Spiritual Lifestyle in a Rugged World

Dennis McCallum
1 Peter 4:7-19

What uniquely marks Christians is the way that we love one another deeply from the heart. God has individually given believers spiritual gifts to be able to serve others in love, which comes from His power and Holy Spirit. Although, believers should not be surprised when suffering and trials are brought into their lives. Peter gives several ways that we can brace our minds to be victorious sufferers in light of hardship. Includes reading from Watchman Nee's book "The Normal Christian Worker".\r\n

Faith In Action

Ryan Lowery
Luke 9:10-17

In the feeding of the 5000 and the sending of the 12, Jesus demonstrates several principles about being a part of God's plan: 1) God supplies the power; 2) the mission is to spread the Word; 3) we are to meet people's needs; 4) we must depend on God for resources; and 5) being faithful is being successful. When carrying out His work, God wants to use us to meet the needs of others as He provides for us.

I Am the Bread of Life

Jeff Gordon
John 6:30-71

Jesus claims he is the bread of life and whoever believes in him will never hunger or thirst again. He miraculously feeds a crowd of more than five thousand by using his disciples' availability rather than their ability. Though they were tired and challenged by the task, the disciples had twelve baskets of food left over for themselves after distributing food to the crowd. Jesus meets their needs as they follow him. After being challenged to seek eternal life through Jesus rather than seek temporal food for a meal, some people desert him and others follow. What response will you have?

Spiritual Insurgency

Dennis McCallum
1 Peter 2:9-24

Peter explains to believers, that by God's mercy, we are able to display His excellencies by our good deeds. Believers, who live in a world with developed thoughts and values that come from God's enemy, we should be eager to do good. As those who look forward Heaven, God is calling his followers to represent Him to the rest of the world in order to rescue people out of bondage from the world system. Includes reading from Andrew Murray's book, Working For God.

Who Is Jesus?

Jeff Gordon
John 5:1-47

The religious leaders of Jesus' day confront him for working on the Sabbath by healing a disabled man at the Pool of Bethesda. By breaking the sabbath, Jesus claimed equality with God the Father. These leaders rejected Jesus, refused to believe his claims, and warned Jesus that Moses would accuse him. They did not accept his offer to make them well too.

Being Different

Dennis McCallum
1 John 4:18

Peter urges his audience to love one another deeply from the heart. This love that believers in Christ are able to give out to others is based on what God has given through his Son. Understanding God's self-giving love allows us to be different and not conform to the world's self-serving lifestyle. \r\n

Wine & Wineskins

Ryan Lowery
Luke 5:27-39

Jesus' followers were often accused of licentiousness by those with a religious mindset because they spent time with sinners and didn't fast. Jesus' response is that on one hand, this is not a time for fasting, but on the other hand, they don't need to fast because they are doing something new. As the wine of God's Truth was being revealed more fully, the methods of conveying that truth needed to change. Modern-day Christians need to be similarly flexible in their methods of conveying truth, without giving up on the core truths.

Healthy Leadership and Followership

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Paul writes to the Thessalonians about the relationship between God-ordained leadership within the church and the role of those who follow the leadership. Biblical leadership within the church is not only essential, but also should be plural and involves many components, including: 1) serving those within the church through interpersonal interactions; 2) providing spiritual direction on areas within the confines of Biblical mandates; and 3) teaching God's Word in various places with specific application for individuals. Those who are following the direction of spiritual leadership also have responsibilities, including: 1) being responsive to the direction of leadership; 2) regarding Christian leadership as a vital and important work; and 3) supporting the leadership. The key to effective leaders and followers is the love of Jesus Christ.

3 Priorities That Please God and Fulfill You

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Paul writes to the Thessalonians on ways in which they can live to please God. Three priorities that please God include: 1) getting immersed in Christian community; 2) cultivating quietness before God and giving attention to family; and 3) being financially self-supportive. When Christians are plugged into communities with a healthy investment on Christ-centered relationships, have regular times spent with God and family, and learn to prioritize God's relational priorities while working hard in the workplace, it leads to a fulfilling life that glorifies God.