LifeJourney

Discover the life-changing contrast between flesh and Spirit in Galatians 5:16-26. Learn the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This Bible study explains how to walk by the Spirit, overcome the acts of the flesh, and produce spiritual fruit in your daily life. Perfect for anyone wanting to grow in spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.

Learn what Christian freedom really means in Galatians 5:1-15. Discover why mixing law and grace doesn't work, how faith expresses itself through love, and the danger of trying to be justified by keeping the law. This Bible study explains how to stand firm in the freedom Christ purchased and use that freedom to serve others in love. Essential teaching for every believer struggling with legalism or license.

Discover the powerful allegory of Hagar and Sarah in Galatians 4:21-31. Learn what these two women represent about law and grace, slavery and freedom, human effort and divine promise. This Bible study explains how we are children of promise like Isaac, born through God's power not human effort. Understand the difference between Mount Sinai (law) and Jerusalem above (grace) and why we must get rid of slavery to the law.

Experience Paul's passionate concern for the Galatian churches in Galatians 4:8-20. Learn why returning to religious rules and rituals is like going back to slavery after being set free. Discover how to recognize false teachers, welcome truth-tellers, and allow Christ to be fully formed in you. This Bible study challenges believers to stand firm in freedom and not waste the grace they've received.

Understand your identity as a child of God in Galatians 4:1-7. Learn how Christ redeemed us from slavery under the law to become adopted sons and daughters of God. Discover what it means to cry 'Abba, Father' through the Holy Spirit and the incredible inheritance waiting for believers. This Bible study reveals the benefits of being in God's family and living as heirs of God's promises.

Explore the relationship between God's promise to Abraham and the Mosaic Law in Galatians 3:15-29. Learn why the law came 430 years after the promise, what purpose the law served, and how we become children of God through faith in Christ. This Bible study explains covenants, promises, and how believers are heirs according to the promise. Perfect for understanding salvation history and God's eternal plan.

Discover Paul's passionate defense of the gospel in Galatians 3:1-14. Learn why Paul called the Galatians foolish for turning back to the law after receiving the gospel. This Bible study examines three powerful arguments: appealing to their experience of the Spirit, appealing to Abraham's faith, and explaining how the law brings a curse while Christ brings blessing. Understand the difference between law and grace and why faith in Christ alone saves us.

Understand the critical doctrine of justification by faith in Galatians 2:11-21. Watch Paul confront Peter's hypocrisy and learn four powerful principles: committed Christians confront error, we are justified by faith not works, boomerang believers who return to law-keeping blunder, and God's grace grows gratitude. This Bible study clearly explains how we are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by keeping the law or doing good works.

Learn the ten ministry skills Paul demonstrated in Galatians 2:1-10. Discover how to be reverent, relational, responsible, a runner with urgency, a resistor of false teaching, resolute in truth, regular without favoritism, recognizable by spiritual fruit, reciprocal in fellowship, and remembering the poor. This practical Bible study equips pastors, ministry leaders, and all believers with biblical principles for effective service. Perfect for leadership training and ministry development.

Explore the simply divine structure of faith in Galatians 1:11-24. Paul reveals three essential elements: God's truth as the foundation of faith, God's call as the focus of faith, and God's service as the fruit of faith. Learn how Paul received the gospel by direct revelation from Jesus Christ, how God calls each believer for a specific purpose, and how our faith should produce visible fruit. This Bible study will help you understand your calling and purpose in God's kingdom.

Discover Paul's powerful teaching on spiritual parenting in Galatians 1:1-10. Learn the seven traits of good spiritual parents: confirming authority, wanting the best, reinforcing teachings, correcting quickly, warning about false teachers, teaching consequences, and being a parent not a friend. This Bible study explores how Paul defended the true gospel and confronted those who were twisting God's message. Perfect for pastors, Bible study leaders, small groups, and anyone wanting to grow in discipleship and mentoring others in the Christian faith.

