Matthew 4. The Man, Jesus, went through temptations as we do, and yet he was without sin.

Matthew 3. John, the Baptist, announced to the world the life and ministry of Jesus.

Matthew 2. King Herod tried unsuccessfully to kill the child, Jesus.

Matthew 1. The record of the birth of Jesus Christ.

John 17. Jesus prays for himself, for his disciples and for all believers--including us.

1st Peter 5:8-11. We all must face temptation. What is it and how do we deal with it successfully?

1st Peter 5:1-7. What are the characteristics of a Christian leader - a pastor or a lay leader? A church leader must mature in the faith and in people-skills.

1st Peter 4:12-13, 19. Why is there suffering in the world? Discover what God has done about it.

Special Easter. Easter is the most important day of the church year. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God's mighty validation of the person and work of Jesus on the cross. Luke 24 describes the exciting story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1st Peter 3:8-4:11. Discover three purposes for living a meaningful life.

1st Peter 2:13-3:8. How do we live together as believers in harmony? Discover how "responsible submission" plays a major role in Christian unity.

1st Peter 2:4-10. What are the privileges of belonging to the church, the body of Christ? We are privileged to belong to the community of faith, to offer to God sacrifices of praise, and to give to a watching world a witness to the grace of God in Christ.

1st Peter 1:13-2:3. God calls his children to holy living. At root, this is becoming like Jesus Christ. However, we have to cooperate with the grace of God in the process of holy living.

Special Christmas. The prophet Isaiah lived in very dark times, yet he spoke of hope. The greatest hope was the coming of the Messiah. Several hundred years before it happened, Isaiah spoke in great detail about the greatest hope of all--the coming of Jesus, the Messiah.

1st Peter 1:3-9. God has given all his children certain benefits as the result of salvation. Discover what those benefits are.

1st Peter 1:1-2. God has elected or chosen all who will believe the Gospel for salvation. He desires that all shall be saved. He has chosen you! Have you responded to his call?

James 5:13-20. Looking for the ideal church? Stop! There isn't such a thing. Nevertheless, we can work toward a singing, healing, praying and caring church. James exhorts us to be this kind of a person.

James 5:7-12. Is it possible to be inwardly impatient but outwardly patient? How does the Christian believe attain patience amidst the frustrating injustices of life?

James 5:1-6. Should the Christian believer have lots of money and possessions? Maybe, yes. Maybe, no. Discover what counsel James gives regarding the material things of life.

James 4:14-17. Should the Christian believer make elaborate plans for the future? Yes, with a certain important consideration. Learn what that limiting factor is in this Bible lesson from James.

James 4:1-12. Quarreling between church members and even members with their pastor destroys churches. James comes to grips with the perennial problem of church fights, giving us the reason why this happens and 10 action steps to solve the problem.

James 3:13-18. Knowledge and wisdom are not synonymous. Earthly wisdom is self-centered while heavenly wisdom is God-centered. The keys to having heavenly wisdom involve a Person and actions. Find out what the specific keys are.

James 3:1-12. Even for Christians it is a struggle to control the tongue. It can be used to bless or to curse. Wit God's help we can learn to use our voices to help and not hurt others. If we consistently do not control the tongue, there is a real question about the legitimate character of our Christian faith.

James 2:1-13. In the Christian life, words and actions need to be consistent with each other. The exhortation is: "Don't show favoritism!" The example is: Our treatment of the rich and the poor. This is valid today in the discrimination shown towards other races. Christians are called upon to value people: rich or poor, black or white, educated or uneducated.

James 1:19-27; 2:14-26. Is it enough to trust Christ for your salvation? What about turning your faith into activities to help others with their special needs? James tells us that faith without works is dead! What does he mean?

James 1:1-18. Do Christians have trials and temptations? You bet they do. In fact, James tells us we are to welcome these things with joy! Why? Check out this podcast for the answer.

Galatians 6:11-18. Christians are to test their actions. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Now we are to live lives that exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Holiness of life will manifest itself in a gentle and humble spirit, in living to please the Holy Spirit and in keeping the cross of Christ at the center of our Christian consciousness.

