For those who are looking for a good message starter for a sermon or small group, or those who just love self-study. In this section, you can download and print some Bible study notes on various topics. These are just what it says they are – NOTES. You won’t find a lot of extra text, just the notes I teach off when I do Bible studies, series messages, and seminars. I trust these spiritual seeds will grow into full-blown messages as you study, pray and apply them in your own life. I hope you enjoy these studies as much as I do. I am always available to answer questions if you get lost. Just E-Mail me. Steve Highlander
“The words printed here are concepts.
You must go through the experiences.”
-Carl Frederick
~ Study Topics ~
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Eternal life – as presented in the Bible – is holistic. It embraces the past, present, and future. It promises both hope of forgiveness of sin and everlasting blessedness. However, it is not just about the past or future. Eternal life does not start when you die. It begins when you are born again. The Holy Spirit generates eternal life within us. Eternal life is received as a seed – “we are born again of incorruptible seed.” That life must be cultivated and cared for like any other seed. And just like any other seed, it has the ability within itself to reproduce the nature of the original. Eternal life is found in and through the Kingdom of God – which we enter through the born-again experience. Eternal Life has both quantity and quality. It entails abundant life – here and in eternity. It is summed up in the definition of the Kingdom of God. “The Kingdom of God is not religious rituals, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.” The present expression of eternal life is found in a spiritual journey that includes a transformed life and Christian community. It is a shared experience – “we are members one of another.” To neglect transformation or community is to short-circuit the power of Eternal Life. Eternal-Life
At the base of Mount Hermon, the place the ancients called the “Gate of Hell (Hades), Jesus asked His disciples who people thought He was. God reveals the truth to Peter, and Jesus speaks His famous words, “On this Rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” This message looks at ancient spiritual warfare and Jesus’s strategy for winning the war through His Church. It is interesting ot note that Mount Hermon is part of the Goal Heights that is being contested in Israel to this day. The ancient war continues – both on earth and in the heavens.
Dealing With Your Past, Present, and Future
Often, people get stuck in their spiritual lives. They don’t seem to make progress no matter what they do. The issue is they often get stuck in the past, have no vision for their future, or are not pressing into spiritual things in their daily lives. This message will transform your life and get you “unstuck.” There are single sermon notes and a 16-page spiritual adventure study guide that deals with this topic in more detail. Both links are on the page.
The Bible records around 650 prayers, including 25 by Jesus. It also records about 450 answers to prayer. Revitalize your prayer life with instructions directly from the word of God.
God spoke to eight people concerning the Birth of Christ. Each person had some different characteristics that allowed God to speak. In this message you will discover how to position yourself to hear from God – or hear from God in a greater way than you do now.
The Kingdom of Christmas; The Prophecy of Isaiah chapter 9
The birth of Christ (Christmas) is more significant than a baby in a manger. It was a direct confrontation of the demi-god principalities and powers in heavenly places (Ephesians 3:10-11). While these demon gods deceived and controlled people under their authority, God declared that He was the true God and that He would birth a Son that would be King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This is a non-traditional Christmas message that will have you thinking about the meaning of Christmas in a fresh way.
The Story of Mary in the bile is truly amazing. While Mary’s story is unique in that she bore the Chrsit Child, it also serves as a pattern for how God works in the lives of individuals. Mary struggled with the words of the angel. She was afraid. She wondered how it would be possible. Ultimately, she yielded to God. The thing God did in her was both through the Word of God and the Spirit of God. You might discover God is working similarly in and through your life. God did not save you just to give you a ticket yo heaven. He saved you so He could bring forth Christ through your life.
Gratitude and Thankfulness Will Change Your Life
In Hebrews chapter 13, the Bible encourages us to “offer the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips giving praise to His name.” Gratitude is an internal attitude that results in the external giving of thanks. To “give thanks” as a rote ritual or spiritual discipline is missing the point – and the power – of what real gratitude does in our lives. This message looks at several scriptural warnings and the resulting benefits of thanksgiving. Based on the story of the ten lepers, you will discover how thanksgiving brings wholeness to your life. Developing a greater awareness of gratitude and expressing that in thanksgiving will transform your life. Studies show that gratitude improves our lives, body, soul, and spirit. These notes include some facts from psychology and six gratitude actions you can practice.
