It Is Finished

Scott Risley
Matthew 27:11-51

Whereas the enemies of God used the cross to kill Jesus, God used it to bring eternal life to whomever puts their faith in Jesus to pay their sin debt. When Jesus said, "It is finished," He was proclaiming the punishment for sin had been fully paid by His death. For anyone who believes, the certificate of debt has been cancelled. Have you asked to have your certificate of debt nailed to the cross? Are you growing in your appreciation of the cross?

The Cross

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 26:36-27:54

The most important event in human history occurred when Jesus Christ went to the cross. Jesus' crucifixion was the epitome of physical torment, and included being stripped naked and flogging. Not only that, but Jesus endured spiritual torment by taking on God's wrath to pay for humanity's sin. Jesus paid the certificate of death for all humanity in the greatest demonstration of sacrificial love. As Christians, the cross is a constant reminder of God's love for us and something we should thank God for regularly. For those who aren't Christians, making a decision about Jesus' work on the cross is the most important decision to make.

Victory in the Pressure Cooker of Life

Jim Leffel
James 2:20-22

James explained that enduring suffering strengthens your faith. Suffering is painful, but God can use it in our lives, and so it is not in vain that we suffer. Suffering is confusing, but it is also an opportunity for us to turn to God and rely on His strength.

Are You Ready?

Scott Risley
Matthew 24:23-51

Since the return of Jesus has still not happened, some people say things are "just the same as it was since the beginning" but the Bible, unparalleled in accuracy, gives us a one-of-a-kind predictive scenario that accords with events throughout history. Whether all these conclusions are right or wrong, the big picture is clear, Jesus is coming back. Are you ready?

Getting Ready for the Climax of Human History

Dennis McCallum
1 Thessalonians 5:1-10

Jesus explains to his disciples the signs that are "birth pains" before the end of human history. He describes the presence of false teachers that will come in his name and wars, famines, earthquakes and nations will be against other nations. He warns his disciples that there will be intense persecution against Christians, that many will walk away from the faith and love will grow cold, but that the gospel will be preached to the whole world. From Jesus' words, it's clear that the end of human history will be categorized by events on multiple fronts, including: 1) theological; 2) sociological; 3) ecological; 4) technological; and 5) political. As we await the return of Jesus Christ, the call for Christians is one of anticipation and sobriety as we look forward to being with Jesus forever.

The Pain of God's Hiddenness

Gary DeLashmutt
Psalms 42:1-11

What is this pain of God's hiddenness? Is it God abandoning us to leave us on our own through troubling times? No! Those are the lies of Satan who actively tries to accuse us and put lies about God on our mind. In fact, this is a pain that every believer may go through in their life and often it is caused by our own choices. We have two ways we can respond to this. One is that we must talk to God very openly about this pain, and two is we must talk very aggressively to ourselves about how to interpret this pain. Even Jesus had to turn to God in the garden of Gethsemane about his pain. We are no different and God has promised us that when we turn to him in supplication that He will move towards us in love.

The Story of Joseph

Ryan Lowery
Genesis 39:1-45:11

Though Joseph was was a man of faith, his life was filled with confusion and pain. Often in the midst of suffering and trials it is difficult to see how God is working. Ultimately, God used Joseph's faithful suffering in order to bring about incredible good for him and his family. God also has a purpose for our lives, but in order to see this purpose realized we must be willing to trust Him through any circumstance.\r\n\r\n

Walking on Water

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus comes walking on water in a heavy storm and the disciples are amazed. Jesus challenges Peter's lack of faith that he can provide for them. The doubt of Peter highlights what happens when Christians adopt a horizontal perspective and focus on other things rather than looking to Christ for provision. Often, the horizontal perspective leads to more problems, including anxiety, anger and ingratitude. What Jesus is trying to teach his disciples is to look towards him with a vertical perspective amidst the "waves" or problems that arise in our lives.

Grow or Groan

James Rochford
James 1:1-11

Troubles and suffering are an inevitable part of human existence. When faced with suffering we can either use it as an opportunity to grow and build character or become bitter. We are provided with sufficient knowledge to have faith that God has a plan for us and will grow us through Jesus' example on the cross and knowledge that he suffers with us and for us. James also warns of having divided loyalty between God and earthly riches because riches will eventually fade away.