Linder Road church of Christ

Knowing Jesus - Clint Davison - 3/5/2023

Knowing Jesus - His Body

This lesson, in the continuing study of Knowing Jesus, uses the book of Ephesians to explore truths regarding knowing and loving his body, the church.  The lesson covers three areas of responsibility, as follows: (1) expressing positivity here, (2) expecting power humbly, and (3) embracing purpose heroically.  The lesson concludes with the question “Are you submitting to Christ?”

Linder Road church of Christ - Meridian, Idaho

**********************************
For more information about our full schedule of classes and the Linder Road church of Christ in Meridian, ID, please visit http://www.linderroad.com .

Knowing Jesus – Richard Sutton - 2/26/2023

Knowing Jesus - The Master

This lesson, in the continuing series on Knowing Jesus, explores his role as Master over all by looking at the 7 signs recorded in the gospel of John. These actual, specific events done by Jesus are intended to create belief in the person, and are as follows: (1) turning water into wine; (2) healing the noble’s son; (3) healing the lame man at the Bethesda pool; (4) feeding the five thousand; (5) walking on water; (6) healing the man born blind; and (7) raising Lazarus from death.  The lesson concludes with the question, “Is Jesus the Master of your life?”

Knowing Jesus - Richard Sutton -2/19/2023

Knowing Jesus - Our Great High Priest

This lesson looks at the characteristics of Jesus as our Great High Priest, using the book of Hebrews and related scriptures to understand the authority, power, and role of arbiter that Jesus uniquely fills.  The lesson topics cover: (1) comparisons of Jesus’ supremacy over angels, humans, and Moses; (2) the true picture of Jesus, our High Priest; and (3) the blessings of our Great High Priest.  The lesson concludes with the question “ Do you know Jesus as your Great High Priest?”

Linder Road church of Christ - Meridian, Idaho

**********************************
For more information about our full schedule of classes and the Linder Road church of Christ in Meridian, ID, please visit http://www.linderroad.com .

Knowing Jesus - Lamb of God - Richard Sutton - 2/12/2023

This lesson, in the continuing series on Knowing Jesus through the gospel of John’s perspective, explores the Lamb of God aspect of Jesus’ person.  Several specific areas covered in the lesson are: (1) the witness of John the Baptist, (2) the Lamb of God announced, (3) what people thought about when the Lamb was announced, and (4) reasons for his death.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to come to know the Lamb of God today.

Knowing Jesus - Doomsday Clocks - Richard Sutton -1/29/2023

This lesson explores Jesus as the true light that is able to deliver us from sin and as an ever present reality.  From Isaiah 7:1-14 to Matthew 1:18-23, the lesson reviews the history of God’s ever present care of his people and highlights several foundational truths of Emmanuel “God with us”, as follows: (1) salvation defined as being saved from our sin; (2) God will never leave, fail, or forsake his people; and (3) in Emmanuel there is no reason to fear because Jesus brought God within hugging distance.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to find rest in Jesus.

Linder Road church of Christ - Meridian, Idaho

**********************************
For more information about our full schedule of classes and the Linder Road church of Christ in Meridian, ID, please visit http://www.linderroad.com .

Knowing Jesus Back to the Past - Richard Sutton - 1/22/2023

This lesson, based on John 1:1-18, looks closely at Jesus, the pre-existent one, as John reveals him. John establishes the deity of Christ in five ways: (1) the Son of God in eternity, (2) the Son of God at creation, (3) the Son of God on earth, (4) the Son of God incarnate, and (5) the Son of God who explains the Father.  The lesson on Jesus, the unique Son, concludes with an invitation to respond to his message and accept eternal life in Him.

Linder Road church of Christ - Meridian, Idaho

**********************************
For more information about our full schedule of classes and the Linder Road church of Christ in Meridian, ID, please visit http://www.linderroad.com .

Knowing Jesus through John’s gospel - Richard Sutton - 1/15/2023

This lesson in the series “Knowing Jesus” presents an overview of the gospel of John, which was written to cause belief in Jesus and life through him.  The lesson covers: (1) the background of John’s book, (2) the thematic approach, (3) some reasons for four gospels, and (4) John’s timeless, universal view of Jesus’ deity.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to begin a personal, experiential relationship with Jesus.

