Spiritual Dynamics of Holiness

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Peter 1:22-2:3

Peter encourages believers to be holy. Holiness means living every aspect of life in the way God designed it. Peter discusses two key dynamics of holiness:1) holiness begins when we experience spiritual rebirth; and 2) holiness grows through loving community and craving God's Word.\r\n

Paul's Last Will and Testament

Ryan Lowery

2 Timothy 1:1-6

Paul and Timothy have an intimate friendship with one another that challenges our culture's standard for male friendships today. Their relationship is characterized by a few key components: their bond through their relationships with Christ, the bond of a common goal, and mutual support. Through the example of their friendship, we can learn the importance of encouraging one another, as well as challenging one another to re-kindle our zeal for God. We have a role in the lives of our friends to spur them on to persevere in the fight.

Solomon Building

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 2:20

The language in the New Testament about the temple and comparisons of the body of Christ is based on this Old Testament temple that was built by Solomon. Solomons' temple is not just a dwelling, but it was a statement of our position with God that before we could not enter His presence because of our very nature. Then Christ died for our sins and the veil in the temple that separated the people from God was torn down. This shows that anyone can now approach God and receive forgiveness from Him based on what Christ did on the cross.\r\n

Conflict

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 3:14

God calls believers to be unified to all people. When conflict arises we can use the opportunity to enhance communication, build continuity, and demonstrate God's love through relationship. There are many practical steps we can take to preserve unity while experiencing conflict. We can change our orientation to glorify God, recognize our own fault, consider a unilateral resolution, and clarify issues within the conflict.

Farewell Ephesus

Ryan Lowery

Acts 20:18-38

Paul's farewell to Ephesus contains a unique look into his relationships. It demonstrates how serving God is relational, dynamic, and unpredictable. It requires endurance and care for those one is serving. It is also about entrusting yourself to Him in order to give to others with integrity. Ultimately, a life of serving God results in real friendship.

The Law of Love

Scott Risley

Romans 13:7-10

Paul echoes the words of Jesus, that the entire Old Testament is summed up in loving God and loving others, and that love should be the central characteristic of the church. This message is just as important for us today, as we continue to see declining relationships and an epidemic of loneliness; a relationship with Jesus and community within the church offers hope for deep, fulfilling friendship.\r\n

Life in the Body of Christ

Scott Risley

Romans 12:6-13

In contrast to the common clergy-laity model, Paul describes a church that acts more like a body, in which each member has a specific and indispensable role to play. Within the body, God has a ministry for each person, and has given to each one spiritual gifts to build up the body. Relationships within the church should be characterized by sacrificial love for one another.

Members of One Another

Scott Risley

Romans 12:3-5

Paul uses the analogy of a body to describe the Biblical model of Christian community--one in which each member has a specific and indispensable role to play. In contrast to the traditional clergy/laity model, this pictures a community of believers in which each person is meaningfully engaged in ministry, service, and loving others.

Spiritual Communication

Jim Leffel

Colossians 4:5-6

Paul urges his audience to live wisely in order to display and communicate God's love clearly to those around them. This involves learning to communicate effectively, to identify with people, and to move towards those who are different just as Jesus did. As we demonstrate God's love through action and speech, we can share the message of the gospel with humility and excitement!\r\n