Warriors of Christ–The Gospel (back to top)

WOC #01 2 Corinthians 13:5–“Examine Yourselves”
How can I become a Christian?
How do I conquer my doubts?
How can I be sure I’m really a Christian and not just presuming on God?
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —  unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

WOC #02 Gospel (Evangelism Explosion) Part 1 of 4
Introduction to EE: 
How the Lord got me into Evangelism Explosion. 
Overview of the way EE works.
The two diagnostic questions.

WOC #03 Gospel (Evangelism Explosion) Part 2 of 4
Grace(Heaven is a free gift. We cannot earn or deserve it.)
Man(Man is a sinner. He cannot save himself.)

WOC #04 Gospel (Evangelism Explosion) Part 3 of 4
God (He is loving. And He is just.) Christ (Who He is. What He did.)

WOC #05 Gospel (Evangelism Explosion) Part 4 of 4
Faith
(What it is not. What it is.)

WOC #06 Veritas 2020 #29 Get Started Growing in Christ
Practical tips for new Christians encouraging spiritual growth in Christ. You can find a list of questions and answer discussion questions here: https://aboundingjoy.com/q-a-veritas-2020-29-get-started-growing-in-christ/

WOC #06a Introduction to the Blue Letter Bible
This video is meant to encourage Christian believers to be stronger in the Lord by being better students of His Word using the Blue Letter Bible app. I’ve found the Blue Letter Bible to be a powerful tool for understanding what God is teaching us in His Word. He is pleased when we love and enjoy His Word to us and when we study it with passion! Stay in the battle!

Warriors of Christ–Spiritual Warfare (back to top)

WOC #07 Spiritual Warfare–Part 1 (Introduction)
Introduction to Spiritual Warfare

WOC #08 Spiritual Warfare Part 2 The Belt of Truth (Names of God)
In this second video of the Spiritual Warfare Series, we learn to combat Satan’s deceptions about God by learning the truth about God from His wonderful Names.

WOC #09 Spiritual Warfare–Part 3 The Belt of Truth (Power of Praise)
This post is a continuation of instructions for waging effective spiritual warfare by putting on the belt of truth by learning to praise the Lord well.

WOC #10 Spiritual Warfare Part 4 (Belt of Truth–Part 3)
Satan loves to lie to us about sin, about our identity in Christ, about the power of God in us, and about prayer. The Belt of Truth will enable us to avoid his deceptions.

WOC #11 Spiritual Warfare Part 5 (The Breastplate, the Shoes, & the Shield)
Learn the importance of–as well as how to use–the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of Peace, and the Shield of Faith.

WOC #12 Spiritual Warfare Part 6 (Helmet of Salvation–Perseverance of the Saints)
The helmet of salvation, including the doctrine called the perseverance of the saints (security of the believer) will enable us to stay in the battle against our spiritual enemies.

WOC #13 Spiritual Warfare Part 7 (The Sword of the Spirit)
God expects His kids to be able to use the sword He has provided (His Word) to drive off the enemy and destroy his strongholds.

Warriors of Christ–Veritas (back to top)

WOC #14 Veritas 2020 #01 Introduction to Veritas
Introduction to Veritas

WOC #15 Veritas 2020 #02 (The Nature of Truth and The Importance of the Resurrection)
Veritas 2020 #02 (The Nature of Truth and The Importance of the Resurrection)

WOC #16 Veritas 2020 #03 (Resurrection in Creation, Mithras, Evidence & Evangelism)
Veritas #03: Resurrection in Creation, Relationship between Christianity and Mithraism.  Tools the Holy Spirit uses to draw people to Jesus.

WOC #17 Veritas 2020 #04 The Significance of Early Christian Martyrs (Part 1)
The Significance of Early Christian Martyrs (Part 1)

WOC #18 Veritas 2020 #05 The Significance of Early Christian Martyrs (Part 2)
The Significance of Early Christian Martyrs (Part 2)

WOC #19 Veritas 2020 #06 Prepare to be Bullied
Prepare to be Bullied

WOC #20  Veritas  2020 #07 More Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus
More Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus

WOC #21 Veritas 2020 #08 Evidence from Archaeology–Introduction
Archaeology cannot prove God wrote the Bible, but it can help people understand that the Bible is actual history, not mythology.

WOC #22 Veritas 2020 #09 Evidence from Archaeology–Examples
Archaeology cannot prove God wrote the Bible, but it can help people understand that the Bible is actual history, not mythology.

WOC #23 Veritas 2020 #10 Fulfilled Prophecy (1 of 3)
Significance of Prophecy in the Bible. 
False Prophets
How many Prophecies?
Probability that they could be fulfilled by chance
The Cyrus Prophecy in Isaiah

WOC #24 Veritas 2020 #11 Fulfilled Prophecy (2 of 3)
Psalm 22 Prophecy (Jesus on the Cross)
Isaiah 52-53 Prophecy (Suffering Servant)

WOC #25 Veritas 2020 #12 Fulfilled Prophecy (3 of 3)
Quick list of some things prophesied about Jesus
Daniel 9 Prophecy (Timing of Jesus’ death)

WOC #26 Veritas 2020 13 Early Church History (1 of 3)–Manuscripts
New Testament Manuscript Evidence

WOC #27 Veritas 2020 14 Early Church History (2 of 3)
Early Church History–First 300 Years

WOC #28 Veritas 2020 15 Early Church History (3 of 3)
Early Church leaders: Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Eusebius, Athanasius
Early Gnostic Heresy

WOC #29 Veritas 2020 #16 Introduction to Evidence from Molecular Biology
Introduction to Evidence from Molecular Biology

WOC #30 Veritas 2020 #17 Evidence from Molecular Biology
Evidence from Molecular Biology

WOC #31 Veritas 2020 #18 Evidence from the Second Law of Thermodynamics
God has given us the Second Law of Thermodynamics to provide powerful evidence that points us to Himself as the great Creator God.

WOC #32 Veritas 2020 #19 “Who is Jesus?” (Part 1)
This is the first of a two-part presentation of my attempt to show that the only rational response to the question, “Who is Jesus?” is the response given by Peter: “You are the Christ. The Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16)

WOC #33 Veritas 2020 #20 “Who is Jesus?” (Part 2)
This is the conclusion of a two-part presentation of my attempt to show that the only rational response to the question, “Who is Jesus?” is the response given by Peter: “You are the Christ. The Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16)

WOC #34 Veritas 2020 #21 The Christian and Secular Worldviews (1 of 3)
Christians can sometimes be confused or deceived by secular worldviews such as secular humanism or critical theory. We need to clearly understand the differences in how Biblical Christians and secularists view the world we live in. This is part 1 of 3 videos on the Christian and Secular Worldviews.

WOC #35  Warriors of Christ Veritas 2020 #22 Secular Humanism (2 of 3 on secular worldviews)
Christians can sometimes be confused or deceived by secular worldviews such as secular humanism or critical theory. We need to clearly understand the differences in how Biblical Christians and secularists view the world we live in. This is part 2 of 3 videos on the Christian and Secular Worldviews.

WOC #36 Veritas 2020 #23 Critical Theory (3 of 3 on Secular Worldviews)
Christians can sometimes be confused or deceived by secular worldviews such as secular humanism or critical theory. We need to clearly understand the differences in how Biblical Christians and secularists view the world we live in. This is part 3 of 3 videos on the Christian and Secular Worldviews.

WOC #37 Veritas 2020 #24 Why Veritas? (Part 1 of 2)
Meaning of “apologetics.” Greek word: “apologia.” Background of “Veritas.” Importance of listening.

WOC #38 Veritas 2020 #25 Why Veritas? (Part 2–The Biblical Basis)
The Biblical Basis for Christian apologetics. Examples of “bad philosophies.”

WOC #39 Veritas 2020 #27 Intolerance
Deals with the challenging and often asked question, “Why are you Christians so intolerant?”

WOC #40 Veritas 2020 #28  Three Challenging Questions
Deals with three challenging questions sometimes asked of Christians by non-Christians:
(1) “Don’t you know that the Bible is full of errors,  inaccuracies, and contradictions?”
(2) “How can you be so arrogant and unkind as to tell someone else that what they believe is wrong? Can’t you just accept that it’s fine to believe what they believe, if they are just genuinely sincere?”
(3) “You do realize, don’t you, that all real scientists recognize that evolution is an unquestioned fact?”

WOC #41 Veritas 2020 #30 Three More Tough Questions
Three more tough questions that Christians need to be prepared to answer:
(1) “Don’t you realize that Christians have been responsible for most of the world’s problems?” (00:47)
(2) “Don’t you realize that the Bible is actually an evil book? It even advocates the murder of babies!” (08:28)
(3) “How can there possibly be a good God when there is so much evil in the world?” (15:13)

WOC #42 Veritas 2020 #31 The Moral Trap
The importance of asking, and being able to answer, really hard questions.
Plus, how the Moral Trap works and can be so effective in drawing young people away from God and His Word.

WOC #43 Veritas 2020 #32 Learn to Stand Alone
The importance of mentors
Learning to deal with thoughts designed to lead us away from the Lord
Learning to Stand Alone

WOC #44 Warriors of Christ  Veritas 2020 #33 Sources of Authority
Learning how to identify the sources of authority behind our decisions. The different kinds of skeptics we often run into. The power of personal testimony. The reason most Christians give for why they trust the Bible and why it doesn’t work well with some people.

WOC #45 Veritas2020 #34 Our Universe is Finely Tuned for Life
The more closely we look at the amazing universe we live in, the more we see the genius of God, the Creator of it all. He is an incredibly stunning Artist, Engineer, and Designer! He is so much more awesome than we could ever realize!

WOC #46 Veritas #35 Sex: God’s Good Gift (But Only for Marriage!)
In a time when many young couples, even couples who identify as Christians,  have decided to live together without a marriage covenant, we must understand what God teaches us about sex, and why He teaches it.

WOC #47 Romans 1:16-18 The Wrath of God
Romans 1:16-18 The Wrath of God

WOC #48 Romans 1:19-22 Claiming to be Wise, They Became Fools
Verses 16-18 of Romans 1 all fit together logically.
Some people claim that God hides Himself, but He really doesn’t.
God provides abundant evidence for those who want to know the truth, but He doesn’t do tricks to satisfy sinful curiosity.
Those who try to ignore God are fools, no matter how highly educated they are or how sophisticated they appear to be.
By leaving God out of their thinking, people in our culture are embracing genuine insanity.

WOC #49 Romans 1:23-25 They Exchanged the Truth about God for a Lie
(This is the third post in a series of studies from Romans 1:16-32)
Overview of this study:
The Immortal God is the only One worthy of total praise and worship
Our enemy, the devil, fights against High Praise of the True God
Those who reject the true God will foolishly worship images instead
Our culture encourages people to try to act as their own gods
Being our own gods appeals to us because it enables us to excuse our sin
Many excuse sin by redefining sin to be part of their personal identity
God gives people up to impurity because it’s what they want
God, not images, will be blessed forever

WOC #50 Romans 1:26-27 Dishonorable Passions (Part 1)
Because people choose them, God gives people up to dishonorable passions.
Christians must understand how those who embrace the sexual revolution think
Christians must be prepared to be misunderstood and misrepresented
Christians must learn to be very loving and very truthful at the same time
We might have more profitable conversations if learned to listen better
The Bible clearly teaches that all homosexual behavior is sinful

WOC #51 Romans 1:26-27 Dishonorable Passions (Part 2)
This study deals with several more arguments that are used to try to persuade Christians to accept the sexual revolution. (This is the 5th in a series of studies from Romans 1:16-32)

WOC #52 Romans 1:28-32 A Debased Mind
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 
(Romans 1:28)

WOC #53 Genesis 01:01-19 In the Beginning–God (Part 1 of 2)
A comparison of the different ideas about creation (Young Earth, Gap Theory, Day-Age, Theistic Evolution, etc.). Why I’m a “young earth” creationist.

WOC #54 Genesis 01:01-19 In the Beginning–God (Part 2 of 2)
A comparison of the different ideas about creation (Young Earth, Gap Theory, Day-Age, Theistic Evolution, etc.). Why I’m a “young earth” creationist.

Spiritual Gifts (back to top)

Romans 12:3-8 Introduction to Spiritual Gifts
God tells us, through Paul, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” (1 Corinthians 12:1) But far too many Christians are ignorant of these things! God wants us to understand what your gift is and know how to use it to bring Him glory, bless the church, and bring you great joy!

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Spiritual Gifts (Part 2)
The Categories of Spiritual Gifts. The valuable outcomes of understanding Spiritual Gifts. Keys to discovering our gift.

Spiritual Gifts–Part 3 (Prophecy & Serving)
This is a discussion of the motivational gifts of prophecy and serving. For the Biblical perspective, watch the first two videos in this playlist.

Spiritual Gifts–Part 4 (Teaching)
This is an overview of the motivational gift of teaching. The Biblical basis for this particular study of spiritual gifts can be found in the first two videos in the Spiritual Gifts playlist.

Spiritual Gifts–Part 5 (Exhorting)
This is an overview of the motivational gift of exhorting. The Biblical basis for this particular study of spiritual gifts can be found in the first two videos in the Spiritual Gifts playlist.

Spiritual Gifts–Part 6 (Giving)
This is an overview of the motivational gift of giving. The Biblical basis for this particular study of spiritual gifts can be found in the first two videos in the Spiritual Gifts playlist.

Spiritual Gifts–Part 7–The Gift of Organizing
This is an overview of the motivational gift of organizing. The Biblical basis for this particular study of spiritual gifts can be found in the first two videos in the Spiritual Gifts playlist.

Spiritual Gifts–Part 8–The Gift of Mercy
This is an overview of the motivational gift of mercy. The Biblical basis for this particular study of spiritual gifts can be found in the first two videos in the Spiritual Gifts playlist.

Spiritual Gifts–Session #9 Summary of Spiritual Gifts Study
This is the 9th and final video in the Spiritual Gifts Study. Previous studies are all in my Spiritual Gifts playlist.

Genesis (back to top) 

Genesis 01:01-19 In the Beginning–God (Part 1 of 2)
A comparison of the different ideas about creation (Young Earth, Gap Theory, Day-Age, Theistic Evolution, etc.). Why I’m a “young earth” creationist.

Genesis 01:01-19 In the Beginning–God (Part 2 of 2)
A comparison of the different ideas about creation (Young Earth, Gap Theory, Day-Age, Theistic Evolution, etc.). Why I’m a “young earth” creationist.

Genesis 01:27 Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 2019 1/21/19
Using SLED to communicate pro-life truth
What it means to be created in the Image of God (Imago Dei)
Why non-Christians often try to silence Christians
How Jesus is the perfect Image of God
How knowing that people are created in the Image of God affects not only our views on abortion, but also mercy killing, euthanasia, assisted suicide, racism, and spiritual warfare
The significance of God choosing to use a plural pronoun to refer to Himself
How Biblical “dominion” is God’s balance between abusing the creation and making an idol out of it
The contemporary Satanic attack on God’s design of gender
Transcript of part of the Tuesday, January 15 episode of Dr. Al Mohler’s The Briefing  describing the new Framework for teaching about gender in public schools in California
A few closing comments on the current transition situation in our church

Genesis 01:1-5 Introduction to God’s Creation (Part 1 of 3)
A look at various ways men have interpreted Genesis 1. Evidence from science and Scripture that supports young-earth cosmology. Evidence that may support old-earth cosmology. Evidence for creation from microbiology. Evidence for creation from the fine-tuning of the universe. Evidence for the gap theory. Significance of the creation of light before the creation of the sun. (Continued in the next podcast.)

Genesis 01:6-28 God Creates (Part 2 of 3)
A look at days 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of creation. Significance of creating the sun on day 4. Consideration of the word “kinds” (baraminology). Examining the intense attack by our enemy, the devil, on what God did on day 6 of creation. Significance of Imago Dei (image of God), male and female, dominion, being fruitful. (This a continuation of the previous podcast.)

Genesis 01:29-2:4 God Creates (Part 3 of 3)
A look at early vegetarianism. The amazing significance of the 7-day week. Why attempts were made during the French Revolution and by Josef Stalin to change the 7-day week. Why most Christians no longer observe the 7th day Sabbath as Jews were required to do in the Old Testament. First mention of the Name of God, Yahweh. Dealing with the common Atheist argument, “You don’t believe in Thor, or Zeus, or Hermes, or Allah, do you?” (Christian: “No.”) Atheist: “Well, then, see? We are both atheists! I just believe in one fewer god than you do! When you understand why you reject all those other gods, you will understand why I reject yours!” Don’t be flummoxed!

Genesis 07-08 Recognizing the Need for Judgment
The first 15 minutes or so of this podcast is an overview of the PrayerMate App. 
Evidence that the Great Judgment of the Flood of Genesis 7 was universal and global.
How the world hates the doctrine of Judgment.
Summary of Tim Keller’s sermon entitled “Accepting the Judge.” Illustration from Arthur Miller’s After the Fall  of how denying the existence of a Judge leads to despair.
Argument from Miroslav Volf that understanding that there is a Judge does not lead to violence, but non-violence.
(This podcast is concluded in the subsequent podcast.)

Genesis 08-09 After the Flood
Conclusion of the previous podcast. Why we must have the Judgment. Without the Judgment life leads to despair. Also, because all of us do things from bad motives (e.g., pride and fear) and because God Judges on the basis of what is in our hearts, there is no hope for us apart from Jesus. How both liberals and conservatives can botch the truth about the Judgment. In Christ we can warn people of the coming Judgment without being arrogant or prideful ourselves.
God remembered Noah. The raven and the dove. The altar and the  burnt offering. How the seasons may have begun. Men become meat-eaters. Animals become man-fearers. Significance of clean vs. unclean meats. The institution and significance of the death penalty and those who would remove it. The problem with the death penalty in America. Comparison with the effect of  “no gun” signs.
First use of the word covenant.  God’s promise. Includes the animals. The rainbow.
Noah’s sin of drunkenness and immodesty. Ham’s sin. The curse on Canaan. The horrific interpretation that was given this passage by earlier racists in America.

Genesis 11-14 Abraham–Part 1
Significance of the Table of the Nations in chapters 10 and 11. Early account of Abram.  The unilateral covenant God made with Abraham. The significance of blessing Israel.  Abram’s temptation to go to Egypt and what resulted from that mistake.

Genesis 11-14 Abraham Part 2
This study concludes the study that was begun in the previous podcast.  The problems Abram got into while in Egypt.  God’s faithfulness even when Abram sinned. The critical need to get back to fundamentals when we have allowed ourselves to wander. The need to love God more than kindred. The consequences of Lot choosing based on external appearance. Curious trivia associated with the Oak of Mamre.  Abraham as a kinsman redeemer pointing us to the later account of Ruth and Boaz and ultimately pointing us to Christ as our Go-el (Kinsman Redeemer). Abraham’s wealth and organizational skill and wisdom to be able to field a trained fighting force of over 300 men. The mysterious account of Melchizedek and how he pictures Christ.

Genesis 16-17 God’s Promise to Abraham, Part 1
A wife may give bad counsel, but the husband is still responsible. Examples of the danger of trying to do things for God our way instead of His way. God’s amazing care for Hagar. Importance of getting a new name. The sign of the covenant. Why God may have chosen circumcision.  The difference between Ishmaelites and Muslims.

Genesis 17-18:15 God’s Promise to Abraham, Part 2
Continued discussion of circumcision. Circumcision in the New Testament. Comparison of circumcision and baptism. “Angels Unaware.” Jesus appears to Abraham. Abraham’s strong example of hospitality. When a gentle rebuke is enough. Sometimes punishment is not necessary..

Genesis 22–The Binding of Isaac
Genesis 22 is one of the most familiar chapters in the Bible. For many, it is also a chapter that brings great chagrin. But God has an exciting purpose for bringing about these events and for causing them to be preserved for us in His Word. We are introduced here to God by His Name, Jehovah Jireh. He is The Eternal God, our Provider.

Genesis 23–the Death and Burial of Sarah
Sarah is the only woman whose age at her death is given in Scripture. She is also the only woman that we are encouraged, twice, to learn from. In spite of her mistakes, she provides a godly example of faithfulness and loyalty.
Mourning over the death of a loved one is normal and a God-given way to express sorrow.  Yet we mourn with great hope.
We learn some things about the ancient, healthy, honor culture from this chapter. It contrasts with the horrifying, murderous, demonic way that parts of modern Islam practice a so-called honor culture. Women’s advocacy groups estimate that over 20,000 women are killed in the form of honor killings each year. Examples are given here.
Over the course of his life, Abraham was required to give up some things that were very precious to him, including, now, his wife of many decades, Sarah. We too will be required to do the same. It is important for us to focus, as Abraham did, on things that we will certainly not ever be required to give up.

Genesis 25-28 Jacob’s Marvelous Ladder

How did God supernaturally protect both Sarah and Rebekah from nature and from their foolish husbands?
How did God show that He is Sovereign over human traditions or logic?
How did Isaac’s family demonstrate that they were dysfunctional and that they were not trusting God?
How were Isaac and his family confused about Isaac’s ability to pronounce a blessing?
What is the powerful significance of the vision God gave Jacob of the ladder between heaven and earth?

