June 29, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor David Fleming
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 3

Pastor David Fleming is the Senior Pastor at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Northwest Houston. He filled in for Mark Lanier on June 19, 2016, teaching on Revelation during the Biblical Literacy Life Group class. Listen in every day this week to hear a portion of the lesson.

Pastor Fleming teaches more on the devil in this segment: When will he be bound? Is he already bound? Was he bound on the cross? What is the devil’s goal?

Also discussed is the “postmillennium” idea of The End Times, where Christ returns after the millennium. People who trust in this believe that things will just get better and better until Christ comes. And what is “awhmillennium”? This is the category where most Baptists and Catholics fall. Listen in as Pastor Fleming explains this in more detail.

Why do people believe in “pre”, “post”, or “awh” millennium? We know the difference between each now, but “why”? Pastor Fleming gives suggestions and quickly goes through several Scriptures for reference.

Bonus: What is David Fleming’s opinion on the End Times?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 28, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor David Fleming
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 2

Pastor David Fleming is the Senior Pastor at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Northwest Houston. He filled in for Mark Lanier on June 19, 2016, teaching on Revelation during the Biblical Literacy Life Group class. Listen in every day this week to hear a portion of the lesson.

Pastor Fleming reveals the three main thoughts concerning The End Times: “awhmillennium”, “premillennium”, and “postmillennium”. There is a fourth: the “panmillennium”.

First, he looks at the “premillennium” and uses Revelation 20 as the reference. Most of us have read or at least heard a sermon on this passage before, but Pastor Fleming explains it in a way which you may not have heard before. How long is a one thousand years? Is it true time? Or is it “God-time”? Listen in to hear Pastor Fleming’s opinion!

Tune in tomorrow as Pastor Fleming continues to explain what the future of the church looks like and why Christians can be confident that God has a place for us prepared for Eternity.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 27, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Revelation
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor David Fleming
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 1

Pastor David Fleming is the Senior Pastor at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Northwest Houston. He filled in for Mark Lanier on June 19, 2016, teaching on Revelation during the Biblical Literacy Life Group class. Listen in every day this week to hear a portion of the lesson.

Pastor Fleming recalls a time, about eight years ago, when he preached a series about The End Times. Mark Lanier invited him to lunch for his birthday and proceeded to tell Pastor Fleming that he didn’t agree with a lot of what he was preaching! What? Why would he do that? On his birthday? Listen in as Pastor Fleming tells the story and why disagreeing on issues can be both a good and bad thing!

It is important that we believe Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified and died on the cross, rose again three days later, and will come again in a shout of Glory! It seems, however, that there are various interpretations on when the events will happen.

Today, Pastor Fleming reveals the three main thoughts concerning The End Times: “amillennium”, “premillennium”, and “postmillennium”. There is a fourth: the “panmillennium”. What is that? Tune in tomorrow as he explains each one.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 24, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Second and Third John
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)

Part 5

Yesterday, Dr. David Capes’ segment ended with a cliff-hangar: “The Scoundrel in the Church”. What did he mean by that? John called them “wicked nonsense”. Dr. Capes points out that while the scoundrels in John’s time are different than today, they are no less wicked; perhaps more so. Listen in.

The end of Third John is quite interesting. John stresses the importance of being close to one another. Dr. Capes shares a short testimony of what he loves about a certain church which brings him much encouragement.

NOTE: Mark Lanier was still in England last Sunday for the Biblical Literacy class, so Champion Forest Senior Pastor David Fleming filled in. Please tune in next week as Dr. Fleming shares more details from the book of Revelation, expanding on what Mark Lanier taught a few weeks ago.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 23, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Second and Third John
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)

Part 4

So, who is Jesus?

Today, Dr. David Capes will be discussing true salvation and Jesus. So many “think” they are Christians, but they don’t even know the half of it. They believe in Jesus, but not that he was necessarily the Son of God in human form. Listen in as Dr. Capes uses specific references and real-life experiences to explain his position.

Dr. Capes also moves on to the book of Third John in this segment. Who was it written to? Why did the greeting include a “good health wish”? What was John trying to convey and encourage in the letter? Is hospitality and friendship vital to the Christian walk?

Listen in to the final segment with Dr. David Capes as he reveals who the “scoundrel in the church” is.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 22, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Second and Third John
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)

Part 3

In Second and Third John, John was telling the people that there was some “stuff” going on within the church that was not right. John told the people that if they turn back to God, then all will be made right. He warned them, however, of the consequences if they did not.

John also writes about false teachers, or the anti-Christ. He actually mentions that there are “many” anti-Christs. But I thought there was just one anti-Christ. Listen in as Dr. Capes explains what this means. Also, what is a “phantom Christ”?

Dr. Capes uses apples and iron to explain the love of Christ and how his love never fails compared to the ever-disappointing world.

BONUS: Dr. David Capes makes up a new word “themeatizes” in this segment. Listen in to find out what that means!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 21, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Second and Third John
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)

Part 2

Dr. David Capes continues explaining the Second Book of John and the significance of the greeting at the beginning of the book: “From the Elder to the Lady and her Children”. The information following this greeting is extremely important to understand, as well. For instance, the titles given to elders have specific meanings, some that are still used today.

“The books of Second and Third John were often ignored back then, much like they are today,” Dr. Capes says. People just could not seem to agree on the information written. Dr. Capes uses several examples to shed more light on this subject and also reveals a special secret – listen in!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 20, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Second and Third John
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)

Part 1

Dr. David Capes is the Academic Dean at the Houston Graduate School of Theology.  He also served as a Professor of New Testament at Houston Baptist University for twenty-five years.  He has authored, co-authored, and co-edited many books and was the co-host of the radio program “A Show of Faith” for twelve years.  Dr. Capes is filling in this week while Mark anxiously awaits the birth of his first grandchild in England!  The study this week is on Second and Third John.

Dr. Capes believes that it definitely matters what we say to others about Jesus and it matters what we say about other religions.  If we want others to respect our faith and opinions, then we must respect theirs.  We can still proclaim the truth in love, but we must always respect them.

Dr. David Capes reminds us that every book of the Bible is important.  The books of Second and Third John really talk about who Jesus is and how he really does matter; what we do with our knowledge of Jesus matters, too.

The beginning of Second John begins: “From the Elder to the Lady and her Children”.  What does this even mean?  Who was the elder?  Was it John?  Who was the lady?  Who were the children?  Dr. Capes uses some great references to explain this.  He doesn’t quite finish his explanation today, so tune in tomorrow to hear more!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 17, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

Mark concludes his lesson on Revelation today. Satan is bound and he cannot break the stronghold! He will be bound for a long period of time. Mark points out that there is much disagreement on how long Satan will be bound. Listen in as he offers some opinions and explanations.

Mark also discusses how the beginning of time (The Garden of Eden) sets the precedent for the end of time (Jesus’s Second Coming). God had a plan all along and your life is a beautiful addition to that plan!

Points for Home:
1) Praise the Lord! Study Psalm 117…
2) Praise the Lord! Study Jude…
3) Praise the Lord! Listen in!

We know that the end will not be pretty, but we also know that the old will pass away and sin will be no more. If you are a Christian, you can hold fast to that truth and trust that you will ascend to Heaven to be with God forevermore. If you are not a Christian, we urge you to seek counsel at your church or any church. Champion Forest Baptist Church is the home of Mark Lanier. They have many pastors and counselors that would love to speak with you about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You can contact Champion Forest at 281.440.3800.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 16, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

Second Section: Revelation 4-7: The Persecution of Christ and the Four Horsemen

Third Section: Revelation 8-11: Seven Trumpets – Warning signals for people outside the church to come to Jesus. However, as Mark points out, most people will not hear the trumpets as a warning and will not turn their life to Jesus. “But that doesn’t change the fact that God is giving them a warning,” he states.

Mark reads from Revelation 12 about the amazing vision that is revealed. He also explains the other sections of the book. He pauses for a minute for Revelation 20-22: More than Conquerors – the New Heaven and New Earth – and tells a story of a debate he witnessed on this very subject as a teenager. Listen in!

Mark will conclude his look at Revelation tomorrow with the explanation of what chapter 20 means and what Jesus was trying to convey in Matthew 12:24. They are directly correlated to one another in a way that can only be explained because of God. Satan is bound and he cannot break the stronghold! Amen and amen!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 15, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

Today, Mark compares Revelation 1:4-20 and Daniel 7. God is sitting on a throne. There are heavenly beings. The Son of Man is mentioned. The Saints are given a Kingdom. The coming of the Son of Man of a cloud. A book of judgment. A detailed description of a heavenly figure. Emotional distress due to division. And heavenly counsel for the believer.

So what does all this mean? Mark explains that the book of Daniel is separated into two different sections: the narrative story and a future vision section. Listen in as he gives examples of each. “It’s like an onion,” he says. “If you peel back an onion, you’re going to get the same thing on the next layer!”

As for Revelation, scholars vary vastly on their opinion on how to read and decipher it. Mark suggests reading Revelation in the same way we read Daniel – in sections. Listen in as Mark explains how and why to do this.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 14, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

Mark continues to explain details of The Dead Sea Scrolls in this segment today and how it is an apocalyptic form of literature. The way the Jews wrote was for a specific reason and The Dead Sea Scrolls proclaim some amazing edicts. “They give us insight into what the messages would have said to the people,” Mark says. But they weren’t actual Scripture and therein lies some confusion. Listen in as Mark reveals more about The Dead Sea Scrolls, Revelation, and the correlation to Daniel.

Book reference: “The Use of Daniel in Jewish Apocalyptic Literature in the Revelation of St. John” by G.K. Beale.

Tune in tomorrow as Mark compares Revelation 1:4-20 and Daniel 7.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 13, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

Reminder: Apocalypse means an unveiling, a disclosing, to remove from and display. We seemed to have transformed the word into meaning “End Times” or something devastating, which isn’t all that accurate.

What is the structure of Revelation and why is it important? “It’s God divine inspired Scripture,” Mark says.

What does X-Men have to do with the apocalypse? Check out this segment with Mark as he begins this week’s study.

NOTE: Summer Series begins June 19 (in class, June 27 online) and it entitled: “Why I’m Not…” You don’t want to miss it!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 10, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

There are four general views of the book of Revelation: Preterist view, Historicist View, Idealist View, and Futurist View. Mark gives some examples of each view and explains them in more detail. What’s his view? Listen in!

Points for Home:
God provides
We are blessed
Revelation 1:5-6

Next week, Mark will continue in the book of Revelation with a look at the structure of the book and why it is important to understand what the message is.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 9, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

The book of Revelation is written in such a way that the reader receives a vivid, very real image of the End Times. In fact, the type of literature used in writing the book is called “apocalyptic”, which means an unveiling. The Jews were the first use this genre of writing, and the Dead Sea Scrolls are perfect examples. Listen in as Mark reads more and also uses Luke 1:32 as a reference.

Tune in tomorrow for the final segment in the introduction to Revelation. Mark will be breaking down more individual verses, showing how they really correlate to other Scripture in the Bible. He also gives a dire warning to all believers concerning Revelation and the End Times.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 8, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

Who wrote the book of Revelation? Mark shares some information about the Island of Patmos, where “John” wrote some of his letters. Sometimes “John” wrote about himself as a man and sometimes he wrote as a “messenger of God”. Listen in as Mark discusses the significance of this and which “John” wrote the book. Was it the Apostle John or some other John?

At the end of this segment, Mark randomly flips to different passages in Revelation to prove a point about the truth it reveals. Tomorrow, he gives his opinion about the origin of the book and “apocalyptic literature”.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 7, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

Mark suggests reading the book of John if you have questions about Jesus and the Gospel. He tells a story of a friend who did, then he read the book of Matthew, then he read Revelation. The outcome may not be what you think – listen in!

Mark also has a great slideshow of what people from the internet think about Revelation and the End Times. (Note: At the time of this write-up, the lesson notes were not available at www.biblical-literacy.com Please check back at a later date to view the slideshow.) So many think they know when the end of world will happen. There have been countless books about it and proclamation after proclamation over the years. But, truth be told, no one except God himself knows when Jesus is coming back. Amen for that!

Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 6, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: REVELATION
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

Mark Lanier will be studying the book of Revelation this week, with an emphasis on three phrases: God loves us, God freed us, and God saved us.

Mark explains that Revelation is very different than any other book in the Bible. “It’s kind of like a puzzle,” he says. “There are different perspectives and different approaches.” You have to be careful, he warns, what you believe from the book.

NOTE: In a few weeks, we will have a special guest because Mark and his wife, Becky, will be in England for the birth of their first grandchild! Exciting news!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 3, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey - First John: Final Thoughts
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

The Bible tells of the blessings we receive from God over and over again. We know that Jesus loves us – he proved that on the cross. We, likewise, must show Jesus that we love him by our obedience. But, we must realize and understand WHY we love and obey him so we can properly show others how to follow Jesus.

Points for Home: 1. Remember that God is greater than your heart. Don’t let your feelings be interpreted as reality.
2. Decide to love not only those you like, but your enemies as well.

Scripture References: John 3:35; John 14:32; John 14:23; 1 Kohn 4:19

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 2, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey - First John: Final Thoughts
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

The words conveyed by John to the people in 1 John 4 are still very applicable to us today, maybe even more so with social media and technology. News travels fast – especially the words of false prophets and teachers.