Knowing Jesus - Richard Sutton - 1/8/2023

Knowing Jesus

This lesson is the first in a series entitled Knowing Jesus, the only one who can give abundant and eternal life.  Several ideas are explored, including: (1) do you know who Jesus is, (2) what is the difference between knowing about and knowing him, and (3) encountering Jesus in a relationship and in deeper intimacy.  The lesson concludes by asking the question, do you know Jesus personally?

Linder Road church of Christ - Meridian, Idaho

**********************************
For more information about our full schedule of classes and the Linder Road church of Christ in Meridian, ID, please visit http://www.linderroad.com .

I Am Resolved – Richard Sutton - 1/1/2023

This lesson, based on Luke 13:6-9 and John 15:1-8, discusses the purpose and the priorities of the Christian life, and sets forth four areas of action to consider, as follows: (1) keep first things first, (2) personal soul winning, (3) reconciliation with others, and (4) investing in eternal things.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to trust in Jesus in this uncertain life and with an invitation to respond to the Gospel.

Linder Road church of Christ - Meridian, Idaho

**********************************
For more information about our full schedule of classes and the Linder Road church of Christ in Meridian, ID, please visit http://www.linderroad.com .

Give God Thy Heart - Richard Sutton 12/11/2022

Gift Giving 

What can you give God that he doesn’t already have?  This lesson on giving gifts to God explores the answer to this question in detail, beginning in Proverbs 23:26 “My son, give me your heart…”.  The lesson breaks down into several sections, as follows: (1) give God your heart, (2) what is your heart, and (3) ways to give God your heart fully.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to love God with all your heart and respond to the lesson.

Mending for Ministry - Richard Sutton - 12/4/22

This lesson in the “Returning to our Roots” series, explores Ephesians 4:11-16 to glean keys to mending and maintaining the “ligaments” in the Body of Christ.  The mending components discussed include: (1) the menders, (2) mending for service, and (3) mending for growth.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to grow up into the fullness of Christ.

The New Self – Richard Sutton - 11/27/2022

 

This lesson, in the series on “Returning to Our Roots”, focuses on the attributes of the new man we become in Christ.  Based on Ephesians 4:17-24 and related scriptures, the lesson uses a compare and contrast format to demonstrate the transformation that results when we put off the “old man” and become “the new man”, clothed in Christ and living as a child of the King.  The lesson concludes with the invitation to claim your inheritance and respond to the lesson.

Reinforcing our Fellowship - Richard Sutton 11/20/2022

In this continuing series on Returning to Our Roots, this lesson explores the importance of reinforcing our fellowship and protecting it from threats that disrupt it.  The three primary threats discussed are: (1) external opposition, (2) hypocrisy, and (3) dissension.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to maintain the unity and the joy of our fellowship, and to respond to the message.

Lost and Found - Richard Sutton -6/26/2022

This lesson explores the concept of how people try to hide from God in various ways, by delving into the encounter Jesus had with Nicodemus from John 3:1-15. Topics covered include: (1) who is Nicodemus, (2) why he met with Jesus at night, (3) Jesus’ challenge to be “born again”, and (4) the big decision he (and we) must make.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

Faith of our Fathers - Richard Sutton - 6/19/2022

This lesson focuses on the crucial role fathers have in raising their children to have faith in Jesus.  Stephen’s testimony in Acts 7 is used in a character study of four Old Testament fathers to discover some valuable attributes.  They are: (1) Abraham, who stepped out in faith, (2) Joseph, who courageously rose up through hard times, (3) Moses, who persevered through disappointments to leave a legacy of meekness, and (4) David, a faithful man who made mistakes, and received grace and forgiveness.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to come to God, the greatest father.

