The Twofold Purpose of The Mystery - Part 7. From the beginning of time, God had hidden the Mystery in Himself. God is outside of time but since He is the creator of all things, He hid this body of truth before creation of the Earth and before the beginning of the ages.
The Twofold Purpose of The Mystery - Part 8. God does ultimately get the glory for everything He has created. There will even be a time when Christ turns everything over to the Godhead. So many times we are caught up in where we are and what we are doing but it is just a drop in the bucket compared to eternity. We all have our problems but God is there to be with us so we don’t face them alone and He is there for us until the end. You may faint but God will never fail. In the study of scripture we see the eternity of God.
The Twofold Purpose of The Mystery - Part 9. What was the twofold purpose that God revealed the Mystery? The first reason was to reveal it to mankind as it says in Ephesians 3:9 (KJV) “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:”.
The Twofold Purpose of The Mystery - Part 10 (final). This is the final lesson in the series given on November 12, 2006 pertaining to the twofold purpose of The Mystery as identified in Ephesians 3:9, and Colossians 1:25-26. The Mystery is the specific truth given to the Christian today to follow with faith obedience. The Apostle Paul says in Eph. 3:8 that he was given this ministry so he might then give it to all Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
A Psalms of Thanksgiving. The lesson on November 19, 2006 takes a break from an audio series and gives a topical lesson on Psalms 100 to celebrate Thanksgiving which comes on the third Thursday in November each year. Psalms 100 (KJV) says: 1. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4.
Timothy Study - Part 1. The lesson on November 26, 2006 starts a new series by taking a look at the books of Timothy in the New Testament that the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy. Paul wrote these after he declared in Ephesians that he was given the calling to make all saints see what is the fellowship of The Mystery. Paul then took his brother in Christ, Timothy and gave us an example of how to do this type of ministry. Timothy is a character in scripture that faced issues just like other Christians do today.
Timothy Study - Part 2. The lesson on December 3, 2006 continues the series on Timothy with part two in the series. We find the Apostle Paul appealing to Timothy regarding proper doctrine. Doctrine develops the walk of a Christian. What was the doctrine that was followed in Ephesus?
The Christmas Story - Part 1 . The lesson on December 17, 2006 covers the scriptures in Luke 2:1-7 which tells of the event where Christ was born. It says in Luke 2:3-5 (KJV) “And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Christmas Story - Part 2. The lesson on December 24, 2006 continues the Christmas story with part two of the lesson given on the 17th. Derek McCammon tells us a story about how Read Luke 23:34!he saw a bumper sticker that said “Born okay... the first time!” Don’t they realize how perfect they aren’t! There has only been one person born okay the first time and that is Christ Jesus. Mankind does not get it. Jesus Christ was sent to die for you and me so we may be born again and receive the new man which is without sin. God took on the form of a man to redeem mankind.
New Year's Message - Our Hope - The lesson on December 31, 2006 brings a message of hope for New Years 2007. The lesson starts with a nostalgic look at the year of 2006. If you are honest with yourself, you would admit to feelings of regret for something you did or didn’t do. By reminiscing, you find yourself with a focus on the past and not the present. The past cannot be changed. A football coach once said “Well, yesterday is history, and tomorrow is a mystery, but today is in the present and that is what we are going to deal with”.
Timothy Study - Part 3. The lesson on January 21, 2007 picked up the audio series on Timothy with lesson three in the series. The study covers 1 Timothy 1:1-11. The first lesson covered the people we are dealing with in Ephesus. Timothy and Paul. Paul is a preacher, apostle, and an teacher to the Gentiles. This wasn’t so in the Acts period when Paul met Timothy (this is when Timothy became one of Paul’s converts as explained in Acts 16:1-5) Timothy was a devout believer from being raised by his mother Lois, and grandmother Eunice which were Jews that believed in Christ.
Timothy Study - Part 4. The lesson on February 4, 2007 continues the series on Timothy with part 4 which takes us to the end of chapter one. Timothy is a pastoral letter written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy which was the church leader in Ephesus so there is a good connection with the Ephesians letter and 1 Timothy. Beginning in verse 12, Paul specifies he has been enabled by the love of Christ. It always begins with Christ.
Timothy Study - Part 5. The lesson on February 11, 2007 continues in the Timothy study in chapter 2. This chapter primarily covers two topics: Prayer and Women in the church. There has been some controversy in the fact that Paul said in verse 1, “I Exhort”. Some have said that this isn’t the Word of God but instead Paul’s opinion. We believe that it is God’s Word and that not only will this chapter cover prayer and women in the church but, it’s really a question of God’s will vs. my will . Meaning, will you listen to what God says or will you follow your own will?
