True Wealth

Jim Leffel

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Most Christians think about wealth in a very secular way, and let it choke out their passion for Christ. Adopting materialistic values from culture is very dangerous for a believer. Instead of this, Christians are to foster contentment and a habit of generosity.

When Yahweh is Your Shepherd

Scott Risley

John 10:11

David the psalmist compares God to a shepherd, who sacrifices His own life to care for and meet all the needs of His flock of sheep (us). In times of prosperity and in times of adversity, God desires to bless our lives with all we need and more. In order to experience His blessings, we must choose to be led by Him.

The Impact of Grace

Scott Risley

Colossians 3:9-11

Slavery and its interaction with Christianity has always been a contentious topic, and yet it is clear from the Bible that God is anti-slavery and that Christianity's principles directly contributed to the demise of slavery worldwide. The book of Philemon provides an intimate glimpse into an escaped first century slave's dilemma and Paul's response to the slave's Christian master, and through Paul's appeal we see God's power to reconcile diverse people.

A Life Changed By God (Part 2)

Ryan Lowery

Colossians 3:14-16

The apostle Paul continues to discuss doing arising out of being: it is our new identity as Christians that allows us to be used by God to change the world. Paul describes more ways that God wants to grow us to love others better. God wants us to experience the peace of Christ, and He wants us to learn to dwell in His Word.

The Paradox of Fulfillment (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

Matthew 5:1-12

How is God nudging you? We will learn about the Beatitudes from Jesus, and learn about the attitudes that can move us forward in God's Will or hinder us if we fail to understand them. Beatitudes include: gentleness, righteous hunger, mercy, purity of heart, peacemakers, and persecution.

Goodbye

Dennis McCallum

John 15:12-16:33

Jesus continues trying to teach his disciples in the Upper Room before he goes to the Cross. From this section, the following are Jesus' main takeaways for his disciples: 1) the world is passing away; 2) the perspective of the Kosmos is skewed; 3) as followers of Jesus, the values we have are at tension with the world's values, and we should expect opposition because of it; and 4) trust the Holy Spirit to reveal more about Jesus, for the inspiration of God's Word, to guide and illuminate us and and to impart joy and peace that comes from God.

Features of a Transformed Community (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

An important part of a spiritual community is the leadership appointed by God. Spiritual leadership means leading as a servant, being directive, and remaining centered on truth. All believers should desire the maturity and the blessings that come with spiritual leadership. The whole church is called to follow leaders by responding to them, recognizing the importance of their office, and seeking peace over needless rebellion.

The Help of the Holy Spirit

Gary DeLashmutt

Ephesians 1:13

Jesus teaches that the Christian life is the Spirit-filled life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to love others as only Jesus can. We have not been left orphaned here, but can be secure in God's love through the promise and seal of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps us in personal tutoring of God. Without the Holy Spirit the things of God would be foolishness to us.

The Us vs. Them Mentality

Ryan Lowery

John 4:20-24

The Bible promotes a peaceable and loving attitude towards others, instead of an us vs. them mentality. After the transfiguration, Jesus says that we should be at peace within Christian community instead of competing for dominance. He also teaches that we should be at peace with different Christian communities instead of writing off their good work. Finally, we are to be peaceable towards non-Christians without giving up our stance on truth.