Linder Road church of Christ

The Old Rugged Cross

Clinging to Christ

Christian Growth

This lesson develops the concept of Christian growth in relationship to the purpose of the church.  Using selected verses from Romans 12, Ephesians 4 and other sections of scripture, the main points covered are: 1) growing as Christians, 2) two specific ways to grow as Christians, and 3) evidence of personal growth.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to Christians to always strive to look more like Jesus, and with an invitation to anyone who is not a Christian to come to Jesus.

Building a Bridge Over Troubled Waters

This lesson explores the necessity of dealing with the troubled waters that life can bring.  Beginning from the lyrics of the 1970’s song “Bridge over Troubled Waters” and moving through relevant scriptures from Job, John, James, and Hebrews, the ideas explored include: 1) the reasons for troubled waters in life, 2) remembering that God never leaves us, 3) trusting in God’s timing, and 4) remaining faithful through the troubled waters.  The lesson concludes with 3 godly principles and an invitation to come to Jesus who is our “Bridge”.

Building a Bridge to the Harvest

This lesson uses the text in Matthew 9:35-38 to explore the need to build a bridge to reap the harvest of souls waiting to be gathered.  The three main points discussed are: 1) Envisioning the harvest, 2) Building a bridge to the harvest plan, and 3) the urgency of reaping the harvest.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement for disciples to get serious about participating in the harvest, and to those who are not yet followers of Jesus, to come and be a part of God’s family.

But I Received Mercy...

This lesson explores the reality of who we are, what Jesus has done for us, and how our response to his gifts of mercy and grace should move us to share our faith.  Paul’s first letter to Timothy and related scriptures in Acts and Romans are used to illustrate the main points covered, which are: 1) we all need encouragement, 2) we are all guilty of sin and need mercy, 3) Jesus is the source of mercy and grace, making all things new when we are in him, and 4) our response should be to serve him and share our faith.  The lesson ends with an invitation to follow Jesus and be transformed into a new creation.

Some Assembly Required

This lesson is based on the text of Hebrews 10:19-25 and explores the principle of the importance of the assembly.  The two main points covered are why the assembly is important and what results from the togetherness that is foundational for the Christian life in Christ.  The lesson details some of the many benefits of Christian fellowship, including how attitudes of concern, peace, cooperation,warmth, forgiveness and love spur us to action in prayer, unity, hospitality and submission.  This should produce the need for involvement and ultimately induce all members of the body to fulfill the mission to go into the world and teach about Jesus. The lesson concludes with an invitation to follow Jesus.

Bee All You Can Bee

I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb

This lesson explores the parallel concepts in the actions of our American founding fathers with the actions taken to become a Christian. The main points covered are: 1) the bold declaration, 2) the high price paid, and 3) the great reward reaped.  The lesson concludes with the question of to whom have you pledged your allegiance and an invitation to pledge it to the Lamb by being baptized into Christ.

Building a Bridge of Service

This lesson is derived from Acts 9:36-42, using a character study of Tabitha (Dorcas) to develop the concept of service as a bridge to the community.  The three points covered are 1) She was devoted to being a disciple of Jesus, 2) She devoted herself to serving, and 3) She devoted herself to helping the hurting.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to get involved serving our community, and with an invitation to follow Jesus and become a Christian.

Building a Bridge That Cares

This lesson explores the idea of demonstrating how much we care for others by our actions.  The first century church in Acts 2:41-47 is used as an example of how the church ought to care for others.  A caring church is compassionate, kind even when others don’t deserve it, and is called to action to help people who are hurting.  The lesson concludes with the challenge to start caring more for others, and an invitation to obey Jesus and be baptized.

Bridge to the Next Generation

Ambassadors for Christ

In this lesson on bringing Christ and His church to the community, the concept of being ambassadors for Jesus is explored.  2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2 is used to develop several key concepts which are presented as follows: 1) What is an ambassador, 2) Christians as ambassadors for Christ, 3) Our value as ambassadors, and 4) Ambassadors are bridge builders.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to reach out in kindness to help someone find Christ. To the non-Christian, an invitation was offered to take the first step towards Jesus, our bridge, because today is the day of salvation.

Bridges to the Past

In this continuing series on building bridges, this lesson explores the bridge of connection between past history and the future.  1 Corinthians 10:1-13 is the foundational scripture utilized to develop the main points covered, which are: 1) Warnings and lessons learned from the past regarding God’s provision and rebellion; 2) Relative lessons from the past can brighten our future; and 3) Remember God is for us and wants us to succeed!  