Genesis 32–Refusing to Let Go
An overview of Bible history from 2100 to 1900 BC
Family tree of descendants of Terah
How Mahanaim got it’s name
Overview of the ministry of angels
Why Jacob feared Esau
What we can learn from Jacob’s prayer
Why God often seems reluctant to bless His kids
The significance of Jacob’s new name, “Israel”
What the Bible has to say about “Staying in the Battle” in spite of God’s apparent reluctance

Genesis 37-50 Joseph Points to Jesus
God has engineered some amazing prophecies, typology, and illustrations into His Word that point us to Jesus and make it incredibly plain that the Bible is God’s Word. This is a Bible study from our Standing Firm class at Fairview Baptist Tabernacle. We meet each Sunday in room 209 at 10:15 AM. We’d love for you to join us!

Genesis 40-41 Joseph–Pointing Us to Jesus
How Joseph endured what seemed like meaningless and unjust treatment, yet kept a right spirit
How he helps us appreciate those with the gift of mercy
How God continues to speak through dreams and visions
The difference in being content and being fatalistic when we are in difficult circumstances
The importance of preachers and teachers teaching the bad news of judgment and the consequences of sin, as well as the good news of God’s love and grace
How we often think we have learned God’s lessons when He knows we really have not
How God often uses one of His men to explain His truth to an unbeliever
The need for us to pray that God will raise up counselors like Joseph again today
How Joseph’s life experiences parallel the life of Jesus
How God honored Joseph’s two sons

Exodus (back to top)

Exodus 01-04 Moses Points us to Jesus
Introduction to Exodus
Apparent Contradiction in the Bible? (04:30)
Chapter-by-chapter walk through Exodus (16:16)
Ways Moses and Exodus point us to Jesus (26:16)
Chapter 1 (37:25)
Chapter 2 (40:13)
Chapter 3 (44:02)
Chapter 4 (55:24)

Exodus 1-4 Introduction to Exodus– I AM (part 1)
Discussion of the dates and time frame for Israel’s time in Egypt and the Exodus
Overview of the book of Exodus
How Moses points us to Jesus
How Exodus points us to Jesus
The significance of God’s name, Yahweh
How Jesus clarified the burning bush episode

Exodus 1-4 Introduction to Exodus– I AM (part 2)
Moses argument with God
Does God harden hearts?
Zipporah is forced  to circumcise their son
Getting prepared for God to work in ways that we do not expect and do not appreciate

Exodus 13 The Feast of Unleavened Bread Points us to Jesus
The first part of this Bible study was shared with the Standing Firm Bible Study Class at Fairview Baptist Tabernacle in Sweetwater, TN on 12/19/21. 

Exodus 13:1-14:12 The Feasts Point to Jesus
The significance  of the consecration of the firstborn
How the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of the Firstfruits point to Jesus
Significance of the term “between the evenings”
How some are tempted by the fall feasts to predict the second coming of Jesus
The huge challenge of passing God’s truth to the next generation
The importance of memorizing God’s Word
How God leads in unexpected ways and through difficult paths
Why Pharaoh wouldn’t give up the chase
Remembering the faith of Joseph+
What we learn from the pillars of cloud and fire

Exodus 14-15 A Mighty Deliverance to Sing About!
Life lessons from God’s deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea and the worship that followed.

Exodus 14:13–15:19 Lessons from the Red Sea
How, as we age, fiery trials should cause us less panic
There is a time for waiting and a time for action. We must be able to discern which is which.
What God communicates to our enemies when we require deliverance
The God of the Bible is BOTH love, protection and salvation AND judgment, destruction, and wrath
We cannot delegate back to God that which He has delegated to us.
How the behavior and fate of Pharaoh reminds us of our enemy, the devil
The high praise of the Song of Moses
God is not a wimp

Exodus 15:20–17:16 He is Bread from Heaven, Healer, Living Water, Banner of Victory
Miriam joins the Song of Moses, a song for all times
God makes bitter water, which previously had looked so refreshing, sweet
Jehovah-Rophe: The Lord our Healer
How God provides, while at the same time requiring hard work from us
How the manna typifies Jesus
How mountain-top, emotional experiences aren’t enough to carry us through the really tough times
How some people really do turn out to be shockingly,  incorrigibly self-centered and rebellious
How God trained Israel to keep themselves separate from other peoples through Sabbath-keeping.
How God produced springs of water from solid rock and pointed us to Jesus
How the battle with the Amalekites teaches us the critical importance of steadfast prayer
Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord our Banner of Victory

Exodus 16-17 Bread from Heaven. Water from the Rock.
The New Testament makes it clear that both of these supernatural events (Bread from Heaven and Water from the Rock) are pointing to Jesus.

Exodus 18-20 God’s Law Points Us to Jesus
God used Jethro to teach Moses something valuable. God gave his people different kinds of laws. The Israelites had to learn to love and trust God.
Exodus 25-27 The Tabernacle Points to Jesus
The generous offering the people gave for construction of the tabernacle and what it tells us about giving and about people
How the Ark of the Covenant points us to our Merciful God
The three items in the box and why they were there
The Table of the Showbread–God desires fellowship with His people
The Menorah–The Light of Jesus shines through us
The four layers of the coverings of the tabernacle and what they teach
The frames of the tabernacle
How the Veil points us to Jesus
How the Bronze Altar points us to the cross of Jesus
How the Oil for the Menorah reminds us that we must walk continuously filled with the Holy Spirit

Exodus 25-40 The Tabernacle Points Us to Jesus
This is an examination of a few of the many ways the tabernacle of Moses points us to New Testament Truth and to our Lord Jesus Christ. (Start at 20:37 if you were in class with us.)

Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (back to top)

Leviticus 01-07 The Sacrifices Point Us to Jesus
Leviticus can be tough sledding for 21st century Christians. In this study we consider how the sacrifices  described in the 1st few chapters point us to Jesus.

Leviticus 1-7 The Sacrifices Point to Jesus
In this study: How the Burnt Offerings, the Grain Offerings, The Peace (Fellowship) Offerings, the Sin Offerings, and the Trespass Offerings point to Jesus.

Leviticus 11-16 Yom Kippur Points to Jesus
The laws regarding  clean and unclean meats
New Testament teaching about clean and unclean meats
The laws regarding uncleanness after childbirth
The laws regarding uncleanness due to leprosy
What we learn about sin from leprosy
The laws regarding the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

Numbers 01-14 In the Wilderness
There are many life lessons for us today that we learn from the accounts of the Israelites being led through the wilderness.

Numbers 1-9 In the Wilderness
Introduction to Numbers and it’s place in the Bible
Preparing for freedom and for warfare
God’s love for organization
God’s rejection of primogeniture
The command to guard the things of God
Lessons from the leprous and the unclean
Lessons about adultery and jealousy
Lessons from the Nazarite vow and the value of starting over
God’s wonderful benediction on us
Importance of the Passover
Led by the Shekinah Glory of God

Numbers 10-30 A Walk Through Numbers
An overview of the first 30 chapters of the book of Numbers, with an emphasis on passages that point us to Jesus and passages that remind us of how serious God is about sin.

Deuteronomy 05 & 06 The Law
An overview of the law as it is revealed in Scripture. The different types of laws given in the Bible. The purpose of those laws. What happened to the laws after Jesus came.

Deuteronomy 05:17 & 19:1-13 God Values Life 1/20/20
Brief review of Roe v Wade and Norma McCorvey
Introduction and overview of book of Deuteronomy
Hebrew words for “kill” and “murder”
Why God instituted the death penalty
Why Levites were to be spread out over the land
The significance of the cities of refuge
The significance of the “Kinsman Redeemer” (Go-el)
How all these things point us to Jesus
Message from Randy Davis about Tennessee SB1236
How abortion is a tool of men to oppress women
How medical ethicists are attempting to keep students with Biblical ethics out of med school

Deuteronomy 27-30 Blessings… & Curses
A walk through the third sermon of Moses recorded in Deuteronomy. 
The blessings for obedience
The curses for disobedience
The impossibility of obtaining eternal life by obedience
Our desperate need for the mercy of God
How the horrifying prophecies of curses for Israel’s disobedience were fulfilled
How the scattering and regathering prophecies of Israel were fulfilled
The impossibility of getting answers to all of our questions in this life
The prophecies that Israel will one day turn back to the Lord
Why we must have circumcised hearts
How Jesus is our only Hope

Joshua, Judges, Ruth (back to top)

Joshua 01:01-18 For the Lord Your God Is With You Wherever You Go
In this powerful passage of Scripture, God teaches us how to be courageous when we are facing overwhelming circumstances. We left the study in class today at approximately (37:35). To hear the accounts of Thomas Bilney and Hugh Latimer, go to (44:30)

Joshua 1:1-9 How to Face Overwhelming Circumstances
The next time you have to face overwhelming circumstances, your mind will definitely be meditating on something. Why not let that “something” be this wonderful passage of Scripture. There are wonderful promises to Joshua here that parallel wonderful promises that we are given in Christ. And there are important specific commands given to Joshua here that remind us of what our own responsibilities are in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

Joshua 23-24 The Last Words of Joshua
The last words of any of God’s men can be powerful. Joshua’s final address is a powerful portion of God’s Word

Judges 6 Gideon (part 1): The Peace of God Leads to War
An overview of the book of Judges
How painful judgment can really be merciful
How trying to hide from judgment won’t work
Why God likes to choose weak vessels
How we fall into a humanistic trap when we tell our kids, “You’re awesome. You can do anything you want to do.” without telling them the whole truth
A discussion of the signs that God gave Gideon and how that might relate to us
The powerful effect that an appearance of the Lord or of His angel has on people
How the peace of God will lead us into war
How it’s an honor to be on Satan’s “hit list” and not a cause for fear
The danger of allegorizing Scripture

Judges 7 & 8 More Life Lessons from Gideon (part 2)
How and why God trimmed Gideon’s army to move them from being 4 to 1 underdogs to being 450 to 1 underdogs
How God so mercifully kept on encouraging Gideon
How the Sword of the Lord strikes terror into the hearts of His enemies
How God’s people are often better at handling times of fiery trials than they are at handling times of ease
Our desperate need to “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)
Why God might have allowed some Old Testament men to have many wives
Why Israel preferred to be in covenant with Baal than in covenant with Jehovah

Judges: When Everyone Does What Seems Right to Them
This is an overview of the book (and period) of the Judges. The key words, found in 17:6 and 21:25, are “Everyone did what seemed right in his own eyes.” There is also a closer look at lessons we can learn from the life of Gideon.

Ruth: The Beautiful Providence of God
The account of Ruth & Naomi is a beautiful example of God working through his people in times and situations that may appear very dismal. It is a wonderful study for Mother’s Day!

1 & 2 Samuel (back to top)

1 Samuel 01-02 Hannah & Samuel Point us to Jesus
It’s fascinating how God has chosen to engineer the lives of Hannah and Samuel to point us to Jesus.

1 Samuel 01:01-16 Hannah (Part 1)
An overview of 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1 & 2 Chronicles.
Why God allowed men in the Old Testament to have multiple wives.
How God often leaves the “why” questions unanswered, giving us opportunity to trust His wisdom.
The significance of the Nazarite Vow and how it might relate to us today.
How Christians must be prepared to be misunderstood and continue to be faithful anyway.
The significance of praying with passion.

1 Samuel 01:15-2:10 Hannah (Part 2)
Wisdom to know when to answer and when to keep silent.
The importance of worshiping God before the answer comes.
How to exult in God at the time of greatest sacrifice.
Hannah’s song.
The folly of pride.
Hannah–the first explicit prophecy of the Messiah
How Samuel’s life foreshadows the life of Jesus.
How Hannah’s life parallels the life of Mary.

1 Samuel 02-03 Pray for the SBC: “God, Raise up a Samuel!”
Our Southern Baptist Convention is in trouble. We need some Samuels.

1 Samuel 02:12-03:13 Accountable
The Problem with the way Eli dealt with Hophni and Phinehas
The importance of spiritual accountability
How our rebellion will not stop God
The difference between proverbs and promises
Why God can’t forgive us as an act of His will apart from the death of Christ
Samuel as a type of Christ
How God used Solomon to fulfill His prophecy against Eli
How God honors those who honor Him (story of Eric Liddell)
How God spoke to Samuel
What churches and parents and grandparents can learn from Eli about holding others accountable

1 Samuel 04-11 Getting ahead of God (Part 1)
It’s critically important that we learn to do things God’s way and in God’s time. Getting ahead of God is a disastrous sin and leads to painful outcomes.

1 Samuel 12 Getting ahead of God (Part 2)
It’s critically important that we learn to do things God’s way and in God’s time. Getting ahead of God is a disastrous sin and leads to painful outcomes. Plus examples of people making decisions when God is ignored and personal autonomy is considered to be supreme.

1 Samuel 12 For His Great Name’s Sake (part 1)
An overview of 1 Samuel chapters 9, 10, and 11.
An introduction to the man Saul
Early prophecies and types that indicate God intended for Israel to have kings–but in His time, not theirs
Israel’s earlier flirtation with kingship under Gideon and Abimelech
How “doing what is right in our own eyes” leads to great darkness
How God redeems all kinds of sin and rebellion to bring glory to Himself
Why God did not install Moses and Joshua as kings of Israel
Why God does things for His great Name’s sake
How the name of God has become virtually irrelevant in much of our culture
How our culture has embraced personal  sovereignty as the highest moral good
How Christians discussing contemporary moral issues is like responding to being poked in the eye
How a paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine could lead to Christians being blamed for the health problems of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals.

1 Samuel 12 For His Great Name’s Sake (part 2)
The astonishing legal dilemma for Christian Pharmacists in Washington State
How liberal secularists are guilty of bullying
How the Supreme Court decision about Texas abortion clinic regulations puts women at risk for the sake of abortion convenience
How we must never forget Kermit Gosnell (https://aboundingjoy.com/blog/?p=1241)
How sexual desires now often trump freedom of religion
How the California state senate has passed a bill designed to punish Christian schools for teaching Christian beliefs
How Christians must continue to magnify the Name of the Lord, knowing that our time here is brief
How Satan often gets believers to quit the battle when they have blown it badly

1 Samuel 16 In Spite of Human Failure God Keeps Working His Plan
As God rejects Saul and chooses David, He teaches us powerful lessons about our relationship with Him. We can also learn valuable lessons for living life in very painful & difficult relationships with others who may be in authority over us.

1 Samuel 16:01-13 Anointing of David
Contrast between Saul and David
Is it ever morally acceptable to lie?
Biblical examples of godly deception
Danger of falling into moral relativism
Review of Chapter 15
The troubling requirement to kill every man, woman, child, and infant, as well as all sheep, camels, and donkeys
To obey is better than sacrifice
Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart
David’s training as a shepherd
David’s  grueling 15-year  training under an oppressive authority
Examples of Psalms that came from David’s heart during these very difficult times

1 Samuel 16:14-23 Worship as Spiritual Warfare
The Spirit of the Lord left Saul
An evil spirit from the Lord–how God can use evil spirits
How worship of the true God can be a powerful weapon against spiritual enemies

1 Samuel 21:01-23:06 Lessons from Saul and David
A brief review of chapters 16-20
David’s encounter with Ahimelech at Nob
A brief history of the tabernacle and the ark
How Jesus used this encounter to emphasize that people were more important than the ceremonial law or the holiness code
The significance of the Urim and the Thummim
David’s flight to Philistia and it’s consequences, including Psalms written at this time
David at Adullam. How the group of 400 men who came out to him typifies our relationship with Christ
Alan Redpath quotes
Significance of the Psalms that David wrote from Adullam
Why David decided to leave his parents in Moab
Introduction to the prophet Gad
Overview of some of the ways that God encouraged David during these difficult days
How Saul played the role of a victim
How Doeg, under orders from Saul, slaughtered all the priests, their families, and the livestock.
The Psalm (about Doeg) that David wrote after the single escapee from the slaughter of the priests, Abiathar, came to him
How David’s deliverance of the town of Keilah from the Philistines contrasts with Saul and Nob

1 Samuel 23:07-29 More Lessons from David
David continues to avoid Saul
Saul continues to pursue David
The amazing Jonathan
The contrast between the Ziphites and Jonathan
How we will also experience encouragers as well as betrayers
The nauseating hypocrisy of Saul
God’s perfect timing
How we must not try to delegate back to God assignments that He has delegated to us
How David’s perseverance typifies the perseverance of Jesus and encourages us in our difficult times
How God knows how to give times of refreshment, as at En Gedi

1 Samuel 24 David Teaches us to Wait on God–Part 1
(The first eight minutes of this podcast is a report from our Daughter-in-Law, Melissa Miller, concerning the work of CASA [Court Appointed Special Advocates] of East Tennessee.)
In this Bible Study:
A review of chapters 21-23
David’s wives
David at En-gedi
How reprieves from spiritual battles must be recognized as temporary
How David refuses an opportunity to stop all the stress by killing Saul
David’s tender conscience
How David knew he couldn’t let his men do his dirty work and escape guilt
How David (and Peter and Paul) teach us to honor and respect godless rulers for the sake of the Lord who instituted them and for the sake of the office
How some unteachable spiritual leaders abuse the phrase, “Touch not mine anointed.”
How we need to be sensitive not to attempt to burden spiritual leaders with unnecessary nitpicking criticism
The deception of emotional, but temporary, remorse
How betrayers can arise from unexpected sources
Example from Solzhenitsyn (The Gulag Archipelago) from the reign of Stalin to illustrate the atmosphere in which betrayal becomes common.

1 Samuel 26 David Teaches us to Wait on God–Part 2
A look at Psalm 54 (which David wrote after being betrayed by the Ziphites)
David’s dogged determination to wait on God
How David anticipates Romans 12:19-21
David once again proves that he is not Saul’s enemy
The value and the limits of Christian Apologetics

2 Samuel 01:01–02:07 Learning from David’s Attitude
How do 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1 & 2 Chronicles fit together?
What is the history of Israel and of the Ark of the covenant leading up to the book of 2 Samuel?
Wasn’t it cruel and brutal of God to order the destruction of even the baby Amalekites?
Why was Saul rejected by God?
Why was David living in Ziklag, Philistia?
Why might the young Amalekite  have decided to claim to have killed Saul?
What are some parallels between the Amalekites and our sinful flesh?
What great lesson can we learn from David’s response to the news of Saul’s death?
What made it possible for David to have such an unusual attitude?
What did the men of Jabesh-Gilead do to earn David’s respect? And how did he probably earn their respect as well?

2 Samuel 05-06 Worshiping at Mt. Zion
What is the immediate history that leads up to David’s coronation over all Israel?
Why did David want to set up the capital at Jerusalem?
Why was that a problem?
What lessons can we learn from David’s early wars with the Philistines?
What mistake with others do we sometimes make when God convicts us to do a specific work for Him?
What is the journey taken by the ark of the covenant before it ended up on Mount Zion?
What was the significance of the ark of the covenant?
What event forced David to learn that God’s Work must be done in God’s Way?
How did some aspects of the “church growth” movement violate that principle?
What is the significance of David wearing an ephod and dancing before the ark?
What can we learn about worship from David?
What can we learn about worship from Michal?
How does Satan try to quench our worship?
What did Amos and James have to say about the tabernacle of David?
How was worship at the tabernacle of David different from worship at the tabernacle of Moses?
Why are the Psalms so precious to New Testament followers of Christ?

2 Samuel 08-10 We Are Mephibosheths
To what extent did David enlarge the borders of Israel?
When it came to descendants of the previous king, how was David different from most kings?
How does the account of David and Mephibosheth remind us of our relationship with Jesus?
What can we learn from David as we observe his treatment of Mephibosheth?
What was Mephisosheth’s amazing response when Ziba slandered him?
What circumstances led up to David’s most tragic and disgusting decision?

2 Samuel 13-14 Lust, Indulgence, Consequences
What do we know about David’s Sons?
What was Amnon’s problem?
What was Jonadab’s problem?
How can we communicate to our daughters and granddaughters the difference between lust and love?
How should Jonadab have counseled Amnon?
Why are Christians often tempted to tell people what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear?
How should we respond when a so-called Christian begins to go off in a sinful direction?
Why might David have been such an indulgent father?
What happens to children who are indulged?
How did Amnon compound his sin?
How did David react to the news of the rape of Tamar?
How might David have avoided Absalom’s murder of Amnon?
What does David’s inner struggles over what to do about Absalom teach us about our own families?
How did Joab try to solve the dilemma?
How did the wise woman from Tekoa teach us some important New Testament truth?
What does Absalom teach us about ourselves?
What caused Absalom’s bitterness to grow?
What gave Absalom favor in the peoples’ sight?
How do we make decisions about the balance between strictness and leniency with our children and grandchildren?

2 Samuel 22-23 The Sweet Psalmist of Israel
In 2 Samuel 22 & 23 God highlights one of the Psalms most precious to David himself, also the final Psalm God gave him, and a glimpse into the relationship David had with his mighty men.
What is one of the best ways to begin communication with God?
What is the significance of recognizing God as our “Rock?”
How did God add to that image when Moses was leading the Israelites through the wilderness?
How did the Spirit, through Paul, illuminate that phenomenon in the New Testament?
What other metaphors does God use to emphasize His protection of us?
What does God want us to realize when we cry out to Him?
When we cry out to God, what does He want us to leave in His hands?
What does God reveal about His wrath in the Old Testament? in the New Testament?
How does God want us to recognize and deal with subtle pride that can creep into our lives?
How do we know that God expects us to engage in offensive as well as defensive warfare? What are some ways we can do that?
What is the significance of God’s choice to tell us about David’s mighty men?

