Christ and Fulfilled Prophecy

Dennis McCallum

Luke 3

The genealogy of Jesus Christ is a powerful apologetic for the authenticity of God's Word. God's plan revealed through His Word has been in place for thousands of years. The genealogies reveal God's grace as he uses common and sinful people to advance His plan through Christ, highlighting the hypocrisy that Jesus would combat during his ministry.

Cleansing from a Guilty Conscience

Gary DeLashmutt

Psalms 51

The Psalms often provide empathy and instruction, and in this case David writes about cleansing oneself of a guilty conscience. When he took Bathsheba and had her husband killed, his sin was called out by the prophet Nathan. In response to his crime and its revelation, David cried out to the Lord. Through his Psalms we learn that the only way to cleanse a guilty conscience is to sincerely seek out God's grace.

Love Relationships Under God

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 22:36-40

The concept of love is the summary of the intent of the entire Biblical Law and Prophets. Love is found in personal relationships with others, beginning with God. The key to understanding and experiencing love is to understand and experience God. These theological ideas are explored in the first of three lessons from Romans 13. Includes quotes from "What Americans Believe" by George Barna and "True Spirituality" by Francis Schaeffer.\r\n

The Threat of Legalism

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 3:1-9

The Philippians were in danger of falling prey to false teaching about God, namely, legalism?essentially teaching that God's acceptance of humans/salvation is based on their works for Him. These false teachers were promoting circumcision as the basis for God's approval. Legalism puts confidence in the flesh to gain God's acceptance. Paul reminded the Philippians of the message of grace that they had previously accepted. They were right with God solely through God's forgiveness by means of Jesus' death; God's grace is not based on human works and is given in spite of sin.

The Mystery of Grace

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus use the parable of the workers in the field to illustrate the mystery of God's grace. The parable reveals that anyone who wants to experience God's grace has to come with empty hands, knowing that they can do nothing to earn it. It also illustrates that an attitude of pride and self-righteousness that blocks people from accepting this free gift.\r\n

God's Triumph in Christ

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Have you ever meet someone and you wanted to listen to them and be around them more? This sort of instant connection is described by Paul as an aromatic Christian and there are a few ways we can grow in being a pleasant aroma to those around us. Speaking God's Word, our confidence in God's Word and the power of the Gospel has the power to convict people and bring them to God. Living out our transformed lives shows something different to the watching world. We can all have this kind of impact on others regardless of our limitations.

A Mountaintop Experience

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 7:18-19

Peter, James, and John were witnesses to the transfiguration. They got to see a miraculous event where Jesus stood before them in His true glory alongside God's prophets Moses and Elijah. This experience was so powerful and tangible that it helped lead them throughout their life. God too can open our hearts and eyes to experiencing Him in powerful ways. We must be careful not to allow the experiences God gives us to be the goal. We must welcome God's experiences but not idolize them.

Matthew's Party

Dennis McCallum

John 9:39-41

Jesus showed compassion and love to the despised and sinful people of his day. Jesus partied with Matthew, a despised tax collector, and invited him to become a disciple. Jesus came to heal the sinners, rather than saving those who thought they were righteous.

Sermon on the Mount (Part 3): Jesus and the Law

Dennis McCallum

Romans 3:19-24

Jesus made it clear to the Pharisees that their interpretation of the Law fell way short of God's. The Law wasn't meant to show people the path to righteousness, but to show people their sin and that they need God's grace. God's Law isn't something we can bend to fit our moral inclinations, but a strong moral law that shows people their moral inadequacy compared to God's perfect moral standard.