Courageous Words of Steven - 6/19/2022

God’s Work of Art - Richard Sutton - 6/12/2022

This lesson continues to explore the idea of singing as one form of expressing worship for God.  Psalm 100 is used as a framework to explore several aspects of worship, including: (1) the various words used to describe worship, (2) worship is not limited to a particular place or time, and (3) worshiping together as God’s household.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

The Noble Pursuit of Understanding God - Richard Sutton - 6/5/2022

The Final Frontier ~ Singing - Richard Sutton - 6/5/2022

Singing - The Final Frontier 

This lesson looks at singing as one method of fulfilling the Great Commission to go into all the world with the Gospel message.  Using the example from Acts 16 of Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail, the lesson covers several key aspects of a singing ministry, including: (1) the dramatic effect on the listeners, (2) singing as the language of the soul, (3) people’s love for singing, and (4) the synergy created by group singing.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

The Implanted Word - Richard Sutton - 5/29/2022

Schemes of the Devil

This lesson looks at the methods Satan uses to threaten the seed of God’s word from taking root and producing fruit in our lives. The deceit, craft, and trickery he uses are revealed in various passages of scripture and Christians are encouraged to take on the whole armor of God against such tactics (Ephesians 6:10-18). Several questions are asked and answered from the scriptures, including: (1) how do I protect myself from Satan’s schemes, (2) how do I yield myself to God, and (3) where do I begin?  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to reinforce your walls and reap a harvest of good fruit.

The Amazing Bible

This lesson provides an overview of the Bible, including some interesting trivia, comparisons with other books, and various statistics.  The lesson looks at the detailed composition of the Bible by its two major sections, the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and the New Testament (Greek Scriptures).  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to have confidence in the accuracy and credibility of this amazing book which reveals the very mind of God to those who study it!

The Hope and Expectations of a Mother

This lesson reflects on the attributes of mothers by exploring 3 examples of motherhood from the scriptures.  They are: (1) Jochebed, the mother of Moses, Exodus 1:6-2:4; (2) King Lemuel’s mother, Proverbs 31:1-9; and (3) Lois and Eunice, the grandmother and mother of Timothy, 2 Timothy 1:5.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to honor, encourage, and show gratitude for all a mother does!  

Understanding Baptism

This lesson delves into the subject of baptism, using relevant scriptures from Acts, Romans, and various related passages.  Subjects discussed include: (1) the differing modern opinions regarding baptism, (2) biblical teachings related to baptism, and (3) the who, how, and why of the one baptism according to scripture.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

Jesus - Fact or Fiction

This lesson, based on Romans 1:1-6 and related passages, explores the reality of Jesus by asking and answering three foundational questions.  They are: (1) do you believe Jesus really lived, (2) did he really die on a cross, and (3) do you believe he came back from the grave?  How you answer these questions and your response will determine whether you are a true believer, the marks of which are faith, obedience, and relationship.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to respond to the message and experience newness of life in Christ. 

On Olive’s Brow

This lesson, based on Mark 14:32-42, examines Jesus, our Savior’s resolve as he approaches the culmination of his earthly mission, sacrificing himself on a cross for humanity’s sins.  The lesson outline includes: (1) Passover with his disciples, (2) Jesus’ path to Gethsemane, (3) Jesus in prayer at Gethsemane, and (4) Gethsemane’s application to our lives.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond.

Confidence in the Bible - Richard Sutton - 5/22/2022

This lesson continues with the overview of the Bible and its amazing features. The lesson focuses on two reasons for confidence in the Bible: (1) language and (2) translations.  Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts and the fixed meaning of words in Koine Greek translations are discussed, as well as the translation history of the Bible into our various English versions.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to trust and study the amazing Bible, and apply it to your life with confidence.

Installation of New Deacons

This lesson reviews the biblical qualities to be exhibited in men who desire to become servants (deacons) in the local body of believers.  Act 6:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and other related scriptures are reviewed to discern the varying roles and responsibilities of elders and deacons.  Subsequently, three new deacons are installed to serve the Linder congregation.  The lesson and installation concludes with an invitation to respond to the gospel.

Gospel Feet

Using Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:15 and related passages, this lesson explores the duty of Christians to have “beautiful feet” that bring Good News.  The lesson topics include: (1) the Christian’s obligation to share the Gospel, (2) the “how” of the proclamation, (3) the unheeded proclamation, and (4) the productive message.  The lesson concludes with the question “Do you have beautiful feet?” and the encouragement to respond to the message.

