The Beginning

Scott Risley

John 1:1-2

The whole story of the Bible starts with the creation of the universe. Through the account of how God creates the universe, we see that God is eternal, all-powerful, personal, decisive, and over and above the natural order.

A Disciple and Teacher

Gary DeLashmutt

John 8:12

Jesus address the area of influence authority figures have on those who follow them. He teaches that we have a choice in who influences us spiritually and we should choose those people carefully. If we choose to be a follower of Christ we should expect persecution and mistreatment by those who oppose Christ. He also applies this to the area of greatness and that true greatness is serving others the way Jesus has served you.

Following Jesus in a Pluralisitc World

Dennis McCallum

Acts 17:1-33

Paul continues on his second missionary journey; he is persecuted and driven out of Thessalonia, Berea, and arrives in Athens by himself. Here Paul has a more receptive audience and presents arguments to refute present day postmodern pluralism.

The Writing on the Wall

Ryan Lowery

Daniel 5:16-30

Daniel, now much older, again finds himself facing the ruling authority in Babylon to declare the truth of God. A once unknown historical figure, Belshazzar who was second in command, struggled with many lessons similar to Nebuchadnezzar, seen earlier in Daniel. Archaeological evidence found in 1854 confirms Belshazzar's rule. Previously, Daniel predicted Babylon's rule coming to an end at the hand of the Medes and Persians and now that defeat was underway. In the end, Belshazzar did not humble himself before God's Word but instead rejected evidence and denied God.\r\n

Humility and Power

Ryan Lowery

Daniel 4:1-37

God has been pursuing King Nebuchadnezzar for decades. When King Nebuchadnezzar has a period of time that is maddening, he writes about his personal experience of being humbled before God. \r\n\r\nRyan Lowery shares his personal story of how his pride kept him from seeking God, but how Ryan had a humbling experience that lead him to God.

God Goes To the Gentiles

Conrad Hilario

Acts 13:1-49

Paul's first missionary journey spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and Antioch. Paul preached salvation through Jesus. A defense of modern missions is discussed.

The Fiery Furnace

Ryan Lowery

Daniel 3:1-30

Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego, three Jewish boys exiled in Babylon, show bravery by demonstrating a willingness to suffer in order to remain loyal to the true God of the Bible. Their worldview is put to the test when King Nebuchadnezzar's gold statue is commanded to be worshiped. They took a stand on God's word, refusing to be subservient to the culture that believed in many gods. And God rescued them from death.

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

Ryan Lowery

Daniel 2:1-45

Nebuchadnezzar is a king who desperately wants an answer for a disturbing dream. He demands his wise men should know what his dream is, without him telling it and he wants an interpretation of the meaning of the dream. The wise men don't know what the dream was or what it was about. Daniel asks God for insight and interpretation. God reveals the dream, using Daniel as a witness to show authentic spiritual truth to Nebuchadnezzar. Although the king was a wicked man, God wanted to reach him.

Bright Lights in a Dark Culture

Ryan Lowery

Daniel 1:1-20

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and demanded the best of the Jewish boys to be trained in Babylonian culture. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were among the boys to be assimilated. Although they each had a name change, they requested to continue obeying God's Law by not partaking of the king's assigned meals. They obtained permission to follow their dietary laws and ended up healthier than the rest. The boys choose to be a light in another culture by being like the Babylonian culture when they could but choosing to be separate where it counts.