Every Spiritual Blessing In Christ

Scott Risley

Ephesians 1:1-14

When you have been adopted as His child and and completely forgiven by the loving God of the universe, it can be quite difficult to believe. But once you believe, nothing is ever the same again. All the promised blessings in Christ are yours the moment you believe.

The Resurrection

Ryan Lowery

Matthew 28:1-20

The resurrection of Jesus after His crucifixion is essential to Biblical faith. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then His sacrifice was not acceptable to God and we are still dead in our sins. This extraordinary claim deserves an extraordinary examination. There is powerful historical evidence for this claim. If you doubt these claims, have you truly examined the historical evidence?

The Cross

Ryan Lowery

Romans 5:7-9

The cross of Christ is where God demonstrated His love for a rebellious and sinful people by sacrificing His son, Jesus, on the cross to pay for our sin debt. The cross allowed a way for a hopelessly sinful people to be reconciled to a perfect God. How absurd is it for Christians to be antisemitic and blame the Jews for Jesus' death! God's act of love at the cross should impact the way we view others.

Difficult Days Ahead

Chris Hearty

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul warns Timothy about the difficult times preceding Jesus' return, stating that people will be hypocrites, without love, and unforgiving. Paul tells us to have nothing to do with such people, but to instead strive for a Christ-like character. \r\n

Spiritual Lessons from Paul's Associates

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 4:7-17

A study of the associates of Paul who ministered with him can reveal many spiritual lessons. Three lessons we can learn from his fellow-workers in Christ are behind-the-scenes ministry roles are essential, our God is the God of second chances and intercessory prayer is a powerful ministry.

Counter Cultural Community in the Age of Rage

Ed Stetzer

Colossians 3:12-17

In an increasingly angry and hostile world, Christians can have the opportunity to shine brightly in contrast. Maturity of faith is evidenced by how you love others. Colossians 3 gives a road map to loving others well: Look like Christ, forebear and forgive, lead with love and be thankful.

Loving Outrageous People

Ben Foust

Luke 19:1-10

In a culture of outrage, it's tempting to turn away from or even hate people who are on the other side of issues we care about, but the Bible calls on Christians to love "outrageous" people. In the example of Zacchaeus we see Jesus moving toward him in love, even though he was likely a corrupt man. Ultimately Jesus saw Zacchaeus differently than the crowd did, seeing his "lostness"--his inner need to be saved by God. We must see people through the same lens, asking God to enable us to see all people as His image bearers, with empathy, and with humility.

Raising Our Kids in Community: Priorities and Fears

Liz Sweet

Luke 19:1-10

God's highest priority is love. Secular research even agrees that friendships, forgiveness, and volunteering creates healthier and happier lives. People living in community with others have less stress. People at the end of life often regret not spending more time with loved ones. You will never regret investing in your children, nor teaching them to love. Community is a source of God's love and a provision for us and our children.

Forgiveness

Ryan Lowery

Matthew 18:21-35

When Jesus told the parable of the unforgiving slave who was forgiven an insurmountable debt by the king but would not forgive a fellow slave a minor debt, He was using a creative story to give us God's perspective on us. When Peter asked Jesus how many times should we forgive others, Jesus used this story to ask Peter how many time would he like God to forgive him? Forgiveness is the willingness to absorb the consequences of wrong without retaliation. This is best demonstrated by what Jesus did on the cross for us.