Simple Living in Light of Eternity

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 4:11

The Bible calls on Christians to live lifestyles of sacrificial love. We live in a culture that is very materialistic - hyper focused on success, money, and advancement. These things become a barrier to loving God and others. Dennis McCallum examines cultural trends, and lays out the biblical call for Christians to live simply. \r\n

Simple Living for Teens

Ryan Weingartner

1 Thessalonians 4:11

In this XSI breakout session, Ryan Weingartner unpacks what it looks like for teenagers to grow spiritually in a world so focused on material possessions. Discontentment is a barrier to spiritual growth - Ryan offers scriptural and practical solutions for helping today's teens live simply and experience true contentment.

Global Partnerships - Changing the Face of Eternity

Dave Glover

Lou Kassa

1 Thessalonians 4:11

The gospel today is continuing to expand across the globe and through the spreading of house churches. The Western church can participate in the gospel's global advancement through global partnerships, collaborative ministries that promote apostolically gifted, indigenous leaders who are multiplying churches. This workshop describes the importance of these partnerships, the process of securing them, and the success of several partnerships so far. Aklilu Kassa shares about his own experience in this partnership as a partner in Ethiopia.

Who is the Real King?

Dennis McCallum

Esther 1:1-8:17

This story of Esther, a Jew, who was very beautiful, and became a queen to Xerxes, the king of Persia, shows clearly God's sovereignty. Esther uses her beauty to save her people in the 127 provinces of Persia from death by Xerxes' worker, Haman, who hated Jews because one refused to bow to him.

What About Wealth?

Jim Leffel

Matthew 6:22-32

Beginning with the parable from Jesus in Luke 12:13-24, we unpack the dangers of materialism and the ever increasing drive for material wealth based on Jesus' assertion in Luke 12:15. The "rich fool" in the parable is shown to have a false sense of security, empty ambition, and a false worldview. The diminishing returns of seeking wealth and material possessions can be replaced by pursuing the commands of Matthew 6:22-32: 1.) don't worry; 2.) seek the kingdom of God; and 3.) invest in worthwhile ends. Includes an on-stage interview with Karl Fox to discuss financial success and trusting God with wealth.

Gaining Freedom from the Love of Money

Conrad Hilario

Matthew 6:19-20

The love of money is an addiction for most people in our culture, and unlike other addictions that are widely regarded as harmful, materialism is often celebrated and promoted instead. Christians, however, are not to follow the widespread cultural norms and perspective on money but should pursue an attitude of contentment. Contentment frees up Christians to enter into deep relationships, comes from a genuine sense of security in Christ, and results in true happiness and freedom.

Living the Life of Faith (Part 3)

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 6:19-24

The book of Hebrews continues to instruct the church on the life of faith. The author warns believers to flee from loving money. Exhortation is given to instead place faith in God as a defense from greed and the fear of man.

Freedom from the Love of Money

Scott Risley

Hebrews 13:5-6

Many people believe contentment results from accumulating material wealth. We learn that contentment derives from love and that discontentment results from a focus on money. We contrast traits and results of contentment and discontentment. Those who are content are thankful and appreciative, have no expectations, experience real security from God, take their identity from God, resist cultural values and are free to enjoy God and relationships. Discontent people are unappreciative of what they have and are anxious. They carry arbitrary expectations, resulting in continual disappointment. They also experience false and fleeting contentment, compare themselves with others and are indoctrinated by cultural values.

Sermon on the Plain: An Invitation to Discipleship (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Luke 6:17-49

God wants to give us real satisfaction and security, which material wealth cannot provide. Wealth brings the danger of emptiness, false security, and numbing our need for God. The poor and those in suffering are blessed because they are often able to see their need for Christ and what He provides. Rather than relying on acceptance from other people, our lives can shape their opinions about God.