Seven Letters

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 3

Jesus dictates seven letters through John, the Apostle. These letters, while originally addressed to seven churches, hold timeless truths that apply to us now. They cover what it looks like to have an imbalance when relating to Jesus, to be dangerously self deceived in our relationship with Jesus, and what it looks like to see real success when persevering in tough circumstances. Those who are faithful and overcome will one day be rewarded.

The Spirit of Freedom (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Galatians 5:16-25

As we seek to grow spiritually, we encounter two competing agendas: the spirit and the flesh. The desires of the flesh are often motivated to put self first and will cause damage within our relationship with God and others. In order to combat this, we must take our thoughts captive against the fleshly thoughts and attitudes and ask for God's help to walk in line with His Holy Spirit as we live based out of God's Word.

Four Great Ways to Get Spiritually Deceived

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 11:1-21

Paul highlights four ways we can get deceived as Christians: 1) assuming everyone speaking positively about Jesus is from God; 2) paying primary attention to the experience from the messenger; 3) accept spiritual justifications for financial greed; and 4) follow leaders who want to run the lives of those they're leading. As Christians, we should ask God for spiritual discernment and sensitivity so we can spot false deceivers of God's Truth within our community.

The Emptying of Jesus

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 2:17-18

Christ emptied himself of his godly abilities in order to become a human and pay for humanities sins. Jesus depended on God in order to perform the miracles and work he did here on Earth. Christ humbled himself in order to save humanity.

The Gerasene Demoniac

Jim Leffel

1 John 2:15-17

Jesus performed miracles to verify his claims about himself and to demonstrate his teaching in action. These miracles included interactions with the supernatural, and it is clear from the Gospels that Jesus' exorcisms of demonically possessed people foretell his future victory over Satan. Furthermore, modern Christians do not live in a spiritually neutral world, and Satan is still active in modern times through waging war against Christians and promoting his system of values. Christians should seek to live in a way that is cognizant of the spiritual war around them and to follow God's eternal priorities.

Goal Setting

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Paul explains that boxers don't box without aim, and in the same way Christians shouldn't work without aim. Sluggards lust after their desires and don't give out love. God calls us to do His work with His power, but we need to be willing to act on His calling.

The Secret Wisdom of God

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 3:8-10

God encountered rebellion from Satan before the beginning of this world, and He set in place a plan to show His loving and gracious nature. In the Old Testament God predicted the coming of both a suffering servant and a messiah king. These two personas were pictures of Jesus sent as both a sacrifice for mankind and a conquering savior.

Remember & Remind - Focusing on the Essentials

Jim Leffel

Ephesians 1:20-21

Spiritual warfare is fierce and suffering is guaranteed, the Christian must understand that God has already secured victory. Following Christ is difficult, we face discouragement and doubt; we risk becoming despondent and deserting this whole call altogether. A healthy life of faith remembers and calls to mind God's faithfulness. Remembering God's past provision gives us hope for the future, so that we can live in the present.

Be Strong in Grace! Three Qualities of the Christian Worker

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Timothy has been called to suffer for the gospel. The entire world is in a spiritually divided state, active trust in God means entering into this spiritual battle. Paul illustrates our role as servants of God in the descriptions of a soldier in spiritual war, an athlete competing for the prize, and a farmer toiling in the field.