Are we living in the End Times? Many think so – but many have also thought this throughout history. John though they were living in the End Times and that was a long, long, long time ago!

Final Trip Down Memory Lane: The Role of Love. Have you ever read a book by author Francis Schaeffer? He is a hard read! Mark uses him to explain a little bit of First John. Tune in tomorrow to hear his final thoughts on this.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

June 1, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John - Final Thoughts
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

Mark continues his comparison of Psalm 42 and 43 with First John today. He says, “Don’t ever let your feelings dictate your reality.” We can grieve and hurt, but always let your mind reassure your heart that there is a God who loves you.

Mark also takes another stroll down memory lane, and this brings us to “Testing the Spirits”. Listen in as he tells the story of “Eddie”. Eddie was not a Christian and did not believe in God, but he did know the Bible. 1 John 4:19 is the passage today. “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.”

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 31, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John - Final Thoughts
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

There are three areas which Mark will focus on this week: 1) Feelings and Salvation (1 John 3:19-20); 2) Testing the Spirits (1 John 4); and 3) The Role of Love. Today, he begins with Feelings and Salvation (1 John 4:19).

FEELINGS AND SALVATION 1 John 3:19-20: Sometimes our hearts do not feel loved by God because we are facing a difficult situation. It’s in those times that we must listen to our brain. Mark explains that “feeling” something about salvation is vastly different than what you “think” about salvation. “Feelings are fleeting and very unreliable,” Mark says. “Faith is not a feeling; it is a decision.” He goes on to use Psalm 42 and 43 as examples.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 30, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John - Final Thoughts
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

This week, Mark Lanier will finish up his weeks-long study of First John. Such a small book of the Bible, but packed with so much useful and helpful tools for our walk with Christ. He begins the lesson, however, with sharing stories from his weekend travels back to his old middle school and to Texas Tech, where he was able to share Jesus Christ at the Commencement Address! Listen in as he shares what happened.  

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click[here].

May 27, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John - Themes
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

In this final segment today, Mark looks at several Jewish traditions. One – the sacrificing of an animal for our sins. We no longer have the need to practice this because Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. Another tradition is the Passover. This one is still very important as it represents the fact that God released the Jews from the grasp of a tyrannical pharaoh as He delivered them into the Promised Land.

The final theme of First John is “family”. Mentions of family are found throughout the Bible; Mark mentions passages from Acts and Galatians. We all have some sort of a family relationship – whether good or bad – blood relations or not. And, if you are a Christian, you belong to the most important family – the Family of God.

Listen in as Mark offers his points for home for this week concerning the light and darkness.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 26, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John - Themes
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

We live in a sinful world; therefore, we have been separated from God. But, He sent His one and only Son so we could be joined with Him in heaven for Eternity. John wrote in 1 John 1:6 “If we claim to have fellowship with Him, and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live in the truth.” Then, in verse 8, John wrote: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not with us.” You cannot continue to purposefully live in sin and walk in the light.

Another passage that Mark Lanier reviews today is 1 John 2:8-11. Listen in as he reads this passage and explains its significance. We, as humans, do not have the appreciation we should for the Lord’s sacrifice for us.

BONUS: We get a special song today from Bob Dylan! Listen in!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 25, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John - Themes
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

Mark uses several Scripture references in today’s lesson. For instance, Psalm 119:105 “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” Light reveals the truth. It shows what reality is. Gideon wan another example of light in the darkness. Ecclesiastes 2:13 compares wisdom to light and foolishness to darkness. The same concept is repeated in Hebrews and in Numbers 6:25, not to mention the many times that it is mentioned in the Psalms. Matthew 4:15 “a light will shine in the darkness.” 2 Corinthians 4:6. 1 Timothy 6:15-16: “…God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.”

1 John 1:5-7 reads: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. ⁷But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” God is real. “He is not human, but He is an entity unto Himself,” says Mark. He exists everywhere, but He is not tied to the universe. This is some heavy information; listen in as Mark explains God, the light, the darkness, truth, lies, and how they are all connected.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 24, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John - Themes
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

There are many “themes” or metaphors found in First John: sin, light, truth, love, family, darkness, fear, fellowship, plus many others. This week, Mark will be focusing on light, darkness, and family. He first explains the difference between light now and light back when the Bible was written. Even when it is dark outside, we still have some light – street lights, porch lights, traffic lights, car headlights, etc. Back then, when the sun went down, it was d-a-r-k! Most people did not leave their lanterns burning all night or even keep their fire going 24/7.

Mark goes on to says, “It’s not surprising that darkness took on a metaphorical meaning for evil and sin. The things that you could do in the darkness, were things that in the light of day you might not do. The idea of light being good and darkness being evil is an idea that is as old as Scripture itself.”

Mark uses Job 30:26 as an example of the light and darkness. He gives a great, detailed explanation for this, so listen in!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 23, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John - Themes
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

Mark Lanier begins the lesson this week by reminiscing about his favorite English teacher from Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas – Mrs. Kingston. One book that they had to read really struck a chord with Mark: “Dandelion Wine” by Ray Bradbury. This story is quite significant to the lesson. Listen in as Mark explains metaphors and themes in literature and importance of writing the proper way.

Concerning the letter in First John, Mark says, “It’s a letter with some recurrent themes and ideas that continue to bubble and service throughout the letter. As we look at them, we begin to discover some new ideas and meanings that allow us to more fully appreciate what John is writing.”

So, this week’s lesson will be a focus on some of the “themes” in First John: sin, light, truth, love, family, darkness, fear, fellowship, plus many others.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 13, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

Mark concludes his look at the first chapter of First John today. In verse 5, we are told that “God is light; in Him there is no darkness.” But there is a problem: How can we, walking in darkness and filled with sin, walk with the One who is perfect and blameless? Listen in as Mark gives his opinion on this and what we can do to walk a better life in the Light of God.

Points for Home: From 1 John 5:19-20 ¹⁹We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. ²⁰We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

You will never get light on your own. Many people try – some even change the law to fit their own needs, justifying their sin. But that’s not the way it works. God is the only real light – and thank goodness for that!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 12, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

Mark does a short grammatical review of Greek today with the phrase in First John 1:1: “That which was from the beginning that we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes”.

The first of three letters from John reminded the people that Jesus was real – he was born of a virgin, he lived a perfect, sinless life, he died on the cross, and rose again after three days. Why did the people need this reminder? Because so many doubted it actually happened! Some had even seen Jesus after his resurrection, yet they still doubted. Could he have just been a ghost? A figment of their imagination?

“The state of affairs concerning Jesus is based on eye witness testimony,” Mark states. “This is not the letter of some guy who is trying to put together a theological homework assignment.” John was there. He saw Jesus. He felt the scars.

Mark also focuses on verse three of the first chapter: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” Mark explains why he believes John used the same phrase over and over again. He also digs into the word “fellowship” and what it means in Greek and why it is important relating to these verses. “We are about the mission and work of God who’s responsible for all reality and He is at work,” Mark proclaims.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 11, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

Yesterday, Mark offered one example of extreme beliefs that was popular among the people during the time John wrote his first letter. Today, he explains the second: You can be as bad as you want to be, but since you are saved, you have the spirit living in you and you’re set for heaven, so nothing you do will matter. Nope! That’s definitely not the way it works, people!

Mark explains how some people took the letters and teaching of the disciples and really twisted their words around to mean something completely wrong. He says, “This is a corruption of the Christian message.” Over the course of 400 years (really all of history) there were so many people who left church it was astounding. Maybe it looked a little like it does today…

Mark also points out that some scholars believe that First John was written to Korinthos, who said Jesus was not incarnate. He was simply a man, until he was baptized, then he became divine, but only until he was crucified. Mark explains more about this in the handout so check them out at the link below. (Note: Sometimes the Biblical Literacy website is a little behind in posting the handout information. They are working on this issue. If this lesson is not available, please check back at a later date for all the information.)

Mark also discusses Ignatius, who was the martyred Bishop of the Church in Antioch. Antioch wrote to the church of Smyrna, which ultimately led to his arrest and death in a pit of lions: “I have observed your established and immovable faith, being fully persuaded as touching our Lord that he is in truth of the family of David. According to the flesh, God’s son by the will and power God truly born of a virgin, baptized by John that all righteousness might be fulfilled by him.” Listen in as Mark reads more from the letter and explains why it is important to understand what Antioch was trying to convey to the people – Jesus was real, he wasn’t imaginary or a ghost!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 10, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

There is a lot of debate on who actually wrote the letter in First John. Other letters, like Thessalonians or Corinthians, leave no doubt on who the letter was to and from. John, Second John, and Third John are all very clear that the apostle John was the author. First John? Not so much. However, Mark firmly believes that John is the author of this letter, and he explains why in the handout for the lesson, which can be found at the link below. (Note: Sometimes the Biblical Literacy website is a little behind in posting the handout information. They are working on this issue. If this lesson is not available, please check back at a later date for all the information.)

In the mid-60’s AD, Paul and Peter were martyred. Then something happened. The Jews were in rebellion and destroyed temples. Many Jewish believers were killed. Others fled, including John. Mark and others believes that John wrote this letter from Ephesus.

Two new belief systems arose through all of this, which were very extreme. One set of extremes believed that the body is evil or inferior to the spirit. Therefore, the people began teaching that if you want to be holy, you must be celibate and unmarried, you cannot eat, and you must hit yourself with a whip to become obedient!

Tune in tomorrow to hear the other set of extremes for believers plus more from Mark on First John!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 9, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First John
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

Mark Lanier will be teaching on First John this week and will continue for three weeks. He begins the class, though, by telling a story. He once used a class of law students to illustrate how to pick and eliminate jurors for a trial. He said it was a lot harder than he anticipated because it is difficult to “judge” someone based on their life experience if they don’t really have any! Moral of the story: You need to understand where someone has been if you want to understand where they are headed.

That story brings us to the first chapter of First John. The apostle John was older at this time. He had observed people in the church straying away from God and the path of righteousness. Mark believes that several questions which John addressed in the letter are still relevant today.

1) Was Jesus really the Son of God in the flesh?
2) Was the death of Jesus really necessary to forgive sins?
3) Are we naïve fools for believing in Jesus?

Listen in tomorrow as Mark talks more about the strange greeting at the beginning of the letter and more on the author.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 6, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: JUDE
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

Mark Lanier concludes his lesson on the book of Jude today. He reminds us that just because something looks good on the outside, that doesn’t mean it is wonderful on the inside. Many times, the appealing item is actually completely dead! But we still have the assurance from God that Jesus Christ will always be prefect, blameless, and beautiful. As long as we stay the course and keep our eyes on Jesus, there is nothing we cannot do.

Jude is a very encouraging book. Mark reads from the rest of the book and also from the Book of Enoch. Jude actually quotes a lot from the Book of Enoch in his letter. Why? Listen in as Mark explains.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 5, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: JUDE
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

Jude 5 reads: “Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.” Mark breaks off right here and brings up The Trinity. Did Jesus really save the people out of Egypt? Wasn’t that God? Or was it the Holy Spirit?

Mark also compares some of the book of Second Peter to Jude. Both books talk about the severe punishment for those who are blatantly disobedient. In fact, the verses are very similar. Mark says, “They’re both making the same point: God saved us! Live like it! Don’t embrace the life of the unsaved. They’re destined for eternal punishment – for ashes.” If you believe the Bible, and you believe the Lord Jesus, then live like it.

God did not save us for us to continue living like the rest of the world. “Ungodliness does not produce fruit and happiness and joy. I don’t care about the illusion that it might,” Mark declares. We, as Christians, should not live “in the moment”.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 4, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: JUDE
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

WARNING: In this segment, Mark Lanier brings up some information that is of “adult situations”. You may want to listen to this segment alone, out of the earshot of little ones.

Christianity was not a “new religion” even in Biblical times. Mark puts it this way: “Christianity was a fulfillment – a capstone – a finished product – of the faith that had been there since Abraham.” That is the premise of the letter of Jude. Jude himself was a Jewish believer that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. He was encouraging the people to keep the faith that had been there always.

Mark takes a side-bar in this segment and discusses the Mormon faith and their dedication to the mission field for two years, the love of family, and commitment to the Lord. However, there is also a lesson to be learned. Listen in as he offers his opinion.

Next, Mark talks about the “adult situations” which Jude mentions in his letter. It is very important for us to understand why we must keep our sexual purity close in check. Just because the world says sexual immorality is “normal” doesn’t mean God says it is okay. “Scripture tells us that we are to be different people,” Mark reminds us. “We are to live differently. We are to have a different ethic. Our moral code is different. We are empowered with the Spirit of God.”

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 3, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: JUDE
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

If a person doesn’t quote the Bible or reference a writer of a book of the Bible, that doesn’t mean that person is wrong in their belief or assessment of a situation. For instance, Mark Lanier often quotes C.S. Lewis, who was an inspiring man of faith, but his writings are obviously not included in the Bible. Does that make Lewis wrong? NO!

Jude is a very short book – only twenty-five verses. It is also believed that Jude didn’t really write the book! Who is Jude, though? Jude or Judas was a very popular name in Biblical times and the book is not entirely clear on this. Mark discusses several of the opinions on this issue. Was Jude the brother of James who was the brother of Jesus? Was he just another apostle?

