Kootenai Church Sunday School

Pastor Jim Osman interviews Joel Baker, a candidate for a lead biblical counseling role at Kootenai Church.  Questions and Answers Salvation Testimony : How did you come to know the Lord? What are the details of that, and tell us that story? Southern California Transition : What was your dad doing in Southern California? Theological and Spiritual Influences : Who were your early theological and sp...

Questions and Answers Did the prophecy concerning Damascus in Isaiah 17 happen in Sennacherib's time or is there something yet future? Question about Zipporah being upset with Moses about circumcision and casting bloody foreskins at his feet (Exodus 4:25) Over 30 years of ministry, where has Pastor Jim's mind been changed? What about languages/tribes that have been lost before hearing the gospel -...

The humanity of Jesus provides peace, joy, and delight for all believers experiencing trouble. This lesson focuses on the four relationships made possible by the man Christ Jesus so that we can delight in Him and find peace for our souls. Application Questions: What kind of a theologian are you? What does your walk say? Does your obedience speak of a delight in your dependence on the Spirit? If no...

Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth twice, and in both instances, His teaching is rejected. This reality demonstrates that despite Jesus' powerful proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom, the minds and hearts of unbelievers will remain closed unless the Holy Spirit regenerates them. Observing Jesus' persistence in preaching the gospel helps us learn how to speak the gospel truth to our fri...

The Gospels provide us the opportunity to encounter not only the humanity of Jesus but also the responses to His humanity from those who encountered and joined Him in his early public ministry. As we observe the words and actions of John the Baptist, Jesus' first disciples, and his mother, Mary, as recorded by Luke and John, we see two righteous responses to Jesus' humanity - humble questions and...

In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul challenges them to have the same mind as Christ Jesus. How is this possible? This lesson focuses on how Paul commends Christ-like humility as critical to church unity. It points us to Jesus' humanity as the example of humility that believers are to embrace as we battle selfishness and guard the unity of Jesus' body—the church.  Application Questions How...

In this sermon, Simon Pranaitis explores 1 Peter 2:21 and how Jesus' example of suffering provides a pattern for believers to follow in their trials. Pranaitis explains that just as Jesus endured unjust treatment and hostility without sinning, Christians are called to bear up under suffering while entrusting themselves to God patiently. By studying Jesus' fully human life and example of suffering,...

The book of Hebrews counsels us to come to God for grace in times of need through the ministry of Jesus, our great High Priest, who can sympathize with us in our weaknesses. But, was he really tested in all things as we are? Is His humanity genuine? When tested, how did He respond? Examining the Gospel account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness helps us answer these questions. It directs us to...

The Gospel accounts of Jesus' response to John's call to be baptized alongside His Jewish countrymen highlight His faithful obedience to the word of God through the power of the Spirit. In His baptism, we see God the Father's approval of His faithfulness and the provision of the Holy Spirit to prepare Him for His ministry of gospel proclamation. Meditating on these episodes motivates us to entrust...

In Isaiah 42 and 49, the first two "Servant Songs," we see two primary goals of Jesus as the Messiah that motivate and encourage Him to overcome difficulties. Jesus' mission involved overcoming obstacles to bring God’s justice and salvation to the nations. Jesus' strength and perseverance were rooted in the Spirit, enabling Him to confront injustice without despair and bring the light of salvation...

The relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit reveals how being full of the Spirit enabled Christ's earthly ministry. Through Isaiah's prophecies, we see how being full of the Spirit equipped Jesus with divine wisdom, understanding, and counsel. This Spirit-empowered life demonstrated God's personal nature and commitment to dwell among His people, ultimately fulfilling ancient promises throug...

Christ empowers sanctification through His perfect humanity, as explored in Hebrews 2:5-18. Simon Pranaitis examines four powerful incentives for believers to persist in their spiritual growth: Christ's redemption of our right to rule, His suffering for our holiness, His victory over Satan, and His role as our High Priest. Understanding how Christ empowers sanctification gives Christians the motiv...

Growing in wise obedience is a crucial aspect of Christian life, exemplified by Jesus' own journey of growth and obedience. This lesson explores how Jesus increased in wisdom through the power of the Holy Spirit, providing a model for believers to follow. By examining Luke 2:40-52, we gain insights into Christ's authentic humanity and His dependency on the Spirit for growth and obedience. ★ Suppor...

