God’s Body-Building Program
Matthew 16:13–18; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27Airs: February 3 - February 7
We have examined the Scriptures to find out what we are to be involved in between now and when Christ returns. But what is the Lord doing? What is He concerned about during this present time? The answer is clear, according to the New Testament. It’s the same project He’s been working on since the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost. Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18), and that is what He has been doing. In this lesson, we will consider what building the church means, what it includes, and why it is so important. Because all who are born into God’s family become members of His body, we need to understand the benefits of such a union.
An Interview with One from Beyond
Luke 16:19–31Airs: February 1 - February 2
Paranormal phenomena and speculation about the afterlife usually draw immediate attention. Everyone, it seems, looks with interest when the curtain of death is lifted. Books, seminars, and television programs abound with claims of out-of-body death experiences, speaking with the dead, and so on. Are these illusions or reality? In Luke’s gospel, Jesus recounts an intriguing story of one who spoke from the grave.
Visiting the Real Twilight Zone
2 Corinthians 4:14–18; 5:1–8Airs: January 30 - January 31
Where do we go from here? What will happen to us when life is over? What lies ahead…in the misty, shadowy, fuzzy world beyond the grave? What will be our final destiny? Many will say, “Death. Death ends everything.” Popular answer, but it’s wrong. Death may be the last stop in our earthly journey, but it cannot be considered our ultimate destination. Death is merely the tunnel that transports us to the very real world beyond. And the Bible is the only reliable guidebook for our final journey.
Until He Returns...What?
Mark 13:31–37; Luke 19:11–27; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Titus 2:11–15Airs: January 26 - January 27
With all our daily activities and responsibilities, we tend to push the central doctrines of the Bible onto the back burner. But these truths are vital to our daily Christian walk. Consider the doctrine of the return of Christ—what we believe about this important doctrine affects the way we live our lives. And if there’s one thing we can know for sure, it’s that Jesus will come back to earth one day! But what do we do until then?
His Coming Is Sure...Are You?
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18Airs: January 23 - January 25
Few things are clearer in Scripture than Christ’s return. Once He revealed the news of His death and departure from this earth, He wasted no time in reassuring His followers that He would indeed be coming back. Again and again, God’s Word includes statements, hints, symbols, implications, and undeniable predictions of the promise of Christ’s return. Cynics may sneer and doubters may laugh, but our Lord keeps His promises. He will do it exactly as He predicted; no question. But there is a question regarding our believing in His return. Hopefully, this study will remove all lingering hesitation and help you to confidently confess, “Christ’s coming is absolutely sure!”
The Remedy for Our Disease
Isaiah 53:1-6; Leviticus 4:1-7Airs: January 19 - January 20
We live in a society and day when blood is seldom seen in public. Surgical operations are done in secret, sterile places behind closed doors. Slaughterhouses are rarely visited by the average citizen. And apart from a cut finger or a rare superficial wound we don’t often witness the presence of blood. Most will spend their lives eating the meals made from animals they personally did not kill. It has not always been so! In fact, in earlier times the slaughter of animals, the presence of blood, and the connection between these symbols, the sinner, and deliverance from that sin were common scenes…everyday affairs. Because we are so removed from all that, words and prhases like “sacrifice,” “shedding of blood,” and “altar” need to be explained and understood. By doing so, our appreciation for the cross where God’s Lamb was slain will be enhanced.
Mr. Smith, Meet Your Substitute
Romans 3:9–31Airs: January 17 - January 18
A substitute is someone who takes the place of or acts instead of another. In education substitute teachers stand before a class usually taught by someone else. In the game of baseball a substitute hitter or runner is commonly used to take another player's place. Even the prime minister, if necessary, appoints a substitute and gives him or her the full authority of leadership. What is true in the classroom, sports, and politics is also true in our relationship with the living God. We, as sinners, need someone to take our place and act in our stead. Otherwise, we cannot stand before the holy, righteous, and glorious Lord. Today, we shall meet our substitute, the one who “Himself bore our sins in His body” (1 Peter 2:24), who “though He was rich, yet for [our] sake[s], He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Exposing the Dark Side
Genesis 6:5; Psalm 51:1–5Airs: January 13 - January 16
The path of humanity is littered with the trash of depravity. Instead of being shining examples of beauty, righteousness, and perfection, we have darkened the world with hostility, hatred, and unrest. War and brutality score the history of humankind. Deceit and wickedness make up our story. Even our best—courageous warriors, heroes of humanity, graceful artists—fall embarrassingly short of perfection. From one life to another the theme repeats itself: no one measures up…with one beautiful, righteous, perfect exception.
From Creation to Corruption
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-17; 3:6-13; Romans 3:9-18Airs: January 11 - January 12
Many scholars scoff at the thought that the world was created by God in six days. But this is exactly how Scripture reveals the beginning of the universe and of humankind. In fact, God’s creation of the first man and woman is one of the earliest truths recorded in the Bible. Regrettably, following directly on its heels is the sad account of Adam and Eve’s fall into sin. Four simple words say it all…from creation to corruption. Instead of obeying the clear warnings of their Creator, Adam and Eve deliberately and willfully chose to rebel. And we’ve been living with the consequences ever since—humanity is mentally confused, emotionally afraid, and spiritually dead. However, the good news is God didn’t abandon us in our rebellion. In mercy and grace He provided the way out of our self-made mess through His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Spirit Who Is Not a Ghost
John 16:6–14Airs: January 9 - January 10
“I believe in the Holy Ghost….” These are familiar words to those who have ever attended a church where the Apostles’ Creed is recited during the service. Six words commonly heard yet seldom thought through. What, exactly, do they mean? Do we believe the Spirit is a person? But the creed calls Him a ghost. Do we believe the Spirit is present today? But Jesus has left the earth; didn’t the Spirit leave with Him? And even if the Spirit is here today, how does His presence differ from that of the Father’s or the Son’s? Is there some distinction? In the final analysis, is the Spirit really that important? Would it be all that different if He and His influence were suddenly removed from earth? These questions (and more) are the ones that we must answer.
CUBA PHASE 3
The first set of conferences went so well we're doing more! Help us make it a reality.
