Why the Son of God Became a Son of Man

Scott Risley
Hebrews 2:5-18

The Son of God had to become a son of man, fully human in every way for four reasons: 1. to reclaim our lost dominion, 2. to bring us into God's family, 3. to disarm death, and 4. to become our High Priest. We are helpless and He made Himself nothing so He could offer us everything.

God's Eternal Kingdom (Part 3)

Gary DeLashmutt
Genesis 3:17-19

The interior of the New Jerusalem contains a garden which symbolizes its restorative power. In the Garden of Eden, man first experienced theological, psychological, and ecological separation. This restoration with God, ourselves, and nature is provided only through Jesus' sacrificial death. Those who have received this gift should then tell others.

The Great Tribulation

Jeff Gordon
Matthew 24:7-27

John describes the next part of his vision: The Great Tribulation. The Lamb of God breaks the first four seals on the scroll, releasing four horses and their riders (one of conquest, one or war, one of famine, and one of death). The fifth seal released those who were martyred, and the sixth released natural disasters. The seventh seal released plagues, evil spirits, and God's judgment. The length of time between the beginning of the tribulation and God's final judgment proves His desire to reach out to lost people and His goal of redemption.

The God of the Bible

Jeff Gordon
Revelation 1:1-20

God communicates through John to write to the seven churches in Asia about their new standing in Christ and how they can anticipate His return. John's vision of Christ's deity and a closer look at the elements in the vision reveal Christ's power and motivations as the perfect sacrifice and ultimate master of death.

Hope and the End of History (Part 1)

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Many wonder what happens after death, where the future is heading, or when history might end. For a believer, hope for the future is rooted in the past reality of Christ's resurrection. All Christians have the promise that they will be caught up with Christ and live a transformed life with him forever. Those of us who have this hope should allow it to shape our priorities and guard our hearts, even as we encourage others.

Life After Death

Scott Risley
1 Thessalonians 4:13

John illustrates Jesus as the resurrection and the life through Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This confirms Christ's claim of being the Son of God, anticipates the greater resurrection and guarantees our resurrection so we can face death with hope. Through this account, we learn God feels anger and sorrow about death. Those who know God can grieve death with hope.

Death: The Final Foe

Dennis McCallum
John 11:1-53

Jesus visits Lazarus of Bethany, who is very ill and then dies, causing Jesus sorrow. However, Jesus says that God will be glorified through this instance and raises Lazarus from the dead. Jesus calls himself the resurrection and life, saying that those who believe in him shall live even when they die, alluding to his work on the cross that would defeat death itself and allow for eternal life for those who put their faith in Jesus. Death was never the intention for people, but because of the fall of humanity, death is the final foe Jesus wished to defeat at the cross. We as humans have intrinsic value, high levels of consciousness and a real existence of a soul, reflecting that we were never made to simply die and cease to exist. This teaching includes interviews of people asking them about their thoughts on the afterlife.

Jesus Steps Forward to the Cross

Jeff Gordon
Matthew 26:39

Many modern people believe that Jesus was a victim of unfortunate circumstances and that his death was a mistake. John, however, writes that Jesus knew full well that he was about to die and willingly gave himself over to be killed by the authorities of his time. Jesus acted in faith in spite of his fears because he knew who he was and where he was going, and we as Christians can make the same decision when God brings suffering into our lives. Furthermore, Christians can respond positively to God's revelation just like some of the authorities in Jesus's day by not distracting themselves from the truth.

I am the Resurrection and the Life

Jeff Gordon
John 11:1-53

Jesus responds to the death of his good friend Lazarus. He comforts Martha in a time of deep distress by reminding her of who he is and the eternal life he offers. He is deeply upset and weeps with the people around him. Then he demonstrates his divine power by raising Lazarus from the dead.