The Land

Land is a major biblical theme, particularly in the Old Testament. This lesson, which was taught some time ago but is just now being posted, is the tenth in the series, God's Story of Redemption. The significance of land is focused upon primarily in the context of Israel, and begins by a consideration of creation itself before moving on to its centrality in the promises made to the Patriarchs. The symbolic and strategic significance of the Promised Land are then viewed in light of Eden with an ultimate eschatological fufillment in the New Jerusalem of the renewed creation.

Audio and notes are available here, or via the course link located in the upper right hand column of this page.

Manhood and Culture

How do we respond to culture? Do we oppose it, or embrace it, or accept it, or endure it, or transform it? The biblical account of creation enjoins upon humanity the privilege and responsibility of cultural development as a stewardship to be engaged under the authority of God with accountability to him. Human sin has marred that endeavor. Yet Christ came to redeem not only individual souls, but also the entire creation "project," including human cultural development. How we respond to culture today is determined in large part by our own understanding of both God's original purpose for humanity and God's consummation of his purposes which will be achieved when Jesus returns.

I addressed these issues at a recent men's gathering at my church, Bethel World Outreach Church. Although the material was somewhat tailored to an audience of men, it nevertheless is accessible and applicable to both genders. Audio and notes can be accessed via the following links.

• Audio and Notes1 and Notes2 

Audio for all five of the sessions taught by various speakers at the men's gathering can be accessed at Bethel's website under the Audio section of the Media tab. Look for "Be Men Experience 2012."

The Holy Spirit and Jesus

In this fourth installment of the series on the Holy Spirit, consideration is given to the nature of the relationship of the Holy Spirit to Jesus. Topics include the Spirit's activity in connection with the miraculous conception of Jesus, his being indwelled and later empowered by the Spirit, and his prophecies and promises regarding the gift of the Spirit to his disciples. All of this is pertinent for Christians today since Jesus is both our forerunner and redeemer, who permanently restores the gift of the Holy Spirit to repentant, believing humanity.

Audio and notes are available here, or by clicking the link in the upper right hand column of this web page.

Note: This post is sequentially out of order due to a delay in acquiring an audio file for the lesson.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

"Baptism" in the Holy Spirit is the focus of the fifth installment in my series on the general subject of the Holy Spirit. The subject matter is addressed based on an analysis of the five accounts given in the Book of Acts, which describe the initial experiences of various people being filled with God's Spirit. After a review of the synonymous biblical terms for the same categorical experience, the common elements among the five accounts are discussed. The topic of glossolalia, or tongues, is only briefly mentioned, being reserved as a singular topic for another installment in the series.

The audio and teaching notes are available here, or by clicking the link located in the upper right hand column of this page.

Prior topics include:  (1) The Person of the Holy Spirit; (2) The Holy Spirit & Old Testament Fallen Humanity; (3) Old Testament Empowerment; (4) The Holy Spirit & Jesus.

Jesus, Friend of Women

Jesus came to redeem humanity, both male and female. Unfortunately, many have failed to read the Gospels in the light of their ancient historical-cultural context, and so fail to perceive the significance of Jesus' interaction with women and his teaching in relation to women. Beginning with a brief overview of the historical-cultural context of women in first century Judaism, my wife, Carol, recently taught on the topic of "Jesus, Friend of Women." She then goes on to highlight the attention given to women in the Gospels, including the fact that they were disciples and messengers of Jesus.

Carol has served with me in pastoral ministry for nearly thirty years, having been ordained in her early twenties. Since then she has assisted me in church-planting, teaching, discipleship, and oversight of all the various departments typical to leading a church. She has served in pastoral roles in four different churches, ranging in size from a couple dozen congregants to a church of nearly two thousand. She is currently the Pastor of Discipleship at Bethel World Outreach Church in Brentwood, TN, and serves on the church's Executive Team. She also currently serves on the Board for Every Nation Ministries.

The audio file is available here for download. A PDF file of teaching notes that were adapted for use with the church's Life Groups is available for download here.