The beginning of the book of Jude is beautifully written. Listen in as Mark reads the verses and encourages us through the words written by Jude. He really focuses on the second half of verse 3: “I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” Mark finds the choice of words used here very interesting. Tune in tomorrow as Mark discusses this verse in further detail.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

May 2, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: JUDE
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

Mark Lanier is skipping over First, Second, and Third John and is going straight to the book of Jude. Don’t worry, though! He’ll go back to them. He gives some background on the meaning of “Jude” from the Greek, when he first became aware of the book, and why he finds it so fascinating.

Mark points out that Jude, the author, made many references to sources that are not found in the Bible. Therefore, many people in that time (and even today) did not believe that Jude was not Biblical. But Paul quoted from Greek poets! They weren’t Biblical, either. Mark doesn’t really care – and neither should we! Tune in tomorrow to hear more from Mark on the book of Jude.

Scripture References: Genesis 5

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 29, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: James – The Conclusion
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 5

Church discipline is an issue that is seldom discussed in modern churches. It is even rarer that people are brought before an entire body in regards to unabashed and unrepentant sins. Brent Johnson gives the Biblical explanation of church discipline in the beginning of this final segment today.

How does church discipline connect to prayer, though? Prayer has been the focus of the lesson this week and is actually an important addition to church discipline. Brent offers several areas which more mature Christians can do a better, more thorough job of discipling those in the church who have strayed.

First, Brent uses James 1:5-8 as the perfect example of how to teach those who are needing assistance in their walk with God. These verses remind us that we should not beg God to help us in a situation if we are not willing to fully commit to the journey. Remember, God already has a plan for your life! You just need to realize what it is and go for it! It all boils down to trusting God in all situations.

Brent also urges us to really focus on our prayers, being more specific in requests and thankful for all He has given us. If you have anxiety about a certain situation, pray about it! Ask God to remove that anxiety from your life. Don’t just pray, asking God to forgive you for reacting in a sinful manner. Ask Him to take that sin away!

Scripture References: Philippians 4:6-7

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 28, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: James – The Conclusion
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 4

Brent Johnson is the Associate Pastor of the Biblical Literacy Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church and is filling in for Mark this week. On Palm Sunday, Brent spoke on the book of James, but was not able to give all the information he wanted, so he will be concluding that this week.

Don’t show your works to be saved. Show your works as a result of being saved. – Brent Johnson

Prayer is the most practiced activity in the world. People who aren’t even Christians pray. Muslims pray. Pagans pray. Reality TV stars pray! But you can’t just call on God and expect Him to show up! Brent believes that prayer is probably the most misunderstood concept of God. Even Christians don’t fully grasp the meaning.

Brent talks about a story he saw on Facebook about a young man who created a page for prayer. Sounds great, right? Nope! People are so desperate, they actually paid to have non-existent pastors pray for them! Brent has several discussion points concerning this situation. Listen in!

Brent also begins a short sub-topic on “church discipline”. Tune in tomorrow for more on that and the conclusion of his lesson this week.

Scripture References: Matthew 18:15

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 27, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: James – The Conclusion
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 3

Brent Johnson is the Associate Pastor of the Biblical Literacy Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church and is filling in for Mark this week. On Palm Sunday, Brent spoke on the book of James, but was not able to give all the information he wanted, so he will be concluding that this week.

The book of James contains many references to other Scriptures in the Bible. Yesterday, Brent Johnson mentioned several of those passages. He continues to look at more today, like Acts 1:3 “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” Listen in as Brent explains that this verse is the point of Jesus’s life!

The tongue is a dangerous thing. James warned the people to tame their tongue and we should heed that warning as well. How many times have you heard something, whether at church, work, or in a group of friends, and you took that word as truth, told someone else, who told someone else, only to discover that the information was false? We should not only NOT repeat things we do not know are true or not, we should not even listen to it!

Another lesson which Brent brings up in this segment is “sticking to your word”. If you tell someone you will do something, then do it! Unless you are sick or an emergency arises, keep your promise. And never, ever lie to get out of it. We all know this – but how often do you make excuses? Ouch…

One final question from Brent today about being honest: When you are in church, singing praises to God or listening to the sermon or taking communion, are you being truthful to yourself and to God? Are there things in your life that you need to confess before even entering the church building?

Listen in as Brent concludes the segment with a word of warning to treat everyone the same – no matter what. Again, we know this! But how often do you greet the new person in your bible study group with the same enthusiasm as your good friend?

Scripture References: Psalm 15:4; Matthew 5:37; James 5:12

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 26, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: James – The Conclusion
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 2

Brent Johnson is the Associate Pastor of the Biblical Literacy Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church and is filling in for Mark this week. On Palm Sunday, Brent spoke on the book of James, but was not able to give all the information he wanted, so he will be concluding that this week.

Today, Brent Johnson gives several examples of ways to show the love of Christ to others through the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Remember the warning, though, in verses 19-21. Brent likes to call it the “fruit of the flesh”: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Back to James, in chapter 1:21, he gives us some solutions to avoiding those “fruits of the flesh”. Then Brent jumps over to chapter 3:1: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” However, look at Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 25, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: James – The Conclusion
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 1

Brent Johnson is the Associate Pastor of the Biblical Literacy Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church and is filling in for Mark this week. On Palm Sunday, Brent spoke on the book of James, but was not able to give all the information he wanted, so he will be concluding that this week.

Review: James was a sibling of Jesus. The book of James is believed to have been the first book of the Bible written and is referred to as the “Proverbs of the New Testament”. In his previous lesson, Brent discussed “forced perspectives”. You can click on the archives and search under Brent Johnson’s name for each lesson.

We should have joy even during hard times, right? Yes, but it’s sooooo hard! Yes, it is very, very hard to have joy during times of devastation and grief, but knowing we have a loving, caring, faithful father definitely should give us all a considerable amount of joy.

“You need to decide if the trial is your fault. If it is, then repent, and don’t blame God,” Brent declares. In James, it says that God does not tempt His people, but He will send trials. “The teacher is always silent during the test.” As Christians, we were never promised an easy-breezy life. Don’t expect it. In fact, be on guard for trials and tests in order to grow your faith.

We live in a fallen world. To change it for the better, we start with one person – one heart – at a time.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 22, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Second Peter
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Peter Williams
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Mark Lanier and Peter Williams conclude their lesson today on the book of Second Peter. Mark begins this segment by reveling in chapter 2, verse 9: “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment until the day of judgment.” Focusing on the first half of the verse, you will see a reference to The Lord’s Prayer. Listen in as Mark breaks it down.

Weird Idea for Chapter 3 (Check out Wednesday and Thursday for ideas 1 and 2): Isn’t everything going to just go on and on and on for eternity? Peter Williams explains that there WAS a different world – before the flood! But the end of the “next” world will be overcome with fire. So, people who attempt to use this “weird idea” to deny the existence of God and the truth of the Gospel are simply not looking at all of the facts.

Peter Williams also reminds us that time is different for God. In chapter 3, verse 8 it says, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” Peter Williams goes on to read the following verse and also mentions verse 15 to explain God’s timing.

Points for Home:
1) Try to make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue.
2) Pay attention to false teachings.
3) Be diligent while waiting on the promises of God.

Scripture References:

BONUS: If you happen to be in Cambridge, England this summer (or just want an excuse to go!), Peter Williams and other scholars will be giving lectures on the Gospels from July 11-15.

April 21, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Second Peter
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Peter Williams
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 4

We are all so busy with life, work, family, church, hobbies. The majority of us are blessed far beyond what we can imagine – we are ALL blessed more than we deserve. God has given each and every one of us spiritual blessings in every aspect of our lives. You may not feel that way today, but you will. God promised.

Keeping that in mind, Mark Lanier poses the following question to guest Peter Williams: “What does all this mean to us? When we leave the confines of this building and we’re back into [life], how does it make a difference to us?” Peter Williams’ response is beautiful: “Our calling in life is not success. Our calling is obedience.”

Remember, at this point in the passage in Second Peter, he is still in prison, giving thanks to God for his hardship! Peter Williams says this: “He has been given everything he needs to live a godly and faithful life. God will take care of the fruit.” Mark puts it this way: “I’m taking God with me!” We already know He’s with us, we might as well make it known!

Weird Idea #2 from Second Peter (If you missed Weird Idea #1, listen to Wednesday’s segment!): Some people think that Peter was making everything up! But, by his own account and others, Jesus’s resurrection was truly real! Plus, Second Peter is the only book which mentions the transfiguration other than the four Gospels. Furthermore, Peter already had experience denying Christ. Why would he change his mind unless he had proof? That’s important!

Weird Idea #3: There have always been false prophets – there always will be. However, false teachers will always be discovered and punished for their lies! Peter Williams explains that Chapter 2 of Second Peter is all about the punishment phase which Peter endured. He also discusses three groups of beings from Second Peter 2:4-6. The purpose of punishment in Ancient Days was to submit a warning to others not to behave as the “criminal” dis. Listen in to hear more!

Scripture References: Matthew 4:4; Psalm 16:11

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 20, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Second Peter
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Peter Williams
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 3

Peter was a wise man, but he wasn’t always like that. He definitely had his doubts and was very vocal about them. He did, after all, deny Christ three times. In his letters to the followers of Jesus, though, he was very firm in his convictions.

We begin today’s lesson with Mark Lanier and Peter Williams discussing the importance of Second Peter 1 verses 5-9. They touched on these verses briefly yesterday, but go into much more detail today.

How can we apply Peter’s advice to our lives today? “If an apostle can grow, then so can we!” Peter Williams declares. Even Jesus grew in maturity and wisdom. Surely we can, too! Peter, in his letter, is very cautious in his advice, though. He warns the people (and us!) to take baby steps.

Mark breaks down the three chapters in Second Peter with subtitles. Chapter 1: Glory. Chapter 2: Corruption. Chapter 3: Corruption Ends and Glory Begins Again! Peter Williams reminds us that the writing style in Biblical times was very different than our style today. We like point markers – this happened, than this, and this and this. Peter and others did not write in this manner.

Listen in as Peter Williams explains Peter’s reasons for writing the letter the way he did. His explanation really helps to better understand what we are to do now as Christians when facing persecution.

Mark also chimes in to give his opinion on this issue, with help from Peter Williams. He offers some “weird ideas” from Second Peter. Tune in tomorrow to hear more!

Scripture References: Luke 2; Romans 8; Ephesians 1:3

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 19, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Second Peter
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Peter Williams
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 2

Guest Peter Williams, from London, continues to discuss some specifics about Peter’s life, especially the significance of his imprisonment. Normally, people are not rejoicing because they are in jail! I don’t think I would be! But here is Peter, giving thanks and praise to His Father for his suffering.

In 2 Peter, verse 4, Peter wrote: “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” Then, he goes on to explain in his letter in verses 5 and 11 why escaping the corruption and persecution of the world is a blessing!

Mark discusses some of the details about The Dead Sea Scrolls, such as the time period in which they were written. One phrase from The Dead Sea Scrolls which Mark mentions here is: “People of understanding, supplement learning, supplement justice with modesty, supplement the way with strength, as men of truth supplement righteousness. As people who have loving kindness, supplement humility.” This is the same principal which Peter writes about in his letter. Listen in as Mark explains the similarities.

Mark also reminds us that it is not enough to just read the Bible and know the truth of God’s Word. You must grow in your ability to exercise self-control and godliness. Then he puts Peter Williams on the spot concerning a passage at the end of John after Jesus had been resurrected. This is the famous passage where Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. Listen in as Mark and Peter Williams both discuss this important passage.

Peter Williams and Mark also discuss when Peter went to Rome. He was a broken man who was far less than perfect, yet here he was about to get killed for his faith. He had denied Jesus and he could have backed down and denied him again, but he didn’t. Listen in as Peter Williams gives more details.

Scripture References: John 21:15-25; Galatians 6:10; 2 Timothy

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 18, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Second Peter
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Peter Williams
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 1

Mark has a co-host this week all the way from London, England! His good friend, Peter Williams, joins Mark in teaching the lesson on Second Peter. There is not a hand-out for those who like to print one from the Biblical-Literacy website. Mark points out that the Second Peter is very similar to the short book of Jude, so he will be comparing the two during the lesson this week.

When Peter writes his second letter, he is more than likely in prison. Peter Williams explains that, although the book doesn’t specifically mention that he is in prison, the timeline of his life indicates that he was. Peter also seems to realize that his life was nearing its end; he was old and tired. Listen in as Peter Williams explains more about the context of the letter and as Mark completes the explanation.

Mark says this: “The reality of God infuses the circumstance of his life with a greater depth of meaning than the ordinary person would have.” Mark wants to live his life in the same manner.

Peter Williams points out that it is amazing to see Peter’s faith never waiver or crumble, even in the midst of adversity and struggle. Listen as Peter reveals some hidden signals in the first few verses.

Scripture References: Psalm 119

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 14, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First Peter
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

In this segment today from Mark’s lesson on First Peter, he expands on why it is so important to understand what the author of the letter is trying to convey through studying the Greek translation. For example, Mark reads from the beginning of the book, “God the Father, in the sanctification of the Holy Spirit for obedience to Jesus the Messiah”. This is just the introduction! Mark could teach an entire lesson on just those two verses!

