A Profile of Genuine Belief

Jim Leffel

Romans 12:1

A comparative look at the faith of Mary, the sister of Lazarus, to that of Judas and the other disciples.They all witnessed Lazarus' resurrection, but Mary's faith expressed at a dinner six days before the Passover is an example for all. She gave everything she had by pouring out her expensive perfume on Jesus out of devotion to him. She left a legacy of faith that speaks almost 2,000 years later.

I Was Blind But Now I See

Jim Leffel

John 9:1-41

Linear thinking leads to a question concerning fault for a man born blind. Jesus explains that no fault or sin caused the man's blindness and then heals him. This encounter teaches that religious people are often blind to their need for God and those who are sick or suffering usually see their need.

Distinctives of Militant Christianity

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Paul uses militant language to describe the church, because all Christians are involved in spiritual warfare. Christians, as soldiers, should be spiritually alert and never compromise on essential biblical teaching. We should also be faithful despite suffering, and above all, be soldiers who are controlled by love.

Growth, Persecution, and Judgment

Dennis McCallum

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

God has given us the ability to take steps to grow in faith and love. Believers face persecution, which leads to growth. Without belief, people face the prospect of Hell, which is the absence of God.

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: Personal Flaws and Scars

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Physical, psychological, and relational flaws or baggage can hinder our relationships and lower our self esteem. God has adopted us as his sons and daughters and He has given us a new identity. We can fight the aspects of these issues that we have control over by acting on the truth of our new identities in Christ.

Compassion and Controversy

Jim Leffel

John 5:1-24

John recounts two events in Jesus' life that highlight who he is. In the first event, Jesus interacts with a lame man calling him to believe and then healing him. The second event involves Jesus' public dialogue with the religious leaders about his interaction with the lame man who he healed on the Sabbath. These two events reveal who God really is through the person of Jesus. He is personal and relational. He is with people and has the power to deliver from sin and suffering. To have this in life only requires belief in Jesus and his work on the cross to pay for sin.\r\n

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: An Ungrateful Spirit

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 4:8

Paul practiced and taught gratitude as a key ingredient in finding true joy in our relationship with God. Humans naturally are often entitled and we need to fight to count our blessings. Expressing gratitude to God and other people can be a very satisfying and life changing practice.

A Profile of a Model Church

Scott Risley

Acts 17:1-10

The Thessalonian church is the picture of a model church. Three aspects are highlighted: 1) their work of faith, 2) their labor of love, and 3) their steadfast hope.

The Logic of Grace

Dennis McCallum

Deuteronomy 30:3-5

God's grace has three components: faith, hope, and love. This faith is dependent upon God's self-authentication through fulfilled prophecies like the regathering of Israel, and it is also personal in the sense that people choose individually to start a relationship with God. God also extends hope to people through the promise of eternal life in heaven, and this hope provides Christians with joy in this life. Finally, love is the motivation for sharing God's grace with people who do not know Him and serving others in the church. These three components provide a firm foundation for the Christian life and reasons to learn more about Christ for those who are investigating the Christian faith.