Galatians 5:13-26. Learn the acts of the sinful nature as contrasted with the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the vibrant Christian life. Christians are to keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:1-12. Be careful not to fall away from grace. Make sure you understand "the only thing that counts" in the life of the Christian.

Galatians 4:21-5:1. What does it mean to be free in Christ? An historic example of Abraham and Sara along with Hagar is used to illustrate the freedom of the Christian faith.

Galatians 4:1-20. Using a different metaphor, Paul speaks of moving from slavery to the full rights of a son and how this applies to salvation. With a deep appeal of love, he urges the Galatian Christians to stay the course and not to turn from their freedom in Christ back to the bondage of sin in their former lives.

Galatians 3:15-29. Paul reviews the Abrahamic Covenant of Promise, the Mosaic Covenant of Law, and the New Testament Covenant of Grace/Faith and the purpose of each in salvation.

Galatians 3:1-14. The message of the Church and the principle of faith go back in history to the Old Testament man, Abraham.

Galatians 2:11-21. Ever have a disagreement with a fellow church member. This Chapter records what may have been the first church fight: Paul challenges Peter. The resolution of the problem is important to Christians within the contemporary church.

Galatians 1:11-2:10. The spiritual journey of the Apostle Paul is here recounted. His rise to power and authority in the Church is given.

Galatians 1:1-10. It is possible for a church to get away from the truth of the Christian message.

Ephesians 6:10-24. The devil is alive and well. How can one successfully live the Christian life in the face of an enemy who desperately wants to defeat Christians? Paul gives detailed instructions on how to overcome.

Ephesians 6:1-9. Parent-child relationships are critically important. Obedience and reasonableness still matter in the home--and at work, too.

Ephesians 5:21-33. Husbands and wives have different roles, but the same obligation of mutual submission.

Ephesians 5:1-21. Paul shares more about what it means to live a wholesome Christian life--things to get rid of and things to adopt. It is becoming like Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:17-5:2. A new Christian must shed the old lifestyle of sin and put on the new lifestyle of wholesome living. Christian conduct matters.

Ephesians 4:1-16. In spite of great diversity and different spiritual tasks and gifts, God makes his children one in love.

Special Thanksgiving. Just as the people of Israel took time to reflect on the blessings of God, the pilgrims arrived on the American shore and after a difficult winter, took a day in 1621 to give thanks to God for His mercies. Is there not much for which we, too, should give thanks?

Ephesians 3:14-21. The second of two prayers for you. We need to be strengthened with power in the inner being through God's Spirit.

Ephesians 3:1-13. Imprisoned for his Christian faith and testimony, Paul shares God's purpose for it all--to reveal the eternal mystery of God in Christ. You will be surprised. It involves you.

Ephesians 2:11-22. By one Spirit we all have access to God, the Father. Paul outlines how Gentiles and Jews may now be saved on an equal footing. The dividing wall of hostility has been destroyed.

Ephesians 2:1-10. Dead in sin, but made alive in Christ--saved by grace through faith!

Ephesians 1:15-23. The first of two prayers for you--maybe Paul's greatest prayer. The eyes of your heart must be opened in order that you will be able to know Christ better.

Ephesians 1:1-14. You are rich! God, the Father chose you. God, the Son redeemed you. God the Holy Spirit sealed you. Do you know that?

Special Labor Day. A special Labor Day message regarding the meaning of work.

Hebrews 13. This chapter gives us 10 suggestions for practical Christian living: Christian love, hospitality, sympathy, moral purity, contentment, support of Christian leadership, doctrinal stability, the spirit of praise, and spiritual equipping.

Hebrews 12 . In our struggle against sin we need discipline. Because God love us as his children he gives us the discipline we need to remain faithful in our Christian walk.

Hebrews 10:19 - 12:3. Drawing near to God and to each other is important to keep alive spiritually. As in Chapter 6, a warning against apostasy is given. Perseverance in the Christian faith is strongly urged.

Hebrews 9-10:22 . The forgiveness of sins requires a sacrifice to atone for evil. In the "old agreement", animal blood was used by the priests. But, that was only a symbol and a type. Such sacrifices had to be offered over and over again. The sacrifice of the body of Christ was real and happened once and for all. It saves us for all eternity.

