How Islam United Theology, Politics, and War From the Beginning

Midweek - April 1st, 2026

This opening installment begins in seventh-century Arabia by contrasting the nature of Christ’s kingdom with the origins of Islam. It establishes that Christianity advances through repentance, truth, and sacrificial love, while Islam from its inception unites belief, law, and coercive power.

Theologically, the session contrasts the gospel of life proclaimed by Jesus with Islam’s doctrine of submission, introducing jihad not as a later distortion but as a foundational category embedded within Islamic theology. Historically, it examines the transition from Meccan persuasion to Medinan warfare and political consolidation. The session concludes by connecting these foundations to modern misunderstandings that treat all religions as morally equivalent, preparing participants to recognize why origins matter.

Week 5 (March 29): GUARD WHAT MATTERS MOST 

Build a Home Shaped by Wisdom 

Some decisions don’t just affect you—they echo for generations. Proverbs speaks with clarity about faithfulness, temptation, discipline, and the shaping power of the home. God’s wisdom is not restrictive; it is protective. It guards what is sacred because the cost of compromise is always higher than it first appears. 

This final week brings wisdom home, reminding us that what we build in private shapes everything else we touch. 

Week 6 (March 25) – The Strength of The Church

In week six, we will close out our series discussing spiritual warfare in Ephesians, chapter 6. This chapter emphasizes how as believers, we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. We will dive into the practical ways this looks in our lives, including putting on the full armor of God, standing firm in faith, and praying at all times.

Week 4 (March 22): WATCH YOUR MOUTH

Speak with Wisdom and Self-Control

Your words are never neutral. Proverbs teaches that the tongue carries the power of life and death. What we say reveals what rules our hearts, shapes our relationships, and sets the direction of our lives. In a culture driven by reaction, outrage, and constant commentary, wisdom calls us to restraint, self-control, and intentional speech.

This week confronts anger, careless words, gossip, and the discipline of listening—reminding us that wise people don’t just speak truth, they speak it wisely.

Week 3 (March 15): WORK DILIGENTLY AND STEWARD WISELY

Honor God with Your Work, Money, and Time

Faith does not stop at Sunday—it shows up in how we work. Proverbs speaks plainly about diligence, integrity, money, debt, and stewardship. It warns against laziness and shortcuts while commending patience, faithfulness, and long-term thinking. How we handle work and finances reveals what we trust and what we serve.

This message brings wisdom into everyday responsibilities and challenges us to honor God through faithful work and wise stewardship.

Week 5 (March 11) – The Testimony of The Church

In week five, we will cover Ephesians, chapter 5. This chapter emphasizes how as Christians, we are called to live in the light and not in darkness, and to be imitators of God in all we do. We will dive into the practical ways this looks in our lives, including avoiding sexual immorality, obscene talk, and drunkenness, and instead filling ourselves with the Spirit and speaking truth in love.

Week 2 (March 8): WORK DILIGENTLY AND STEWARD WISELY

Honor God with Your Work, Money, and Time

Faith does not stop at Sunday—it shows up in how we work. Proverbs speaks plainly about diligence, integrity, money, debt, and stewardship. It warns against laziness and shortcuts while commending patience, faithfulness, and long-term thinking. How we handle work and finances reveals what we trust and what we serve.

This message brings wisdom into everyday responsibilities and challenges us to honor God through faithful work and wise stewardship.

Week 4 (March 4th) – The Gifts of The Church 

In week, we will explore the powerful truths of Ephesians chapter 4. This chapter emphasizes that Christ himself has given gifts to the Church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. We will explore how these gifts, along with the role of church leaders, are designed to equip the saints for ministry and promote unity in the faith and maturity in Christ. Join us as we discover how understanding and utilizing these gifts can transform our lives and the life of the Church.

Week 1 (March 1): START WITH GOD

Wisdom Begins with the Fear of the Lord

Everything in life has a starting point—and Proverbs is clear about where wisdom begins. Before decisions, habits, or outcomes are addressed, Proverbs confronts posture. Wisdom is not primarily about knowing the right answers; it is about rightly fearing the Lord. When God is first, life finds order. When He is not, even good intentions eventually unravel.

This message sets the foundation for the entire series by calling us back to reverence, humility, and alignment with God’s design. Nothing else in Proverbs works until this is settled.

February 25