Garden City Church of Christ

A Brief Introduction to Paul and His Early Life

Garden City Church — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:30:00 +0000

The apostle Paul was born a Roman citizen in a Greek region as a Jew. In this lesson, we explore his diverse background as he became "all things to all men" (1 Corinthians 9:22).

1 Samuel and David’s Anointing

Garden City Church — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Israel demands a king in the book of 1 Samuel. The first king, Saul, fails and David is chosen as his replacement. He also kills someone named Goliath.

Judges and Deborah

Garden City Church — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:30:00 +0000

The book of Judges describes some terrible times in Israel. One of the better examples, though, is Deborah, a judge and prophetess.

The Book of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho

Garden City Church — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

The stories of conquering the promised land. Joshua is on display as an excellent leader.

Isaiah 55

Garden City Church — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Looking at the chapter. The most famous section is likely verses 8-9:

Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Deuteronomy and the Waters of Meribah

Garden City Church — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Deuteronomy marks the end of the journey to Canaan and Moses' life. It is also the Torah's book of love, believe it or not. The story for this week is not in Deuteronomy (there are not many stories in this book), but it explains why Moses and Aaron did not enter into the promised land.

The Book of Numbers

Garden City Church — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

The Hebrew name of the book is "In the Wilderness," and that is a much better description. This book is about the bad decisions that made Israel roam the desert for 40 years and kept Moses from the promised land. Also we look in depth at the story of the 12 spies in Canaan.

Alcohol and the Bible

Garden City Church — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Looking at what the Bible says about wine and "strong drink," and how Christians are called to be sober (figuratively, which includes literally.

Leviticus and Nadab and Abihu

Garden City Church — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 15:30:00 +0000

The book of Leviticus is all about how God is holy. While it does focus heavily on priestly duties, it also tells the people to love your neighbor, forgive debts and free slaves. Poem reading is Isaiah 61, which relates to the jubilee.

Exodus and the Ten Plagues

Garden City Church — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 22:21:07 +0000

An overview of the book of Exodus and the story of the ten plagues (chapters 7-12). Also we read "The Song of the Sea," a poem in Exodus chapter 15.

Genesis and Creation

Garden City Church — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

An overview of the book of Genesis and the account of creation. Also we read Psalm 148 which is a poem related to God's creation. This is the first in a series of 40 lessons through the Bible in 2026. PDF of the slides below.

The Christian as an Athlete

Garden City Church — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Sports metaphors are not only a modern idea, but are found throughout the New Testament. This lesson looks at those applications, as well as the historical context of first-century athletics in the Roman world.

The Book of the Twelve

Garden City Church — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:30:00 +0000

You probably know this as "the minor prophets," which are the last 12 books in a typical Protestant Old Testament. But in the Hebrew Bible (and likely in Jesus' day), these were often considered together as one large book. In this lesson we take an overview and consider what the prophets were in the first place. (Hint: do not think of them as fortune-tellers.)

The Birth of Jesus

Garden City Church — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:30:00 +0000

The account of Jesus' birth is found at the beginning of the books of Matthew and Luke. In this lesson, we look at the events in chronological order.

It's not as bad as it sounds - the two texts actually tell almost completely different parts of the story, so there is far less flipping back-and-forth in your Bible as you might expect.

Striving Toward Heaven

Garden City Church — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Keeping our hope on the ultimate goal.

Ephesians 5:22-6:9

Garden City Church — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:30:00 +0000

The most obviously practical part of the book, this section discusses six kinds of roles, in three pairs (the led followed by the leader): wives and husbands; children and fathers; servants and masters. Yet the theme of unity still persists in these passages. The last lesson of a series in Ephesians.

Ephesians 4:1 – 5:21

Garden City Church — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 16:25:37 +0000

The book turns to practical applications beginning in chapter 4. In this section, the focus is on being kind and getting along with one another in the church. Part of a series in Ephesians.

Ephesians 2 and 3

Garden City Church — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Chapters 2 and 3 describe how Christ united Jews and Gentiles into one body, which is the church.

Ephesians 1 and 6:10-24

Garden City Church — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Looking at the beginning and end of the book of Ephesians. Part of a series in the book.

Ephesians Overview

Garden City Church — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 14:30:00 +0000

An overview with a focus on the theme of unity in the book.

Come Home

Garden City Church — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Looking at the song "Softly and Tenderly" verse by verse, seeing how it relates to Scripture and to our lives.

Proverbs 31

Garden City Church — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 14:30:00 +0000

A famous poem about a godly woman. Specifically this is Proverbs 31:10-31. The poem is much more intricately structured than you may have realized.