Hebrews 8 . The "old agreement" (the Law) didn't work. Nothing wrong with the Ten Commandments. But there is something very wrong with man. God made a change - a "new agreement" (the Gospel) that works for us. It is better. Far better. It gets into our hearts.

Hebrews 7. Three times the name of Melchizedek appears in Holy Scripture: In Genesis, Psalms and Hebrews. Who is this strange man without beginning or end? A Christophany?

Hebrews 5:11-6:20 . Ever feel "slow to learn?" This locks us into spiritual infancy. We need to get moving, beyond the elementary teachings of the Christian faith and get into the deeper things of God. The danger of backsliding and even apostasy is ever present. A warning is issued.

Hebrews 4:14-5:10. Jesus is our "pontifex" - our great High Priest. He is the bridge between a holy God and sinful man. Jesus meets and exceeds all requirements for a priest.

Hebrews 4. The Christian life is a journey from spiritual chaos to spiritual rest. We begin by getting out of the chaos of sin. Then we find ourselves in the very early stages of Christian living with many struggles. It is God's purpose to lead us on into a settled and consistent Christian life-style. Hebrews 11 is all about a committed Christian life.

Hebrews 3. We can count on God. But can he count on us? Furthermore, can our fellow Christians count on us for the love and support they need? We need to be there for each other. Our times of need abound. How fantastic to know that a Christian brother or sister is there for us. See what God says about faithfulness to the community of faith.

Hebrews 2:5-18. Jesus is fully God. He is also fully man. He is the God-Man. Because he is man, he understands our needs completely.

Hebrews 1-2:4. Who or what is your authority? Science? Your own thoughts? Some religion? For the Christian, God's last word and final authority is Jesus Christ, the superior Son of God.

Acts 21-28. Arrest warrant for Paul is issued in Jerusalem. After his arrest, Paul is sent by Roman officials to Caesarea for his own protection. Here he is incarcerated for two years. During this period Paul witnesses to the Roman governors. After being sent to Rome, he lives under house arrest until arraignment before the Roman Caesar.

Acts 19 & 20. Paul's third missionary journey launches throughout Ephesus. Great evangelistic results lead to a public uprising and near riot. The public opposes Paul and his message. Paul moves on to Greece. Paul meets again with the Ephesian elders at a location south of Ephesus, later sailing on to Jerusalem.

Acts 16-18. The second missionary journey of Paul and Silas takes them to Turkey and Greece. Converts are made and new churches are started through out the region.

Acts 15. Jewish law v. Christian grace. The council at Jerusalem debates the matter and is called upon to resolve the conflict. Learn the outcome of this landmark case.

Acts 13 & 14. The first missionary journey of Barnabas and Paul takes them to Cyprus and Central Turkey.

Mark 16. Do people really believe in the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead? You bet they do! Proof abounds that it happened and no reasonable mind can doubt it. More importantly, the resurrection was the validation of all Jesus claimed to be and all he did on the cross for our salvation.

Mark 15:16-47. Why did Jesus die on the cross? The actual crucifixion is described in four short words in Mark 15:24. Only four words describe the most significant moment in all of human history.

Mark 14-15. Jesus went through two principal trials: religious and civil. What a mockery of justice. There is also a third trial that is still in progress.

Mark 14:32-42. Take a deep look in on the most traumatic period in the life of Jesus. If the transfiguration was the highest experience, then Gethsemane was the deepest experience of His life. In the face of blow-torch like suffering, Jesus comes through it alright--amazingly. Discover the secret of release from stress.

Mark 14. Can Christians ever splurge? Mary (Martha's sister) thought so. So did Jesus. Some were critical of what Mary did. Jesus told them to mind their own business! Oh, then there was Judas.

Mark 13. The end times. Books and prophecies have exhausted speculation on the topic. Do you want to know what is going to happen in the future? Jesus gave only one lesson on prophecy. It had a short view and a long view.

Mark 12. Jesus faces Q&A with the Jewish religious leadership. In this contentious environment. Jesus poses a question of his own. Learn what He revealed as the most important heart characteristic of all.

