By Jay McCluskey Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland Focal Passage: Matthew 27:28-31, 45-50, 54 “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best, For a world of lost sinners was slain. “So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged

By Jay McCluskey Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland Focal Passage: Mark 1:21-22; 10:17-22 Today’s lesson is about one of the famous “unnamed” people in the Bible.” Not knowing his name, we refer to him as “the rich young ruler.” This title combines the characteristics describing him in the first three gospels. Mark and Matthew say he was rich (Mark 10:23, Matthew 19:22). Matthew says he was young (Matthew 19:20).Luke says he

By Jay McCluskey Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland Focal Passage: Mark 4:35-41 A little tune from the musical drama “The King and I” offers this counsel for the times when you are afraid: “Whenever I feel afraid I hold my head erect “And whistle a happy tune so no one will suspect “I’m afraid.”

By Jay McCluskey Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland Focal Passage: Luke 1:26-35 The Scripture today is the event some Christians call “The Annunciation.” This expression means the announcement. To be honest, receiving announcements does not usually generate enthusiasm. Yet Mary received from the Lord an amazing announcement that His role for her life was to be the mother of His son.

By Jay McCluskey Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland Focal Passage: Isaiah 53:2-12 Life is not fair. It is true. You do not always get a square deal. Things do not always work out evenly. “Justice for all” is a worthy ideal, but it is not reality. And no one likes to feel cheated, receiving less than we deserve. Isaiah 53 is a prophetic description of a terrible injustice. Written hundreds of

By Randall Pressnell Senior Pastor, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Mount Carmel Focal Passage: I Thessalonians 4:3-8 In his book Wired for Intimacy, Christian psychologist William M. Struthers lists the following stages of how men get hooked on pornography: • Denial — “Sure,” they may say, “I’ve looked at it in the past, but I don’t anymore.” Most men will confess their struggle with pornography only under the conditions of anonymity

By Randall Pressnell Senior Pastor, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Mount Carmel Focal Passage: Romans 1:18-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 During a family vacation, Sarah got a little ornery and pushed Hannah. “Did you push your sister?” I asked. “No,” she denied. Since this was becoming a growing pattern for Sarah, I decided to take a walk with her to get to the bottom of things. “Sarah,” I told her, “I’m really

By Randall Pressnell Senior Pastor, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Mount Carmel Focal Passage: Ephesians 5:1-10 Pastor Andy Stanley recently gathered with about 250 singles to answer questions on the topic of love, sex, and dating. The most pointed question of the night came from a middle-aged gentleman. “Why save sex for marriage?”

By Randall Pressnell Senior Pastor, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Mount Carmel Focal Passage: II Corinthians 4:16-18; 12:7-10 After living as a quadriplegic for 45 years, Joni Eareckson Tada reflected on the diving accident that changed her life. Immediately after the accident, Joni told God, “You’ll never be trusted with another of my prayers.” But after struggling with anguish and anger Joni said, “I prayed one short prayer that changed my

By Randall Pressnell Senior Pastor, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Mount Carmel Focal Passage: Deuteronomy 15:7-11 Herschel Hobbs told a story of one man asking another, “If you had a thousand hogs, would you give me half of them?” “Sure!” came the man’s reply. “Well, if you had a hundred hogs, would you give me half of them?” Again, “Sure!” was the answer. “Okay, if you had two hogs would you