David: Handling a Crisis Successfully

Mike Sullivan

1 Samuel 30:1-25

People wonder if suffering and crisis will enter their lives; however, the real question is not if it will come, but when. As a result, we need to consider ahead of time how we want to handle suffering when it does come. David models three key things in his own time of crisis: strengthening himself in God, inquiring of God, and giving God the credit. We too can follow this example.

A Key to Spiritual Greatness

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Paul's great vision provides insight into spiritual greatness as he encountered a thorn from Satan. God is able to give sufficient grace to bear the thorns in our lives in a victorious way. God is powerful and can work through our thorns to impact others powerfully for the sake of Christ. As we embrace our weakness before God, He is able to bring about His power, along with fruitful blessings.

Attaining Spiritual Maturity

Dennis McCallum

Philippians 3:9-16

God has positioned us into His family as his sons and daughters and has promised us an eternity with him. Often we choose to focus on our temporary condition when God truly views us in terms of our eternal position. God fully loves us and His view of us is what really matters.

Treasure in Earthen Vessels

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Paul's analogy of his suffering compared to a clay jar with a great treasure presents the principle of life out of death. This process is initiated by God as He gradually breaks us so that the aroma of Christ can be manifested in our lives more and more. God will allow the sufferings we encounter to promote a deeper dependence on Him and less dependence on ourselves. As we encounter these trials, God calls us to focus in faith on His promises and live them out as He works in our lives.

How to Receive God's Comfort

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 1:1-10

God's comfort is the strengthening assurance of His sovereign goodness in the midst of suffering. As Christians, we are able to receive this in two distinct ways: 1) understanding and affirming God's purposes for allowing suffering in our lives; and 2) allowing other Christians to give you God's comfort.

Joy in Adversity

Dennis McCallum

Romans 8:28

Paul suffered countless times for the Lord, even during these times he was able to find joy in the love and purpose he received from the Lord. Paul constantly turned to his new identity and future eternal life as things to always be thankful for. God can use suffering in our lives to teach us things and to grow our faith.

Marriage and Divorce

Jim Leffel

Mark 10:1-9

Whether it's a failed marriage or a failing marriage, times of crises in our marriages reveal spiritual needs. Marital problems have the ability to cut deeper than most anything else and provides direction for pressing on with a focus on grace. Jesus answered the Pharisees' question about the legalities of divorce by addressing the heart of the issue and by stating God's design of marriage. Marriage reflects the image of God in humanity despite the ways our selfishness and culture attempt to twist it into something self-serving.

Who Do You Say I Am?

Jim Leffel

Mark 8:27-37

Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do people say I am?" In the ensuing discussion, Jesus teaches the implications for following him and why doing so is worth it. This involves a personal choice to let him lead our lives and to go through suffering. The investment of having a relationship with God and living for Him is worthy of our soul. This is what gives us satisfaction and the abundant life.\r\n

God's Love

Dennis McCallum

1 John 4:7

Paul describes vividly what biblical love is, and the love that God has for us. God's love is sacrificial, patient, hopeful, and it never fails. Biblical love is deeply tied to the meaning of life and the gospel message that we Christians share.