November 4, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 43
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelation.

Mark is really looking forward to starting Revelations next week! He has never taught on Revelations and hopes you will join him in person. For all the details about Mark’s class and Champion Forest Baptist Church, see the information below.

What An Honor It Is To Have A Messed Up Life! Do you count it an honor to serve others? You should! If our Savior, Jesus Christ, was willing to serve others, how much more should we? Are you willing to suffer for the cause of Christ? Are you willing to submit before God – no matter the cost?

Mark continues in Acts 28 with Paul’s journey to Rome. Paul and the disciples have been saved from the raging sea and land in Malta, where they are welcomed with open arms; in fact, the people in Malta think that Paul is a god! Paul uses his new-found celebrity status to minister to the people in Malta in the name of the Lord; then he and the other disciples sail on to Naples and then ultimately to Rome. It was a long journey with a great outcome.

One of the books Paul wrote while in Rome was Philippians. In Chapter 1, verse 12, Paul says: “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” What a testimony for Christ! Paul had every reason – and every right – to complain about his life and what was happening to him, but he didn’t. He never did. He chose joy – not sorrow!

In the latter part of this segment, Mark takes a brief look at Philemon and the story of a slave named Onesimus. Listen in tomorrow to hear more about Philemon and his significance in Paul’s life.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

Listen in as Mark continues to explain the concept behind the Context Bible. If you know someone who is struggling with their faith or doubts the existence of God, then this is a great way for them to study the Bible in a guilt-free, stress-free environment. All of Mark’s lessons can be found at www.Biblical-Literacy.com.   

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX. Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 28, 2014

Title: the context bible: Intro
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

Listen in as Mark continues to explain the concept behind the Context Bible. If you know someone who is struggling with their faith or doubts the existence of God, then this is a great way for them to study the Bible in a guilt-free, stress-free environment. All of Mark’s lessons can be found at www.Biblical-Literacy.com.   

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX. Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 27, 2014

Title: the context bible: Intro
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, has “rewritten” the Bible! Don’t worry – it’s still all the same info, just in a “user-friendly” way. This week we are airing his introductory lesson so new comers to the show can hear why Mark decided to write "The Context Bible." Mark has already reviewed the Gospel of John and is almost done with the book of Acts. He plans to start Revelations in November.

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX. Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 24, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 41
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Psalms are Good

How can you apply the Psalms to your daily life? You can be in a season of great joy or intense pain and still be blessed by the beautiful writings in Psalms. Paul experienced times of sadness and happiness and was still able to look to the Psalms for encouragement and help.

Mark prays that you have learned something new and fresh from this week’s lesson, as with all his lessons. Next week, we will be taking a break to air a refresher on why Mark has chosen to “rewrite” the Bible into the “Context Bible”. But don’t fret! He’ll be back the following week with a new lesson! We’re almost done with Acts and will be moving on to Revelation soon. Don’t miss it!

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 23, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 41
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Psalms are Good

Mark has been using the Psalms to further explain some of Paul’s actions and reactions to the persecution he faced for spreading the Gospel. Mark loves the Psalms. They are beautiful songs and poems that are extremely insightful and still apply to our lives today.

In today’s segment, Mark uses Psalms 98 to describe how Paul found his encouragement during his trials. Psalm 98 is a familiar one that many of us probably sing in church: “Sing to the Lord a New Song”. Paul tells the people that he was once like them, not a believer, hating those who loved God, even killing them! But then an amazing miracle occurred and he saw the light of Jesus’ love and gave his life to the Son of God.

Favorite: Live in joy, but live in it as an expression of joy to the God who saved you.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 22, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 41
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Psalms are Good

Remember how Mark said there is a Psalm for every moment in life – the good, the bad, and the ugly? Well, at this point in Paul’s life, things were looking pretty ugly. He had every reason NOT to rejoice in the Lord. He had every reason NOT to sing praises. But he CHOSE to through his pain and sadness.

Look at the first few verses of Psalm 28:

1To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. 2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary.

Mark goes on to read the rest of the Psalm, where Paul actually prays for the people who are persecuting him. He PRAYS for them! He prays for their salvation, but he also prays that they suffer punishment for the things they have done. Is that fair? Should Paul be praying like this?

Paul was not perfect – and neither are you! He felt cheated. He felt betrayed by God. He was even a little angry; okay, he was really angry! He was, after all, only human. He had emotions just like we do.

Listen in as Mark explains why this particular Psalm is so important in the life of Paul and how we can apply it to our own lives. Tune in tomorrow to hear the Psalms that Mark has chosen for the next part of the lesson: Psalm 98 and 108. In these Psalms, we learn where Paul found his encouragement. You don’t want to miss it!

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 21, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 41
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Psalms are Good

Mark takes various Psalms and intertwines them into Paul’s life, showing how they still apply to society today – and yes, even your life! Don’t worry, though. We’re still going to finish Acts! The Psalms are just part of the Context Bible readings this week.

Today, Mark discusses the Nazarite Vow, when a Jewish man vowed not to eat fruit of the vine (i.e. raisins, grapes, grape juice, and wine) and not to shave their head or beard for a period of time. Mark uses Psalms 65 and 66 to explain why this is so significant.

One quote I love from this segment is: “God is not only righteous in the way He answers, but He answers us by giving us righteousness.” Wow. Have you ever thought about that? God, who is righteous, just, and good, cares enough about YOU to answer you – and make you righteous! We are so very unworthy of His love and mercy, yet He chooses US. HE CHOOSES US.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 20, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 41
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Psalms are Good

Mark doesn’t care where you are in life – good, bad, or ugly. Psalms are worthy and uplifting. He believes that there is Psalm for everyone – everyday – no matter what.

When was the last time you read a Psalm? I mean, really, really read one? If it’s been a while, then you are in luck, because this week is chock full of Psalms! Get ready to have you socks blown off!

Mark takes various Psalms and intertwines them into Paul’s life, showing how they still apply to society today – and yes, even your life! Don’t worry, though. We’re still going to finish Acts! The Psalms are just part of the Context Bible readings.

In the scripture references in this week’s lesson, Paul, Luke, and others are on their way back to Jerusalem but make a pit stop in Caesarea. Mark sets the stage in this first segment this week. Listen in because some of the information might surprise you – and will definitely make you think! The timeline is just so incredible and obviously God-ordained. I don’t see how anyone can dispute the writings. .

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 17, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 40
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

BONUS SIDE NOTE: When you are young, the choices you make don’t have profound consequences. But as you grow older, those consequences can be very bad. We all have choices to make. It is how we handle the pressure and Who we look to for guidance and help that make all the difference in the world – and for eternity.

In this last segment of this week’s lesson, Mark describes Paul’s journey from Ephesus to Corinth. It was a long and winding journey and Paul almost wound up back in Ephesus! Mark also explains how many scholars refer to Paul’s letter in Acts 20:17-38 as his “Tearful Goodbye”. Sounds like a title for a sappy, romantic movie!

Now, some scholars also dispute the Gospel account of Jesus. Mark uses the term “scholars” loosely in regards to them because many are not professing followers of Jesus Christ. They want to water-down the Gospel so people get a “fee-good” message and don’t have to feel guilty about anything. They do, however, agree that Paul was “Paul”. Listen in as Mark explains.

Take-away Points for Home: 1) Are you practicing “Koinonia” on a daily basis with everyone – or just those you actually “love”? 2) Are you living deliberately? Are the choices you are making helping or hindering the Kingdom of God? .

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 16, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 40
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

The long lost book of Moses. Josiah and The Passover. A sacrificial lamb. And preparing for the future.

What does all this have to do with Paul and his warning letter to the Corinthians? Paul was telling them to Prepare. That is the emphasis of this passage we are studying this week: Prepare for the Lord. Prepare your hearts. Prepare for the future. Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

If we aren’t prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ, then what is all “this” for? Why do we go to church? Why do we read the Bible and have Bible classes? Why do we sing hymns to our children and teach them about Jesus? If we aren’t prepared for His coming in Glory, is all “this” for nothing?

Listen in as Mark gives some great insight to this today. .

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 15, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 40
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Yesterday, Mark explained the various uses for the word “Koinonia”. Paul loved this word. He used it frequently. It can mean: friendship, love, togetherness, communion. The greatest act of Koinonia was the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Mark also has some exciting news about his book, “Christianity on Trial”, to share! Listen in to find out what it is! (You can find a link near the bottom of this overview to order Mark’s book direct from the publisher.) .

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 14, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 40
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Yesterday, Mark listed all the sins Paul feared the people in Corinth were caught up in: Quarreling. Jealousy. Anger. Hostility. Slander. Gossip. Conceit. Disorder. He feared for their moral well-being.

How did he know about theses sins if he wasn’t even there? (Remember: Paul was in Ephesus at the time.) Were people “gossiping” to Paul about the people in Corinth? What about you? Have you ever unintentionally gossiped about someone under the guise of a “prayer request”?

Mark reiterates that we should definitely pray for each other. That is a given. But we need to be careful in the execution of how we share the information.

One word that Paul uses quite frequently in his letters to various churches and people is “Koinonia”. It has several different meanings, which Mark reviews in this segment of his lesson today.

Tune in tomorrow to hear how Paul illustrates this picture of “Koinonia” to the people.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 13, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 40
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Over the past few weeks, Mark has been focusing on Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth. If you have been following along with the readings found at www.Biblical-Literacy.org you should have finished 2 Corinthians last week. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, have no fear! Mark will be reviewing the readings this week, as well as finishing the rest of 2 Corinthians.

Mark is intrigued at how Paul is so intimately concerned with the personal choices the people make. Mark begins the lesson by looking at 2 Corinthians 12:19 and continues through the end of the book. When Paul wrote this particular letter, he was in Ephesus. He had been hearing rumors of unsettling happenings in Corinth and warned the people of an eminent visit. He was, in essence, giving them a chance to change their ways before he came so they wouldn’t get a tongue-lashing.

But why did Paul even care? What was so special about these people that Paul would go out of his way to make sure they were doing what they were supposed to be doing? It had nothing to do with his ego and everything to do with their Eternity.

He feared the people were caught up in Quarreling. Jealousy. Anger. Hostility. Slander. Gossip. Conceit. Disorder. He feared for their moral well-being.

Mark uses some great PowerPoint illustrations with this lesson to demonstrate the importance of the city of Corinth in relation to the rest of the area, so make sure you head over to www.Biblical-Literacy.org to check them out!