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job (back to top)

Ezra 7-8 Ezra–More Important than You Thought
How Ezra is second in importance only to Moses to Jewish Scholars. Why the US founding fathers gave tax exemption to the church. Why the Persian kings were so generous and gracious to the Jews. The significance of fasting as a spiritual discipline. The danger of trying to delegate back to God responsibilities that He has delegated to us.

Ezra 9-10 Keeping the Passion
Why marrying pagan wives was so unacceptable. How the issue was not interracial marriages. The problem of unbelieving spouses in the New Testament. How Ezra sets an example for our attitude toward sin.  The effect of Ezra’s passion. How to pray when our people have messed up.

Nehemiah 03, 07, 11 Many Names–Many Lessons
Nehemiah chapters 3, 7, and 11 consist largely of long lists of names. But tucked away in the lists are powerful spiritual lessons. We must not miss these!

Topics: Characteristics of the spiritual gift of organization. The importance of leaders setting an example. The importance of doing our work for the Lord, not for other people. The importance of being willing to do so-called menial work.  When we sin, the importance of repenting, confessing, accepting God’s forgiveness and getting back into the battle. We must not use the excuse of past sin to stay out of the battle. The importance of continued growth in learning how to worship well.  How we, as believers, can build walls to protect ourselves and our families from sin, from challenges from other worldviews, and from doctrinal error. The value of podcasts. Tips for using smartphone podcast apps and Bible study apps. The danger of population decline.

Nehemiah 08:10 Abounding Joy!
The sad history of Israel leading up to the assurance that the joy of the Lord was their strength
The fascinating command to rejoice when our circumstances seem bad
The story behind the beginning of the AboundingJoy.com website
The importance of “focus”

Nehemiah 09:1-3 Cautions about the Devotional Book: Jesus Calling
The significance of public mourning over sin. The significance of the Hebrew word, “Yadah.” The significance of confessing the sins of our ancestors. The 1995 SBC resolution on race relations.  The importance of walking in repentance throughout life. Three hours in the Word followed by three hours of praise and worship. The problem of our short attention spans. The danger of wanting to hear from God apart from disciplined, time intensive Bible reading and Bible study.  The danger of substituting prayer for Bible study and obedience. The danger of a desire to get a message directly from God instead of hearing God through His Word, the Bible. The meaning of Sola Scriptura.  The dangers associated with Sarah Young’s devotional book, Jesus Calling, and the book which inspired her, God Calling.

Nehemiah 09:4-38 Praising God for His Awesome Creation
Praising God with energy without being concerned about what people might think. Praising the Name of God. Praising God for His Creation. The awesome makeup of living cells points to a Creator.  The importance of Abraham’s faith.  The importance of remembering how God has brought us through past crises.  The personality of the Holy Spirit. The pattern of Israel, and of us: (1) God blesses; (2) we get comfortable; (3) sin begins to seem trivial; (4) God raises up prophets to warn us; (5) some repent; (6) most don’t; (7) God brings suffering to get our attention. (8) repentance leads to blessing.

Esther 1-3 God Is Working behind the Scenes (part 1 of 2)
The first part of this lesson consists of an overview of the history from the time of Babylon’s capture of Jerusalem in 605 BC to the end of the Old Testament. Hopefully, this will help us understand how Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther fit into the flow of history.
Other contents:
Discussion of the intense hatred of Jews by many people throughout history.
Discussion of how God uses even horrible events and circumstances, engineering events from behind the scenes, to prepare us to bring much glory to Him.
Discussion of how Esther’s submissive and teachable spirit brought great glory to God and great blessing to herself and to her people.
Discussion of some things that we must try our hardest to teach young girls over whom we have any influence.

Esther 1-3 God Is Working behind the Scenes (part 2 of 2)
This is part 2 (and the conclusion) of the study of the first three chapters of Esther.

Esther 1-3 What We Must Try to Teach Girls
While I was not privileged to have a biological daughter, I AM privileged to have some absolutely wonderful granddaughters! They are amazing! What blessings from God! I can get all teary-eyed just thinking about them!As I meditated on what I would say about Esther and what I would like to try to teach my own granddaughters, these thoughts arose.
This is a 4 1/2 minute excerpt from the Esther 1-3 (part 1) study.
Vickie encouraged me to upload this one as a separate brief podcast for the benefit of those who might not be able to find time to listen to the entire study.
So, if you have any influence over girls, I would urge you to listen and pray about what God might have you do for them!

Job 1 & 2 When Personal Disasters Come
Job was probably the first book of the Bible to be written. It is profound. And the story of Job will help us when we enter, as we must, into our times of personal disaster. We must understand the difference between joy and happiness. And we must learn that we can mourn with great grief and still not lose our joy in the Lord.
In this lesson I also share the painful story of my own Dad’s spiritual life.

Job 29-31–Conquering Sexual Temptations
Recap of the entire book of Job. How Job, the oldest book in the Bible, anticipates New Testament teaching. Learning to recognize the present times of blessing instead of only dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. The mistake of presumption. Learning to handle the times when God seems to make no sense to us. Parallel of Job 31 with the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Job’s “oaths of clearance.” Job’s “covenant with his eyes.” The incredibly difficult time young people face in our day with sexual temptation. How we can practically help them win those battles.

Job 31 (Part 2) Is That in the Old Testament? or the New? 7/2/13
This podcast is a continuation of the previous podcast from Job 29-31. Job 31 reads like a chapter that could be from the New Testament, even though Job is probably the oldest book in the Bible! This chapter also contains a strong pro-life statement which is worth some meditation. But even Job went too far in seeking to demand an answer from God. We can learn much from this rich chapter!

Psalms (back to top)

Psalm 001 Delighting in God’s Word
Introduction to the book of Psalms
Comparison of Jewish Tanakh and our Old Testament
Purposes of the Psalms–Why God gave them to us
How God shows us two ways and requires us to choose
The danger of ungodly counsel
Learning how to delight in God’s Word
How to meditate on God’s Word
How delighting and meditating on God’s Word makes us like fruit trees
How we can keep from withering up
The sad result of choosing the other way

Psalm 019 The Heavens and the Word
How the heavens declared the glory of God in David’s day
How God has gradually revealed more of His stunning handiwork to men as men have tried to explain the universe without Him
Examples of God’s fine tuning of His creation
The tremendous poetic tribute to God’s Word in vv. 7-9
What our response should be
How God’s Word is more valuable than Gold and than delicious physical food
How we can win over the secret sins that so easily come upon us
How we need God to keep a watch over our mouths and over our hearts

Psalm 022 Veritas 2020 #11 Fulfilled Prophecy (2 of 3)
Psalm 22 Prophecy (Jesus on the Cross)
Isaiah 52-53 Prophecy (Suffering Servant)

Psalm 023 The Lord is My Shepherd
We are so thankful to our Lord for putting this Psalm in His word! It is certainly one of the most comforting passages in all of the Bible.
In this study, we also consider some of the names God has given Himself, focusing on the compound names. Then we see how His compound names fit the 23rd Psalm so beautifully.

Psalm 042–Beating Depression
God used David to write Psalm 42 when David was struggling with depression. It is a “Maskil” (instructional) Psalm. God intends for us to learn from this Psalm how to defeat depression.

Psalm 051 How to Confess Sin (Part 1)
One of the most precious promises we have from God’s Word is that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
In Psalm 51, after his sin with Bathsheba, David gives us a beautiful example of the godly confession of sin.
There is a lot of powerful and profound theology in this Psalm. It’s worth some thoughtful, prayerful meditation.
In this study:
The background of Psalm 51 (2 Samuel 11-12)
The consequences of sin
The difference between our conception of justice and God’s perfect justice
The difference between sinning against people and sinning against God
Two ways in which we are all “in Adam.”
This study is continued in the next podcast.

Psalm 051 How to Confess Sin (Part 2)
How we are “in Adam”
The danger of superficial confession
The significance of hyssop
How David’s life anticipates New Testament teaching (imputed righteousness, worship)
The relationship between confession and joy and singing
How a great worship service can serve as a thermometer for our hearts
Do we really have “free will?”

Psalm 084 Learning to Worship from the Sons of Korah
The fascinating history of the sons of Korah
Nuggets from some of the Psalms of the sons of Korah
Significance of God’s use of the plural “tabernacles”
Significance of the tabernacle of David and Mt. Zion
Developing a hunger for God
Significance for us of God’s love for little birds
Significance of the word “Selah”
God: our Strength and our Shield
How Psalm 84 points us to Christ

Psalm 113:03 God’s Wonderful Names
Psalm 113:3 says, “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised!”
God has given us His wonderful Names to remind us of His nature and His character. When we are struggling with different issues of life, calling on God using these names can radically change our perspective!

Psalm 113:03 The Names of the Lord (CCCS Chapel 3/8/18)
Why does God command us to praise His Name?
What are some of the most frequently used names of God?
What are some of the most precious compound names of God?
How does the 23rd Psalm summarize the character of God that He reveals to us in His compound names?

Psalm 139 Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 2018 1/22/18
The omniscience of God
The omnipresence of God
The difference between omnipresence and pantheism
The amazing creation of a human baby in the image of God
How pro-abortionists love darkness and hate the light and frantically try to stamp it out
Illustrations from current news items

Psalm 141 Part 1 God Uses David to Teach Us a Wonderful Prayer
David’s only hope is the Lord
The Altar of Incense and Prayer
Praying for God to guard our lips
Praying for wisdom to not be influenced or entrapped by wicked men
Praying for counsel and even painful rebuke from righteous men
How and when to offer counsel to others

Psalm 141 Part 2 God Uses David to Teach Us a Wonderful Prayer
Praying against the wicked
The account of how David prayed against Ahithophel
Learning to gaze on God and glance at our problems (instead of vice-versa)
Praying for protection from traps and snares

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon (back to top)

Proverbs 01 (Part 1)–Getting Wise Kids
God intends for marriage to produce children. But more, He intends for marriage to produce wise children that have been instructed from God’s truth. This is the responsibility of both mom and dad.
Are we teaching our kids to fear the Lord?
(Note: The first part of this podcast is an update of the Veritas Project. Also included is what may be a new and very helpful way for you to better live out the wisdom of Proverbs!)
This study is continued in the next podcast: Proverbs 1 (Part 2)–Wise Kids? or Fools?

Proverbs 01 (Part 2)–Wise Kids? or Fools?
Many parents, not understanding God’s principles, are unwittingly turning their foolish kids into foolish adults.
The importance of meditating on Proverbs lest we become guilty of acting like fools ourselves.

Proverbs 01:01-08 Introduction to Proverbs
Introduction to the Book of Proverbs

Proverbs 01:07 Marks of a Fool
Some characteristics of fools

Proverbs 03:13-35 By Understanding He Established the Heavens
Solomon’s wisdom and perspective. The female personification of wisdom. The wisdom of God behind creation. The significance of the word “abomination.” The inheritance of the righteous.

Proverbs 05-07 Avoiding Immorality + Learning from the Animals
Proverbs 5:1-23 Dealing with Immorality
Proverbs 6:1-5 Assuming the Debts of Others (Begins at 12:57)
Proverbs 6:6-11 Learning from the Animals (Begins at 16:12)
Proverbs 6:12-15 Dealing with Deceivers (Begins at 27:55)
Proverbs 6:16-19 Seven Things God Hates (Begins at 28:50)
Proverbs 6:20-23 Why Memorize? (Begins at 29:57)
Proverbs 6:24-7:27 More on the Danger of Immorality (Begins at 31:40)

Proverbs 06:06-11 Learning from the Animals
(This video is an excerpt from the Proverbs 5-7 Bible Study Video)

Proverbs 08 & 09–Wisdom Cries Out
Topics: Why it is important for us to recognize God’s use of the literary device of personification in these verses. (Jehovah’s Witnesses do not recognize this use of personification.) A brief look at other  examples of metaphors and personification in the Scriptures. Anyone who wants wisdom can find wisdom. Gullibility can seem to be endearing, but God is not pleased with it. Why it is dangerous.How wisdom is more important than money. Why God hates pride so much. The importance of elected  and appointed officials praying for wisdom. Suggestions from the Bible that the earth is really round. How it’s possible to hear wisdom and still neglect it. Learning to think long range. How young kids and fools focus only on the short range. The importance of reproof and a God-given exception to giving reproof. How to recognize wise people. The difference in promises and principles. How Proverbs is a book of principles and general truths, not promises.

Proverbs 10-14 Jesus is the Way
Wisdom from the book of Proverbs about discipline, reproof, humility, seeking counsel, etc.

Proverbs 28:10-12 Speaking Out Against the Horror of Abortion 1/19/15
The times are becoming more and more difficult as we watch the erosion before our eyes of our rights to free speech and our rights to freedom of religion. Some examples of how these rights have been challenged in recent days.
You will also hear me read a very moving testimony from a woman named Nancyjo Mann who had an abortion in the 1980s.

Proverbs 30-31 Every Word of God Proves True
God’s Word can by trusted.

Proverbs–Diligence and Money Wisdom–Part 1
Topics: The danger of rationalizing laziness. The danger of enabling laziness by inappropriate giving. The importance of diligence. The importance of redeeming the time. The danger of becoming a workaholic. Instilling a godly work ethic in our kids and grandkids. The lesson of the ants. The lesson of the messy oxen. The danger of overspending and of underspending. Teaching kids financial wisdom.

Proverbs–Diligence and Money Wisdom–Part 2
Topics: Saving vs Hoarding. Helping kids learn financial wisdom. Getting financial counsel from wise counselors. It really is more blessed to give than to receive. The danger of hiding our eyes from the poor. How to discern between giving that blesses and giving that harms. Some things that are more valuable than money. Praying “don’t give me riches.” How money can deceive. Get rich quick schemes. Short range happiness that leads to long range misery. Honoring the Lord with money.

Ecclesiastes 5-6
Ecclesiastes! This is a challenging book! You don’t hear many sermons from this part of the Bible. But perhaps God put it there to challenge us to learn to be discerning when listening to folks who are not really tuned in to the reality of Eternity. Some of their ideas are really good! But some are grievously deficient.
Father, please grant us discernment!

Song of Songs 1-2 Pursue the Passion!

Song of Songs 3-4 Pursue the Passion! (Part 2)

Recapitulation of the “little foxes” that can destroy the passion that God intends for a marriage to have in order for that marriage to be (1) a beautiful picture of our relationship with Jesus, (2) a beautiful illustration to others of what a Biblical marriage should be, and (3) a marriage filled with great joy.
This is a look at the beauty and the lessons we learn from Solomon and Shulamith as they continue their courtship leading up to the time of their marriage.

Major Prophets (back to top)

Isaiah 01-04 Introduction to the Gospel Prophet
Introduction to Isaiah
Historical Background
Overview of Chapters 1-4
“Social Justice” vs “True Justice”

Isaiah 24-27 Judgment, Wrath, & Glory

Isaiah 34-39 Terrifying Situation–Awesome God
The story behind one of the most spectacular miracles in world history. How God delivered Jerusalem from the incredibly cruel Assyrians and what we can learn from this amazing event.

Isaiah 42-48 Prophecy, Warning, Comfort
More amazing prophecies, more serious warnings, more painful trials, more loving comfort. (includes Charles Spurgeon’s personal salvation testimony)

Isaiah 51-57 The Greatest Prophecy
This study contains more amazing promises and prophecies from Isaiah, including the Great Suffering Servant Prophecy in chapters 52 & 53.

Isaiah 61:1-3 Beauty for Ashes
When Jesus, early in His ministry, read this passage in the synagogue at Nazareth, He concluded by saying, in essence, “I am the fulfillment of this prophecy.” Through Jesus, all our mourning, grief, pain, heaviness, and ashes will be exchanged for joy, praise, and beauty!

Isaiah 7-12 The Messiah & the Remnant
The difference between trusting God and testing God
Prophecies of the Messiah
The Remnant
Characteristics of the Holy Spirit
The Millennial Reign of Christ

Romans 01:02 Promised Beforehand Through His Prophets

Veritas 2020 #10 Fulfilled Prophecy (1 of 3)

Veritas 2020 #11 Fulfilled Prophecy (2 of 3)

“Know, Grow, Show” (Part 1–“Know”)
This is the first of a three-part series by our pastor at Fairview Baptist Tabernacle in Sweetwater, TN, Jason Robertson. Pastor Jason provided notes to teachers to use as we follow-up on his message of the previous week. This study is based on those notes.

Lamentations 03, Psalm 51, Matthew 02 God is Faithful
Examples of God’s faithfulness after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, after David’s sin, and to bring the magi to Jesus.

Ezekiel 1-3 A Hard Message to a Hardened People
Ezekiel was given fantastic visions and difficult instructions in order to give a rebellious people an opportunity to hear from God and repent.
Historical Background (David to Ezekiel)
God’s awesome glory revealed in His created living masterpieces and why they must suffer and die
The importance of not getting weary of taking an unpopular message to a rebellious people. 
The temptation for all of us to want to twist Scripture to make it say what we want it to say
The importance of not being afraid of what men, who may not want to hear an unpopular message, may say or do
The issue of homosexuality in our own day.

Ezekiel 33:21ff–Is This Pain God’s Judgment?
Ezekiel clearly teaches that God brings His judgment upon men by using invading armies, wild beasts, and pestilence. So what are some other ways that God can use to bring His judgment upon men? And when we, or others, are in pain, what can we say about God’s judgment?
Also, in this podcast, you will hear an introduction to chapter 34 and the topic of false prophets. The study of chapter 34 continues on the next podcast.

Ezekiel 34–False Shepherds
God has a lot to say in His word about False Prophets. But there is a great deal of confusion about the subject. On the one hand, there is a danger that false prophets will not be recognized as such. On the other hand, there is also a danger that true followers of Christ will be wrongly labeled as false prophets. We must learn to be discerning. And discernment is not based on a simple “gut feeling” that we may identify as being the Holy Spirit. Discernment comes as the Spirit illuminates God’s Word in our hearts. Discernment is the result of careful Bible study!

Ezekiel 40-48–Ezekiel’s Temple
This is a passage that I tried to study many years ago. At that time I decided that I never wanted to try to teach it! The reason was simple. I could not understand it.
The truth is, I still feel pretty much the same now! This is a difficult passage of Scripture.
In this podcast, I try to briefly lay out three approaches to understanding Ezekiel’s Temple, offering some of the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
One lesson we learn from this passage is to stay humble when we are trying to understand passages about which sincere and serious Christian teachers may disagree!

Daniel 6–In the Lion’s Den–Part 1
Daniel 6–In the Lion’s Den–Part 2
More lessons from the lion’s den! The pain of making foolish decisions which we sorely regret later on. The amazing influence of Daniel and Daniel’s God on this great pagan ruler. Why Daniel may not have spoken up in his own defense before being cast into the den. How Daniel typifies Christ. When we, like Daniel, refuse to compromise our convictions, God gets great glory, and others will realize that He is the true God. Kingdoms around us may crumble and fall. God’s Kingdom will never fail.

WOC #23 Veritas 2020 #10 Fulfilled Prophecy (1 of 3)

Significance of Prophecy in the Bible. 
False Prophets
How many Prophecies?
Probability that they could be fulfilled by chance
The Cyrus Prophecy in Isaiah

WOC #24 Veritas 2020 #11 Fulfilled Prophecy (2 of 3)
Psalm 22 Prophecy (Jesus on the Cross)
Isaiah 52-53 Prophecy (Suffering Servant)

Veritas 2020 #12 Fulfilled Prophecy (3 of 3)
Quick list of some things prophesied about Jesus
Daniel 9 Prophecy (Timing of Jesus’ death)

Minor Prophets (back to top)

Hosea 11-12
Topics: John Piper’s poem; Calvinism; Recognizing God’s subtle blessings; The difference between crying out to God and repentance; America’s sin; The significance of Jacob wrestling with God.

Hosea 13-14 Our Disgusting Righteousness
The Deceptiveness of Prosperity; Why We Make False Gods; Child Sacrifice–Then and Now; How God Cramps Our Style; Old Testament Hint of New Birth; Our Disgusting Self-Righteousness; Confusion about Repentance; Eustace Illustration from the Dawn Treader

Hosea and Gomer–God’s Shocking Love
God required Hosea to marry a prostitute so that Hosea could, at a gut level, learn to hate sin the same way that God hates sin. And as a result, we learn something mind-boggling and profound about God’s incredible love for us.
Amos 7 Does God Repent?
Does God repent? Foreknowledge and Fore-ordination; Two Kinds of Divisiveness (Godly and Sinful); Standing for truth and righteousness while being accused of (sinful) divisiveness.

