The World of Ideas (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

There is a deep spiritual divide in the world concerning what is objectively true. Amidst a whirlwind of ideas, it's important as Christians to stand firm on God's truth as they are opposed by different ideas, beliefs, and convictions that push people farther away from Him. In this spiritual war, our mind plays a crucial role in distinguishing the cultural views of others and how they stand against what God says, as well as distinguishing ways in which we ourselves can fall away from God's truth. Believing and living out of God's revealed Word produces real freedom to stand on in a world full of ideas that go against what He says. This teaching includes a clip from the movie Amistad.

Why this waste?

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 26:6-13

Mary's sacrifice of her expensive perfume at the expense of Jesus infuriates Jesus' disciples. Jesus highlights Mary's sacrifice isn't a waste, as they might think, but will be richly rewarded before God and remembered. The contrast between the disciples' and Jesus' viewpoint highlights the difference when we think about the temporary things to indulge rather than living for the eternal impacts that come from pursuing what God desires. Mary's faith and eternal perspective made her sacrifice not a sacrifice at all because of who she was looking to serve. This teaching also includes a testimony of a man in a law firm that realized God's eternal impact and how to live for that rather than temporary things.

The "Olivet Discourse"

Dennis McCallum

Mark 13:1-37

During this discourse, Jesus reveals portions of what will happen at the end of human history. At the end of the church age, there will be a great period of tribulation like nothing that has been seen before. Incredible technology, increased populations, and moral anarchy will characterize this time that Jesus predicted. With these in mind, there is an urgency for Christians to fulfill God's work before this time, an increased need for healthy Christian community, and a need for alertness to watch for these signs of the end of human history.

Occult Confrontation

Dennis McCallum

Mark 5:1-20

Jesus' interaction with the Gerasene demoniac gives us insight into how to confront matters of the occult. Occult worship is empowered by Satan and can lead to incredibly harmful results for people who don't know Jesus, including possession and spiritual oppression. From Jesus' account, we see some characteristics of demon possession, including: 1) extraordinary strength; 2) paroxysms; 3) spiritual resistance; 4) self-destructive tendencies; and 5) tongues and voices. Jesus has ultimate authority, including over the demonic forces controlling people. Those involved in occult practice should denounce it under Christ's authority and turn towards Christ for real security from evil forces.

Kingdom Parables

Dennis McCallum

Mark 4:26-33

Jesus uses parables to describes new dimensions of God's purposes and plans. Contrary to what the people were expecting, the growth of the Kingdom of God will be gradual and will, over time, become large in scope. God's kingdom will infiltrate the current world system and will be purchased by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Our role in God's kingdom is cultivate and seek to grow the kingdom, to appreciate the great work of God's kingdom, and remember that God's power is the source of all the growth.

Resident Aliens

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 11:8-10

Peter writes this letter primarily to Jews who responded to his message in Jerusalem on Pentecost and later migrated back to their home countries in mostly modern-day Turkey. He addresses them as "resident aliens" and many are experiencing persecution and rejection from their families and communities. Peter writes this letter to give very practical instruction on how to live victoriously for Christ amid suffering.\r\n

The Simplicity in Christ

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 5:6

Paul explained that the message of Christianity is quite simple. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and all we have to do is accept God's free gift of forgiveness through Jesus in order to start a relationship with God and go to heaven. There is no reason to add any unnecessary barriers to this message.

Background and Lessons

Dennis McCallum

2 Corinthians 9:1-2

Paul was willing to share his faith in a culture that was full of immorality and greed. He knew God's message could speak to a people that was at the end of themselves. Paul wanted to win people to the Lord in this culture without giving way to the world system.

Working with At-Risk Youth

Scott Arnold

2 Corinthians 9:1-2

The Bible commands believers to look after the poor and deprived. An at-risk teen is a youth whose environment or behaviors have a high correlation to substantially negative future life choices. Because of all of the factors that go into bringing a teen to this point, the gospel message we bring needs to be holistic, focusing on trust, relationships, stability, and building hope.