Paul wasn't just given a vision of Heaven; he was actually taken there firsthand! He saw with his own eyes what God had in store for him after his death. So how was he able to remain content in the face of imprisonment, chains, and beatings? Paul himself tells us in Philippians 1:21-26.
How confident are you in your prayers? I don't mean how confident are you in yourself or in your own ability to pray; I mean how confident are you that God will answer? Stephen shows us what true confidence in God looks like as he takes us back to Paul's remarkable letter to the Philippians.
Did you know that many Christians in the early Church abandoned Paul? They didn't come to his defense. They gossiped about him. Some even considered his suffering a judgment from God! But as surprising as that is, what is more surprising is the way Paul responded to it.
Did you know that many Christians in the early Church abandoned Paul? They didn't come to his defense. They gossiped about him. Some even considered his suffering a judgment from God! But as surprising as that is, what is more surprising is the way Paul responded to it.
In this eye-opening look at some of the setbacks Paul experienced in Rome, Stephen will teach us the humbling lesson that God often moves us forward in reverse.
"What must I do to be saved?" Mankind is still asking that question today. Nothing's changed. And there are a myriad of different answers. What is your answer?
In a world full of suffering and death, what is the greatest question we could ever ask? A Philippian jailor asks it in Acts 16:30: "What must I do to be saved?"
What makes Jesus' virgin birth stand out amongst history's many other virgin birth stories? Stephen brings us a wonderful answer as he gives us a lesson in history, world religion, and the Christmas story.
How did Persian dignitaries learn about the coming Messiah? Furthermore, why did they connect a star with His birth? Stephen brings us deeper insight into this peculiar yet profound aspect of the Christmas story.
This lesson from Hebrews 11:3 emphasizes that God is the ultimate and original Hero of the faith. It affirms that the universe was created by God's word, not through visible processes or random chance. Faith in God as Creator provides answers to life’s deepest questions—origin, purpose, morality, and destiny. The lesson challenges believers to trust God's power, design, and sustaining Word, while rejecting the confusion and hopelessness of a godless worldview. Faith in the Creator offers clarity, purpose, and eternal hope.
This lesson from Luke 22:63-71 examines the unlawful trials of Jesus, exposing the corruption and injustice of the religious and legal systems. Despite facing false accusations, illegal proceedings, and physical abuse, Jesus remained composed, affirming His divine identity as the Son of God. His trials fulfilled God’s sovereign plan, highlighting His obedience and the immense cost of redemption for humanity. The lesson challenges believers to pursue justice, trust in God’s plan during unjust circumstances, and live in gratitude for the hope and victory found in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.
This lesson from Psalm 78, titled “An Unbroken Chain,” emphasizes the vital role of parents and spiritual mentors in passing down truth to the next generation. Drawing from Israel’s history, the Psalm urges families to teach their children to know God, think biblically, and live wisely. The goal isn’t merely good behavior or success but deep spiritual formation through modeling, teaching, and pointing children to the gospel. The lesson challenges believers to invest fully in their spiritual influence, trusting God to bring the increase and continue the legacy of faith from generation to generation.
This lesson from Romans 2:9–16 emphasizes that all people, whether Jew or Gentile, are without excuse and will face God's judgment. Paul explains that God's judgment is based not on what people didn’t know, but on what they did know—through creation, conscience, and the law written on their hearts. Humanity is guilty due to an undeniable Creator, a built-in moral compass, an active conscience, and internal conflict over right and wrong. Paul also exposes myths, such as the belief that God plays favorites or will let sin slide. The lesson urges repentance, revealing that the only escape from judgment is faith in Jesus Christ.
No one ever lives a life of holiness by accident. It happens on purpose. It comes through discipline and obedience to the Spirit of God, which is a daily, moment-by-moment battle. Are you in the fight?
