Profiles in Grace (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Luke 7:1-50

In three events Jesus reveals his identity and mission as the Messiah. He displays his authority in three areas: 1) his authority to heal when he revives a centurion's slave who is near death; 2) his authority over death by bringing widow's dead son back to life; and 3) his authority to forgive when a sinful woman anoints his feet with oil. These miracles serve as a prelude to Christ's ultimate rule and illustrate the compassionate heart of God.

The Order of Melchizedek

Scott Risley

Hebrews 5-7

For years priests were in place as mediators between humans and God?to point out our need for reconciliation with God. Then God brought in a greater high priest?Jesus?who became the perfect and eternal mediator between God and us. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross to pay for our sin, He was made the ultimate high priest. From that point forward, human priests and the law became obsolete. We can only be made right with God when we accept forgiveness from Jesus, the ultimate high priest.

Key Principles of Healthy Relating

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 7:1-12

The Golden Rule, as taught by Jesus, is to treat others the way that we would want to be treated. It's clear from the rest of Sermon on the Mount, however, that God's priority for Christians is not simply following a rule but rather to develop healthy relationships in multiple facets. Jesus gives four supplementary principles for healthy relating: 1) do not view others with a critical spirit ; 2) resolve conflict with an attitude of humility; 3) relate to fools in a wise way; and 4) ask for God's enabling power in relating to others. By applying these principles to their personal relationships, believers can be a light to the world and more effective examples of God's love.

The Greatness of the Love of God

Scott Risley

Psalms 103

Perhaps the greatest of all the praise psalms. Our delight in the Lord is incomplete until it is expressed, therefore, praise completes our enjoyment of God. On the other hand, when we don't spend time talking about God's character, we forget about His goodness. While neglecting to praise God leads to depression, expression of God's grace fills us with a joy that is practically inexhaustible. By proclaiming why God deserves to be worshiped, as well as the benefit we receive when we praise Him, David invites us to partake in praising Yahweh. \r\n

When You've Messed Up Really, Really Bad

Scott Risley

Psalms 32:3-4

A psalm of repentance to God, written after David slept with Bathsheba, who was the wife of another man. David recognizes the severity of his sin, and takes full responsibility for what he has done. At the same time, David throws himself on God's mercy, His unfailing love, His ability to forgive and redeem. Identifies six signs of true repentance: 1. have a vertical perspective, 2. take responsibility, 3. accept consequences, 4. deeply understand the problem, 5. express joy and gratitude, and 6. desire to serve God and to tell others about Him.

Reaching Couples

Doug Franck

John Rue

John 4:35-38

Starting up a four week series on marriage is a great way to reach out to couples. Through these laid back meetings couples develop a healthier understanding of self, experience sacrificial love, increase their interest in understanding God's perspective, and it opens doors to share the Gospel. It is important to become equipped with relevant material that will help facilitate discussion and to pray that God would bring people closer to Him.

The Impact of Grace

Scott Risley

Colossians 3:9-11

Slavery and its interaction with Christianity has always been a contentious topic, and yet it is clear from the Bible that God is anti-slavery and that Christianity's principles directly contributed to the demise of slavery worldwide. The book of Philemon provides an intimate glimpse into an escaped first century slave's dilemma and Paul's response to the slave's Christian master, and through Paul's appeal we see God's power to reconcile diverse people.

Living Out of Our New Identity

Conrad Hilario

1 John 4:20

Now that Paul has established theological truths for the Colossians, he goes into detail about how these truths can be applied to life. Paul describes characteristics of a Christian who is believing and acting on his new identity in Christ. A sanctified believer embodies qualities such as: compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving.

A Life Changed By God (Part 1)

Ryan Lowery

Colossians 3:12-13

Once we become Christians, we have a new identity. When we invite God into our life, we have the choice to let Him use us to change the world, but we have to say yes to Him changing us first. In the apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians, he lists two ways God wants to grow us: teaching us to put others first and how to forgive others.