Spiritual Insurgency

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 2:9-24

Peter explains to believers, that by God's mercy, we are able to display His excellencies by our good deeds. Believers, who live in a world with developed thoughts and values that come from God's enemy, we should be eager to do good. As those who look forward Heaven, God is calling his followers to represent Him to the rest of the world in order to rescue people out of bondage from the world system. Includes reading from Andrew Murray's book, Working For God.

Spiritual Confidence

Jess Lowery

1 Peter 2:9-24

Confidence can sway in two opposites: arrogance or a low and guilty view of self. The Biblical picture of confidence is rooted in knowing one's identity in Christ. The Gospel permits a steady assurance of God's truth to lead Christians' lives.

Exchanging the Old Self for the New Self (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Romans 12:18

Once we enter into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ we are given a new identity, but just because we have a new identity does not mean we live in that new identity. The apostle Paul says to put on the new self or to believe what God has already made true. The difference between how interpersonal relationships of the new and old self are compared. Ultimately, living in our new identity allows us to live at peace with others.

Peace on Earth

Scott Risley

Ephesians 2:11-22

Paul explains that Jews and Gentiles can have peace with God and peace with one another because of Jesus' death on the cross. There once were many barriers between Jews and Gentiles but since Jesus' death those barriers have been removed. All people in God's family are equal. There are many positive implications of this unity that impact daily life.\r\n

Jesus' Victorious Authority

Gary DeLashmutt

John 16:33

The normal Christian life is a life of difficulties and supernatural provisions. One supernatural provision is Jesus' victorious authority. Jesus has won the right to ultimately rule the world by dying for the sins of humanity. He has also won the authority to advance his mission through us. This results in peace and courage in the midst of tribulation for those who trust and follow him.

Life Lessons From a Dying Guy

Beth Chilcoat

Bev DeLashmutt

John 17:17

David Chilcoat, a devoted Christian and the founder of the Columbus Young Life branch, experienced intense suffering as his body decayed slowly due to ALS, a devastating disease. After his diagnosis, he began journaling about his experience, and these entries are what his wife, Beth, and Bev DeLashmutt share in order to illustrate his faithfulness during such an intense trial. Through David's journal, we see an active example of enacting three important steps amidst suffering: asking, affirming, and waiting. As we explore and act on these three principles, we can begin to respond to suffering in a way that allows us to persevere through it instead of crumbling under it.

Spiritually Divided Marriage

Jim Leffel

1 Corinthians 7:12-16

The Bible says husbands and wives are united in one purpose and should nurture one another spiritually. What does the Bible have to say about a marriage when one spouse is a Christian and the other is not? Paul gives three principles for a spouse in this situation: 1) have influence over the other person by bringing God into the marriage and home; 2) bring peace into the relationship because God calls on us to be peacemakers; and 3) show your spouse who God is and the relationship He wants with them.\r\n

Dealing with Negativity and Cynicism

Scott Risley

Philippians 4:8-9

We are naturally drawn toward negative thinking, but we can correct this bias. There is evil in this world, but God is good and we have to choose where we are going to focus.

What Does Spiritual Maturity Look Like?

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4:3

Our culture believes that the path to personal peace is based on our good circumstances and developing an inner sense that nothing is bothering us. The Bible, however, says that personal peace comes from a relationship with God and is the sense of security and purpose that comes from trusting in God's love. This peace is accessible to all believers no matter what their circumstances, and anxious believers can experience it through practicing gratitude.