The King Arrives!

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 2:1-12

An introduction of Jesus to the world and an analysis of the surrounding historical detail and circumstances during the birth of Christ. King Herod, who was aware of Jesus' birth, commanded a group of Magi to tell him where the Messiah was so he could go and worship Him, though his plan was to kill Him. This is compared to pseudo-seeking the truth about God, defined as stating that one is seeking the truth but in practice ignoring the evidence that is presented. The Magi, who were not Jews at all, came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, demonstrating God's power to work through any means to reach real seekers of the truth about Jesus.

Who Was John the Baptist?

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 2:7-8

Who is John the Baptist? He's not Elijah as many believed at the time, however, they do share similarities. God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus's first coming and God will send Elijah prior to Jesus's second coming. God allowed mysteries such as Jesus' first and second coming and John the Baptist's identity in order for His enemy Satan to unknowingly take part in His plan to rescue humankind.

John the Baptist

Dennis McCallum

John 1:19-23

An analysis of the biblical and prophetic case for both John the Baptist and Jesus' mission. John the Baptist came ?in the spirit and power of Elijah? and prepared the way for the Lord, preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins. The scriptural case for John the Baptist being the Old Testament Elijah himself is analyzed and compared to the expectations of the time surrounding the second comings of Jesus and Elijah. The complex case for why the fulfillment of these prophecies was not clear until they occurred in history demonstrates the intricacy and brilliance of God's plan.

The Prologue

Dennis McCallum

Luke 1:1-38

An introduction to the Book of Luke, including its historical reliability and the case for Luke's authorship. When the angel Gabriel visits the virgin Mary to tell her she will bear the Messiah, Mary chooses to respond in faith and gratitude, despite the risk of legal prosecution and her husband's rejection of her testimony. Mary decides to present herself to God as a willing participant in his plan. This passage illustrates humans' ability and decision to willingly participate in God's Will for their lives or reject God's Will through refusal, failure to decide, or passivity.

A Framework for Predictive Prophecy

Mike Sullivan

Matthew 24:14

God makes it clear throughout the Bible that no one knows the day or hour Jesus will return, but we can get a broad outline of history through Scripture. In particular, the book of Daniel contains numerous visions that, when studied, provide a prophetic framework that informs our view of the future. Although it can be confusing and difficult, this prophecy is an essential part of Scripture that warrants careful study and consideration.

The Resurrection

Jim Leffel

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

The historical accuracy of Jesus' resurrection is of utmost importance as it authenticates Jesus' teachings and his place as Lord. It's historicity is attested to from prophecy, logic within the Bible, and sources outside the material. It's essential for all of us to examine the evidence, understand how the resurrection affirms forgiveness through faith, and respond in faith.

The Mystery of Christ

Ben Foust

Ephesians 3:1-13

The author Paul encourages the Ephesians not to lose heart despite circumstances. He ruminates on his own circumstances (being imprisoned) and emphasizes his confidence in God's plan. The teaching focuses on the fulfilled mystery of Christ and how God's plan has been consistent from the beginning; this can assure us of God's purpose despite our circumstances.

A Change of Priesthood

Conrad Hilario

Genesis 14:18-20

In the Old Testament, humans could only approach God through a high priest, a role that had to be fulfilled by a man descended from the tribe of Levi. God, however, prophesied through David that one day there would be a priest from the line of Melchizedek whose priesthood would be eternal, and Jesus is that high priest. Since Jesus is the perfect and eternal high priest whose priesthood replaced the old one, humans are no longer under the Old Testament law and can be rescued forever from their sin.

What About Priests?

Dennis McCallum

Psalms 110:1-4

The author of Hebrews argues that Jesus is a legitimate high priest even though he is not from the tribe of Levi. However an obscure character named Melchizedek is of an even higher order than the Levitical priesthood. Jesus is from the order of Melchizedek. The author of Hebrews proves that Jesus is not only King Messiah but also our permanent high priest who has replaced all others. When the Levitical priesthood was nullified, so was the rest of the law. This enables believers to draw near to God.