Special Studies
Special Studies
16 studies, in the order they were taught. All series
Judging Others God's Way
Ephesians 4:15–25
Judging is rarely welcome, but Scripture shows how to do it well. We speak the truth in love, lovingly separate from a believer who refuses to change, and always speak truthfully.
Nehemiah: A Leader Who Prays
Nehemiah 1–2
A guest teacher looks at Nehemiah, who hears Jerusalem's walls are broken and weeps and prays. God uses a spiritual leader to move a king and start rebuilding.
Numbers 13–14: Faith and Perspective
Numbers 13–14
A guest teacher looks at Israel's twelve spies. Most see only giants and want to go back, but Moses, Joshua and Caleb have vision to trust God about the future.
1 Peter: Hope for Hard Times
1 Peter 1:3–9
Peter, once bold and brash, writes to suffering believers. New birth in Christ gives a living hope and an inheritance kept in heaven, so we can rejoice even in trials.
Living Above and Beyond the Routine
Colossians 1:9–12
Paul's prayer for the church at Colossae shows how to grow past habit and routine. We learn what Christ is like, then rely on his pattern and power to become like him.
Simeon and the Consolation of Israel
Luke 2:21–35
Simeon, waiting for Israel's comfort, holds the baby Jesus and praises God. Jesus is our consolation, who comes to be with us in suffering and bring peace.
Patience: Waiting on God's Promise
Genesis 15–16
God promises Abram a son, but he and Sarai grow impatient and have Ishmael through Hagar. Waiting on God's timing is wiser than trying to help him.
Jude: Contending for the Faith
Jude 1–25
Jude urges believers to see God's truth clearly, stand against false teaching and keep trusting Christ. Faith is confident obedience to God's word whatever the circumstances.
Living Above Routine and Ritual
Colossians 1:9–12
Paul prays that the Colossians would know God's will and live worthy of the Lord, setting their minds on things above and walking in humility.
Caleb: A Leader Who Followed God Fully
Numbers 13–14
Caleb and Joshua were among the twelve men sent to spy out Canaan. Caleb trusted God's promise and served faithfully for 45 years, showing that every person has a part in God's plan.
Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–56
Jesus resolutely turns toward Jerusalem and the cross, beginning the last six months of his life, and a Samaritan village rejects him. The talk looks at responsibility, forgiveness and finishing well.
Moses and the Burning Bush
Exodus 3:1–6
God gets the attention of Moses, a shepherd, with a burning bush and gives him a mission. We often make excuses when God calls, and he calls us to pay attention.
Run the Race to Win
1 Corinthians 9:24–27
Paul compares the Christian life to a race run with purpose and discipline for an eternal prize. Our freedom is limited by love for others.
An Easter Attitude: Peter and Paul
Luke 22:54–62; Acts 20:18–24
Peter denied Jesus but his failure was only momentary. Paul pursued his calling with unrelenting determination. Easter calls us to get up after failure and press on.
Ordinary People, Faithful God
Isaiah 43:1–3
The Ten Commandments reflect God's unchanging character, and he calls ordinary people like Moses, David and Isaiah. In hard times, look to his promises instead of your problems.
The Humble King Rides In
Mark 11:1–11
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds cheer. He is not the conquering king they expected, but a humble one who came to serve and give his life.