The Intimate Gospel

Jim Leffel

John 21:1-17

John's gospel ends with a clear and crucial application of the cross: a response to failure centered around grace instead of punishment. Jesus asks Peter if he loves him not to bury Peter in shame but to guide him to the path of reconciliation. When we fail at loving people, whether or not we receive God's grace will shape our lives and ability to be used for the glory of God.

It is Finished!

Jim Leffel

John 19:17-37

It is impossible to overstate the importance of the cross as far as the focus of the Bible, and the focus of the Christian life, go. By stating "It is finished," Jesus indicates that his work on Earth is done, the Scriptures predicting his death are fulfilled, and that our debt to God is paid in full. As the primary message of the Bible, the fact of the cross demands a response - either to be offended or turned off from the reality that we needed Christ's sacrifice, or to accept Christ's death as a payment for our own sins.

Neither Do I Condemn You

Jim Leffel

John 8:1-11

Leffel uses Jesus's interaction with the woman caught in adultery to teach on forgiveness, justice through substitutionary atonement, and real transformation from sin issues. He offers freedom from bondage to our anger, sensual habits, ego-elevating activities, and everything else that spirals downwards. While fear can cause external change, God uses His love to give us true transformation from the inside out.

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: Resentfulness

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 18:21-35

Resentfulness and bitterness are real barriers to the love that we have toward other people. God has forgiven everyone for their sins, this includes you. Are you willing to forgive others like God forgave you?

Jesus' First Signs

Jim Leffel

John 2:1-25

John explains some of Jesus' first signs. These physical signs demonstrate underlying spiritual truths. These signs point to Jesus and the life he offers. The miracle of turning water into wine symbolizes Jesus' transformation of religion into a relationship. The cleansing of the temple symbolizes the true nature of Jesus' presence in the world.

Putting on the New You (Part 2)

Scott Risley

Ephesians 4:26-32

Our new identities in Christ come with several changes, including how we deal with anger and forgiveness. We are not to hold onto our anger, as that only hurts ourselves. Instead, we should make the choice to forgive. Forgiveness does not equal forgetfulness, rather, it is acknowledging that wrong was done and choosing not to dwell or take vengeance. It is more akin to a set of actions or a discipline than a feeling.

Conflict as a Stewardship

Ken Sande

Colossians 3:12-15

Does conflict have a place in advancing God's message? Ken Sande says yes, that we can use conflict as a stewardship opportunity to show people the Gospel. He says that forgiveness is powerful, and if we take what God has done for us and show it to other people, we will make a difference for God. Sande also gives some practicals on how to become a peacemaker.\r\n

Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ

Scott Risley

Ephesians 1:1-10

Paul the apostle describes the blessings God gives to those who begin a personal relationship with Him through Christ. These blessings of: complete forgiveness, adoption into God's family, and insight into God's plan for humanity are not always experienced in daily life. Christians often forget about these blessings, or do not consider them true, or fail to act, and therefore continue to live as orphans apart from God's family. An understanding and belief in the receipt of these blessings is vital for believers in Christ to live out this new identity as God's child and to experience a transformed life.

Wisdom in Interpersonal Conflict

Jim Leffel

James 4:1-12

Wisdom in dealing with interpersonal conflict is given by contrasting worldly friendships with spiritual friendships. Worldly friendships are based on self-centered needs, inordinate desires, and expectations, i.e., "I want things my way or else." Spiritual friendships are rooted in God, honor doing things God's way, and are based on grace.\r\n