Nahum 1–The Fearsome Power of the Avenging God
An overview of the 12 Minor Prophets, focusing on Nahum 1.
God is about to destroy the Assyrian Empire.  He wants them, and us, to understand the terrifying thought of falling into His Avenging hands. But there is safety when we take refuge in Him.
Habakkuk–What the Righteous Are to Do When Judgment Falls
Overview of Habakkuk. Frustration with God for letting sin go so far for so long. Frustration with God for using wicked people to carry out His Judgment. How God often brings about the most growth in His people through pain. How Habakkuk 3 is written as a Psalm so that we can all sing/pray it along with Habakkuk. Keys to the correct response for a righteous man when judgment is falling on the sinful people around him. How we can be extremely unhappy with circumstances and yet full of the joy of the Lord at the same time. How totally dependent we are on mercy when Judgment comes. How we cannot plead for leniency on the basis of our good works. Learning to keep our focus on God in the tough times.
The New Testament points to Habakkuk again and again. There is great wisdom here for responding in a godly way when judgment falls.
Zephaniah–God Has a Remnant
There is no escape from the Wrath of God except Christ. The “bunker mentality” that has swept the world (cf. Rev 6:15). The Biblical concept of a remnant.  How “Remnant Theology” might be more accurate than either “Replacement Theology” or “Separation Theology.” Comments about the Sabbath command. The danger of assuming that we are the remnant and everyone else is apostate. The “undoing” of the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel. No pride and no fear in the Millennium. The greatest Love story. We singing to God. God singing over us.
Zechariah–Prophecies of the Messiah
Prophecies of both the First and the Second Comings of the Messiah. Jesus is the Fountain that cleanses. Multitudes of Jews will embrace their Messiah. Why ancient and modern idolatry is so prevalent. The problem with false prophets.  The irrational, demonic rage exhibited by some in our own day toward any who cannot celebrate so-called same sex marriage. Characteristics of the coming Day of the Lord. The difference between the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. The return of Christ to the Mount of Olives.

Malachi 1 “Where is My honor?” (Part 1 of 2)
Background to the book of Malachi.  Significance of the word “burden” to describe the message from the Lord. How some can miss recognizing God’s love. How God demonstrates His love by His Divine Sovereign choice. How we often focus only on what our earthly fathers have done or can do for us, as well as on what our Heavenly Father has done or can do for us. How God wants us to focus on the honor due to Him (as well as human fathers). The critical importance of teaching our kids and grandkids to honor their parents (and grandparents!). Balancing tender love and affection with respect and honor.
Malachi 1–“Where is My honor?” ( Part 2 of 2)
The importance of worshipping God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The danger of worshipping God in a sloppy, mechanical,  or half-hearted fashion. The importance of seeing God as He really is–God of Angel Armies. The danger of substituting technical excellence for worship. The realization of the difficulty of setting aside certain adjectives for God alone, but the critical importance of setting aside phrases for God alone.

Matthew (back to top)

Matthew 2, Lamentations 3, Psalm 51, God is Faithful
Examples of God’s faithfulness after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, after David’s sin, and to bring the magi to Jesus.

Matthew 6 (Colossians 1, Psalm 103) Providence
One of the mind-blowing characteristics of our loving God is His providential care of His creation and His people. His providence gives us great peace!

Matthew 6:24-34 Bible Memory

Matthew 03:01-12 John the Baptist (Part 1)
Several prophecies foretold the greatness of John the Baptist. He was filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb. He had more spiritual insight and power than any of the Old Testament prophets. He was an amazing man chosen by God to prepare the way for Jesus. He preached genuine radical repentance evidenced by a changed life.  (The exact same message that Jesus himself would later preach.) His place of ministry (the wilderness of Judea) and his lifestyle teach us important lessons. He also reminds us that our common idea of what humility looks like may be very incorrect.

Matthew 03:01-12 John the Baptist (Part 2)
This is the conclusion of the Bible study begun in the previous podcast.

Matthew 05:01-05 The Beatitudes–Part 1
Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
How some of the more radical forms of dispensationalism can badly affect our study of God’s Word.
Three reasons why Jesus gave us these beatitudes. (1) to show us how to live in such a way as to be blessed, 2) to help us see how badly we have blown it and how desperately we need His mercy, and 3) after we have received His Holy Spirit, to show a watching world what the Christian life is like.)
The importance of recognizing our own spiritual impoverishment.
The importance of learning how to mourn over sin and the effects of sin in the world, in our families, in our lives.
The importance of understanding the meaning of meekness and of living a life of genuine meekness. Learning from the Scriptures what meekness really is.

Matthew 05:06-12 The Beatitudes–Part 2
This Bible study is concludes a study of the Beatitudes that began in the previous podcast.
What it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness.  “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world” (C.S. Lewis)
How we can learn to be merciful. How the religion of the Pharisees (and possibly our own religion) kept them (and can keep us) from being merciful. The importance of being merciful with a long-range view as opposed to merely seeking to remove the immediate discomfort.
The importance of heart-purity. The danger of depending on external appearance instead of heart purity. How politics and money and legislation cannot solve America’s problems without a change in the hearts of individual Americans. Example: 72% of all American Black babies are born out of wedlock.
How we can be peacemakers.  The limits of peacemaking.
The reality of Christian persecution. Why nonbelievers will persecute Christ-followers in spite of our commitment to love others (even our enemies), our commitment to peace, our commitment to joy, patience, gentleness, goodness, kindness,  faithfulness, and self-control. How erotic/sexual freedom has become the highest freedom in the U.S. Why many people of the younger generation are so willing to get rid of freedom of speech. How we can learn from people in the Bible and from believers who have gone before us who have already given their lives for their commitment to Jesus.

Matthew 05:13-18 Changing Hearts & Minds about Abortion
Christians should know how to make the case for life and how to refute pro-choice arguments. If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to advance the pro-life cause, you can find help here.

Matthew 09:35–10:16 The Power of Compassion
How Jesus used miracles to authenticate His identity as well as to communicate His great compassion for individuals. The powerfully compassionate lives  of Dr. Paul Brand and his parents. The amazingly compassionate life  of Thomas Barnardo. Learning to see angry unbelievers as sheep without a shepherd.
Praying for, and becoming,  laborers for the Harvest. Why we must pray. The powerful and exciting example of Jeremiah Lanphier.
Learning to avoid the urge toward using bad hermeneutics (Biblical interpretation) in an attempt to turn historical account passages into doctrinal passages.
Learning how to be wise as serpents in the face of potential persecution.

Matthew 10:16-22 Handling Persecution
A look at an article written by a homosexual man who changed his mind about prosecuting Christians who cannot celebrate so-called same-sex marriage.  The case for conscientious objection.
Jesus prophesies that His followers will be beaten. And they have been beaten, as Jewish leaders, idolatrous leaders, Roman leaders, Islamic leaders, secularist leaders have felt threatened by Christianity.
Steve’s email exchange with an atheist.
More modern examples of governments that have been hostile to Christianity. How the persecution will worsen in the end times.
Learning how not to  be anxious in the face of persecution. Getting God’s peace.
Examples of martyrs who fulfilled Jesus’ promise that “what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.”

Matthew 12:01-30 Getting it Right about the Sabbath
Evidence from both the Old and New Testaments that the Sabbath was a law God gave Israel to keep them holy–separated from other nations. It was not part of God’s eternal moral law.
How the legalistic rabbis made the Sabbath a heavy burden. Examples from the Talmud of the extreme legalism that characterized their rules.
How Jesus overruled all their rules and regulations.
Why Jesus often told healed people not to broadcast what He had done.
How Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
Evidence that Jesus was truly a man.
How Jesus and the Holy Spirit worked together to perform the supernatural works.
Why  the Jewish leaders claimed that Jesus was doing supernatural things by the power of the devil.
How Jesus showed how irrational their claim really was.
C.S. Lewis’ famous quote on the identity of Jesus

Matthew 12:31-37 Blaspheming the Holy Spirit–The Sin that cannot be Forgiven
The meaning of blasphemy. How we are all guilty. Why blaspheming the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.  Helping people who are fearful that they have committed this unpardonable sin.
Will believers one day have to face a playback of every idle word that we have spoken?

Matthew 12:38-40 Three Days and Three Nights?
An overview of two different views of the time interval between Jesus’ burial and His resurrection. Was it 36 hours? Or was it 72 hours?

Matthew 15:01-09 Genuine Worship
A brief overview of Matthew chapters 11 through 14
John Gill’s explanation of the seriousness with which the rabbis took the tradition of the elders and ceremonial hand washing
The seriousness with which Jesus takes the matter of worship
Examples of the kinds of battles that must be fought in order to worship well

Matthew 15:10–16:26 Learning from Jesus
The danger of blind spiritual leaders
The danger of majoring on the minors
In what sense was Jesus sent “only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel?”
How Jesus commends faith and rebukes the lack of it
The nature of the faith that Jesus commends
The danger of the leaven of the Pharisees
Interpretations of the “Rock” on which Jesus said He would build His church
Brief history of the changes in  Roman Church during the 4th century
Thoughts about the possible meanings of “binding” and “loosing”
The need to make the decision to die with Jesus

Matthew 21:18-23 Jesus Requires Fruit
A brief review of the first 18 verses of Matthew 21
The significance of Jesus being hungry
The withering of the fig tree
The significance of fig trees to Israel
“The first Adam came to a fig tree looking for leaves. The last Adam came to a fig tree looking for fruit.” (Spurgeon)
A comparison of this event with the parable of the fig tree in Luke 13
What the destruction of Jerusalem (the antitype of the withering of the fig tree) really was like when it finally came in 70 AD (Josephus)
How Mark’s account (that the withering occurred over a period of two days) and Matthew’s account are not contradictory, and, in fact, serve to corroborate the trustworthiness of the two separate eye-witness accounts
Why many  prayer requests are not granted in spite of Jesus’ apparent promises that God will give us whatever we ask for
The chief priests and elders question Jesus’ authority
Jesus’ exousia (authority) and dunamis (power)

Matthew 21:24-46 Rejecting the Cornerstone
Jesus exposes the religious leaders’ fear of the crowds
Jesus tells a parable of two sons that illustrate two kinds of sinners in need of repentance
Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard to show that the amazing, incredible patience of God finally ends
Jesus, and later the apostles, points our attention to the wonderfully exciting Psalm 118 and to the truth that He Himself, not Israel, is the rejected cornerstone.

Matthew 26:36-46 Man of Sorrows
When we see Jesus being crushed and in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see startling 700-year-old prophecies being fulfilled before our eyes. We can only marvel at what might be the clearest exposition of the Substitutionary Atonement found anywhere in the Bible–written 700 years before it was accomplished. And we can only marvel at what He was willing to endure in our place so that we can share in righteousness forever. So Utterly Amazing!

Mark (back to top)

Mark 01:01-15 Introduction to Mark
How the early church functioned before the New Testament was written down (Oral Creeds)
Approximate date Mark was written
Overview of the amazing and encouraging ministry of John Mark
Significance of the pre-Christian use of the word “Gospel”
How Mark’s primary audience of Roman gentiles might have affected what is included in his gospel
Significance of the pre-Christian notion of baptism
The amazing ministry of John the Baptist
Why Jesus, being sinless, was baptized anyway
How Jesus and the Holy Spirit worked together
The problem some so-called “evangelicals” have with Jesus’ message of repentance

Mark 01:16 45 The Profound Healing of Leprosy
The astonishing response of the apostles to Jesus’ call
Jesus demonstrates His power over demons and disease
The profound significance of leprosy and its healing
Why Jesus commanded so many not to tell about their healings

Mark 02:01 22 Jesus Keeps Startling Everyone
The paralyzed man who couldn’t get to the door
Thinking about who we show deference to
Jesus–calling Matthew and loving the tax collectors
The need for people to realize they have a problem
The fact that Jesus’ true identity should have been obvious
When to fast & when not to fast
Christianity cannot be accommodated to anything

Mark 02:23–3:30 Jesus Destroys the Legalists
How the Pharisees took the joy out of the Sabbath
The true purpose of the Sabbath
Blaspheming the Holy Spirit

Mark 07:24–08:36 Faith Persists + Only One Sign
he beautiful faith of the Syrophoenician woman
Only one sign: 3 days and 3 nights in the tomb

Mark 11:01-21 Not Just Leaves–Fruit
The significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey

The significance of Jesus cursing the fig tree

Mark 11:22–12:17 Jesus–Truth & Authority
What it means to pray in faith
Why true Christians always forgive
Human forgiveness contrasted with God’s forgiveness
Jesus’ Authority
The Parable of the Vineyard
Jesus is the Cornerstone
Unto Caesar vs. Unto God
Manhattan Declaration

Mark 12:30 Charity & Troy Working on Mark 12:30
In November, 2015, two of my Grandchildren, Charity (6) and Troy (4), were with me in the car. We were on our way to some play time in a nearby park, and we were working on  memorizing Mark 12:30. (“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”) They were doing so well, in the middle of the conversation I decided to hit the record button on my phone. I thought you might enjoy listening to 3 or 4 minutes of that part of the  conversation that got recorded.

Mark 14:32-50 The Man of Sorrows–Our Substitute
The significance of Gethsemane
Gethsemane in Prophecy (Isaiah 53)
Drinking the cup of the wrath of God
The difference between God forgiving us and our forgiving others
The difference between our sin against God and our sin against others
he Justice of God
Good intentions and the weakness of the flesh
Jesus’ amazing control of the entire, apparently chaotic, situation
Gun control

Mark 14:01-31 Jesus’ Final Hours of Ministry in His Earthly Body
More clear evidence that Jesus was in control of His own life and death, not the religious leaders
Learning from Mary how to lavish love on Jesus
How Judas tried to give Mary a guilt trip and how Jesus stopped him
The danger of loving money too much
How all of us who claim the name Christian need to constantly evaluate ourselves
How spending a great deal of time with godly people does not guarantee godliness
Why Jesus kept the place for observing the final Passover and instituting the Lord’s Supper secret from his disciples
How Jewish people had two different times for celebrating the Passover
Why Jesus needed several hours with the twelve before His betrayal
The enormous danger of self-confidence

Luke (back to top)

Acts 01:01-05 Baptized with the Holy Spirit
Introduction to Dr. Luke and the book of Acts.. The unique relationship between Dr. Luke and the Apostle Paul. How the details of Luke’s writing are confirmed by Archaeology. Testimony of Sir William Ramsay. The sense in which the work of Jesus was not completed on the cross.  The significance of the commands of Jesus. How Jesus’ appearance to His followers for 40 days after His resurrection provides powerful evidence for the historicity of His resurrection.  The meaning of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. How to receive this empowering for our own service for Christ. Understanding the emotions associated with the filling of the Spirit. The evidence of His filling.

Luke 7–The Light Shines in Darkness
A Roman centurion understood Jesus’ authority better than the Jews understood it.
Jesus’ sense of perfect timing resulted in the Light driving out the darkness of death.
Light driving out darkness is a powerful metaphor to communicate what Jesus is doing.
John the Baptist most likely had doubts about Jesus because of confusion about prophecies.
Jesus compared the critics of Himself and of John to kids who were upset because John & Jesus wouldn’t play their games.
Wisdom can be recognized by its fruit.
The one who is forgiven much loves much.

Luke 5:1-32 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Here is powerful Truth from the ministry of Jesus as He overwhelms Peter, as He heals a leper, and as He heals and forgives the sins of a paralytic.
1-Do not underestimate the size of the huge crowds that followed Jesus.
2-The Power of Jesus’ teaching and miracles is overwhelming.
3-We must always obey Jesus–especially when we are tired and tempted to be irritated.
4-When we truly turn our eyes upon Jesus and see Him clearly, the things of this world really do grow strangely dim
5-The horrific disease called leprosy teaches us profound spiritual truth.
6-In both physical and spiritual realms, normally unclean things make clean things unclean. But Jesus makes unclean things clean.
7-Jesus takes great joy in loving people who are disgusting to others
8-People who do not see the seriousness of their own physical or spiritual disease, will not seek healing.

Luke 6:17-49 Standing Firm for Life
This is a message for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 2021.  The focus is on the importance of voting for pro-life candidates as well as being prepared to stand firm when others disagree.
Luke 2:40-52  The Boy Who Was God
God revealed very little about the life of our Lord Jesus on earth before His ministry began when He was 30. So what He does reveal must be very important!
Luke 2:1-20 Don’t Lose the Wonder!
The only way to respond to the awesome things God has done is by being filled with wonder. Our enemy would like to take that sense of wonder away. We must keep it!
Luke 01:01-25 God Breaks the Silence
Introduction to Luke and the Gospel of Luke
The importance of eyewitness evidence
After 425 years of silence, God breaks into history

A Bible Verse with Grandpa (#9) (Luke 16:10)
A Bible Verse with Grandpa (#9) (Luke 16:10) (How my Grandkids can get more freedom!)

Luke 07:37-47 Devotional  Why I May Love Jesus More Than You Do
Before you decide that the title of this 9-minute devotional is drippingly arrogant, please give it a listen. I think you will agree that, when understood correctly, claiming great love for Jesus is not at all an arrogant thing to do. It’s all about Him and what He’s done!

Luke 11:01-02 Prayer CCCS Chapel Message
This is a message I shared with the students and staff at Cross Creek Christian School on January 30, 2020. The subject is prayer.

CCCS Chapel–He is Risen!
This is a brief online (zoom) chapel message for CCCS students and staff for Resurrection Sunday

Luke 24 The Emmaus Road
One of the most intriguing and exciting chapters of the Bible is Luke 24.  After Jesus opened the eyes of Cleopas and his friend, they were never the same. Our prayer: that He will open our eyes, as He did their eyes,  to see Him clearly, that He will make our hearts, as He did their hearts,  to burn within us,  and, as they were never the same,  that we also will never be the same.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!!

Luke 24–And Their Eyes Were Opened
Jesus appears to two followers on the 2-3 hour walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Lessons: What we truly believe will dramatically change our behavior. How we so often do not recognize Jesus, even though He never leaves us. Why it’s such a serious answer when we respond, “Yes, Jesus, stay with us.”
This is a recording of the Resurrection Day sunrise message at Cane Creek Baptist Church on April 5, 2015.

John (back to top)

John 01 The Word, the Life, the Light–a Christmas Devotional
The podcast concludes with Steven Curtis Chapman’s version of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
I pray that this simple podcast will bring you closer to our Lord Jesus Christ and give you great hope during this Christmas season!

John 01:01-03 God is Triune
The uniqueness of the Gospel of John
The purpose of the Gospel of John
The amazing life of the Apostle John
How “the Word was with God” and “the Word was God” point us to the Trinity
Common, but deadly serious, misconceptions about the nature of God (e.g., Tritheism [Christians are often accused of tritheism], Unitarianism [Judaism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Moslems, etc.], Sabellianism [modalism, Oneness Pentecostalism, the United Pentecostal Church], polytheism [Mormonism]
The problem with trying to illustrate the Trinity (Most illustrations really illustrate modalism or tritheism)
How Jesus is the Creator of all things. He is NOT created!
The critical importance of not diminishing His glory in any way!

John 01:01-18 The Light!
Topics: Introduction to the Gospel of John. The nature and importance of the Gospel of John. How John 1 relates to Genesis 1. Discussion of the doctrine of the Trinity. Jesus as the Light. How we reflect that Light. Introduction to John the Baptist.

John 01:04-05 Light and Life
When God created  light and life in Genesis 1, He was pointing to the spiritual truth that, in the fullness of time, Jesus would be the true Light and Life of the world.  Now He shines through us. And even though others may not understand the theology, they must be able to see the Light shining in our lives.

John 01:06-18 John the Baptist
The greatness and the humility of John the Baptist
How Jesus enlightens men through creation
The amazing Gospel–The Amazing Grace God gives to those who receive Jesus

John 04 Living Water
Topics: How Jesus brings light to our personal darkness. Jesus’ incredible and perfect sense of timing in all that He did and does today. Discussion of the meaning of the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus’ example and our responsibility to  help others have hope by helping them see the destructiveness of their sin. How Jesus demolishes racism, with examples of racism from my early years. Prayer for laborers for the harvest.
I pray that this thrilling story of Jesus with the Samaritan Adulteress will make you excited all over again about the way He so graciously brings us out of our darkness into His Light!

John 04:01-14 The Woman at the Well (part 1)
How we must be enlightened
How we can hear the Gospel over and over and not get it
Why Jesus left Jerusalem
Jesus’ perfect timing
Why He had to go through Samaria
Significance of the Living Water metaphor
Significance of being baptized in the Holy Spirit

John 04:39-44 Lessons from the Samaritan Woman
How the Samaritan Woman shared her testimony
Why embarrassing past sin doesn’t necessarily mean that we are hypocrites
How she used a question to arouse curiosity
How Jesus often honored women
The contrast between the Samaritans who received Jesus and the Jews who rejected Him
Why Jesus got no honor in His hometown
Why He went back there anyway
What we can learn from His rejection in His hometown

John 04:39ff–Believing–Because of His Word
Topics: How excitement about Jesus overcame the shame and embarrassment of  Samaritan Adulteress. How shame about our past can keep us from talking about Jesus. Why Jesus used this woman–and the women to whom He first appeared  after His resurrection. How the Samaritans believed without signs and wonders. Why Jesus went back to Nazareth knowing that He would get no honor there. How the principle of “no honor in His hometown” can cause us problems today. Jesus as celebrity vs. Jesus as Lord. How people without Jesus must see their need for Him. How we can help them see that need. How the official from Herod’s court got through to Jesus.
This is a lesson shared with the Adult 5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church on October 6, 2013.

