Genesis 22 records one of the most intriguing accounts in Biblical history. This is the account of Isaac being offered as a sacrifice and God providing a substitute. As we study this passage, there are several things to make note of. God tested Abraham (v. 1-2). The King James text says that God did…
Our text provides the final words in Jesus’ upper room discourse. The last supper was ending, Judas has already betrayed Jesus, instructions have been given to the disciples, and now Jesus gives them one more word of encouragement. In this passage, we see two basic principles for every disciple of Jesus: the principle of joy…
Have you ever prepared for a visit from a guest and they ended up not showing up? There was a lot of preparation involved: cleaning, cooking, etc. Then the guest never shows up. How does that make you feel? Have you, as a leader, ever given someone a task to do and they did not…
As Jesus instructs His disciples prior to His death on the cross, He teaches them concerning the Holy Spirit. Anytime you begin a study on the Holy Spirit, it is important to clarify what the Holy Spirit is not. The Holy Spirit is not a feeling. The Holy Spirit is not an ‘it.’ It is…
In John 14:1 Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled…..” Jesus was telling His disciples to not be troubled over the things He had shared with them concerning His death. After He tells Peter that he will deny Him three times, Jesus tells him to not be troubled. Why should the disciples not…
We come to a rather surprising event in the life of Abraham. We find Abraham being deceitful and living a lie. We see him faltering in his faith and trust in God. He takes matters into his own hands. Abraham is the believer. He is the one who should have the upmost integrity. However, in…
Have you ever been betrayed by someone you love? Has there ever been someone who turned out to not be who you thought they were? We have all experienced betrayal in one way or another. Here in John 13:21-38, we see the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. As we study this passage, there are several…
Have you ever been a part of an organization where the leadership was questionable? It is said that everything rises and falls on leadership. Those in leadership knows what it is like to feel the weight of responsibility. We’ve all questioned and criticized leadership. There is something in our nature that causes us to buck…
How do you forgive someone who has wronged you? Forgiveness is never an easy thing. However, the Bible commands us to forgive one another. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing. In order to experience the beauty of forgiveness, we must follow the example of Jesus. The Sacrifice of Forgiveness (v. 4). Jesus is at the last…
In church life, we often hear the words: ‘called to the ministry.’ We speak of those who seek to serve the Lord as an occupation and we say that they are ‘called to the ministry.’ I do believe there is a place for ministry as an occupation. Particularly, such an occupation fits within the frame…
Pastor Chris Noland 