Mark 11. As Jesus entered the ancient city of Jerusalem there were cheers and jeers. Listen to what happens next as Jesus took very dramatic action in the Temple area. In righteous anger, He tore the place up. It it possible to do this and also care about the city and its people?

Special Christmas. The story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is told in countless homes around the world every year. Hear how the shepherds and the wise men make their appearance in worship of the new born Christ-child. Learn how you too may bow in adoration and worship of the Christ of God.

Mark 10:13-31, 46-52. Do you want to come to God? Three different kinds of people approached Jesus: a child, a rich young man, and a blind man. Did they all make it? Most of them did, but not all.

Mark 10:1-12. Jesus was questioned about divorce and remarriage. A subject 2000 years ago still on the minds of people today. Marriage is really for three people! The single life is also an attractive option for many.

Mark 9:33-50 & 10:35-45. Ever been on an ego-trip? We all have. Our culture teaches us to compete and succeed. How did Jesus measure success in life? Does anyone ever have to be a failure? You'll be surprised. You can be a great person!

Mark 9:2-29. Have you heard of "The Transfiguration" of Jesus? Three of His disciples about freaked out during this experience. Wow!!! It only happened once. Everyone needs a mountain top experience sometime in their life.

Mark 8:27-38. Want to know what a true and faithful follower of Jesus Christ is all about? This passage of scripture is the definitive and critically important statement regarding the way of the cross. A ‘don't-want-to miss’ discussion for true believers!

Mark 8:1-30. Jesus points out the problem of defeated Christians, gives the reason, and then suggests a solution that works. Jesus makes a blind man see. Strange method perhaps, but there is a lesson for us in it all.

Mark 7:24-37. Does God care about people of other races and cultures? What about the physically disabled? Is God's love restricted only to "my kind"? No way!

Mark 7:1-23. Often we face and must deal with long-held traditions and legalistic views of the so-called spiritual life. We're not talking about sin here, but rather the long-held notions of some people. Jesus had a different view.

Mark 6:35-52. Ever walk on water? Ever invite 5,000 over for dinner? What impossibilities do you face? Jesus suggests that miracles are possible--even today!

Mark 6:1-6; 27-29. Rejection comes in various forms: ideological, personal, and physical. Jesus faced them all and felt persecution and suffering just as you may be feeling. There are ways to handle these struggles.

Mark 4:35-41; 5:21-43. We all face storms in our lives. They will not disappear. Jesus gives three living examples of how to get through our storms successfully through faith in him.

Mark 4:1-9, 13-20. Jesus teaches on four kinds of spiritual hearts in people: hard, shallow, overcrowded, and good. What are the characteristics of each type.

Mark 3:22-30 & 5:1-20. How to face and overcome opposition. Whenever one does something significant, there will be opposition.

Mark 2:18-3:6. Jesus was criticized about fasting, his view of the Sabbath, and about healing. He didn't keep the traditional Jewish rules! His critics are answered.

Mark 2:1-17. Jesus explains why he cares about human needs, whether physical or spiritual.

Mark 1:14-45. Jesus calls his 12 disciples; why did they respond? At Capernaum, demons are cast out and Jesus heals people.

Mark 1:1-13. An account of how the story of Jesus begins: The prophet, Isaiah; John, the Baptist; the baptism and temptation of Jesus.

Revelation 21-22. John wraps up his revelation with a description of the eternal heaven and the New Jerusalem. The River of Life is revealed. Jesus is coming again! Is the world ready this time?

Revelation 20. How will the earth be ruled for the next 1,000 years? What becomes of Satan? The judgment of the all world's dead takes place.

Revelation 17-19. The end nears. What is the meaning of the woman on the beast? How does the fall of Babylon occur? The Hallelujah Chorus sounds. The Rider on the white horse enters majestically with all recognizing Him as King of kings and Lord of lords!

Revelation 12-16. The great tribulation continues. The woman and the dragon enter the scene. The beast comes out of the sea, the beast comes out of the earth. The Lamb and the 144,000 play a key role along with three angels. The harvest of the earth begins. The later tribulation is discussed along with the meaning of the seven bowls.

