Lion Survival

Scott Risley

1 Peter 5:8-11

Although many people, including some professing Christians don't believe Satan exists, the Bible teaches that we have a very real adversary, the devil or Satan, who seeks to destroy us and our witness to a lost world. Peter writes that the devil is always on the prowl, seeking to attack us with lies, distortions, and accusations. Like a real lion, he tries to separate us from the pack so he can prey on the isolated. Peter calls us to be alert, know the Word, and resist the devil and he will flee from us. Don't forget you are not alone, and beware his strategy to separate you from God and the Body. Remember, it will all be over soon and God has dominion over Satan.

Living in a War Zone

Scott Risley

1 Peter 2:11-12

Christians live as foreigners in a hostile land. Jesus warned us that since the world hated him, they will hate us as well. For the sake of our own soul and for the sake of our witness, Peter exhorts believers to abstain from fleshly lusts that wage war against our souls. We can overcome evil with good and silence foolish men by letting them see our good deeds.

Believers Under Pressure

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 2:11-24

Since believers are living as foreigners in a hostile world, we should not give in to the temptations of our flesh as the world does, but we should be different. Our good deeds should set us apart and silence those who slander us. If we bear up under unjust suffering for the sake of the gospel, this finds favor with God. We have been called to follow Jesus' example of suffering for the sake of others. By His wounds, many are healed.

Jesus and Simon Peter

Ben Foust

John 21:1-17

Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus was a failure of faith. As fallen humans, we over-estimate the strength of our intentions and faithfulness. Jesus anticipates our failures but has a vision for us beyond our failures. He forgives our failures and restores us relationally. He refines our character through our failures and redeems our failures.

Jesus Tempted

Ryan Lowery

Matthew 4:1-21

Matthew 4 tells the story of Jesus' successful struggle against temptation in the wilderness, as he was confronted by Satan who sought to entice him. Satan used 3 approaches that are the same approaches he uses with us: the "lust of the eyes," the "lust of the flesh," and the "boastful pride of life." Jesus demonstrates how we can successfully counter the deception of temptation by knowing the truth, being on our guard, and fighting against it, in part, by examining our thinking.

Others-Centered Life

Conrad Hilario

Galatians 6:1-9

An others-centered life would not be boastful or competitive. It would be humble and willing to gently correct others when needed. It would involve knowing and being known by others. It would involve mutual bearing of each other's burdens even while still bearing one's own burdens. Others-centered life gives sacrificially, but never gives up

What Is Wrong with the World

Ben Foust

2 Timothy 3:1-15

Paul charges Timothy to confront false teachings in the church. Paul tells him the false teachers are on a path divergent from Timothy's path. The false teachers' path is based on lies and will not lead to fulfilling God's purpose, but Timothy is on a true and better path that, though it includes suffering and persecution, will accomplish God's purpose. \r\nPaul calls Timothy to do three things: To realize, to avoid and to continue. \r\nTimothy must realize the trajectory of the world. Because people are fallen and have rejected God, the world will only go from bad to worse. The world is full of people who are lovers of self rather than God. \r\nTimothy must avoid the influence of the way of the world. Do not be captivated by the worldly allure of living for self. It is a powerful current that must be resisted. \r\nInstead, continue in the better way, the way Timothy had been taught since youth, the way of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the antidote to the life built on self.

What We Have in the Word

Mike Sullivan

James 1:18-25

When we are in the midst of difficult times, James calls us to realize what a treasure we have in the Word. Trials can lead to temptation to turn away from God's way and toward our own solutions. The Word is not like any other spiritual text, it is the power of God. If we realize what we have in the Word, receive it, and act upon it, then we will be blessed.

Duel in the Desert

Scott Risley

Mark 1:12-13

Before Jesus begins his public ministry, he travels to the desert wilderness to meet his ancient enemy head-on. Here we learn some key truths about the nature of temptation and how to overcome it. Join us as we study this important time in the life of the only one who has been tempted in every way, and yet was without sin.