"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Marathon Fellowship is a multi-generational group focused on Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and serving others—both at Stonebriar Community Church. and through missions around the world.
We meet weekly on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. in B219. Our current teacher is Dr. Stephen Kim, Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. Previous teachers include Dr. Stanley Toussaint, Wayne Stiles, and Rhome van Dyck. You can explore archives of their lessons on this website.
For questions about our class or weekly activities, email us at Marathon@MarathonFellowship.org.
Jun 23, 2019
The Incredible Blessing of Fences
Scripture: 2 Kings 21-22
Wayne Stiles teaches how God’s boundaries—both moral and spiritual—protect His people and preserve blessing. Using 2 Kings 21-22, he explains that God’s “fences” are not restrictions to limit joy, but safeguards that guide believers into faithful living, helping them honor God, avoid destructive paths, and experience His provision.
Jun 16, 2019
Wisdom Isn’t Enough
Scripture: Selections from 1 Kings
Wayne Stiles examines how even great wisdom cannot replace obedience, humility, and dependence on God. Drawing from 1 Kings, he shows that success, godly leadership, and spiritual insight require more than intellect—they require a heart aligned with God’s purposes and a life lived in faithful trust.
Jun 09, 2019
Finding Shelter When Critics Curse
Scripture: 2 Samuel 16; 19; Psalm 3
Wayne Stiles shows how David’s responses to personal attacks reveal God’s protection and guidance. He encourages believers to trust God in the face of criticism and opposition, relying on Him as a refuge, maintaining integrity, and resting in His care rather than reacting in fear or retaliation.
Jun 02, 2019
How God Uses Your Ordinary Days
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17
How does God work through everyday moments and faithful obedience? As illustrated in the story of David and Goliath, Wayne Stiles encourages believers to trust God in their daily routines, offering their ordinary efforts to Him, and to recognize that even small acts of faithfulness can have eternal significance when God is in control.
May 26, 2019
The Place No One Needs to Go
Scripture: Revelation 20:11-15
Imanuel Christian preaches “The Place No One Needs to Go,” focusing on the final judgment and the reality of eternal separation from God. Using Revelation 20:11-15, he warns of the consequences of rejecting Christ while emphasizing the hope offered through salvation. Believers are encouraged to live faithfully, share the gospel, and trust in God’s justice and mercy, knowing that Christ provides the only path to eternal life and the avoidance of ultimate judgment.
Lesson Outline
- Hell? No! Three Wrong Answers
- Universal Salvation: No Hell
- Conditional Immortality: No Hell
- Purgatory: Temporary Hell
- Hell? Certainly Yes! Three Right Answers
- Holiness of God Requires it
- Our Sense of Justice Demands it
- Love of God Provides the Way of Escape
- Three Appropriate Responses
- We cannot fool with it, but we can avoid it
- We cannot be silent about it, but we warn others
- We cannot ever forget, it is only by the grace of God we are spared
When I survey…
May 19, 2019
The Valley Too Deep to Cross
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-7; Revelation 4:8
Imanuel Christian explores humanity’s sinfulness and God’s overwhelming holiness. Drawing from Isaiah 6:1-7 and Revelation 4:8, he shows how encountering God’s glory brings awareness of personal shortcomings, yet also reveals His mercy and cleansing. Believers are called to approach God with humility, trust His purifying work, and respond in worship and obedience, confident that His grace covers even the deepest valleys of life.
Lesson Outline
- Most Central Attribute of God
- Most Central Attribute of Man
- Our Futile Attempts to Cross the Valley
- Comparative Vs. Absolute Righteousness
- God Fills the Valley with the Cross
Our Response:
- May we never take the grace of God lightly (1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 2:2)
- May we never take our righteousness so flippantly (Isaiah 38:15)
- May we never miss opportunity to share the Truth
- May we never doubt the Word of God
When I survey the wondrous cross….
May 12, 2019
Sweetening that Bitter Spirit
Scripture: Ruth
Wayne Stiles draws lessons from the Book of Ruth on overcoming bitterness and embracing God’s provision. He illustrates how faith, loyalty, and trust in God’s plan can transform resentment into gratitude and hope. Believers are encouraged to release past hurts, cultivate a heart of thankfulness, and walk in God’s faithful care in all circumstances.
May 05, 2019
How to Face Your Greatest Fear
Scripture: Judges 6-7
Wayne Stiles examines God’s call to Gideon and the ways God equips His people to overcome fear. He highlights how trusting God, relying on His strength, and stepping forward in obedience can turn fear into faith. Believers are encouraged to face personal challenges courageously, remembering that God’s presence and guidance are sufficient in every trial.
Apr 28, 2019
How to Renew Your Heart for God
Scripture: Joshua 24
Wayne Stiles focuses on Joshua’s call to Israel to choose whom they will serve. He emphasizes the importance of personal commitment, reflection on God’s faithfulness, and the need for ongoing renewal in our hearts. Believers are encouraged to reject compromise, embrace wholehearted devotion, and live in a way that honors God daily.
Apr 14, 2019
A Second Chance with God
Scripture: Selections from Deuteronomy 6, 8, 11, 32
Wayne Stiles examines how Moses calls Israel back to faithful dependence on God in Deuteronomy. Through passages on remembering God’s ways, receiving His blessings, and warning against idolatry, he encourages believers that even when we wander or fail, God offers a renewed opportunity to return, walk in covenant obedience, and live in gratitude for His mercy and faithfulness.