Jesus and Nicodemus

Ben Foust
John 2:23-3:21

In John 3, John describes an encounter with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a leader and teacher to the Jews. Nicodemus visits Jesus under cover of darkness. He is a man of power and commands great respect in his community, unlike the woman at the well from last week's teaching. John has these two very different encounters back to back perhaps to contrast Nicodemus' apparent righteousness and the woman's obvious sinfulness. They both need God's forgiveness. Nicodemus could never be righteous enough to earn entrance into heaven on his own and the woman is not so far down the road to sin that God can't forgive her, too. Both are equally under judgment and both are equally offered forgiveness.

John the Baptist

Ryan Lowery
Matthew 3:1-3

People in Israel at the time of Jesus' birth awaited a messiah, and knew that this messiah would be preceded by an "Elijah" figure, announcing his arrival. John the Baptist served in this role, calling on people to acknowledge their sin and repent--to agree with God that they fall short of His standard. We are called to the same acknowledgement, which opens the door to us receiving what Jesus, the Messiah came to give--forgiveness from sins, based on his death on the cross.

Joys and Pains in Paul's Relationships

Brian Runk
2 Timothy 4:9-22

As Paul is facing the end of his life in prison, he recounts those who have faithfully stuck by him in ministry and those who regretfully, have abandoned or rejected him and the ministry. In spite of the betrayals, Paul remains committed to being invested in people despite the risks and personal costs. He was able to do so because, "The Lord stood with (him) and strengthened (him)..." The love of Jesus sustained him in his effort to love people who sometimes grievously let him down. \r\n\r\nSome keys to his ability to keep loving others were his commitment to live without bitterness, his understanding of the fallenness of human nature, and his staying close to Jesus.

Galatians: Freedom Manifesto

Dennis McCallum
Galatians 1:1-12

The book of Galatians was Paul's counterattack against the legalists who were trying to ruin new groups in the region of Galatia. It explains the freedom Christians can enjoy if they seek to understand it.

After the Cross

Dennis McCallum
Mark 16:1-8

Here we see that after Jesus' death on the cross, he is found by his followers to be raised from the dead. The question of the reality of Jesus' actual, real, physical resurrection either establishes or destroys the Christian faith--the belief that you can have your sins forgiven and can enter into a relationship with God. It's essential for us to examine the evidence and render a verdict.

The Most Important Event in History

Dennis McCallum
Mark 14:32-42

Jesus' crucifixion is clearly the most important event in human history, as it opened the door for man to be reconciled to God. Through the event, Jesus willingly experienced terrible suffering--physically, psychologically, and spiritually--as people mocked and tortured him. In addition he experienced the spiritual agony of being rejected by God, as he took on the punishment for all of man's sins--God's intense wrath toward sin. He did this out of love, allowing us to receive his gift of payment for our sins, and begin a relationship with God.

Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?

James Rochford
1 Corinthians 15

If Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead, then his extraordinary claims are true, and his message of love and forgiveness is a comforting reality for modern people. However, if Jesus didn't rise from the dead, then Christianity is toast! The stakes can't be any higher! If you've never explored the evidence, why not investigate this for yourself as James Rochford guides you through the case for Jesus' resurrection? At worst, you'll be able to cross Christianity off your list of potential belief-systems. At best, you may find eternal life!

Adopted into God's Family

Ryan Lowery
Ephesians 1:1-8

In this teaching, Ryan Lowery introduces Paul's intimate letter to Christians who lived in Ephesus. We learn about one of the most astonishing aspects of Gods grace -- His willingness to adopt us as His sons and daughters.

The Family of God - Prodigal Son

Ryan Lowery
Luke 15:11-32

We are living during a time of great confusion and fear. In times like this, we wonder where God is? How can God allow things like this to happen? Jesus gives us a clear example where we learn what God is really like. He is our loving father who allows us the freedom to make mistakes but welcomes us home into His embrace when we choose Him. We are the family of God with a loving father, and when times are tough we need to come together as God's people to show His mercy and His love, to those who feel isolated and alone.