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 10, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 39
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Mark finishes his lesson this week on Spiritual Warfare and the “Super Apostles”. They wanted to please the king (little “k”) more than the King (big “K”). They were not only telling Paul and the other disciples to follow their lead, they were telling the people that they were better, too! Whoa there, Nelly! No! Not a good idea!

There were other disciples who stood up for their belief against these “Super Apostles”. Listen in as Mark explains.

Key Takeaways from this week’s lesson: 1) Care about God’s issues; 2) Listen to what He has to say; and 3) Walk in God’s grace. Remember: God’s grace is sufficient for you.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 9, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 39
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Paul’s goal in life was to model the humility and meekness of Jesus Christ. Is that your goal, too? Do you strive every day to be more like Him?

Today, Mark takes a look at the “Holiness of God’s Word”. He reviews the same scripture about the “Super Apostles”, aka false teachers. They seem nice and honest, like true men of God. But they were anything but that.

You draw more bees with honey than with vinegar. Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Satan knows he will get a lot more followers when things are good than when things are bad.

One of Satan’s greatest lies is that he doesn’t even exist. If he can convince you that he doesn’t exist, then you have no need for a Savior. He is pretty darn good at his job, too. That just means we need to be better at ours.

Are we going to agree with everything our pastor says? No. But that should just encourage us to seek more answers and more truth. It’s those preachers that stand in the pulpit, week after week, only saying things the people want to hear, that we have to watch out for. Those are the modern-day “Super Apostles”.

Some believers today think that if “you name it, you claim it” – just ask and you shall receive. This is true – in part. However, that answer you “receive” may be No. We must stay in God’s will if we are to receive His blessings. Listen in as Mark explains the difference and make sure you tune in tomorrow to hear the rest of his great lesson on Spiritual Warfare.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 8, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 39
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Yesterday, Mark introduced us to the “Super Apostles”, who called Paul a “weakling”. Why did these so-called “Super Apostles” think Paul was less of a man than they were? Some said he was small in stature, not tall as others reported. He might have had a limp. Some said he had the face of an angel, which most men would not appreciate. Still others insist he was tall, handsome, and strong. But, does it really matter what his physical appearance was? No, not really.

The reason Mark Lanier believes that Paul must have been on the small size is his letter to the Corinthians. I love what Paul says in response to the mockery he faces from these “Super Apostles”. Mark reads from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 in this segment, showing how Paul shoots them down, but not in a condescending way (like they were to him). He is very subtle in his rebuke, but stern at the same time.

But, who were the people going to believe? This slight man, who seemed smart enough, but who was not really strong like they thought he should be? Or should they trust the fake teachers who kept asking for their money?

Paul told the people on Corinth that they had two choices: To believe him and have eternal life, or believe the “Super Apostles” and live eternally in hell. He didn’t care what they said about him. Paul thought the Gospel was worth defending. Period.

What about you? Do you think the Gospel is worth defending, no matter the cost to your reputation? Or will you sit on the sidelines and be the waterboy/girl?

Tune in tomorrow as Mark begins looking more closely at the Holiness of God’s Word. (He touches on the subject at the end of this segment today.)

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 7, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 39
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

In 2 Corinthians Chapter 10, verse 1 through the first half of Chapter 11, Paul was being undermined in his ministry to the church in Corinth by false teachers. This particular passage is unique because Paul is writing his letter with a personal touch, rather than with another disciple, such as Titus or Timothy.

Paul has been viciously attacked for his beliefs in the past, but nothing like this! New “teachers” claiming to be called by God were spreading lies about him. But, more importantly, they were disputing some of Jesus’s own teachings.

These “Super Apostles” said Paul was a “weakling” (or a cream puff, as Mark likes to say). But Paul was anything but a weakling, not only in physical appearance, but in intelligence, as well. He was a well-built man, in good shape, tall and probably handsome. Paul spoke several languages. He was articulate and well educated. He was no weakling and definitely not stupid.

Listen in as Mark explains why this is so significant, using a book reference from his very Theological Library.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 6, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 39
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Spiritual Warfare and physical warfare, in a Biblical sense, are one in the same. They interact together. How do you handle spiritual warfare? Does it take a toll on your physical well-being?

In 2 Corinthians Chapter 10, verse 1 through the first half of Chapter 11, Paul was being undermined in his ministry to the church in Corinth by false teachers. When we are personally attacked, Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek. However, these false teachers were not only attacking Paul, they were criticizing his Gospel message. That was not okay with Paul.

This particular passage (above) is unique because Paul is writing his letter with a personal touch, rather than with another disciple, such as Titus or Timothy. Make sure you tune in tomorrow to hear Mark’s explanation as to why this is so significant.

For the lesson, unedited audio, handouts, PowerPoint slides, and video click [here].

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 3, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 38
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Mark continues his review of Job 4 and 5 in the last installment of this week’s Context Bible Plan. Be sure to check out the website at www.Biblical-Literacy.com  for all the handouts and PowerPoint slides.

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 2, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 38
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

What happened to Jesus was not fair. Jesus didn’t have to die for us. He didn’t have to leave the right hand of his Father, God, and come to earth. He didn’t have to suffer persecution and slander. What did he ever do to deserve what happened to him? Nothing!

How do you handle things in your life which seem “unfair”? Do you plop yourself down, put your thumb in your mouth, and whine like a little 2 year old? Do you shake your fists at the sky and curse God? Or do you simply put your blindfold on and ignore it?

We are human, after all. We have all, at one point or another, been angry with God. We have all shouted “Why, me, Lord?” at the top of our lungs. We have all cried and cried and cried. It’s what we do NEXT that matters. It’s how we pick ourselves up off the ground, shake of the dirt, and carry on.

Paul says we are all going to get bumped around and slapped in the face (just a loose translation…), but what really matters is the Gospel. Jesus got the worst beating in all of history, but he knew what was waiting for him on the other side.

Remember, God’s got this!

Context Bible Scriptures: Mark includes Job 4 and 5 in the reading this week. If you haven’t read Job in a while, you should refresh your memory. He also includes Ecclesiastes 1 and 2, which are equally as good and as important. It won’t take you long to read those passages. Why not brush up on the chapters instead of browsing Facebook at lunch today? Just a thought…

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

October 1, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 38
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jesus is the representation of God because he IS God. We can only strive to be like Him because we were merely made in His image. Jesus was born OF God, therefore he IS God. You may be persecuted, beaten, and broken, but just hang in there because what is to come is so much better than you can ever imagine! If God is for us, who can be against us?

Mark references the scripture about us being jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. He uses an excellent power point display with this, so make sure you log on to the Biblical Literacy website to check it out!

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 30, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 38
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

In Greek, “behold” has two very different meanings: to observe and to reflect. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul was telling the church that they should strive to be more like God in everything we do. Of course this seems obvious, but do we really live like this? We might say we do and we might act like we do (some of the time). You CAN change! God makes sure of that!

In this passage Paul is explaining to the people the new covenant. With the old covenant, God used people to write His covenant on stones and scrolls. With the new covenant, God writes His word and promises on our hearts. When we become Christians, His truth is forever written inside us, and we must, therefore, “reflect” Him outwardly.

We all have sin in our lives. No doubt! It’s how we choose to release that sin that makes all the difference in the world. Don’t ever let your sin keep you distant from God. He’s calling each of us into something very special. Don’t give up on Him because He will never give up on you.

Key Take Away from today’s segment: History is being rewritten every day and you are a key part of that. Never forget that you matter to God and you matter to the world.

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 29, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 38
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

If you’ve ever wondered what Mark Lanier’s favorite verse in the Bible is, today is your lucky day. He says the following verse is his life’s goal:

2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all believers with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the spirit.”

In chapters 3 and 4 of 2 Corinthians, Paul uses this imagery to tell the people a story. Listen in as Mark describes the analogy and explains why he loves this passage so much.

Mark Lanier, the leader of the Context Bible study at Champion Forest Baptist Church, is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 26, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 37
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

Community with Purpose

At the end of the day, what really matters? Wealth? Recognition? A good job? Health? Your kid’s baseball game? A great house, 2 cars, and 2.5 kids?

Paul says none of those things matter. Sure, they are nice to have here on our temporary home. But we can’t take a hearse to heaven! Well, Paul didn’t say that, but you get the picture.

Quit complaining about every, single, little thing and just enjoy life! Spread the love to others. It doesn’t matter where or to whom you give it. Just be happy! I know not every day is perfect and we are human and fall into the temptation of a bad day. It’s okay to cry, just don’t do it for long.

Moral of this week’s lesson: Don’t sit in a corner, all by yourself and wallow in self-pity. Surround yourself with other believes. Encourage one another. Pray for one another. Share your joys with one another.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 25, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 37
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

Community with Purpose

How has God shown His faithfulness to you this week? Did He save you from running that red light to avoid an accident? Did He provide that extra $20 so your kid could participate in a new program at school? Did He heal a friend’s body of cancer?

Did you keep that to yourself or did you share your good news with a friend? If you didn’t, you should! God wants us to rejoice with others over the blessings He has bestowed upon us! So go on and brag about it!

Paul got into the habit of being around other believers, even from the very beginning of his ministry. There is scripture after scripture that references Paul being with other believers. He also tells the churches he councils through his letters to support one another and stay together.

Paul encourages the people to establish good relationships now so that when they travel to other lands to spread the Gospel and create new churches, they will have a group of friends who will cover them in prayer. This is one reason the disciples usually traveled in pairs. Being rejected while you are alone is no Bueno. When the rejection occurs while in the company of other like-minded believers, you then become an encouragement to each other.

Listen in as Jared gives some encouragement today if you’ve been feeling down. Smile! God loves you! And He’s got whatever is bothering you covered in the palm of His hand!

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 24, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 37
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

Community with Purpose

What circumstances in your life are keeping you away from fellowshipping with other believers?

Guess what! I have a secret! God is bigger than your circumstances! Yes, He is! He is bigger than unemployment, cancer, death of a loved one, and rebellious children. He’s got this! You might not think He does. You might be screaming, “Why Me?” He knows your pain. He knows your heartache. After all, He sent His only Son to live and die for you. He’s been there. He is the only one in this whole universe who knows exactly what you are experiencing. He wants you to trust Him. He wants you to love Him. He wants you to give it up to Him.

So, once you’ve given your “thing” to God, what now? Do you just sit there and wait? NO! Get up, get out, and get going! Share the joy that God has brought to you with others. Tell your co-workers, your neighbors, you Bible Study class. Tell the cashier at the grocery store and the gas station clerk! What good is “good news” if you don’t tell anybody?