A Tale of Two Destinations - Matthew 7:13-29

Planks, Pearls, and Persistent Prayers - Matthew 7:1-12

Wealth and Worry - Matthew 6:19-34

What is Done in Secret - Matthew 6:1-18

But I Tell (Part 2) - Matthew 5:33-48

But I Tell You (Part 1) - Matthew 5:21-32

Salt and Light - Matthew 5:13-20

Be Blessed - Matthew 5:1-12

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount.

The gospel of Jesus comes to a dramatic climax in answer to the two questions Mark wants his readers to understand. Join Rob Pine to discover four passages at the end of Mark's book that make clear the gospel of Jesus. Who He is and why He came.

Let's reflect and ponder on a story of such bold, authentic, audacious worship that Jesus told His disciples to tell the story of her wherever the gospel is preached.

There is an encounter with Jesus in the Temple with a teacher of the law that is different than the others. Rob Pine wonders why Jesus said this scribe is not far from the kingdom of God.

Mark records the only destructive miracle of Jesus. He tells His disciples to have faith in God and why forgiving others is so important.

Jesus describes for His disciples how we are to receive the eternal kingdom of God, what can prevent it, and the blessing found in receiving it as He encounters someone wanting to know what to do to receive eternal life.

Explore the radical changes in thinking about greatness, exclusivity and hell that Jesus teaches His disciples are absolutely counter cultural but necessary to be His disciple today.

Did Jesus lose some power and foreknowledge healing the blind man in Bethsaida? How did Peter know Jesus was the Christ? If you have confessed Jesus as the Christ how are you blessed?

What did Jesus mean when he said, "Follow Me"? Is everyone who identifies as a Christian a disciple of Jesus? How effective are we today in following Jesus command to make disciples?

Jesus cares personally for you. He not only is the good news, has all authority, and has established a kingdom. Jesus is your HOPE. That's who Jesus is.

The Kingdom of God is mentioned 16 times in Mark's account of the gospel of Jesus. Explore with Rob Pine the nature of the Kingdom of God. What and where it is. Citizenship in this kingdom of God is what you want on your birth certificate and passport.

Mark's account of the gospel quickly and decisively establishes Jesus as the new authority. What Jesus has authority over and how people respond are both examined.

Mark begins his book by telling the reader that it is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus. Join Rob Pine for a discussion on what is that gospel, where did it come from, and what do I do with it.

The gospel according to Mark begins with the clear theme that a special historic event has taken place – the kingdom of God has arrived on earth with Jesus the Son of God. How do we benefit most from this study to revitalize, renew, rebuild, restore or even establish for the first time our relationship with God through Jesus the Christ? An introduction.   Our website is LifeMarkMinistries.org.

LifeMark Ministries is releasing a new study titled A Time of New Authority, The Gospel According to Mark. Rob Pine, Executive Director explains how you can participate in this study of the most remarkable story in human history. You will be glad you did.   Study Guide available on our website: LifeMarkMinistries.org/Resources

A Difficult Time for God's Glory At this point, Luke brings to Theophilus and all readers an inside look at the hearts and minds of the disciples 10 to 11 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. A persecuted group of people yet continuing to add to their number. A praying group of people yet wondering if God can answer. A faithful group of people yet their faith at times is weak. An ordinary group of people yet powered by the Spirit used by God to accomplish His extraordinary purpose.

Turning Point, Controversy, and Expansion A watershed moment for the church occurred at the home of a Gentile Roman Centurian named Cornelius. Upon hearing the Gentiles had believed the word of God, some Jewish believers in Jerusalem confronted Peter for having been in a Gentile home and eating with them. Peter related the story, and all objections were settled with this group. A division in the church over this issue would grow into a major problem in years to follow. At the scattering of the believers from Jerusalem, a church was established in Antioch with a great number of people including Gentiles of the Greek culture and custom. Barnabus and Saul began to minister together in Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians.

