This lesson, based on James 1:19–27, emphasizes the importance of having a heart rooted in God’s Word to live a godly life. It teaches that while actions such as being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger are critical, these actions stem from a deeper foundation: the implanted Word of God in our hearts. By embracing and abiding in Scripture, believers are empowered to reflect genuine faith and righteousness in their actions. The lesson challenges individuals to examine their hearts, rely on the transformative power of Scripture, and strive to be not just hearers but doers of the Word, living out its truths in their daily lives.

Ellie introduces a study on the book of James, focusing on James 1:2–16. She highlights key themes, such as finding joy during trials because they produce endurance and strengthen faith, the importance of asking God for wisdom with confidence, and understanding the “upside-down kingdom” where earthly hardships can lead to eternal reward. She emphasizes the source of temptation as internal desires, not God, warning that unchecked sin leads to spiritual death. Ellie’s approach encourages group discussion and personal reflection on applying these truths to life while remaining steadfast in faith.

Coleman Young discusses the concept of hell, using both humor and seriousness to engage his audience. He begins with relatable personal anecdotes, like navigating a tight parking garage and a house fire, to illustrate feelings like fear, pain, and hopelessness. Drawing on biblical references, including Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace and the blind man healed by Jesus, Coleman highlights key characteristics of hell: darkness, separation from God, fire, and gnashing of teeth. He emphasizes that while hell is real, it contrasts with the hope and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Coleman concludes by urging his audience to reflect on their choices and share their faith with others, underscoring the importance of hope and redemption.

In her message, Ericka wraps up the “Bad Co” series by discussing reconciliation, illustrating how broken relationships resemble a tangled knot, like her own struggles with jewelry that gets knotted when she travels. She brings up Genesis 32-33, where Jacob reconciles with his brother Esau after years of conflict. Ericka emphasizes that reconciliation begins with God, requires humility, and leads to freedom. She challenges listeners to reflect on their own relationships, consider if they need to take steps toward reconciliation, and invites them to pray and seek healing for any strained relationships.

In Ken Finley’s lesson, he uses a kayaking survival scenario to emphasize the importance of preparation, both physically and spiritually. Through interactive discussion, he connects the survival lesson to Christian teachings about being prepared to defend one’s faith. He highlights the reality of hell as a separation from God, using scriptural references to underscore the consequences of a life without faith. Finley encourages resilience and courage, illustrating how a life devoted to God brings blessings and strength to face challenges. He motivates listeners to impact others positively, reminding them that faith and hope are essential in navigating life’s difficulties, just as Paul and Silas did by singing in prison. The lesson concludes by reminding believers of their mission to uplift others and embody Christ’s love, even in tough times.

Seth Phipps delivered a message titled "Dealing with Poison" at MVMT, focusing on toxic relationships and how to handle them. He used the story of Job from the Bible to illustrate how even close relationships, like Job's wife and friends, can become toxic under pressure. Phipps emphasized that healthy relationships are proven during difficult times, not when everything is going well. He introduced the concept of an "assassin's teapot" as a metaphor for how people can mix positive and negative influences in relationships. The key message was that individuals must either deal with existing poison in their relationships or prevent it from entering. Phipps challenged the audience to commit to addressing toxic elements in their lives and to be mindful of the influences they allow to impact them and others.

This lesson wraps up a four-week study on salvation, emphasizing the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus. It guides participants through several key scriptures, exploring how genuine faith requires an active, personal connection with God. Through verses like Matthew 7:21-23, John 10:26-28, and Revelation 3:20, the lesson stresses that salvation isn’t just about outward actions but about knowing Jesus personally and trusting in Him completely. The session concludes by reinforcing the message that trust in God’s work and love is essential, as salvation is ultimately His gift and plan for believers.

Kristen Foster spoke about navigating toxic relationships through the lens of biblical stories, especially the relationship between Saul and David. She highlighted how unchecked jealousy and insecurity turned Saul’s initially supportive role toward David into one of destructive obsession. By contrast, David remained grounded in his relationship with God, demonstrating that fulfillment and peace come from a close relationship with the Lord rather than seeking validation from others. She encouraged her audience to reflect on the types of relationships they maintain and challenged them to identify and step away from any toxicity in their lives, while finding their true worth in Christ.

In this lesson, Kyle revisits the themes of the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing that while the Old Covenant was rooted in the Mosaic Law and driven by the fear of punishment, the New Covenant is based on grace, love, and forgiveness. The discussion encourages participants to actively seek answers directly from scripture, with an emphasis on Jesus’ role in establishing the New Covenant for the forgiveness of sins. The lesson also explores the contrasting motivations of fear versus love, explaining that obedience to Jesus’ commandments should stem from love, not obligation. Additionally, it touches on salvation by grace through faith, underscoring the unique, sinless sacrifice of Jesus as essential to Christian belief and the process of reconciliation with God. The session concludes with a focus on personal faith, works as evidence of belief, and the necessity of God’s work within individuals to draw them to salvation.

In the message “The Problem With Pride” by Seth Phipps, the speaker focuses on the biblical parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18:9-14. The key theme is the contrast between pride and humility. The Pharisee exemplifies pride, boasting about his righteous acts and looking down on others, while the tax collector embodies humility, acknowledging his sin and pleading for God’s mercy. Phipps emphasizes that pride blinds us spiritually, preventing self-reflection and growth, while humility opens us up to spiritual awareness, enabling us to seek God’s grace and transformation. The message calls for listeners to examine their own hearts, unmask their true selves, and approach God with humility, trusting in His mercy and forgiveness.