Dual Citizenship

Jim Leffel
Romans 13:1-7

Why as Christians should we submit to the government at all? Isn't our citizenship in heaven? Jews of Paul's day wrestled over these very issues. Paul argues that God Himself instituted the governing authorities for our own good. A society without government would be anarchy, which is bad for all. So, even a bad governing authority, like the Jews often had to endure in their day, was better than no government. As Christians, we need to submit to the governing authorities as chosen instruments of God and not view people with differing opinions of the government as the enemy.

Stoke Up Your Spiritual Fire

Ben Foust
2 Timothy 1:1-7

Paul directs young Timothy not to start a new spiritual fire but to kindle afresh the fire he already has. It hasn't gone out; it merely needs to be stoked back up to a roaring blaze. It doesn't need something new, just more of what fed the fire in the first place. He needs to return to the basics of his faith. A little more time in the Word, in prayer, in fellowship with God's people will go a long way in rekindling smoldering embers.

Keeping Deep Connections

Jim Leffel
Romans 12:9-21

With hope and confidence, Romans 12 addresses a very similar situation that our world is confronted with today. The world is isolated and fragmented for different reasons today than it was in Paul's day but the solution is the same; build social bonds with genuine love and without hypocrisy. The Body of Christ is uniquely equipped to offer a powerful solution to the craziness of the present times.

The Importance of Patience

Ryan Lowery
James 5:7-11

As James has demonstrated through his book, the world in which we live can prove unfair and harsh for believers in Jesus, but a mature Christian has learned to be patient in the midst of difficulty. James offers that someday Jesus will return, and the world will be put right. We should cling to that promise as our only true hope, and should wait patiently for now, engaging in the good works that will draw people to God, the only source of true good. We should also speak truthfully about God, even if we encounter opposition.

Perseverance in the Face of Trial

Conrad Hilario
Job 1-42

James urges his readers to be patient in the face of suffering, citing Job as an example of someone who persevered and was blessed. Perseverance during trials requires faith that God will never leave us and can bring about good from our circumstances, even though we may never get a reason for our suffering. We can trust that God is at work in ways we cannot see and is always good and faithful.

Spiritual Growth under Trial

Dennis McCallum
James 1:1-8

Spiritual growth under trial takes a believer from the point of having begun a relationship with God to the level of a mature, strong follower who God can use in advancing His plan in the world. A believer who lives out James' teaching will be able to actively practice gratitude in the midst of trials, gradually become incredibly stable, be shaped by brokenness so God can use him more, and become wise.

Lessons from the Life of Joseph

Mike Sullivan
Genesis 37-50

Joseph is sold by his jealous brothers into slavery in Egypt where he spends many years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Afterward, he rises to a top leadership position and is instrumental in saving not only many Egyptians, but his own family from a famine. From the story of Joseph and his brothers, we see that God has a plan for our life and is working to accomplish His goals, even though we may not see it from our limited perspective. We are challenged to act in faith and trust in God's promises, even in the midst of unanswered questions and suffering.

Walking with God through Suffering

James Rochford
James 1:1-11

James encourages the church to consider it joy when we face suffering. Not that we should be happy about our suffering, but rather times of suffering serve to test and refine our faith and can grow our character in ways not possible otherwise. However, in order to experience God's comfort and growth during suffering, we must have a mind to stand firm in faith during suffering and trust that God is at work.

The Apex of Abraham's Faith

Gary DeLashmutt
Genesis 22:1-14

The last study of Abraham's life describing the peak of his faith while on Mount Moriah with Isaac. There are at least three principles of God's dealing with Abraham that apply to us: 1) God will test our faith in Him; 2) God tests in order to bless ? never to harm, and 3) God will work through our obedience to advance His plan to bless others. Remarkable foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrifice two thousand years later at the same place is detailed.