Timothy Study - Part 6. The lesson on February 18th, 2007 covers another important aspect of management in the church with the appointment of Bishops. Chapter one covered sound doctrine. Chapter two covered prayer and the role of women in the church. Chapter three covers the role of being a bishop in the church. Paul thought it important to cover the qualifications of the bishop. Paul writes this pastoral epistle to help Timothy straighten out the problems he is facing the the church in Ephesus. The problems Timothy was facing is the same problems the church is facing today.
Timothy Study - Part 7. Continuing in the Timothy series, the lesson on February 25, 2007 covers 1 Timothy 3:8-16 which details the qualifications for the leaders in the church. Timothy is the head of the church in Ephesus which is where Paul encountered a lot of problems. If we look at Acts 20:17 we see that Paul had to call the elders to a meeting outside the city because such a ruckus was caused by individuals like Alexander the coppersmith (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 4:14).
Timothy Study - Part 8. Continuing in 1 Timothy, this lesson starts in chapter 4 which was given on March 4, 2007. Paul reminds Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:6 ”If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.”. The encouragement is to practice Godliness which we do by putting on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).
The Cross. The lesson on April 1, 2007 studies the Cross of Christ. You can’t get to the resurrection until you get to the cross. This is where the transaction of our sin debt was paid by God. This is the week before the resurrection which is when we see his suffering, his passion. There is a lot said about the cross in scripture. Without the cross we would still be in our sins. The cross is every where today. It’s on the walls, it’s in jewelry, it’s on a hill by a church... but the cross has lost it’s meaning.
The Resurrection of Christ. The Easter holiday is the most celebrated event in all of Christianity. The lesson on April 8, 2007 reads in 1 Corinthians 15:12 where Paul was instructing the church in Corinth that the resurrection was real and Christ lives. Further Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Timothy Study - Part 9. The lesson on April 22, 2007 is the continuation of the series on the books written by Paul to Timothy who is the leader of the church at Ephesus. Timothy was a young man in a hostile territory leading a church in a city which was steep in idolatry and he had much opposition to Christ. God has given Timothy all he needs to know through the Apostle Paul. Even more with us today. God has completed the word of God and we have all we need in scripture to complete our walk which we have been called to do.
Timothy Study - Part 10. The lesson on April 29, 2007 is the tenth lesson on the audio series called the “Timothy Study”. The scripture for this lesson is chapter 5 of 1 Timothy verses 1 thru 16. Paul writes Timothy in chapter 5 about practical lessons on administration in the church, particularly in regards with widows. The chapter starts out with wisdom expressed in the means of handling elders. Timothy is told not to rebuke an elder but treat them like family members as if they were brothers.
Timothy Study - Part 11. As Christians, we have the responsibility daily to provide encouragement by sharing the love of God. The lesson on May 6, 2007 provides a review of the lesson regarding widows but then picks up to study the passages on Elders in verse 17. 1 Timothy 5:17 says “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” Elders are particularly qualified to teach the word of God and that’s why it is important that the qualifications that God established when selecting an elder in the church are followed.
Mother’s Day. The lesson on May 13, 2007 celebrates Mother’s Day with a lesson on Genesis 4:1-7 with the first children who were born and the first to celebrate having a mom. Genesis 4:1-4 “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
Timothy Study - Part 12. The lesson on May 13, 2007 continues the lesson in Timothy and covers Chapter 5:21-25. Isn’t it required of a Christian to guard our heart? In Proverbs 4:23 it says “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Jeremiah says that there is nothing more deceitful than the heart. Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” If Christians don’t guard their heart, it leads us astray. Sin never wins and faith never fails.
Timothy Study - Part 13. The lesson on June 3, 2007 continues the series in the last chapter in 1 Timothy and picks up in 1 Timothy 6:3-11. Timothy was receiving teaching and exhortations on Widows, Elders, and Servants in the church and starting in verse 3 of chapter six we find Paul addressing the sentiment of not being satisfied with your lot in life. That’s why Paul says in verse 6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” It’s contentment that we need to have. Are you expecting to receive more than you reasonably ought to expect?