The next section of this letter is the “Character of Salvation”. What does being a Christian mean? Does salvation change you? Do you change for salvation? One word Peter stresses in his letter is “perseverance”. “Peter wants us to know that as children of God, we have a perseverance that comes from God himself”, Mark reads in verses 3-12. Listen in as Mark uses other Scripture passages to explain how perseverance is something which God uses to guard us from evil.

Mark also uses the game of Monopoly as he discusses more of this letter. “If you name it, you claim it!” he exclaims. If you just have enough faith, it’s yours, right? Peter says NO! He is writing to people who are suffering and he points out that it is their faith that is guarding them “through” suffering, not “from” suffering.

One phrase that really stands out to Mark in this passage is “the tested genuineness of your faith”. Listen in as he breaks it down in Greek and why he finds it so funny!

Scripture References: Matthew 16

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 13, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First Peter
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

Mark continues to reveal why he believes Peter did, in fact, write the letter which we know as First Peter. He uses the fact that Peter wrote the letter in Greek and compares the information written – and the manner in which it was written – to Paul’s letters. Paul was a great influencer in Peter’s life, therefore his teachings would have been reflected in Peter’s life and writings.

Mark also brings up the fact that Silas was an important figure in regards to Peter’s writings, as well. Mark says, “This idea that the Greek is too good for a Galilean fisherman, to me that’s very consistent with Silas being the vessel through whom Peter is writing this letter!”

BUT when you look at the book of Second Peter, the Greek is totally different! Mark says it is “raw and unpolished”. It’s like reading a different form of Greek! How can the two books be written by the same person? Listen in as Mark shares more of his thoughts on this.

Scripture References: 1 Peter 5:12; 3 Corinthians 1:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:1;

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 12, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First Peter
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

Mark Lanier continues to dissect the Greek from the beginning of the book of First Peter in order to decipher if Peter really did, in fact, write the letter. NOTE: During this discussion, Mark points out that many atheists know the Bible very well. It might be surprising, but it’s true! Just like we know that Satan has the entire Bible memorized, so do many people who don’t even believe that God exists!

Mark offers several different opinions on the issue of “who wrote the letter”. Many who do not believe that Peter is the author use the exquisite Greek as an example. It was just too perfect! After all, Peter was just a Jewish Galilean fisherman! Secondly, the letter makes reference to the Old Testament Septuagint.

In addition, the book of First Peter mentions Paul in a flippant, almost demeaning manner. “Paul was to Peter what the Attorney General of the United States is to fisher Joe in Galveston,” Mark says. Paul was important, yet Peter indicates he wasn’t clear on his instructions. How dare he! However, the book of First Peter sounds an awful lot like something Paul would actually write! It’s so confusing. And, finally, there is no specific reference in the book about the life of Christ. Peter was very close to Jesus, therefore many scholars believe his letter would have included several stories from the life of Christ.

Listen in as Mark discusses each of these four arguments throughout the rest of the segment today and continues tomorrow. “The fact that the writer doesn’t feel the need to prove who he is, I think is an argument in favor of Peter’s authorship as it is against it,” Mark believes.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 11, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: First Peter
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

Mark Lanier continues his study of the New Testament Survey this week with the book of First Peter. But first – a fun story from Mark’s childhood about yummy peanut butter cookies!

Most of us have had the privilege of having a pretty good life growing up. Sure there were ups and downs for all of us, and if you had a difficult time as a child or teen, my heart goes out to you. I pray you find comfort and restoration.

If you could hit the rewind button, though, what would you change? Anything? Everything? Nothing? Mark discusses life, faith, the past, and the future through the book of First Peter, which is actually a letter. It was a way of introduction to the people because Peter wasn’t mentioned much before this time.

At least half of the Biblical commentaries which Mark read concerning the lesson this week do not believe that Peter actually wrote this letter! Today and tomorrow Mark tackles some of the authorship questions surrounding the book of First Peter. He even throws in some old-school Greek to explain his opinion.

Bonus Fact: In most pictures or sculptures of the saints, Peter is the apostle holding the key. Why? Listen in!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 8, 2016

Title: Mark Lanier's Special Question and Answer Session
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

A few times a year, Mark Lanier’s Life Group Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church takes a break from the Biblical Literacy lessons to have a Question and Answer Session, along with a potluck breakfast. Imagine 800 people bringing food to a Baptist Church…It’s a wonderful, delicious time!

Today, Mark answers the following questions from class attendees:

1) According to Mark 14:24, why is the “blood of the covenant” shed for many and not all? Also, what is the “blood of the covenant”? BONUS: This question came from Dr. Christian Eberhart, Ph.D. who is the Director of Religious Studies at the University of Houston. Dr. Eberhart has written a book on this subject.

2) How long was Jesus actually in the tomb? Was it really three days? Did he really die on a Friday and raise from death on Sunday?

3) Mark loves Dr. Who. If he had a Tardis, where would he travel back in time to?

Final Question!

4) God is immortal, yet the Son of God died. How can this be if Jesus is fully God and fully Man?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 7, 2016

Title: Mark Lanier's Special Question and Answer Session
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

A few times a year, Mark Lanier’s Life Group Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church takes a break from the Biblical Literacy lessons to have a Question and Answer Session, along with a potluck breakfast. Imagine 800 people bringing food to a Baptist Church…It’s a wonderful, delicious time!

Today, Mark answers the following questions from class attendees:

1) One class attendee was curious to Mark’s heritage, so you will get a brief lineage of the Lanier family today!

2) How does Mark balance worship, family, and work?

3) What is the best source for people who do not believe in Jesus?

4) What does Mark think about misguided religions which still include Jesus in their teachings? BONUS: This summer, Mark plans to do a study in class on other religions. You don’t want to miss it!

5) Can you be a true believer and hold to the doctrine of transubstantiation?

Fun questions!

6) Why is A&M better than Texas Tech?

7) How did Mark meet his wife Becky?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 6, 2016

Title: Mark Lanier's Special Question and Answer Session
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

A few times a year, Mark Lanier’s Life Group Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church takes a break from the Biblical Literacy lessons to have a Question and Answer Session, along with a potluck breakfast. Imagine 800 people bringing food to a Baptist Church…It’s a wonderful, delicious time!

Today, Mark answers the following questions from class attendees:

1) Do you believe the Gospel is in the stars, displayed for all to see in the constellations?

2) Where does grace end and condemnation begin?

3) Why do Baptists believe in the “Once saved always saved” doctrine?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 5, 2016

Title: Mark Lanier Special Question and Answer Session
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

A few times a year, Mark Lanier’s Life Group Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church takes a break from the Biblical Literacy lessons to have a Question and Answer Session, along with a potluck breakfast. Imagine 800 people bringing food to a Baptist Church…It’s a wonderful, delicious time!

Today, Mark answers the following questions from class attendees:

1) What can we learn from the Roman Empire at the time of Jesus to use in our own government today? Mark spoke with Justice Scalia before he passed on this very issue. Listen in for his answer!

2) Is the bible 100% God-defined? Does man’s interpretation have any influence?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 4, 2016

Title: Mark Lanier Special Question and Answer Session
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

A few times a year, Mark Lanier’s Life Group Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church takes a break from the Biblical Literacy lessons to have a Question and Answer Session, along with a potluck breakfast.  Imagine 800 people bringing food to a Baptist Church…It’s a wonderful, delicious time!

Today, Mark answers the following questions from class attendees:

1) Why don’t we live for hundreds of years anymore?

2) If there is a chosen group of people who will be in Heaven, is there a chosen group of people who are going to Hell?

Tune in tomorrow to hear more!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

April 1, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: The Book of James
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 5

Brent Johnson is the Associate Pastor of the Biblical Literacy Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church. He is filling in for Mark this week, continuing the study on the New Testament Survey as we look at the book of James.

Brent concludes his lesson on the Book of James today. First, he looks at chapter five, which talks about patience and prayer. If you recall, the beginning of the book discusses the importance of prayer.

Why do you pray? Is it simply out of obedience or habit? Or is prayer more meaningful to you? Brent tells a story of meeting a Muslim woman at a bus stop who told him why she prays! Listen in to hear this great story with a reminder to us all that prayer is so very, very important.

How did you learn to pray? Did you, one day, just decide you needed to pray? No, probably not. You more than likely either heard or saw someone praying, asked questions, and tried it out for yourself! Whether you were a child or an adult, you studied someone else and modeled their behavior. But is this really the best way to learn how to pray? Listen in as Brent reads from the Book of James concerning prayer. It just might step on some toes because there are mentions of fasting and confessing sins before others….

Some believe that God hears the prayers of many concerning a specific issue over and above the prayers of one or two. This is absolutely not true! Brent reminds us of the prayer Jesus lifted up in the Garden of Gethsemane. He took the disciplines, led only a few deeper, and then prayed by himself. Do you remember what happened next? Jesus found the disciples sleeping! He then asked them to “watch and pray” – but he didn’t tell them what to pray for! Listen as Brent recounts the rest of the story, plus more!

Point for Home: Are you just praying to pray or are you really looking for the truth of God?

Extra Scripture Reference: Matthew 18

March 31, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: The Book of James
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 4

Brent Johnson is the Associate Pastor of the Biblical Literacy Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church. He is filling in for Mark this week, continuing the study on the New Testament Survey as we look at the book of James.

Editor’s Note: When good things happen to you that you weren’t expecting, do you thank God for it? We all do for the “big stuff” and especially the things we specifically prayed for. What about the little things, though? Maybe you’re running late for work and hit every green light on the way. Did you thank God for the ease in traffic? Maybe you found a coupon for an item you needed, but didn’t have the extra money for. Did you thank God for saving you money? Maybe your child cleaned their room without you asking multiple times. Did you thank God for their obedience? (And then tell your child that you’re proud of him?)

Another issue that James addressed was “faith and works”. This is a tricky one, especially for Baptists. Listen in as Brent reads from James 2, beginning in verse 14. James mentioned several Old Testament believers and what they taught concerning this issue. And Brent brings up another good point: After church on Sunday, what do you do to include others around you in your faith story? Do you just go to lunch, go home, and continue with life throughout the week? Or do you actively engage in conversations with those you meet? By talking and taking action, you show that faith is really alive in you! Our actions don’t “save” us, but our faith should produce action automatically!

Brent also discusses James 3:1-8 – Taming the Tongue. We have all said things in anger or the heat of the moment that we regret later. It happens because we are human. These verses aren’t all about “watching our mouths”, though. James also warns that we really need to know the truth about God’s Word. Obviously, the people James wrote to didn’t have Bibles, but he still told them to know what God said concerning certain issues. How? Read your Bible! Second, study His Word – don’t just read it. When it comes time to speak, if you really know what you’re talking about, you can speak the truth!

In James 4, he warned the people against arguing with each other. This is another big issue in every church across America. Why is there such division when it comes to the people of the church? What good does it do to constantly complain about the music selection or the temperature of the Worship Center? Why argue about who is bringing what to the potluck? Who really cares if there are thirty handicap parking spaces? Keep your focus on the One who really matters! He is the real purpose.

Extra Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:29

March 30, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: The Book of James
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 3

Brent Johnson is the Associate Pastor of the Biblical Literacy Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church. He is filling in for Mark this week, continuing the study on the New Testament Survey as we look at the book of James.

When you are not prepared for a certain situation, you will oftentimes “react” one way. However, Brent points out that if you anticipate a circumstance, you will “respond” differently. Today, he looks at temptations and our “reactions” or “responses” to them.

The longer we are Christians, the easier it should be to resist temptation, right? Nope! A lot of times, it gets harder! This is exactly why we need a Savior to help us choose the right path, the right answer, the right goal, the right friends, the right job, the right spouse. For the long-time Christian, Brent says “Get with it!” Change your perspective from “just getting by to having abundant life”.

Sometimes, the way God helps us handle certain disappointments or situations is by constantly placing reminders in our path. He’s not doing it to tease us or be mean; he’s reminding us that there is something better around the corner. In James, we learn that God will use those trials – those temptations – to strengthen our faith in a way we cannot even imagine. We just have to stick with Him and not give up.

However, James warns us that we cannot be so enthralled with what God is going to do in us and through us that we miss opportunities to be His hands and feet. This goes along with the “forced perspective” idea. Listen in as Brent explains.

Scripture Reference: Romans 6:23; James 2:16

March 29, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: The Book of James
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 2

Brent Johnson is the Associate Pastor of the Biblical Literacy Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church. He is filling in for Mark this week, continuing the study on the New Testament Survey as we look at the book of James.

Have you ever been “ambushed” by one of those workers at a mall kiosk? Brent tells a story today about hand exfoliation and lotion that is not only hilarious, but ties into the book of James! Yes, believe it or not – it does! People are constantly trying to sell us something – mall kiosk workers, food companies, car dealers – even churches! Listen in as he expands on “forced perspective” from yesterday’s segment.

In the book of James, we immediately see that he is talking to a specific group of people. He didn’t begin the book with a general greeting; he had a purpose. Brent goes on to explain that the people James was writing to were poor, persecuted Jews who didn’t know what to do. James wanted to give them hope for the future. The way he did this was to “force their perspective”.

