Bible Study
Bible Study
An ongoing online Bible Study series with Deacon John Everson
An ongoing online Bible Study series with Deacon John Everson
How should we think about the hardships and challenges we face in our lives? James tells us to "count it with all joy". How do we do that, what does it mean, and what is the value of enduring through these trials?
James 1:1
James 1:1
We begin our series on the book of James, but who was James? And what does the first verse tell us about him, and how we ought to be?
Jesus has finished teaching the Sermon on the Mount, and in this class, we examine the crowd's reaction. Why was this teaching so amazing to them, and what does the Bible mean by Jesus "teaching with authority"?
What is our faith built upon, and how do we demonstrate our faith to the Lord, through doing works in His name, or hearing and obeying His Word?
What makes someone a false prophet? Jesus says they appear as sheep, but inwardly are "ravenous wolves". This class explores what it means to be "ravenous" and how we have to be on guard against teachings that contradict the Word of God.
What makes the way to life a narrow way? What do we need to change in our life to make it through the narrow gate?
What is the "Golden Rule" and how does it connect to the Sermon on the Mount?
Jesus admonishes His audience to not give what is holy to dogs, or throw pearls before swine. What is the Biblical application for this, and what can we learn from this teaching?
Jesus admonishes His audience to not give what is holy to dogs, or throw pearls before swine. What is the Biblical application for this, and what can we learn from this teaching?
What does it mean to judge one another, and how does it compare to judging righteous judgment?
After emphasizing that we not lay up treasures on earth but in Heaven, Jesus reminds us to not worry about the physical things of life, because God provides for all of His creation.
Jesus illustrates a difference between storing up treasures on this earth versus laying up treasure in Heaven. We examine what this means in practice, as well as examining the concept of "Mammon", an ancient Hebrew word that describes a trusting in wealth.
In the second part of October's Questions & Answers, Brother Everson answers questions about the fruit of the Spirit, as well as how we can incorporate fasting into our spiritual lives.
In the first part of our Questions and Answers session, Brother Everson discusses two questions; the first about our ability to serve the Lord even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as addressing concerns about how a Christian should manage through depression and anxiety.
As Jesus concludes the model prayer, he emphasizes that forgiving others is critical if we desire forgiveness ourselves. In this class, we also discuss the concept of fasting, its usage in the New Testament, and the attitude we should have in this act.
What should our private prayers to God look like? We examine the "do's and don'ts" of prayer as outlined by Jesus, as well as examining the components of the model prayer He provides for us to follow.
How does Jesus want us to give? To glorify ourselves or to glorify God? We expand upon the principle Jesus lays down in Matthew 6 and examine how it applies to our acts of giving.
We are taking a short break from the Sermon on the Mount to answer questions from the brethren! In today's class, Deacon Everson addresses topics such as supporting those who have lost loved ones, the nature of baptism and who can ask God for mercy, and how we stay united in the midst of an election year and deep political divides.
Jesus warns us to beware how we practice our righteousness, and how by doing so just to be noticed by others is not worthy of the kingdom of Heaven. We examine key words from the passage and consider how Jesus's deeds in righteousness were in service to the Lord.
We reach the close of Matthew 5, with Jesus summarizing God's expectations for us. But is it possible that our own expectations of what it means to be perfect can exceed what even God wants for us?
August 27, 2020
Jesus teaches not just to love our neighbors, but our enemies. Let's explore what that means for our Christian walk.
August 20, 2020
In our continuing discussion of "not resisting an evil person" and turning the other cheek, Jesus gives us three more examples of demonstrating Christian submission towards those demanding of us. What are Christians expected to do? Are we supposed to give everything away for the cause of Christ?
August 13, 2020
"An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Jesus reminds those listening how the Old Testament handled situations when people were harmed, but He says now to "not to resist an evil person". In this class, we examine the original Old Testament command, Jesus's new command, and its application in the New Testament.
August 6, 2020
Jesus discusses the importance of not making oaths in the name of the Lord. We also answer a question related to last week's class on re-marriage and divorce.
July 30, 2020
Jesus continues to discuss the concept of adultery and how it relates to divorce. What circumstances does the Bible lay out to allow for husbands and wives to divorce?
July 22, 2020
Jesus has illustrated that sin first manifests in the heart and mind. In this lesson, He expands upon what we must do to not be ensnared or stumble in our walk with God.
July 9, 2020
Adultery is more than a physical sin, but one that begins in the heart. We examine the ancient commandment from the Old Testament, as well as the New Testament application when it comes to the heart and mind of each Christian.
July 2, 2020
Jesus us wants us to be at peace with each other, as a conflict with our brethren can put us in conflict with God. In this lesson, we examine the importance of getting reconciled quickly, and the consequences of letting conflict with our brethren linger.
June 24, 2020
Jesus reminds His audience of the Old Testament commandment to not murder, but then He tells them that their unrighteous anger, thoughts, and insulting words to their brethren are just as sinful. What are the implications of telling someone they are "Good for nothing"?
June 17, 2020
The Pharisees and Scribes that Jesus mentions in the Sermon on the Mount had access to God's inspired word, and taught it to all of the sons of Israel. How is it then that Jesus asks that His disciples to be more righteous than them? In this lesson, we examine who the Pharisees were, which aspects of their faith that were positive, and the areas where we as Christians are expected to surpass them.
June 14, 2020
Jesus says He's the fulfillment of the Law, but there were those who didn't follow all of God's commandments, teaching others to do the same, and causing some to stumble. We examine what's meant by "the least in the kingdom" who did this and how important it us for us to teach the whole truth of the Bible.
In this study, we'll be examining the fulfillment of the Law starting in the Old Testament and perfected in the New Testament by Jesus Christ. Please note there is also a discussion of the current environment of prejudice the world is experiencing, and how we as Christians rise above the sins of the world.
May 27, 2020
What does it mean to be a light of the world? What happens when we shine a light through the good deeds we do in Christ Jesus?
May 21, 2020
As we continue through the Sermon on the Mount, we examine the meaning behind Jesus calling His followers "the salt of the earth". We'll examine the historical and biblical significance of salt, and the application on this passage in our lives.
May 14, 2020
We reach the final passages of the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. We look at the early roots of the word Persecution, and delve into the significance of suffering for the righteous cause of God!
May 6, 2020
The Bible describes Jesus as the "Prince of Peace". But what makes someone a "Peacemaker"? What does it mean to be at peace with one another and with God?
April 30, 2020
What does it mean to be pure in heart? Let's explore the meaning of this passage and consider how we can apply it in our Christian walk.
April 22, 2020
What is Biblical Mercy? How do we demonstrate it? And what are the consequences of not living a merciful life?
April 15, 2020
What does it mean to "Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness"? Let's explore the passage today, the Greek origins of the passage, as well as understanding the difference between pursuing righteousness versus knowledge.
April 8, 2020
What exactly does it mean to be meek, and why is that a blessing in the eyes of the Lord? We examine the passage in the greater context of the beatitudes, and the deeper connotation of what meekness means in our Christian walk.
April 1, 2020
We begin an exploration of Matthew chapter 5, and Jesus's beatitudes, describing the behavior of those who are blessed in God's Church. We explore the background leading to this and discuss the first two beatitudes, Blessed are those who are "Poor in Spirit" and "Those who Mourn".
March 25, 2020
The threat of Coronavirus has led to social distancing and the need to stay at home to contain the spread of the pandemic. With that in mind, how has the Church in the past responded in similar circumstances? How do we respond, and how do we worship at home while we're apart?