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Persecution and Division

Dennis McCallum

Acts 5:12-6:7

Despite many miracles and signs of God, the apostles encounter more persecution from the Sanhedrin and are thrown into jail. The high priest confronts Peter about preaching about the message of Jesus Christ. Some encounter flogging for their faith, only to continue to spread the message of Christ. However, they start encountering division because of cultural differences that threatens the dynamic Christian community. As a result of a dispute on how to assist widows, the Apostles ask the disciples to choose seven spiritual leaders to solve the problem, those of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, and who are wise. These instances show that Satan will use persecution and division to try and minimize the effectiveness of God's work, but that preservation of unity within the Body of Christ can be sustained by quality leaders.

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Acts 5:12-6:7Acts 5:12-6:7 Acts 5:12-6:7By Dennis McCallum Teaching Date: 07/30/2009Despite many miracles and signs of God, the apostles ...

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Withstanding Temptation

Dennis McCallum

Acts 5:12-6:7

Temptation is an inevitable part of the Christian life. Satan plays a huge role in this suffering because falling into temptation can ruin a believer's witness to other people and alienate them from God. Satan, the tempter, works alongside our own sin nature to tell us lies that increase our desire to sin while helping us to justify that very sin. In order to withstand this, we can follow Jesus' example and hold up Scripture to Satan's lies. Without this, we tend to try and argue with Satan's compelling logic, which never goes well for us. Practically, we can better equip ourselves with key Scriptures and be invested in deep friendships where we can hold one another accountable and confess to each other when we do fall into temptation.

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Suffering and Spiritual Warfare

Dennis McCallum

Acts 5:12-6:7

For healthy Christians, a significant portion of voluntary pain comes from our battle with Satan. Currently, Satan rules this world, meaning that Christians are always in a spiritual battle. Contrast having this mindset with having a peace-time mentality, and see how dangerous it is to remain indifferent.

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How to Fight the Lion

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Peter 5:5-11

Peter describes three ways we should expect Satan to attack Christians and the resources God gives us to fend him off. 1) Satan tempts us to be prideful and God's "antidote" is humility through remembering and applying the gospel. 2) Satan tries to deceive us by killing or misdirecting your enthusiasm for God and God provides the bible and Christian community. 3) Satan tries to intimidate us and God allows us to stand firm in faith on the truth He has provided. Finally, Peter encourages Christians be watchful of Satan, but to keep their focus on Jesus.\r\n

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1 Peter 5:5-111 Pet 5:5-11 1Pet 5:5-11By Gary DeLashmutt Teaching Date: 04/19/2009Peter describes three ways we should expect Satan to at...

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Power of the Gospel (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Mark 5:1-20

The Bible presents a picture of the supernatural that is different from both naturalism and an obsessive neurosis: that we are spiritual beings in a spiritual world. The spiritual dimension is not neutral, and humans live in a system that is largely under the control of Satan. When Jesus commands demons out of a possessed man, he proves that he is able to restore us to freedom and sanity.

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Mark 5:1-20Mark 5:1-20 Mark 5:1-20By Jim Leffel Teaching Date: 02/15/2009The Bible presents a picture of the supernatural that is differe...

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Temptation

Dennis McCallum

James 1:13-15

James warns on the temptations of the world and how we view them over God. Legitimate desires become lust when we look to them for meaning and happiness rather than God. When we view desires as solutions to our problems they become lusts and displace God. We have the option to admit our problems without blame-shifting, and to cling to God's Truth.

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James 1:13-15Jas 1:13-15 Jas 1:13-15By Dennis McCallum Teaching Date: 01/12/2009James warns on the temptations of the world and how we vi...

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Overcoming Temptation

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 4:1-13

Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness; this event teaches us how we will be tempted and how to overcome temptation. Our essential weapon in overcoming temptation is knowing God's Word.

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Luke 4:1-13Luke 4:1-13 Luke 4:1-13By Gary DeLashmutt Teaching Date: 02/04/2007Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness; this event tea...

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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.

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Mark 5:1-20Mark 5:1-20 Mark 5:1-20By Dennis McCallum Teaching Date: 11/25/2006Jesus' interaction with the Gerasene demoniac gives us insi...

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Dealing With Spiritual Evil (Part 3): The Battle Lines

Jim Leffel

1 Peter 5:8-9

In addition to other means of attack, Satan strikes at believers' consciences through seduction and temptation: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life. After they fall into sin, he accuses them to God and to themselves, leaving them feeling considerably remorseful. When believers choose to repent by basking in God's love, graciousness, and mercy, they can have a cleared conscience; they can be restored; and they can be confident in God's active transformational work in their heart. They also begin to have the freedom to desire what God desires.

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1 Peter 5:8-91 Pet 5:8-9 1Pet 5:8-9By Jim Leffel Teaching Date: 10/15/2006In addition to other means of attack, Satan strikes at believer...

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