Benjamin Lee <- Back Dangers To Avoid While Being A Servant Benjamin Lee August 1, 2021 Dangers To Avoid While Being A Servant Benjamin Lee 00:00 / 01:04 Download Outline File Download Presention File Request a File Looking for an outline or powerpoint file for a specific lesson? Let us know! Request Now Service, serve, serving, served, Christ My King, slave, bondservant, bondservice, Jesus, Christ, imitate, imidating, imitaded, imitation, danger, dangers, intentions, bitter, bitterness, disappointment, disappoint, working, work, merit, earn

Benjamin Lee <- Back Make Me A Servant Benjamin Lee December 1, 2019 Make Me A Servant Benjamin Lee 00:00 / 01:04 Download Outline File Download Presention File Request a File Looking for an outline or powerpoint file for a specific lesson? Let us know! Request Now we, division, divide, quarrel, quarrels, quarreling, love, loving, consider, considering, consideration, considered

Darren Martin, Adam McCollough <- Back The New Testament Church Darren Martin, Adam McCollough Download Bible Class Book This series is currently ongoing. New lessons released weekly. Series Episodes The New Testament Church - Lesson 1 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 2 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 3 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 4 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 5 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 6 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 7 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 8 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 9 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 10 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 11 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 12 Outline File Presentation File The New Testament Church - Lesson 13 Outline File Presentation File Series Outline Request a File Looking for an outline or powerpoint file for a specific lesson? Let us know! Request Now Have More Questions? Ask A Bible Question

For many, Christmas is a season of joy, lights, and traditions. Families gather, gifts are exchanged, and cherished memories are formed. During this season, the story of Jesus’ birth is retold year after year. Yet, when we examine Scripture and history closely, there is no biblical command to celebrate Jesus’ birth on December 25—or on any day ( Luke 2:1-20 ). The Bible provides no instructions for observing a birthday; rather, it emphasizes remembering Jesus' life, death, and resurrection through the Lord’s Supper ( 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ). While the exact date of Jesus’ birth is unknown, historical and biblical clues suggest it was likely not December 25. Luke mentions shepherds in the fields at night, pointing to a warmer season. Roman censuses—like the one Joseph and Mary traveled for—were typically conducted in milder months, not in winter. Early church records indicate December 25 was established centuries later, likely aligning with cultural festivals. And, Scripture’s focus is on Christ’s life, mission, and saving work—not a calendar date. That said, the season is not without significance. In a world filled with contradictory ideas about Jesus—some denying Him, others reshaping Him completely—this attention presents a unique opportunity. Even if imperfect, people are talking about Jesus, and every conversation is a door that can lead someone closer to the truth. We are often tempted to correct, argue, or even silently protest. Rarely does debate alone change hearts, and silence can miss opportunity. Instead, we can allow conversations to serve as bridges. When someone mentions Jesus’ birth, we can gently redirect the focus to who He really is: the Savior ( Luke 2:11 ), the Son of God ( Matthew 3:17 ), the One who offers forgiveness ( Luke 24:47 ), hope ( 1 Peter 1:3 ), and life ( John 11:25 ). The cultural picture of Jesus differs from the biblical one. Movies, songs, and decorations may emphasize a gentle infant in a manger, but rarely convey His mission, teachings, or ultimate sacrifice. Even amid these representations, we can help others see beyond traditions and images to the truth revealed in Scripture. We can point to the Jesus who healed the sick, spoke with authority, loved the marginalized, and willingly gave His life to bring us to God ( Mark 2:17, 1 Peter 3:18 ). This approach does not require protesting celebration outright, nor joining every custom uncritically. It is an invitation to think differently about honoring Jesus. The essence of our faith is not tied to a date, gift, or decoration—it is tied to Christ Himself ( John 15:4-5 ). Our ultimate celebration is not the pageantry of December 25, but the life-changing reality of following Jesus daily and remembering His death and resurrection through the Lord’s Supper. This season is an opportunity to be a light in a world darkened by distraction, doubt, and misinformation ( Matthew 5:14-16 ). When people engage with the story of Jesus—even in a simplified or cultural form—we can use it as a starting point, encourage curiosity, invite questions, and model a faith rooted in Scripture. In doing so, we honor the truth without dismissing the ongoing conversations around us. Ultimately, thinking biblically about Christmas is aligning our perspective with who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. While we may not know His birthday, we do know His mission: to save, redeem, and draw people to Himself. When the world talks about Jesus—even imperfectly—we must engage. Often, the most effective way to point others to the real Jesus is through gentle guidance, thoughtful conversation, and a life reflecting His love ( 1 Peter 3:15-16 ). So, this season, whether we celebrate or not, do so thoughtfully. Let us honor Christ not by the calendar, but by the truth of His identity and the power of His work in our lives. Let us see conversations around us—not as annoyances to be corrected, but as opportunities to share the gospel. And let us remember that while December 25 may not mark Jesus’ birth, every day is an opportunity to proclaim His presence, love, and life-changing grace ( Psalm 96:2, Matthew 28:19-20 ).

