the truth. He was a man of strength, passion, commitment, and courage - all for the sake of God. Covers John 2:13-22.
It seems like the amazing lives of so many of the great heroes of the faith were evident at their birth, as was the case with Moses and John the Baptist. But Enoch gives hope for all of us who didn’t start out so perfectly. In fact, Enoch did not begin his walk with God until he was sixty-five, but when he did, it was a fellowship and a friendship like no other. Covers Hebrews 11:5-6.
It is easy to say that we will do whatever God calls us to do, but that is much, much harder to put into real practice. Just imagine being Abraham and having God command you to sacrifice your one and only son to Him. There could not be any greater test of faith and obedience, and yet Abraham passed with flying colors. It is no wonder then that Abraham is referred to as God’s friend. Covers Hebrews 11:8-10,17-19.
Whenever we get discouraged by the lack of progress in our lives, it is good for us to remember Moses, who tended sheep in the desert for 40 years until God used him to dramatically set His people free. Covers Hebrews 11:23-29.
Some expressions reveal a shallow understanding of sin and forgiveness: “Forget about it-it was nothing,” or, “I’ll forgive, but I’ll never forget!” Only those who see sin the way God sees it and are willing to sacrifice to cover it can forgive and be forgiven. Joseph was one who did. Covers Genesis 50:14-21.
This passage of Scripture is about transitions. Transitions are often painful – such as when a child leaves home or a nation has a new leader. God chose Joshua specifically for this important transition for the people of Israel – it was his great commission. Covers Joshua 1:1-9.
It seems that we only tend to celebrate those who succeed early in life- child prodigies or young millionaire entrepreneurs – but Caleb is a man worthy of celebration who not only started strong, he finished strong. Covers Joshua 14:6-15.
One with God is a majority. Do you believe that? Do you find yourself facing a mountain too high to climb? A river too wide to cross? Pain too much to bear? An enemy too strong to beat? When we face the seeming impossible, we’re in perfect position to simply trust and obey God and watch His glorious power unfurl. Covers Judges 4 and 5.
Has God ever asked you to do something for Him that you felt inadequate to do? That’s what happened to Gideon. And from his story, God shows how to fight the good fight of faith instead of caving in to our fears and our need to be zealous for God’s getting the glory He deserves. Covers Judges 7:7-25.
Stolen water is sweet, but afterwards our mouths are filled with gravel. Sin tastes good going down, but always leaves a bitter aftertaste. But if the depth of our repentance is greater than the depth of our sin, then there remains the joyful hope of God’s restoring mercy to both forgive our sin and once again enlist our service. Covers Judges 16:21-31.
If you can imagine yourself as an unattached widow in the ancient Middle East – with no provider, no protector, no place to call your own – you can begin to see the predicament Naomi and her two daughters-in-law find themselves facing. Here we examine who made what choices, and why, to see what a huge difference in life one little decision can make. Covers Ruth 1:14-18.
The challenge in the Christian life is not how to avoid problems – trouble will find us in spite of our efforts to avoid it. The challenge is learning to move through the problems by staying focused on God. David started with problems but prayed his way through to praise. This chapter will explore the lessons of Davids prayer from the cave. Covers 1 Samuel 22:1-2 & Psalm 142.
Our busy culture tends to reward and celebrate those who are capable of mulit-tasking numerous projects successfully. But the world will never again see someone so diverse in their accomplishments as Solomon. Covers selected Scriptures.
There is a reason why Elijah's presence dominates not only the Old Testament but also the New Testament as well - he was a unique and powerful voice for God Almighty. Covers 1 Kings 17.
In this lesson we will look at the character traits and spiritual qualities of the Bible’s idea of a woman of God – Esther. In her we will see a prototype we would do well to follow as we seek to raise our daughters into committed women of God. Covers Esther 4:1-17.
Even in the advanced technological age in which we live, no one will claim that life is easy. Trials will befall everyone, and no one is immune to suffering. But Job may have had the worst possible day and worst possible suffering to ever fall on one mortal man. In mere minutes, he literally lost everything he had: wealth, possessions, and family. And yet in these dire circumstances, he was still able to bless the name of the Lord. Covers Job 1:1-22.
Daniel, divinely inspired, accurately prophesied the rise and fall of empires and their rulers. From Daniel we learn how to live today and to look into the future with confidence. Covers Daniel 1:8-21.
It is a shame, but part of the human condition is that circumstances can dictate the level of our own nobility. One minute we’re up and the next we’re down – and quick to complain about the change for the worse. Such was Jonah, but thankfully, such is not God. Covers Jonah 4:1-11.
How often have you felt that you were facing a difficult challenge in your life? Now, place that decision next to the one that was placed before Joseph when he discovered his espoused wife was with child. Take into consideration the culture, the gossip, and the promise from God. A man of extraordinary faith is required for this decision. We will learn more about him in this lesson. Covers selected Scriptures
Sometimes it is hard to identify with the real people who inhabit the stories of the Bible. But Peter is one of those rare exceptions, because we can relate to both his magnificent failures as well as God's continued grace in his life. Covers selected Scriptures.
John the Baptist is an obscure figure against the backdrop of Scripture. Yet Jesus said no greater man had ever lived. Why did such a great man not play a larger role in the New Testament? It’s not that his role wasn’t large, it’s that it was very focused and for a limited time. Covers selected Scriptures.
People who receive a gift respond in different ways. Some act as if they deserved it, while others live in awe from then on that they were graced with such a treasure. The Christian’s estimate of the value of the gift of salvation is measured by the level of gratitude in the response. Covers selected Scriptures.
When they’re talking to pollsters, people rate public speaking as a fear greater than death. There’s one way to rank everything higher than death, and that is to know you will never die. Jesus performed a miracle that proved it’s possible never to worry about death again. Covers John 11:1-46.
The uniqueness of Jesus Christ is that He was both God and man. His humanity allows Him to identify with the needs of the human race, and His deity allows Him to meet those needs. In every salvation encounter, His deity and humanity form the bridge to eternal life. Covers John 4:1-30.
Doubt can work for us or work against us. Negatively speaking, doubt can make us cynical and keep us from discovering truth. On the positive side, doubt can motivate us to dig deep and uncover that which will confirm truths long believed but lately questioned. Covers John 20:24-29.
Encouragement is like many things in life: It’s hard to define, but we know it when we experience it. Because encouragement is the manifestation of grace, it has its roots in the character of God. Find a person filled with the presence of God, and you’ll find an encourager. Covers selected Scriptures.
Every Christian wonders at some point what he would do if threatened with death for the sake of Christ. An ordinary man with a sterling character, and full of the Holy Spirit, shows us how to manifest grace and courage in the midst of life’s ultimate test. Covers Acts 6:1-8.
Anyone would be nervous before a tax audit or a root canal. But if you want to see people tense up in terror, mention personal evangelism. Moving from non-evangelist to evangelist as a lifestyle is simply a matter of being filled with the Holy Spirit and following His lead. Covers Acts 8:4-8,26-40.
The ultimate test of leadership is whether or not anyone is following. Applying that test alone to the apostle Paul means he was a great leader- and his followers have remained. By looking at one snapshot from Paul’s life, we can discern nine traits of all great leaders. Covers Acts 20:1-38.