How do you encounter trials? Do you face them head-on, relying solely on God to help you through? Do you complain to others first under the guise of a “prayer request”? This is often a hard undertaking for new Christians, although “seasoned Christians” often have difficulty, as well. However, if you have been a Christian for a long time, what kind of example are you setting for others when a crisis occurs?

Tune in tomorrow for more from Brent on this topic.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:11-16; James 1:1-8

March 28, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: The Book of James
Topic: New Testament Survey

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Part 1

Brent Johnson is the Associate Pastor of the Biblical Literacy Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church. He is filling in for Mark this week, continuing the study on the New Testament Survey as we look at the book of James.

There are several “James” in the Bible, so which one wrote the book of James? There is a lot of controversy over this issue, as the writer only identified himself as “as a bond servant for Christ.” Most scholars, however, agree that this particular James was the half-brother of Jesus. Listen in as Brent gives some more family history and some interesting information about this James person.

This week, Brent approaches the book of James as if it were a theological library for practical uses. In fact, James is one of the most practical books in the Bible with suggestions on how to change your perspective to God’s view. When this book was written, many Christians were not very well perceived. The first wave of persecution was on the horizon and the people were discouraged.

James desired for us to have a willing relationship with Christ and not be tricked into a “forced perspective”. Tune in tomorrow to hear a story from Pastor Brent Johnson which relates to this.

Brent uses some visual illustrations throughout the lesson this week, like the basketball picture he references today. To view them, please click on the link below for the handouts.

March 25, 2016

Title: Mark Lanier's Special Question and Answer Session
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

A few times a year, Mark Lanier’s Life Group Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church takes a break from the Biblical Literacy lessons to have a Question and Answer Session, along with a potluck breakfast. Imagine 800 people bringing food to a Baptist Church…It’s a wonderful, delicious time!

Today, Mark answers the following questions from class attendees:

1) According to Mark 14:24, why is the “blood of the covenant” shed for many and not all? Also, what is the “blood of the covenant”? BONUS: This question came from Dr. Christian Eberhart, Ph.D. who is the Director of Religious Studies at the University of Houston. Dr. Eberhart has written a book on this subject.

2) How long was Jesus actually in the tomb? Was it really three days? Did he really die on a Friday and raise from death on Sunday?

3) Mark loves Dr. Who. If he had a Tardis, where would he travel back in time to?

Final Question!

4) God is immortal, yet the Son of God died. How can this be if Jesus is fully God and fully Man?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 24, 2016

Title: Mark Lanier's Special Question and Answer Session
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

A few times a year, Mark Lanier’s Life Group Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church takes a break from the Biblical Literacy lessons to have a Question and Answer Session, along with a potluck breakfast. Imagine 800 people bringing food to a Baptist Church…It’s a wonderful, delicious time!

Today, Mark answers the following questions from class attendees:

1) One class attendee was curious to Mark’s heritage, so you will get a brief lineage of the Lanier family today!

2) How does Mark balance worship, family, and work?

3) What is the best source for people who do not believe in Jesus?

4) What does Mark think about misguided religions which still include Jesus in their teachings? BONUS: This summer, Mark plans to do a study in class on other religions. You don’t want to miss it!

5) Can you be a true believer and hold to the doctrine of transubstantiation?

Fun questions!

6) Why is A&M better than Texas Tech?

7) How did Mark meet his wife Becky?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 23, 2016

Title: Mark Lanier's Special Question and Answer Session
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

A few times a year, Mark Lanier’s Life Group Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church takes a break from the Biblical Literacy lessons to have a Question and Answer Session, along with a potluck breakfast. Imagine 800 people bringing food to a Baptist Church…It’s a wonderful, delicious time!

Today, Mark answers the following questions from class attendees:

1) Do you believe the Gospel is in the stars, displayed for all to see in the constellations?

2) Where does grace end and condemnation begin?

3) Why do Baptists believe in the “Once saved always saved” doctrine?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 22, 2016

Title: Mark Lanier Special Question and Answer Session
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

A few times a year, Mark Lanier’s Life Group Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church takes a break from the Biblical Literacy lessons to have a Question and Answer Session, along with a potluck breakfast. Imagine 800 people bringing food to a Baptist Church…It’s a wonderful, delicious time!

Today, Mark answers the following questions from class attendees:

1) What can we learn from the Roman Empire at the time of Jesus to use in our own government today? Mark spoke with Justice Scalia before he passed on this very issue. Listen in for his answer!

2) Is the bible 100% God-defined? Does man’s interpretation have any influence?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 21, 2016

Title: Mark Lanier Special Question and Answer Session
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

A few times a year, Mark Lanier’s Life Group Class at Champion Forest Baptist Church takes a break from the Biblical Literacy lessons to have a Question and Answer Session, along with a potluck breakfast.  Imagine 800 people bringing food to a Baptist Church…It’s a wonderful, delicious time!

Today, Mark answers the following questions from class attendees:

1) Why don’t we live for hundreds of years anymore?

2) If there is a chosen group of people who will be in Heaven, is there a chosen group of people who are going to Hell?

Tune in tomorrow to hear more!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 18, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Prayer Digression
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

This week, Mark has been stressing the importance of having real conversations with God. Not merely monologue, but actual dialogue. But this is not possible when God’s voice isn’t audible – or is it?

Today, Mark asks the question: How often do you say that you will pray for others, then you completely forget to pray? I’m guilty and so is he! Mark keeps a prayer sheet – actually he has three! His prayer sheets are full of handwritten prayer requests so he will remember to pray for others. He also prays the Lord’s Prayer every time he prays during his special prayer time with God. His prayer list is divided into categories. If you’ve been struggling with praying for others more, listen in as he gives some great suggestions.

Points for Home:
1) Remember – Jesus says his house is a house of prayer.
2) Proclaim – Preach his Word.
3) Do – Continue to pray always.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 17, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Prayer Digression
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

In Hebrews 2:1, the writer talks about paying attention to God, just as he does throughout the book. “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” The writer says in the next verse that God used angels to transmit His message.

“A just and holy God must dwell in the midst of a just and holy people,” Mark proclaims. “We are not there on our own accord, though.” Nobody is good without God. God is the only One who can make us just and holy. Mark also looks at Hebrews 4:14-16. These verses reveal just how unholy we truly are in the eyes of God. Yet, we have a Great High Priest who wants us and desires our love and devotion. He knows what it is like to be tempted and torn down. He knows what it is like to experience loss and sadness. But we can have confidence in Him, knowing that He will extend grace and mercy to us always.

“Jesus did not exalt Himself to be made high Priest. He didn’t go out there and win the job!” Mark says. “He was appointed by God.” Mark uses Hebrews 7:23-28 and 10:19-22 as references here. Listen in!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 16, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Prayer Digression
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

Mark continues in Hebrews 3:7-11. “So, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, ⁸do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, ⁹where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did. ¹⁰That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.’ ¹¹So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

When you’re faced with crisis, problems, and disappointment, we have two tendencies: turn to God in prayer or harden our hearts. That’s the problem with so many people today, including Christians. When God doesn’t answer your prayer immediately, we turn away. “If God answered all of our prayers, do you realize how many people would be on earth?” Mark proclaims.

“Don’t be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin,” the writer of Hebrews says later on. Listen in as Mark reads more from chapter 3 and 4. He says, “Part of prayer is us paying attention to God.” We must spend time in His Word as He reveals not only Himself, but answers to our prayers. “It is living and active.”

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 15, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Prayer Digression
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

Mark continues to talk about prayer being a dialogue today, not simply a monologue. It is communication that goes both ways. Furthermore, Mark believes that, “Prayer is not simply us. It is God’s spirit working with us.”

The book of Hebrews is very clear: we are to be listeners. Mark explains how God speaks to us, and the verses in Hebrews chapter 1 outline how prophets reveal to us how to know Christ. Now, God uses Biblical scholars, pastors, ministers, and church leaders. He uses authors and singers. He uses teachers and friends. He uses the grocery clerk at the store or the bus driver on our way to school. God speaks to us through thousands of ways each and every day.

There are many, many passages throughout the Bible that stress the importance of listening to God and Mark runs through several of them in today’s lesson. The Hebrews writer talks about the importance of repetition in Hebrews 3:7-11. God will use many ways to reveal His word to us. If we don’t get the point the first time, He’ll try again. And again. And again. He will keep trying until we get it!

Tune in tomorrow as Mark continues with these verses.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 14, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Prayer Digression
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

This week, Mark is still focusing on the book of Hebrews as he discusses the importance of prayer. “It is not supposed to be a monologue; prayer is a dialogue between us and God,” Mark says. “The problem is that we are verbal people who talk out loud and listen to sound waves and our brain interprets that into words!” Listen in as Mark explains this…

Have you ever wondered if God really does hear your prayers? We obviously cannot physically hear God speak to us – or can we?? When a prayer is answered, we are not going to hear a booming voice from heaven, “Let it be so!!” However, we will hear the answer in other ways – through a friend or family member, church leader, book, even a total stranger. And sometimes, the answer we receive from God is a big, fat “NO” or “Just wait a little while and have some patience.” I’m not fond of that latter answer…

“The entire Bible is loaded with prayer,” Mark says. “Paul said to ‘pray without ceasing’. We should be having a constant dialogue with God throughout our day.” Paul also warned the Philippian church not to worry, but instead pray – giving thanks to God! But do not “show off” when you pray. Even Jesus had humility when he prayed – going off alone to pray and be with God. What does this mean? Listen in as Mark explains…

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 11, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Faith Part 2
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

DISCLAIMER: Mark Lanier discusses a person from the Bible in this final segment today who was…let’s just say “a woman of the night”. Mark, however, uses a slightly different phrase to describe her. You might want to listen to this final segment without tiny ears around…

The last episode of Moses’s life which Mark discusses today is when Moses parted the Red Sea. We all know the story: Moses is fleeing Egypt with the slaves and Pharaoh’s powerful army is coming after them fast! The people are ready to wave the white flag in defeat. Moses says “Nope! Let’s see what God is going to do with this one!”

The last Moses vignette/Point for Home: Be bold. Don’t back down, because God won’t! During times of crisis, that’s when the “people of God have to stand up and give credit to God for what God can do.” Jericho is the next vignette which Mark focuses on. It’s more than just a great story that was retold by The Veggie Tales and Disney! Jericho was a fortified city, strong and solid. No one was allowed in or out of the city walls. Then Joshua enters the picture. Why? Because God told him to!

Point for Home for Joshua and Jericho: Watch. Be faithful and watch for God’s guiding hand to show you the way. He makes the impossible possible.

Mark moves on to a “risqué” person now…Rahab, the prostitute. She was obviously not a “good woman” by any standards. However, she helped the spies that Joshua sent! Why did she help them? Listen in as Mark retells the story. By the way, did you know that Rahab is the great-great-great-great (something) grandmother of Boaz who is a relative of Jesus? Yes, it’s true! God works in mysterious ways!

Point for Home from Rahab: Don’t let your past determine your future. Don’t let the sins of others in your family ruin your joy. There is always – always – redemption.

Listen in as Mark quickly mentions others who had major FAITH issues in the Bible and what we can learn from them.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 10, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Faith Part 2
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

Moses was obviously a very important, influential figure from the Bible. Yesterday, Mark pointed out that Moses had to make some very drastic decisions which could affect a lot of people, not just his own life. Today, he continues to reveal more about Moses and why those decisions he made were so significant. For example, Moses could have taken matters into his own hand and done things his own way. However, Moses chose to follow God’s command even though it made him horribly uncomfortable. “He considered the reproach of being anointed by God greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt,” Mark reads.

The power of choice is a tremendous things. “The successes and the good things – they’re His anyway! He’s responsible for them!” Mark reminds us. Which brings Mark to his Point for Home –

Moses Part 2: Choose God first and always. Every day. Every minute. Not just when it is convenient.

More on Moses…

He left Egypt, not because he was afraid, but because of faith. He was not running away from the Pharaoh; he was running to God.

Point for Home – Moses Part 3: Run to God. Don’t hesitate. Even if you hate to run, you’ll learn to love it!

Mark gives one more Point for Home for Moses, Part 4: Just have faith. It’s a simple thing, yet something that is so hard to do. Each step of faith has a list of consequences – some good and some bad.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 9, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Faith Part 2
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

Yesterday, Mark taught on several important figures from the Old Testament which the writer of Hebrews recounted. One of those people was Joseph. If you recall, Joseph had visions of the future, but he still knew where he belonged. He didn’t try to jump ahead of the time he was living in. This is the way we should be living today. Mark says, “If our eyes are on God, we know where we belong…We’re here doing mission work. We’re not here because this is our home.”

Point for Home from Joseph: Know and remember where you belong.

Mark also looks at the life of Moses, who was hidden when he was born because the Pharaoh wanted all male babies murdered. His parents didn’t hide him out of fear, but rather it was their faith that sustained him! Listen in as he explains…

Point for Home from Moses – Part 1: Model God’s righteousness in faith.