John 04:45-47 We All Need Jesus All the Time
“Believe in” can mean more than one thing
The danger of seeing Jesus as a “celebrity”
The importance of recognizing our need for Jesus
How our culture makes it easy to fail to see our need for Him
The danger of seeing our need for him only when we are in the midst of a crisis
Learning to grasp the seriousness and the  deadliness of sin
This is the recording of a live study with the residents at McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, TN on January 27, 2018

John 04:46-53 Signs and Wonders
What did Jesus have to say about those who craved signs and wonders?
What signs and wonders did John the Baptist (who was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb) perform?
What is the potential danger of craving signs and wonders?
How was this Roman official like the Syrophoenician woman of Matthew 15?
How should we react to being called “worms” or “dogs?”
How did Jesus show his grace to this officer? In what other way would Jesus have been justified in responding?

John 08 Part 1–Jesus Confronts Religious Leaders
Topics: Variations in ancient New Testament Manuscripts. The woman caught in adultery. Contrasting Jesus as the Light with 17th century “enlightenment” philosophers. True followers of Christ vs. superficial followers. Jesus confronting religious leaders of His day. True disciples vs. apparent disciples.
This podcast was recorded live in the Adult 5B Bible Fellowship class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church on November 3, 2013. There is a follow-up podcast (John 8–Part 2) with continues the study of John 8.

John 08 (Part 2)–Jesus Confronts Religious Leaders
What it means to be set free. What it means to be a slave to sin. How Jesus knew these pharisees were of the devil. Why Jesus spoke so bluntly to them. In what sense did Abraham see Jesus’ day?

John 10  The Good Shepherd
One of the most beloved and powerful chapters in the Bible. The significance of Jesus being our Good Shepherd. How v.16 gives great confidence for the work of evangelism and missions. The amazing story of Peter Cameron Scott. The significance of the Father “giving” the sheep to the Shepherd. How no one could take Jesus’ life. One of the most powerful statements of security in the Bible. How eternity with Jesus will never be boring.

John 10:01-11 Jesus–The Great Shepherd
What was the primary problem of the pharisees?
What were the two kinds of sheepfolds like?
What are two metaphors that Jesus used to refer to Himself in John 10?
What was implied when Jesus referred to himself as the “good” Shepherd?
What did Jesus say that helps us compare Him to Moses, Abraham, and King David?

John 10:11-16 I Have Other Sheep
What two kinds of enemies of the sheep does our Good Shepherd, Jesus, take care of for us?
What two great missionaries were inspired and motivated by John 10:16?
How does the amazing story of Peter Scott encourage us to keep planting seeds?

John 10:16-18 Predestination Encourages Evangelism & Missions
In what tense does Jesus refer to His sheep who have not yet heard the gospel?
Why did the president of InterVarsity originally think that if predestination were true he could not be a missionary?
Why did he later think that if predestination were NOT true he could not be a missionary?
When did we first belong to God?
Can anyone honestly say, “I’d love to be a Christian, but unfortunately I’m not one of the elect?”
Could God express love before He created people?
How can we know that Jesus gave his life and that the Romans and Jews did not take it from Him?

John 10:19-42 Jesus Really is God
Why did Jesus get the reputation of being “divisive?”
What is the history behind the Jewish celebration of the “Feast of Dedication” or “Hanukkah?”
What was the reason Jesus gave the people for why they did not believe in Him?
How can we know that we are part of the elect?
How can we know that heaven will not be boring?
How did Jesus cause confusion among the Jews who wanted to kill him before it was time for Him to die?
How are the people whom John the Baptist told about Jesus contrasted with the Jews who refused to believe?
(This is a recording of a live Bible study with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on August 25, 2018.)

John 12 Part 2 The Conclusion of Jesus’ Public Ministry
How Jesus’ death differs from our own deaths. How the name of God is most glorified in the cross. The judgment of Satan. People who will not come to Christ can not come to Christ. The danger of seeing the truth but fearing men too much to act on it. How “God” without Jesus is not really God at all. How the truth is our judge.

John 12:01-03 Lavishing Love on Jesus
Why was the resurrection of Lazarus  so highly significant in Jesus’ ministry?
Out of 21 chapters in John’s Gospel, which Chapter begins Jesus’ final week?
How did Mary, Martha, and Lazarus say “Thank you” to Jesus?
What made Mary’s expression of love for Jesus so extravagant?
(This study is a recording of a live study done with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on October 27, 2018.)

John 12:01-26 The Hour Has Come
How Jesus orchestrated the events leading to His death. Jesus concludes His public ministry. The significance of the resurrection of Lazarus. Mary’s lavish, extravagant love for Jesus. What we learn from Judas. How God uses ungodly men and even the devil to bring Himself glory. The awesome outcome of the burial of a Seed.
Recorded live in the Adult 5B Bible Fellowship class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church, December 2, 2013.

John 12:04-11 Judas
Why did Judas try to shame Mary?
What was Judas’ true motive?
How have unbelievers tried to rehabilitate Judas?
What is the evidence that we might not recognize those with the spirit of Judas in our own midst?
How did Jesus back Judas off?
Why did the religious leaders think they had to kill Lazarus?
Does Jesus believe in providing evidence for belief?

John 12:12-19 How Jesus Controlled His Own Death
Getting the right understanding of the crowd size in Jerusalem near Jesus’ crucifixion
Why the people were quoting Psalm 118
The significance of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey
The confusion of His followers
The frustration of the Pharisees
How God used, and still uses, the rage and fury of Satan and and wicked people to bring Himself glory

John 12:20-26 Unless a Grain Falls into the Earth and Dies
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)
“And all those huge harvests that can feed thousands and even millions of  people were actually in that original seed. It’s amazing the way God designed things so that so much life can come from one, solitary seed. This may also help us understand  what Paul meant when he said we were in Christ when he died and was buried. And we were in Christ when He rose from the dead. He was the original seed and we were in Him.”

John 12:27 Father, Glorify Your Name
In this study with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah:
The agony of Jesus as He approached Gethsemane
Contrasting the death of Jesus with our own death
What Jesus prayed at that moment
How we can learn to pray like Jesus did

John 12:28-33 I will Draw All Men–Universalism?
Why the Father answered Jesus audibly
Not all are able to hear His voice
The Judgment that came upon Satan at the Cross
What Jesus meant when He said that He would draw all men to Himself
Evidence that the Bible does not teach universalism

John 12:34-50 Blinded Eyes
This is a Bible study shared with the residents at Starr Regional Nursing Home in Etowah, TN on August 24, 2019. In this passage we hear Jesus’ final words of warning before He went to the cross.

John 14:01-06 Comfort from Jesus
The amazing way Jesus comforted others, and us, when He was only a few hours away from His horrific death
Why we so often lose our sense of peace
How God has promised His peace
The place Jesus has prepared for us
Why John 14:6 is so controversial and why it is so necessary and why it is so comforting

A Bible Verse with Grandpa (#6) (John 15:5)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

John 15 (Memory Work)

Acts (back to top)

Acts 01:06-11 Go in the Power of the Holy Spirit

The Great Commission. What it means to start in Jerusalem.  How all of us must support foreign missions, but not all of us are to go. How some short term mission efforts cause grief on the mission field. The danger of being excited about doing missions in far-away places while being uninvolved in the mission field we live in 50 weeks a year.  Ideas for doing a better job of being an effective witness where we live. How the promised bodily return of Jesus gives us great hope and anticipation. How the great commission creates a problem for those who believe that the New Testament teaches that Christ could return at any moment (the doctrine of imminency).

Acts 01:01-05 Baptized with the Holy Spirit
Introduction to the book of Acts and to Dr. Luke. The unique relationship between Dr. Luke and the Apostle Paul. How the details of Luke’s writing are confirmed by Archaeology. Testimony of Sir William Ramsay. The sense in which the work of Jesus was not completed on the cross.  The significance of the commands of Jesus. How Jesus’ appearance to His followers for 40 days after His resurrection provides powerful evidence for the historicity of His resurrection.  The meaning of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. How to receive this empowering for our own service for Christ. Understanding the emotions associated with the filling of the Spirit. The evidence of His filling.

Acts 02:14-41 Peter’s Pentecost Sermon
Why were the followers of Jesus accused of drunkenness? Examples of possibly genuine revivals being hijacked by uncontrolled behavior.  The Toronto Blessing.
The wonder of the Holy Spirit being poured out on all kinds of people. The amazing way He changed Peter’s life.
How something can be done according to God’s Sovereign will and yet be the result of sinful deeds by wicked men. How we must resist the temptation to pessimism based on today’s world and national news.
How Peter used Old Testament Prophecy to confirm the identity of Jesus.  How the Holy Spirit is necessary for conviction and repentance. Why did Peter mention Baptism in Acts 2:38?
The difference between descriptive and prescriptive passages of Scripture.

Acts 02:42-47 What Kind of Church Are We
What are the minimum requirements for a group of people to be called a local church?
What are some of the characteristics of a church that would be considered excellent from God’s perspective?Was the early church socialistic or communistic?

Acts 03:01–04:20 Courage to Stand
In Acts 3, God works a spectacular miracle of healing. Many more come into the kingdom. Religious leaders are furious. Christ-followers are full of boldness.
Christians of today can learn a lot about courage from their example!

Acts 04:21-3–Courage to Stand–part 2
These people had families just like we do! Yet, they did not pray, “Lord, please get us out of here!” They prayed, “Lord, give us boldness!”
We can learn so much from their example!

Acts 05:17-29 We Must Obey God Rather than Men  (Part 1)
Two temptations that may come when God chooses to use  His power through us: (1) Pride can tempt believers through whom God is working. (2) Jealousy can tempt others.
How God may, temporarily, deliver His kids from suffering and death, but always, eventually, through suffering and death.
Contrast between apostles, who feared God, and the Sanhedrin, who feared men.
Contrast between the power of God and the power of men. How Christians must be prepared to cope with the political power of men who are determined to force Christians to violate their consciences.
Why Christians must be submissive to the ruling authorities. When that submission must be abandoned for  civil disobedience.
Examples of believers being punished in the U.S. for refusing to violate their conscience.
Clarification of the amazingly controversial (and horribly mis-characterized) Mississippi religious freedom protection law.  Why some businesses may be applying pressure on the religious freedom of citizens when it comes to LGBT issues.
What the Manhattan Declaration (2009) is all about.

Acts 05:30-42 We Must Obey God Rather than Men   (Part 2)
The significance of Peter’s choice of words, “by hanging Him on a tree.” (Deuteronomy 21:22-23)
How repentance is a gift from God and cannot be made to happen by using sad stories or emotional appeals. What genuine repentance looks like.
The role of Gamaliel in the early church.
Why the apostles rejoiced after a horrific beating.
How the early Christians couldn’t stop talking about Jesus.

Acts 07 & 08 The Spirit of Power at Work
How God empowered Stephen to preach a sermon that brought great conviction.
How God used persecution to cause the gospel to go out to more people. Why the persecuted church often seems more effective at sharing the gospel than the comfortable church.
Saul’s brutality against Christians. How the early Christians may have considered the unconverted Saul to possibly even be the Antichrist.
How God’s use of Saul should be of great encouragement to any believer who is willing to be used by God, no matter how shameful our past might be.
How Simon Magus illustrates a kind of belief that does not lead to salvation. What Irenaeus and Justin Martyr had to say about him. The danger for us when we hear a powerful sermon or a powerful worship song.
How some non-charismatic evangelical scholars differ on their understanding of the coming of the Holy Spirit into the life of a believer.  The danger of assuming that we are filled with the Holy Spirit just because we have asked and He has promised (i.e., as a logical inference only). The effects of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 08:26-40 God’s Awesome Timing
How God amazes us with His perfect timing in having Philip arrive at the chariot of this important Ethiopian Official  at the moment when he has just read the greatest passage in Scripture on the Substitutionary Atonement in order to send the Gospel to Africa.
How we need to take every opportunity to talk with others about Jesus, but stay especially sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit when He nudges us to talk with others about Jesus.

Acts 09:32-43 Miracles (Part 1)
In the last part of Acts 9 we find two spectacular miracles that God performed through the apostle Peter. We also find two people (Peter and Dorcas) who were busily being used by God to do what He put them on earth to do to bring glory to Himself.
The last part of this study contains some brief, but fascinating, reports of how God is using several of the members of our A5B class to bring glory to Himself.

Acts 09:41-43 Miracles (Part 2)
The problem with staying with a tanner.
An examination of two schools of thought about miracles today.

Acts 13:01-15 The Missionary Enterprise Begins
An overview of the last half of Acts
An overview of Paul’s life leading up to his first missionary journey
The heterogeneous leadership in the church at Antioch
How serious followers of Christ will always face resistance and opposition
The wonderful life lesson we learn from John Mark

Acts 13:16-52 Paul’s First Recorded Sermon
How Paul saw the sovereignty of God displayed in history
How Paul used apologetics in his sermon to the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch (fulfilled prophecy, eyewitness testimony, the testimony of a trustworthy man, evidence from the resurrection of Jesus)
How Paul offered them God’s wonderful promise
How Paul also gave them a sobering warning
The exciting response to Paul’s sermon
How Jewish leaders felt jealous and threatened and built up strong opposition and the response to it from Paul and Barnabas

Acts 15:13-18 The Tabernacle of David
1000 years before Jesus was born, God gave David a glimpse of what New Testament worship would be like. 200 years later, God used Amos to prophesy that one day it would be restored. 800 years after that, God revealed to James that that prophecy was now fulfilled. I pray that you get excited as you follow what God teaches us about worship through the history of the Ark of the Covenant.

Acts 15:14-16 The Tabernacle of David
In Acts 15, James, the half-brother of our Lord and the pastor of the church at Jerusalem, said that God had fulfilled a prophecy that He had made about 700 years before through the prophet Amos. The Prophecy was that He would rebuild and restore the Tabernacle of David. Do you understand what this means? It is absolutely thrilling! As you follow this podcast closely, I think God will excite you about the amazing lesson He has given us via the Tabernacle of David!
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:13-18)
 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: (Amos 9:11)

Acts 16:11-25 Philippi (Part 1)
An overview of Paul’s first and second missionary journeys
The historical importance of the city of Philippi
The account of the conversion of Lydia
The account of the slave girl set free from her demonization
The account of the arrest of Paul and Silas
The amazing example of praising God under horrific conditions
Song: “I Bless Your Name” by Selah

Acts 16:25–17:03 Philippi (Part 2)
The account of the supernatural release of Paul and Silas from the Philippian jail
The account of the conversion of the jailer
Why the presentation of the Gospel can be extremely simple, even though there are critical truths we must not deny
The advantages of being a citizen of Rome
How Paul gives an example of learning discernment about when to exercise our rights
The value of using Christian apologetics when sharing the truth about Jesus

Acts 19–21  (Part 1)  Paul’s Logic & Emotions Get in the Way
What unusual thing was going on with the 12 disciples Paul found in Ephesus?
Is it possible for the Holy Spirit to be working in us without our awareness?
Why was He so obvious at times in the book of Acts?
What can we learn from the way Paul taught in the synagogue at Ephesus?
What significant events occurred in the world during the two years (54-55 AD) Paul spent in Ephesus?
How was Paul’s ministry in Ephesus so unusual?
Did God really want Paul to go back to Jerusalem?
What can we learn from his experience there?

Acts 19–21 (Part 2) Learning from the Ephesians
What were some of the main warnings and admonitions that God gave the Ephesian elders through Paul?
What did they do right?
What did they do wrong?

Acts 23-26 (Part 1) Paul in Caesarea
How did Paul’s Roman citizenship help him?
How did Claudius Lysius (the Roman Tribune) show that Paul had favor in his eyes?
What is the story behind the beautiful city of Caesarea Maritima?
How did Tacitus describe Governor Felix?
Why was Felix impressed with Paul’s case-making?
Why didn’t Felix release Paul?
Why was the church called “The Way?”
What seemed to bring conviction, or at least fear, to Felix?
How long was Paul in Caesarea?
Why did Paul appeal to Caesar?
What is the background story of Agrippa II and Bernice and Drusilla?
What was Festus’ dilemma? How did he think Agrippa might help him?
What made the setting so dramatic when Paul was brought before Festus and Agrippa?

Acts 23-26 (Part 2) Paul in Caesarea
What kinds of evidence did Paul offer King Agrippa II?
How do we know that Jesus’ appearance to Paul was an actual physical appearance and not just an internal subjective vision?
What did Jesus reveal to Paul during that appearance on the road to Damascus?
What was the real reason that the Jews wanted to kill Paul?
Why did Paul expect that Agrippa should be convinced?
Why might Festus have believed that Paul was insane?
Why should he have known that Paul was obviously not insane?
What had Paul written to the Romans 3 years earlier that should have been a huge encouragement to him now?
How might Paul have been surprised at how his plans worked out?
What should our attitude be about making plans?

Romans (back to top)

Romans 1:1 Paul: God’s Amazing Choice
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God… (Romans 1:1).

Romans 1:2 Promised Beforehand Through His Prophets
God promised the coming Gospel of Jesus Christ through His prophets hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Fulfilled prophecy as evidence pointing to Jesus. Focus on Isaiah 53.
This study also takes a look at the age-old dilemma of the sovereignty of God vs Men’s free moral agency.

Romans 1:4  By His Resurrection from the Dead
How we Christians can, by self-discipline, become a more useful witness to the power of God demonstrated through the resurrection of Jesus to our secularized family and friends. (Bible Study begins at 3:00.)

Romans 1:5-7–“Called to Grace & Peace”
(Bible Study begins at 3:00) How can I understand God’s grace better? What does it mean to be called? How can I recognize genuine faith from imitations? How is the best way to encourage another believer? Who qualifies to be identified as a saint? Why is it important to pray for God’s grace & peace? 

Romans 1:8-15 Mutual Encouragement
God teaches valuable truth for our personal relationships as we consider Paul’s attitude toward the Roman Christians. (Bible Study begins at 3:00 mark.)

Romans 01:14-17 The Gospel
Background of the church in Rome and Paul’s letter to the Romans
How God used Romans to radically affect His church through Augustine, Martin Luther, John Wesley,  and John Bunyan.
Why Paul, and we, are obligated to the lost
Why Paul was, and we should be, eager to share the Gospel
Why Paul was not, and we should not be, intimidated to share the Gospel

Romans 1:16-18 The Wrath of God
Why God’s wrath is an essential part of His nature. Why Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel. (Study begins at 3:00)

Memorize Romans 1:16-32 with musical background
I have recorded Romans 1:16-32, an extremely relevant passage to the world in which we find ourselves. Hopefully, this will make it easier to memorize.  There are brief silent spaces after phrases/words which will give you time to pause playback or rewind. I’m also putting it in it’s own playlist, which will enable you to play it as an endless loop in YouTube Music if you choose. This should make it easy to do memory work while driving. The recording may be more valuable to some of you for review and re-memorizing after you have already done the basic memory work one verse at a time. You will probably find it helpful to rewind frequently as you reach the section you are currently working on.

Memorize Romans 1:16-32 without musical background
I have recorded Romans 1:16-32, an extremely relevant passage to the world in which we find ourselves. Hopefully, this will make it easier to memorize.  There are brief silent spaces after phrases/words which will give you time to pause playback or rewind. I’m also putting it in it’s own playlist, which will enable you to play it as an endless loop in YouTube Music if you choose. This should make it easy to do memory work while driving. The recording may be more valuable to some of you for review and re-memorizing after you have already done the basic memory work one verse at a time. You will probably find it helpful to rewind frequently as you reach the section you are currently working on.

Romans 1:19-20 How should Christians think about Extraterrestrials?
UFOs and Extraterrestrials are back in the news after the Pentagon released Navy videos of videos of UFOs. Here are some thoughts for your consideration!

Romans 1:19-22 There is No Excuse
God has seen to it that there is no excuse for those who wish to try to convince themselves that He has no relevance for their lives or that He doesn’t even exist. (Study begins at 3:00) 

Romans 1:23-25 Exchanging Glory for Images
Highly educated, well-respected, sophisticated, articulate fools choose to exchange the glory of the immortal God for images. (Study begins a the 3:00 mark)

Romans 1:26-27 Dishonorable Passions (Part 1 of 3)
This is the first of three studies designed to help Biblical Christians know how to stand firm on God’s Word and in God’s truth when it comes to the aggressive secular sexual revolution occurring today in our culture. (Study begins at 3:00)

Romans 1:26-27 Dishonorable Passions (part 2 of 3)
This study (and the following study) from Romans 1:26-27 will take a look at some of the arguments that sexual revolutionists who identify as Christians sometimes make and offers a loving response to each. (Study begins at 3:00)

Romans 1:26-27 Dishonorable Passions (Part 3 of 3)
This (and the preceding) study from Romans 1:26-27 takes a look at some of the arguments that sexual revolutionists who identify as Christians sometimes make and offers a loving response to each. (Study begins at 3:00)

Romans 1:28-32 A Debased Mind
When we steadfastly refuse to consider God, He eventually gives us over to debased minds. It’s a very frightening thing. (Bible study begins at 2:00)

Romans 2:1-11 The Deadly Sin of Self-Righteousness and Partiality
It’s easy for people to convince themselves that they are “good people.” It’s also very dangerous. In this lesson, we also see how the sin of partiality relates to the contemporary so-called “social justice” movement. (Study begins at 3:00)

Romans 2:12-16 What about the Heathen?
Bible study begins at  3-minute mark

Romans 2:17-29 Practice What You Preach! (And What about Circumcision?)
Bible Study begins at the 3-minute mark

Romans 3:1-8 Misunderstood and Misrepresented
People misunderstood and misrepresented Paul, just as they had Jesus, and just as they will us. Bible Study begins at 3-minute mark.

