Many churches struggle to find good men to fill positions of leadership, and when they do, it can sometimes lead to strife and animosity. But the Scriptures are very plain that elders and deacons are vital to the work of a local congregation, and it’s only by submitting to these men that a church grow in a Biblical fashion.

What is free will and how does it impact our relationship with God? In this lesson, Zach Fisk explores why it is so important to willingly submit to God, rather than Him forcing us to do so.

One of the accusations that is so often leveled at Christians is that we’re “narrow-minded” in our approach to life. If that’s true, then let it be because that’s how our Master taught us to be. Hypocrisy and bigotry is not excusable, but being “narrow-minded” in response to our faith is not only advisable, but the only acceptable position that God has allowed us to have.

Young people in the church are a valuable asset to God’s Kingdom – both local and universal. So useful, in fact, that they are the heroes (and heroines) of several of the most famous Bible stories, standing up for God when those much older than them cowered in the corner. Are we using them as God used them? Are we inspired by them? Are we challenging them to grow?

The concept of Judgment Day is downright terrifying for some, but for some Christians, it should be something we look forward to (“Maranatha!”). But it’s also rife with confusion, so Sunday, we tried to boil the Day down to it’s most simple components so that we know more of what to expect.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is one of the most well-known parts of Ecclesiastes, but that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily understood. We commonly read past it, thinking that it just repeats itself over and over again, possibly for effect. But contained within these couplets are timeless truths that will help us live stronger, more spiritual lives every single day.

The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus has multiple layers, but one of the things it does so magnificently is give us a glimpse of what life is like after death through the eyes of two men: Lazarus and an unnamed rich man. While Lazarus is silent, upon their respective deaths, the rich man immediately understands some pivotal truths about life that we would do well to remember while we’re still alive.

Do you believe that God wants you to be happy? Depending on how you answer that, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment, but having a true understanding of what God wants for His people is paramount to developing a close relationship with Him.

For someone who wasn’t an Apostle, and who didn’t lead the Israelites out of captivity or call down God’s presence at Mt. Carmel, Apollos certainly looms large in Scripture. But rather than treat him as a larger-than-life, almost untouchable figure, we should draw closer to him to learn where we can grow, personally.

Curtis Little brings an important lesson about the dangers of sliding away from God, and how easy – and dangerous – it can be.