Timothy Study - Part 14. The lesson on June 10, 2007 continues the audio series in Timothy and discusses money. Paul is writing Timothy in Ephesus and he’s telling Timothy to let the people know that money isn’t everything. Let’s face it, we always know that there are going to be problems in life and most of the times the solution to those problems is money. A modern day song writer wrote a song with lyrics that said “money can’t buy me love”. That much was true because only true love comes from God. We need to discern the difference between godly love and worldly love.
Father’s Day. The lesson on June 17, 2007 takes a break from the Timothy Series and gives a lesson on Father’s Day. Billy Graham once was quoted as saying “A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” And yet fatherhood today is being assailed, maligned, and marginalized. Perhaps this started in America 45 years ago when we allowed prayer to be removed from our schools. The de -masculinization of men was one of the reasons listed in the fall of the Roman Empire.
Timothy Study - Part 15. The lesson on July 1, 2007 continues the audio series in Timothy and covers Chapter 6:13-21 which comes to the end of the chapter. Derek starts by reviewing all the groups that have been addressed for instruction in the church that Timothy is leading in Ephesus. He addressed Widows, Elders, Servants, and then he spoke to those who don’t understand the truth. There are men who think that gain is godliness and he spends most of chapter 6 addressing this group. He explains that these men are usually proud and argumentative.
Timothy Study - Part 16. The lesson on July 8, 2007 continues with the study in Timothy. Most of 1 Timothy is a pastoral letter because it deals with “how to” but in chapter 6 we’ve come to a dispensational part of the book. In 1 Timothy 6:13-21 we find two Amens. The first Amen comes after the charge Paul gives Timothy in verses 13-16. The second Amen comes in verses 17-21. When dealing with domestic issues, we always handle them through what God has given to us dispensationally, because the fruit comes from the root.
Timothy Study - Part 17 (final in the series). The lesson on July 22, 2007 finishes the audio series in Timothy. This is the 17th and final lesson in this series. The last lesson looked at our hope and our sphere of blessing. It covered the three spheres of blessings and which ones belong to whom which will probably lead to another series that dives into what our hope is in the church of the one body.
The Hope of the Church of the One Body - Part 1. The lesson on July 29, 2007 begins a new series that studies our hope in the church today. This series ask the question what is your hope based on? Everyone has hope but what do you place your hope in? We studied several weeks ago the three spheres of blessings and iIn that study we learned that hope is the confident expectation of a promise that is to be enjoyed or fulfilled. Worldly hope compared to a spiritual hope has no confidence that a future expectation will happen.
The Hope of the Church of the One Body - Part 2. The lesson on August 5, 2007 continued the series on the hope of the Church of the One Body. It is the second lesson and comes from a spin off of the three spheres of blessings. The beginning of this study was initiated from our Timothy Study.
The Hope of the Church of the One Body - Part 3. Most of Christianity today teaches only two spheres of blessings, and the lesson here teaches on the second sphere of blessing which is New Jerusalem. The first sphere of blessing involved what was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (who had the 12 fathers of Israel) being their seed would be like the sand, and stars in heaven and that they would inherit the Promised Land. This involved promises made through covenants with the nation of Israel (Abrahamic, Palestinian, Davidic, and the New Covenant).
The Hope of the Church of the One Body - Part 4. This lesson on August 26, 2007 continues with Part 4 in the series on the hope of the one body. The church’s hope is based on the “appearing” (Epiphany) of our Lord, Jesus Christ which places our hope far above the heavens where Christ is seated. However, if you ask a Christian today where he would go if he died, most of the time you hear the response of “heaven” and they are thinking of the other appearing (Parousia), which is tied to Israel. It seems by and large, that is the confusion in the hope of Christianity today.
The Hope of the Church of the One Body - Part 5. If you were to ask the average Christian, what his or her hope would be, they might speak of the return of Christ. Then they may take you to this passage in the Matthew 25:31-34 (KJV) “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
The Hope of the Church of the One Body - Part 7. The close relationship we have with Christ that was established before the foundation of the world. The three scriptural references (John 17:22-24, 1 Peter 1:18-20, Ephesians 1:3-4) that pertain to before the foundation of the world involve two that establishes the love that God had with his Son, Jesus Christ, the third talks about us! What an amazing relationship we have with God. Every calling has a hope and every hope has a promise and every promise has a unique relationship with the Lord and his glory.
The Hope of the Church of the One Body - Part 8 (final). The lesson on October 7, 2007 finishes the audio series on the hope of the church. We have been studying the hope of the Church of the One Body for eight lessons now and we have seen hope as defined as something of what is expected, or trusted in.
