Pray Intentionally: The Christian's Prayer Library — Part 1 Pray Intentionally The Christian’s Prayer Library — Part 1 of 2 Six influential prayer books that have helped Christians worship, confess, listen, and live in God’s presence Christians first learn to pray from Scripture, especially from the Psalms, the prayers of Jesus, and the Lord’s Prayer. Across the centuries, faithful writers have also gathered biblical prayers, devotional reflections, and practical patterns that help believers put those scriptural truths into words. The first six works in this prayer library range from historic liturgy and Puritan devotion to continual communion with God and modern biblical teaching. − MORE − OPEN IT The disciples did not ask Jesus merely for information about prayer. They asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Jesus answered with a pattern that begins with God’s name, kingdom, and will before turning to daily n...

Pray Intentionally: The Christian's Prayer Library — Part 2 Pray Intentionally The Christian’s Prayer Library — Part 2 of 2 Four enduring classics and twelve modern resources for a faithful, informed, and world-embracing prayer life Part 1 introduced six influential prayer books that teach believers to worship, confess, listen, and remain attentive to God. Part 2 completes the library with four more historic works and then turns to modern resources that help Christians organize prayer, hear Scripture, pray for the nations, and continue learning through trusted Bible ministries. The purpose is not to collect tools for their own sake, but to use them wisely as guides back to God’s Word and God’s presence. − MORE − OPEN IT The New Testament presents prayer as personal, congregational, persistent, watchful, thankful, and outward-looking. Jesus taught His disciples to pray for God’s kingdom, daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance. Paul urged believers to pray continu...

  ENLARGE INFOGRAPHIC Pray Intentionally for OBCC Today Part 1: Speaking the Truth in Love In Week 5 of OBCC’s series, Caution: Handle With Care , the message turns to the difficult but necessary subject of loving confrontation. From Matthew 18 and the memory verse of Ephesians 4:15 , we are reminded that truth is not meant to wound carelessly, but to restore faithfully: “speaking the truth in love,” so that we may grow up into Christ. - MORE - ``` OPEN IT The key passage for this message is Matthew 18 , where Jesus teaches His disciples how to respond when sin, offense, or broken fellowship threatens the health of the community. Confrontation is not presented as punishment, revenge, or personal victory. It is a careful act of love aimed at restoration. The image uses the idea of a nailgun because words can either build or destroy. A tool in the wrong hands can wound. A tool used wisely can strengthen what is broken....

  ENLARGE INFOGRAPHIC Pray Intentionally for OBCC Today Part 2: The Prayer and the Take Away The second part of this OBCC prayer focus moves from the message theme into personal response: pray first, check your motives, speak gently, listen carefully, and pursue restoration. The message of Ephesians 4:15 is not merely that truth should be spoken, but that truth must be carried by love so that believers grow together into Christ. - MORE - ``` OPEN IT The prayer section of the infographic begins with a simple request: “Lord, help us handle relationships with care.” That prayer fits the full theme of the series, Caution: Handle With Care , because relationships are sacred places where words can either build up or tear down. In Matthew 18:15–17 , Jesus gives a path for confronting sin and restoring fellowship. The aim is never humiliation. The aim is restoration. This makes confrontation a spiritual responsibility, not a person...

  ENLARGE INFOGRAPHIC Pray Intentionally for OBCC Today Speaking the Truth in Love: A Biblical Guide to Restoration, Growth, and Christ-Centered Relationships Series: Caution: Handle With Care – Week 5: Confrontation: The Nailgun The message of Matthew 18 and Ephesians 4:15 challenges believers to view confrontation differently than the world does. Biblical confrontation is not about proving who is right, protecting personal pride, or winning an argument. It is about helping people move closer to Christ through truth, grace, humility, and restoration. - MORE - OPEN IT Jesus knew that relationships among believers would occasionally be strained by misunderstandings, offenses, sin, and conflict. That reality is why Matthew 18:15–17 provides a pathway for restoration rather than retaliation. Christ calls His followers to engage difficult situations prayerfully and personally rather than through avoi...

ENLARGE Intentional Grace God's Redemption Plan Key Verse “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV) Introduction Grace is not God's backup plan. Before creation itself, God established a redemption plan centered in Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals a consistent story—from Genesis to Revelation—of God's desire to redeem, restore, reconcile, and glorify His people. The Gospel is the story of God's intentional grace: planned by the Father, accomplished through the Son, and applied by the Holy Spirit. OPEN IT 1. What does it mean to you that salvation is a gift from God? Consider how receiving a gift differs from earning a reward. Parallel Verses Romans 6:23; Titus 3:5–7; James 1:17 2. Why is it difficult for many people to accept something they cannot earn? Human nature often prefers achievement over dependence. Parallel Verses Romans 10:3–...

CounterPoint ENLARGE Why Are All of Our Righteous Acts Considered Filthy Rags? Isaiah 64:6 Study Summary Theme: Human Righteousness vs. God's Righteousness “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags...” — Isaiah 64:6 OPEN IT 1. Have you ever worked hard to earn someone's approval, only to discover that your efforts were not enough? 2. Why do people often believe that being a “good person” should earn God's acceptance? 3. What is the difference between doing good works to earn salvation and doing good works because of salvation? EXPLORE IT 1. What did Isaiah mean when he described righteous acts as “filthy rags”? Isaiah was speaking of Israel's hypocrisy. The people outwardly practiced religion while inwardly rebelling against God. Their apparent righteousness was polluted by sin and self-reliance. Isaiah includes himself among the people ("we"), emphasizing the universal nature of human sinfulness. Parallel...