By Michael Koontz Pastor, Pine Ridge Baptist Church Focal Passage: Acts 16:6–15 In today’s text of Acts 16:6-15, Paul shows us a great example of “going out.” Remember, Acts 1:8 is our commission to take the gospel to all people. As we study this part of his second missionary journey, many truths come to light for us in handling roadblocks, preparing for service, and knowing God will provide as we go

By Michael Koontz Pastor, Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Harriman Focal Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 The point of this week’s lesson is, “Authentic joy flows from a relationship with Jesus.” As Christians, we need to understand, remember, and show this authentic joy to help us be the welcoming church. If we fail at being the welcoming church, we hinder one of the primary roles of the church which is to be

By Michael Koontz Pastor, Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Harriman Focal Passage: Luke 10:25-37 Loving God requires us to be intentional. Joel 2:12 tells us to turn to our Lord and to give Him our hearts. What decision will we make? Turning to Him must start with salvation. After salvation we must continue to be intentional in loving Him. 

By Michael Koontz Pastor, Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Harriman Focal Passage: Luke 10:25-37 Loving God requires us to be intentional. Joel 2:12 tells us to turn to our Lord and to give Him our hearts. What decision will we make? Turning to Him must start with salvation. After salvation we must continue to be intentional in loving Him.

By Michael Koontz Pastor, Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Harriman Focal Passage: James 2:1-10 “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” I learned that song early in life at my church in Indiana. Ms. Wanda and Ms. Angela would often sing it with us during children’s church. It’s a wonderful message that is from God’s Word. It is

By Michael Koontz Pastor, Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Harriman Focal Passage: Titus 3:3–11 This week the author states “Our lives should serve as a welcome mat to the church.” How are we to be a welcome mat? What does that mean? In our Scripture, Titus 3:3 reminds us of where we came from (lost sinners). We need to be the welcome mat because most of our communities don’t know Jesus.

By Kevin Ivy Pastor, First Baptist Church, Tullahoma Focal Passage: Nehemiah 8:9-12; 12:27-31a As we have journeyed through this account by Nehemiah together we have been encountered with the absolute necessity of prayer (Nehemiah 1:1-11), the importance of wise planning (Nehemiah 2:1-8, 17-18), and the vital role persistence in the face of opposition plays in carrying out God’s plan (Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6-9, 14-18). 

By Kevin Ivy Pastor, First Baptist Church, Tullahoma Focal Passage: Nehemiah 6:1-3, 15-16; 8:1-3, 5-8 Sanballat and Tobiah had decided that since they could not prevent the building of the wall by harassment and the threat of war, they would try to stop the work with a lie. Their plan was to attempt to lure Nehemiah away from the work and into an “important” discussion. There was nothing to discuss

By Kevin Ivy Pastor, First Baptist Church, Tullahoma Focal Pasage: Nehemiah 5:1-13 Though the people were persevering in the midst of persecution, they had become fatigued by their hard labor on the city wall (Nehemiah 5:1-5). They were wearied by the constant harassment and threats of their enemies. Due to their poverty and trials, there was little hope. They cried out because they were having to mortgage their fields, vineyards

By Kevin Ivy Pastor, First Baptist Church, Tullahoma Focal Passage: Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6-9, 14-18 As we continue following the narrative of Nehemiah we quickly discover that doing God’s work brings opposition. Generally, we can please God or we can please men, but we usually cannot please both God and men. As we seek to follow, serve and please God we will inevitably illicit a response from the world and from