Faith means trusting God, even when you don't have all the details, and God's plan doesn't completely make sense. Last Sunday, I had the joy of preaching at Pillar Church in Twentynine Palms. In this study, we learn...

• What is faith?

Thanks for listening! To view a complete list sermons and Bible teaching arranged by Bible passage and topic, please visit the Teaching Page on my blog.

This week we learn the importance of thinking biblically about our problems. Instead of using secular psychological terms, try to use biblical language whenever possible. This will help you make better biblical diagnoses and solutions. We also discuss four ways of data gathering to help us understand people's struggles. Week 8 of our "Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands" counseling class. 

The story of Jesus feeding 5,000 is well-known, but no less amazing. In this lesson, we discuss...

• What makes this story unique in the gospels

"The LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good things does he withhold from those who walk uprightly" (Ps. 84:11).

Before you counsel someone, you need to make sure you know them. This lesson will help you go beyond skin-deep relationships by learning...

• Four types of questions to break the ice with any new person

Thanks for listening! This is week seven of our 11-week introduction to biblical counseling class.

God is rich in mercy, and offers to forgive whatever sin you've committed. Yet there's one sin Jesus says will never be forgiven. This passage has baffled Christians over the years, and we take a look at it together. In this lesson, we...

• Share a discussion on what Jesus means by "Son of Man"

Thanks for listening. This lesson was taught during our Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study. We are currently studying through the Gospel of Mark and invite you to join us Sundays at 9am.

Suffering is the gift no one wants, but that everyone needs. One of the main ways we grow in our faith and build loving relationships is through affliction. In this week's lesson we learn...

• How suffering helps us minister to others

Thanks for listening. This is week six in an 11-week introduction to biblical counseling called, "Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands." To order a Study Guide please click here. 

In ancient times, lepers were social outcasts and a threat to public health. But on one occasion, a leper broke etiquette and walked straight toward Jesus. Even more surprising, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. Last Sunday, in our Bible Study Community, we looked at this remarkable story in Mark 1:35-45. In this passage, we learned...

• How Jesus balanced a busy ministry life with private devotion to his Father

Thanks for listening. This lesson is part of our weekly median adults Bible Study Community. Our class is aimed at those in their 30s-50s, but all are welcome to stop by the Fellowship Hall at 9am on Sundays at Immanuel Baptist.

Whether it's sharing the gospel, counseling a friend, or rebuking a loved one, before we can speak truth, we must establish a loving relationship. In this lesson, we discuss...

• How discipleship is like gardening

Thanks for listening. This is week five in an 11-week counseling training class called "Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands." If you found this talk helpful, please consider subscribing to the podcast.

Every relationship has some kind of introduction. Mark is a great place to start if you want to know more about Jesus. In this lesson, we learn...

• Why we all should study Mark's Gospel

Thanks for listening. This is our opening study from our Sunday morning Bible Study Community on The Gospel of Mark. If you live in the Highland area, we invite you to join us Sundays at 9am in the IBC Fellowship Hall.

How can God use you to help others? In this study, we learn...

• How Jesus is the "Great Physician"

Thanks for listening. This is week four in our 11-week counseling series, "Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands." Tonight's lesson was a bit shorter, as we spent most of our time in table group discussion, then watched the training video. For a closer look at the concepts of being ambassadors of Christ, see Lesson Four in the Study Guide.