Moses, like Joseph, knew there were better days ahead. Even growing up in a palace as the Pharaoh’s grandson wasn’t satisfying for him; Moses longed for fellowship with other believers. But, he still had a choice to make – rich people or God’s people. He could either stay with the people who raised him and loved him as one of their own or leave and be poor, mistreated, and possibly even killed. Tune in tomorrow for more!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 8, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Faith Part 2
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

“When things don’t turn out the way we planned, thank God because they turned out the way HE purposed.” – Mark Lanier

When Jesus came to save a sinful world, the Old Testament teachings were not cast aside or discarded. As discussed last week, the writer of Hebrews used examples from the Old Testament to enlighten the people on the importance of “faith”. Today, Mark looks at several of those “vignettes – little stories of faith,” he likes to call them. He first looks at Hebrews 11, where the writer remembers the “vignettes” about Isaac, Jacob, Esau, and Joseph. Tune in tomorrow to hear Mark explain the “rest of the story” about Joseph as recounted in Genesis.

Mark’s Bonus Points for Home:
1) Trust God for His good purposes over your own.
2) Pray over everything, especially for God’s blessings over your family.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 7, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Faith Part 2
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

Mark had so much fun with Hebrews last week that he decided to do more on the subject this week! Studying people of faith from the Bible is very important and helps us to understand what it really is like to surrender all to Jesus and fully trust him in all situations.

Before he dives into the Hebrews verses, however, Mark takes a look at a passage from Romans 1, which has deep meaning to him – and probably to you, as well. Listen in as he reads from the Greek and explains what it means in English.

“Every step along the way, for the Christian, is still a walk in faith,” Mark reminds us. We all start our walk in faith, but it doesn’t stop there. It continues every day of our lives until we die. We don’t use faith just to say “I trust you, Lord”. We use faith to show God that we truly trust Him and His word. The result is this: “We get the righteousness of God in faith at salvation. But the righteousness of God is unfolding in our lives as we walk by faith everyday.”

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 4, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Faith
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 5

Can you imagine what it would be like to just pack up and leave it all behind? Just leave and never come back to your family or friend? It’s hard for us to think about doing something like that. Sure, we can be missionaries in some far-off land, but we have the opportunity to come back. There are people, however, who have done this throughout history – even today. They don’t give it another thought. They just…go.

BONUS: If you aren’t familiar with the song “You Gotta Move” by Mississippi Fred McDowell, Mark plays it during this segment today. Enjoy!

Points for Home:
1) Move: You have to move. Abraham didn’t know where he was going or why, but he did. “Move past your stumbling,” Mark says. Don’t let failures stop you!
2) Trust: Do you trust God with the things that are the most precious to you? Do you truly believe He is holding them in the palm of His hand?

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 3, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Faith
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 4

Do you serve God with your whole being? Do you serve Him with your heart, not just with your actions? Do not simply do right; really, really live it. Don’t just talk the talk – walk the walk. This is how Enoch lived his life. He wanted people to really know who God was.

Genesis 5:21-24 “²¹ When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. ²² After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. ²³ Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. ²⁴ Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

The last verse, verse 24, is interesting because it does not say “and Enoch died”; it says, “because God took away”. The Jews interpreted this as meaning Enoch could come and go as he pleased. Listen in as Mark explains what this means…

The Hebrews 11 passage says, in verse 5, “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: ‘He could not be found, because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” Notice that the writer of Hebrews uses the phrase “who pleased God”. This is important! It’s too long to explain here, so listen in to hear why!

Point for Home from this story: Walk with God as explained in the Hebrew version. “The intimacy that will grow out of that is something that the world will never be able to understand. But it is going to make it a marvelous transition when we go home in His presence.” Love this!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 2, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Faith
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 3

Where does your faith come from? Do you trust that the requests you make of God will be fulfilled? If God can create the earth and all its inhabitants from nothing, surely He can take care of your needs!

However, you cannot just live your life the way you want to and expect Him to give you everything you want. The writer of Hebrews uses various Old Testament stories to express this very point, which is found in Hebrews 11. Mark points out that verse 4, the remembrance of Cain and Abel’s sacrifice, is one that doesn’t express to us “faith in action”. However, it is actually a perfect example of faith and how we, as Christians, should live our lives for the Lord. Listen in as he reads from Genesis 4, the original story.

“God’s not just interested in what you’re doing for him,” Mark admonishes. He wants to know “where your heart is…The trust that God’s going to take care of the consequences needs to be behind our giving to the Lord.”

The next Old Testament person which the writer of Hebrews discusses is Enoch. Hebrews 11:5 and 6 “⁵By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. ⁶And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Mark continues to talk about Enoch and his faith in tomorrow’s segment, so tune in!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

March 1, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Faith
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 2

What keeps you in balance? What keeps you from doing the wrong thing? What helps you do the right thing? Is it faith in Jesus Christ and God the Father? Or is it something else? As Christians, we obviously know that it is the God of the Universe which dictates right and wrong. Without God, who would we be?

Mark takes us to Hebrews 11 this week (he starts at the end of chapter 10 and goes through a little of 12, as well). In the NIV translation, the title for this chapter is “Faith in Action”. But what does faith (or “pistis” in Greek) mean? Webster says faith is a strong belief or trust in someone or something; a belief in the existence of God. It can be either a noun or a verb, depending on the context of the sentence. The Greek meaning is very important to the translation in English and Mark explains why in this segment today.

Mark also shares a personal story about a recent game of racket ball where he had to be honest with his opponent about a certain play. It was a great example of faith and trust on his opponent’s part, because if Mark hadn’t told him the truth, Mark would have won the game! But, alas, Mark was honest and lost. Listen in!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 29, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Faith
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 1

Mark Lanier loves to read. He doesn’t have a particular favorite genre of book; he just loves to read. When he was in high school, he was introduced to the book “The Hobbit” by a friend of his. He wasn’t going to read it, because it sounded weird. However, one day, he was faced with a dilemma: do his Latin homework or read The Hobbit. He chose The Hobbit – and he was so glad he did! Mark discusses some of the book, the background, the inspiration, how Jesus played a part, and the importance of the ring.

“Take a moral and upright person. Taken an immoral thief. Give them both Gyges ring. It’s just a matter of time until you will not be able to tell them by their actions. Because a moral person, if they have true anonymity, will do the most immoral things.”

This all ties into the lesson this week – trust me! Mark is still in the book Hebrews and he poses this question: “What are the checks that keep your life in balance? What are the tethers that anchor you? What is it that makes you stable? What makes you do the right thing when no one is looking?”

If God didn’t exist, then there would be no reason to be good. There would be no morality. So, therefore, there must be a God.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 26, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Melchizedek
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 5

Before Jesus, priests like Melchizedek were our communicators with God. However, during this time, for over a thousand years, the Jewish people knew something better was coming.

When Jesus went to the cross, and sacrificed himself for our sins, he gave that communication right to us. Mark says, “Jesus is the intermediary between us and God. It is in Jesus we are blessed and we bless Jesus when we share his name.”

Mark reads from a Dead Sea Scroll, from about 50 years before Jesus was born. It was actually about Melchizedek! Melchizedek was really a very important priest; he was held in high regard by not only Jews, but all the people. Listen in as Mark reads from the scroll.

Points for Home:
1) See: Do you want to see Jesus? Do you want to see the final result? I do!
2) Learn: Are you a giver? Not just a financial giver. Learn to give your time and talents, too.
3) Accept: Don’t just believe in Jesus and move on. Accept him and keep going!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 25, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Melchizedek
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 4

Melchizedek pre-existed Moses and the Mosaic code – even before Jews. There also weren’t any Israelites because he was before Abraham (he was just Abram at this time)! Melchizedek was not only a high priest, but he was a king as well. The meaning behind Melchizedek’s name is very interesting and Mark goes into detail about that in this segment.

Since Melchizedek was a high priest, people went to him in order to speak with God. In Psalm 110: 4, David said: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek’.” This is a direct reference to the Messiah, which Mark explains in this segment, with some Hebrew mixed in. Mark also discusses how Jesus pre-existed his incarnation and how the prophets come into play through Melchizedek.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 24, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Melchizedek
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 3

It wasn’t a person who called Abraham or Moses. It wasn’t a person who made the bush burn or led the people out of Egypt (technically). It was God who did all that. All of the events that led up to the birth of Christ and his resurrection where strategically planned by God. Even the bad stuff!

Melchizedek was a key character in the culture of Christian-Jewish people, even though he was only mentioned three times in the Bible: Genesis 14:17-20; Psalm 110; and Hebrews chapters 5-7. He is very well remembered and held in high-regard in writings outside of the Bible.

Mark looks first at the Genesis account of Melchizedek. Genesis 14: 17-20 is in the meat of the story of Lot. “¹⁷After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). ¹⁸Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, ¹⁹and he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. ²⁰And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”

Then in Psalm 110, Melchizedek is mentioned again. Listen in as Mark reads this passage. You may notice a common theme in both!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 23, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Melchizedek
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 2

It’s hard for us to imagine not being able to use the internet to find a solution to something. Well, some people may remember the days of using a library card catalog for research papers. (Young people, ask your mom or dad what that is!) It’s harder, still, to imagine a time when you couldn’t even look in a book for an answer! That’s what it was like in the early days; usually only the wealthy or priests had access to much written information.

God made all of us – yes, everyone – predisposed to be connected to Him. Even people who do not believe in God still ponder “the meaning of life” – they just don’t realize what they’re looking for! Mark says, “We were hard-wired to connect with God. If you’re not connected to Him, you still feel it inside.”

The people in the Bible knew there was something – or Someone – out there that was more important than they were. This is known in the professional world as “The God of the Gaps” and where the priests came in to the picture. They were the “middle-man” between man and God. Listen in as Mark explains what this means. He WILL get to the priest, Melchizedek. Tune in tomorrow!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 22, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews - Melchizedek
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 1

Mark says his class is perfect for “Bible Nerds”. It’s great for “normal people”, too, but Bible Nerds really, really love his class! Some of you may not know this, but it takes a team of people each week to help Mark with his lessons. He’d love to take all the credit, but he simply cannot. Listen in as he explains the process he goes through each week. For example, Mark the President of Baylor University is one person who receives the email each week about the lesson. This week’s topic is Melchizedek and Ken Star has something pretty funny to say about the lesson this week! Listen in!

Mark gives a brief history of Melchizedek and the traditions of priests during that time. Many people could be called (or call themselves!) a priest. Even a King could be a priest! People looked to the priests for the majority of their decisions and also explanations to world events. They didn’t have the internet to look stuff up! They didn’t even have a newspaper for current events. So how did they learn about things? Tune in tomorrow for more on this.

BONUS: If you would like to receive an email copy of Mark’s lesson each week, use the Contact Link on his website and he will add you to the list! How awesome is that?!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 19, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Day 5

New Testament Survey - Hebrews: Listening to God


“There is a freedom in the Lord Jesus that doesn’t exist anywhere else…and you are empowered with the Lord above,” Mark says, paraphrasing Jesus reading from the scroll in the Synagogue..Amen and amen! What a wonderful freedom it is!

Points for Home:
1) Commit – Study the Bible.
2) Know – Know Jesus.
3) Hear – Listen closely for God’s voice.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 18, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

New Testament Survey - Hebrews: Listening to God

The author of Hebrews references quite a few previous passages of Scripture in his writings. Mark looked at several yesterday. Check them out if you missed it! Today, he looks at more. Psalm 8, for example, is a wonderful chapter, filled with praise and gratitude.

Then you get to verses 4-6 of the chapter, and it says: “⁴what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? ⁵You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. ⁶You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”

Early in this segment, Mark compares sin and God to a glass of milk with a drop of ink in it: God is the milk, pure and clean, and we are the ink, sinful and black. “If God were to take sinful humanity into His bosom without paying the price for the sin, God would dilute His righteousness,” Mark declares. “It cannot be done.” Jesus didn’t pay the price for his own sin – he didn’t have any! He paid the price on the cross for our sin.

God really knew what He was doing, didn’t He? Verse after verse affirms that God made man in His image in order to please Him. And when you think about it… When God sent His son to earth as a man, He was really sending Himself! Why would He do that? Because He loves us that much! Just let that sink in for a minute. “Jesus isn’t a different message. He is the end of the conversation. He is the final word,” Mark says. God is really amazing, isn’t He?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 17, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

New Testament Survey - Hebrews: Listening to God

There is no doubt that Jesus is the one and only Messiah. There is no other but him. Over and over again in the Bible, God says, “I am His Father” or “He is my son”. In turn, Jesus also talks about being “His son” or “God is my Father”. Mark Lanier references several of these passages, such as 2 Samuel 7:14 or John 14:13.

Remember that the message of the Bible is never changing; Mark talked about that yesterday. He goes into further detail about how we know this is true in this segment today. The writer of Hebrews acknowledged that God is “sinless, yet just”. But how can a righteous, sinless, just God pass judgment on a sinful humanity? Well, God has an answer for that, too, which Mark reveals. Listen in!

Psalm 102:25-27: “²⁵In the beginning, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. ²⁶They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. ²⁷But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”

Other passages to look at today: Deuteronomy 32:33. Luke 2:13-14. Psalm 45:6-7.

Every sin deserves the punishment of death. Mark says: “Sin is a capital offense because it is an impurity.”

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 16, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

New Testament Survey - Hebrews: Listening to God

Mark reminds us that the whole message from the Bible is relaying the relationship between Him and us. He used the prophets in the first days, and He has used many different people in various capacities throughout history. The message has not changed, however, since the beginning of time. It is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And what a wonderful message it is!