Colossians Study - Part 1.This is a new series that covers the book of Colossians. This is an important book because it is a prison epistle that is written to us. All scripture is for our learning but all scripture is not written to you. We don’t obey the scribes and Pharisees that sit in Moses’ seat… these instructions were to Jesus’ disciples at that time in scripture. Paul is an apostle to the Gentiles. He didn’t start out this way… when he was called on the road to Damascus; the first place he went to go and tell of Christ was in the Synagogue to the Jews.
Colossians Study - Part 2. This is the second lesson in the series on Colossians that was given on October 21, 2007. We see that Epaphras was a minister unto Colossae and we see in chapter 1 that he has come back to Paul in Rome, who is in prison, and has expressed some concern about the doctrine that is being taught back in Colossae. There was a Gnostic teaching at that time that Jesus was a continuation of a long string of angels that came down from God.
Colossians Study - Part 3. The lesson on October 28, 2007 is the third lesson on the book of Colossians. We have learned that Epaphras was a strong minister unto the church at Colossae which Paul testified in Col. 4:12 who communicated to Paul his concerns about the doctrine being taught in Colossae. The letter itself was brought to the Colossians by Tychius, who was another faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord as is stated in Col. 4:7. Epaphras is with Paul in Rome and some say that Colossians is a sister letter to the book of Ephesians.
Colossians Study - Part 4 . The lesson on November 4, 2007 continues with the fourth lesson in Colossians. In chapter 1 we have been looking at the prayer that Paul was saying to the church at Colossae, and it has three import parts. Part one is the statement in verse 9 when he is praying that you would have a “full knowledge” (in the Greek it’s “epignosis” (ep-ig'-no-sis); which means recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement) of the Lord’s will. Part two of this prayer is regarding our walk.
Colossians Study - Part 5. The audio lesson for November 18, 2007 is Part 5 in this Colossians study. The lesson discusses why Paul is praying for them in Colossae for we see they are having problems and we see Paul’s prayer in verse 9. Colossians 1:9 (KJV) “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” Usually you don’t pray for a cause unless there is a complication that comes along with that cause.
Colossians Study - Part 6. Colossians 1:24-29 puts before us one of the most important aspects of our calling today and it is impossible for us to recognize this calling apart from the teaching of Paul. Starting with verse 24, Paul is explaining the suffering he personally endured that was told to him by God when he was converted on the road to Damascus. God said to Paul that he would suffer some things for my sake which he is now referring to in verse 24.
Colossians Study - Part 16 (final). The audio lesson for March 9, 2008 is now available. The lesson is part 16 of a study in Colossians and finishes the audio series.
The lesson on March 16, 2008 was on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and covered John 1:29 KJV "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." This lesson will be delivered in two parts. Part one will look at the Lamb of God and part two will look at what this means to members of the body of Christ.
The lesson on March 23, 2008 was part two of "the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ". The scripture covered was in 1 Corinthians 15:12-20a KJV "12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
The Warfare - Part 1. The lesson on March, 30, 2008 started a new series on the warfare that is discussed in Ephesians 6:10:17. Paul was warning the church at Ephesus to be cognizant of the warfare that is taking place with the devil... as he said in Eph. 6:10-12 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
The Warfare, Part 2. The lesson on April 6, 2008 continues with the second lesson in the Warfare audio series. This series studies the spiritual warfare we face as Christians and points out that this warfare is something we should be aware of and participate in according to the scriptures. In Ephesians 6:12, the scripture tells us of a spiritual warfare and the armor of God that we have to participate in the warfare.
The Warfare, Part 3. The warfare that we are made aware of in Ephesians 6:13,14 has us standing with the armor of God. We see a reference to wrestling in Ephesians 6:12 but the primary way we participate in the warfare is to stand. This is not our fight. We are protecting ourselves with the armor of God but we are not fighting with our own might. In Ephesians 6:10 it says “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” which indicates we have a choice to make in the fight... which is to choose to rely on the Lord.
The Warfare, Part 4. Lesson 4 of the audio series entitled “The Warfare” is a study based on Ephesians 6:10-17 which tells of a spiritual warfare that involves us by standing. This warfare involves several pieces of armor and this lesson focuses on the feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:10-15 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
The lesson on May 11, 2008 was on Mother's Day 2008 and the scripture reading was from Proverbs 6:20-24 KJV "20 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. 22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. 23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: 24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman."
