The God Who Is Ethical Part 2

James Rochford

Exodus 20:12-17

The Law was given to us for our good. God knows much better than we do about what is good for us. The Law was designed to teach us how far short we fall from God's moral standard and lead us to Christ to receive mercy.

Living In Light of Jesus' Return

Gary DeLashmutt

James 5:1-11

James' audience is poor Christians who are being mistreated by rich non-Christians. James stresses how Jesus' future return should affect the way we live. God often allows mistreatment in this life but will ultimately intervene and condemn those who refuse to repent. So, Christians should not take personal revenge, but leave that to the Lord. They should not quit serving the Lord when it seems fruitless, but wait upon His reward when He returns. Don't pass judgment on fellow-Christians because Jesus will evaluate all of us when He returns.

Walk as Children of Light

Scott Risley

Ephesians 5:1-14

To walk as children of light begins with a deep change in your identity. We live as children of light because of what God has done for us, forgiving and adopting us as His beloved children. We live as children of light because the old way does not fit anymore. Also, we want to live in a way that pleases God. Finally, we live as children of light for the sake of our witness to others.

Grace to Give

Mike Sullivan

2 Corinthians 8-9

God wants Christians to be generous and will give great opportunities to be generous. Grace-based giving is not bound by our circumstances. It is inspired by Christ. Grace-based giving shares resources with those in need and is accountable to handle money in an honorable way. Grace-based giving remembers God's role in supplying the resources to give. Grace-based giving results in recipients giving thanks and glorifying God.

Exchanging the Old Self for the New Self

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4:21-28

If you are forgiven in Jesus, you have a new birth, a new identity. This new birth means you have to believe and live in that identity. Believing and living in this new identity releases God's power to transform your mind which leads to living a life of love.

Living Out Your New Identity in Christ

Conrad Hilario

Ephesians 4:17-19

Living out your new life in Christ involves not living as the world lives, in the futility of their mind, but knowing that only God gives real meaning in life to anything we do. He gives us significance and value. He ensures that suffering has a purpose. Are you living in such a way that distinguishes you from the world?

Simple Living and Family Life

Niccole Williamson

Emily Morris

2 Corinthians 4:18

What is simple living? It is practical living in light of eternity, cultivating a heart that belongs to eternal things, and freedom. It involves practicing gratitude, generosity and a skepticism towards worldly conventions. "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

Enemies of the Cross

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Materialism defines fulfillment and security in terms of material possessions in this life. Christians in this present world are particularly vulnerable with the massive cultural pressure to engage in materialism. To resist this pressure, Christians must cultivate deep convictions about Jesus' return and His eternal kingdom, see through materialism enough that they are emotionally affected by its impact, and prioritize and treasure fellowship with committed Christians.

Teaching Our Kids to Be Givers Not Takers

Gloria McCallum

Acts 20:35

Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive. As parents, we don't have to teach our kids to be selfish or entitled. They are born knowing how to be self-centered. We are bombarded by the culture with messages of being a good parent means being child-centered. But research confirms what Jesus told us. We really are happier when we give sacrificially to others.