Today’s segment from Mark Lanier is a little shorter than normal so we could have time to reflect on the meaning of President’s Day. Listen in as Mark briefly shares a story about the singer Bono (yes, Bono!) and then moves on to more from Hebrews, the angels, Jesus, the line of superiority, the Rabbis, and the Jews hunger for more than just tradition.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 15, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

New Testament Survey - Hebrews: Listening to God

Mark did an overview of Hebrews last week. This week, he wants to focus more on the book from a Greek perspective. He also points out that the author of Hebrews really stressed the importance listening to God. The very first verse in Hebrews is awesome. Mark says, “It jolts us with an incredible concept.” God speaks to all of us – in answering prayer, in guiding us, in reprimanding us. We all hear the voice of God. But how do you know when you’ve heard it?

Then, Mark goes on to say that the first four verses in Hebrews are actually one long sentence in Greek. He will continue with these verses tomorrow, so tune in!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 12, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews Overview
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

New Testament Survey: Hebrews Overview

Hebrews 10, beginning in verse 19, we read about the confidence we can have in Jesus Christ. These are some of Mark Lanier’s favorite verses in the entire Bible. Mark paraphrases them like this: “Anyone who comes into the presence of the Holy Almighty God should do so with great trembling and fear, but also with confidence. We are not there because of our merit or because we didn’t sin this week. We are there, washed clean, our sins having been paid by Jesus.” This is why Mark invests time into his life group class at Champion Forest Baptist Church. He desires to encourage others and help them understand more fully the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He longs to share the Gospel so everyone may come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Then in Hebrews 11, we receive hope! Hope for the past, present, and the future. There is always – always – hope in Jesus Christ. We simply must cling to the hope Jesus gives us. Hope is a beautiful thing! Once you receive that hope and fully trust in it through all situation, how happy you will be!

Everything we do is by faith. Mark reads how person after person trusted the Lord and, by faith, they were able to complete the mission He called them to do. Not only is this true in the Bible, but even today. Things may look bleak and gloomy and we may wish Christ would come back sooner rather than later, but by faith we have to realize that there is a plan for everything. Only He knows why.

Points for Home:
1) Know – Christ is faithful. Faith changes everything.
2) Grow – Choose good over evil. Make deliberate decisions to follow Jesus.
3) Pray – Don’t ever hesitate to pray for yourself and for others.

Mark will continue with the book Hebrews next week, so tune in each day to hear more!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 11, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews Overview
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

New Testament Survey: Hebrews Overview

“If you know Jesus, then you know God. You know the difference between right and wrong. You may not want to, but you know!” Mark proclaims. People who do not know Jesus still know the truth, but they just don’t care (for the most part). Oh, they still feel guilt, but most just don’t care. This is the call of God on all of our lives.

What is the “sanctuary of God”? In Hebrews 9:1-12, the author talks about the Holy Place, the Most Holy Place, the golden altar, the ark of covenant, and the mercy seat. These were sacred places that were only accessible once a year by the high priests. This was where the blood of the sacrifices were shed. But when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, he became that sacrifice. Mark calls it a “supreme sacrifice.” Now, we no longer need to offer animal sacrifices. Jesus is that sacrifice. That is the point of these twelve verses.

We ran out of time to listen to the next passage which Mark began discussing at the end of today’s segment. Tune in tomorrow to hear the rest of it, plus your points for home.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 10, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews Overview
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

New Testament Survey: Hebrews Overview

Mark continues to explain the order in which the elders of the church are considered as he reads from Hebrews 3 today. Mark uses the illustration of Moses and his house, the priests, and the people to explain how Jesus became a high priest. It wasn’t from his ancestry that he became a high priest, though. Listen in as Mark explains this in detail going all the way back to Abraham by examining Hebrews 8:1-13. (Mark will continue with this passage tomorrow, so tune in.)

This sermon also reminds us that the real honor goes to the person, not the thing. In other words, God gets the glory for all things – not us. You may do something grand. You may be a great singer. You may be a great speaker. You may even be the best lawyer in America. But who gave you those talents? Who gave you the ability? God! Always remember to give Him the honor and glory in all that you do.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 9, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews Overview
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

New Testament Survey: Hebrews Overview

Yesterday, Mark explained how many Jewish people who became Christians began to have second thoughts about their decision. They were very confused and torn between their old customs and wanting to believe and trust in the Messiah. Mark says this: “Jesus is not a fad; Jesus is the ripened fulfillment of the Jewish faith.”

One concept they had a hard time grasping was the “second coming”. When Jesus said he was coming again soon, did it mean today – tomorrow – ten years from now – or in ten thousand years? Even today, we still have people trying to predict this! Guess what – so far no one has been right!

Remember - We do not know for sure who the writer of Hebrews is; many have speculated, but we simply do not know. The writer, however, is very knowledgeable about the end times and what we need to be looking for. Mark goes through some of the Greek letters, words, and symbols that are important to know about the name of Jesus.

Mark gets into the outline of the book of Hebrews in this segment today. He says, “Jesus is superior to the angels. He is superior to Moses. He is superior to the high priests. He is superior to the Covenant. He is superior to the Temple. Therefore, we must persevere in our faith and live accordingly.” Mark breaks down the verses and explains what this means in more detail.

Mark also discusses why so many new Jewish Christians were confused about the reason for Christ’s death on the Christ – If Jesus is superior, why did he have to die? It just didn’t make sense to them! The writer of Hebrews explains that (in Mark’s words): “Jesus was made low so he could be lifted high and take us with him. He had to become human to beat death.”

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 8, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Hebrews Overview
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

New Testament Survey: Hebrews Overview

Mark Lanier is spending this week introducing the book of Hebrews. He will take the next few weeks to dissect it a little deeper, so make sure you listen in – or join him in class at CFBC! That would be even better!

He actually begins the lesson today by looking at the faith of a child in the life of a man, like the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. Jesus said, “³A sower went out to sow. ⁴And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. ⁵Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, ⁶but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. ⁷Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. ⁸Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9He who has ears, let him hear.”

What kind of soil you want to be? Obviously we want to be the good soil, but do you still live like that? If you were saved as a child, do you still look at God in awe and wonder? Or, are you complacent, thinking you know enough?

That’s what Mark wants to look at in Hebrews this week. The book is a sermon written to people who were once Jews but are now born-again Christians. However, they are still steeped in their Jewish faith and customs and are considering returning to their Jewish faith. Their lack of faith in Jesus and his resurrection is the whole problem. Listen in as Mark explains.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 5, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Paul’s Last Letter
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

New Testament Survey: Paul’s Last Letter

The Fruit of the Spirit grows from the inside out. Everyone has the Fruit of the Spirit – you just have to find it! Paul talks about the Fruit of the Spirit in 2^nd Timothy – but he also gives a dire warning about the end times. In Chapter 3, verses 1 through 9, Paul says:

¹But understand this, in the last days there will come times of difficulty. ²For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ⁴treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. ⁶For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, ⁷always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. ⁸Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. ⁹But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

Then Paul goes on to remind Timothy and the saints to just follow God’s law. That’s all we are called to do. Scripture is our only reliable source for everything. In verse 16, Paul uses the phrase “All Scripture is breathed out by God…” Mark calls it “God-breathed” and explains why it is important to believe in Scripture. “Scripture is profitable for us,” Mark says.

Points for Home:
1) Know – Know that there will come a day that we will stand before God in heaven.
2) Trust – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.
3) Do – Do all things according to God’s Word.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 4, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Paul’s Last Letter
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

New Testament Survey: Paul’s Last Letter

In 2^nd Timothy, verses 3 through 5, Paul was very sentimental. He remembered Timothy with great affection. Then, he shifts gears in verse 6 to encouragement. Paul wanted Timothy to stay strong in his faith, to never be ashamed. In verse 10, Paul begins to praise God for His son and the sacrifice he made on the cross for our sins. In just a few short verses, Paul covered all the good stuff! Listen in as Mark continues…

To the world, death means it’s over. But In Jesus, death means it’s just now starting. C.S. Lewis, in the Chronicles of Narnia, the opening of the door to the wardrobe implies that we are walking into a new life – a new beginning. This is the way it is with Christ! You are leaving the old behind and starting fresh.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 3, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Paul’s Last Letter
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

New Testament Survey: Paul’s Last Letter

You cannot deny the historical roots of the Bible and the church. Even scholars who do not believe in God acknowledge their significance! Yet, through all the persecution and hatred and denial of Christ, the church has lived on – God will stand the test of time!

Paul knew what his future entailed when he was imprisoned for the last time under Nero; he knew the end was near. Some believe he was beheaded in 64 A.D. and others say it was as late as 67 A.D. Before he died, however, he wrote 2 Timothy. The letter reveals how Paul knew his death was near, but he knew that Heaven awaited him, and that was good news!

Listen in as Mark quickly goes through many of the passages in 2 Timothy and discusses their significance.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 2, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Paul’s Last Letter
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

New Testament Survey: Paul’s Last Letter

Don’t let your eyes glaze over or your ears tune out of this segment, friends. It’s important information which needs to be reviewed to fully understand where Paul is coming from, where he went, why he went there, and the end result.

Paul was on a mission – a mission trip. He went on many mission trips, actually. On his second missionary trip, Paul met Timothy. (For more on Timothy, click here ) Then, on his third journey, which lasted five years, Paul went to Europe, Greece, and Macedonia. He wound back up into Jerusalem, where he was arrested then moved around to other places and finally was sent to Rome. This was when Paul writes his famous letters from prison. Think about what our world would be like now if he was never arrested! It would be vastly different.

Now, what happened next? When Paul was released from prison around 62 or 63 A.D., he went to various places and ultimately went to Spain, where he had wanted to go all along. When he had finished his mission there, he went back to Rome – where he was arrested again! You’d think he would learn to stay out of Rome! This would be his final imprisonment, which led to his death.

Mark also discusses the fires in Rome and an important letter written by a man who wasn’t even a Christian! He also talks about incest and eating dead people and drinking their blood. No, it’s not a recap of The Walking Dead. Listen in to discover what Mark is talking about!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

February 1, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Paul’s Last Letter
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

New Testament Survey: Paul’s Last Letter

Do you ever think about death? Do you think about the end of your life and how it will be? What will your last, final thought as a human being be? Did Paul think about death? The answer would be YES. In his last letter, Paul writes about death. He is very open and honest with his thoughts about death. This is the focus of this week’s lesson.

Before Mark gets to the last letter of Paul, he reviews the life of Paul – where he was born, where he studied, who his parents were, the death of Jesus during Paul’s life.

The death and resurrection of Jesus was immediately spread across the lands. This is important for several reasons, especially in the life of Paul. Listen in as Mark explains.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 29, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Paul’s Letter to Titus
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

New Testament Survey: Paul’s Letter to Titus

If the world was all just coincidence – all karma – Mark Lanier says, “We’d all be in deep doo-doo.” Yep! That’s right! But thank God – He is in control! By His Grace we are saved! By His Mercy we have been redeemed! There is karma in the world – his name is Satan. But Jesus Christ defeated karma on the cross! Amen and amen!

Points for Home: 1. Trust – Titus 1:2 “God, who never lies, promised…” We can trust that God will do what He says He will do. He is a promise-keeper, not a promise-breaker.

2. Just Do It – Titus 1:5 “Put what remained in order…” Make your to-do list – and do it! Mark goes through a check list of good and bad habits we are all faced with. Listen in or click on the link below to print the list out for yourself.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 28, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Paul’s Letter to Titus
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

New Testament Survey: Paul’s Letter to Titus

Mark loves to explain what English words mean in Greek. Grace in Greek is Χάριτος or Charis. It is often translated as “gift”. In Titus 2, Paul is referring to the “gift” as Jesus – the best and most precious gift of all. Paul reminded Titus that the “gift” has brought salvation to the world and wants us to continue his works for him. We must train. We must ready ourselves. We must not live like the world, but live like “the gift”.

In Titus 3, Paul continues with his warning to Titus and the church to be ready. Verses 1 through 7 reads: “¹ Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, ² to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others, and hating one another. ⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Mark tells of an email exchange he’s been having with an atheist from Canada. The man, whose name also happens to be Mark, has even read Mark Lanier’s book! (I don’t know how anyone can read Christianity on Trial and not know there is a God, but this is beside the point…) This man challenged Mark to pretend there was not a God for just five minutes. Listen in as Mark shares his brilliant response!

PS Tune in Friday for the final information on this lesson, the points for home, and to find out why we ended today’s lesson with the word “doo-doo”!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 27, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Paul’s Letter to Titus
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

New Testament Survey: Paul’s Letter to Titus

Uh-oh. Here we go again. Here’s the passage in the Bible that tells women they have to stay home and be a mama and never work again. WRONG!  This particular part of the Bible is one of the most misquoted and misunderstood in all the Bible. This passage also includes the “women submit to your husband” verse, which is also often taken out of context. Mark sets the record straight.

The rest of the passage includes instructions for everyone else, including slavery. Mark stops here and explains the difference between “Bible slaves” and our thoughts about the atrocious slavery that happened in America and other countries around the world (some of which still exists).