Romans 3:9-18 The Fear of the Lord
Bible study begins at 3-minute mark

Romans 3:19-31 But Now…
Bible study begins at 3-minute mark

Romans 4 The Faith of Abraham
Bible study begins at the 3-minute (3:00) mark.

Romans 5:1-11 We Exult in Hope of the Glory of God
Romans 5:1-11 We Exult in Hope of the Glory of God

Romans 5:3-5 We Exult in Tribulation
Romans 5:3-5 We Exult in Tribulation
Bible study begins at 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 5:6-11 We Exult in God
Romans 5:6-11 We Exult in God
Bible study begins at 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 5:12-21 Part 1: In Adam–In Christ
Romans 5:12-21 Part 1: In Adam–In Christ
Bible study begins at 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 5:12-21 Part 2 Why We Die
Romans 5:12-21 Part 2 Why We Die
Bible study begins at 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 5:12-21 (Part 3) In Adam
Romans 5:12-21 (Part 3) In Adam
Bible study begins at 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 5:15-19 Much More in Christ
Romans 5:15-19 Much More in Christ
Bible study begins at 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 5:17 Righteous Kings
Romans 5:17 Righteous Kings
Bible study begins at the 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 5:20-21 The Purpose of the Law
Romans 5:20-21 The Purpose of the Law
Bible study begins at the 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 6:1-11 The Likeness of His Resurrection
Romans 6:1-11 The Likeness of His Resurrection
Bible study begins at the 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 6:1-11 Internalizing God’s Truth about Who You Are
After a break of one year from our Romans study, we are back in chapter 6. This is a kind of summary of some things that will happen to our lives when we truly get Romans 6:1-11 well-learned and internalized.

Romans 6:1-2 Are We Antinomians?
Romans 6:1-2 Are We Antinomians?
Bible study begins at the 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 6:2-4 Baptized Into Christ
Romans 6:2-4 Baptized Into Christ
Bible study begins at the 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 6:5-7 Crucified With Him
Romans 6:5-7 Crucified With Him
Bible study begins at the 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 6:8-10 Jesus: Dead to Sin, Alive to God
Romans 6:8-10 Jesus: Dead to Sin, Alive to God
Bible study begins at the 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 6:11 Consider
Romans 6:11 Consider
Bible study begins at the 3-minute mark (3:00).

Romans 6:1-11  Dead to Sin. Alive to God.
Romans 6 is one of the most profound passages ever written down in one of the most profound letters that have ever been written.  The Holy Spirit of God has used the book of Romans to bring to conversion many great men of God, including St. Augustine in the 4th century, Martin Luther in the 16th century, and John Wesley in the 18th century. The truth here is profoundly important. We who are followers of Christ must understand who God says we are in Christ in order to walk in victory over sin! (This is the study I shared at Wednesday Evening Bible study at Fairview Baptist Tabernacle Church in Sweetwater, TN on 8/20/2025.)

Romans 6:12
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts.”

Romans 6:13a Why Many Celebrity Christians Fall
“And do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness.”
This is a Bible Study that was shared in our Standing Firm Class on September 1, 2024.

Romans 6:13 Present Yourselves to God
And do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Romans 6:14 You Are Not Under Law, But Under Grace
For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
(Romans 6:14)

Romans 6:15-16 “Whose Slave are You?”
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? (Romans 6:15-16)

Romans 6:17 What is a True Christian?
17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed (Romans 6:17)

Romans 6:18 Slaves of Righteousness
And having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:18)

Romans 6:19 The Weakness of the Flesh
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. 
(Romans 6:19)

Romans 6:20-23 Deriving Your Benefit
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord
(Romans 6:20-23)

Romans 7:1-4 (Part 1)
1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? 2 For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. 3 So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man. 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 
(Romans 7:1-4)

When Christians Disagree
This is a brief (~ 6-minute) excerpt from Steve’s introduction to Romans 7. It encourages Christians to be gracious when they find themselves disagreeing with other believers about secondary or tertiary issues.

Romans 7:1-4 Christians and the Law (part 2)
1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? 2 For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. 3 So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man. 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 
(Romans 7:1-4)

Romans 7:4-5 No Longer in the Flesh
4 Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. 
(Romans 7:4-6)

Romans 7:6 “In Newness of Spirit”
But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. 
(Romans 7:6)

Romans 7:7-9 Sin and the Law
7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” 8 But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; 
(Romans 7:7-9)

Romans 7:10-13 Holy Law–Deceitful Sin
10 and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; 11 for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. 13 Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful. 
(Romans 7:10-13)

Romans 01:14-16 Obligated, Eager, Not Ashamed
God has imbued the book of Romans with unusual power. He has demonstrated that power throughout church history. Today, most people simply do not grasp the meaning and power of His Gospel. This message is based primarily on notes I used over 30 years ago for a message from Romans 1. I simply challenge all of us to listen while praying, “Father, what do you want me to do about this?”

1 Corinthians (back to top)

A Bible Verse w/Grandpa #2 (1 Corinthians 15:42)
This is another brief video (3:49) in the “Bible Verse with Grandpa” series. This one is based on the last part of 1 Corinthians 15:42. “If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter

1 Corinthians 15:58 Encouraging Words from Vice President Mike Pence
This is a brief excerpt from a message the Vice President shared at First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX on June 28. 2020. His story encouraged me greatly. I pray it will encourage you too!

1 Corinthians 13 (Memory Work)
1 Corinthians 13 (Memory Work)

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Spiritual Gifts (Part 2)
The Categories of Spiritual Gifts. The valuable outcomes of understanding Spiritual Gifts. Keys to discovering our gift.

Spiritual Gifts–Part 3 (Prophecy & Servinig)
This is a discussion of the motivational gifts of prophecy and serving. For the Biblical perspective, watch the first two videos in this playlist.

Spiritual Gifts–Part 4 (Teaching)
This is an overview of the motivational gift of teaching. The Biblical basis for this particular study of spiritual gifts can be found in the first two videos in the Spiritual Gifts playlist.

1 Corinthians 01:01-13 Disagree but Stay United
What is the history of the city of Corinth?
Why did Paul write 1 Corinthians?
What topics does Paul cover in 1 Corinthians?
What can we learn about correcting our children and grandchildren from Paul’s introduction?
What is the difference between disagreements and divisions?
Why might the church at Corinth have divided over Paul, Apollos, and Peter?

1 Corinthians 01:14-31 Wisdom of Men, Wisdom of God
Why did Paul thank God that he didn’t baptize many of the Corinthians?
What does Paul’s attitude teach about baptismal regeneration?
What is the danger of great speaking eloquence?
What is the danger of exalting knowledge?
Why does the cross seem so foolish to so many?
What are some examples of the “wisdom” of men that turned out to be embarrassing?
What are two meanings of the word, “called?”
Can those who are called eventually be lost?
Does the fact that, from God’s perspective, our future is completely determined mean that there is no need for self-disciplined living?
How is Christ the power of God?
How is Christ the wisdom of God?
Why do so few of the rich and powerful trust Christ?
What does “good” boasting look like?

1 Corinthians 07:01-15 Single?   Married?   His Needs, Her Needs
Is celibacy good? or bad?
What do husbands and wives owe each other?
What are the ten emotional needs identified by Willard Harley and highlighted in his book, His Needs, Her Needs?
What are the six “Love Busters” highlighted by Harley?
What is the evidence that Paul may have been married at one time?
Why did Paul recommend staying unmarried at that particular time?
Should we consider part of 1 Corinthians to be uninspired by God?
(Note: This study ends pretty abruptly. Next Sunday, I plan to pick up where I left off.)

1 Corinthians 07:15-40 Marriage & Divorce
This is an attempt to communicate what I believe God is teaching us about marriage and divorce through Paul in 1 Corinthians 7. It is a controversial passage. Godly teachers disagree with me and with each other. I pray that this study will be of help to you as you think and pray through this difficult issue!

1 Corinthians 08-10
What is the danger that often comes with knowledge?
If someone thinks something is sin that we know is not sin, should we try to help them understand the truth?
What rights for material support do ministers of the gospel have?
How did Paul view those rights?
What motivated Paul to preach the gospel?
What are two common extremes when it comes to how believers relate to nonbelievers?
What do the Scriptures teach about the Christians  enduring to the end?
What are some of Paul’s most powerful arguments for a Christian’s eternal security?
What did Paul mean by “disqualified?”
Why is 1 Corinthians 10:13 so powerful?

1 Corinthians 10-11 The Lord’s Supper
Why does Paul seem to say that eating meat sacrificed to idols is OK in chapter 8, but not OK in chapter 10?
How do we know that headship has nothing to do with value, worth, or equality?
What are three possible ways to understand the issue of head coverings for women?
How can cultural differences cause difficulties in the body of Christ?
What three views of the Lord’s Supper have been taught since the reformation?
What 16th century event in England illustrates the spiritual importance of the Lord’s Supper?
What Old Testament prophecies foresaw the New Covenant that Jesus instituted with the Lord’s Supper?
How should we partake of the Lord’s Supper?
Why do some people refuse to partake? Why is this a terrible mistake?

1 Corinthians 10:13 Cross Creek Christian School Devotions
This is a word of encouragement from 1 Corinthians 10:13 given during Thursday Devotions at Cross Creek Christian School on January 11, 2018

1 Corinthians 1:26ff Discouragement
This message on discouragement was shared with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, TN on April 27, 2013.
One of Satan’s most powerful tools is discouragement. We tend to become discouraged when we lose our perspective and when we think that our weakness makes us useless when compared  the powerful and influential people of the world.
In the final few minutes of this podcast, I share the wonderful story of the meeting of Justice, Love, and Mercy in heaven.

2 Corinthians (back to top)

2 Corinthians 02-04 Therefore We Do Not Lose Heart
Why was Paul so anxious to hear from Titus?
Why is it sometimes necessary to give reproof even though it is painful to do?
What is the purpose of church discipline?
How did Paul use the metaphor of a spectacular Roman victory procession to illustrate the Christian life?
Why did early Christians use letters of recommendation?
What is the best letter of recommendation?
What was Paul’s attitude about his influence on the Corinthian Christians?
How have some misinterpreted the words, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life?”
Why was the old covenant called both “glorious” and “the ministry of death?”
For what two reasons did Moses wear the veil?
How have some misinterpreted the words, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom?”
What does it mean to have freedom in Christ?
How can the spiritually blind have the veil removed?
Why do we not lose heart?

2 Corinthians 5:13 Crazy People
If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. (2 Corinthians 5:13) (7 1/2 minute video)

2 Corinthians 08 Giving (Part 1)
What were some possible reasons for the poverty in Jerusalem?
Why was the giving by the Macedonian Christians so surprising?
What should our attitude be when we have the opportunity to give?
If we don’t have that attitude, what should we do?
What are the Biblical truths about giving that will change our lives?
How can genuine love toward others be proven?
What can Christians learn about spending from those with the gift of giving?
What does the New Testament say about tithing?
Was the early church communist?
Why might Paul have hidden the identity of the “celebrity preacher?”

2 Corinthians 08 Giving (Part 2)
Why is it important that our giving be not only generous but thoughtful and wise?
What are some examples of well-intentioned giving causing harm?
When is “relief” giving appropriate?
When is “relief” giving possibly not appropriate?
What can be done in situations when relief giving might cause unintended consequences?

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Thinking Biblically
As the world around us becomes more and more emboldened to “raise up arguments and lofty opinions against the knowledge of God,” it has become critical that true followers of Jesus learn how to think Biblically.

2 Corinthians 10-12 Strength in Weakness
Why did the apostle Paul have to defend his ministry?
What are some examples of strongholds that our spiritual weapons are able to pull down?
Why is it important to define our terminology when talking with others about God, Jesus, the Spirit, and the Gospel?
How does Satan succeed in deceiving so many people?
What are some common weaknesses that many people feel are hindering their ability to count for God?
Where do our weaknesses come from?
What is the attitude of most people (and originally was Paul’s attitude as well) about weakness?
Why does God often not take away our weaknesses even after we plead with Him to remove them?
How does God often use Satan?
What are some Biblical examples of this principle?
What are some more contemporary examples?
What does God want us to do about our weaknesses?
Can God use people who have a lot of strengths?
What do they have to do about those strengths before God can use them?

2 Corinthians 11:02-04 A Different Jesus
This is a chapel message I shared with students and staff at Cross Creek Christian School in Sweetwater, TN on January 23, 2020.

2 Corinthians 12:07-10 Strength in Weakness
Paul had to learn a lesson that all of us have to learn as well. God does not use us because of our strengths. He does not even use us in spite of our weakness. He uses us because of our weakness.
This study based on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 was shared with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on Saturday, May 25, 2013.

WOC #01 2 Corinthians 13:5–“Examine Yourselves”
How can I become a Christian? How do I conquer my doubts? How can I be sure I’m really a Christian and not just presuming on God?
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —  unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” 
(2 Corinthians 13:5)

Galatians (back to top)

Galatians 01:01-10 Delivered from this Present Evil Age
Where was Galatia and what was its history?
What are the two kinds of “apostles?”
Why did Paul start with “Grace and Peace?”
Why did Jesus and Paul take such pains to stress that no one took Jesus’ life?
How does our own “present evil age” manifest itself?
What are the key elements of the true Gospel?
How do false gospels pervert the true Gospel?
How does God intend for us to respond to the word “accursed” (anathema)?
Why do those guilty of the heresy of legalism accuse those of us who teach the true Gospel of being
antinomian” and of being man-pleasers?

Galatians 03:01-18 Faith (part 1 of 2)
Introduction to Galatians
The dangerous tendency to fall into opposite ditches
Salvation was always by faith–even in the Old Testament
(This is a study that was shared with the Dan Lemons/Rick Bettis class at Fairview Baptist Tabernacle in Sweetwater TN on May 23, 2021)

Galatians 03:01-18 Faith (part 2 of 2)
This the conclusion of a study of Galatians 3 that begins with the post entitled “Galatians 03:01-18 Faith (part 1 of 2)”

Galatians 03:01-18 The Deadliness of Legalism
The importance of “Godly Balance” in order to stay out of ditches
Why we tend to fall into ditches
Examples of some of the common ditches we fall into
The ditches of legalism and antinomianism
How Galatians 3:1-3 supports the security of the believer
The difference between legalism and the obedience of faith
How trusting Jesus is the only way to please God
Why there is no room for pride or boasting when we seem to “do good”
How the Old Testament saints pleased God
How Moses taught loving and trusting God, not legalism
How to handle Christian encouragement in a way that pleases God
Who the true descendants of Abraham are

Galatians 04:08-31 Our Freedom in Christ
In what sense were the Galatians previously enslaved by demons?
How did Paul compare their previous enslavement to Jewish legalism?
Why was their attraction to legalism so ironic?
Why was Paul not being boastful when he told them to “become like I am?”
What did he mean when he said that he “became like you are?”
How does legalism appeal to spiritual pride?
Did Moses teach legalism in the Old Testament?
What are some of the speculations about Paul’s infirmity?
How does the account of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac relate to the dangers of legalism?
What is the problem with the self-perceived freedom of legalists?

Galatians 05:01-18 Freedom in Christ (Part 2)
What are five categories of people that are in many churches?
How can true Christians be deceived by legalists?
Why did Paul say, “If you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you?”
How does God use the metaphor, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump?”
Why is the cross offensive to many?
Why are people misguided who insist that we must first learn to love ourselves before we can learn to love others?
What’s the difference between the crucifixion of the old self and the crucifixion of the flesh?
How did Jesus contrast the heavy yoke of legalism with his own yoke?

Galatians 05:19-26 Works or Fruit? Flesh or Spirit?
Why did Paul call the list of verses 22 and 23 the “fruit of the Spirit” instead of the “works of the Spirit?”
How does the image of a locomotive climbing a mountain help understand the difference between legalism and true Christianity?
What are the works of the flesh?
Why have many godly people, including Jesus and Paul, been accused of the work of the flesh called “dissensions” or “divisiveness?”
What is the fruit of the Spirit?
How has Satan deceived lost people about joy?
How can part of the fruit be “self-control” if it is really “Spirit-control?”
Why does Paul use the singular form of “fruit?”

Galatians 05:23 CCCS Chapel Message–Self Discipline
This is a message on self-discipline I shared with the students, faculty,  and staff in Chapel at Cross Creek Christian School in Sweetwater, TN on September 19, 2017.

Ephesians (back to top)

Ephesians 01:01-14 He Predestined Us
Background study of city of Ephesus and Paul’s letter to the Ephesians
The significance of being sealed with the Holy Spirit
The ultimate purpose of our salvation
Predestination

Ephesians 02:01-10 But God
What it means to be “dead in trespasses and sins”
Who is the “prince of the power of the air”
Why  the wrath of God is necessary
God’s wrath in the New Testament
The enormous significance of the two words, “But God”
Steve’s encounter with a Mormon woman over Ephesians 2:8-10
How Satan has attacked the word “saved”
How the chair illustration can help Christians who can’t remember their conversion very well
How Ephesians 2:9-10 clarifies the place of works in the Christian’s life

Ephesians 03:01-13 The Mystery Revealed
Why we Christians may not be getting into  enough trouble 
How the Truth was communicated to Paul
How Paul’s experience confirms the authenticity of the Gospel
How the Jews got confused about their role
Why God gave the Jews the “holiness code” commands
What a Biblical “mystery” really is
What angels learn about their God by carefully observing us
The significance of our being part of the priesthood
Why Paul’s sufferings should have encouraged the Ephesians

Ephesians 03:14-21 My Heart, Christ’s Home
The difference in this prayer and the prayer in Ephesians 1
Why this prayer is so important before we study chapters 4-6
Strengthened with power through His Spirit in our inner being
How our outer man is in decay
What it means for Christ to settle down at home in our hearts
Rooted and grounded in love
Knowing the love of Christ… that surpasses knowledge
Being filled with all the fullness of God
The limitless power that works in us
Glory to God vs glory to celebrities
Reading of the extended metaphor essay, “My Heart, Christ’s Home” by Robert Munger. (begins at  the 27:00 minute mark in the audio recording)

Ephesians 04:17-27 Christ Changes Us
The futility of life without Christ
How Christ changes us
Brilliant people with darkened minds
The danger of becoming calloused to sin
Similarity of greed, gluttony, and lust
Learning Christ vs learning about Christ
How our minds get renewed
How we can be tempted to lie
How we can be tempted to sinful anger

Ephesians 04:28-32 Not Grieving the Holy Spirit
Sharing vs stealing
Wholesome words
How we can grieve the Holy Spirit
Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander vs. treating others as God treats us

Ephesians 05:01-14 Imitating God–Light in Darkness
The “impossible” command to imitate God
What is means to love like Jesus
What it means to sacrifice ourselves
Immorality, impurity, greed, filthy talk are not habits of true Christians
How Light exposes darkness
The dilemma of “exposing” things that are embarrassing to discuss
Extended quote from Al Mohler’s “The Briefing” about kids “changing” genders

Ephesians 05:21-33 Wives & Husbands
How marriage is for this age only and points to a much greater relationship in the future
Christlike submitting
Christlike loving and serving
Dealing with disagreements

Ephesians 06:01-09 Kids, Parents, Employees, Bosses
Some ways kids might honor their parents
Some ways dads might generate anger unnecessarily
Some ways to be a Christlike employee
Some ways to be a Christlike boss

Ephesians 6:12-17–Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
This is a live audio recording of the Wednesday Evening Adult Bible Study at Fairview Baptist Tabernacle Church on October 15, 2025

Ephesians 6:10-18 (Memory Work)
Ephesians 6:10-18 (Memory Work)

Ephesians 06:10-12 Spiritual Warfare 1 of 10 Introduction
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Ephesians 06:13-17 Spiritual Warfare 2 of 10 The Weapons
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
“Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:11-18)

Ephesians 06:14 Spiritual Warfare 3 of 10 The Belt of Truth
While Satan, his demons, and men are liars and deceivers, God speaks only truth. When we gird up our loins with truth, we are protected from one of Satan’s most effective weapons: discouragement through lies. He attempts to deceive us, confuse us, blind us, keep us in a state of ignorance, and persuade us to trust “experience” or “emotion” or “common sense” or “human philosophy” or “logical reasoning”, etc. instead of God’s Word. He specializes in creating misunderstanding, faulty perceptions, misconceptions, and misleading circumstances in order to keep us defeated and discouraged. The Belt of Truth enables us to overcome all this.
Of course, there are many ways that the enemy attempts to deceive us. But there are a few areas which seem to be especially critical. If he can deceive us into having a faulty understanding of our sin, of God, of our identity as believers, of the power available to us, or of the value of prayer, we’re in trouble.

