Posts by John Stephen Smith
Peak of the Week: REAL FAITH #4 – Trust
James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” Trials Often Bring: _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ REAL FAITH – FAITH IN GOD Faith is only as useful as the ________________ of your faith. James 1:6-8 – “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like…
Peak of the Week: REAL FAITH #3 – God’s Character
James 1:5-8 NKJV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is Why Ask God? The Answer Is…
Peak of the Week: REAL FAITH #2 – Our Greatest Resource
How are we to respond to God and his love during trials? James, like Jesus, lets us know that as believers we’re not shielded from trials but are called to count our trials as a cause for joy. Why? Because trials test our faith, and trials build perseverance. James 1:2-5 NKJV My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect…
Peak of the Week: REAL FAITH #1 – The Truth About Trials
Reality TV has become a popular genre for television over the last several decades. The reality is that they often don’t reflect “reality” at all. Situations may be scripted, participants are placed in artificial situations, outcomes are rigged, and on and on the list could go. I think a false reality has often been painted regarding the Christian life. Some have the impression if you’re on God’s side, you will prosper financially, you’ll stay healthy, and relatively free of the…
Men and Women of the Bible: Judah
Lesson Twenty-six: Judah, He Whom Thy Brethren Shall Praise Lesson Text: Genesis 38:1-30 Lesson Aim: Learn important lessons for life from the experiences of Judah. Memory Verse: Genesis 49:10 Lesson Readings: Genesis 29:31-35 Genesis 37:23-28 Genesis 38:1-30 Genesis 43:1-14 Genesis 44:1-34 Genesis 46:1-7, 28 Fact Questions: Who is Judah? What does his name mean? Genesis 29:35 What was Judah’s part in the plan to kill Joseph? Genesis 37:26, 27 What were the names of Judah’s sons? Genesis 38:3-5 Who was…
Men and Women of the Bible: Simeon & Levi
Lesson Twenty-five: Simeon & Levi, Two Angry Brothers Lesson Text: Genesis 34:1-30 Lesson Aim: Learn important lessons for life from the experiences of Simeon & Levi. Memory Verse: Genesis 49:6 Lesson Readings: Genesis 29:31-35 Genesis 34:1-30 Genesis 42:1-24, 36 Genesis 49:5-7 Fact Questions: Who is Simeon? What does his name mean? Who is Levi? What does his name mean? What sinful character trait does Jacob attribute to them? Genesis 49:6 What was the occasion when Simeon and Levi manifest this…
Men and Women of the Bible: Reuben
Lesson Twenty-four: Reuben, Unstable /As Water Lesson Aim: Learn important lessons for life from the experiences of Reuben. Lesson Text: Genesis 37:18-35 Memory Verse: Genesis 49:3-4 NKJV “Reuben, you are my firstborn, My might and the beginning of my strength, The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. 4 Unstable as water, you shall not excel, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it – He went up to my couch.” Lesson Readings: Genesis 29:32…
Men and Women of the Bible: Joseph
Lesson Twenty-three: Joseph, God Was With Him Lesson Text: Genesis 37:1-36 Lesson Aim: Learn important lessons for life from the experiences of Joseph. Memory Verse: Acts 7:9 NKJV “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him” Acts 7:9 HCSB “The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt, but God was with him” Acts 7:9 ESV “And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him” Lesson…
Men and Women of the Bible: Laban
Lesson Twenty-two: Laban, A Deceitful Father-in-law Lesson Text: Genesis 29:1-35 Lesson Aim: Learn important lessons for life from the experiences of Laban. Memory Verse: Genesis 31:7 Lesson Readings: Genesis 24:29-31 Genesis 50-60 Genesis 27:43 Genesis 28:2,5 Genesis 29:1-31:55 Fact Questions: Who is Laban the Syrian? What does his name mean? Genesis 28:5 How came Laban and Jacob to be acquainted? Genesis 29:1-14 Who were Laban’s daughters? Genesis 29:16 When was the first time that Laban deceived Jacob? Genesis 29:18-28 How…
Men and Women of the Bible: Rachel & Leah
Lesson Twenty-one: Rachel and Leah, Which Two Did Build The House of Israel Lesson Text: Genesis 29:15-30:24 Lesson Aim: Learn important lessons for life from the experiences of Rachel & Leah. Memory Verse: Ruth 4:11 NKJV And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel; and may you prosper in…