From Persecutor to Proclaimer The conversion and transformation of a Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus, from a lead persecutor of the disciples of Christ to the lead proclaimer of the gospel of Christ. This event is so significant for Luke that it is told three times. First, here in Acts 9, then from Paul himself, recorded by Luke in chapters 22 and 26 of Acts

The Gospel Spreads to Samaria and Ethiopia The Biblical record often relates how God uses what is evil intended to go against His purpose, He uses to accomplish His purpose. God's ability to use all things for His glory is demonstrated in the story of Philip's activity after the death of Stephen and following the persecution of the church. Powered by the Holy Spirit, Philip preaches and teaches the gospel, opening the doors of the church to Samaritans and an official of the Queen of Ethiopia.

Men of Good Reputation, Full of the Spirit, and Wise hurch growth created issues for the early church. A particular group, Hellenistic widows, in the church in Jerusalem were underserved. The apostle's wisdom called for the people of the church to solve the problem by selecting men of specific character to serve in a special capacity. One of the men, Stephen, was called upon by God to be the first martyr of the church, setting the stage for the church to expand outside of Jerusalem.

A New Community Under New Authority The community of believers was functioning as God intended to the point that the Jewish officials (the Sanhedrin) were losing the respect of the people for their position as religious authority. The Holy Spirit was working signs and wonders through the apostles that drew crowds to hear the gospel and establish the apostle's authority in the rapidly growing church.

Challenge to Authority The authority of the Jewish elders, priests, and scribes, known as the Sanhedrin, faced a challenge to their authority from the apostles. They were accused of rejecting and condemning the very Messiah prophesied by the prophets. The Sanhedrin attempted to stop the apostles from preaching, teaching in the name of Jesus, but their response not only failed, but promoted the spread of the name of Jesus as the Messiah.

Undeniable Restoration and Refreshment   The work of God, through the Spirit in the name of Jesus, moves to the gate leading to the temple where a no-name beggar, lame from birth, is healed to the wonder and amazement of the crowd. Peter healed him in the name of Jesus, which drew a crowd to hear Peter preach his second recorded gospel sermon, and many believed. The church now numbered 5,000 men.

The Power of the Holy Spirit Arrives   At the celebration of the annual Jewish festival, Pentecost, Jews of many languages from many cities, provinces, and nations were gathered to thank God for His provision of the harvest. The Holy Spirit manifests itself on Jesus' disciples this day, giving them the ability to speak in languages they did not know, appearing as tongues of fire. Peter delivers the first gospel message to this crowd and 3,000 believe the message, repent, are baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' Kingship and Command At his ascension to heaven, Jesus revealed His immediate plan for continuing His work and eternal vision for His church. Beginning with about 120 men and women disciples in Jerusalem, this led to the explosive growth by the power of the Holy Spirit to include all people on earth.

We're excited to launch our podcast series, The Church's Foundation: Peter Steps Up in Faith. This series follows the study guide of the same name, available at LifeMarkMinistries.org. By purchasing the guide, you can follow along with each episode for a deeper and more meaningful journey through the first 12 chapters of the Book of Acts. The series is taught by three gifted teachers: Mark Schupbach, Rob Pine, and James Heffington.

Paul completes his journey to Rome under God's providential care to witness and testify for Jesus just as Jesus had told him. Paul had daily home Bible studies with visitors and even Roman guards. We benefit today from four letters he wrote during his two-year prison term canonized in the Bible as Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.

Luke records in detail the places, people and time of Paul's trip to Rome, the capital of the Gentile world at the time. A powerful chapter that illustrates the inability of people to save themselves, and God's ability to keep His promises for His purpose, His way, and in His time.

Paul gives us an example to follow considering it fortunate to give his testimony in defense of his faith, revealing the gospel message of faith in his conversion and transformation, and his desire for everyone who hears him to be a follower of Jesus. Join Rob Pine to consider Paul's example in Acts chapter 26.  

Paul's trust in God that He is always at work for His good purpose, and confidence that Jesus is always with him is on display in two trials, before two different Roman governors, two years apart. An example for each of us under all circumstances. 

Luke reveals a powerful illustration of God's providential care for His people to accomplish His purpose. Join Rob in exploring the practical lessons for Christ's disciples today as Jesus orchestrates events using Paul's family, enemies, and the government to get him from Jerusalem and on his way to Rome.