But what happens when you are rejected? Do you tuck your tail in between your legs and whimper home? Sometimes, you may feel like doing that, and that’s ok! Everyone gets defeated. Everyone gets discouraged. But you can’t let it keep you down! Go home, cry it out to God, and let Him take the burden of that lost soul. Ask Him what to do next. I guarantee He will show you.

This is what Paul was telling the Corinthians in his first letter. Paul definitely knew what it felt like to be persecuted for his belief in Christ Jesus. The Corinthians were just beginning to experience the backlash and they were crushed! They didn’t understand why they were being rejected, but Paul had some amazing words of encouragement for them. I pray his words will be an encouragement to you, as well.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 23, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 37
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

Community with Purpose

What are you doing to spread The Great Commission to others? What are you doing with others to accomplish His purpose?

We must proclaim the Gospel to each other before we can proclaim it to the world. What does Jared mean by this? Take a look at Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 The Great Commission is outlined in this passage as clear as day. Paul takes the people task for not doing what they are telling others to do. They are not telling their own community about the good news of Jesus Christ. Therefore, they are not evangelizing in other places around the world.

Jared reminds us that, although we may have made a declaration of salvation, that doesn’t mean our job is done. We have a responsibility to tell others of our faith and how Jesus can set them free. This doesn’t just apply to us as individuals; Paul is very adamant that we join together as a church family to encourage each other while we share the Gospel with others.

Paul Tripp, a pastor, author, and international conference speaker, said this of individual worship: “No one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more than you do.” He also says (and I love this!): “Make it a daily practice to gaze on the beauty of Christ.” Paul Tripp goes on to discuss how important corporate worship is as well. Listen in as Jared explains what he believes Paul Tripp is saying here.

(For more information on this and other spiritual issues from Paul Tripp, log on to www.PaulTripp.com. )

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 22, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 37
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

Community with Purpose

In 1 Peter 2, Peter says, “Put away all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander…you are being built up like a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood…for those who do not believe have become a stumbling block, a rock of defense…but you are a chosen race, a holy nation…”

Jared Richard points out that Peter is suggesting that we are a team, working together for His Kingdom. Peter says later on in the chapter, “We are a people for His own possession.”

Wow. Have you ever thought about that? I mean, really and truly given thought to the fact that we – all of us – the good, the bad, and the ugly – are His? Not just the Baptists, or the Catholics, or the Church of Christ. Not just the saved, but the sinner. We are all His. We belong to Him. We are bombarded with sin everywhere we go. It is difficult to overcome it. It is difficult to avoid it.

That is why we must work together for His Kingdom as a community – as a “people for His own possession”. Yes, individually, we are saved from sin, but we are also saved to do something. Together, we are called to have a purpose in a community.

Remember The Great Commission? Yeah, that was for you and me, not just the disciples. You don’t have to necessarily go to Africa or Fiji or Russia or China to fulfill The Great Commission. Look around you – your neighborhood, community, city, state, and country.

What are you doing to spread The Great Commission to others? What are you doing with others to accomplish His purpose?

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 19, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 36
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

WHO ARE YOU? AND WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

Main Scripture Reference for this week: 1 Corinthians 6:12 through 15:58

Mark concludes the lesson this week with a reminder: Agape love is not “me centered” or rooted in emotions. Agape love is a “decision love” that values and cares for someone, without regard for our needs.

We were created so God could love us and we would love Him in return. He is not an egomaniac who demands our attention. He sent His son to die for our awful sins so we can one day be one with Him. This is agape love.

Never forget that you were bought with a price; you are not your own. Live your life as a living sacrifice to God, honoring Him with your body. Let His presence affect your life. Be who God has called you to be.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 18, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 36
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

WHO ARE YOU? AND WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

Main Scripture Reference for this week: 1 Corinthians 6:12 through 15:58

Paul was very specific when he spoke of the various duties within the church. Everyone has a purpose. Everyone has a job. They are called “spiritual gifts”.

God gives everyone a specific gift or gifts. You don’t get to choose. He has a very real purpose for each and every one of us. What is your spiritual gift?

There is one gift that everyone has been given: The gift of love. The Bible says that “if we speak in the tongues of man, but have not love, we are like noisy gongs and clanging cymbals.”

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 17, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 36
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

WHO ARE YOU? AND WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

Main Scripture Reference for this week: 1 Corinthians 6:12 through 15:58

What kind of temple are you providing God? We all know the phrase “Garbage in. Garbage out”, but do we really live by it? Be mindful of what you put in your body and mind and store in your heart.

Paul says that when we pay attention to the things we watch, listen to, read, and do, it is a recognition that we are not our own. It changes our marriage and relationship with others. It changes how we react to our children. It changes how we treat people who might mistreat us.

Mark reminds us today that living life is not about living for us – it’s about living for God and others. We cannot tiptoe around, so afraid that we will offend someone that we cannot enjoy life. However, we must be mindful of others, their beliefs, and treat them the way we would want to be treated.

In the scripture reference this week, Paul is admonishing the people about their indifference towards others. The rich look down on the poor and the poor resent the rich. Everyone thinks they are better than their neighbor. Everyone thinks they deserve more than they’ve been given, basically high school in a nutshell.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 16, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 36
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

WHO ARE YOU? AND WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

Main Scripture Reference for this week: 1 Corinthians 6:12 through 15:58

Temples were built to be Holy places of worship. They were also built to honor the gods. Some were built where the people thought God had visited, like a meteorite crash site.

One of the first temples was built by King Solomon. Mark uses 1 Kings 8 as a contextual reference today and discusses why David wanted to build the temple, but King Solomon won the opportunity. How did Solomon do it? What was so special about Solomon?

We tend to think of names as labels, but they are so much more than that. Names have deep meanings. In Hebrew, one name of God, “Hashem”, was used as an expression to speak about God’s activity on earth – to speak about his spirit. This was a very big deal during King Solomon’s reign, especially in regards to the temple.

Thought for the day: God has a to-do list, and you part of that to-do list. You matter to God. What happens to you matters to God. You can rest assured that you are in good hands as He checks your name off His list of people He is looking after today – tomorrow – and every day.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 15, 2014

Title: The context bible: lesson 36
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

WHO ARE YOU? AND WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

Main Scripture Reference for this week: 1 Corinthians 6:12 through 15:58

In this passage, Paul had been at the church for 18 months. He had been writing letters again. He was good at writing letters. But these were not “oh, how are you – I am good – how are the kids” type of letters. These letters were full of information from Paul for the people to use in their walk with Christ. But unlike previous letters, these did not beat around the bush. Paul got straight to the point, and didn’t back down.

“All things are good, but not all things are lawful”, the Corinthians would say. Paul takes that one step further and says, “All things are good, but not all things are HELPFUL.” The Corinthians also would say, “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach was meant for food”. What in the world is that supposed to even mean?

Listen in as Mark explains the city of Corinth, its customs, rituals, and traditions, specifically regarding food and the preparation of food and the sexual immorality within the city – and even within the temple walls.

Think about this one: Paul is constantly warning the people to stand against temptation, but sexual immorality is the only sin which he tells them to “run and flee” from.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 12, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 35
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

How do people withstand hardship? Terrible, terrible things happen to people every day. Drunk drivers kill entire families. Babies get cancer. Mom or dad has Alzheimer’s. Terrorists are beheading Christians and others in the Middle East.

So, how do we handle the bad stuff? Our first reaction, as humans, is to become angry and bitter. We shake our fists at God and scream to the sky, “Why me? Why my baby? Why my mom?” But, as Christians, we need to look to the sky and cry out, “Lord, give me wisdom. Show me how to take this mess and make something beautiful out of it.”

Paul was ridiculed for his belief in Jesus. The people mocked him day and night. He didn’t care! He proudly stood and proclaimed his love for Jesus, and His love for us. Paul’s life was not all sunshine and roses. Terrible, horrible things happened to him and those he loved. But he saw those situations through the eyes of Jesus and chose to use them for good.

Now, the people were telling Paul, “Look, we don’t need you anymore. We are rich and powerful and we just don’t need you or your God.” Don’t they know they shouldn’t tell Paul no, especially when it comes to God’s teachings and His will for them?

Favorite Quote from this lesson: “We are God’s co-workers.” Think about that.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 11, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 35
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

You can tell your kids you love them a million times a day, but if you constantly yell at them or are negative, your words don’t mean diddly squat. Same goes for our spouses. You can text your wife 10 times a day, just to say “I love you”, but if you come home, plop down in your recliner, and put on the tube, without even kissing her, how can she be sure you really love her?

Today’s segment summed up is: Actions speak louder than words. We’ve probably all heard this starting from a young age. “Johnny, share your toys.” (Action) “Susie, let’s buy some crayons for your friend Missy because she doesn’t have money for them.” (Action) The cashier at the grocery store just dropped your gallon of milk on the floor. You’re already running late and don’t have time for a new gallon to be brought up to the front of the store for you. You yell at the cashier, calling her an idiot! (Baaaaad Action) Same scenario. You tell the cashier “Hey, its ok. I’ll go get a new one. You take a break.” (Better Action)

Now, Paul had his work cut out for him. We’ve gone over this before, but it bears repeating. Paul had to basically erase every religious thought and tradition from the people’s way of life. They worshipped gods and brought them sacrifices. Nope, not anymore. They has specific “prayers” for them. Nope, not anymore. They thought their “actions” would give them favor in God’s eyes. Nope, not gonna happen.

We are God’s workers. We are God’s field. He created us to worship him! Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!

Worship God. Love others. Do your job. And make sure your actions speak louder than your words.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 10, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 35
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

How do you really see the world? Mark has been talking about this for the last few days. You can see the world with wisdom, the way God sees it, or you can see it the way the world sees it. Sounds simple, right? Nope!

One of the scripture references for today is Daniel chapters 5 and 6. In chapter 5, Daniel is writing about a party. And not just any party. This was a par-tay! People were drunk. Very drunk. And a hand begins to write on the wall. A single hand, not attached to a person. A HAND. That would be strange even if you weren’t drunk!! They don’t know what to do, so the King says “Bring in all the wise people.”

All of the king’s “wise people” couldn’t decipher the meaning behind what the HAND is writing on the wall. So here comes Daniel to the rescue. Long story short, Daniel did not deliver good news to the king.

Why was Daniel able to determine the meaning of this and the king’s “wise people” could not? Simply put: Daniel saw things through the eyes of God, not the world. He didn’t rely on himself or things of the world. He relied on God and His word.

How you view the world changes your character and the way you live. If you knew that you only had 100 days until you died, how would you live those days?