This is why it is so important to know the Bible and understand what the verses mean. Too many people spout this or that about verses, especially the more “popular” ones, and twist the real meaning around to suit their own wants and needs.

Mark turns his focus to two verses in Titus chapter 2: “¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹² training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Grace in Greek is Χάριτος or Charis. It can even be translated as “gift”. Mark continues explaining this tomorrow, so tune in!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 26, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Paul’s Letter to Titus
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

New Testament Survey: Paul’s Letter to Titus

Yesterday, Mark Lanier gave a brief history lesson on Titus and the state of the church at that time. Titus was a very close friend of Paul’s and traveled with him quite a bit. The book of Titus is a letter from Paul to his friend, asking Titus to go to Corinth to help the people there. That leads us to today’s lesson…

The greeting in Titus chapter 1 is different than Paul’s letters to other people, which usually began as “Dear so-and-so”. This letter to Titus, however, reads: “1) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2) in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3) and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior.” What on earth? Why would Paul begin his letter in this manner? Mark explains, using some of the Greek we learned from his study last fall.

Mark says this of these verses: “Be sensitive to the moment in which you live because it is very precious and important. God is at work.” This was not only true then, but holds fast throughout the ages even until today. “God has deliberate work right now and you’re at a moment where you can uniquely be there for God.”

Mark then goes through some of the instructions Paul left for Titus for the elders of the church. Listen in as he goes through each one and also looks at Titus chapter 2. Tomorrow, Mark will explain why Paul wrote about women staying at home. That doesn’t necessarily mean that women should not work outside the home. Today’s economy is vastly different than it was 2,000 years ago. Tune in tomorrow as he digs into this part a little deeper.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 25, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Paul’s Letter to Titus
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

New Testament Survey: Paul’s Letter to Titus

Titus was an uncircumcised Greek convert and traveled with Paul extensively. The book of Titus is not very long. It is one letter from Paul written to Titus over three chapters. Mark begins the lesson telling a story about his lovely wife Becky and her amazing organizational skills. She is one those “list people” – she likes to-do lists. Mark is convinced that both Paul and Titus were “list people”. The book of Titus reads like a to-do list.

The Corinthian church at this time was having a lot of problems; no one was getting along. The church was just being ripped apart. Paul was writing letters and sending his best people to help with the situation, but nothing was helping. So that leads us to 2 Corinthians 8
These verses explain to the people of Corinth who Titus was. He was not just some random dude that Paul found on the side of the road. Titus was a man of God. Paul even referred to Titus as his “partner”. Since Paul trusted Titus, the people could trust him, as well.

Listen in as Mark discusses more about Titus, where he lived at this time, and why that is important. He also looks at the beginning of Titus and Paul’s greeting to him. It is very different than the greetings in his other letters. Listen in as Mark explains.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 22, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey - Paul’s Life after Acts: Timothy
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

New Testament Survey - Paul’s Life after Acts: Timothy

In the letter in 1^st Timothy that Mark has been discussing this week, Paul urges the members of the church to encourage each other. It is very important to lift one another up in actions, words, and prayers. Mark stresses how vital it is to pray for our pastors. They are under a tremendous amount of stress and need their congregants to pray for them constantly.

Paul continues in his letter to tell the people to be content and not chase money. “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil,” Paul says in 1^st Timothy 6:10. Work hard and provide for your family, but do not covet a rich bank account. Instead, “flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (verse 11). Mark says that you can choose to chase one of these virtues each day, and on the Sabbath – rest and focus on God. Listen in as he explains this great idea and how it can help you walk closer with God.

In 1^st Timothy Chapter 6, verses 13-16, Paul gave Timothy a final charge: “In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you ¹⁴to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.”

Paul then adds a PS to the letter and Mark is so glad he did. Listen as Mark reads those verses and gives the points for home. Make a commitment in 2016 to be a person of powerful prayer. After all, it’s just a conversation with God.

Tune in next week as Mark discusses Paul’s letter to Titus.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 21, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey - Paul’s Life after Acts: Timothy
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

New Testament Survey - Paul’s Life after Acts: Timothy

Mark starts out today’s lesson by diving right into 1 Timothy 2:8-15 “⁸Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. ⁹I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ¹⁰but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. ¹¹A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. ¹²I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. ¹³For Adam was formed first, then Eve. ¹⁴And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. ¹⁵But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with self-control.” NIV

These verses have been misconstrued and taken out of context over the years. Mark doesn’t go into a lot of detail about the women’s clothing and hair issue, but plans to take a whole class in the future to explain them further. Look for more information coming soon. Mark does, however, look at the last verse, verse fifteen. This is an important part to know and understand as it leads the way to salvation! Paul also uses this verse as a segue to Chapter 3 of 1Timothy: Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons. This is another one of those passages which people twist to accommodate their own personal feelings and opinions. Mark sets the record straight, though. Church is a place of specifics and the Bible is the guidebook. “The leadership of the church is very important. It is a holy mission. We’re no longer just skipping through life. We have a purpose. We a reason for existing,” Mark believes. “Train yourself in godliness. That means biting your tongue when you want to gossip. Sometimes we need to exercise with our glasses off so we don’t get tempted by the opposite sex. Sometimes that means we need to stop worrying about money.” Tune in tomorrow to hear the conclusion of this week’s lesson with Mark Lanier.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 20, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey - Paul’s Life after Acts: Timothy
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

New Testament Survey - Paul’s Life after Acts: Timothy

The people, at this point, had lost all their purpose. They forgot all they had been taught and learned for the elders. Paul was sending a warning to the people – warning them of the sin they were committing and the consequences they would face for their sin.

In 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Paul confesses: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” NIV

To make a long story short, Paul was basically telling Timothy, “You need to wage war over some of these problems.” There are issues which we should not bother arguing about; others are major problems that need to be dealt with. But, first, prayer. Always begin with prayer – even for your enemies, and especially for those who need Jesus.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 19, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey - Paul’s Life after Acts: Timothy
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

New Testament Survey - Paul’s Life after Acts: Timothy

From Acts, we learn that Nero is the Emperor of Rome. He was not a good man and just got worse as time went on. We also know that the chief advisor to Nero was Seneca. Mark looks at Acts 18:12, which brings up Seneca’s brother, Gallio, who was on Paul’s side. So why didn’t Paul just appeal to Gallio and make his life a whole lot easier? Because he knew there was a bigger plan! Paul was, in fact, ultimately released from prison and that’s where Mark really dives into the lesson today, staying in the book of Acts, but looking at the man Timothy.

Timothy’s mother was Jewish and his father was Greek. This made for an interesting family life, for sure. When Timothy met Paul, his life was completely turned around and he began accompanying Paul on his missionary trips. In Acts 20:28, Paul told the elders to pay careful attention to everyone around them, including themselves. He then continued to warn them what to do after his death. Paul knew that things were going to get hairy and scary.

Listen in as Mark reads the rest of the letter and explains why Paul wrote it. He also encourages you to place your children, family, and friends in the letter and pray it over them as often as you can.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 18, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey - Paul’s Life after Acts: Timothy
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

New Testament Survey - Paul’s Life after Acts: Timothy

Mark begins the lesson this week by telling a story of a lesson he learned at a Texas Tech game from one of his former professors. The lesson? Be humble. And listen to the wisdom of others, especially those who are older Christians.

This week, Mark will be examining Paul’s first letter to Timothy, which has been described a “pastoral epistle”. In his letter, Paul wanted to make sure that his friend Timothy was very clear in his intentions in spreading the Gospel.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 15, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Lesson 64 Ephesians
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 5

New Testament Survey: Lesson 64 Ephesians

In Ephesians 5:21, Paul says this: “Subject yourselves to one another out of reverence to Christ. “  There are different areas of submission in our lives: spouses (wife to husband, husband to God), children to parents, in the workplace, at school, etc. What Paul is referring to, however, goes beyond obedience; he reminds us we should put others above ourselves.

Interesting Greek Fact: The word “submit” is not in the Greek. Listen in as Mark explains what it says in Greek and why it is different. He shares a lesson from his childhood that he learned about marriage using the light of the moon and the brightness of the sun.

Points for Home: Always pray for others. Mark 2016 a year of prayer. Give praise and prayer for everyone you know: pastors, family, friends, co-workers, strangers. You’ll be amazed at the change in your own life when you begin to lift others up to God.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 14, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Lesson 64 Ephesians
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 4

New Testament Survey: Lesson 64 Ephesians

“We’ve got the blessings!!” Mark wants us to remember this word from Paul. Paul was very excited about the work that was going to be done in Christ’s name in Ephesus and the surrounding cities. Paul knew that the blessings were abundant and were going to remain so.

How does Paul’s letter to the Ephesians apply to us as Christians today? First, no one should ever be divided by their place in society when they come into church. There should definitely not be racism based on skin color, either. When it comes to the church – this should never happen, so stop it! “If you don’t like it, then you’re living in zombie land!” Mark declares. (Check out yesterday’s lesson if you don’t know why he’s talking about zombies!)

This is so important to Paul, that he wrote another prayer beginning in Ephesians 3:14 through verse 21. There is no dividing line among the people in Heaven; we’re all the same in Heaven, so we’re all the same on Earth! We need to stop all this division among us and get with Paul’s program.

Mark points out that Paul wrote his letters in two parts: the first was usually theological and the second half was practical. In chapters 4, 5, and 6, Paul writes about how “we are one because He is one”. He is, of course, in prison at this time. Yet, he still gives praise to the Lord in all things and declares his desire to see more people come to know the love of God. The basic lesson from chapter 4 is: “Walk the walk. Don’t just talk the talk.” Don’t be a zombie, roaming aimlessly over the Earth.

Listen in as Mark describes the differences between the light and the dark. He has a great message for the young people listening, so make sure you listen to this particular segment with your teens, tweens, and college age kiddos!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 13, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Lesson 64 Ephesians
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 3

New Testament Survey: Lesson 64 Ephesians

“We’ve got the blessings!!” Mark wants us to remember this word from Paul. Paul was very excited about the work that was going to be done in Christ’s name in Ephesus and the surrounding cities. Paul knew that the blessings were abundant and were going to remain so.

How does Paul’s letter to the Ephesians apply to us as Christians today? First, no one should ever be divided by their place in society when they come into church. There should definitely not be racism based on skin color, either. When it comes to the church – this should never happen, so stop it! “If you don’t like it, then you’re living in zombie land!” Mark declares. (Check out yesterday’s lesson if you don’t know why he’s talking about zombies!)

This is so important to Paul, that he wrote another prayer beginning in Ephesians 3:14 through verse 21. There is no dividing line among the people in Heaven; we’re all the same in Heaven, so we’re all the same on Earth! We need to stop all this division among us and get with Paul’s program.

Mark points out that Paul wrote his letters in two parts: the first was usually theological and the second half was practical. In chapters 4, 5, and 6, Paul writes about how “we are one because He is one”. He is, of course, in prison at this time. Yet, he still gives praise to the Lord in all things and declares his desire to see more people come to know the love of God. The basic lesson from chapter 4 is: “Walk the walk. Don’t just talk the talk.” Don’t be a zombie, roaming aimlessly over the Earth.

Listen in as Mark describes the differences between the light and the dark. He has a great message for the young people listening, so make sure you listen to this particular segment with your teens, tweens, and college age kiddos!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, log onto Biblical-Literacy.org.

January 12, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Lesson 64 Ephesians
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 2

New Testament Survey: Lesson 64 Ephesians

Ephesus was a central city, with smaller towns and cities surrounding it (like Houston!) and churches met in homes. When Paul wrote his letter addressed to the people of Ephesus, he was really writing it to all of the churches in the other cities in the area, as well. One thing to note is that Paul did not address each church separately, like he did in his other letters. It was very generic because he wanted ALL the people to receive his message, not just a few. Some scholars do not think Paul wrote Ephesians for this very reason. Mark explains what the original Greek said about Paul’s letter, how it pertains to the lesson this week, and how we know it was Paul who wrote the letter.

The next twelve verses (after the initial greeting) are actually one long run-on sentence in the original Greek. It is separated into sentences in English to make it easier to read. The emphasis in these verses in on the word “blessing”. Mark ends the lesson today by comparing verse 3 in English and Greek. He does use a lot of PowerPoint demonstration in the lesson, so check out the handouts at the link below. Tune in tomorrow for more!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

January 11, 2016

Title: New Testament Survey: Lesson 64 Ephesians
Topic: New Testament Survey

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

Part 1

New Testament Survey: Lesson 64 Ephesians

Mark is back!! He enjoyed the much-needed break over the holidays, but he is back and ready to dive back into his lessons on the New Testament.

This week, he will be focusing on Ephesians with Paul’s prison epistles. First, a little background: Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and taken to Casoria and then ultimately to Rome. He was chained to a Roman soldier 24/7, which was a good thing! He kept converting soldiers to Christ!

“Christianity explodes so much within the heart of Rome that only twenty-five years after the death of Jesus, there are enough Christians that Nero is able to use them as a scape goat when Rome burns,” Mark explains. This is amazing because they didn’t have television, newspapers, or even reliable transportation to share the Gospel quickly. Listen in this week as Mark explores more of Ephesians and Paul’s letter to the people of Ephesus.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].