Created for Good - Restoring Hope in Our Christian Lives

Brian Adams

Katie Adams

Romans 7:24-25

The fear of falling from grace can at times cripple us, especially when we see other spiritual leaders fall. But while we are capable of evil, we have been created for glory. God created us for good, and he offers his comfort for the fearful. By observing the transformation of the apostle Peter we see a model of grace's power to provide hope and change. In fact we see powerful transformations scattered across the Bible! These examples and truths give us hope in our own Christian lives.

Our Part in Evangelism

Chris Risley

Romans 7:24-25

We have an important role to play in the process of evangelism! We can play this role through 1) prayer, 2) preparation, 3) planting seeds, 4) modeling authentic christianity and 4) being aware of opposition. \r\n\r\n

Are We Overprotective?

Paul Alexander

Rebecca Alexander

1 Samuel 1

As much as we hate suffering, it is fair to say as parents, we hate even more to see our children suffer. Paul and Becky Alexander share how they as parents have learned to avoid the mistake of following the cultural mandate to protect your children from any and all suffering. They cite studies that demonstrate that allowing your children to experience normal, reasonable levels of suffering actually prepares them to deal with the inevitable suffering, that will come their way, in a positive, healthy way.

Trusting Your Child to God

Chip Geiser

Kim Geiser

Psalms 91:1-2

Our fears interfere with us truly trusting God with our children. The problem is not having fear but when we allow fear to dictate the way we parent. Instead, place your fears in their proper place (in the hands of God), pray until you experience peace and take God at His word, (His promises). And repeat these steps over and over again!

Ahaz and Hezekiah: Fear and Faith

Mike Sullivan

2 Kings 16:7

What can we do when we're facing difficult or scary circumstances? Two kings of Israel, Ahaz and Hezekiah, both faced threats to their kingdom and reacted very differently. One made an alliance with an enemy, the other took his fears to God.

David's Courageous Heart

Jim Leffel

1 Samuel 17:1-50

Israel and the Philistines prepare to battle. Goliath challenges the armies of Israel. David defeats Goliath. Looking at 4 responses in this crisis we see: 1. Israel is fearful while David has a vertical perspective. 2. David's older brother Eliab responds with cynicism while David has a heart of faith that says "Doubt your doubts! Examine them". 3. Saul tells David, "You are not able" while Davids' heart of belief says, "God is able". 4. Goliath's response is defiant unbelief while David responds with courage.

The Peace of God & The God of Peace

Gary DeLashmutt

Romans 15:13

God promises to give us peace - personal assurance from His Spirit that He is with us and that He will see us through any circumstances in our lives. This peace comes from having a personal relationship with God and continuing to trust Him by focusing on evidence of His goodness and responding properly to anxious thoughts. Through continual practice of these disciplines, Christians can experience God's peace personally and for the rest of their lives as well.

Why Are You Afraid?

Gary DeLashmutt

Mark 4:35-41

In their fear, the disciples jump to conclusions when they are caught in a storm while on a boat with Jesus. After waking him up and accusing him of being apathetic toward them drowning, Jesus calms the storm and asks them, "Why are you afraid?" Sometimes our circumstances or just our minds can lead us to fear to the point where we forgo our faith. While God does not invalidate our fear, He provides us with a response to it that can lead us to real peace.

Two Kinds of Failure

Jim Leffel

John 21:15-19

Both Judas and Peter fail in following Christ. Judas betrays Jesus for financial gain. He regrets his decision and takes his own life. Peter denies he knows Jesus but then acknowledges his failure and repents. After receiving forgiveness, Peter is commanded by Christ to lead His church. Peter understood that Christ's forgiveness extended to his failure and knew God could heal him. God's forgiveness and healing are also available to us when we experience failure.