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 9, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 35
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Today, Mark references John 14, 15, and 16. These chapters are basically the instructions Jesus gave to the disciples about what to do when He left. Jesus knew what was coming and he knew that the disciples and all His followers would not be thrilled with his arrest and ultimate death on the cross to pay atonement for our sins.

The disciples were clueless; they did not understand why Jesus was going to leave them and, more importantly, why they couldn’t come, too! The disciples were seeing this through “worldly eyes”.

This brings into play the Holy Spirit. If I were living in the age of Jesus and heard what was going to happen to Him on the cross, I would have been skeptical, too. Jesus is saying he’s leaving, but he’s coming back – not as a man, but as a spirit who will dwell in them and they in Him. This had all the disciples scratching their heads.

Mark even makes a reference to “The Chronicles of Narnia” today so all you Narnia fans, listen in! (And every one else, too!)

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 8, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 35
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

How do you see the world? What is really important to you? Are you more interested in the here-and-now, or do you focus on the future? Are you a “the glass is half full or empty” type of person? Mark points out that your perspective of the world might be different if you lived in North Korea, the most persecuted place for Christians in the world.

The world is changing. It is vastly different than even a decade ago. Television has evolved – or gone backwards, depending on your perspective. The internet is everywhere – on smart phones, at home, in the classroom. What is your perspective of the world around you?

It doesn’t matter if you are white, black, or brown, American or Guatemalan, male or female, young or old. Mark is going to tell you what your perspective of the world needs to be. There is only one way. Listen in to find out the truth!

The passage for this week is 1 Corinthians 2:6-16.

My favorite quote from today: “Wisdom is seeing things the way God does. To see things as God sees them is wisdom.”

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 5, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 34
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

Today, Jared Richard concludes this week's lesson. He warns us to be careful how we interact with culture. Culture is not inherintly bad, but we should be the ones who influence and shape culture, not the other way around.

How are your kids influenced by culture? Are they listening to music that honors the Lord? Are they watching television shows that honor the Lord? Most of us listen to and watch things that might not be the most pleasing thing to the Lord. However, if we do not have conversations with our children about the right and wrong things we hear and see, then we are not helping them to grow in the Lord - we are leading them on a downward spiral into lifelong pattern of sin and despair. We cannot choose for them, but we must do all we can while we can to show them the truth.

Jared also poses this question: Has the Gospel changed everything about you? The teachings of the Gospel should impact and influence our daily lives, from raising our children to communicating with spouses. Here's a tough one: What does your life look like at work or on the golf course? What about the hair salon or the gym? OUCH! Did Jared hit a nerve there with anyone?

Lastly, Jared encourages us to pray for the message of God to spread as it did in Paul's time. We hear about ISIS beheading Christians. We see the war (currently under ceasefire agreement) between the Hamas and the Jews. Chinese Christians must hide their faith. We see the battle here in America between the left and the right (politically speaking). People everywhere need Jesus. They yearn for hope and peace and comfort. What are you doing to help the Word of God reach the ends of the earth?

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 4, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 34
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

When Paul would visit a new town, he would always go to the synagogue first. Without fail, the Jews would reject him and his teachings, so he would then head to the gentiles. Paul did this very thing in Ephesus, where he spent two years preaching and teaching. People would come to Paul from all over Asia, requesting he come visit their sick loved ones.

Of course Paul wanted to personally help every single person, but he could not. Some peope would take articles of clothing from Paul, lay it on their loved ones, and they were healed! Amazing! Then there were the copycats who tried to heal people in the name of Jesus, but just succeeded in making people mad - and even getting beaten up!

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1: Every spiritual blessing that we have is in Christ and from Christ. Somehow along the way, we have forgotten this. Jared says that we, as a body of believers, have pulled away from each other and don't depend on other churches like we should. We must remember that despite our differences, we are all one.

Our main purpose on Earth is to proclaim the name of Jesus and His good works, saving souls for His Kingdom. When there is constant bickering among believers, we cannot do the job Christ intended us to do.

It doesn't just affect the church, either. It affects our personal life. Listen in as Jared explains what we must do to avoid falling into this rut. If you're already in the rut - don't fret! You can pull yourself out!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 3, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 34
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

At this point in our study, Paul is being accused of not being “Christian enough”. Say what?!?! The people are saying he is not an eloquent orator and therefore does not measure up to others who are preaching the gospel. They obviously don’t know Paul very well…

I love Paul’s response to this accusation. Paul says he does not need their approval because he is not seeking to elevate himself, like others are doing. He seeks only to exalt Christ and Christ alone. Whoa! You tell ‘em, Paul!

In today’s segment, Jared explains why we are focusing so much on the city and Church of Corinth. The daily activities, and even the annual festivities, are creeping into the Church – and not in a good way. Paul comes to Corinth, learns the culture, gets to know the people, and he decides he is going to do something about all the selfishness and worldly things entering the Church. But, he doesn’t do it the “normal” way; he breaks the mold. He doesn’t want to be just another teacher because he knows the people need more than a drifting man of God. The people need sustenance.

Perfect example of the people’s need for a real leader: The men of Corinth loved the ladies. A lot. If you recall, the city made a bunch of money off the men who loved the ladies. However, these same men were coming into the Church and worshiping Christ the same way they worshipped Aphrodite and the ladies. Now Paul is coming in and saying “Nope. Not anymore. You can’t have both of them. You need to give up the ladies.” (That isn’t a direct quote, just to be clear.) This didn’t bode well with the men. Paul definitely had his work cut out for him, as did the other teachers of the time.

Reminder: We should not follow a specific man or woman because we like their “style”. No matter who is preaching, teaching, singing, or leading us, we should always strive for one thing: to learn more about Jesus Christ and how we can strive to be like Him, not them.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 2, 2014

Title: HE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 34
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

The city of Corinth in Biblical times was a happenin’ place. To sail around the bottom tip of Corinth was treacherous and extremely dangerous, so the people devised a sort of “log railroad system” to pull the boats across land! How would you have like that job? If you wanted to make a lot of money, you would do it, though!

There was another…shall we say “profession” that brought in a great deal of money for the city. This was the very topic of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and why they were so reluctant at first to heed his warnings.

Have you ever wondered why Paul used many sports analogies when writing to the Corinthians? Well, it might due to the Olympic-style games that occurred in the city every two years! These games were another source of revenue.

Jared also discusses the various ways letters and other documents were distributed to the Corinthians and others in ancient times. It’s very interesting! Listen as Jared explains this and other issues facing the city and the people in 1 Corinthians chapter 10.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

September 1, 2014

Title: HE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 34
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

This week, Jared Richard will be continuing with Mark’s study of the Context Bible, taking a look at the churches in Corinth and Ephesus, two of the most important churches in the early movement.

The scripture reference for this week is Acts 18. Jared begins with a brief background about Paul’s missionary journey to Corinth and Ephesus and why it was so important Paul traveled there.

Paul’s journey to Corinth resulted in the books 1 and 2 Corinthians in the Bible, of course. And, not only did Paul travel to Ephesus, but so did Timothy and John. All three men had a huge impact on the church and the city as a whole.

Listen in as Jared explains this further and uses some great quotes from knowledgeable people to tie it all together.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 29, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 33
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Steadfastness is the recognition of an affliction. Steadfastness is enduring the race. Steadfastness is being worthy of the Kingdom of God for which you are fighting, so says Paul.

Jesus Christ was steadfast. He knew the result of his steadfastness would be the ultimate victory for mankind. Imagine what the world would be like today if Jesus had just given up.

In Thessalonians 2, Paul says that the man of lawlessness will appear – the second coming of Jesus Christ. Paul says that Christians must be steadfast in the last days. There will be trials. There will be trouble. We will face terrible persecution.

When we respond in a positive way to affliction, it is very easy to remain steadfast during the trial. Likewise, when we allow negativity to crowd our minds, we become angry and hateful towards the situation and all who are involved. What we think, affects what we do.

Mark says we must take ownership of our own thoughts. Yes, it is possible!! When you finally take control of your own self, then you will be able to handle anything the devil throws at you. Stand boldly and proclaim: “You do NOT have control of me, Satan! I choose to let GOD be my King!”

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 28, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 33
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Older men and women – be good examples for younger generations. This doesn’t mean that young people can do whatever they want. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Today, Mark talks about why we ALL must be truthful, sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, loving, and kind. Paul, likewise, was very concerned with one of these traits: self- control. This attribute pretty much covers all the others. If we are show self-control, we will be kind, not angry. We will not gossip. We will not be tempted with lustful thoughts. We will be truthful. See the trend here?

Right now, you may have zero self-control. Join the club!! It doesn’t happen overnight. People will always be watching, just waiting for you to slip up. No, you won’t be perfect; nowhere near perfect, as we all know. But you can strive to be like Christ. And that is what really matters.

Mark also discusses “affliction” and why it is something we all suffer from. He gives some great illustrations via power point to go along with today’s segment, so make sure you head over to www.Biblical-Literacy.com  to view them.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 27, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 33
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Mark gets into a touchy subject today. Paul was very insistent about one type of sin that really, really affects our “thinking” and “living”. He wrote about it frequently to all the churches. It’s not something we like to talk about openly.

Sexual immorality. Wait, Mark! Wait, Paul! Everybody has needs. Everybody has desires.

You can – and you must – resist this temptation. Sexual immorality equals unholiness. God desires – deserves – our whole self – our whole, pure self. Sexual immorality is not just about adultery or having sex outside of marriage. Lustful thoughts and looking at pornography are sexually immoral, as well. A lot of people forget – or ignore – that fact.

Switching gears, Paul also urges the people of Thessalonica to love each other as Christ loves us. Do not allow petty arguments and everyday matters to get in the way of witnessing to others. Live quietly and do your work. Paul doesn’t mean to be literally “quiet”; Paul means that we should live with a devoted mind so you can live right before God.

What you think effects how you live. Always be mindful of that. When you live your life in the right way, you draw attention to yourself, which in turn draws attention to God.

Mark brings back the spaghetti noodle today. He kindly admonishes us with his reference to the uncooked spaghetti noodle, which is flat and has no substance. But, if you take the whole package of spaghetti and cook it, they intertwine together to make a whole meal.

Our Christian walk is like that. We cannot expect to grow in the Lord and mature as a Christian if we stand alone. Once we become involved and interact with other believers, we get to the meat (or noodle!) of our faith. We can become the whole meal.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 26, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 33
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

In his letters to the various churches, Paul writes a lot about how the people should be “thinking” and then he would tell them about the way they should be “living”. He says, “Let’s get our thinking right, so that we get our lives right!” Easier said than done, Paul!

