Faith here refers to the body of revealed truth that constitutes Christian teaching, particularly featuring the complete content of the gospel. Oneness and harmony among believers is possible only when it is built on the foundation of sound doctrine, the knowledge of the Son of God. This does not refer to salvation knowledge but to the deep knowledge but to the deep knowledge of Christ that a believer comes to have through prayer, faithful study of His Word, and obedience to His commands. God wants every believer to manifest the qualitites of His Son, who is Himself the standard for their spiritual maturity and perfection.

Our Scripture reading was found in Proverbs 12:1-28.

We see how true joy comes from understanding the Bible. Understanding the Bible requires proper exposition. Proper exposition is done when the seven ingredients are present which include 1) initial ingredients of an exposition 2) public reading of God's Word 3) prominence for the Word 4) reverence for the Word 5) Worship of God 6) explanation of the Word and 7) understanding of the Word.

Our Scripture reading was found in Numbers 21:1-35.

We continue our study on the character of Peter with emphasis on how God used his natural and God-given gifts testifying of Christ and sharing His salvation with nonbelievers.

Tonight our focus is on praying constantly. Praying unceasingly does not demand from God, beg Him, nor manipulate Him. Believers are called to make a petition to our Lord for ourselves and others with praise, thanks, requesting, and to praise Him who hears and answers our prayers. These show the believers submission and humility to God.

Our continued study in the book of Nehemiah now covers the completion of the wall. Despite Israel's enemies spreading lies to hinder their work, the massive project of building these walls only took 52 days! Nehemiah said it best, "they perceived that this work was done by our God." That is a God-glorifying testimony, even if the other nations did not believe in the God of Israel. Our study reveals 1) He shows the continuity of the Jewish people 2) He alerts us to the subtle and devious ways of lying enemies 3) He shows how "real" life in Israel was, with all its warts 4) He models for us how to handle opposition with prayer and perseverance, courage and wisdom, discernment and focus 5) He shows us how to have a God-ward focus.

Our Scripture reading was found in Numbers 20:1-29.

God sent a message through a sheepbreeder called Amos. The words of Amos cut deep into the heart of Israel's leadership, causing them to accuse him of conspiracy against the king. Amos then said in response that Jeroboam King of Israel would die by the sword and that Israel would be led away captive. The message is clear here, you can heed the Word of the Lord or else face His Judgement.

Our message tonight focuses on Paul's summary of certain Christian virtues in our relationship to God. Christians are to exhibit consistent joy and persistent prayer. We are also to be thankful people. Grumbling, prayerlessness, and thanklessness are sinful traits.

We study the cessation of sign gifts (speaking in tongues, prophecies, words of knowledge, interpretation of tongues, miraculous healing, and the apostolic gifts). These gifts have ceased because their purposes have been entirely fulfilled and there is no need for them today. Those purposes were as follows: 1) to authenticate the NT apostles, 2) exhort to Jewish unbelievers, 3) to identify new racial or ethnic groups in the early church, and 4) to edify fellow believers.

Our Scripture reading was found in 2 Samuel 22:1-24.

The people of Israel faced opposition when rebuilding the walls with threats of war on top of the difficult construction of the walls themselves. Israel responded to the opposition by praying to God for help as they continued to strengthen the city walls. Great difficulty resulted from simultaneous work and defense as every man welded a sword, while constructing the wall or keeping watch. The obstacles of greedy oppression from Israel on her own people was taxing and Nehemiah confronts the leaders of the community by ordering a return of the property and some of the money and food to the people of Israel.

Our Scripture reading was found in Numbers 19:1-22.

We study the character of Peter with emphasis on how God used his natural and God-given gifts testifying of Christ and sharing His salvation with nonbelievers.