The apostle John tells us that the Word became flesh. Jesus was the God-Man, the Human God - a true mystery. It is something which we have difficulty understanding, and probably never fully will. But the life which Jesus lived on the earth does show us two important things. His life reveals God to us. And His life reveals to us what we humans should be - absent our sin. Amazingly, they are the same!

 Our look at God's qualifications and qualities required for elders/bishops continues. In this lesson we consider how this brother relates to others, his family situation, his reputation and his heart to serve. We are to remember that we are judging these brothers in comparison with the word of God and should do so with objectivity and with kindness. 

 The Holy Spirit provides two descriptions of the Christian man who qualifies as an elder/overseer/pastor in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:1-9. We will look at those concerning his faith and his character & conduct in this lesson. With a couple of exceptions, we could say that these would identify any person who was a mature Christian. 

 Being an elder in a congregation is not a position to be held but a work to be accomplished. There is the work of shepherding the flock, equipping the members for the work of service, teaching the word, encouraging the congregation and more. Their leadership is vital to the spiritual well-being of the church and to the accomplishing of its mission. 

 We have leaders in every organization, from the national government and the military down to the local mayor and the head of the Band Patrons. Leadership was God's idea, and throughout the Bible we see leaders functioning in every group. The leader of God's people today holds a unique position at the center of the leadership triangle. 

 Scripture teaches us that in various situations God's people need revival. This was true of Israel, but the New Testament has words of revival for the church of God as well. In coming out of the situation with COVID-19, we have opportunity to refocus on doing the will of God. Let us make honest evaluation and be guided by His word in what we should be doing. May the Lord revive us in His ways! 

 Jesus faced off with the devil in the wilderness. Satan tempted Him through His human weaknesses and even tried to separate the Son from His Father. But Jesus would have none of it. He beat the devil. We can learn from Jesus about how to beat the devil when we are in a spiritual wilderness. 

It has been said that it is difficult for some men to say "I love you." Now he might say that to his dog or his truck, but he has trouble saying it to his wife! Some words are difficult for us to say because they reveal our hearts and bind on us some action we must take. However, if we want our relationships to improve and if we want to be pleasing to God, we need to speak certain words which can be difficult to say. 

 The cross is the centerpiece of the gospel. We see its symbol everywhere. Other than Jesus Himself, the cross is the focus of the Christian faith. But what does it mean? What is the message of the cross? It might surprise you. 

 Many people want a Jesus of their own making to fit their already held beliefs and preconceived ideas. Jesus doesn't allow for that. If you truly believe in Jesus, you have to believe all that He taught and said - even creation, Noah and the flood, Jonah and the big fish, and more.