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How to Know the Will of God

Dennis McCallum

Acts 11:1-17

Peter's defense of his ministry to the Gentiles with the Gospel highlights the importance of understanding God's Will. When trying to understand God's Will, it's important to distinguish moral versus non-moral decisions, the spiritual significance in our choices and the need for special guidance with an attitude to follow God regardless of the revelation. As Peter recalls his account to the people, several factors are revealed that are important when discerning God's Will: 1) direct divine revelation; 2) providential circumstances; 3) inner spiritual prompting; 4) correlated leading; 5) spiritual fruit borne; and 6) Scripture. Looking to mature counsel is another important factor when trying to figure out what God's Will is, along with our own personal desires.

Keywords

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Why Do You Focus on the Past?

Gary DeLashmutt

Haggai 2:1-3

The Jews in Jerusalem have begun to rebuild the temple but become discouraged when they compare it to the former temple. God asks them a series of three questions through the prophet Haggai to point out that they are nostalgically focusing on the past, rather than focusing on what God is doing in the present. We fall into this as well, choosing to look at the past through rose colored glasses, discontent with what God has for us in the present. God calls us to persevere in the present, and look forward in faith to the future!

Keywords

{"passage": "Haggai 2:1-3","passageabreviated": "Hag 2:1-3","passagetiny": "Hag 2:1-3","teacher": "Gary DeLashmutt","teachingDate": "09/0...

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Gospel and Seeking

Jim Leffel

Mark 12:13-44

Jesus encounters three insincere questions: one intended to offend, one to incite ridicule, and one to incur moral judgment. In each of these situations, Jesus exposes the underlying complexity, assumptions, and hypocrisy. He teaches that a true seeker is a humble person who takes risks by acting.

Keywords

{"passage": "Mark 12:13-44","passageabreviated": "Mark 12:13-44","passagetiny": "Mark 12:13-44","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "...

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Leading with Limitations: How to Turn Brokenness into Blessing

Joni Eareckson Tada

Mark 12:13-44

God intends to use every sin and sabotage by Satan for the good of His ultimate plan of salvation for mankind. God allows things He does not approve of, for reasons that are specific, wise, and good, but maybe not apparent in this life. Everything that comes to people is screened by a God who controls all of it and who will never forsake them.

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{"passage": "","passageabreviated": "","passagetiny": "","teacher": "Joni Eareckson Tada","teachingDate": "07/16/2009"}

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If I am a Father, Where Is My Honor?

Gary DeLashmutt

Malachi 1:6-14

God asks this question to Israel through the prophet Malachi, "If I am a Father, where is my honor?" Through this He is asking Israel where their hearts truly are in regards to their devotion to God, exposing that they are half-heartedly following Him. When we start to fall into this half-hearted devotion, serving God starts feels burdensome and we begin to try and cut corners. The key to regaining whole-hearted devotion is to see God's great mercy to us, which leads to our worship of Him!

Keywords

{"passage": "Malachi 1:6-14","passageabreviated": "Mal 1:6-14","passagetiny": "Mal 1:6-14","teacher": "Gary DeLashmutt","teachingDate": "...

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The Gospel and the Nature of Faith

Jim Leffel

Mark 9:21-24

When Jesus calls a man to faith, he replies: "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief." Doubt is a normal experience, and challenges to faith can often strengthen it. There are four categories in which faith can be challenged and strengthened in this way: 1) in rationality; 2) individual experience; 3) values and the will; and 4) cultural factors.

Keywords

{"passage": "Mark 9:21-24","passageabreviated": "Mark 9:21-24","passagetiny": "Mark 9:21-24","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "06/...

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Inclusiveness of the Gospel

Jim Leffel

Mark 7:24-31

When the desperate Syrophoenician woman came to Jesus, his disciples were upset that a gentile woman would be so needy toward Christ. While Jesus gives a challenging word to her, the woman responds by admitting her need for an unmerited gift and a trust in God's mercy. Our attitude towards the gospel should line up with these two principles.

Keywords

{"passage": "Mark 7:24-31","passageabreviated": "Mark 7:24-31","passagetiny": "Mark 7:24-31","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "04/...

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Sufficiency of the Gospel

Jim Leffel

John 6:26-35

When Jesus feeds 5,000 men and their families, he teaches those around him about his answer to the real limits and real demands of people. He also teaches them three truths about discipleship: 1) it's not about you; 2) the energizing effect of participation; and 3) the abundant life that Jesus gives. He is able to abundantly meet the real spiritual hunger of anyone who believes in him.

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{"passage": "Mark 6:30-44","passageabreviated": "Mark 6:30-44","passagetiny": "Mark 6:30-44","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "03/...

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Fear of What People Can Do to You

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Peter 3:11-22

Paul reminds that good deeds usually promote good will but that Christians should not expect to avoid all mistreatment. He addresses fear of mistreatment by encouraging them to sanctify God as Lord in their hearts rather than fearing what people can do or say. This inevitably leads to Christians sharing their faith boldly and clearly.\r\n

Keywords

{"passage": "1 Peter 3:11-22","passageabreviated": "1 Pet 3:11-22","passagetiny": "1Pet 3:11-22","teacher": "Gary DeLashmutt","teachingDa...

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