Becoming Who We Are, Part 2

Dennis McCallum
Ephesians 1:13-18

When we get adopted by God into His family, we obtain an inheritance almost too fantastic to believe. We are sealed with a love that cannot be taken away. We have a security that is eternal. The first step to comprehending God's love is to let Him in. It is not always easy. Understanding comes in layers but we can ask for help. We need to listen and accept it takes time. Comprehension can slip away if we take it for granted.

Opening the Eyes of Your Heart

James Rochford
Ephesians 1:15-23

Opening the eyes of your heart involves transitioning from propositional truth of knowing God in a head-knowledge sort of way to a personal knowledge of God that goes deep into your heart. We need God's enlightenment to understand the depth of these truths. We can access this enlightenment of the heart by prayer, meditation and recognition and redirection throughout the day.

Do Versus Done

James Rochford
Ephesians 1:1-14

When you put your faith in Jesus to pay the price for your sins, you instantly inherit every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Whatever is true of Jesus becomes true of you. When God looks at you, He sees Jesus and all His perfection. Do you deeply know these truths? Are these truths becoming the greatest treasure of your life?

Living for an Audience of One

Scott Risley
2 Timothy 4:1-8

Paul calls Timothy to be like the king's herald who is charged with accurately speaking the king's words, not altering the words in any way, even if it is very unpopular. Timothy actually does have the words of the King, and the King has something to say about Jesus is the only way to heaven, about moral right and wrong, about the final judgment, and about sacrificial love and commitment to God.

Three Essential Elements of Christian Unity

Gary DeLashmutt
Philippians 1:27-2:2

Three essential elements of Christian unity are we have a common relationship with Jesus, a common source of truth, and a common mission. We are not united by a common membership in the same human organization but we have a common love relationship with Jesus through His Spirit who directs us into truth and His purpose for us.

How Much Do You Value Truth?

James Rochford
2 Timothy 2:8-26

Paul argues that if Jesus is real, it is only logical to dedicate our lives to His message. God places a high value on truth. If truth matters, then we should be deepening our own convictions about the claims of Christ and living out our lives in light of those truths.

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth

Gary DeLashmutt
Philippians 1:9-11

Paul prayed for the spiritual growth of the Philippians. He likened it to the growth cycle of a plant. A young tomato plant requires staking in order to bear fruit in time. In our spiritual growth, love is the plant and knowledge and discernment are the two stakes need to guide the growth of our love. The resulting fruit is a lifestyle that glorifies God.

Ministry Leadership Principles

Dennis McCallum
2 Timothy 2:8-26

Paul instructs Timothy on important ministry leadership principles. With all the heresy trying to sneak into the church, Paul emphasizes of the importance of truth found in the Word of God and how it must be interpreted correctly. He also advises him to teach his church to avoid squabbling and pointless fussing.

Remember Jesus Christ

Chris Risley
2 Timothy 2:8-26

Paul instructs Timothy to be a workman who is does not need to be ashamed, who accurately handles the Word of truth. Know which arguments to redirect, to avoid, and which ones to respond to. Above all, keep grace the central message. Stay focused on grace for himself and communicate God's grace to others.