Christianity in Crisis

Jim Leffel

Galatians 1:1-10

The Apostle Paul argues for the truth found in the Gospel as legalistic Judaizers were trying to distort God's message of salvation in Galatia. The true Gospel says that humans are incapable of being righteous before God, but through Jesus Christ they can have eternal life by asking for God's mercy to apply to them. The false teachers Paul was combating added obedience to the law as means to salvation and growing with God, a theological debate that has plagued Christianity. The difference between works and faith is wide-spread in areas including: 1) our approach to God; 2) our acceptability; 3) our spiritual state; 4) the real issue between us and God; and 5) the power to live.

The Crucifixion

Chris Lang

John 19:31-33

Throughout the Bible we see that Jesus going to the cross was God's ultimate plan for salvation. In the details of Jesus' crucifixion we see the lengths that God went to, to forgive humanity's sin. Jesus experienced scourging, mocking, humiliation, and ultimately death on a cross. Through His death God demonstrated His perfect love and forgiveness.

Jesus on Trial

Jim Leffel

Romans 5:8

Jesus on trial gives us a window into the heart of man and the heart of God. Through the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and the multitudes, who placed Jesus on the cross, we see humanity's desire to be their own god through false hopes. While God reveals His unrelenting love by using their rejection of Him to forgive the sins of the world.

Why I Believe

Jim Leffel

Mark 12:28-37

As Jesus speaks to the religious authorities, one scribe asks an honest question: what is actually most important to God? Jesus' response is that we must be able to love God and love other people perfectly. It's not about completing religious rituals - a relationship with God is about love. And yet, loving perfectly is an impossible task. That is why God sent Jesus.

God's Triumph

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

In Christian ministry, people respond in different ways to the message of Jesus' forgiveness toward them. Despite this, we have the ability to triumph through trusting God's ability to work in our lives to advance His purposes. As we learn to become more available to be used by God and rely on His adequacy for us, we can become an attractive fragrance to the outside world for Christ.

Victory March of the Messiah

Jim Leffel

Mark 11:1-18

Jesus performs two public acts during the beginning of the Passover celebration: his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and his cleaning out of the temple courts. With these acts he finally announces that he is the Messiah. Through these two demonstrations we can learn about what our real needs are.

Paradoxes Concerning "Greatness"

Jim Leffel

Mark 10:32-45

As humans, we aspire to be great; this is an aspiration God has given us. So, it is God who defines the terms of what greatness is. When we pursue greatness as the world defines it, we pursue disappointment. Mark records Jesus' definition of greatness as those who strive to serve others. When we pursue God and greatness through sacrificial service, that is when we find true fulfillment.

Who Do You Say I Am?

Jim Leffel

Mark 8:27-37

Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do people say I am?" In the ensuing discussion, Jesus teaches the implications for following him and why doing so is worth it. This involves a personal choice to let him lead our lives and to go through suffering. The investment of having a relationship with God and living for Him is worthy of our soul. This is what gives us satisfaction and the abundant life.\r\n

The Afterlife

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 1:9-10

If there is nothing after death, then this life is meaningless. God has offered us salvation from death through Jesus' death on the cross and He has been working this plan since man first sinned. God wants us to join Him in Heaven for eternity, and all we have to do is accept His free gift of salvation.