Joseph - Overcoming Obstacles through Faithfulness

Gene Getz

Genesis 25-50

We all experience obstacles and suffering in our lives, but what do we do about it? Gene Getz takes us through the life of Joseph as an example of how to overcome obstacles through faithfulness. He takes us through the ways that Joseph suffered, that many people go through today as well. Then he talks about how to see emotional and spiritual healing in our lives.\r\n

Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ (Part 2)

Scott Risley

Ephesians 1:11-23

Paul continues explaining the spiritual blessings that come from having a relationship with God. Paul adds two to the list: receiving an eternal inheritance and being sealed with the Holy Spirit. Ongoing growth in knowing and experiencing God is essential for spiritual growth. God has given confident hope, value and power to His children which can positively impact their lives.\r\n

Endless Hope or Hopeless End

James Rochford

Matthew 27:1-28:15

Following his death on the cross, Jesus rises from the dead. There are seven reasons to believe in the validity of the resurrection: 1) the execution of Jesus was recorded by the Romans, Greeks and Jews; 2) the empty tomb, which involved women witnesses and a realistic burial story; 3) expectations; 4) eyewitnesses, including Paul, James and the twelve disciples; 5) explained in advance, through prophecy from the Old Testament; 6) the expansion of Christianity grew from 500 to 1 million people by the end of the first century; and 7) experience. The resurrection is crucial for the basis for Christian's lives and has much evidence supporting it.

Partnership of Faith and Works

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 11:19

James points out that faith without works is dead. We don't work to save ourselves through the law, but rather what we do reflects what we believe.

The Word in Attitudes and Actions

Jim Leffel

Romans 12:10

When we try to hear from God through His Word it's important that we are open to His input in our lives. Often people come to God with their minds already made up. We are called not just to be readers of the Word, but doers of the Word.

Why This Waste?

Dennis McCallum

Mark 14:3-9

While in the home of Simon, a woman sacrifices a vial of perfume and pours it over Jesus' head. While Judas Iscariot and others are furious at the woman for wasting the perfume, Jesus praises the woman's faith. The underlying principle of this story is that the woman was not living for the temporary, but for the eternal. In light of what Jesus did at the cross, the sacrifice of material things doesn't compare with the thrilling commitment to radically following him. Christians are called to adopt Jesus' values over the world's values when we come to faith in him.

Victory in the Pressure Cooker of Life

Jim Leffel

James 2:20-22

James explained that enduring suffering strengthens your faith. Suffering is painful, but God can use it in our lives, and so it is not in vain that we suffer. Suffering is confusing, but it is also an opportunity for us to turn to God and rely on His strength.

Being Ready for the Coming of the Son of Man

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 25:1-43

Jesus teaches his disciples through three separate stories what it means to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man. The first, a parable about ten virgins, teaches that there will be many who profess themselves to be Christians, or nominal Christians, that will not be ready for Jesus' return. The second, a parable of the talents, teaches the principle of stewarding the resources God has given us before He returns. The last parable is about the sheep and goats, and shows the urgency of serving Jesus by serving those in real need. In light of what God has given us, Christians are called to consider how their lives reflect stewardship.

What It Means to "Be Ready"

Scott Risley

Matthew 25:1-46

As we live in these Last Days, no one knows when Jesus will return, so we need to be ready at all times. God will let you live your life as you choose, but He will call you to give an account at the end. Will you be found faithful?