Revelation 6-11. As the great tribulation begins seven seals are revealed and seven trumpets sound. What is the meaning of these events and how do the 144,000 fit into the picture. The great multitude, the little scroll and the two witnesses are discussed.

Revelation 4-5. Enter the throne room of Heaven. John describes the sights and sounds of heavenly beings who will give praise to the one and only Triune God, the Creator of the universe and the Redeemer of all mankind.

Revelation 2-3. Insight is given into the seven churches of Asia (now modern day Western Turkey) Pluses and minuses are given and described. Are there similar characteristics in a church you know?

Revelation 1. John provides a look at both the lowly Jesus of earth and the exalted Jesus of heaven.

Revelation . The Bible has numerous references regarding the end of the ages. The Book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ. This lesson is a general introduction to this prophetic book, the only one in the New Testament.

Psalm 126. The God who restored Israel's national fortunes can also restore your personal life.

Psalm 99. Our God is holy above all.

Psalm 93. The majesty of God is explained.

Psalm 68. Extol the greatness of God! A psalm of praise unsurpassed.

Psalm 84. The glory of God's Presence.

Psalm 103. Here find reasons to praise the Lord.

Psalm 107. Facing a dilemma? Identify it and let God rescue you.

Psalm 121. Reassurance of God's care abounds in this psalm.

Psalm 67. God is a missionary God who loves the whole world.

Psalm 66. Let a great and awesome God keep you optimistic on your journey home.

Psalm 46. The spiritual key to facing the storms of life. Someone is on your side.

Psalm 42. No light at the end of the tunnel? God seems far away? Put your hope in God!

Psalm 37. There are many reasons why doing the right thing pays high dividends.

Psalm 34. Feel hopeless? There is always an option with God.

Psalm 33. Not just flag waving, but national righteousness and justice.

Psalm 32. How to find forgiveness of sins and peace with God.

Psalm 28. God hears your cry for mercy in your hour of need.

Psalm 27. Afraid? This is the Psalm to read.

Psalm 24. Triptych, Part 3: The great power of Jesus is proclaimed.

Psalm 23. Triptych, Part 2: The loving care of Jesus is portrayed.

Psalm 22. Triptych, Part 1: The redemptive suffering of Jesus is described.

Psalm 19. In view of the immensity of the universe, we can meet God at deeper levels.

Psalm 16. In God there is a place of rest and peace for the present and the future.

Psalm 9. In the chaos all around, it is comforting to know that God is ultimately in charge.

Psalm 8. Are humans just animals, or something special in God's sight?

Psalm 3. A father finds hope as he copes with a rebellious son.

Psalm 2. The actions of the nations of the world make God laugh!

Psalm 1. Happiness in life is based on right living.

Acts 12. King Herod arrests Peter and plans his execution. The church prays and an angel of the Lord leads a prison break for Peter. Herod dies. The church prospers.

Acts 11. Peter returns to Jerusalem and is called to explain to the Jewish Christians why he broke the code by entering the house of Gentile in Caesarea. The Jerusalem church does not object! A Gentile church is founded in Antioch of Syria.

Acts 10. While on the coast in Joppa, Peter has a vision that leads him to Caesarea. There the first pure Gentile is converted to Christ. This leads to a big change in the church. Salvation is now open to Jews and Gentiles alike.

Acts 9. Saul (later the Apostle Paul) leads the persecution of the Christian faith throughout the Middle East and into Syria. Stopped dead in his tracks, Saul is stunned and converts to Christianty. An amazing turn-about has a historical impact for centuries to come.

Acts 8. The Jerusalem Church is persecuted and as a result is scattered abroad. The believers give their witness to the risen Lord wherever they go and people are converted to Christianity. Philip ministers to an Ethiopian eunuch who is saved.

Acts 6 & 7. Seven believers are chosen to feed the hungry. One of them, Stephen, also works signs and wonders. After his arrest and mock trial, Steven is martyred by stoning to death.

Acts 5:17-42. Early Church apostles are arrested and jailed. The angel of the Lord releases them. The apostles appear before the Sanhedrin and give witness to Jesus Christ.

