Witnesses in a Hostile World

Scott Risley

1 Peter 2:11-25

Peter reminds his audience that they are different than those who don't believe in Christ and they should live differently for their own good and for their witness to others. Believers can represent Christ in a hostile world by expecting slander, not being needlessly offensive, communicating with kindness, and being proactive with good deeds. Christ is the ultimate example.

Unveiling God's Rescue

Scott Risley

1 Peter 1:1-12

Peter, a man who was transformed by his belief in Christ, writes this letter to believers who were scattered throughout many Roman provinces. Believers, who are chosen by God according to His foreknowledge, have an inheritance waiting for us in heaven. This inheritance provides security for us because it is imperishable, undefiled, won't fade away and reserved for us. We experience security as our faith is tested through suffering. We are filled with gratitude as we focus on our inheritance during times of suffering.

A Mandate for Action

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 1:1-13

Peter begins his letter to the believers in the Roman provinces encouraging them to take action based on God's free gift of grace, despite enduring persecution and suffering. Believers, who are called according to God's foreknowledge, are able to obey God's calling based on: their new identity, inheritance in heaven, and protection of God's power. Through these privileges, believers are able to rejoice.

Sermon on the Plain - Part 1

Ryan Lowery

Luke 6:12-26

Jesus teaches about four blessings for the poor, hungry, weeping, and ostracized; as well as four corresponding woes for the rich, fed, laughers, and popular. Jesus is teaching a paradigm of reversal: that a disciple who adopts God's values will gain fulfillment, while one who adopts material values will end up with sorrow. Those who sacrifice these selfish values now will receive great joy in heaven.

Fighting the Daily Battle - Spiritual Disciplines for Staying in the Fight

John Cleary

Ephesians 6:11-13

The first step in our spiritual battle is recognizing the reality of the battle at all. Scripture is clear that we are engaged in a spiritual war, and God calls on us to be engaged and to fight diligently. As we awaken to this reality, it is wise to create for ourselves a combat field manual, a resource for us to go back to regularly. There are lots of different ways to approach and create a field manual for ourselves, but some key aspects would include passages of Scripture, written prayer and insights from the Word. Having this and adding to it can help us continue in our daily battle.

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: Resentfulness

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 18:21-35

Resentfulness and bitterness are real barriers to the love that we have toward other people. God has forgiven everyone for their sins, this includes you. Are you willing to forgive others like God forgave you?

Appreciating Servant Leadership

Scott Risley

Mark 10:42-45

Amid the confusion of how to lead spiritually, Paul echoes Jesus in calling leaders to become a servant of all. An explanation is given for the main pursuits, efforts, and cost of leadership; as well as esteeming and appreciating leaders. Finally, actions are laid out on how to start moving towards leadership now.

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: Personal Flaws and Scars

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Physical, psychological, and relational flaws or baggage can hinder our relationships and lower our self esteem. God has adopted us as his sons and daughters and He has given us a new identity. We can fight the aspects of these issues that we have control over by acting on the truth of our new identities in Christ.

Compassion and Controversy

Jim Leffel

John 5:1-24

John recounts two events in Jesus' life that highlight who he is. In the first event, Jesus interacts with a lame man calling him to believe and then healing him. The second event involves Jesus' public dialogue with the religious leaders about his interaction with the lame man who he healed on the Sabbath. These two events reveal who God really is through the person of Jesus. He is personal and relational. He is with people and has the power to deliver from sin and suffering. To have this in life only requires belief in Jesus and his work on the cross to pay for sin.\r\n