The Real Christmas Story

8 Watts of Willingness

There is great value in having a heart to do God’s will and to serve Him as a faithful vessel, even if we feel unequipped or underprepared to do so. If we are willing to remove the distractions from our lives and seek to do what God and Jesus Christ have called us to do, great things can be accomplished even if we only have a small amount of willingness on our part.  Verses: 2 Tim. 2:20-21, 14-19; 4:1-2; Ps. 90:12; 39:4 Teacher: Jerry Wierwille

The Real Christmas Story

The Christmas story is important because the birth of Christ is important. The traditional story of His birth contains many errors, and presents a cold, hard, and lonely picture about the circumstances of his birth. This expository teaching explores and reveals a deeper, more accurate understanding of the customs, time and place, and other details that truly make the birth of Christ an inspiring account of love, obedience, giving, and sacrifice.  Verses: Luke 1:24-40, 56-57; 2:1-24; Matt. 1:18-25; Lev. 12:6-8  Teacher: John Schoenheit

It’s Okay To Enjoy Your Life

There is a belief among many Christians that we don’t deserve and should not pursue enjoyment in this life--that life should only be taken seriously and sober-mindedly at all times. But is that really God’s intention for us? Scripture illustrates God’s viewpoint that we can and should enjoy our work and the fruit of it, and even to approach life with humor.  Verses: Mark 6:45-48; Titus 2:6; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Isa. 22:12-13; 1 Cor. 15:32; Eccles. 2:24-25; 3:4,12-13, 22; 5:18; 8:15; 9:7; 11:8-9  Teacher: John Schoenheit

No Retirement

This teaching explores the importance of our individual calling and how each of us has been redeemed to a life of service to Jesus. We were not preordained, but we were invited into service and relationship with our Lord—and we, by our free will, answered that call. It’s a commitment from which we don’t get to retire, just like Jesus did not retire when he ascended to the Father’s right hand!  Verses: Rom. 8:28-30; 11:29; Matt. 22:1-14; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; 1 Cor. 1:26-29; Eph. 1:15-18; 4:1; Phil. 3:10-14; 2 Thess. 1:3-12; 2 Pet. 1:10-11  Teacher: Dennis Hickman

The Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4

The Shema is not only a declaration to Israel – it is a statement about relationship. This teaching presents three aspects of the Shema: what it is not saying, what it is saying, and how it applies to our lives. The teacher explores its meaning through a Biblical Unitarian perspective, highlighting what it reveals about God and our relationship with Him. We are encouraged to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Verses: Deut. 6:4-5; 4:35, 39; Mark 12:28-34; John 17:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Exod. 20:2-3; Song of Sol. 6:8-9; Zech. 14:9; 13:2; Isa. 2:20  Teacher: John Schoenheit