Joseph

Jim Leffel

Romans 8:28

When we face hardships and unjust situations we often focus on the horizontal perspective: how these things affect our lives, goals, and desires. God wants us to have a vertical perspective: to focus on what He is doing and how He is working in our lives, even through times of suffering. These two perspectives are illustrated in life of Joseph. Joseph faced many hardships and encountered unjust trials that were outside of his control. However, God still worked through them. God put Joseph in situations where he became a powerful man who ultimately was able to save and preserve the nation of Israel.\r\n

Loving Muslims in an Age of Terrorism (Part 3) - Speaking Like Jesus - Sharing Your Faith with Muslims

Fouad Masri

John 1:4-41

In order to speak like Jesus when sharing our faith with Muslims, we need some basic attitudes and foundational knowledge. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, to be loving, which means that we also show respect. We are called to be friendly, to create a friendly environment when sharing about Jesus instead of arguing or criticizing. We then seek to use bridges to help move Muslims to understand key truths about Jesus. Finally, our approach must be Bible-based, drawing on the power of God's Word. As we focus on these principles and examine how Christ spoke to those who did not know him, we can gain insight for our own communication and learn to build more effective bridges to the Gospel.

Loving Muslims in an Age of Terrorism (Part 1) - Violence and Hope in the Middle East

Fouad Masri

Matthew 28:18-29

In an age of terrorism, many questions emerge about the Islamic faith. There are vast numbers of Muslims in our world today, and we should seek both to understand their faith as well as to share the love of Christ with them, rather than drawing back in response to violence that may be displayed in the media. This workshop explores the Islamic concept of jihad and its relation with terrorism, as well as other key beliefs of Islam. God is at work in the Muslim world, and we can participate in Christ's mission here.

Loving Muslims in an Age of Terrorism (Part 2) - The Quran, Islam and the Gospel

Fouad Masri

Hebrews 1:1-2

As we understand God's call to share his love with those he abundantly wants to give to, we seek to understand the faith of these very people. This workshop outlines the key beliefs of Islam from the person of Muhammad, the Qur'an and the Hadith, the way to heaven, and the pillars of the Islamic faith. After describing some similarities between Islam and Christianity, the focus shifts to the key differences that are essential in helping bridge Muslims to the Gospel of Jesus.

Exploring Eternity (Part 3) - Minds Fixed on Eterntiy

James Rochford

Ephesians 5:15-16

Investing in heaven is the wisest choice we can make. It starts with setting our mind on heaven in this life. Here are five things to consider: 1) people are the only lasting commodity; 2) eternity reminds us why temporal pursuits never satisfy; 3) a mindset on eternity reminds us our suffering has a purpose; 4) eternity reminds us to be faithful with the small stuff; and 5) eternity reminds us that we will all give an account for our lives someday.

God is Love

Jim Leffel

John 13:35

This presentation explores two key areas of love in the Christian context. First we must explore the meaning of love, which leads us to the message of love, known as the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Finally, we can explore the mission of love, the call to go out and share this with the rest of the world.

Abraham and Isaac: A Time of Testing

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 11:17-19

God calls Abraham to a striking and disturbing task: sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. Does Abraham pass the test? Why would Abraham obey God in this situation? God had previously promised Abraham that He would bless all nations through Abraham's descendants. How will God fulfill this promise? We, like Abraham, will be tested as we respond to God's call in our lives. Will we trust Him?\r\n

Jesus Before His Public Ministry

Gary DeLashmutt

John 3:16

Summarizes Jesus' birth and childhood. Draws a parallel between Mary's free will in deciding whether to let God put his Son in her - and our free will in deciding whether to let God supernaturally conceive his Son's life in our hearts.

Ishmael and Isaac

Jim Leffel

Genesis 16:1-21:7

God helps those who help themselves. Is there truth to this common saying? What happens when we take matters into our own hands instead of relying on God? Will God change the plan He has for our lives if we make poor decisions? God promised Abraham He would make a great nation through him but Abraham and Sarah had to wait for a long time. What happens when we do not wait on God? Find answers to these questions through the births and lives of Abraham's sons, Ishmael and Isaac.\r\n