In the first post, we saw how Proverbs teaches us to trust God, honor Him with our possessions, and choose contentment. But Proverbs also offers practical wisdom on how we work, warnings about wealth, and reminders of perspective. Work Diligently and Honestly Proverbs 16:26 says hunger drives a man to work. Work is honorable when done diligently. Proverbs 6:6-11 points us to the ant: a self-starter, disciplined, and prepared. Proverbs 10:4-5 says laziness leads to poverty, but diligence brings abundance. But Proverbs also warns us about how not  to make money: Stealing  (Proverbs 6:30-31). It won’t go unpunished. Dishonesty  (Proverbs 11:1; 21:6). God hates false scales and lying. Daydreaming  (Proverbs 13:4). Wishing doesn’t build wealth; work does. Greed for gain  (Proverbs 15:27). It destroys lives. Heed Warnings about Wealth Proverbs are realistic about money. It warns us about debt: “The borrower is slave to the lender”  (Proverbs 22:7). It warns about becoming surety—guaranteeing someone else’s debt (Proverbs 6:1; 11:15; 17:18). It also warns against haste: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty”  (Proverbs 21:5). Reflect on Perspective Some Proverbs challenge us to look deeper: Proverbs 13:7: “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” Proverbs 13:23: A righteous man leaves an inheritance. Wealth is a stewardship. Proverbs 14:20: “The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends…” Proverbs 18:23: “The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.” Money reveals perspective. Do we measure wealth by possessions, or by wisdom and righteousness? Conclusion Proverbs pulls back the curtain: wealth can bless or destroy, depending on how we use it. God calls us to work diligently, live honestly, avoid debt, and keep perspective. Mark these Proverbs in green—but more importantly, hide them in your heart. True wealth is not found in dollars or possessions, but in walking with God.

When it comes to wealth, everyone has an opinion. Some pursue it at all costs, while others see money as evil. The book of Proverbs helps us find balance. It teaches us how to handle wealth with wisdom, not greed, and reminds us that true riches come from God. Seek Wisdom Over Wealth Proverbs tells us that wisdom is worth far more than physical treasures. “A wise man will hear and increase in learning…” (Proverbs 1:5). In Proverbs 2:1-11, Solomon reminds us that seeking wisdom is better than seeking after hidden treasures. Proverbs 3:13-18 describes wisdom as more profitable than silver or gold. Today, that’s better than crypto, a bonus, or a six-figure salary. And Proverbs 23:23 urges us: “Buy the truth and do not sell it…”  In other words, pursue what lasts. Trust in the Lord, Not Riches We often trust in bank accounts, investments, or salaries to give us security. But Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This includes our finances. Proverbs 11:28 warns, “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.” Money can vanish quickly—just look at market crashes, wars, or economic shifts (Proverbs 23:4-5). Trust in God, not wealth, is the only sure foundation. Honor God with Your Possessions How can we honor God with money? Proverbs 3:9-10 tells us to give Him our first fruits. When we prioritize God, He blesses us. We also honor Him by providing for our families and caring for the poor (Proverbs 3:27-28; 11:24-26; 22:9; 14:31). Generosity reflects God’s heart. Stinginess dishonors Him. The question is: are we using our wealth to bless others, or just ourselves? Choose Contentment Over Greed Proverbs offer a series of “better than” statements that put money in perspective. “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with trouble”  (Proverbs 15:16-17). “Better to have righteousness than vast revenues without justice”  (Proverbs 16:8). “Better to get wisdom than gold”  (Proverbs 16:16). “Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife”  (Proverbs 17:1). Contentment in the Lord is always better than wealth without peace. Conclusion Money is a tool, not a savior. Wisdom is far greater than riches. Proverbs remind us that when we trust God, honor Him with our possessions, and choose contentment, we will be truly rich toward Him.