What's my motivation?

Ryan Lowery

Ephesians 2:1-10

This teaching outlines the opportunity we have to receive Christ and walk with God. As a Christian, we are no longer defined by our sin and selfishness but instead can choose to follow God's leadership for our lives.

Saying No to God

Scott Risley

Exodus 17:1-7

Written to Christians from a Jewish background who were drifting back to their old ways, the Old Testament is quoted to persuade that Jesus is superior to Moses. Just as their ancestors said ?no? to Moses and hardened their hearts, so we can say ?no? to God to our danger. If we hear His voice TODAY, it's time to start saying ?yes?!

The Dynamics of True Heart Change

Dennis McCallum

2 Samuel 11:1-12:14

Many have withstood the trial of failure, only to fail under the trial of success. When King David became wealthy and had many wives, he hardened his heart and covered up his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah until the prophet Nathan exposed his sin and he repented. David then penned Psalms 51 and 32 describing the dynamics of true heart change. Thank God we can never out sin His immeasurable grace.\r\n

Turning Toward God

Chris Hearty

Psalms 32:1-11

David's agonizing psalm portrays a godly picture of repentance. The stories of David's adultery with Bathsheba, his murder of Uriah, and confrontation with the prophet Nathan demonstrate his change of heart back to the Lord. David's failure and change of mind offer insights into what it looks like to truly agree with God about one's sin.

When You've Messed Up Really, Really Bad

Scott Risley

Psalms 32:3-4

A psalm of repentance to God, written after David slept with Bathsheba, who was the wife of another man. David recognizes the severity of his sin, and takes full responsibility for what he has done. At the same time, David throws himself on God's mercy, His unfailing love, His ability to forgive and redeem. Identifies six signs of true repentance: 1. have a vertical perspective, 2. take responsibility, 3. accept consequences, 4. deeply understand the problem, 5. express joy and gratitude, and 6. desire to serve God and to tell others about Him.

The Correct Use of the Law

Conrad Hilario

1 Timothy 1:5-17

The Law shows us that we fall short of God's perfect standard. Many view the Law's stance on subjects like sexual immorality to be overly restrictive. But ultimately, the purpose of the Law is to lead us to Christ. Paul considered himself a trophy of God's grace in spite of his sin, and believers should take the same view of their own lives.

The Path to Spiritual Maturity (Part 2)

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 3:5-17

Part two of a two-part series on the path to spiritual maturity. Paul encourages the Colossians to embrace a lifestyle consistent with what God has provided us through Christ. He urges them to ?put aside? a self-centered way of life and to ?put on? an other-centered, loving lifestyle. As we cultivate a mental focus on ?the things above? (part one) and replace a selfish lifestyle with a loving one (part two), God changes us from the inside out.

Three Questions about God and Morality

Jim Leffel

Matthew 5:17-48

We look at three questions on morality: 1) what's the meaning of morality, 2) what's the standard of morality, and 3) what's the purpose of morality? We see from Jesus' teachings how humility and gratitude, not pride, are components in the meaning and standard of morality.

Jesus' Letters to 7 Groups (Pt. 2)

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 2:12-3:5

Jesus's address to the churches continues with Pergamum, Thyatira, and Sardis. These three churches have a common flaw: passivity. Christ addresses this sin, which invokes careful consideration of what it looks like to be an apathetic or dead church and the dangers involved.