Orangeburg (SC) Church of Christ Audio

As we begin the Fall quarter, our adult class will be studying the book of James with the help of the book Looking at the Man in the Mirror: A Study of James written by Tommy Brooks and part of the the Cornerstone of Our Faith series from 21st Century Christian. The book is available at this link. The first lesson focuses on how we respond to trials in our lives.  Of specific interest is how trials can help us to grow stronger, but also can give us opportunity to help one another.

Teacher: Allen Hutchison

The second half of John’s gospel focuses primarily on Jesus’ final week, but the events of Chapter 11, and most of Chapter 12, take place a little earlier.  In Chapter 11 we find Jesus learning of the illness (and death) of Lazarus, and going to him after a couple of days. Though Jesus had been dead for four days, Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Jesus taught that the greatest in the church would be those who are servants, and he himself was the perfect example of a servant.  Through serving others, not only can we make differences in the lives of others, but we might just make a difference in our own lives as well.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

God desires His people to have knowledge of Him and His will.  While personal Bible study is essential to have that knowledge, we should be encouraged not to neglect the opportunities we have to study with other Christians as well.  Bible Classes that take place each week are a great way to learn and grow together as we seek greater knowledge of God’s Word.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Our studies this morning take us to Hebrews 10, and the well known commandment that Christians should not “forsake the assembling of ourselves together.”  While it is good to know that that is what God wants, it is also good to know the reasons God gives for gathering with other Christians.

Teacher: Justin P Sivley

Elijah was in one of the darkest moments of his life when he lay down under a broom tree in 1 Kings 19.  He was running for his life, and was overcome with sorrow.  But with God’s help, he was able to overcome, and continue to serve the Lord.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Though we know God will punish sin, we also recognize as we read Scripture that God is unfailingly loving.  Even in the past when he had to punish Israel for sin, he never stopped loving them.  His love is a theme that permeates Scripture, and was the motivating factor in his giving Christ to die on the cross for the sins of mankind.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

As we go through life, at times we might find ourselves in different places in terms of our walk with Christ.  For example, at one point we are new Christians, or at times we may be weaker than others in our walk.  If we are not careful, we might also become lukewarm or carnally minded, even as we claim to walk with Christ.  At times it is important to stop and evaluate ourselves and ask where we are, and also how we might help others who are in different places in their walk.

Teacher: Allen Hutchison

The Conclusion of John 10, and a brief glimpse into the next section in which we will examine John 11-12.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Though men have worshipped various “gods” through the ages, many of these so-called deities are but a reflection of ourselves, and the worship is ultimately directed at a god made in our own image.  But if we walk in humility, we can overcome this desire to worship self, and put the needs of others ahead of our own.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley