Introducing The "Word"

Scott Risley

John 1:1-17

John the Apostle wrote this letter to persuade people to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. He opens his letter by describing Jesus as the Word - the eternal, personal, creator God who has come to earth and is part of the Trinity. Some received Jesus as Messiah and many did not. How will you respond to Him?

The Word

Conrad Hilario

John 3:19-21

The importance of God's Word (the Bible), is described to two different audiences: the Greeks and the Jews, and the different reactions that the two audiences would have had. The purpose, meaning, and implications of the Word of God is described as intended by God.

Meeting the Logos

Dennis McCallum

John 1:1-12

John, a disciple and close friend of Jesus Christ, wrote this gospel to a Greco-Roman audience explaining who Jesus Christ is. Jesus Christ is described by John as "the Word" or the direct revelation of God who is infinite, self-existent and personal and took on humanity for the sake of those who have rebelled against Him. He did this so that through his work on the cross, people could have eternal life. This teaching has a video clip from Joseph Campbell: "When God and Nature Are One."\r\n

The Rise of False Teachers

Scott Risley

2 Peter 2:1-22

False teachers, claiming to be Christians, have infiltrated the churches Peter is writing to. Peter attacks these false teachers and argues that God will judge them and gives examples of how God has judged in the past. In the mean time, we need to be able to recognize false teachers to safeguard ourselves against them.

How Do You Know?

Scott Risley

Mark 9:2-8

Peter is writing to his audience to remind them of the truth they already know. Many reasons why we should believe that Biblical truth is reliable are discussed, including; predictive prophecy, eyewitnesses accounts, the historical accuracy of the text, and some spiritual experiences, e.g., the transfiguration of Christ. This truth points us to Christs and for these reasons we should pay attention to it and push others to as well.

Battling the Lion

Scott Risley

Ephesians 6:10-17

Peter describes how to resist Satan. Spiritual warfare is a battle of truth between God and Satan. Believers resist Satan by putting on the full armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the peace that comes from the Good News, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Satan's tactics involve accusations against God (doubt), against other people (division), and against believers and their efforts to serve God. Believers resist Satan in the strength of God's power and the truth of Scripture.

Spiritual Warfare (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Since Satan does exist, Peter urges his audience to resist his claims. The way we engage in this spiritual battle is through active trust in Biblical facts. This comes down to the question: am I going to believe what Satan says, or what God says? Those who believe in what God says and have faith in Him are able to put on the armor of God and demolish the lies that will continue to confuse our minds. \r\n

The Truth Will Set You Free

Jeff Gordon

John 8:31-59

Jesus teaches that the sin nature enslaves people while following his truth sets people free. To have freedom in this life means to become Jesus' disciple and follow his teachings. The religious leaders were not able to understand Jesus' message because of their pride. As a result, they believed Satan's lies. The only way to counter lies is with the truth. Freedom is a result of following the truth.

Who Do You Say I Am?

Ryan Lowery

Isaiah 52:13-54:1

Jesus turns the attention of his disciples to a crucial question: who is Jesus? Christ puts himself over and above a prophet or a good teacher. Instead, Jesus fulfills many Old Testament prophecies to prove that he is the Christ. Every person has a choice to be saved, and then to entrust their lives to Jesus by becoming his disciple.\r\n\r\n