All Old Testament physical elements (circumcision, feasts, offerings, Sabbath, Priesthood, etc.) were physical types and shadows of New Testament Spiritual principles and experiences. Repeatedly – in both the Old and New Testaments, we are told our hearts must be circumcised. That is the picture of circumcision in the Old Testament. What does it mean to have your heart circumcised? Find out in this study,
The Peace of God- Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
Anxiety is the hallmark of the world. Jesus said men’s hearts would fail for fear in the last days. In this study Pastor Steve reveals the cause of anxiety and provides scriptural instruction for you to experience the peace of God that passes understanding.
Based on Hebrews 11:6 this message looks at 5 things in this verse that will help you seek God successfully. 1. It deals with what Biblical faith is and is not. 2. The issue of Idolatry – allowing things to come between you and God. 3. Believing that God is who revealed Himself to be. 4. Seeing God as a rewarder, not a judge. 5. Diligently seeking God with a united heart.
The Reality of the Body of Christ
The keynote message of the revelation Paul received from God. The church is not an organization or a building. The church is the people of God united by the Spirit and gathering together in Jesus’ name. These 14 scriptures provide the New Testament overview of Paul’s teaching on the Body of Christ. Listen to the audio message that these notes go with,
Are Christians Still Under the law?
This is a hot topic today. One of the areas that Christians seem to have struggle with is how to relate to the Old Testament. We know the Old Testament seems to be very different from the New Testament. Some would say today that you have to keep the law and follow the Old Testament in all its moral and ritualistic requirements. Others say the Old Testament is not for today and simply ignore it. Is there real Biblical ground we can walk on? In this series, I deal with nearly every passage in the New Testament that discusses Law and Grace. I believe it will settle some issues and strengthen your faith.
One New Man: The Mystery of the Church and Israel
Another hotly debated topic in Christian circles. Who are God’s chosen people? This study looks specifically at what Paul called, “the mystery of Jews and Gentiles. A thorough New Testament examination of the subject. Much false doctrine has resulted from the Church failing to get this one foundational truth. It is not Israel or the Gentiles, God created ONE NEW MAN in Jesus.
Great Grace
Grace is usually defined as “unmerited favor,” but there is more to grace than this. In the study, Steve looks at the two meanings of grace, the application of grace and the appropriation of grace.
First 100 Years of Church History
An overview of the first century of Christianity with a look at some foundational beliefs and practices that caused the first Christians to “turn the world upside down.”
The Lost Art of Servanthood
One of the primary identities of the Christian is as a servant to God, yet we hear so little about authentic Biblical servanthood in messages today. You’re more likely to find a sermon on being a King than on being a servant. Good stuff
How to Study the Bible: Types and Shadows
The Bible is written with at least four levels of understanding. One level is the picture messages God “coded” into the Bible through the use of types, shadows, parables, figures, allegories, and the use of numbers. this study defines each area of “coding” and how to get the most from your Bible study.
Have You checked Your Heart Lately?
Someone once said, “the heart of the issue is the issue of the heart.” this study looks at what the Bible says about our hearts.
The Blood of Jesus: Our Greatest Spiritual Weapon
This study looks at 13 things the Bible says the blood of Jesus does for us. A great weapon with which to defeat the enemy. Revelation 12:11 says: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Here’s a checklist to keep close at hand.
Ears to hear! Developing Spiritual Hearing
Jesus told His disciples that they would “hear His voice.” He also told them to take heed WHAT they heard and HOW they heard. God told the OT Israelites that they needed their “ears circumcised.” (A related audio message)
Devotion or Devotions
How to study the Bible. Devotion is the internal commitment to a person or ideal, while devotions are external acts that may or may not reflect devotion. You can have devotions without having devotion since it is much easier to read a book or say a prayer then to live according to the principles espoused in them.
Freedom of Forgiveness Seminar Syllabus
Complete study notes for the 12-hour Freedom of Forgiveness Seminar.
Principles of Victory from Gideon
The story of Gideon is unique in the Bible. We can glean several principles for spiritual victory from Gideon’s experience. Check it out.
The Baptism With the Holy Spirit
Seminar notes on the Spirit-filled life. I discuss salvation and the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. The various uses of the gift of Tongues and Prophecy is thoroughly explained. The three gift sets are discussed and examined in the context of the Body of Christ. And finally a session on preparation for ministry.
