Linder Road church of Christ

Joy to the World

In this most wonderful time of year, the Good News of Great Joy is Jesus.  The lesson probes the reality of how Jesus came to bring joy through all the ups and downs of our lives.  The three points of this lesson cover a few key scriptures on joy, the difference between joy and happiness, and the joy we find in the person of Jesus, our Savior. The lesson ends with the encouragement that salvation is for ALL people, and asks the questions have you prepared Him room and have you made Him Lord?

The Bride of Christ

Why the Church?

This lesson looks into scripture for answers to the question of why Jesus established the church.  In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declared that building “his church” was part of his mission and that even the gates of Hades would not prevail against it! But why? Many in America today don't see the value in “church”, but Jesus poured himself out to establish his church.  The three main ideas explored are: 1) fellowship in the church satisfies our relationship needs, 2) worship satisfies our innate need to connect with God, and 3) the mission of the church to reach out to the world fulfills our need to find purpose in life. The lesson concludes with the encouragement that the church is “the body of Christ” and it is where people have real encounters with Jesus.

The Church--The Fragrance of Christ

Extravagant Love

How pure, how deep, how extravagant is your love for Christ?  This lesson challenges us to examine our hearts to discover the answer to this question.  John 12:1-8 and the parallel story in Mark 14, record the anointing of Jesus by Mary, who pours out a pound of expensive ointment made of pure nard and wipes it from the Lord's feet with her hair.  The account is simple, yet profound in how it reflects Mary’s complete love, devotion and commitment to Jesus. Extravagant love, Jesus’ response to this expression of love, and expressing our love for Christ are explored in this lesson.  It concludes as we look at Jesus and his extravagant expression of love, when he poured out his life for us on the cross! (1 John 3:16).

Pathway of Giving: From the Heart

Giving begins in the heart and is a reflection of our heart’s condition.  In this lesson, the need to guard our hearts against the dangers of worldliness is explored.  Jesus teaches us that we should be laying up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). David was a man after God’s own heart, but he sometimes lost his focus and trust in God (1 Chronicles 21:16-27).  As this lesson continues, the foundation of guarding our hearts is explored. Various passages of scripture are used to demonstrate 2 key concepts: 1) God wants our hearts to be completely given over to him, and 2) The gifts we give to God and others are a reflection of the heart condition of the giver.  The lesson concludes with an encouragement to evaluate the condition of our hearts, asking the question “Whom does your gift represent?” The answer: The gift represents our commitment, loyalty and heart for God.

Pathway of Giving: Sermon on the Amount

How much do I give of my income? In this last lesson in the 4-part series on Giving, 2 Corinthians 9:15 is presented as the key verse that should motivate our giving attitudes and actions.  God is the greatest giver and his giving is continuous. Biblical examples are explored in the following areas: 1) the Biblical method of giving, 2) how much should I give, and 3) how to plan to give liberally.  The lesson concludes with encouragement to honestly assess where your treasure is (Matthew 6:19-24), and we are reminded that the amount we give truly says something about where our hearts really are!

Pathway of Giving: A Matter of Trust

In this series on giving, trust is the next milestone explored on the Pathway (“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6). Trust is one of the major features in the concept of faith, which is the whole basis of Christianity.  This lesson looks at the components involved in trust, reviews seven statements of trust from various passages of scripture, and concludes with the challenge to test God's promises. These verses teach us that we set the standard of how God will bless us when we trust enough to place God first in everything!

Pathway to Giving: Priorities & Values

God is pleased when we rise above mediocrity to live exceptional Iives of giving!  In this lesson on setting our priorities correctly as authentic, compassionate, and sacrificial followers of Jesus, Richard brings us four essential concepts regarding priorities.  First, the value of priorities being fundamental in choosing a path in life to take (Joshua 24:15 & Matthew 6:25-34). Second, the absolute focus of our priorities must be to have God first place in everything (Colossians 1:13-20).  Third, misplaced priorities can dominate our lives and draw us away from God (Luke14:15-24). Fourth, we should be reviewing our personal priorities to make sure we are not allowing property, possessions, or passions to take God’s place in our lives.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement to take the road less traveled that leads to the cross and self-denial, where we put God first and all other things fall into their proper place!

Psalm 126

I Was Blind; But Now...

The book of John shows many very personal encounters with Jesus.  This lesson is taken from John 9:1-41 and uses the account of the man born blind, who is healed by Jesus, to demonstrate several important concepts about our life stories and how Jesus is working in them.  The four concepts are: 1) Everyone has a unique story, 2) We don't yet know the complete story, 3) Expect opposition when you tell your story, and 4) The more you tell your story, the deeper your relationship with Jesus becomes.  The lesson concludes with the encouragement that we are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), and He is writing an amazingly, unique story in each of our developing lives that is worth telling!

Spiritual Success

Restoring the Importance of Parenting - Kevin Hahn

Confessing Matriarchs - Pattie Crawforth

Luke Decides to Write Theophilus - Steve Orbison

The Clan of Jonadab Makes a Choice - Ron White

King Rehoboam's Choice - Ron Crawforth

Challenging Choices in Tough Times - Mary Jo White

Choosing to Obey God Rather than Men - Ron Coleman

Choosing Your Path - Richard Sutton

Where Lot Pitched His Tent - Steve Orbison

Finding Her Purpose - Lori Sutton

Bad News in Asia Minor - Eric Castle

Peter Embarrassed, Then What? - Gary Massey, Jr.

Consequences of Marital Choices

Shemei Insults and Imperiled King - Ron White

Then Rewarded - Gary Massey, Jr.

You Can Make a Difference

God's Door to Our Best

Restoring the Heart of Missions - Neal Pollard

Restoring the Glory of Worship - Foree Grove

Restoring the Experience of Real Joy - Daniel Roberts

Restoring the Beauty of Acapella Singing - Keith Parker

Restoring Purity - Moral Excellence - Neal Pollard

Restoring Our Priorities - Daniel Roberts

Restoring Our Priorities - Foree Grove

Restoring Our Passion for the Lost - Neal Pollard

Restoring Our Love to One Another - Kevin Hahn

Restoring Our Commitment to the Church - Kevin Hahn

Restoring My Soul in the Midst of Trial - Foree Grove

Restoring My Soul: Discouragement - Foree Grove

Restoring God's Promises - Keith Parker

Restoring Glorifying God in Our Daily Lives - Keith Parker

Restoring a Spirit of Generosity - Guy Orbison

Restoring a Positive Attitude About Being a Christian - Keith Parker

Restore My Soul - Kevin Hahn

Keeping Your Eye on the Ball - Neal Polard

Holiness in Daily Living - Daniel Roberts

Holiness in Daily Living - Keith Parker

Revival-Catching Our Breath