Simon Pranaitis explores ten compelling reasons for studying Jesus's humanity. He emphasizes how this study glorifies Christ, deepens our relationships with the Trinity, strengthens church unity, and enhances our spiritual growth. Pranaitis highlights that studying Jesus's humanity is essential for understanding the gospel, fighting sin, and improving biblical interpretation. This sermon provides...

David Forsyth explores why prayer is the key in James 5:13-20. He examines three prayerful responses Christians should have when facing difficulties: personal prayer in suffering and joy, pastoral prayer for the sick, and pursuing prayer for those straying from truth. Forsyth emphasizes that prayer is the key to connecting with God and demonstrates complete dependence on Him, whether in times of h...

David Forsyth explores James 5:7-12, emphasizing the importance of living in light of Christ's second coming. He highlights three essential behaviors: living patiently, speaking rightly, and thinking theologically. Forsyth explains how the imminent return of Christ should motivate believers to endure hardships, avoid blaming others, talk honestly, and maintain a theological perspective focused on...

David Forsyth delves into the sins of wealth as outlined in James 5:1-6. He examines four temptations common to the prosperous: hoarding, fraud, self-indulgence, and oppression. Forsyth warns that these sins of wealth are baked into our culture, potentially robbing believers of joy and blunting their testimony for Christ. He emphasizes the importance of seeking satisfaction in Christ rather than w...

Jeff Miller explores Jesus' encounter with Simon Peter in Luke 5:1-11, focusing on catching fish and men. He examines how Jesus' miraculous catch of fish leads to Peter's conversion and calling as a disciple. Miller highlights the progression from Peter's reluctant obedience to his illumination, conviction, and ultimate commitment to follow Jesus. The sermon emphasizes how catching fish and men ex...

David Forsyth examines James 4:11-17, addressing two common marks of arrogance: judgmentalism and self-confidence. Overcoming arrogance requires recognizing our tendency to speak against others and presume upon the future. Forsyth emphasizes humility, submission to God's law, and acknowledgment of our frailty. The sermon challenges believers to examine their speech and planning, urging them to liv...

David Forsyth examines James 4:4-10, addressing the church's worldliness issue. Overcoming spiritual adultery requires recognizing our predicament, receiving God's grace, and rectifying our situation through genuine repentance. Forsyth presents a three-part battle plan to combat worldliness, emphasizing the need for humility and submission to God. The sermon challenges believers to examine their w...

David Forsyth examines the characteristics of worldly churches in James 4:1-3. These characteristics include being quarrelsome, which hinders evangelism, and being carnal, driven by frustrated desires for recognition. Forsyth also identifies prayerlessness as a key trait, either failing to seek God's wisdom or praying with wrong motives. He emphasizes the importance of peace-loving attitudes and s...

David Forsyth explores the concept of wisdom from above in James 3:13-18. He emphasizes that true wisdom is practical, not theoretical, and produces good works and humility. The sermon contrasts earthly wisdom, which leads to disorder and evil, with wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, and full of good fruits. Forsyth urges believers to seek this heavenly wisdom to maintain peace and right...

In this sermon, David Forsyth delves into James 3:1-12, exploring the significance of controlling the tongue in the Christian life. He emphasizes that control of the tongue reflects one’s spiritual maturity, using vivid analogies to illustrate its power and potential for both good and evil. Forsyth provides a three-fold strategy for gaining control over the tongue, encouraging believers to align t...

David Forsyth delves into saving faith in this sermon, as explained in James 2:14-26. He explores how true saving faith is not just about belief but is demonstrated through compassionate actions, love for God, and obedience. Forsyth emphasizes that saving faith must be active and visible in the lives of believers, providing practical examples from Scripture to illustrate his points. Paul’s warning...

David Forsyth delves into the powerful message of James 2:1-13, addressing the pervasive issue of the sin of partiality within the church. He illustrates how favoritism contradicts the essence of the Christian faith, urging believers to treat all people equally, regardless of their social or economic status. Forsyth emphasizes that the sin of partiality undermines the core values of the gospel and...