Christ Our Savior

Jim Leffel
Colossians 1:12-22

This passage summarizes in a nutshell the entire story of the Bible. It encapsulates who Christ is and what he has done as King, Creator and Redeemer. As King, he has enabled fallen man to be transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son. As Redeemer, he has reconciled us by paying the debt we could never pay. As Creator, he is the source of regeneration from death into life, a new life.

Jesus and Saul

Ben Foust
Acts 9:1-27

The story of Saul's radical transformation from an enemy of God who persecuted the early church with vengeance to his becoming the foremost evangelist who died proclaiming the Good News is a showcase for how God's grace and mercy can change anyone, even the one who is least likely in our eyes. Sometimes our spiritual passions are misplaced and don't align with God's plans for us. God's mercy and grace is nothing short of scandalous. No one is too much an enemy of God to be accepted by God. His invitation stand today for each and every person.

Jesus and John

Ben Foust
Revelation 1

When John meets the risen Jesus in Revelation Chapter One, he falls face-down like a dead man. Jesus's appearance was so brilliantly different from the man he knew during Jesus' earthly ministry that John was awe-struck. Can this be the same man? Is Jesus the gentle lamb who is relational and approachable? Or is he the fearsome lion of Judah who will judge the earth? Is he immanent or transcendent? The answer is he is both! He is both king and friend which qualifies him to be our savior.

Jesus' Invitations:John 7

Gary DeLashmutt
John 7:37-39

Jesus makes an invitation to be transformed from a state of need and lack to a state of abundance. His target audience is anyone who acknowledges his spiritual thirst. His claim is that He alone is the Messiah. He summons all to make a decision for Him. He promises to give to anyone, who comes to Him to quench his thirst, the Holy Spirit to indwell within him.

Jesus and the Woman in the Crowd

Ben Foust
Mark 5:21-43

The story of the woman in the crowd who had a bleeding disorder demonstrates that Jesus is a man of compassion, the healer of hopeless situations, the inviter of outcasts, the rewarder of faith, and that Jesus' power is absolutely adequate. Sickness and death are symbols of our alienation from God. Jesus' power over them is proof he has the power to fulfill his mission to reconcile us. All of us will encounter hopeless situations at some time. When that happens, Jesus invites us to put our faith, however small it might be, in him.

Jesus' Invitations:Matthew 11

Gary DeLashmutt
Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus invites everyone to come to Him and receive rest for their souls. This is not a rest that is the cessation of labor, but a rest that refreshes which no other force on earth can offer. It is the 'rest' of reconciliation with God, resulting in an active, fruitful love relationship with Jesus.

Working Out What God Worked in Us

Conrad Hilario
Philippians 2:12-16

When Paul says, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling," he was not saying to work for your salvation, fearing it won't be enough. Instead, he is saying to work to make evident the salvation God has already bestowed upon us as believers in Christ. And to do so with awe and reverence for it is God who is giving us the desire and power to live a changed life.

Forward From Here

Dennis McCallum
Philippians 3:10-16

The afterlife is what makes this life have any sense at all. If you are a billionaire in this life, it only lasts for the blink of an eye in light of eternity. If we understand where we are headed in eternity, it should dramatically influence how we live, the choices we make, the attitudes we adopt. We will accept suffering, forget what lies behind, reach forward to what lies ahead, press on, and have an eternal perspective.

The Second Coming of Christ

Mike Sullivan
Revelation 19:1-21

The Bible is clear, Jesus first came to earth as a suffering servant and he will return to earth as a conquering king. When he returns, he will defeat his enemies and will put an end to rebellion forever. Satan and his antichrist will be thrown into the lake of fire forever. There will be a wedding celebration for all those who have put their trust in Jesus to save them. If you are a believer, the question is are you ready for his return? As a non-believer, will you put your faith in Jesus and join the celebration?