Living the Life of Faith (Part 5)

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 13:8-9

The author of Hebrews continues his instruction for a life under God's grace. Hebrews reminds readers of the permanence of the person of Jesus Christ. The author connects this with the need for believers to reject strange teaching and cling to the grace of God. This teaching expounds on false teaching versus biblical truth.

Staying on Target

Conrad Hilario

2 Timothy 3:15-16

As Christians, it is important to teach what the Bible teaches and emphasize what the Bible emphasizes, and churches that do not follow this principle often find themselves emphasizing esoteric ones instead. The central message of the Bible is the person and work of Jesus Christ, and a focus on Him will result in His grace strengthening our hearts.

Introduction & Preface

Gary DeLashmutt

John 1:1-18

John, one of Jesus' disciples, wrote his first letter to the church at Ephesus for the two-fold purpose of exposing the Gnostics and their false teaching and strengthening the Ephesians' assurance of their salvation and spirituality. The first four verses of the letter explain the message about Jesus' identity, how we know this message is true, and why God gave us this message.

Living the Life of Faith (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 19:4-6

The author of Hebrews instructs the church to maintain the honor of marriage. Contextually, this serves as another expression of faith for the Christian believer. This instruction serves as a counter-cultural perspective leading to thriving marriages as a witness to the watching world.

God's Grace Confirmed by Spiritual Experience

Gary DeLashmutt

Galatians 3:1-5

Paul calls on the Galatian church to reflect on their encounters with the Holy Spirit, asking them not to discount what they have experienced and know to be true. Eight key ways the Holy Spirit helps us are highlighted. The Spirit: 1) helps us to know God personally; 2) brings the Bible to life; 3) sensitizes us to sin; 4) gives us a true bond to other Christians; 5) gives us the desire to defend God; 6) delivers us from destructive habits; 7) prompts us in specific ways to give His love to other people; and 8) gives us peace. \r\n\r\n

Failing to Grow

Chris Hearty

1 Corinthians 3:15

Our relationship with God is not static, and Christians can fail to progress in their spiritual growth by refusing to listen to God and others' counsel in their lives. A growing Christian, on the other hand, is accustomed to the Word through study of the truths of the Bible and personal application of his or her knowledge. Growing Christians are also committed to understanding God's grace, as the author of Hebrews demonstrates by correcting his audience for returning to Old Testament rituals once again.

No Give On the Gospel

Gary DeLashmutt

Galatians 1:6-9

Paul defends the Gospel against false teaching put forth by the Judaizers. Paul's passion against false teaching is reflective of God's response to false teaching. If jeopardizing people's physical health is a grave problem, how much more is jeopardizing people's spiritual well-being? Adding works to the Gospel reverses the Gospel so that it is no longer good news. The Gospel brings life and this message is more important than its messenger.

Entering God's Rest

Scott Risley

Genesis 2:2

The focus is on entering God's rest. Topics include an explanation of how we know this promise of rest extends to us today, what rest is, and how we can enter it. Whether pursuing salvation or spiritual growth, we can never add anything to Christ's finished work. God invites us to enter into His rest TODAY.

Introduction

Dennis McCallum

Philippians 2:7-8

The God of the Bible is unique in His desire to communicate and to have a personal relationship with humanity. The most profound way in which He has done this is by choosing to come personally to Earth in the person of Jesus Christ. The person of Christ ushered in a way of relating to God that is far superior to following rules and laws: that is grace.