Acts 5:1-16. Ananias and Sapphira are struck dead. Great fear comes upon all. Many are healed.

Acts 3 & 4. Peter heals a man lame from birth and then preaches to thousands. An arrest warrant for Peter and John leads to an appearance before the Sanhedrin. The Christian community prays and shares together.

Acts 2. The promised Holy Spirit falls on the disciples. 3,000 are converted to Christianity after Peter preaches to a large crowd.

Acts 1. Jesus ascends into heaven. Judas is replaced by the disciples with Matthias.

Philippians 4:10-23. Does more stuff make people happy? Learn the secret of contentment--with much, or with little. The blessing of sharing is also discussed.

Philippians 4:2-9. Two people in the local church were having difficulty getting along. Paul asked another to help them work things out and reach reconciliation. Paul goes on to teach what characteristics lead to inner peace in our relationships and thoughts.

Philippians 3:12-4:1. Do you have a purpose driven life? Paul was very focused on one thing: reaching the goal of his Christians life. He gave his full attention to this one thing.

Philippians 3:1-11. Instead of having misplaced confidence in one's self, Paul tells Christians to trust fully in Christ. In this passage Paul reveals his deepest spiritual motivations.

Philippians 2:19-30. Who are the people who have made a spiritual impact on your life? Paul mentions Timothy and Epaphroditus as very meaningful people, who will serve in the Phillipian church.

Philippians 2:1-18. Living in harmony with other Christians isn't always easy. It demands humility. Jesus is the great example.

Philippians 1:12-30. While suffering is never pleasant, Paul teaches that it can have a positive purpose by using his own imprisonment for Christ as an example.

Philippians 1:1-11. Paul, the great apostle and world's first missionary, had a sincere and heartfelt affection for the people of the church at Philippi. He loved them deeply and prayed for them always.

John 21. Jesus appears to his disciples by the Lake of Galilee. Peter is reinstated.

John 20. The empty tomb is discovered. Jesus appears alive first to women and then to his disciples. Doubting Thomas is satisfied. The purpose of the gospel is stated.

John 19b. The crucifixion. The official charge. Jesus death and burial.

John 18-19a. Judas betrays Jesus, Peter denies him three times. Jesus faces a trial before the Jewish High Priest and before Pilate, the Roman Governor. The flogging and sentence of Jesus.

John 16. The person and work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

John 15. Jesus is the vine. His followers are the branches. The call to fruitfulness. Without Jesus we can do nothing.

John 14. What it means to really know the Lord, to have the full power of the Holy Spirit in you, and to have the peace of Jesus in your heart.

John 13. The principles of Servant-leadership are demonstrated by Jesus as He begins his private ministry to his disciples starting with washing their feet. We too are called to servant-leadership and to love one another.

John 12. The anointing at Bethany. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The closing stages of Jesus' public ministry.

John 11. Jesus raises a man from the dead. It rocks the city of Jerusalem.

John 10. A spiritual allegory of Christ as the good shepherd watching over his sheep.

John 9. Jesus heals a man born blind. That man comes to faith in the Lord.

John 8. Jesus' rescue of a fallen woman is followed by an intense conflict between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders. When Jesus identifies himself as the "I AM" the Jews try to stone Him to death.

John 7. Spiritual thirst is satisfied by the Lord Jesus.

John 6. Jesus feeds 5,000 men plus women and children. He is the Bread of Life that came down from heaven.

John 5. Who is Jesus? Is he the God-man? How can we know? Jesus explains.

John 4. Jesus helps a woman to understand who He is. Jesus challenges his disciples to help others spiritually.

John 3. What is the meaning of spiritual new birth? Why is it important?

John 2. Jesus performs his first miracle. The Temple at Jerusalem is cleansed.

John 1. The purpose of John's gospel. The Word became flesh. The testimony of John the Baptist. Jesus recruits His first disciples.

1st Peter 2:11-12. Does it make any difference how we live as Christians? The apostle, Peter, seems to think so. In fact, he calls on us as believers "to abstain from fleshly lusts".