Before the Throne of God Above

It is an awesome thing to come before the throne of God above!  This lesson, taken from Revelation 4:2-9, delves into the key attributes of a proper attitude when we come before God’s throne.  The main points covered are: 1) Behold the beauty, 2) Our Glorious God, 3) Holiness is honored, 4) Humanity humbled, 5) Praises proclaimed, 6) Respect is rendered, and 7) Worship!  The lesson concludes with an invitation from Hebrews 4:16 to “draw near to the throne to receive mercy and find grace in time of need”.

Bad Advice for Our Graduates

This lesson is themed to address words of guidance we often receive at milestones in our lives, such as graduation from school.  Guidance (advice) comes from many sources, and this lesson focuses in on 3 common statements that sound good, but are not necessarily so when evaluated using the scriptures and God’s instructions for our guidance.  The statements looked at are:

1. Education is the key to success
2. Follow your passion
3. Chase your dreams

The lesson concludes with the encouragement to “seek first the Kingdom of God” and all the rest will follow in due time, when God is at the center of your life.

John 17

He Saved the Best for Last

In this lesson presented on Mother’s Day, the creation story from Genesis, chapter one and the book of Ruth are explored to delve into how God created woman as the perfect companion for man, and the ideal mother.  God made the woman to be everything the man needed, fulfilling all God’s purposes including motherhood. The lesson moves into the account of Ruth and Naomi where the characteristics of love, honor, loyalty and devotion are noted in the character of Ruth.  The lesson ends with an invitation to follow the Lord and be born again.

Mastered by Nothing...but God

Mastered by nothing but God

What (or who) is your master?  This lesson, presented by guest speaker, Jeremy Roberts, focuses in on the critical principle of having God be the master over everything in our lives.  1 Corinthians 6:12 is used as a starting point to discuss three basic facts: 1) everyone serves a master, 2) you cannot serve two masters, and 3) only one master is worth serving.  Jeremy ends the lesson with an invitation to turn or return to God with your life!

Building a Bridge: The Cost of Following Christ

The Cost of Following Christ

In this continuing series on building bridges, this lesson discusses considering the cost of following Jesus.  In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus lays out the requirements for commitment as his true disciples. The three main points covered are considering the cost of following Jesus, counting the cost of following Jesus, and the reward that is worth the cost of following Jesus.  The lesson ends with an invitation to choose the abundant life that Christ has to offer while there is still time to make the choice.

Four Incredible Moments

This lesson explores four incredible moments from the life of Jesus, the implications of their reality and the eternal impact of their meaning. The moments under consideration are the record of Jesus’ conception, the crucifixion on Golgotha, the moment of Jesus’ resurrection, and the future moment of his return.  The lesson concludes with the challenge to make these relevant moments personal and the basis of your eternal reality in this very moment.

Fitly Spoken Words

A Bridge that Shines

In this continuing series on Building Bridges, Matthew 5:16 is used as the anchor verse for exploring Jesus’ teaching of “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Attributes of a bridge (the church) that shines are to: Seek the lost, Help one another, Include new people, Nurture one another into Christ-likeness, and Exalt God.  All of these characteristics fulfill the overall purpose of the church which is to glorify God. The lesson concludes with encouragement from Revelation 4:11 “you are worthy, our Lord and God” and an invitation to follow Jesus.

Seeing Thru the Eyes of Jesus

In this lesson from Luke 7:36-50, the necessity for Christians to develop Jesus’ perspective in how we view and interact with others is explored.  The concepts covered in the lesson include looking past the externals to gain a deeper understanding of people’s actions, responding compassionately to the broken and desperate people like Jesus did, and developing our character to reflect Jesus more perfectly.  The lesson ended with the encouragement to obey the gospel, come to Jesus and be added to God’s kingdom in baptism.

 

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine

Spring Redemption

Spring is a special time of year that brings renewal and a fresh start.  This lesson uses Ephesians 1:7-14 as the scriptural pivot to explore the re-connection found in redemption.  The main points discussed are the spring of redemption, the spring of forgiveness, the spring of grace, and a spring of knowing.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement that we are God’s most treasured possession and with an invitation to reconnect to God.

Philemon and Onesimus

More Than a Bridge

“Do this in remembrance of me.”  The Lord’s Supper, the memorial established by Jesus on the night he was betrayed, is the central reason for Christian worship.  More than a bridge, the shared memorial reminds Christians of the significant sacrifice of Jesus. This lesson explores various scriptures to discover the significance of this command, the importance of self-examination during the meal, and the meaning of the emblems used.  The lesson concludes with the taking of the Lord’s Supper and the scripture reading of Matthew 26:26-29.