The lesson on Sunday May 35, 2008 was honoring Memorial Day. The scripture reading was in Ephesians 2:11-13 KJV "11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
Walk in The Lord - Part 5 (final) This lesson continues with the study of our “Walk with the Lord” with part five and it covers our rewards or “Crowns.” This is not to be confused with salvation, which is a free gift to all who believe in Jesus Christ as our only Saviour. Rather , our rewards are for our walk or service in this life and we will appear before the Bema Seat (not the great white throne) one day to be judged as to our service in this life.
Receive and Believe. Some might say that Pilate asked the most important question in the Bible as told in John 18:38 when he said “ What is truth?” Perhaps that is the most important question but when you consider what the rich young ruler asked Jesus in Matthew 19:16 “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” This seems to be the most important question because it says what must I do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered his question and the man said that he had done all that Jesus has said from his youth.
Has God Abandoned America? - Part 1. Has God Abandoned America?In Deuteronomy 8:11-20, we read of a warning given to the nation of Israel regarding their mindset towards the Lord when things are good. If they forget that the blessing they received were from God, they will be turned away by God. As stated in Deut. 8:17, 19 “And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
The elections in the United States are over and it may seem that America has voted in people that are in need of prayer. As it says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, we are to pray for those that are in authority which was deemed a good thing to do: “ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;”.
Has God Abandoned America? - Part 3. God Abandoned America?This is the 3rd lesson that answers the question: Has God abandoned America? It was given on November 19th and looks at the scripture reading of Acts 20-28-31 which covers the topic of grievous wolves and those entering in who speak of perverse things to try and draw disciples away from the truth. 98% of the people in this nation live above the poverty level of the world... yet people think they have done this themselves.
The lesson on November 23, 2008 was the fourth lesson looking at the question: Has God Abandoned America? and we have learned that America has fallen a long way down this slippery slope since the U.S. has abandoned God in may aspects of the nation. God sets up Nations. We learn in Job 9:24 that “The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not , where, and who is he?” In America, man has taken a position that is contrary to the nature and the attributes of God.
The Name of God. In Psalms 103:1 (KJV) it says “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” There is something special about the name of God. When God decided to give man 10 commandments, when He got to the third one, He said not to take His name in vain. That’s how important God’s name is to Him.
Songs of Christmas. The lesson on December 21, 2008 was a lesson celebrating Christmas which is the traditional holiday commemorating the birth of Christ. (Here is a poem that explain way Jesus is better the Santa Claus). Does Christmas have you all stressed out, running around trying to get all your gifts prepared and wrapped to be opened? Are you in a hurry and don’t know what to do next? The traditions of Christmas shopping seam to make people all worked up, running around with busy work and sometimes having to wait.
The Importance of the Name of God. Christmas is over but New Years is next. Do you want to make New Year’s resolutions? Go ahead and make them even though the prospects for 2009 don’t look good. America is in a recession and the economic outlook is poor. Things can really get bad. No matter how bad it gets, the worse of it all is taking your last breath without knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and believing on his name. What’s in a name?
The lesson on October 25, 2009 was the sixth in the study entitled the "Mysteries in the Prison Epistles". The scripture reading was in Ephesians 6:18-20 KJV. "18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
The lesson on November 8, 2009 was the seventh on the study in the "Mysteries of the Prison Epistles" and the scripture reading was in Colossians 2:1-8 KJV. "2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
The lesson on November 15, 2009 is the eighth in the study on the "Mysteries in the Prison Epistles". The scripture reading was in Colossians 4:2-6 KJV. "2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
The lesson on November 22, 2009 was the ninth in the study "Mysteries in the Prison Epistles". The scripture reading was in 1 Timothy 3:16 KJV. "16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
The lesson on December 6, 2009 started a series on the biblical characters involved in the Christmas story. The first individuals looked at are Zacharias and Elizabeth. The title of this lesson would be "The Beginning of the End" makes you stop and think: is there really an end? In Matthew 24:3-6 KJV the Lord is asked by his disciples... "3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
The lesson on December 13, 2009 continued the study on the characters of Christmas. This lesson covers Luke 1:26-31KJV "26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
The lesson on December 20, 2009 is the final lesson of the Characters of Christmas study and this lesson is entitled "The End of the Beginning". The scripture reading was in Matthew 1:18-25 KJV and this lesson covers the birth of Christ. "18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
