The Mystery of Christ Revealed (Part 1)

Jim Leffel
Colossians 1:24-2:5

Paul's wish is for the Colossians to have "complete confidence" in God's plan. Despite the limited understanding people have, they can have experiences, witness miracles, and receive revelations that validate God's trustworthiness. Specifically, prophetic revelations in the Old Testament and layered throughout the Bible point to historical events predicted long before their time, including the death of the Messiah.

The Incomparable Christ

Jim Leffel
Colossians 1:15-23

Paul makes the argument that Christ has the authority and is sufficient to forgive sins. Christ's death on the cross gives the grace that humans cannot earn on their own. Christ is worthy of people's lives, and he is adequate to meet their needs. He is ultimately trustworthy and the only way to be made right with God.

8 Essential Attitudes (Part 6)

Dennis McCallum
Hebrews 13:10-16

In order to be associated with Christ, Christians must reject the temptation to conform to what the world says is appealing. Instead, we should focus on what God says is important, and actively worship Him by praising Him, ministering to others and sharing with others. This form of worship is pleasing to God, and allows us to stand out in an increasingly conforming world. Christians who do not conform to the world around them are characterized by their thankfulness and how God is at the center of their lives.

8 Essential Attitudes (Part 4)

Dennis McCallum
Hebrews 13:17

Spiritual leadership is established by God within the Body of Christ. Christians should obey their spiritual leaders who serve as examples of sacrificial love for God's church and learn how to develop a servant leadership lifestyle. As we learn to follow and trust God, encounter suffering, and develop strong relationships, God can grow our ability to lay down our lives for others, as we try to emulate Christ - the perfect example of servant leadership.

8 Essential Attitudes (Part 3)

Dennis McCallum
Hebrews 13:5-6

Developing God's perspective on money is of utmost importance to Christians. God desires to free us from anxiety and fear that comes from the love of money, and instead teach us how to draw contentment and security from what He's provided. As God provides more freedom and contentment in this area, Christians are freed up to focus more on His will for our lives, be excited for His purposes, and enter into deep relationships with others. Developing a stewardship mentality over an ownership mentality concerning God's money is crucial for Christians wanting see freedom in this area.

Esau's Free Choice

Dennis McCallum
Genesis 25:27-34

The story of Esau's choice to sell his birthright for a bowl of soup shows the power of choices. Esau forfeited being immediately in the center of God's plan for a temporary and physical fix, as opposed to looking forward to the future, eternal, and spiritual reward that God had promised him. God's will for our lives is greater than any other thing we might think will satisfy, and even when we make irreversible mistakes, God in His grace is able to redeem those decisions as well. This teaching includes a personal testimony of a woman who reflects on how God redeemed a irreversible decision in her life.

Expanding the Threshold of Faith

Dennis McCallum
John 4:46-53

As we begin to follow God, He desires to deepen our faith and trust in Him. As we choose to believe His Word, we also receive inner revelation and ultimately an experience that allows us to deepen our trust as we live out of His Word. An active faith that is based on God's Word and backed up by action produces a more tested faith, enabling us to live more Christ-centered lives as we pursue Jesus.

Faith in Practice

Dennis McCallum
Hebrews 11:13-40

The lives of Joseph and Moses reflect lessons for those eager to serve God. The life of Joseph was one of intense suffering while simultaneously trusting that God would ultimately provide for him, despite being imprisoned, sold into slavery by his family members, and being forgotten. During Moses' life, he gave up privilege to serve alongside God's people despite not immediately seeing success. Both Joseph and Moses had to encounter immense times of waiting on God, something that helps cultivate trust and dependence on Him to come through.

Abraham: Man of Faith

Dennis McCallum
Hebrews 11:6-19

Abraham's live was exemplified in his faith in God. It was first seen as he left his secure home in Ur, and then deepened as he was forced to wait for God to fulfill His promise even while he was very old in age. It was epitomized as he was willing to trust God and sacrifice his son, Isaac. In each instance, God allowed Abraham to wait on Him, in order to cultivate a deeper trust and dependence on God to fulfill what He promised. The same pattern can be helpful for Christians today as they try and deepen their faith.