"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.
Scripture: Numbers 11–14
Wayne Stiles addresses Israel’s grumbling in the wilderness. He highlights the dangers of a complaining heart, showing how it undermines trust in God and hinders spiritual growth. Wayne encourages believers to cultivate gratitude, faith, and contentment, emphasizing that a spirit of thankfulness opens the door to God’s blessings and strengthens our walk with Him.
Scripture: Leviticus 11
Wayne Stiles explores God’s call to holiness expressed through Israel’s dietary laws in Leviticus 11. He explains how these distinctions between clean and unclean animals taught Israel to live set apart for God in every aspect of life. While believers today are not bound to these food laws, the passage still calls Christians to cultivate daily holiness—reflecting God’s character, honoring Him through obedience, and remembering that fellowship with God shapes how we live in the ordinary rhythms of life.
Scripture: Exodus 12
Wayne Stiles explains how the Passover in Exodus 12 reveals God’s provision of redemption through the substitution of an innocent sacrifice. He highlights the significance of the lamb’s blood as protection from judgment and shows how this ancient event ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb. Believers are encouraged to rest in Christ’s finished work, remembering that salvation is grounded not in personal merit but in the grace God provides through His Son.
Scripture: Genesis 3; Genesis 12:1-3
Wayne Stiles draws a contrast between Genesis 3’s account of humanity’s fall and Genesis 12:1-3’s call of Abram. He shows how the story moves from brokenness and exile to God’s initiative of grace and covenant promise, calling believers to start with repentance, trust God’s leading, and live as recipients and carriers of God’s blessing to the nations.
Scripture: Philippians 2:6–11
Guest speaker Imanuel Christian teaches from Philippians 2:6-11, exploring how humanity’s efforts to reach God fall short—and how God graciously came down to us in Christ. He explains the limitations of religion, the uniqueness of Jesus as the only way to the Father, and why Christianity offers a God-centered, grace-based path to salvation.
Imanuel encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, rejoice in salvation, seek understanding, and obey what God has revealed.
Lesson Outline
- Two Problems with Religion
- Two Results Religion Creates
- Man’s Futile Attempts to Climb the Mountain
- The Mountain Too High to Climb
- God Comes Down the Mountain
- Our Response
- Only in Christ do we have access to God
- There is no other name
- Christianity makes sense because it is God-centered
- All other religions are man-centered
- Not being able to understand is no excuse for not believing
- In physical realms we live by faith—so also in spiritual realm
- Not being able to understand is no excuse for not trying to understand
- Prophets were intently searching
- Be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in you
- Be grounded in the Word
- Do not let anything rob the joy of your salvation
- Not being able to understand is no excuse for not obeying (Deut. 29:29)
- Only in Christ do we have access to God
O Come, Let Us Adore Him—Christ the Lord!
Scripture: Acts 1:7-8
George Cotter of Marketplace Chaplains challenges believers to live out their faith in the workplace by sharing the love of Christ through prayer, personal presence, and conversations guided by the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that transformation comes one soul at a time, highlighting the ministry’s work caring for employees across the nation, supporting chaplains, and trusting God to use even a faithful remnant to bring revival and reformation. Cotter underscores that prayer and witness go hand in hand, empowering Christians to influence the marketplace and impact the spiritual health of the nation.
Learn more about Marketplace Chaplains: https://mchapusa.com/
Scripture: Psalm 42-43
Larry Moyer’s Outline Download
Larry Moyer teaches from Psalm 42-43 on how to handle discouragement, showing how God’s Word directs us to turn our thoughts toward Him, trust His faithfulness, and hope in His presence. He emphasizes practical steps for responding to discouragement through prayer, reflection, and dependence on God.
Scripture: 2 Peter 3:12-18
Wayne Stiles teaches from 2 Peter 3:12-18, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and maturity as believers await Christ’s return. He encourages Christians to live godly lives, make progress in holiness, and deepen their understanding of God’s Word, reminding them that growth is essential to being prepared for eternity.
strong>Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1-11
Wayne Stiles teaches from 2 Peter 3:1-11, showing how God’s patience is a call to repentance and holy living. He emphasizes that God is waiting for people to turn to Him, and that His timing and purpose ultimately lead to the fulfillment of His promises, urging believers to live with readiness and anticipation.
Scripture: 2 Peter 2:10-22
Wayne Stiles teaches from 2 Peter 2:10-22, exploring how even negative examples can provide valuable lessons. He examines the behavior of false teachers, the consequences of rebellion, and the warnings Scripture gives, encouraging believers to learn from the mistakes of others and remain steadfast in God’s truth.