Good News for those in the Wilderness

This lesson, in the Good News series, delves into Mark 1:1-8 and gleans important truths about John the Baptist and his role of preparing the way for Jesus.  The lesson topics include: (1) the most important person is introduced, (2) the coming of the Messiah is proclaimed in the wilderness, (3) John prepared the way by removing obstacles, and (4) all the people heard the message.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

Made for Mission

This lesson, based on the Great Banquet feast parable in Luke 14:12-24, looks at our mission as servants of Christ.  The lesson includes a definition of the mission and the servant’s role, including: (1) being sent, (2) the nature of the servant being sent, (3) the “all” encompassing scope of the invitation, (4) living on mission, and (5) joining the mission.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

Good News Benefits

In this continuing series on the Good News, this lesson explores the benefits package those in the family of God receive.  Based on Psalm 103 and related scriptures, some of the benefits are: (1) life insurance (forgiveness); (2) health insurance (healing of diseases); (3) fire insurance (redemption); (4) wellness plan (love and mercy); and (5) retirement plan (dwelling place with Jesus).  The lesson concludes with the invitation to respond to the gospel and receive all these benefits in Christ.

Good News

This lesson digs into the Good News of Jesus’s Gospel of the Kingdom.  The lesson is divided into several areas, as follows: (1) the Good News basics, (2) the Good News implications, (3) the Good News Kingdom, and (4) choosing the Kingdom.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to turn off the bad news and focus on Jesus, who is on his throne, and God, who is in control.

The Amazing Love of God

This lesson, taken from 1John 4:7-21, explores the love of God as defined by and exemplified in the Bible. The lesson is presented in four main sections, as follows: (1) God’s amazing love described by John, (2) an amazing example of love, (3) the amazing essence of God’s love, and (4) the amazing effects of love.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

Conquering Loneliness

This lesson, based on 1 Kings 18 and 19, explores the subject of loneliness, its causes and cures, and how even men of great faith like Elijah experienced periods of it in his life.  The lesson breaks down into three sections, as follows: (1) defining what loneliness is and is not, (2) causes and symptoms of loneliness, and (3) steps Christians can take to conquer loneliness.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to respond to the message.

Commitment to Two Rules

Continuing in the Commitment lesson series, this lesson explores the idea of rules as the moral foundation of society, and specifically God’s rules in their unique scope, substance, and quality.  The lesson explores several key concepts, including: (1) how God’s rules have always been unique, (2) how God’s rules bring promised blessings, and (3) the greatest Commandments, two rules of love.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

Commitment to God’s Rules

Commitment to God’s Rules

This lesson, in the continuing series on commitment, explores the topic using scriptures from Exodus 19, 20 and other related verses.  The lesson breaks down the subject into several sections, including: (1) God’s preparation for his rule book, (2) the history of breaking rules, (3) making commitment to God and his rules, and (4) God is God, and we are not.  The lesson concluded with an invitation to respond to the message.

God’s Call to Faithfulness

This lesson continues to explore God’s call to commitment using Exodus 19 and related scriptures.  The concept of boundaries is developed along several key ideas, including: (1) the requirement to set boundaries, (2) the responsibility to enforce boundaries, and (3) the consecration related to boundaries.  The lesson ends with encouragement from Romans 12:1 to “present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.”

God’s Call to Commitment

This lesson, taken from Exodus 19:1-8 and related scriptures, explores the higher commitment in God’s call to his people to do something great.  The lesson looks at a few examples from the Old Testament and then moves into the New Testament, exploring several key concepts, including: (1) God demands total commitment, (2) vows are serious commitments, and (3) the New Testament call is a call to the Great Commission.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

Hope Renewed

This lesson explores the idea of hope in the framework of Christ as our hope now and down the road.  Biblical hope is defined, then the theme is developed as follows: (1) valid hope is biblical hope, (2) how to sustain hope in the midst of disappointments and difficulties, (3) how to develop biblical hope, and (4) hope means doing our part.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

Tree or Pharisee

This lesson is taken from Luke 19:1-10, the account of Zacchaeus, the tax collector and Jesus meeting in Jericho.  Four main points are covered in the lesson, as follows: (1) what are you doing to see Jesus, (2) how are you helping others to see Jesus, (3) are you hindering others from seeing Jesus, and (4) Jesus wants you.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to share Jesus and an invitation to respond to the message.

