The Order of the Towel

Jim Leffel

Luke 22:24

On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus had dinner with his disciples in the Upper Room to prepare them for their future work. While they argued amongst themselves who was the greatest disciple, Jesus began to wash their feet. He taught them about servant leadership through his humble actions and left us an example to follow. Do we believe true fulfillment is found when we put the needs of others before ourselves?\r\n

Appreciating Servant Leadership

Scott Risley

Mark 10:42-45

Amid the confusion of how to lead spiritually, Paul echoes Jesus in calling leaders to become a servant of all. An explanation is given for the main pursuits, efforts, and cost of leadership; as well as esteeming and appreciating leaders. Finally, actions are laid out on how to start moving towards leadership now.

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: Personal Flaws and Scars

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Physical, psychological, and relational flaws or baggage can hinder our relationships and lower our self esteem. God has adopted us as his sons and daughters and He has given us a new identity. We can fight the aspects of these issues that we have control over by acting on the truth of our new identities in Christ.

Serving Love and the Body of Christ (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

Mark 10:42-45

Paul commands the Thessalonian believers to respect their leaders and to live peaceably with everyone. But what is biblical leadership? The Bible is clear that God calls and appoints leaders, and these leaders are then recognized by others for their proven service to God and His people. These leaders must be relatively more mature than others in the church, exhibit godly character, and have a solid foundation in God's truth. Those who have not been called into leadership yet should cultivate a healthy appreciation for their leaders and work towards becoming spiritual leaders themselves.

Compassion and Controversy

Jim Leffel

John 5:1-24

John recounts two events in Jesus' life that highlight who he is. In the first event, Jesus interacts with a lame man calling him to believe and then healing him. The second event involves Jesus' public dialogue with the religious leaders about his interaction with the lame man who he healed on the Sabbath. These two events reveal who God really is through the person of Jesus. He is personal and relational. He is with people and has the power to deliver from sin and suffering. To have this in life only requires belief in Jesus and his work on the cross to pay for sin.\r\n

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: An Ungrateful Spirit

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 4:8

Paul practiced and taught gratitude as a key ingredient in finding true joy in our relationship with God. Humans naturally are often entitled and we need to fight to count our blessings. Expressing gratitude to God and other people can be a very satisfying and life changing practice.

Submitting to One Another

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 5:21-33

The Bible, more than any other religious text, promotes equality on all levels. The Bible's example of leadership, through Jesus, is that of servant leadership. Submission in the Biblical context means being willing to be responsive to the ways that the other person is trying to lead and serve you.

Wisdom Speaks

Jeff Gordon

Proverbs 1:20-33

When God speaks, He has wisdom to offer in every area of life. So often though, we simply don't want to listen. Cynicism and pride stand as significant barriers to us, preventing us from turning to God as our constant source of wisdom in life.

Summing Up All Things in Christ (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 3:20

Both Jews and Gentiles have an opportunity to be players in God's plan to bring everything together in heaven and on earth. First, God chose the Jews to live separate as a picture of what would come in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus' death the whole system of law was ended so that anyone can come to God. The implications of this caused: 1) no need for a stone temple, 2) a new level of intimacy with God, 3) no priests, 4) a mystical union with other believers through the Holy Spirit, and 5) a mission to invite others into the family of God.