Why should we care about this? Why should it matter what we think, what we see, what we do? Is it simply because we want to get into heaven? It shouldn’t be. Paul says we belong to God – we are His. When we live the way we should, we are living inside His plan. When we disobey Him and live the way we want to live, we are disrupting that plan.

Scripture Reference for today (and continuing tomorrow): 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

Mark also discusses the difference between two words that people often confuse for the other: Justification and Sanctification. Jesus didn’t come to Earth, live as a man, die a horrible death on a cross, raise from the dead, and ascend into heaven for nothing! He did it for you! And don’t you ever, ever, ever forget that!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 25, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 33
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

We’ve covered the various places Paul has been so far in his journey to spread the Gospel – Galatia, Philippi, Corinth, Beria, Athens, and Thessalonica.

The premise for this week is: how you think effects what you do. If you think garbage, you will live like garbage. There is a reason Paul told the Philippians: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, think on these things”.

Today, Mark compares the Christian walk to a piece of spaghetti. Yes, spaghetti!! Listen in to hear what he says!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 22, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 32
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

Paul says that in order to disciple people, we must show them what ultimately matters and that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Be secure in the Lord, not the approval of man.

Not only must we show people what really matters, we must also work diligently do it. We must work hard. Nobody said that the Christian life would be easy. Nobody said that witnessing to others about Christ would be easy. We all fear rejection. We all fear failure.

Paul also warns us to not allow our integrity to be questioned. Do not give anyone the chance to call into question your motives when sharing the Gospel. Even when you are called names. Even when you are mocked. Even when you are kicked out of someone’s home. Share the Gospel and do it with a loving heart, never quitting – never giving up.

Paul urges us to encourage other believers. Even after Paul established a church and discipled people, he would continuously write them letters of encouragement. Just because he left them, that didn’t mean he was “gone”. Paul also scolded them when they messed up and began to stray away from the Gospel, but he did so in a loving and graceful way.

Finally, we must find delight in watching others grow in the Lord. Are you still moved spiritually when you witness a baptism, or has it become just another “event” on the Sunday morning calendar? If you are a leader in your church, do you get jealous when someone you have trained does a better job than you do? Or are you encouraged to see that person growing in the Lord?

Encouragement for Believers: Dr. Coleman wrote a book and based it on Matthew 28:20 “Lo, I am with you always”. Listen in to this final segment this week to hear why Dr. Coleman uses this verse to encourage us and also to learn how you can be an encouragement to other believers.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 21, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 32
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

Is your life worthy of imitating? Do you see your bad habits in your children? Jared says something really powerful in today’s segment that really struck a chord with me: “You don’t want your life to be recalled for a manufacturer’s defect.”

How would you like some stranger – someone you have never met before – walk around with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? They would stay in your home, eat with you, watch TV with you, go to work with you, interact with your kids. Would it affect the way you behaved toward your spouse and your children? Would you be nicer to your co-workers? Would you help the elderly woman in front of you at the grocery store with her bags? Would you give more homeless men and women and children money or a helping hand?

Now imagine this person is Jesus. Whoa there Nelly! Back up! Beep beep beep! This is supposed to be a stranger and Jesus is no stranger in my life. Or is He?

Jared urges us – implores us – to live daily as if Jesus were physically right beside us. We know He is there in spirit, but if He were here “for real”.

Moving forward, Jared also discusses how discipleship is in a Christian’s life – both being discipled and discipling others. Telling people the truth in grace and love is part of that process of discipling. Jared uses Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in today’s Context Bible lesson as an example of how to address the issue of discipleship.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 20, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 32
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

The Jews were against everything Paul was preaching. They were threatened by Paul, so they kicked him out. This did not deter Paul at all. In fact, it made him even more passionate about spreading the Gospel. Paul endured much pain – both physical and spiritual – for his cause for Christ.

Are you like Paul? Or do you run and hide at the first sign of persecution? Paul once was the persecutor – actively seeking those who believed in Christ to send them to prison or even kill them. Once converted, Paul went full force into action for Christ.

Paul encouraged the people of Thessalonica to get close to others, to become friends with their enemies. Those are the types of people who need Jesus the most. Paul showed his enemies compassion and mercy and told the Thessalonians to do the same.

Oh, how I strive to be like Paul. He didn’t seek Glory from people; he only desired favor in God’s eyes. May we continually thank God for His loving offer to sacrifice His own son to save us from our sin. May we never forget that He died for the sins of the world – the Muslim, the Jew, the atheist – not just Christians. Everyone deserves His love and grace.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 19, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 32
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

Jared continues with the Context Bible today in the book of Thessalonians. He covers Caesar, Antony, Octavia, the battles in between, and the utter unrest in the land.

This was the scene for a long time. There were other religions in the area, as well. But they better beware! Different religions and cultures were accepted, but if they went against Roman law, they were kicked out! No second chances. No trial by jury. Not even a plea before the king. Boom! You were gone.

Jared reads an important letter – Christianity under Claudius – from FF Bruce written in March 1962 in the bulletin of the John Rylands Library. Listen in as Jared shares the significance of the letter in this segment today.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 18, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 32
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is the Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away.

You witnessed to someone. They got saved! Yay! Praise the Lord! Now what?

As Evangelicals, we should have a passion to spread the Gospel. The Great Commission doesn’t stop after “Go unto all the nations, baptizing them”. The rest of the Great Commission says: “and make disciples of them”. We are responsible for the continuation of spreading the Gospel.

Jared Richard talks about Paul’s example on how to disciple new believers in Christ. He will be in Thessalonians this week, focusing on the first few chapters, as well as Acts Chapter 17.

In the first chapter of Thessalonians, the Jews in Thessalonica were mad – spitting angry – with Paul for preaching the Gospel. They were accusing Paul and others of “turning the world upside down”.

Wouldn’t you love to be accused of that? What does the world see in you – a rebel who is willing to go against everything the world is pushing on you? Or, would they even notice a difference between you and “them”?

Listen in as Jared reads from the scriptures, giving a background of Thessalonica, the city’s ties to the Kingdom of Macedonia, and why the Jews pushed Paul away.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 15, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 31
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

You cannot be a gossiper and expect to have a pure heart. You cannot be bitter and be happy at the same time. You cannot have unforgiveness in your life and continue to be blessed by God.

In Deuteronomy 30, the Israelites were warned to change or there would be consequences. Look what happened to them! Yikes!

Points for this week’s lesson: 1) Walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh or by the law. 2) Watch God work with, in, and through you. Open your eyes to things around you. You will be amazed at how blessed you will become, even by the little things.

Mark’s Mom’s Quote: “Whatever you are feeding yourself, is what is going to grow in you.” If you continually watch violent movies or TV shows filled with curse words and sex, you will begin to reflect those characteristics. If you hang around people who are negative all the time, you will become a sad, negative person. Choose to be happy. Choose good things. Choose to fill your life with positivity.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 14, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: LESSON 31
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Are you feeding your flesh or are you feeding the Spirit? Some people use the Gospel as a license to do anything they want. “Since Christ died for our sins, we can just pray for forgiveness over and over again,” they say.

Paul said “NO NO NO!!!” This is NOT what Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection was about. You reap what you sew, people! You can’t just keep messing up and expect life to be great.

Mark uses Luke 17:1-10 as an illustration here. “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come. It would be better if a mill stone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea, then he should cause one of these little ones to sin.” (Little ones meaning anyone.)

Tune in tomorrow to hear the final segment of this lesson, including Mark’s key points.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 13, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 31
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Slavery will always be seen in a negative light. And it should be! It doesn’t matter what race, age, or era a person lives or lived in. Slavery is wrong. Period. “Spiritual slavery” is not different than physical slavery. With spiritual slavery, a person becomes bound to their sin; only Jesus Christ can save them from that bondage.

In Galatians 5, Paul addresses the idea of spiritual slavery. He tells a Roman soldier that spiritual slavery is gone. Dead. And the reason is because of Jesus Christ.

As we continue with Galatians and the context reading plan, Paul tells the people of Galatia that, although the law is important and they must follow the law, God’s law is supreme.

This was a brand new – and quite bizarre – concept for the people. They were living life the same as they were before Jesus died and was resurrected. They believed Jesus to be a great man of God, but not necessarily the Son of God.

Paul said that they were being slaves to the law. But when Jesus died on the cross for their sins, the Spirit made them free. So, Paul was essentially telling them that they were fools! Whoa! Probably NOT a good idea!

Interesting Bible Fact: In the Bible text Mark is referencing today, he points out that this is the only time “falling from grace” is mentioned in the Bible. The only time. That is huge! Listen in as Mark explains further.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 12, 2014

Title: the context bible Lesson 31
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Roman Political/Class System in Paul’s Day:

What did the social status look like in Roman times? The “nobles” were at the top of the food chain. There were appointed senators and equestrians – the land owners and farmers. These were the social elite.

Then there were municipal magistrates and local senators, free-born citizens, and freed slaves. Free-born citizens and freed slaves were two totally different classes of people. It did not matter if you were a freed slave; you did not have the same rights as free-born citizens. In many ways, they were still like slaves.

Then, of course, you had your slaves. The slaves could be bought and sold – even killed – at whim, for no reason whatsoever. The slave owners were given free reign over their slaves.

How does this tie in to the lesson today? Listen in as Mark explains! And tune in tomorrow to hear the rest of the story.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 11, 2014

Title: the context bible Lesson 31
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Mark was recently asked the question: “What is the Gospel?” Well, as you can imagine, Mark had a very good explanation for the inquirer! He references 1 Corinthians 15 in his answer and ties this in to this week’s lesson.

By this point in the Context Bible Plan, Paul has completed his first missionary journey with Barnabas and, at times, John Mark. It was after this journey that Paul wrote the famous letter to the people of Galatia, which we looked at last week.

Paul was concerned about the people of Galatia. He was very passionate about the Gospel – specifically making sure the TRUE Gospel was being taught. There were “teachers” who came after Paul to Galatia. They were misrepresenting the Gospel to these new believers. This was very troubling to him.

After Pentecost, many regions were hearing the Gospel for the first time. There were several that still weren’t being reached. That brings us to Paul’s second journey to Macedonia and Greece. Listen in to hear more!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 8, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: Week 30 - COSMIC DRAMA
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Those who believe in Jesus Christ, His crucifixion, and His resurrection are all one in Jesus Christ. When we get to heaven, there will be no division, no racism, no pain, no heartache. We will all worship as one. What a glorious thought!