Are you wearing Wedding Clothes?

This lesson, based on the parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22:1-14, delves into the details of grace and hope, and the spiritual clothes we wear to receive these gifts.  The lesson is divided into two main points, the message of the parable, and the lessons to apply from the parable, which include the all inclusive invitation, the crucial response, and the standards for entering and remaining.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

Slow Me Down Lord

his lesson explores Psalm 46 and its solutions to the stress and burdens we carry in life.  The lesson begins with the categorization of burden types into three areas: natural upheavals, civil disturbances, and wars or unrest. From there the lesson defines what stress is and how God is able to help us overcome stress.  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond and encouragement from verse 10: “Be still and know I am God.”

Acts of the Disciples

This lesson uses 1 Peter 2:9 to set the stage for a discussion of who we are and what we should be doing as followers of Jesus.  The question of how we should engage in life is covered under the following points: (1) we are made for fellowship, (2) we are made to grow together in knowledge, (3) we are made to serve together, (4) we are made to watch out for each other spiritually, and (5) we are made to share our faith.  The lesson concludes with an overview of the new care group program and an invitation to respond to the message.

Mission Possible

This lesson discusses the Great Commission and why every Christian is included in the call to reach the lost.  The main points of the lesson are: (1) why is it called the Great Commission, (2) the scope of the Great Commission, (3) who is to carry out the Commission, and (4) is the mission possible?  The lesson concludes with an invitation to respond to the message.

Have You Made Your Reservation Yet?

Using scriptures from Revelation 21:1-4, 1 Peter 1:3-4, and other related passages, this lesson explores the necessity of having a reservation for heaven”. The three main ideas covered are: (1) it takes a reservation to get into heaven, (2) only you can cancel your reservation, the Lord never will, and (3) heaven is where the Lord is.  The lesson ends with the questions “Have you made your reservation yet?  If not, why not?”

A New Life

Using Ephesians 4:17-21 as a foundation, this lesson explores the distinctions the Christian’s life should demonstrate as the transformation of the new life in Christ unfolds.  The lesson also looks at some of the common misunderstandings that cause confusion, including: (1) I should change before I’m a believer, (2) once I become a believer, changes will happen quickly, and (3) I don’t need to change because I’m a believer.  The lesson concludes with a review of a few amazing examples of before and after stories from the New Testament.

Famous Last Words

Based on 1 Chronicles 28:9, David’s final charge to Solomon is explored along with related scriptures to answer the question of how we can know God’s will for our lives.  The lesson is divided into three areas, as follows: (1) obligations, (2) motivations, and (3) declarations.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement that we are chosen to build a house for God and we should “be strong and do it!”  

Kingdom Growth

In this lesson, the parable of the mustard seed, from Matthew 13:31-32 and related scriptures in Mark 4 and Luke 13, is explored from the perspective that great things happen from small beginnings.  The main ideas covered include: (1) the small beginnings of the church, (2) the growth of the church recorded in Acts, and (3) the significance of the Christian walk that starts small and grows.  The lesson ends with the invitation to respond to the message.

Like-Minded

Based on Philippians 2:12-16, this lesson explores the attribute of like-mindedness. Using the analogy of a banana split, Joe compares the interrelationships of three attributes to the layers of this popular dessert as follows: (1) joy is compared to the cherry on the top, (2) true fellowship is compared to the ice cream, and (3) being like-minded is compared to the banana, which is the foundation everything else rests upon.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to examine our hearts to see if Jesus is setting our standard and with an invitation to respond to the Gospel message. Guest Speaker: Joe Wells

The King and His Unshakable Kingdom

This lesson explores the attributes of God’s unshakable Kingdom.  Using scriptures from Daniel 2, Hebrews 12 and Romans 8, the topics covered include: (1) the nature of the kingdom, (2) the contrast of the kingdom compared to earthly kingdoms, and (3) Jesus, our king and advocate.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to stay focused and let God do what you cannot.