The Perils of Wealth

Ryan Lowery

James 5:1-6

In chapter 5, James describes the mature believer as one who understands the perils of wealth. This teaching discusses the common pitfalls that affluence brings.

Final Week Collisions

Dennis McCallum

Mark 11:15-33

Toward the end of his life, Jesus somewhat violently confronts those selling "acceptable" sacrifices at the Temple, who were actually profiting off people's desire to sincerely seek out God. As a result, the religious leaders started to plot how to kill Jesus. Through an exchange in Mark 11, Jesus calls out and upends their insincere questions, which were, in fact, designed to trap Jesus.

The Seductive Delusion of Wealth

Chris Hearty

James 5:1-6

James warns his readers of the spiritually seductive nature of wealth that can draw our hearts away from God. Not that being wealthy is a sin, but rather it becomes a problem when we have improper attitudes toward it. In order to protect our hearts, we should heed James' warning, be generous, and remember where true riches are found.

When the Church Becomes a Battlefield

Chris Hearty

John 16:24

Are not the sources of quarrels within the church due to believers not recognizing their position of neediness? We do not have because we do not ask. We allow our desires to have mastery over ourselves. This leads to adultery against God; We cheat on God by turning our affections and attention away from God and towards ourselves and the world. \r\nThe solution is to turn to God's grace, and resist the devil. Draw near to God and turn away from from the temptations of the world. And finally, humble yourself before the Lord and He will exalt you.\r\n

Finding Peace:The Secret of Contentment

Chris Hearty

Proverbs 30:8

Contentment is Dynamic, Developed and Divine. Paul spoke of contentment that was not based on circumstances but on something real and solid: God's strength working through him. The good life we all long for begins not when circumstances change but when our attitude toward them changes. The ability to be grateful for what we already have, in spite of our circumstances, is the secret to contentment.

Being a "Doer":Inclusiveness and Compassion

Dennis McCallum

James 2:1-13

God calls us to not show personal favoritism. We are not to make distinctions between ourselves based on race or gender or wealth or any other factor. When we do not take our identity from God, we create an arbitrary identity focused on being important in some way and not on loving others. People are equal because they are created in the image of God.

Finding Peace: Cultural Myths

James Rochford

James 2:1-13

As a whole, our culture today is experiencing a decline in happiness and an increase in anxiety and depression. Often, we buy into cultural myths about what will cure our unhappiness; but as we turn to things like social media, romantic love, and materialism, we find that unhappiness only increases. Our hunger for love and significance can only be truly satiated by a relationship with Jesus Christ, which is grounded in reality and not based on comparison or performance.

The Connection between Simple Living and Spirituality

Dennis McCallum

1 Timothy 6:6-11

It is important for any Christian to understand the Bible's view of finances. And we all must find the balance of living at the need level and not the greed level; with neither riches nor poverty. The world system promotes materialism. Learning to live simply can help us enjoy life better, be an example to our children, and be better stewards of what we have been given.

Our Temporary Residence

Chris Hearty

1 Peter 1:17-25

What if we view this life as our permanent residence? The Bible is clear that this life is only temporary. 1 Peter 1 details God's incredible motivating plan to help us align our hearts and minds with our true home in heaven and away from all of the distractions that so often entangle us. Which residence will we invest our lives in?\r\n