Today, Mark talks about adoption. When we hear the word adoption, we think of couples longing for a child, little babies, or orphaned children. We think of new forever families and happy endings.

In Biblical times, adoption meant something far different. A person was usually adopted as payment for a debt or a trade deal. When a family adopted a grown man or woman, they would receive that person’s belongings. The problem is, they also received that person’s debts.

Paul compares this to being adopted into the body of Christ. Not only did Christ die for our sins, He solved the Cosmic Drama by washing those sins away and making us clean. Have you been adopted into the Family of God?

Tune in next week to hear how Paul divided his letters into two parts. Mark focuses on the “practical living” aspect of those letters.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 7, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: Week 30 - COSMIC DRAMA
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Paul is really hitting this Cosmic Drama issue hard. He is not sugar-coating it at all. He told the Jews not to confuse the law with the Cosmic Drama because the law comes last.

The Jews believed that you had to be a “chosen one” in order to find favor with God. Now Paul is saying that’s wrong – you have to be a son of Abraham, a believer in Christ. If you have faith in Christ, you have the same Gospel that Abraham had.

Mark skips to Galatians 4 in this segment and reminds us that we were imprisoned by the law. The law was our guardian until Christ came. Then Christ set us free from those chains and became our guardian.

Side note: I love when Mark goes into detail about what Greek words mean in English. I cannot spell the Greek words though (!!), so listen in as Mark gives a great Greek lesson today.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 6, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: Week 30 - COSMIC DRAMA
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Drama, drama, drama. We all experience it. We all know the signs. What would you have done if you saw the Cosmic Drama unfolding before your eyes between the Jews and the Gentiles?

The Jews making the law more important than Jesus was M A J O R. If they were “right”, Jesus’s appearance on earth was pointless.

Now, we know that is absolutely not true. We need Jesus. That’s the whole point. Paul told the people that if they believed the law over Jesus, they were false teachers. Yikes! Talk about Cosmic Drama!

This was a big dilemma for the Jews because they have been told to follow the law no matter what. Now, Paul, this wonderful teacher and leader and follower of Christ, is telling them “Nope. You’re wrong”.

Scripture Reference: Galatians 3 beginning with verse 1: “Who has pulled this trick on you?”

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 5, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: Week 30 - COSMIC DRAMA
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Up until the time of Jesus, much of the law of the land was just “Cosmic Drama”. When Jesus entered the scene, he fulfilled the law.

To get God’s message, you must dig in to the Scripture. You will never know what He actually wants unless you submerge yourself with His Word.

Today, Mark looks at the Roman Empire and Paul’s first mission trip, the Island of Crete and the southern part of Galatia. There are churches surrounding Paul and this mission. Why is Paul there? Tune in find out why!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 4, 2014

Title: The Context Bible - Cosmic Drama
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Cosmic Drama has unfolded throughout history. Bible scholars are committed to bringing us “drama of cosmic proportions”. Remember Adam and Eve? Talk about drama! You don’t get more dramatic than that!

Look at David and Goliath. Think back on Moses. Don’t even mention Noah!

Now, it wasn’t all “bad drama”. Most are actual real life experiences that give real life lessons. We even get laws that we still follow today! Thou shalt not kill and all that… There is no escaping the Cosmic Drama. Everything in our life is controlled and pre-destined by God.

Listen in as Mark gives more examples of Cosmic Drama this week.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

August 1, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 29: ACTS 13:13 - 14:28
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

And here enters Paul…

Paul and others go to Cyprus and Galatia and other towns, spreading the good news. The first place they always went was the Synagogue. Many knew Paul was Greek and well educated and often asked him to speak. He definitely took advantage of those opportunities!

Takeaway Point #1: Take a little time in the treadmill of life to reflect and hold in awe the God who takes all of our individual choices and plans, weaving together a tapestry that will culminate in the end of days with His Kingdom.

Takeaway Point #2: Never get so caught up in the moment that you forget to reflect on the Author of history.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 31, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 29: ACTS 13:13 - 14:28
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Before the birth of Christ, people longed for a way to read and learn about God, so the Jews complied. That is what we call the Septuagint. Without it, we wouldn’t have the Bible we read today.

Mark explains the events of the day which led the Jewish leaders to translate the Old Testament into Greek.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 30, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 29: ACTS 13:13 - 14:28
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Through of the Jews’ disobedience, we see what God will do when His people sin. But, because of that sin, we also see that God’s plan has a purpose.

In Acts Chapter 2, starting in verse 5, Peter was preaching at Pentecost. This scripture is about how the Jews go back to their homes and the message from Peter about Jesus and His love for us was spread to the corners of the Earth.

Mark also begins talking about the Septuagint, the oldest Greek version of the Old Testament, in this segment.

Listen in tomorrow to hear more about this and why it matters to us today.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 29, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 29: ACTS 13:13 - 14:28
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

The odds of the Christian faith being known across the globe are next to impossible. If it weren’t for God’s perfect design, we wouldn’t know Jesus.

Mark compares the countries that existed during the Roman Empire to the ones that exist now. There was a religious movement that pretty much took over the entire known world at the time. What does that mean for us today? How did Christianity come to America?

Interesting thought: Christianity in Rome was like Duck Dynasty being in Manhattan! It just didn’t fit! The Romans didn’t care about Jesus, the same way the uppity people in Manhattan don’t care about some hillbillies from the back woods!

Listen in to hear how Mark ties this all together today – and make sure you tune in tomorrow to hear more!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 28, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 29: Acts 13:13 - 14:28
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

What is your life about? What is the purpose of your life? Are you just going through the motions or do you live each day with a plan?

One day, you will die. It will happen. There is no escaping death. What will you leave behind? Will you be remembered?

Mark wants to know what you have done today for the Kingdom. If you are not dead, you have a purpose. God still wants you alive for some reason.

Mark uses poker as an example today. Yes, poker. In a Baptist church. If you take one card away from a Royal Flush, you don’t have a Royal Flush. Every card has a purpose. Every card matters.

Compare that to Christianity. Christianity wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for people. We wouldn’t have the Bible or churches. Every person has a purpose. Every person matters.

Tune in tomorrow as Mark talks more about your purpose in life.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 25, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 28: ACTS 9:19 - 13:12
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Mark finishes up this week’s lesson today by talking about Herod’s pride and the consequences of that pride. While Peter denounced the people’s affection and said, “I am not a god; I am simply a vessel”, Herod said, “Yeah, I’m pretty awesome”. Result: Peter’s life was saved and he was used as God’s vessel. Herod was killed.

Moral of the story: Pride comes before the fall.

Food for thought: God’s efficiency, compassion, and justice is seen in the world around us. Nothing is untouched by God. Look around and be a blessing to someone today.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 24, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 28: ACTS 9:19 - 13:12
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

In Ephesians Chapter 3, Paul wrote about Jesus Christ, the Messiah, while in prison. He wrote the letter in hopes that it would be passed around to everyone who was willing to read it, believe it, and accept it.

Paul’s prayer was that the Jews would accept Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for them. This is something that Christians have been wanting for thousands of years. Mark also mentions King Herod and his plot to kill Peter in this segment. But God has another surprise up His sleeve! Listen in as Mark talks about Peter’s deliverance from prison and what Peter does next.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 23, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 28: ACTS 9:19 - 13:12
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Yesterday, Mark discussed Psalm 148 – we are who He created us to be. So, how do we know who He created us to be? What if we are living the wrong way? Today, Mark moves on to Psalm 170 and 171, which almost doesn’t make any sense in this context.

Look at Paul. He was the point-man for the Christian faith. He felt he was too important to be persecuted. He thought he was the best in class.

How wrong was he?!?! He thought he was doing the right thing, but then his life was threatened! How would react?

Over a decade later, Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi, praising God for the things he endured, encouraging them through his suffering!

Listen in as Mark explains why Psalm 170 and 171 are important, the letters of Paul to the Church of Philippi, and the discoveries archeologists have found which give us extraordinary insight about the buried cities of old.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 22, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE Lesson 28: Acts 9:19 - 13:12
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

The Psalms are an important tool to use in order to minister to others. Mark takes a look at Psalm 148 today. The heavens, the angels, the sun, the moon, the stars – even the water – are commanded to praise God.

But, how can an inanimate object praise God? Mark explains that, no, they are not “gods” or “goddesses”, but rather, through their own volition, they are praising God by being who God made them to be.

Are you praising God by being who He made you to be?

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 21, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE Lesson 28: Acts 9:19 - 13:12
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

What does your “Reaction Button” look like? Do you react differently when you’re hungry or tired? Are you predisposed to react a certain way based on your hereditary traits?

Mark counters that and says “You have a choice on how to react”. You don’t have to be “hangry” or “slangry”. You can keep your emotions in check. Yes, it IS possible!

Mark takes a look at Paul’s conversion. Before Paul was a Christian, he was a zealot! He hated Jews! But, instead of being angry or embarrassed about how he had acted before becoming a Christian, Paul rejoiced! He told everyone he met how God had saved even him!

If God can change Paul’s heart, he can change anyone’s!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 18, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: ACT 7:47-9:19
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Why is it so important to Jews that the name of G-d is never written or spoken, but others are ok with it? Are “we” wrong and “they” are right? Mark explains that there is not a right or wrong answer. What is more important is your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Mark’s Point for Home: God owns us. We are not our own. Not in a “slavery” type of ownership, but because He loves us enough to want us. Mark says it’s like being part of the best country club in the world.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 17, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: ACT 7:47-9:19
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Mark continues teaching on the origin of the name of Jesus, or Yhwh. There weren’t any vowels in the original name, so King James added some vowels to make it Jehovah!

Mark also looks at King Solomon and property ownership in Biblical times, specifically a house for the Lord, referencing 1 Kings 8:27.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 16, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: ACT 7:47-9:19
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jews, and even some Christians, will not even write the name of G-d. They will not utter His name. The name of God is THAT holy to them.

Today, Mark gives an interesting lesson on the origin of the name of Jesus, or Yhwh. He makes some observations that I, personally, have never noticed.

For instance, in 1 Kings 6:1 – “…in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, he began to build the house of the Lord” Notice how the “L” is larger than the other capital letters. Why? Well, listen in and Mark will tell you!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 15, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: ACT 7:47-9:19
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

We were all made in the image of God. We were made to fellowship with Him. There is a longing within all of us to be understood and to understand….something. God has revealed Himself in everything we see and do.

Are you allowing God to reveal Himself to you? Or, do you only allow Him in “some of the time”?

