Christ Our Priest

Jim Leffel

Genesis 14:17-20

The message of the Bible hinges on an understanding of sacrifice; that we need a priest, who intercedes for us through substitution. The Old Testament explains that the priesthood was held by the Levites, yet Jesus with from the tribe of Judah. The way to reconcile Jesus' kingship and priesthood lies in the character of Melchizedek, and has two important implications: 1) the old priesthood is over, and 2) the new priesthood means we have constant intercession with God.

Revealing the Son

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 1:4-2:4

The author of Hebrews uses a variety of Old Testament quotations to support affirmations about Jesus. He points out that God has a unique son with a right to rule, that this son is higher than angels, and finally that he is divine. If God has spoken to us about these things, then what He says really matters for our lives.

The End of the Wolrd

Dennis McCallum

2 Peter 3:1-8

There will be a second coming of Christ. If there were no second coming, there would be no answer to the problem of evil, Jesus Christ would lose all credibility, and the Bible could not be believed.

Why Believe in Jesus?

Dennis McCallum

2 Peter 1:12-21

We can be sure of our belief in Jesus because of the testimony of the apostles, predictive prophecy, and the uniqueness of the Bible. The Old Testament, in comparison to all other ancient Near East religions, is vastly different and does not follow the evolution of religion as it happened throughout the rest of the world, instead remaining steadfast and unchanging on its unique views of the Lord.

The Final Judgment

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 20:11-15

All people without a relationship with God will stand before His Great White Throne to face judgment for their rebellion. At face value, most people understandably find this event horrifying, but God's righteousness and goodness are actually demonstrated in His willingness to judge evil. God doesn't force Himself on anyone, but rather allows people a choice. If you've chosen to accept Jesus's free gift of forgiveness, you can take comfort in the fact that you are completely safe from this judgment!

The Victorious Return of Jesus

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 19:11-20:10

Jesus' second coming will be the most dramatic event in human history, and will bring an end to human history as we know it. Unlike his humble first coming, Jesus will come again in great power, with a host of angels and redeemed humans, crowned with universal dominion, and will triumph completely over all of His enemies forever! Jesus will reign for 1,000 years before he finally sends Satan into eternal judgment, which sets the stage for the final judgment of humanity.

The Whore of Babylon

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 18

This prophecy introduces us to another evil character in the End Times, the "Whore of Babylon", that is used to describe the judgment that God will carry out on the earth. She embodies the spiritual adultery of Israel and the apostate Church's worship of idols as history comes to a close. Also described as "Babylon the Great", she represents fallen humanity's determination to construct a society without a need for God by accumulating material wealth, comforts, and technology. Don't be deceived by the appeal of Babylon; turn to Jesus Christ, who is the source of true fulfillment!

The Beast

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 19:19-20

This passage predicts the rise and fall of the key human instrument of Satan during the End Times - the beast (or the "Antichrist"). The beast will emerge from a revived form of the Roman Empire, will be raised up and energized by Satan, will have world-wide dominion, will blaspheme God, will persecute Christians, and will finally be defeated by Jesus upon His return. Don't respond to this prophecy with skepticism, obsession, or fear. Rather, be confident in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is in control.

The Mystery Hidden for Aeons Past

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 2:6-8

Romans 16 talks about a "mystery hidden for long ages past." Collectively, scripture teaches that this mystery was the coming of Christ. Old Testament prophecies predicted both a King Messiah who would set up righteous reign, and a Suffering Servant who would be sacrificed. Prior to Christ's death no one, not even the angels or Christ's disciples understood that these two pictures were of the same person! We learn that God intentionally hid this plan from Satan, such that Christ might provide salvation for all.