Ephesians 06:14 Spiritual Warfare 4 of 10 Truth about Prayer
The enemy would love to convince us that prayer is a powerless exercise. He likes to remind us of times when prayer did not seem to change things. He will do anything he can to get us to doubt what God has said about prayer. That’s why we need to gird up our loins with the truth about prayer by filling our mind with verses like these:
“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:15, 17)
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:4-5)
“And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?” (Matthew 7:7-11)
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14)
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:7-8)
“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23-24)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1 Timothy 2:8)
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Ephesians 06:14 Spiritual Warfare 5 of 10 (The Breastplate of Righteousness)
Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness protects me from two avenues of Satanic attack.
Protection from Pride
On the one hand, we can get so focused on our authority in Christ, that we go to an unbiblical extreme that is really nothing more than sinful pride and arrogance. Putting on the breastplate of righteousness protects me from spiritual cockiness and arrogance, esteeming myself better than others, from self-confidence (rather than Christ-confidence), and from self-righteousness. Satan is extremely clever at slipping in this deception on believers. Some are especially susceptible to it. And often, when we have been drawn into it, we don’t recognize it in ourselves. We may think that we are being “spiritual” when we are really only being arrogant! If Satan can deceive us here, we are greatly hindered in our effectiveness for the Lord.
Protection from Condemnation
The Breastplate of Righteousness also protects me from overwhelming vague feelings of condemnation and guilt (as a result of past sins). Without the breastplate of righteousness we can be paralyzed by feelings of unworthiness, worthlessness, hopelessness, and discouragement because of past failures. Without it we can feel so undeserving that we don’t expect anything from the Lord. Again, Satan knows that many Christians are susceptible to defeat at this point. It’s easy to make them feel so guilty and unworthy that they feel they can be of no use to the Lord. Great damage has been done by the enemy with this weapon on God’s people.

Ephesians 06:15 Spiritual Warfare 6 of 10 (The Shoes of Peace)
When we are prepared to to battle with the enemy by having put on the good news of God’s perfect peace, we are protected from slipping and falling or being immobilized by worry, anxiety, intimidation, or fears of any kind (i.e., we have excellent footwear, which is of critical importance to any soldier!).
Stuggling with fears and worries? Memorize these verses! Yes MEMORIZE them! It will take some discipline, energy, and time. But God WILL use His Word to give you victory over these sins!

Ephesians 06:16 Spiritual Warfare 7 of 10 (The Shield of Faith)
Satan will attempt to shoot “fiery darts” at us in the form of ugly thoughts, temptations, unbelief, and distracting thoughts. He can also use the tongues of other people to shoot “fiery darts.” These can take the form of persecuting words, critical comments, discouraging words, words designed to create fear, harsh and hurting words, curses, and deceptions. Without the shield of faith, these words will defeat us. With the shield, the darts will be quenched.

Ephesians 06:17 Spiritual Warfare 8 of 10 (The Helmet of Salvation)
The helmet of salvation gives us supreme hope as we do battle against the enemy. (Notice that in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, the helmet is said to be “the hope of salvation.”) Remember, the word “hope” in the Bible refers to a certain expectation of a future blessing. The idea is that there are aspects of our salvation that are yet future. We look forward to our future glorification with complete assurance. There is no implication of doubt or uncertainty as there is in the current English connotation of the word “hope.”

Ephesians 06:17 Spiritual Warfare 9 of 10 (The Security of the Believer)
The following Scriptures are offered with brief comments to encourage believers who might be struggling with thoughts that perhaps they have “fallen out of grace” or lost their salvation. Others may be living their lives in anxiety and fears that something might happen someday that would cause them to miss out on Eternal Life. The Bible plainly teaches (as you will see from these verses) that once you truly become a child of God, nothing can ever change that! He will keep you forever! When we finally get this wonderful truth internalized, we find that it gives us tremendous confidence in facing the battles of life!

Ephesians 06:17 Spiritual Warfare 10 of 10 (The Sword of the Spirit)
The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is our offensive weapon. It is incredibly powerful and effective at driving away the enemy and tearing down his work. However, it is a mistake to attempt to wield the Sword without having the defensive weapons all in place. If we lightly skip over the defensive weapons we are neglecting to consider that the enemy has offensive weapons of his own. We will become an easy target for him to bring down. It is extremely foolish to go out to battle without all the weapons provided by God for us to use to overcome the enemy.

Ephesians 06:14 CCCS Chapel 2-15-18 The Belt of Truth part 1
This continues a series of brief studies with the students at Cross Creek Christian School on our spiritual warfare. The focus today is learning the truth about how Satan lies to us about sin.

Ephesians 06:14 CCCS Chapel 2-22-18 The Belt of Truth about God
What are some ways that Satan tries to lie to us about God?
Why does God require us to recite the truth about Himself back to Him?
What are some of the benefits of praising God?
What is an example of an effective way to put on the belt of truth about God?

Ephesians 06:15 CCCS Chapel The Shoes of Peace
This is a chapel message shared at Cross Creek Christian School on April 12, 2018.

Ephesians 06:17 CCCS Chapel–The Helmet of Salvation
This is a brief message shared with the students and staff at Cross Creek Christian School during Chapel on April 26, 2018.
God has placed us in a battle that lasts throughout our entire lifetimes. He knew that His kids would sometimes tend to get discouraged. So He has given us a helmet designed to remind us of our glorious future and keep us in the battle until we get there!

Ephesians 06:17 CCCS Chapel––The Sword of the Spirit
This is the final message in a series of spiritual warfare messages shared in our Cross Creek Christian School Chapel service.
Many Christians are getting beaten up by our enemy, the devil, because they haven’t taken the time or given the energy to learn how to put on the full armor of God or use the Sword of the Spirit. Now is the time to learn how to do it!

Philippians (back to top)

Acts 16:11-25 Philippi (Part 1)
An overview of Paul’s first and second missionary journeys
The historical importance of the city of Philippi
The account of the conversion of Lydia
The account of the slave girl set free from her demonization
The account of the arrest of Paul and Silas
The amazing example of praising God under horrific conditions
Song: “I Bless Your Name” by Selah

Acts 16:25–17:03 Philippi (Part 2)
The account of the supernatural release of Paul and Silas from the Philippian jail
The account of the conversion of the jailer
Why the presentation of the Gospel can be extremely simple, even though there are critical truths we must not deny
The advantages of being a citizen of Rome
How Paul gives an example of learning discernment about when to exercise our rights
The value of using Christian apologetics when sharing the truth about Jesus

Philippians 01 Part 1 of 2–Intro and background
On September 8, 2012, I had the wonderful privilege of kicking off an all day Bible study for the youth of Fairview Baptist Tabernacle in Sweetwater, TN. My dear brother in the Lord, Chris Hollinghead,  who pastors the youth of that church, challenged his youth to several hours of intensive Bible study in one day. They responded beautifully.
This podcast is the first of two podcasts. This first part contains introductory comments and some background information for the letter to the Philippians. The second podcast contains a study of the first chapter of that book.

Philippians 01 (Part 2 of 2)
On September 8, 2012, I had the wonderful privilege of kicking off an all day Bible study for the youth of Fairview Baptist Tabernacle in Sweetwater, TN. My dear brother in the Lord, Chris Hollinghead,  who pastors the youth of that church, challenged his youth to several hours of intensive Bible study in one day. They responded beautifully.
This podcast is the second of two podcasts. The first part (immediately preceding podcast) contained introductory comments and some background information for the letter to the Philippians. This second podcast contains a study of the first chapter of that book.

Philippians 01:27 CCCS Chapel Message 8-9-18 Stand Firm
This is the first chapel message for Cross Creek Christian School students of the 2018-19 school year. Our theme is “Stand Firm.” It’s taken from Philippians 1:27.
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,” (Philippians 1:27)

Philippians 01:27 Stand Firm–CCCS Staff Meeting 7-26-18
The 2018-2019 Theme for Cross Creek Christian School, chosen by our principal, Melissa Whitfield, is “Stand Firm” from Philippians 1:27. This is a 17-minute message I shared with the faculty and staff at our first meeting of the new school year on July 26, 2018.

2025-08-05 Morning Devotions (Philippians 3:13-14)
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 
(Philippians 3:13-14)

Philippians 4:4-8 (Memory Work)
Philippians 4:4-8 (Memory Work)

A Bible Verse with Grandpa #3 (Philippians 4:4)
A brief (3:56) look at one of Nana’s favorite Bible verses!

1 & 2 Thessalonians (back to top)

1 Thessalonians 5:3-6 Practical Preparation for the End Times
Do current events mean that we are entering the end times? Are there any practical differences between different Christian understandings of the end times? If so, what are they?

1 Thessalonians 05:14 Encourage the Disheartened
God gives us four succinct but powerful commands in this little verse that will go a long way toward keeping the body of Christ healthy!
Devotional thoughts shared with the sweet residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home (who are, by the way, wonderful encouragers!) on January 25, 2014.

1 Thessalonians 05:18 In Everything Give Thanks
In everything… and even FOR everything… give Thanks!
Devotional thoughts from 1 Thessalonians 5:8 and Ephesians 5:18-20 shared with McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, TN on November 23, 2013.
Contains glimpses into the life of George Mueller and his “key” to effective praying.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 What the Bible Says about Antichrist (Part 1 of 2)
A brief overview of some of the things the Bible says about the antichrist.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 What the Bible Says about Antichrist (Part 2 of 2)
A brief overview of some of the things the Bible reveals to us about antichrist. (Part 2 of 2)

1 Timothy (back to top)

1 Timothy 01 Part 1–Introduction
Introduction to 1 Timothy–including a brief biographical overview of Timothy and his relationship to the Apostle Paul.
This podcast is the first part of a lesson taught to the A5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church on March 2, 2013. The lesson continues in a subsequent podcast, “1 Timothy 1 Part 2.”

1 Timothy 01:1-5  Part 2 False Teaching–Then and Now
Bad teaching and false gospels abound. Timothy had to deal with it. So do we.
Continuation of lesson taught in A5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church, March 3, 2013. The first part of the lesson (an introduction to 1 Timothy, including a brief biographical sketch of Timothy) can be found in the preceding podcast, entitled “1 Timothy 1 Part 1.”

1 Timothy 01 Part 3–The Purpose of the Law & the Monster that became Paul
Do you really understand the purpose of the law? It may be more complex than you think!
And have you carefully considered how close Paul was to fitting the description of the Antichrist? He was a monstrously vicious man before the grace of God apprehended him!
This is the third of a 3-part study on 1 Timothy 1. The first two parts were delivered to the A5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church on March 3, 2013. These comments were added to make the study of 1 Timothy 1 more complete.

1 Timothy 01:01-04 Introduction to 1 Timothy
Historical background for Paul’s first letter to Timothy
Overview of the life of Timothy
The danger of letting imagination supersede Scripture
The priority of knowing and teaching true Biblical doctrine
Common substitutes for true doctrine in 2019 (continued on next podcast)

1 Timothy 01:03-20 Understanding Law and Grace
Common substitutes for true Biblical doctrine in 2019 (continued from previous podcast)
Understanding  the different kinds of Old Testament law
The purpose of God’s Eternal Moral Law
The enormous and powerful significance of the conversion of the monster named Saul
The awesome power of true praise and worship during times of difficulty
The abuse of the gift of prophecy

1 Timothy 03:01-3 Pastors & Deacons–Part 1
An overview of the different  Biblical names for “pastor”
How men are called to the pastorate
The issue of women pastors
Why God gives qualifications
Implications of “above reproach,” “one woman man,” “sober minded,” “self-controlled,” “respectable,” and “hospitable,” “able to teach,” and “not a drunkard.”
(Study continues in next podcast)

1 Timothy 03:03-13 Pastors & Deacons–Part 2
In this study (continued from previous podcast):
Implications of more qualifications for pastors: “not violent but gentle,” “not quarrelsome,” “not a lover of money,” “managing his household well,” “not a recent convert,” “well thought of by outsiders.”
Implications of qualifications for deacons: “dignified,” “not double-tongued,”  “not addicted to much wine,” “not greedy for dishonest gain,” “holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience,” “tested,” “one woman man,”
Deacon’s wives? or deaconesses?

1 Timothy 06:01-19 Have You Learned Contentment?
Slaves in the New Testament vs. slaves in  antebellum America
How our behavior toward the gracious authorities God has put in our lives affects our Christian testimony
The danger of conflict based on false knowledge
Gaining monetarily by the Gospel
The rapid early spread of Christianity
The keys to contentment
The foolishness of painting businesses with a broad brush
 How the love of money destroys
How all gods except the true God will tragically disappoint

1 Timothy 06:11-21 Staying in the Battle
The command to flee covetousness
How  staying in the battle is the evidence of salvation
How the fight of the faith is “good”
Staying alert to what is falsely called “knowledge”

1 Timothy 06–Money:  Powerful Tool or Deadly Idol?
This is a live Bible study recorded April 7, 2013 in the A5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN.
Many people, both rich and poor, fall into the trap of coveting things that money can buy. Money very easily becomes an idol that will always let us down in our time of greatest need. This study will help you evaluate your relationship to this stuff called money which can be a blessing and a powerful tool… or a deadly false god.

2 Timothy & Titus (back to top)

2 Timothy 02:01-07 Pass it on–With Discipline
How grace strengthens us
How we can pass on the truth to others
What it means to “share in suffering”
What we can learn from soldiers, athletes, and farmers
The problem with “No Child Left Behind”
The danger of being able to get by with little effort
How to meditate
How to recognize the voice of Jesus
How being “thoughtful” and “passionate” go together

2 Timothy 02:07-13 He Remains Faithful
Getting hope from the resurrection of Jesus
Free from the fear of death
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church
Knowing that there are the elect spurs us to perseverance
Oral Creeds
Jesus will be faithful to do what He promised

2 Timothy 02–Stay in the Battle!
Paul knew that Timothy, and all of us as well, would need lots of encouragement to remain effective in the work God has given us to do. In 2 Timothy 2 God gives us some of the things that we all need to understand if we are going to be most useful to Him.
This podcast is a live lesson from the A5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church on April 21, 2013.

2 Timothy 02–Stay in the Battle! Part 2
Paul stayed in the Battle in spite of intense persecution leading to his death… “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” (Tertullian)… Significance of Paul’s words “for the sake of the elect”…. The danger of Bible discussions becoming ruinous…. The resurrection–not a minor doctrine.

2 Timothy 03 Breathed out by God
The fierceness of the last days
The characteristics of unbelievers of the last days
The painfulness and difficulty of knowing when to turn away
Christians struggling with Donald Trump issues
Persecution for all believers
Scripture is God-breathed
Scriptures claims to be given by God
How Scripture equips us for God’s use

2 Timothy 04 Final Words of Paul
The seriousness of Paul’s charge to Timothy
The need to preach the Word
The need to always be ready to preach the Word
The need to be disciplined in preaching the Word
The need to receive direct personal reproof joyfully
The need to give direct personal reproof courageously
The need to be patient after teaching or reproo
The example of Shai Linne in exposing false teachers
Why Word-Faith heresy is so popular
Charles Spurgeon’s final battle
The emotional power of Paul’s final words
What it meant for Paul to be poured out like a drink offering

2 Timothy 04–Battling False Teachers
Paul’s final charge to Timothy. Dealing with false teachers. Reproving, rebuking, and exhorting. Lyrics to Shai Linne rap song “Fal$e Teacher$.” Charles Spurgeon’s last battle (the “Downgrade Controversy”). The death of Paul. What it meant for Paul to be “poured out like a drink offering.”
This is a live recording of the Adult 5B Bible Fellowship Class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church on May 5, 2013.

2 Timothy 3-4 Paul’s Epitaph
Powerful truth from the last words we have from the Apostle Paul before his martyrdom. If you were in class, you may wish to begin at (24:46). Lyrics from Shai Linne’s rap song “Fal$e Prophet$” can be found at (59:38). Account of Charles Spurgeon’s final battle with false teachers (the  “Downgrade Controversy”) begins at (01:07:52).

Titus 02:01-12 How to Set an Example
Older men,  older women, younger women, and younger men have different issues
The temptation for older men to drop out of the battle or to be abrasive
The temptation for older women to say ugly things or abuse alcohol
The temptation for younger women to not be teachable
The temptation for younger men to be undisciplined
Paul’s (and the Holy Spirit’s) gender stereotyping
The temptation to resist our human authorities
Titus’s responsibility to set an example

Titus 02:11-15 Our Blessed Hope
When we do good things, it is God working in us
How the world is energized by ungodly passions
How promises of the return of Jesus energizes believers
What it means to be redeemed
The critical importance of knowing what we have been redeemed from
The importance of speaking with authority and the ditches on both sides

Hebrews (back to top)

Hebrews 01:01-03 Jesus and Quantum Physics
Introduction to the book of Hebrews. The many ways God has chosen to reveal Himself  to men. General and Special Revelation. Jesus: God’s ultimate revelation of Himself.

Hebrews 02:05-18  (Part 1 of 2)  The Incredible Things Jesus Has Done for Us
What the “world to come” will be like.
How Satan got to be Prince of the Power of the Air.
What our role, as redeemed people, will be.
What happened at the “fall of man.”
What Jesus’ death accomplished for us.
He became our Substitute (v. 9). (The wonderful doctrine of the Substitutionary Atonement. The wonderful privilege of helping crown Him with glory and honor.)
He became the Founder/Trail Blazer of our salvation (v. 10). (How that can be said to be “fitting.” How Jesus was “made perfect” through suffering.)
He became our Sanctifier (v. 11). (How He makes us “fit” to be accepted by the Father. How He calls us “brothers.”  How He joins us in singing praise to the Father. How he receives us as children. How we belonged to the Father before we belonged to Jesus.
He became our Deliverer and our Victory over Satan (v. 14). (How we are made of flesh but He became flesh. How Satan has used death, his greatest weapon. How the lost are terrified of death. Why believers must not be. Fear of death vs. fear of the dying process. How Jesus has destroyed Satan’s works.
He became our Merciful Sympathizer and our Great High Priest (v. 17). (What it means to be High Priest. How and why He has made us priests too.)

Hebrews 02:05-18  (Part 2 of 2)  The Incredible Things Jesus Has Done for Us
Part 2 of previous study.

Hebrews 04:01-13 The Awesome Power of God’s Word
Topics: Hebrews’ three target groups (believers, unbelievers with intellectual assent, unbelievers without intellectual assent). The importance of responding to the Holy Spirit immediately and not becoming hardened. Miracles can be evidential, but apart from an open heart and the Spirit’s work, do not persuade. Importance of not “watering down” the meaning of the “fear of the Lord.” The nature of the “rest” God speaks of in Hebrews 3 and 4. Debate with Sabbatarians about the meaning of  Hebrews 4:9. The awesome power of the Word of God. The example of fear over the new Museum of the Bible being built in Washington, DC. How neo-orthodoxy in the SBC seminaries a few decades ago tried to separate Jesus from the written Word. How OT sacrifices prefigured the way that God’s Word lays us bare.
(This study is a live recording of the A5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN on October 5. 2014)

Hebrews 04:14-16 Let Us Come Boldly
The significance of having Jesus as our Great High Priest. How Jesus “passed through the heavens.” What it means to “hold fast our profession.” How the process of training for eternity works. Could Jesus really be tempted? Does that mean He could have sinned? The “Throne of Grace” is the “Mercy Seat.” The shocking idea of going there at all, much less boldly. The key of imputed righteousness. How the breastplate of righteousness protects us from two extremes and enables us to come boldly to God’s throne of grace.

Hebrews 09:01-12 The Tabernacle Points to Jesus
The more we understand how thrillingly the Old Testament points to Jesus, the more overwhelmed we are that only God could be the Author of the Bible. One of the exciting cases in point is the way the Tabernacle pictures Jesus in such a beautiful way.
This is a recording of a Bible study from the A5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church on November 2, 2014.

2026-02-10 Morning Devotions Hebrews 12:1-2
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience [endurance] the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 
(Hebrews 12:1-2)

Hebrews 12:1-3 Keeping God’s Perspective on Time and Eternity
We often look forward to upcoming events with great anticipation, and it seems to take forever for us to finally get there. Yet, suddenly, they arrive… and are quickly gone! Soon they are but dim memories. God tells us that all of life is like that.
Keeping God’s perspective on time and eternity will give us great strength when we are going through the most severe tests in this life! This message, shared with our friends at McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, Tennessee on July 27, 2013, will help you keep His perspective!

Hebrews 12:01-13 Run the Race–RUN!
Hebrews 12:1 is one of the most important verses in the Bible! All of Hebrews, chapters 1 through 11, point us to this verse.
The saints in the “great cloud of witnesses” of chapter 11 are not watching us, they are speaking to us. When we hear their testimony and fix our eyes on Jesus, we can learn to run the race well.
There is great danger in making the assumption that our dead loved ones are watching us and of trying to communicate with them.
It is important that we set aside some serious time for self-examination in the presence of God to make sure we are running the race well and that we are indeed laying aside sin and weights that will hinder our race.
It is important to understand discipline as training, not as punishment. God uses even Satan and ungodly men to discipline His kids.
We must learn the importance of disciplining our kids and grandkids–of bringing some pain into their lives now to avoid far more serious pain later on.

James (back to top)

James 01:01-08 Count It All Joy
Who are the 4 men mentioned in the New Testament named James and what do we know about them?
How do the conversions of James and Jude, half-brothers of Jesus, provide evidence that Jesus really did rise from the dead?
Why do many scholars believe the letter of James might have been the very first New Testament book to be written down?
How is it possible for Christians to count trials as a source of joy?
What do we learn about struggles from the emperor moth?
Why do many parents produce “snowflake” children?
What kinds of trials can Christians expect?
What are some good verses to memorize now in order to be prepared for upcoming trials?*
How does God give us wisdom?
What common mistake about faith is often made by advocates of the prosperity gospel?

James 01:02–Rejoicing in Trials
Trials of all kinds of shapes and sizes will certainly come our way in this life. God tells us clearly how we are to deal with them!
A devotional shared with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, TN on October 26, 2013.

