Zeal Stoker

Habakkuk was confused as to why and how God could use the sinful Chaldeans to kill, hurt, or enslave his special people (Hab. 1:12-17). This lesson differentiates between God‘s sovereignty and man’s culpability; we are all spring-loaded sinners, called to repent.

The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw and carried was heavy. His country was riddled with violence and injustice. He wondered “how long?” God told him to “watch and be utterly astound!” This is not a “hold my beer!” comment by a reckless person, but a promise that God was (and is) in control and intentional in carrying out His plan. Stay tuned!

The Bible is the word of God! Inerrant and infallible. When convincing others this is true, we must be careful of circular reasoning: “the Bible is the Word of God because the Bible tells me so; and I believe the Bible because it is the Word of God.“ this message presents at least three reasons the Bible is the word of God: (1) because of the overwhelming textual evidence available, (2) The process used to determine which books would be included in the Bible was stringent and methodical, and (3) the prophetic nature of the Bible is astounding and unlike any other religious text.

For the first 300 years, the church met in peoples’ homes. Jesus did not call us to build big cathedrals, but to build up one another in Christ. We are called to foster an environment of family-like love. We have also learned that there are some in our midst who do not love the Lord Jesus… they are accursed (anathema), i.e. we give them over to God. There are also times when we give our own brothers and sisters in Christ, those steeped in sin, over to Satan with the intent that they will repent, return, and be restored to fellowship. Jesus is coming quickly! We ought to get off the fence, and ready ourselves for his return. Maranatha!

Some in the church at Corinth were recognized as having “addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (KJV). They could not help but serve others like the apostle Paul who were committed to preaching the gospel, making disciples, and planting churches. This study asks: What/Whom are you addicted to? What is your ministry? Are you mission-minded? Do we see ourselves (As a church, families, individually) committed to a specific task with an intended outcome?

(1 Cor. 16:13&14) We should be vigilant and watchful; awake, but not “woke” The apostle Paul calls the church at Corinth to be vigilant, firm in the faith, and manly. In doing, so Christians will be strengthened for godly living, especially when committed to doing all things in love (not the “nice“ kind of love, but the love that does what is best for others).

Discretion involves good judgment; being discreet and responsible; knowing the right time and place. In this study, a discussion regarding how to do the will of God while using discretion. Have a plan! Be intentional, ambitious, but be flexible.

We meet often as Christians and regularly as the Church. We take care of one another in Christ, and do so as God provides. Looking at the early church: community, not communism! They met on Sunday, not the Sabbath Day. Always seeking to be a blessing to others - a far cry from today’s rampant consumer-“christianity”.

Discussing the origins of tithing; biblical examples of tithes and offerings in the lives of godly people, and details regarding just how the early church gave and cared for one another. Break free from the “bondage” of tithing!

Death is dreadful, daunting and something to be afraid of when outside the grace of God. Judgment and the “second death” awaits those not in Christ. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57). We wouldn’t have if it wasn’t His to give! And so we fight, not for victory but from it!