On the other hand, what is your own revelation of God? How do you view Him? Is He high on a hill, hidden in the ground, or somewhere in between?

Our relationship with God was never meant to revolve around a “place”. Stephen is trying is best to explain this to the people, but they just aren’t listening.

Listen in as Mark uses Stephen’s explanation to compare the “little gods” to “Big God”.

Side Note: Do you know why the temples and other Holy Places were built on a hill? Because God is in heaven and the people believed the trip would be shorter if they were on a hill! This is the same reason the temples for “gods and goddesses” were on hills, as well.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 14, 2014

Title: The Context Bible: Act 7:47-9:19
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

We have a tendency to see everything through our own “lens”. You have your problems; I have my problems. Too often, we ignore those around us because we are so focused on our own “Stuff”.

So, how are we supposed to “view” the world 2,000 years ago if we can’t even see past our own noses? Aren’t you glad we have the Bible to help us understand?

Today, Mark talks more about Stephen and the leaders of the day. The leaders were having a hard time. They just couldn’t understand Stephen and what he was saying and why. They were utterly confused and bewildered. They were even ashamed and that’s when they decided to destroy Stephen.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 11, 2014

Title: The Context Bible: Acts 7:45-7:47
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away. This week’s supplemental scripture references are: 2 Samuel Chapters 13-24 and 1 Chronicles Chapters 22-29.

The actual definition of inerrancy is: the doctrine that the Bible is without error or fault in all its teaching and that Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact.

Wow. That is complex! No wonder there is confusion among non-believers – and even believers!

Jared dives into more of an explanation in this final segment today. He says we have to consider the culture back when the books of the Bible were written – the way they talked and worshipped was different than it is now.

He says that we must look beyond the “words” and think about what the authors were trying to “say”.

Listen in as Jared explains.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson's unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 10, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: ACTS 7:45-7:47
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away. This week’s supplemental scripture references are: 2 Samuel Chapters 13-24 and 1 Chronicles Chapters 22-29.

The term inerrancy means different things to different people. There are 3 positions Biblical scholars take: 1) absolute inerrancy, 2) full inerrancy, and 3) limited inerrancy. Jared uses examples from Dr. Erickson to explain the differences in the three.

He also poses the question: Why should the church be concerned about inerrancy at all? Some say it is distracting and negative and we should use a positive term instead. However, Jared points out that we must acknowledge the inerrancies for a specific, historical importance.

This segment is great! You don’t want to miss it, especially when Jared starts talking about collard green and fried chicken!

For the lesson's unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 9, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: ACTS 7:45-7:47
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away. This week’s supplemental scripture references are: 2 Samuel Chapters 13-24 and 1 Chronicles Chapters 22-29.

As Christians, we a preaching people. We are praying people. We are Bible people. We rely on the truth in the Bible to speak into our lives. We trust that it is factual. We want to believe that the Bible is inerrant.

So what about this discrepancy? Should we ignore it? Should we continue to look for more discrepancies? What if you meet someone who uses this small part of the Bible to dismiss the entire idea of Jesus, the resurrection, and God as a whole?

Jared says we, as Christians, need to know our “stuff”. In today’s segment Jared gives you some helpful talking points to guide non-believers to the truth. He also goes into a deeper explanation of inerrancy and why it is such a significant issue.

For the lesson's unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 8, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE: ACTS 7:45-7:47
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away. This week’s supplemental scripture references are: 2 Samuel Chapters 13-24 and 1 Chronicles Chapters 22-29.

Today, Jared talks about how Bible scholars have discovered discrepancies in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicle. He does point out, however, that there is one over-arching narrative that the books have in common, which also resonates throughout the entire Bible.

He wants to give you several talking points when someone questions the Bible and these inconsistencies. In fact, he makes it so easy to understand that even a child could do it!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 7, 2014

Title: The Context Bible - Acts 7:45-7:47
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Jared Richard is Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and is standing in this week while Mark is away. This week’s supplemental scripture references are: 2 Samuel Chapters 13-24 and 1 Chronicles Chapters 22-29.

Jared talks about the nature of scripture and the context of specific books of the Bible. There is a reason why certain stories are mentioned in detail in the Bible and why some are barely mentioned.

Jared recommends some great books that will help you in understanding the Canons in the New Testament: FF Bruce’s The Canon of Scripture and Scripture in Truth edited by D.A. Carson and John Woodbridge.

He also recommends inerrancy Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, which he lovingly calls Old Faithful.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 4, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - ACTS 7:45
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Can you relate to David and his sins? Can you relate to Bathsheba or her husband? Everyone has problems. Everyone mourns the loss of a loved one. Everyone has money issues – even if you’re fabulously wealthy.

Mark concludes his look at David and his shortcomings.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 3, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - ACTS 7:45
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

David has his fair share of disappointing days. He was definitely what many people would call “honorable”. Why would God choose to use this man, when he messes up over and over again?

Have you ever wondered why God has chosen to use YOU? What makes YOU so special? Mark says you ARE specials, you ARE unique, and you DO have a purpose in God’s army – and in His Kingdom.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 2, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - ACTS 7:45
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

The Bible is full of poetry. Mark shows us that Hebrew poetry does not rhyme, but it repeats itself in a way that paints a beautiful picture for the reader. Mark gives several examples of this in today’s short segment.

He also reminds us that we are hand-picked by God. God chose each of us for a specific reason. If we want God’s presence in our lives, then we need to heed His word and listen to the call He has placed on us. There will be disappointing days, but the good days will far outnumber the bad.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

July 1, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - ACTS 7:45
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

David was looking to serve the Lord, even though it didn’t really seem like. David was definitely a work in progress.

Are you a work in progress? Aren’t we all? What made David so special? What makes us special?

Back to David, God told him He would take care of him. In fact, He was going to build David a house! Wow! Even after all he done, adultery, murder, and disobedience - even being disappointed with God - he still found favor in God’s eyes.

Listen in as Mark uses 1 Chronicles 16:8 to show how David’s “great day” was such a wonderful praise song to God.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher [here].

June 30, 2014

Title: The Context Bible - Acts 7:45
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Mark continues teaching on Acts 7:45 and the supporting Scripture on Stephen’s speech this week. The theme of this week was about Stephen and his discussion with God. The intimacy was unlike anything the people had ever seen.

Mark also looks at the book of John, chapters 14-16, where Jesus had his final discourse with his apostles. He tells them, “You will know Him because He is with you.” How was this possible? We know, but the apostles were clueless.

What about Nathan? Do you remember the story of Nathan and how he was important in the life of David? Listen in as Mark shares the first installment of this week’s lesson.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi- ivpress/book.pl/code=3667.

June 27, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - A CAUSE TO CONTINUE
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Pastor Averri LeMalle
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 5

We conclude Pastor Averri LeMalle’s May 25, 2014 sermon today, “A Cause to Continue”, from the Context Bible Series. The disciples were not perfect. They were fallen men who followed a perfect man. They believed in Jesus so much that they were willing to drop everything and serve Him and others.

Are you willing to do the same? Are willing to drop everything to follow Him? You don’t have to do this literally. Not everyone is called to be a missionary in Uganda or the pastor of a church. You may have some “stuff” in your life that just really shouldn’t be there. Examine your life and what you are WILLING to sacrifice in complete obedience to Him.

If you have not surrendered your life to Christ, and would like more information about how to become a Christian, please call Champion Forest Baptist Church. They would be more than WILLING to pray with you. Call (281) 440-3800.

If you do not have a church home, consider visiting Champion Forest this Sunday for their pre-Fourth of July celebration. They offer both English and Spanish services on Sunday morning and throughout the week.

Visit their website www.ChampionForest.org  for more information. 

June 26, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - A CAUSE TO CONTINUE
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Pastor Averri LeMalle
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 4

Pastor Averri LeMalle delivered a powerful sermon on May 25, 2014, at Champion Forest Baptist Church. The sermon is part of the Context Bible Series and is entitled “A Cause to Continue”, from the Scripture passage in Acts 2:1-13, 21.

When you have the Holy Spirit within you, you have the power to receive messages from God. You can then tell others about his love and forgiveness.

The disciples experienced the mighty works of God on a daily basis. When they spoke in tongues, they were like “Whoa! What is going on?” But did they run away? Did they hide their faces and stop communicating? NO WAY! They pumped it up and went crazy for God!

Footnote: “You can do without being, but you cannot be without doing.” The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses. Will you accept the challenge from the Holy Spirit and be a willing witness?

June 25, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - A CAUSE TO CONTINUE
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Pastor Averri LeMalle
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 3

Pastor Averri LeMalle delivered a powerful sermon on May 25, 2014, at Champion Forest Baptist Church. The sermon is part of the Context Bible Series and is entitled “A Cause to Continue”, from the Scripture passage in Acts 2:1-13, 21.

The disciples not only tended to the work of God, but they willingly allowed God to work through them. They were willing witnesses. They were willing helpers. In fact, they were so willing to let the Holy Spirit work in their lives that they spoke in tongues. We all know the story, but do you really know why it happened? What was God trying to prove? That He was better than the little gods? He didn’t have to!

What is very significant about this story is that the disciples were actively pursuing God and His Holy spirit. Have you actively pursued the Holy Spirit lately? Pastor Averri encourages you to do that today! You will feel refreshed and renewed! 

June 24, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - A CAUSE TO CONTINUE
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Pastor Averri LeMalle
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 2

Pastor Averri LeMalle delivered a powerful sermon on May 25, 2014, at Champion Forest Baptist Church. The sermon is part of the Context Bible Series and is entitled “A Cause to Continue”, from the Scripture passage in Acts 2:1-13, 21.

What are you willing to wait for? We are all afraid to ask God for “patience” because we know what will happen – He will surely provide us with situations that will require plenty of it!

In today’s brief segment from Pastor Averri’s sermon, he talks about why we must be willing to wait. We live in a fast-paced society. We want answers now! Pastor Averri reminds us to take the “waiting period” as an opportunity to tell others of the love and faithfulness of God.

June 23, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - A Cause to Continue
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Pastor Averri LeMalle
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 1

Pastor Averri LeMalle delivered a powerful sermon on May 25, 2014, at Champion Forest Baptist Church. The sermon is part of the Context Bible Series and is entitled “A Cause to Continue”, from the Scripture passage in Acts 2:1-13, 21.

In today’s short segment, Pastor Averri begins with the story of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He compares the soldier’s willingness and faithfulness to stand guard day and night, in all kinds of weather, to the Saints who gathered to wait on the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

Are you willing to wait on the Holy Spirit to move in you? The Holy Spirit is already there, if you are a believer. You just need to recognize its power.