The Book of Esther

Garden City Church — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000

An overview of the book, which is one long story. Esther saves the Jews from extinction.

Isaiah 2 and Nebuchadnezzar

Garden City Church — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Two final lessons in relation to the book of Daniel.

No, Isaiah 2 is not in the book of Daniel. But it has much overlap with Daniel 2, and gives us a chance to look at some Bible poetry.

Second, we do a character study of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. He is a major character in Daniel but also in other books that record the exile to Babylon, such as 2 Kings and Jeremiah.

In the Presence of the King

Garden City Church — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000

God is our King, which means a whole lot more if we know what it is actually like to serve a king - something most countries today do not have. To illustrate a monarchy, we look at the reign of France's King Louis XIV (the 14th), who lived in the 1700's, and draw comparisons to our heavenly King.

Daniel 2 and the Son of Man

Garden City Church — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Two more short lessons from the book of Daniel.

Chapter 2 is both a story involving Daniel and the king as well as a prophecy of the kingdom of the rock - which is to say the church of Christ.

Next we focus on "the Son of Man" which is notably in chapter 7 of Daniel, but also the phrase that Jesus used most to describe himself. We discuss the significance of that phrase.

The Book of Daniel and the Fiery Furnace

Garden City Church — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Two short lessons back-to-back. First an overview of the book of Daniel, followed by a story from it. This is the first in a 3-part series in Daniel.

Justified

Garden City Church — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Our God is the only one who can justify us, since He is just. We can spot when others are justifying their actions for selfish reasons rather than legitimate ones. But the biggest danger is when we declare our own (wrong) actions to be justified, often because we feel empowered to right the wrongs done to us.

Ruth: Worthy of Study

Garden City Church — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Ruth (the person) is the unlikeliest of heroes, but through her humble actions, she saves her mother-in-law's family and becomes an ancestor to Jesus Christ. In this lesson we look at her character in the book of Ruth.

Church Funds, Part 2: Institutions and Individual Activities

Garden City Church — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Households have "discretionary expenses," which is money spent on things not utterly necessary for survival but may be essential in other ways. Does a church have a right to have discretionary spending, and if so, does that mean that there are then no boundaries whatsoever? Part of a series on "Issues of the '50s and '60s."

James, Chapter 5

Garden City Church — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 23:09:09 +0000

An exposition of the chapter. James warns the rich, recommends patience, and encourages praying for those who are sick or suffering.

Church Funds, Part 1: Giving to Those in Need

Garden City Church — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 14:30:00 +0000

The Bible has several example of churches helping needy saints, and we should follow that example. But does the church have authority to help non-Christians? Part of a series on "Issues of the '50s and '60s."

Can We Eat in the Church Building?

Garden City Church — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Is a church assembly a time for potluck and planned social gatherings? The first in a series about "Issues of the '50s and '60s."

We Need Each Other

Garden City Church — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Many activities that Christians are asked to do are in community, including most acts of worship and steps of salvation - if not all of them. But not only is it necessary to be around other people, of course we also make each better.

The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Garden City Church — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Parting thoughts to the congregation on Bryant's last day.

Compelled by Comprehending

Garden City Church — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000

A look at Ephesians 1-3

Resolution through Transitions

Garden City Church — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000

As our regular evangelist is preparing to move, this is a lesson of encouragement to the group.

Do the Lord’s Work His Way

Garden City Church — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000

2 Timothy, chapter 4. Part of a series through the book of 2 Timothy

2 Timothy 3

Garden City Church — Sun, 25 May 2025 14:30:00 +0000

2 Timothy, chapter 3. Part of a series through the book of 2 Timothy

How Are You Listening?

Garden City Church — Sun, 18 May 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Ecclesiastes, chapter 5. Part of a series through the book of Ecclesiastes.

Be Useful to the Master

Garden City Church — Sun, 11 May 2025 14:30:00 +0000

In 2 Timothy 2:20-26, the apostle Paul tells Timothy to be a "vessel for honor" and a servant of God. Part of a series in the book of 2 Timothy.

Be Responsible With Truth

Garden City Church — Sun, 04 May 2025 14:30:00 +0000

In 2 Timothy 2:14-19, the apostle Paul tells Timothy to "rightly divide" the word and cautions against the cancer that is false preaching. Part of a series in the book of 2 Timothy.

Grace Empowers Your Purpose

Garden City Church — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

In 2 Timothy 2:1-13, the apostle Paul tells Timothy to train other men to teach, and in Timothy's work as an evangelist to consider the dedication of soldiers, athletes, and farmers. Part of a series in the book of 2 Timothy.