James 01:09-18 Don’t Blame God!
What do both rich and poor people  both need to learn really well?
What is one more reward God promises for those who remain steadfast during trials?
What is the danger of blaming God for our temptations?
What is the difference between trials and temptations?
How do many people blame God indirectly?
What does it mean to say God is Immutable?
Which of God’s gifts are good and perfect?
What does James mean by the word, “firstfruits?”

James 02:14-26 The Danger of Antinomianism
What Greek words are translated “faith” and “to believe?”
What are some places in the Bible where “faith” is clearly not saving faith?
What kind of faith do demons have?
What parables did Jesus use to communicate that not all who have faith have saving faith?
How does Ephesians 2:8-10 deal with both legalism and antinomianism?
What does the heresy of antinomianism teach?
Why might some Jews have moved away from legalism all the way into antinomianism?
Why have Martin Luther and others thought that Paul and James contradicted each other?
How can the teachings of Paul and James be reconciled?
What happens to anyone who truly trusts Jesus?
How do the accounts of both Abraham and Rahab refute antinomianism?

James 03 & 04 Pursuing Humility & Practicing the Presence of God
Pursuing meekness
Godly wisdom vs. earthly wisdom
The problem with some prayer requests
How our attraction to the world looks from God’s perspective
When and why God opposes us
How to pursue humility
How to resist the devil
How to draw near to God

A Bible Verse with Grandpa (James 4:14)
Only one life ’twill soon be past
Only what’s done for Christ will last

James 04:11-17 Your Life is a Vapor
How “bad mouthing” and gossip usurps God’s authority
The foolishness of presuming on the future
The importance of internalizing the brevity of life
The danger of saying “Amen” and then forgetting

1 & 2 Peter (back to top)

1 Peter 1:13-25 Be Holy
In 1 Peter 1 God teaches us the importance of:
Getting equipped to use our minds for His glory
Being different from the world
Recognizing the brevity of this life
Recognizing the verbal inspiration, the permanence, and the power of His  Living Word
(If you were in class today, the part you didn’t hear starts at 19:47)

A Bible Verse with Grandpa (#8)–1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 
(1 Peter 3:15)

1 Peter 1 Introduction to 1 Peter–Christian Suffering
These are introductory comments to 1 Peter and the theme of suffering, leading to a study of 1 Peter 2:18ff and the correct Christian response to unjust treatment (covered in the following podcast).

1 Peter 1:01 CCCS Chapel 9-13-18
Events in Rome that led to God inspiring Peter to write this letter
The purpose of 1 Peter
What it means for us to be called “exiles”

1 Peter 1:01 Exiles!
Being an exile can be tough, especially when the emperor is killing Christians. But we are all exiles. And we are soon heading for our true home where the One who loves us most waits for us. Meanwhile, we must hold very loosely the things of this place we now find ourselves in. And we must stay in close communication with the One Who loves us most!
It’s good news! We are going home!
Stay in the Battle!
(Shared with our friends at McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, Tennessee on August 24, 2013)

1 Peter 1:01-03 The Living Hope
The great Roman fire of 64 AD and it’s aftermath
How the theme of suffering runs throughout 1 Peter
The importance of understanding the background and setting of Peter’s first letter
How  persecution for some Christians leads to their being driven from their homes
How all Christians are, in a sense, exiles
How despair overwhelms many in our culture and what we can do about it
How Biblical hope changes our attitude and our behavior and our motivation

1 Peter 1:01-05 A Living Hope
In an age of despair, God wants His children to hold fast to a living hope. Our circumstances may be terrible, but our hope remains strong because Jesus is raised from the dead.
At the end of this devotional (shared with the Residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, TN on September 29, 2013) I briefly share the 1987 deathbed testimony of my Grandpa Payne when he and I sang “When We All Get to Heaven.”

1 Peter 1:04 -2 Rejoicing while Suffering
Grief is very real in the life of a believer. God doesn’t command us to be Stoics
The faith of Christians will always be tested–like gold in the fire
Christians whose faith has been tried in the fire are most useful to God
How joy in suffering is a theme that runs throughout the New Testament
How unbelievers may find joy in suffering to be impossible and nonsensical
The huge importance  for the early church to know that the Gospel was rooted in Old Testament prophecy
How God uses fulfilled prophecy to be a powerful evidence of His authorship of the Bible

1 Peter 1:10–The Prophets Prophesied
“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,” (1Peter 1:10 ESV)
It’s easy to quickly read over these words without seeing the incredibly powerful truth in them. One of the most profound evidences of the fact that the Bible is God’s Word is the matter of fulfilled prophecy.
Also: How fiery trials produce purified faith that is of great use to God.
This is a live devotional message shared with the wonderful residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on Saturday, February 22, 2014.

1 Peter 1:13–Gird Up the Loins of Your Mind
God wants his people to be people who think! And there is no expiration age on this command! Even as we age and our bodies and minds begin to deteriorate, He intends for us to gird them up, as best we can, and make them useful for His purposes!
This is a devotion shared with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, TN on March 22, 2014.

1 Peter 1:14-16 Be Holy
Is there enough evidence to convict us of being Christians?
God commands us to “Be Holy.” And even though the command is concise and clear, many miss the basic meaning of that command to “Be Holy.”
A look at commands in Leviticus for Israel to be holy. What God expected in terms of holiness–and why. The difference between the Moral Law and the Holiness Code. How non-Christians often find themselves in a meaningless rat-race, ignorantly driven by desires. How Christ changes our desires.
Be Holy!  And Stay in the Battle!

1 Peter 1:23-25–The Living and Abiding Word
Advertising and marketing executives cash in on the obvious fact that everybody everywhere wants to have life that is full of happiness, joy, meaning, and purpose. Unfortunately the products that they sell us, ultimately, cannot bring these things. Life worth living can be produced only through the Living and Abiding Word of God.This is a devotional shared with the sweet residents at McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on Saturday afternoon, June 28, 2014.

1 Peter 2:01-03 A Healthy Appetite
The danger of letting kids choose their own food. The importance of developing a healthy spiritual appetite in order to grow strong in Christ. Tips for gaining a healthy appetite.
A devotional shared with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, TN, July 26, 2014.

1 Peter 2:01-03 Getting an Appetite for God’s Word
How children’s appetites must be trained for health
Things that can dull our appetite for God’s Word
Tips for getting a healthy appetite for God’s Word

1 Peter 2:04-08 Living Stones & Holy Priests
The wonderful word, “come”
Coming to Jesus for salvation
Coming to Jesus for peace and strength and wisdom and grace to help in time of need
Jesus the Foundation Stone and the Keystone and a Stone of stumbling
What we can learn from the metaphor of “living stones”
How we are to function as priests as intercessors
How we are to function as priests by offering sacrifices

1 Peter 2:18-25 Responding to Unjust Treatment
Unjust treatment presents a challenge to any Christian. Fortunately, Jesus has left us a perfect example and God has given us clear instructions in His Word. This meditation on 1 Peter 2:16-25 is the conclusion of a two part podcast. The previous podcast, part 1, contained a brief introduction to 1 Peter and its theme of suffering.

1 Peter 2:18-25 When You Are Treated Unfairly
Sometimes people with authority or power over us will treat us badly. God knew this would happen and uses it to give us an opportunity to grow stronger in Christ! In 1 Peter 2:18-25 God tells us what to do–and how to do it.

1 Peter 2:24-25 Death: In Sin, For Sin, To Sin
Understanding the meaning of: (1) Our being dead in our sins; (2) Christ dying for our sins; (3) Our being dead to our sins.
Bible study shared at McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, TN on Saturday, February 28, 2015.

1 Peter 3:01-07 Strengthening Your Marriage
Married? Thinking about getting married? God has given us great wisdom in 1 Peter 3. This podcast consists of a discussion with some great insights from several couples from the A5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church who have, collectively, been married for many, many decades. (In fact, collectively, actually centuries!) There is a lot of wisdom here!
If you are married, or thinking about getting married, don’t miss this one!

1 Peter 3:01-12 Husbands and Wives
This podcast was recorded live as Steve taught the Adult 5B Bible Fellowship Class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN on October 7, 2012. Hopefully you will find here some insights that will make your own marriage stronger and a better picture of Christ and the Church, as well as provide assistance as the Lord uses you to help others to have stronger marriages as well.

1 Peter 3:08-12 (Part 1) Harmonious and Sympathetic
Topics: Don’t neglect the motivation that comes from the fear of the Lord. The intertwining of the Old Testament with the New. The importance of keeping a submissive spirit. The importance and the true meaning of harmony and of sympathy within the body of Christ.
A Bible study with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, TN on March 30, 2015.

1 Peter 3:08-12 (Part 2) Blessing for Curses
The importance of brotherly kindness, a tender heart,  a humble spirit, and of blessing others when they hurt you. How doing these things can give us a powerful witness to the Lord Jesus Christ.
A Bible study done with the wonderful residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing home on April 25, 2015.

1 Peter 3:08-12 (Part 3)
In these verses, Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, quickly lists 13 commands that are important for all believers, especially when we are going through tough times (when it’s easy for us to get too self-absorbed.) This study is the 3rd of 4 looks at these 5 verses.
Topics: How Proverbs are to be taken as general life principles, not as specific promises.  The dangerous power of the tongue. The temptation to use the tongue to deceive. Times when deception is a good thing. How praying for positive ministries and activities for us to become involved in can keep us from temptation to sin.
This is a Bible study shared with the residents at McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on May 23, 2015.

1 Peter 3:08-12 (Part 4)
How we are not only to seek peace with others, but actually actively pursue it. Why some people don’t get that peace.  How God answers our prayers in the manner of how someone might weave a beautiful tapestry. A future joy will be to see how the answers were woven into ours and others lives.  How God is deadly serious about sin. How fear of the consequences of sin should motivate us. Fearing God seems “negative,” but when it leads to repentance and obedience it becomes very “positive!”
This is a Bible study shared with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on June 27, 2015.

1 Peter 3:08-12 The Way to Blessing
In 1 Peter 3:8-12 God gives us a long list of rapid-fire commands. And He tells us, essentially, “This is the way to blessing!” But He also adds the ominous warning, “If you ignore this way to blessing, I will set my face against you.” We must not minimize the seriousness of that warning! We must pay heed to these words and meditate deeply on this passage.

1 Peter 3:13 Zealous for What is Good
As followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, we believers are expected to be zealous for what is good. This Bible study examines the meaning of the word “zeal” and considers some examples of it.
This is a Bible study shared with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on Saturday, July 25, 2015.

1 Peter 3:13-17 (Part 1) Be Prepared to Suffer
In these verses, Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit commands us to be ready to give an answer to those who ask us for reasons for our hope. But we are also warned that we must be prepared to suffer. To do that well, we must make sure that Jesus is set apart in our hearts as Lord of our lives. We must remember that, ultimately, we cannot be harmed. We must remember that suffering for Christ is a blessed thing. And we must remember that God uses our suffering to increase our sense of total dependence on Him in order to prepare us for eternity!

1 Peter 3:13-17 (Part 2) Ready to Give an Answer
Brief review of the attitudes we need to have in order to handle times of suffering well. The command to be able to give an answer to anyone who asks us for a reason for our hope. The need for mental discipline, even as we age and our brains become more “brittle.” The awesome way God has worked the resurrection theme into His entire creation.
This is a Bible study shared with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah, TN on October 24, 2015.

1 Peter 3:13-17 (Part 3)
We will be better equipped to be able to give an answer to anyone who asks us a reason for the hope that is in us if we have a good grasp of some of the evidence God has left us for the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
This Bible study was recorded live at McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on Saturday, November 28, 2015.

1 Peter 3:15-17 (Part 4) More Evidence for the Resurrection
This study concludes this multi-part presentation of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
This is a recording of a live Bible study with the residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on Saturday, December 26, 2015.

1 Peter 3:15 Al Mohler–The Need to Equip Kids to obey 1 Peter 3:15
This is a 7 minute clip from the November 11, 2014 edition of Albert Mohler’s The Briefing podcast. Dr. Mohler is President of the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, KY, and one of the most influential Christian spokesman of our times.
One of the most frustrating issues concerning the Veritas Clubs project is the problem of so many kids, parents, youth workers, teachers, and pastors who don’t quite see the massive need to get our kids (and our adults for that matter) equipped to give an answer to the strong voices that are aligning themselves against Christ, His church, and the Bible.
These brief comments from Al Mohler should help. Please encourage your friends to take 7 minutes to hear what he has to say.

1 Peter 4:07-11 (Part 1) Disciplined Praying
“Be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7)
Praying with discipline helps bind us together in times of adversity, suffering, and persecution. Learn what it means to pray in a self-controlled and sober-minded way.
This is a Bible study shared with the McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on Saturday, February 20, 2016.

1 Peter 4:07-11 (Part 2) Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
What it means to “love earnestly.” How love can cover a multitude of sins.
This is a Bible study recorded at McMinn Memorial Nursing Home on Saturday, April 23, 2016.
At the end of this podcast, you will hear a brief song that was written and sung by a 91 year old brother in the Lord who attended the study. You will be blessed!

1 Peter 5
This is a study of 1 Peter 5 recorded live in the A5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church on 11/4/12. Topics: Attitudes of pastors, humility and the pride problem, handling worry and anxiety, spiritual warfare.

1 Peter 5:05-06 Be Clothed with Humility
The danger of pride
What it means to be clothed with humility
The incredible example set by our Lord Jesus
How and why God not only will not exalt the proud, but actually opposes them
How God will exalt us when we empty ourselves of ourselves by filling us with Himself

1 Peter 5:05-07 How to Fight Worry
In this Bible study we consider the relationship between the concept of pride vs humility and the concept of worry vs peace. God wants us to learn how to cast all our worry on Him!

1 Peter 5:08-09 Doing Aggressive Spiritual Warfare
God tells us, through the Apostle Peter:
“8 ¶ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV)
This study is a warning to all of us of the temptation to spend large amounts of time putting on the defensive armor (the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation) without spending  enough time actually taking up the Sword and using it to attack our enemy, Satan. It is an appeal for all of us to be much more aggressive in our spiritual warfare.

1 Peter 5:10-14 Just Ahead–Glory!
In these final, wonderful words of Peter’s first letter, we are reminded that, because of Jesus:
All our sufferings not only have definite and real purposes, but they are also temporary and brief, and
Very soon we will experience glory beyond our wildest imaginations!

2 Peter 1:01-07 A True Christian (Part 1 of 2)
Some reminders, thoughts, and a prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. (Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.)
Introduction to 2 Peter, noting the similarities between 2 Peter 2 and Jude
Peter’s determination NOT to be exalted above other believers (a mistake that the Roman church fell into about 300 years later).
Deity of Christ
The danger of many who claim to be followers of Christ but who are not
Learning how to cling to God’s “precious and very great promises”
How the Spirit’s gift of self-discipline must permeate the Christian life
The Danger of drifting

2 Peter 1:08-11 A True Christian (Part 2 of 2)
The grave danger of presumption of salvation that many make based on a prayer in VBS, a prayer in a counseling room, a prayer at a revival, an emotional experience, or baptism
The consistent Scriptural warning that the only way to have assurance of salvation is by the fruit produced in us that comes as a result of the self-disciplined life that the Holy Spirit produces in us.

1 John (back to top)

1 John 1:1-10 (Memory work)
1 John 1:1-10 (Memory work)

1 John 2:1-29 (Memory Work)
1 John 2:1-29 (Memory Work)

1 John 3:1-24 (Memory Work)
1 John 3:1-24 (Memory Work)

1 John 4:1-21 (Memory Work)
1 John 4:1-21 (Memory Work)

1 John 5:1-21 (Memory Work)
1 John 5:1-21 (Memory Work)

1 John 01:01-04  1  Why Did John Live So Long? (Part 1 of 2)
Introduction to 1 John. Overview of the later years of the Apostle John. Why God engineered it into His plan for John to die as an old man. Why the other apostles needed to die as martyrs.  A brief look at the life of Polycarp, Ignatius, and Irenaeus. The importance of young people understanding some of the rich, seamless history of the early church. Overview of Gnosticism. How the early church had to deal with the Gnostic heresy.

1 John 01:01-04  (2)  (conclusion)
John was an eyewitness to the Incarnation. As an eyewitness, he presents powerful evidence to the truth about Jesus. The profound meaning of the word “fellowship.” What it means to remove fellowship. How our joy in the Lord can be full, even during times of intense grief.

1 John 02-04 Christians Don’t Continue in Sin (Part 1)
Christians do not reach sinless perfection in this life. But Christians do walk in righteousness. According to John, those who claim the name of Christian but who continue to live a life of sin are lying. Christians have already experienced a radical internal change. At the resurrection, Christians experience a radical external change.  When it comes to the righteousness of Christ, it’s good to make sure we understand the difference between the terms “imputed righteousness,” “imparted righteousness,” and what the Roman Catholics call “infused righteousness.” Jesus has destroyed the works of the Devil. There is a vital connection between the righteousness of Christ and loving the family of God. We can understand  why many who are not Christians actually hate those who are. We must learn how to respond to them in a Christlike way. All this strongly relates to the confusion about sexual issues in our day.

1 John 02-04 Christians Don’t Continue in Sin (Part 2)
If our faith and salvation are genuine, we will show evidence of loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. Love is much more than just talk. “He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” (Jim Elliot, Martyred Missionary to the Auca Indians of Ecuador) The only basis of our confidence toward God when it comes to prayer is Jesus Himself.  Some who called themselves Christian have renounced their commitment because of their experience of unanswered prayers. Obedience, faith, love, abiding in Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit are in one bundle.  Christ is the propitiation for our sin. Some keys to dealing with a loved one who is living in sin and claims that if you don’t “accept me as I am,” (i.e., agree that the sin is ok) then you must hate them. The love of God in us and our love for Him removes all fear of men in this life and of judgment in the next.

1 John 02:15ff (Part 1) Love Not the World
What does God mean when He tells us to “love not the world?” Why are Christians tempted to love the world? Does the danger of entanglement with the world have anything to do with Christian involvement in politics? Is there a danger of identifying too closely with one political party? Why do unbelievers call Christians bigots? How can we communicate great love for people at the same time we communicate great hatred for the system that is leading them to destruction? How Revelation 18 can help us to soberly anticipate the passing of the world.

1 John 02:15ff (Part 2) There are Many Antichrists
How Christians can get in trouble trying to tease apart “Trusting Jesus,” “Loving Jesus,” and “Obeying Jesus.” Coming to grips with the fact of the rapid passing away of this life. Strong evidence for the security of the believer (or, perhaps better,  “the perseverance of the saints”).  The problem of “little antichrists.” The great danger of those who claim fresh revelation and knowledge “that you won’t find in the Bible.” How the Holy Spirit-inspired Scriptures and our Holy Spirit-enlightened minds are all we need.

Revelation (back to top)

Revelation 01:01-05–Introduction (Part 1)
Introduction and background to the book of Revelation. Contrasts between Genesis and Revelation. Four basic ways that Revelation is interpreted. God’s use of angels to give Revelation. God’s perspective on “time.” Blessings that come to us as a result of reading the book. Three uses of the word “Asia.” Characteristics of the Roman province of Asia. Jesus–the Faithful Witness.

Revelation 01:05-17–Introduction (Part 2)
Our responsibility to function as priests. Using the book of Revelation to praise and worship the Lord. Those who will mourn as the return of Christ draws near because of their hatred for God. One of the reasons I became posttrib.  How Revelation emphasizes the Sovereignty of God. What Patmos was like. The problem with the idea that the seven churches of Asia represent different eras in church history. The source of light for lampstands. What Jesus is like.

Revelation 04 Holy, Holy, Holy
How do we interpret the rich symbolism of this chapter and of the entire book of Revelation? Humbly! God created great creatures who worship Him with great expression of praise. We can learn much from these creatures!
(Those of you who were present at the Bible Study in A5B at Sevier Heights BC on Sunday, August 2, will only need to listen to the final 10 minutes or so of the podcast. You will want to begin at the 39:06 mark.)

Revelation 06-07 The Great Tribulation
With the opening of the seals in chapter 6, I believe we see the coming of the Antichrist (The Beast or the Man of Sin) and the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Around 2 billion people will die. Then, after the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, God will begin to pour out His wrath on wicked, unrepentant mankind. Christians will be persecuted and martyred by the Antichrist, but sealed for protection from God’s out poured wrath.
This study also contains some discussion of the possible identity of the 144,000.

Revelation 08 09 The Wrath of God
I believe that Revelation 8 begins the time described by Old Testament prophets as the Day of the Lord, which begins with His out poured wrath. It will be a horrifying time, but God’s people will be protected. The Lord knows those who are His.

Other Studies & Videos (back to top)

Nana’s (Vickie Hall’s) Personal Testimony
Nana is sharing her life story at the Women’s Covered Conference at Cain Creek Baptist Church in Tellico Plains, TN, on April 26, 2025. She is introduced by her “Daughter-in-Love,” Crystal Hudgins.

Grandpa’s (Steve Hall’s) Personal Testimon (Part 1)
On February 28, 2026, my grandson, Troy, asked if my personal testimony was on YouTube. It got me to thinking and praying. The first part of the result of that thinking and praying is this video. I realize that there is more here than just the account of when I first placed my faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. But I consider all of these accounts to be part of my testimony.