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Topical Teachings

The following teachings are independent of any specific Bible Study series

Matthew 20:17-19 Bible Study - The Fog of the Followers

In this teaching, titled "The Fog of the Followers," we dive into Matthew 20:17–19 to explore the striking contrast between the clarity of Jesus and the confusion of His disciples. As Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, He provided an explicit, detailed roadmap of His impending betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. Yet, despite His directness, the disciples remained "in a fog"—blinded by their own expectations, distracted by internal status disputes, and emotionally overwhelmed. By examining these "Passion Predictions" across the Gospels, we learn that the disciples weren’t just slow to understand; their spiritual eyes were veiled until the Lord personally opened their minds.  


This message challenges us to identify the "fog" in our own lives that prevents us from truly hearing God's voice today. Through a three-part call to action, we discuss how to shift our focus from our own "crowns" back to Christ’s cross, how to silence the daily static through the intentional practice of Sabbath, and how to become truly dependent on the Divine for spiritual wisdom. Whether you are struggling with daily stress or feeling stuck in your faith, this teaching provides a roadmap for moving out of the fog and into the life-changing clarity of the Gospel.

Teaching Notes (Fog of the Followers)

Navigate the Hurried Life - Strive to Enter HIS Rest.

In this topical teaching, "Navigating the Hurried Life," Dave Bigler explores the modern epidemic of "hurry sickness," which he defines as a continuous struggle to achieve more and more in less and less time. The talk begins by identifying the pervasive problem of "More, Better, Faster," illustrating how technological advancements have unexpectedly led to increased productivity without a corresponding increase in rest. Drawing on insights from various authors and theologians like C.S. Lewis and Dallas Willard, Bigler argues that our fast-paced society creates a "noise" that prevents us from hearing God, ultimately identifying hurry as a major enemy of spiritual life.  


The teaching further delves into the "Biology of Hurry," contrasting the high beta "fight or flight" sympathetic state with the alpha "rest and digest" parasympathetic state. Bigler explains that while the fight-or-flight response is designed for survival, many people live in this state perpetually, which shuts down parts of the brain responsible for logic, empathy, and spiritual reflection. As a solution, he advocates for the intentional practice of Sabbath—incorporating the four rules of "Cease, Concede, Consecrate, and Construct"—to restore the soul and transition into a state of peace and receptivity to God's guidance. He concludes by challenging listeners to set specific, measurable goals to integrate Sabbath rest into their own lives, emphasizing its necessity for spiritual health and a deeper relationship with God. 

Teaching Notes (Navigate the Hurried Life)

Part 1: Matthew 13 - Parable of the Soils

In this teaching on Matthew 13, Dave Bigler explores the Parable of the Sower to reveal how the condition of our hearts determines how we receive the Word of God. While many focus on the four soil types—the path, rocky ground, thorns, and good soil—Dave emphasizes that our "soil" can change depending on our season of life. Learn how to resist the "weeds" of busyness and worldly distractions by trusting God as the ultimate gardener. Discover how to move beyond self-effort and allow the Holy Spirit to transform your heart from the inside out, ensuring your faith remains fruitful and rooted in God’s rest.

Part 2: John 15:1-17 - Abide in the Vine

In this teaching on John 15, Dave Bigler explores what it truly means to abide in Christ and bear lasting fruit. Building on the Parable of the Soils from Matthew 13, Dave explains how we must stay connected to Jesus—the True Vine—to experience genuine spiritual growth.  Discover how to navigate God’s pruning process and overcome the "weeds" of life through consistent Bible study, prayer, and surrender. Whether you are feeling spiritually dry or overwhelmed, this message offers practical insights on finding joy and purpose by resting in Christ’s easy yoke. Learn to let go of control, embrace the Word of God, and experience the fullness of a life rooted in Him.

Bible Translations Explained; which Bible should you read?

Why are there multiple translations of the Bible?  NIV, ESV, NASB, NLV, King James?  What are the differences and why do they matter?  Can you really trust any translations these days anyway? In this video, Dave talks about translation theory from the Formal Equivalent (word for word) to the Dynamic Equivalent (thought for thought), and which translation utilizes which, allowing you to determine which Bible is right for your personal use.   