Take Ownership of Your Faith

Garden City Church — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

In 2 Timothy chapter 1, the apostle Paul encourages Timothy to remember his own background in the faith and to be bold. The first in a series in the book of 2 Timothy.

The Blessed Forgiven Man

Garden City Church — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

A look at Psalm 32. David's sin was eating him up inside, but he prayed to God for forgiveness.

What Are You Looking at?

Garden City Church — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

In Ecclesiastes 4, the author looks at oppression (vs. 1-3), labor (vs. 4-12), and culture (vs. 13-16). Part of a series in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Jeroboam’s Influence

Garden City Church — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 14:30:00 +0000

After King Solomon dies, Jeroboam leads about 80% of the nation to start a new country. What's the worst that could happen?

What Does God Think of You?

Garden City Church — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 02:30:00 +0000

Insurance in the Lord

Garden City Church — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 02:30:00 +0000

Psalm 31

A Time for Everything

Garden City Church — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 03:30:00 +0000

Ecclesiastes, chapter 3. Part of a series in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Applying Love’s Excellence

Garden City Church — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Be Honest and Put Away All Deceit

Garden City Church — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:30:00 +0000

What Are You Expecting?

Garden City Church — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 15:30:00 +0000

In Ecclesiastes 2, the author considers life's empty pursuits and pleasures (vs. 1-11), empty accumulations (vs. 12-23), and where to find fulfillment (vs. 24-26). Part of a series in the book of Ecclesiastes.

God Raising His Family

Garden City Church — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 15:30:00 +0000

In Judges 11, The story of Jephthah is complicated. In the middle, he won a battle for God, defeating the Ammonites. He even tried to avoid war through peaceful conversation. But his early days were from a broken home, and his most famous act was to needlessly sacrifice his daughter toward the end of the story. Is that what we would want to be remembered for - our failure to protect our own family?

Lessons from Deborah

Garden City Church — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 15:30:00 +0000

In the time of the Israelite judges, Barak was scared to lead while Deborah urged him onto victory. What lessons can we learn form their story?

The Goal of God’s Discipline

Garden City Church — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 15:30:00 +0000

In Psalm 30, David gives us an example of how we ought to respond to God's discipline. In this lesson, we consider how to do that in a way that draws us closer to him.

Are You Chasing the Wind?

Garden City Church — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 15:30:00 +0000

In Ecclesiastes 1, the Preacher challenges us to consider the futility of our lives under the sun. In this lesson, we consider how God makes this good news and equips us to navigate reality with wisdom. This is the first in a monthly series through the book of Ecclesiastes.

The Value of Jesus’ Genealogy

Garden City Church — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Matthew 1:1-17 records the ancestors of Jesus. Why do we need to care?

Jesus’ Miracle Parables

Garden City Church — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 15:30:00 +0000

There are two accounts of miraculous healing that are entirely unique to Mark’s gospel, in Mark 7:31-37 and 8:22-26. In this sermon, we consider how we can learn faith building lessons from these unusual interactions.

Jesus, Legion, and Me

Garden City Church — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 15:30:00 +0000

In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus deals with the most severe case of demon possession that we see in the Bible. In this lesson, we consider applications from: the way that Jesus responds to the man; how the locals in the region respond to Jesus; and how the demon-possessed man responds to Jesus when he is restored.

I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice

Garden City Church — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 to challenge the Pharisees in two situations. In this lesson, we consider how to apply the principle, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."

The Goals of Love

Garden City Church — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 03:30:00 +0000

In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul concludes this letter with a call for self-examination and some final instructions. In this lesson we consider the critical role that self-examination has in our faith and the need to strive for maturity in our faith.

Navigating Anger with Wisdom

Garden City Church — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Anger is a powerful emotion that we frequently feel, but God warns us of the danger of acting on our anger. In this lesson, we consider how to apply God's wisdom to navigate anger rather than be ruled by it, especially by applying Jesus' teaching.

Living With Wisdom

Garden City Church — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Looking at what the book of Proverbs have to say about wisdom.

Give Glory to the God of Glory

Garden City Church — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 01:06:13 +0000

In Psalm 29, David urges giving glory to the Lord as he illustrates the incredible power of the Lord’s voice. In this lesson, we consider lessons we can apply from this Psalm.

The Character of Love

Garden City Church — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 01:04:33 +0000

An exposition of 2 Corinthians, chapter 12.

James, Chapter 4

Garden City Church — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 23:59:13 +0000

An exposition of the chapter. "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4, ESV)

Should We Use Instruments In Our Worship?

Garden City Church — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:01:25 +0000

Using various instruments in worship has become such a norm in our culture that it seems strange to most and even wrong to some to not use them. In this lesson, we consider principles and instructions in Scripture that should determine our way of thinking about this.

