The Tenth Plague

Conrad Hilario
Exodus 11:12

The powerful way God foreshadowed the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross by the tenth plague of the deaths of the first-born sons in Egypt is a prophetic reminder through the ages of God's desire to save us. God gave the Passover message to strengthen our faith in Jesus and to give faith to those who are not yet Christians.

Understanding Satan's Tactics

Conrad Hilario
Ephesians 6:10-12

God's enemy is real and relentless. You are the target. Jesus never reasons or argues with Satan but declares God's truth. You are in a battle. Are you going to be a combatant or collateral damage? You need to arm yourself with truth. If you are a Christian, you do not need to fear death or Satan.

Treasure in Earthen Vessels

Mike Sullivan
2 Corinthians 4:7-18

God allows us to experience suffering to break down our self-reliance and let more of His aroma out. This process of Christ being formed in us occurs as we die to self and live for Christ. God sustains us with His power and He enables us to have greater spiritual impact on others.

God's Good News

Ben Foust
Romans 1:1-7

The book of Romans is the Good News of God about the essential issue of mankind. God has done something so that we can come to Him and have a right relationship with Him, in this life and the next. The Gospel is about Jesus, sent from the Father, born into the human race, evidenced by miracles, died on the cross and rose from the dead, and provided the way for all people to be reconciled to God.

What's Wrong with Humans?

Dennis McCallum
Ephesians 2:1-10

Our sin is a big barrier between us and God. Our fall from grace has led to alienation from God. But God in His mercy offers us forgiveness through the death of His son Jesus. When we believe and accept this offer of forgiveness, God gives us a new identity which we then gradually grow into it. Religion is the performance of religious laws, but Jesus offers instead a relationship based on personal love.

Famous Last Words

Scott Risley
2 Timothy 4:9-22

As Paul faces his last days on earth, his thoughts are on his friends, both loyal and disloyal, his reading material (Old Testament and his letters), and finally, his cloak to keep him warm in his cold prison cell. In the end, the Word of God and his relationships are what mattered most to Paul. When you face the end of your life, you can have certainty that you will face Jesus as your friend.

The Ultimate Win-Win

Gary DeLashmutt
Philippians 1:19-26

As Paul awaits the verdict in his trial in Rome, he contemplates the possibilities. He could be acquitted and set free or he could be found guilty and beheaded. He actually is torn between choosing which option he would prefer. He rests in the knowledge that Christ is in control of the outcome. Death would mean he would instantly be in the presence of Jesus. But acquittal would mean more time here for fruitful service.

Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Chris Hearty
2 Timothy 1:8-18

In Christ Jesus, we have been saved from the penalty of our sin. This is an action completed in the past. We are saved from the power of our sin, presently and ongoing. In the future, in heaven, we will be saved from the presence of our sin. If we really understand the tremendous value of the Gospel, we would guard it as a treasure and would not be ashamed of it. Truly know Jesus should remove all shame.

Living a Life without Regrets

James Rochford
Ecclesiastes 12:1-13

As Solomon closes out Ecclesiastes, he recounts the many effects of aging, such as the loss of sight, hearing strength. The greatest effect is the weight of regrets. He exhorts his listeners to not make the same mistake he made. Don't put your faith and efforts into the things of the world. Instead, fear God and keep His commands. All the things you can pursue in this world are meaningless apart from God. Solomon knows this from experience!