June 20, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 23: ACTS 7:45
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

The olive and fig trees were sacred in ancient times. They not only gave shade, but were a major source of nourishment. Olive trees provided olive oil, which was used by everyone, no matter how rich or poor. Grapevines were also vital to the economy of the time – and still are today.

Thorn bushes were not loved. They were burned. They hurt you. They did not offer shade. They were basically despised.

What’s the point? Listen in as Mark concludes his lesson today, focusing on Stephen and Gideon.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3667.

June 19, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 23: ACTS 7:45
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

We continue to look at Gideon, who is now constructing an Army, and tells his troops, “If you’re scared, go home!” Over 10,000 men left, but Gideon was still the victor. Gideon allowed the fame go to his head and takes a lot wives and has even more kids. Mark goes on to talk about Gideon’s son who went a little crazy (like father, like son). Listen in to find out what he did!

Interesting Fact: Paul poses the question in Romans: “What is the advantage of being a Jew?” For starters, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. How cool is that? The actual Oracles of God were given to the Jews.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  Attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center (located near the center of the church building) for his Life Group class, which begins at 11 AM. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

Listen in every day to hear a portion of Mark’s lesson.

Remember, you can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi-press/book.pl/code=3667.

June 18, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 23: ACTS 7:45
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

Lo and behold, an angel appeared to Gideon! And Gideon argued with him! He said “I can’t do that!” But the Lord, through the angel, was not going to accept that response. So, Gideon goes a little nuts, kills a goat, thinks he is going to die, kills his dad’s bull, and breaks the altar of Baal. What?!?! What is going on with Gideon? Listen in to hear what happens next!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

You can order a copy of his new book on Amazon or direct from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3667.

June 17, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE - LESSON 23: ACTS 7:45
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

There have been arguments for millennia as to “why” Judges breaks all the rules of the Bible and refuses to be chronological. Today, Mark discusses why Judges is not in “order”. Then, he looks at Gideon and the Mennonites. The Mennonites were nomads – scavengers, hunters, thieves. When the Israelites complained to God, what happened? Even if you “think” you know – listen in! You might be surprised at what actually happened!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

You can order a copy of his new book on Amazon or direct from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3667.

June 16, 2014

Title: The Context Bible Lesson 23 - Acts 7:45
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

So far with the Context Bible, Mark has gone through the Gospel of John and is now taking us through Acts, studying the Holy Spirit in the Church. Mark supplements scriptures from the rest of the Bible during his Life Group class every Sunday, while the “meat” of the Context Bible comes from John, Acts, and Revelations (which will begin in November) in the sermons every Sunday.

This week, Mark continues to look at Acts 7:45. He is focusing on the stoning of Stephen and Stephen’s speech in today’s brief lesson. What does Stephen’s speech actually mean? Is it even important? YES! Mark shows how Luke then takes Stephen’s speech and uses it. Very interesting stuff today. Listen in!

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

You can order a copy of his new book on Amazon or direct from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3667.

June 6, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 21: ACTS 7:9-7:44
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, concludes his lesson on "THE CONTEXT BIBLE Acts 7:9-44."

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

June 5, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 21: ACTS 7:9-7:44
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, continues his lesson on "THE CONTEXT BIBLE Acts 7:9-44."

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

June 4, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 21: ACTS 7:9-7:44
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, continues his lesson on "THE CONTEXT BIBLE Acts 7:9-44."

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

June 3, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 21: ACTS 7:9-7:44
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, continues his lesson on "THE CONTEXT BIBLE Acts 7:9-44."

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

June 2, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 21: Acts 7:9-7:44
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, begins his lesson on "THE CONTEXT BIBLE Acts 7:9-44."

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 30, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 20: ACTS 2:14-2:41; ACTS 7:1-7:8
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, concludes his lesson on "THE CONTEXT BIBLE Acts 2:14-2:41; Acts 7:1-7:8."

In this last segment of this lesson, Mark discusses "When the Spirit of the Lord comes, what is there to fear"?

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 29, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 20: ACTS 2:14-2:41; ACTS 7:1-7:8
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, continues his lesson on "THE CONTEXT BIBLE Acts 2:14-2:41; Acts 7:1-7:8."

In this fourth segment of this lesson, Mark discusses what the apostles did in the days after Pentecost"?

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 28, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 20: ACTS 2:14-2:41; ACTS 7:1-7:8
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day3

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, begins his lesson on "THE CONTEXT BIBLE Acts 2:14-2:41; Acts 7:1-7:8."

In this third segment of this lesson, Mark discusses that God told Isaiah to "comfort my people". God is a loving God and wants his people to have fun. Why are Christians thought of as not having "fun"?

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 27, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 20: ACTS 2:14-2:41; ACTS 7:1-7:8
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day2

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, begins his lesson on "THE CONTEXT BIBLE Acts 2:14-2:41; Acts 7:1-7:8."

In this second segment of this lesson, Mark discusses what the apostles understood when Jesus told them he was going to send the Holy Spirit. And, as he said he would, when the Hold Spirit was sent, it convicted men of their sins. They then asked, "What do we do to get forgiveness from our sins"?

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 26, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 20: Acts 2:14-2:41; Acts 7:1-7:8
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day1

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, begins his lesson on "THE CONTEXT BIBLE Acts 2:14-2:41; Acts 7:1-7:8."

In this first segment of this lesson, Mark covers last weeks reading that was not covered since there was no Sunday morning lesson. The subject is the Passover and the appearance of speaking in tongues, which enabled the many people that spoke different languages to understand the message being delivered by the apostles.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 16, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 18: JOHN 18:1-20:29
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, concludes his lesson on "The Context Bible: Lesson 18 - John 18:1 to 20:29."

John records Jesus' arrest adding a few more details than the earlier written gospels. The core reading in John 18:1-27 notes not only Judas's betrayal and the subsequent arrest, but also Peter's denial of Jesus. John's passage to Peter cutting off the right ear of the high priest's servant in the garden is an indication to many that Peter was left-handed. (A left handed wielding of a sword would cut off an opposing person's right ear.)

The context readings provide some additional insights and word play from Matthew's gospel, as well as historical information on the high priest's garb. The context also provides basic living ideas from Proverbs for applicability to everyday life.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 15, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 18: JOHN 18:1-20:29
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, continues his lesson and series on "The Context Bible: Lesson 18 - John 18:1 to 20:29."

John records Jesus' arrest adding a few more details than the earlier written gospels. The core reading in John 18:1-27 notes not only Judas's betrayal and the subsequent arrest, but also Peter's denial of Jesus. John's passage to Peter cutting off the right ear of the high priest's servant in the garden is an indication to many that Peter was left-handed. (A left handed wielding of a sword would cut off an opposing person's right ear.)

The context readings provide some additional insights and word play from Matthew's gospel, as well as historical information on the high priest's garb. The context also provides basic living ideas from Proverbs for applicability to everyday life.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 14, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE Lesson 18: John 18:1-20:29
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, continues his lesson and series on "The Context Bible: Lesson 18 - John 18:1 to 20;29."

John records Jesus' arrest adding a few more details than the earlier written gospels. The core reading in John 18:1-27 notes not only Judas's betrayal and the subsequent arrest, but also Peter's denial of Jesus. John's passage to Peter cutting off the right ear of the high priest's servant in the garden is an indication to many that Peter was left-handed. (A left handed wielding of a sword would cut off an opposing person's right ear.)

The context readings provide some additional insights and word play from Matthew's gospel, as well as historical information on the high priest's garb. The context also provides basic living ideas from Proverbs for applicability to everyday life.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 13, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE Lesson 18: John 18:1-20:29
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, continues his lesson and series on "The Context Bible: Lesson 18 - John 18:1 to 20;29."

John records Jesus' arrest adding a few more details than the earlier written gospels. The core reading in John 18:1-27 notes not only Judas's betrayal and the subsequent arrest, but also Peter's denial of Jesus. John's passage to Peter cutting off the right ear of the high priest's servant in the garden is an indication to many that Peter was left-handed. (A left handed wielding of a sword would cut off an opposing person's right ear.)

The context readings provide some additional insights and word play from Matthew's gospel, as well as historical information on the high priest's garb. The context also provides basic living ideas from Proverbs for applicability to everyday life.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 12, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE Lesson 18: John 18:1-20:29
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

Renowned attorney and Bible Study Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Mark Lanier, begins his lesson and series on "The Context Bible: Lesson 18 - John 18:1 to 20;29."

John records Jesus' arrest adding a few more details than the earlier written gospels. The core reading in John 18:1-27 notes not only Judas's betrayal and the subsequent arrest, but also Peter's denial of Jesus. John's passage to Peter cutting off the right ear of the high priest's servant in the garden is an indication to many that Peter was left-handed. (A left handed wielding of a sword would cut off an opposing person's right ear.)

The context readings provide some additional insights and word play from Matthew's gospel, as well as historical information on the high priest's garb. The context also provides basic living ideas from Proverbs for applicability to everyday life.

Mark Lanier is a practicing attorney who also holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from David Lipscomb University. He is both a committed student of Scripture and an excellent communicator of its truths.

For the lesson unedited audio, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and and then go the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 9, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 17: JOHN 7:25-36
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 5

Jared Richard is Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and continues this weeks lesson on "The Context Bible Lesson 17: John 7:25-36."

Jared is standing in this week while Mark is away.

For the lesson video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark Lanier invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go to the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 8, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 17: JOHN 7:25-36
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 4

Jared Richard is Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and continues this weeks lesson on "The Context Bible Lesson 17: John 7:25-36."

Jared is standing in this week while Mark is away.

For the lesson video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark Lanier invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go to the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 7, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 17: JOHN 7:25-36
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 3

Jared Richard is Associate Pastor to Young Adults and Missions at Champion Forest and continues this weeks lesson on "The Context Bible Lesson 17: John 7:25-36."

Jared is standing in this week while Mark is away.

For the lesson video, handouts, and PowerPoint slides click [here].

If you do not have a church home, Mark Lanier invites you to come to Champion Forest Baptist Church, attend the early service at 9:30 AM and then go to the Family Life Center located near the center of the church building for his Biblical Literacy class, which begins at 11 am. Mark’s class averages about 800 people every Sunday, so don’t be shy! Come and join them this Sunday!

May 6, 2014

Title: THE CONTEXT BIBLE LESSON 17: JOHN 7:25-36
Topic: The Context Bible

Discussed by Jared Richard
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)