Joy of the Lord

Jim Leffel

Philippians 4:4

An exploration of the underlying meaning of joy and how to find the full expression of joy in Jesus Christ. Joy is contrasted with pleasure and happiness. True joy is experienced in our salvation, in God speaking to us, and in our eternal hope. Are you experiencing the joy of the Lord?

The Foundation of Justification

James Rochford

Romans 5:1-11

Contrary to a typical religious mentality, Paul establishes that those who have trusted in Christ have already been made righteous--we do not need to do good works or lead a moral life to achieve God's acceptance because we already have it. This means we can live a life based on grace, which is secure in our relationship with God. This security enables us to persevere and grow, even through trials, because our hope is sure.

Noah and the Flood

Ryan Weingartner

Hebrews 11:7

There is plausible historical and anthropological evidence to support the Biblical account that there was a worldwide flood that wiped out almost all people. Several New Testament passages help us understand the application of the event. First, we should prepare for Jesus' return, since, like the flood, it will happen unexpectedly. Second, as with the judgment of the flood, Jesus will judge when he returns. Third, just as God rescued Noah and his family, God offers us rescue from judgment through Jesus. Finally, we see Noah as a great example of faith in action.

What is Faith?

Dennis McCallum

Romans 4:1-21

Is the idea of reconciliation a new one? Does the Old Testament teach a different message than the New Testament?

Our Problem, God's Solution

Conrad Hilario

Romans 3:9-28

Paul describes humanity's problem of sin, saying that there is no one righteous, not even one. Then he lays out God's solution to our problem: forgiveness received freely by the sacrifice of Jesus as payment for our sin. We are left with a choice to either continue trying to earn our way to God, or to place our trust in the free gift of grace purchased by Jesus.

Our Problem, God's Solution

Scott Risley

Romans 3:9-30

Paul explains humanity's problem with God--that all have fallen short of God's perfect standard and deserve judgment. Now he transitions to explaining God's solution to our problem: forgiveness through faith in Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. When we place our trust in Christ we are freely forgiven and can enjoy humble unity with one another.

God's Rescue Plan

Mike Sullivan

Genesis 3:14-15

Ever since Adam and Eve's disobedience, humanity has suffered from alienation from God, ourselves, and others. However, we see from immediately after the fall that God was enacting his plan to rescue man and defeat Satan--a plan that culminated in Jesus on the cross. We can be rescued by God and experience reconciliation by accepting Jesus' death as the covering for our sin.

The Power of the Good News

Scott Risley

Romans 1:1-17

The Book of Romans is considered by many to be the clearest and most thorough explanation of the Gospel in scripture. It has influenced many game-changers of the faith, including Martin Luther and John Wesley. This letter makes clear that salvation is by faith alone and, as Paul writes in chapter one, demonstrates that the Gospel "is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes."

Introspection and the Christian Life

Conrad Hilario

2 Corinthians 13:1-14

Paul wraps up his defense against accusations from the Corinthian church and ends his letter by urging them to examine themselves as to whether they are truly in the faith. While Christians should examine whether they have truly received Christ, excessive introspection can be unproductive and unhealthy.