Psalm 1 Bible Study - Reordering our Busy Lives

Do you feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of life?  Like there just aren't enough hours in the day?  In this Bible Study, Dave Bigler, looks at Psalm 1, as well as Romans 12.2 to see what the Bible has to say about reordering the priorities of our lives.

Matthew 5.1-12 - The Beatitudes

In this Bible study, we look at the Beatitudes; these 8 statements from Jesus, each with a promise.  “Blessed” - happy, joyful, on the right path- is the person who follows each of Jesus’ calls.  This includes a call to be poor in spirit, to mourn our sinful state, to be meek, to thirst for righteousness, to show mercy, to be pure of heart, to be a peacemaker, and to rejoice in persecution.  The Beatitudes are a progressive ladder, with each separate step being critical to understand before attempting the next step.  In this study Dave breaks down each of these "blessed" statements, and asks what this looks like in our lives today.

Matthew 3 - Who was John the Baptist?

In this study, Bible teacher, Dave Bigler (Iron Sheep Ministries), guest teaches at Adirondack Christian Fellowship.  Dave covers Matthew chapter 3, looking at who is John the Baptist?  What was his assignment?  What was his Job?  Dave concludes with an application asking, what is our job as Christ followers today?

Revelation 3.14-22 Bible Study - The Church in Laodicea (they thought they were amazing; Jesus disagreed).

In this Bible study, we focus on Revelation 3.14-22.  This is a message from Jesus to the church of Laodicea.  Laodicea was one of seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey) to which Jesus had the Apostle John write a letter.  The church in Laodicea thought they were rich and successful, when in God’s eyes, they were weak and spiritually useless.  Laodicea was judging itself on the world’s standard, not God’s.  Join us as we dig deep and learn how this applies to us today.

Part 1: Textual Criticism

This is part 1 of 2 that focuses on the History of our ancient Biblical text.  In this video Dave focuses on how, why and when our New Testament was written and passed on.  Dave also hits on textual variants and why we can be confident in the text in our Bible today.

Part 2: Bible Translations

In part 2, of this 2 part series, Dave focuses on Bible Translations; why do we have translations and why are there so many?  Which one is "right?"  Which should I use?

How to do a word study using Blue Letter Bible

In this excerpt from our Genesis 26 Bible Study, Dave walks through doing a word study of the Hebrew word:  צָחַק - ṣāḥaq which is found in Genesis 26: 8 and is translated 8 different ways between 8 different translations.  Dave uses BlueLetterBible.org to discover the word's foundation and the different ways it is translated.  Context of the text always informs meaning!

What is the Sabbath?

This is a segment pulled from our full study of Exodus 16.  In it Dave talks about what the Jewish Sabbath is, what Jesus says about the Sabbath as well as what we see of the Sabbath in the New Testament.  Watch the full Exodus 16 Bible Study: https://youtu.be/5myeehRVf5o

What is a Concordance? What is an Interlinear Bible? What is BlueLetterBible?

In this short video (taken from our weekly Through the Bible study of the Genesis 18) Dave answers the question of what and how do you use: A Bible Concordance? An Interlinear Bible?

Watch the full Gen 18:1-15 study: https://youtu.be/Ps7Xy2YjFgg

Faith is living without scheming!

“Faith is living without scheming” is a quote by Warren Wiersbe.  In this short excerpt from our full Bible study of Genesis 26, Dave talks about how Faith is looking at hardship and asking, not how can I get out of this, but how can I grow from this!  Watch the full study: https://youtu.be/KHBu5FTOt4A

Should Christians Tithe? How much should I tithe? Do I have to tithe?

In this short excerpt from our weekly through-the-bible study of Genesis Dave talks about tithing.  Should Christians Tithe?  How much should I tithe?  Do I have to tithe?  What is the biblical basis for tithing?   Watch the full study:

https://youtu.be/T6h_-89kimw


For more topical studies...

For the full list of all our topical teachings please visit our YouTube channel playlist "Topical" https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlU6m47L027gptsmcf2E-eQOTpIsfECzC

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