A Bright Light of Discernment

A Toll Bridget to God

In this continuing series on building a bridge to God, 2 Corinthians 8 is used to begin exploring the idea of giving as an integral component of our relationship to God.  Key concepts in the lesson include why giving is necessary, what giving accomplishes, and the blessings that giving with a proper attitude can bring. The lesson concludes with the encouragement to deeply contemplate our giving as we consider Jesus as our example of the greatest giver.

One Who Brings Help

Seasoned by God

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 is used as the foundational section of scripture in this lesson which explores how we can be “seasoned” to live our lives modeling God’s laws to our children.  In verses 1-3, Moses tells the people that God instructed him to teach them all his commands so they could live long, multiply greatly and all would go well with them. Verses 4-9, known as the “Shema”, provide the outline for “how to” go about teaching and living with love for God as the central focus of daily life.  The lesson ends with an invitation and challenge to “do as you can, not as you can’t”.

Kneel Before the Father

Finding yourself in the doldrums spiritually is a challenge.  This lesson focuses on strategies to motivate us out of listlessness and onward to spiritual growth.  Based on Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21, the plan of action includes who to pray for, what to pray for, the proper attitudes to have in prayer, and encouragement to pray big.  The lesson ends with an invitation to trust that God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”.

Resist!

More

A Bridge that Matters

In this continuing series on bridges as components of public worship, preaching is the third bridge we explore. This important bridge is defined as a method God has chosen to communicate with us. Essentially, preaching the Word is where heaven touches earth as God talks directly to us through His Word.  2 Timothy 4:1-5, Hebrews 4:12 and other scriptures are examined to help us develop understanding of the reasons for preaching, the effects of preaching, ineffectual preaching, and the relevance of preaching in every Christian life. This lesson concludes with an invitation to cross the most important bridge by submitting to scriptural baptism, and beginning the journey as a child of God.

Hold Fast to Your Integrity

A Singing Bridge

Singing is a universal language among human cultures, and as one component of public worship, this bridge connects us vertically to God and horizontally with one another.  In this continuing series on bridges, Psalm 146 and other scriptures are probed to develop more deeply our understanding of this powerful tool of song. The two main concepts we explore are the purpose of singing and how we can get the most benefit from our singing in worship.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to connect with God and one another in song, and also to make the first, most important bridge crossing by submitting to scriptural baptism, taking the bridge of the cross back into a right relationship with God.

Absorbing the Truth

A Bridge Called Prayer

My Atonement

Crossing a Scary Bridge

The Nature of a Worshiper

In this lesson, Psalm 24 is one section of scripture the lesson uses to explore the nature or character of a worshiper who is acceptable to God.  True and sincere worshipers demonstrate three characteristics as seen in Psalm 24: a right relationship with God, respectful reverence towards God, and a relevant response to God.  The lesson concludes with encouragement from Psalm 95 to “Come let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before our God, our maker.”

He Still Came

The Nature of Worship

In this continuing series on Building Bridges, and specifically to God in this lesson, the distinct nature of God and worship is explored.  The nature of worship, understanding biblical worship, and the central object of worship are the focused topics covered in this lesson, which challenges us to look deeply into our motivations and ideas of what acceptable worship is, and how this influences our lives.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to soberly evaluate our attitudes and actions with the goal of being true worshipers, who give God their “best”.

Lions in the Shadow

Building a Bridge to God

Simply stated, the purpose of a bridge is to bring people and things together.  This lesson explores the idea of building a bridge between God and men. The two major themes of the lesson are learning “Who is God?” and delving into the central core of God’s nature, the attribute of love.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to trust in God’s steadfast, faithful love.

Building A Bridge

Physical bridges are built to bring people and things together, and they are designed to be beneficial to man.  In the spiritual sense, bridges are also needed to connect us to one another and to God relationally. This lesson begins a series of studies exploring bridges to God, our community, and in our relationships.  Covered in this first study are the concepts of bridges as symbols, walls as symbols, Christ the bridge builder, and Christians should be bridge builders. The lesson concludes with the idea that bridges need to be repaired at times, and the encouragement that the most important bridge to cross is the one Christ built on the cross.

8760, Now is the Time!

As 2018 is coming to an end, this lesson focuses on the idea of looking at time and how we use this valuable commodity.  In the book of Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul encourages us to walk wisely and make the best use of our time because the days are evil. This lesson looks at three aspects of time management.  First, time is limited; second, opportunities are limited; and third, what is the Lord's will and limits. The lesson concludes with the encouragement to establish our priorities, making our relationship with God first on our list, and learn to live today.  Each of us has 8760 hours in 2019 that we will choose how to use, so walk wisely, doing the will of the Lord!

Total Victory