In this passage we first see a problem uncovered- Paul found some false converts in Ephesus who had inadequate, faulty doctrine on pneumatology, ecclesiology, and soteriology. Paul then delivers the needed doctrinal correction. The false converts were saved and received the Holy Spirit. In the power of the Holy Spirit, they preached the Word boldly so that all in Asia heard. In this passage we see that for the glory of God alone, Christ will build this type of church- a church made up of Christians, built on sound doctrine, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

This is the second lesson in the 'Defending the Gospel' section of the Evangelism 101 series. Here, we briefly explore several common objections to the existence and nature of God, and how to respond to them from a Biblical - Christian worldview. Each objection - response is not treated exhaustively, but an overview is given to whet the listener's appetite to study these topics more-

Peter has just finished completing the second section of his letter on practical commands around how to live a Christian life in the midst of an anti-Christian world. In these verses, Peter starts the final section of his letter around encouragement to a suffering church. The apostle outlines various aspects of the nature of Christian suffering that believers ought to keep in mind. He also includes various exhortations on how Christians should respond when faithfully enduring these trials. However, as Peter has already written, the strength and ability to actually obey come from the person and work of Jesus Christ.

In this passage we see the idea of help- Priscilla and Aquila helped Apollos to preach more accurately- the church in Ephesus helped Apollos by encouraging him and asking the brethren in Achaia to welcome him- and Apollos in turn helped the believers in Achaia through his preaching. We see that help loves through truth and grace in the example of how Priscilla and Aquila built up Apollos. We examine the difference between Christian love and worldly love. Finally, we see the ultimate help God has given us.

Q49. What is the fifth commandment-----A. The fifth commandment is- -Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.- The command requires us to honor, love, and be loyal to our father and mother and all those in authority over us. We must obey and submit to them in the Lord, including when they correct and punish us for through them God chooses to rule us. We must also be patient with their failings. Obedience to the command is promised to bring long life and prosperity, as far as it shall serve God's glory and their own good. -Exod. 20-12- Lev. 19-32- 1 Pet. 2-17- Rom.13-1- Eph. 5-21-, 6-1-9- Col. 3-19-22- Rom. 12-10-----Q50. What is the sixth commandment-----A. The sixth commandment is- -You shall not murder.- The command requires all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life and the life of others. It forbids the taking away our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, including whatever acts tend to this loss. By forbidding murder, God teaches us that He hates the root of murder- envy, hatred, anger, vindictiveness. -Exod. 20-13- Gen. 4-10-11- 9-6- Matt. 5-21-26- Eph. 5-29,30- Ps. 82-3,4- Prov. 24-11,12-----Q51. What is the seventh commandment-----A. The seventh commandment is- -You shall not commit adultery.- The command requires sexual purity in our heart, speech, and behavior - for our sake and others. It forbids all sexually impure thoughts, words, and actions.-Exod. 20-14- 1 Cor. 6-18- 7-2- 2 Tim. 2-22- Matt. 5-28-32- 1 Pet. 3-2-

Contrary to popular belief, God's will is not subjective nor esoteric. God's will is objective and clearly laid out in Scripture. In this passage we see a man consumed with following God's will. We see that God's will is for churches to be established were none has been before, and that these churches be healthy. We examine the characteristics of a healthy church as well as what it looks like for a Christian to follow the revealed will of God.

In this passage we see that Jesus knows the hearts of people. Many believed in Him, but He did not believe in them. Jesus also knew the Pharisee, Nicodemus, who had come to Him by night. Moreover we see that Jesus knows our greatest needs. He made a stunning declaration that Nicodemus must be born again despite the Pharisee's ethnic and religious credentials in order to enter the kingdom of God. He illustrated His point with an analogy, and indicted Nicodemus for his lack of understanding. He ended the conversation with an assertion of His purpose to save mankind.

As Paul was preaching and teaching in Macedonia, the Jews rose up and brought Paul to the judgment seat of Gallio, the proconsul. However, their charges were dismissed by Gallio in an unexpected turn of events. The anger of the mob was redirected towards Sosthenes, the ring leader of those Jews. Peace then followed Paul. In this narrative the conflict rose as quickly as it was dispelled by resolution. While from the human vantage point we do not always see resolution, in God's mind the resolution has always been secure. Moreover we see that Jesus' words prior had come true- -Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent- for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you.- We are not to interpret God's Word in light of our circumstances. Rather, we are to interpret our circumstances in light of God's Word.

In this passage we see that Jesus is actively zealous for true worship. Upon the entering the temple and encountering the animal sellers and money changers who were making profit off travelers, Jesus cleansed the court of illegitimate commerce to replace merchants with worshippers. We also see that Jesus has divine authority to demand true worship. When the Jews questioned Jesus's authority in overthrowing their customs and tradition, the Savior gave a prophetic answer pointing to His resurrection.

Life is full of problems and difficulties. Jerusalem was under siege and Jeremiah was in prison. Faithfully following God's call had landed the prophet in a hard place. Moreover, he was instructed by God to buy a piece of land for seemingly no reason. In the midst of sorrow, pain, and confusion, the prophet responded in heart-felt prayer of distress and worship. He cried out to the sovereign Lord for Whom nothing is too hard. He found hope that God is a promise-keeping God who will punish evil and bring justice and delights to do good. In the same way we ought to flee to God in prayer in times of distress.