Rewriting the Perception of God
This lesson emphasizes that the world’s perception of God, the gospel, and the church is shaped largely by how individual Christians live. Many today are confused about what the church stands for, and believers are called to rewrite those perceptions through authentic lives of integrity. Drawing from 1 Timothy 3 and Ephesians 4, the message highlights the importance of cultivating a good reputation—being honorable, genuine, and consistent both inside and outside the church. Integrity is developed when the “cameras aren’t rolling,” through daily choices and unseen faithfulness. Christians are also called to bless their communities by investing their skills, labor, and creativity, reflecting God’s excellence. Stories of Daniel, Joseph, and even modern believers illustrate how living with integrity and intentional good deeds reshapes public perception, making Christianity credible and attractive. Ultimately, every believer’s life is an “advertising campaign” for God’s glory, pointing others to Him through reputation and deeds.
Up, Up and Away … For Now!
This lesson reflects on Jesus’ final moments with His disciples before His ascension. He anchors their faith not in experiences but in Scripture, reminding them that His suffering, death, and resurrection fulfilled the Law, Prophets, and Psalms. He commissions them to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. Though ordinary and inexperienced, they are promised the Holy Spirit’s power to make them effective witnesses. Finally, Jesus ascends to heaven, blessing them as He departs, assuring them of His intercession, the Spirit’s indwelling, and His return. The disciples respond with worship and joy, modeling how believers today should live—with confidence in the Word, empowered by the Spirit, and motivated by the promise of Christ’s return.
Good News for Failures
This lesson emphasizes that failure is not final in the Christian life. Using examples from Samuel Johnson and William Carey, who both struggled with consistency in prayer and spiritual disciplines, it shows that God still uses those who are honest about their shortcomings. The central focus is Peter, who after denying Christ three times believed his ministry was over. Yet on the seashore, the resurrected Jesus restores him, asking three times, “Do you love Me?” Each time Peter answers humbly, and Jesus recommissions him: “Feed My sheep.” This scene demonstrates that Jesus doesn’t discard the broken but reshapes them into vessels of grace. The core truth is that God is not looking for perfection but for a broken and contrite heart—people who love Him above all else and are willing to serve in dependence on His strength.
A Ghost at First Glance
This lesson describes Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance to His gathered disciples behind locked doors. Though they were fearful and doubting, Jesus greeted them with peace rather than condemnation. He proved the reality of His resurrection by showing His scars and even eating fish in their presence, demonstrating that His was a real, glorified body—not a ghost. Special attention is given to Thomas, who honestly voiced his doubts and later confessed Jesus as “My Lord and my God” when confronted with the risen Christ. The lesson highlights Jesus’ patience, grace, and willingness to meet His disciples in their weakness. Key truths are that Jesus welcomes our questions and failures, but He will never fail us; His scars are not reminders of pain but everlasting symbols of His love and redemption.
The Road Back to Hope
This lesson follows two discouraged disciples walking away from Jerusalem toward Emmaus on resurrection Sunday. Believing their hopes in Jesus were shattered, they head home in despair. Unrecognized at first, the risen Christ joins them, patiently listening before explaining from the Scriptures how the Messiah’s suffering and resurrection fulfilled God’s plan. Only later, when He breaks bread with them, are their eyes opened to recognize Him. Their hopelessness turns to burning joy, and they immediately return to Jerusalem to share the news. The story reminds us that lasting hope is not rooted in what we see but in the truth of God’s Word, which always points us back to Christ.
Witnesses to Something Miraculous
This lesson emphasizes that God often chooses unexpected people to be witnesses of His greatest miracle—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike Thomas Jefferson’s edited “Bible,” which removed miracles and ended with Jesus in the tomb, the true Gospels declare the risen Savior.
Evidence of Something Supernatural
This lesson focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the central event of history. While the deaths of famous figures like Elvis Presley and Abraham Lincoln were surrounded by conspiracy theories, overwhelming evidence confirmed their deaths. In contrast, Jesus’ death and resurrection remain challenged by skeptics, but the biblical record offers undeniable proof of something supernatural.
The Surprising Conversion of a Supreme Court Justice
This lesson examines the account of Nicodemus in John 3, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council who privately seeks out Jesus by night. Jesus surprises Nicodemus with a conversation about the need to be born again—a spiritual rebirth that comes not from knowledge, tradition, or status, but from the Spirit of God. Nicodemus, though respected and religious, is told that his morality and achievements are not enough to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus uses the imagery of birth and the wind to explain the invisible and sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. This exchange reveals that salvation is not about religion but transformation. Nicodemus fades into the background for a time but later reappears as a public follower of Christ, indicating that this late-night conversation had a life-changing impact. The lesson challenges all people—religious or not—to examine whether they’ve experienced the new birth Jesus described.
The Secret Disciple
This lesson explores the secret faith of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and religious leader who visits Jesus by night. While Nicodemus initially comes in secrecy, his interaction with Jesus leads to one of the most well-known declarations in Scripture—John 3:16. The lesson highlights how Jesus challenges Nicodemus' religious credentials and instead emphasizes the necessity of spiritual rebirth. Though Nicodemus remains quiet for much of Jesus' ministry, he later steps into the light, publicly participating in Jesus’ burial. The journey of Nicodemus reminds us that faith must eventually move from secret belief to public identification with Christ.
Bridging Niagara
This lesson explores Paul’s continued description of humanity’s moral decline in Romans 1:29–31. Paul presents a devastating list of 21 sins that reflect the complete corruption of the human heart when God gives people over to their sinful desires. These include sins against others (e.g., envy, murder, deceit, gossip, disobedience to parents) and sins of character (e.g., foolishness, heartlessness, ruthlessness). The passage shows how rejecting God leads not only to false worship but also to deep personal and social breakdown. The lesson emphasizes that apart from God’s grace, this list describes every human heart. It underscores the need for the gospel as the only solution to our spiritual condition and calls believers to thank God for rescuing them through Christ.