NATIVITY OF THE
LESSONS
Gospel of St. John
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Fr. William (Bill) Mills, embarked on an ambitious journey to create bible studies for every book of the bible as a way of continuing to feed his parish spiritually during this time. In his study of the Gospel of St. John, Fr. Bill, explores the historical significance within the Orthodox Church, and symbolic meaning of this Gospel.
Gospel of St. Matthew
In his study on the Gospel of St Matthew, Fr Bill introduces the first of the three Synoptic Gospels, and highlights some of the differences between between Matthew and John's Gospels. The Gospel of Matthew is the longest of the Synoptic Gospels and it's read for four months out of the church year. It teaches the basic fundamentals of our faith. We hope this study serves as companion as you read through the Gospel of Matthew.
Gospel of St. Luke
The Gospel of Luke, “a light to the gentiles”, has a great significance to our Church and to our spiritual life as Christians. As a synoptic gospel, it shares many of the events described in Matthew and Mark, however the Gospel of Luke was written for the gentiles and it places emphasis on specific themes, such as salvation. In this study, Fr. Bill explores other key differences in the Gospel of Luke and how this gospel can help grow and strengthen our faith. We hope this study serves as companion as you read through the Gospel of Luke.
Gospel of St. Mark
St. Mark's Gospel is a statement against Rome. This Gospel proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ in a time when all good news was related to Rome and its Emperor. This is the good news about God and the Anointed One Jesus Christ. This would have gone against all social norms of the time. Would you go against your society and cultural norms to follow Christ? Join Fr. Bill as he explores these topics and many others in this study of the Gospel of St. Mark.
Acts of the Apostles
Written by St. Luke, the book of Acts is the second volume of Luke’s writings and serves as a companion to his Gospel. Acts is not a letter, historical account, or biography, but rather a narrative detailing the spread of the Gospel message. It features dramatic stories set in urban areas with diverse cultures, in contrast to the Gospels, where the Revelation primarily unfolded in rural settings. Join Fr. Bill as he explores the book of Acts and its implications for our Christian journey today.
St. Paul's Letter to the Romans
Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, addressed many communities throughout the Roman Empire. When he wrote his letter to the church in Rome, he was speaking to believers at the heart of the empire itself. To fully appreciate St. Paul's writings, we must understand the context in which he lived—namely, the Roman Empire and the Old Testament scriptures. Join Fr. Bill as he explores the historical backdrop of Paul's writings, and use this study to accompany your own reading of the book of Romans.
St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians
Located in modern-day Greece, Corinth was a bustling port city that Paul used as a hub to spread the Gospel to the wider world. His two letters to the Corinthians are among the longest of his epistles. In them, he addresses key themes such as the role of saints, the centrality of the Cross, spiritual pride, and the importance of community life. Join Fr. Bill as he delves into these topics and more in his study of First and Second Corinthians.
St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians
.Though short, St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians is of great significance. Studying Galatians, alongside Ezekiel and the Gospel of Mark, provides a key to understanding the broader biblical narrative. Galatia was a province located in the center of Asia Minor, north of Paul’s home in Tarsus. In this letter, Paul outlines his argument against the Judaizers, emphasizing that it is faith in Jesus Christ—not adherence to the law—that brings justification. Use Fr. Bill’s study on Galatians as a companion to deepen your understanding as you explore this powerful book on your own.
St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians
St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians offers a foundational guide for Christian life. Unlike his letters to the Corinthians or Galatians, which address specific issues, Ephesians provides a broader overview of Christ’s teachings. Paul explains that the Gospel equips believers for ministry and service in the world, emphasizing unity among Christ’s followers regardless of social, economic, or cultural background. Our hope is that this study encourages you on your faith journey as we explore how the Gospel transformed lives in the ancient world—and how it continues to impact lives today.