The Pure Milk of the Word

Garden City Church — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 23:57:38 +0000

In this lesson, we consider 1 Peter 2:1-3 and how this passage equips us to develop the way we see our need for God’s word and the value of reading it.

The Concerns of Love

Garden City Church — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 23:56:23 +0000

In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul boldly addresses the false teachers at Corinth and hesitantly resorts to boasting so that he can put to shame the boasting of the false teachers. In this lesson, we consider how we can practically imitate the way Paul confronts these issues.

The Reliability of Jesus

Garden City Church — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 23:54:47 +0000

While there may be many grounding reasons for our faith, none are more important than our trust in the person of Jesus. In this lesson, we consider many of the evidences that equip us to have complete trust in Jesus as He is presented in the gospels.

The Reliability of the Bible

Garden City Church — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 23:52:59 +0000

In Isaiah 40:8, God makes the claim that His word endures forever. In this lesson, we consider the incredible amount of evidence that can add to our faith and confidence that God’s word has been faithfully preserved through history.

Staying Anchored in the Lord

Garden City Church — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 23:49:37 +0000

In Psalm 28, we see an example in David of what it looks like to be in anchored in the Lord while facing life’s harshest moments. In this lesson, we consider how much more we can apply the faith in David’s attitude here through Christ.

The work of forgiveness

Garden City Church — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 23:46:39 +0000

In Luke 17:1-10, Jesus teaches us to be relentlessly forgiving, and to relentlessly repent as well. In this lesson, we consider how to practically apply Jesus’ instructions.

The Humility of Love

Garden City Church — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 23:49:24 +0000

2 Corinthians 10

Restoring and Strengthening Love for Jesus

Garden City Church — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 23:43:39 +0000

In John 21, after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter goes fishing with 6 other disciples. Jesus recreates the scene from Luke 5:1-11 and charges Peter to follow Him once again. In this lesson, we consider how Jesus’ way of interacting with Peter here equips us to be restored from sin and more diligently follow Jesus.

Remember Your First Love

Garden City Church — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Luke 5:1-11 contains a more detailed account of when Peter forsook everything to follow Jesus. In this lesson, we consider the importance of Peter’s example and how our attitude toward Jesus should be built on the same foundation.

The Generosity of Love

Garden City Church — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 14:30:00 +0000

In 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul urges the Corinthians to be abundantly generous in helping needy Christians in another region. In this lesson, we consider how we can also apply Paul's encouragement to the Corinthians.

Serious About Repentance

Garden City Church — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +0000

The people admit their sins and 77 leaders sign a document promising to obey God's law and not intermarry with idolators. Part of a series in the book of Nehemiah.

Surprised by Problems Within

Garden City Church — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Nehemiah discovers oppression among his own fellow Jews and confronts it. Likewise, we should be mindful of dangers in our lives and our local congregations. Part of a series in the book of Nehemiah.

Troublers From the Outside

Garden City Church — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Enemies try to stop the work, but Nehemiah withstands them. We, too, will face opposition in our lives and can look to Nehemiah's example. Part of a series in the book of Nehemiah.

People With a Mind to Work

Garden City Church — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Nehemiah begins to lead and the people follow "with a mind to work" (Neh. 4:6). Part of a series in the book of Nehemiah.

Where Do Leaders Come From?

Garden City Church — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 23:00:00 +0000

The first of a gospel-meeting series in the book of Nehemiah. In the book, Nehemiah is an exile who returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall.

The Blessing of Responsibility

Garden City Church — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus teaches three parables that challenge us to be properly prepared for His coming. In this lesson, we consider how Jesus' teaching here also equips us to embrace responsibility joyfully, rather than begrudgingly.

The Sorrow and Joy of Love

Garden City Church — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

In 2 Corinthians 7, we consider lessons from the way Paul appeals to the Corinthian Christians to open their hearts and how he emphasizes their genuine repentance. Part of a series in the book of 2 Corinthians.

Overpowering Hope

Garden City Church — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

In Psalm 27, David demonstrates how hope in God conquers worldly fears. In this lesson, we consider our need to be deliberate to consider our fears in view of the greater hope we now have through Jesus.

Husbands, Love Your Wives

Garden City Church — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 14:30:00 +0000

In Colossians 3:19, husbands are told to love their wives without being embittered against them. In this lesson, we consider how this should be applied.

The Reality of Hell and God’s Wrath

Garden City Church — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Although it is difficult to come to terms with, Jesus consistently and frankly taught about the reality of hell. In this lesson, we consider Jesus' warnings and how we ought to respond to the reality of these things.