Ishmael and Isaac

Mike Sullivan

Genesis 21:1-7

Through the story of the births of Ishmael and Isaac, we see two different ways of following God: one based on self-reliance, and the other based on trusting God to keep his promises. Self-reliance tends to lead to problems and defeat, while trusting in God's promises often involves waiting, but leads to peace and the experience of God's faithfulness.

Melchizedek and the War of the Kings

Mike Sullivan

Hebrews 7:15-25

Abraham engages in warfare to rescue his nephew lot, then meets and is blessed by a priest, Melchizedek, king of Salem. From this story we see a foreshadowing of Jesus who would be a king-priest in the order of Melchizedek, our intermediary and final sacrifice. We also learn from Abraham that growing faith is active, will be tested, and has impact far beyond our lives.

The Cutting of the Covenant

Gary DeLashmutt

Romans 4:1-5

A fascinating narrative describing how God ratified a covenant with Abram and providing three key insights into living by faith. God declares us to be in right standing with Him when we simply trust in His promise. Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is faith under strain. Faith submits to God's plan and to His timing for its fulfillment.

The Meaning of Faith (Part 2)

Ryan Lowery

Hebrews 11:7-16

The author of Hebrews gives several examples of Biblical characters who lived by faith, knowing that this world was not their true home but that they were just passing through, and that their true home was in Heaven. We can learn from their example by putting the word of God above the opinions of others, surrendering control to God, and acting on truth even when we have doubts.

Faith

Jim Leffel

2 Samuel 12:1-6

Jim Leffel provides a detailed study of Biblical faith looking at the faith of Abraham, the father of all Biblical people, and David, the great king of Israel. Biblical faith is rooted in an understanding of God's revelation to us in nature, His Word, and ultimately, through His Son. Furthermore, it is a holistic faith that has intellectual, practical, social, and personal dimensions.\r\n

Jesus' Provision for Our Deepest Needs: Rest

Paul Alexander

Matthew 11:28

Jesus says, ?Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.? When we entrust ourselves to him and draw near in dependence, Jesus offers to give us rest from burdens such as regret, anxiety, lostness, and a parched soul.

Teaching Kids about the Father

Paul Alexander

John 11

The concept of God can be difficult for children to understand especially at early levels of cognitive development. This workshop discusses ways to utilize children's natural imagination and enjoyment of narrative to strengthen their understanding and experience of God through the stories of Jesus in the Gospels.\r\n

Making the Most of the Early Stages of Marriage

Joey Francisco

Lauren Francisco

John 11

Marriage is about oneness and life long commitment, but what we see in our culture is marriage in a deep decline while divorce rates are rising. How do we fight against this cultural trend and have a successful, Christ-centered marriage? We will look at what habits are good to form in the early stages of marriage to lead to success.

Crossing the Jordan

Josh Benadum

Joshua 4:8-24

In order to continue to conquer the land of the Canaanites, the Israelites had to cross the Jordan River, which was a dangerous prospect and a great unknown. It represented a defining moment--something that all of us experience as we are faced with the choice to invite Christ into our life, deciding to live for Him, facing major opposition, speaking up for God, or making a major life decision. This passage teaches us strategies for dealing with these times, including preparing ourselves, letting God lead, taking the first step of faith He asks, and then remembering and sharing what you learn.