Getting Real

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 2:1-4

Paul's desire to see the Corinthians again highlights characteristics of their relationship. Paul's relationship with the Corinthians could be described as high-risk with close-bonds. He was genuine and clearly communicated his love for the Corinthians, shared deep compassion with them, was convinced of this relationship based around God, and encountered much joy and confidence in them. These types of close relationships are effective and satisfying and should be the general trend within Christian community.

Jesus Steps Out

Dennis McCallum

Mark 1:9-13

Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist reflected that he would take over the work that preceded him by the Old Testament prophets. Jesus' temptation in the wilderness by Satan describes the intense spiritual battle that we, as Christians, are a part of. In order to be successful in spiritual warfare, Christians need to be rooted in God's truth to dismantle Satan's lies and have dependence on the Holy Spirit's power during times of temptation. Jesus was now ready to begin his ministry to tell people about the forgiveness possible through him.

Freedom Manifesto

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 1

The church in Galatia was being invaded by false teachers proclaiming that grace was not enough; extra works were needed in order to be saved. Paul explains the real gospel - that we are saved by faith in Christ alone, and gives his evidence for why this message is real truth that we must confront. Paul was not preaching the gospel in order to please men, but because he knew his message was from God.

More Than Words on a Page

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 4:12

The Word of God is the resource God wants to build into our lives that will enable us to effectively engage in victorious and fervent love for one another. This passage describes the Bible as the final and living Word which we need to feed on. God speaks to our deep inner life through His Word and transforms us from the inside out. As we feed and act on the Bible we can hear from God, start to think His thoughts and have something substantial to bring into our relationships.

Learning Through the Da Vinci Code (Part 2)

Gary DeLashmutt

Hebrews 4:12

Who is Jesus? The Da Vinci Code proposes that Jesus was purely human and made to look divine; he was much different than the figure in the Bible. We look at the nature of Jesus and the misconception that he was married to Mary Magdalene.

Learning Through the Da Vinci Code (Part 1)

Gary DeLashmutt

Hebrews 4:12

The Da Vinci Code proposes that the gospels concerning Jesus are not accurate. Were the gospels we read today chosen to paint a specific picture of Jesus that supported the reigns of power-hungry people, or can we trust that they are historical and trustworthy? We look at six facts concerning the four gospels and why we can trust the Bible's representation of Jesus.

Cracking the Code (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 4:12

Is Gnosticism really a viable alternative to Christianity that was oppressed by the Orthodox Church? Can Gnostic and Christian beliefs coexist? We analyze which belief system reveals the true Jesus by breaking down the historicity of the written works of each, how these belief systems cannot coexist, and why it is so important to discuss the message of the Bible.

Cracking the Code (Part 1)

Lee Campbell

Hebrews 4:12

Can we trust the Bible on what it says about Jesus? What about all those other gospels concerning Jesus not included in our standard text? Using the Da Vinci Code, we explore the topic of who the real Jesus is and is not. He is not just a man, or just a spirit, but he is God who died and rose again.

The Infinite Personal God

Jim Leffel

Exodus 3:1-15

Our culture today has many ideas that describe the nature of God. We may be challenged in our personal assumptions of the character of God through studying the Bible. God has revealed His personhood to us throughout the Bible. The book of Exodus gives a picture that the God of the Bible is both infinite and personal.\r\n\r\nA coffee shop interview about God's character from an anonymous interviewee was included.