Why, What, and How to Argue

Ben Foust

2 Timothy 2:16-25

Timothy is charged with arguing well with fellow Christians who are falling for false doctrine. \r\nWhy should we ever argue? There are good reasons to argue, not over words, but for the sake of righteousness, when it is for the sake of someone's genuine good. Useful arguing is for the sake of God's priorities. \r\nWhen should we argue? Christians often do not address problems that matter or vigorously argue over problems that don't matter. Instead, God's way is to choose, in love, what battles are important enough in which to engage. Are you arguing in order to rescue this person from a snare?\r\nHow then should we argue? A Christian should not be quarrelsome, but instead, be kind to all, skillful in teaching and be patient when wronged. Humbleness is the key to arguing well.

Do Not Be Ashamed

Ben Foust

2 Timothy 1:7-12

What would be worth enduring shame for? Paul encourages Timothy to join him as a shameless messenger of the good news that saves. The testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes and is, therefor, a worthwhile reason to gladly endure suffering and shame to share this good news. The Gospel is worth it!

The Importance of Patience

Ryan Lowery

James 5:7-11

As James has demonstrated through his book, the world in which we live can prove unfair and harsh for believers in Jesus, but a mature Christian has learned to be patient in the midst of difficulty. James offers that someday Jesus will return, and the world will be put right. We should cling to that promise as our only true hope, and should wait patiently for now, engaging in the good works that will draw people to God, the only source of true good. We should also speak truthfully about God, even if we encounter opposition.

The Full Armor of God (Part 1)

Gary DeLashmutt

Ephesians 6:11-15

The apostle Paul was chained to Roman soldiers when he wrote this letter. He uses their armor to illustrate God's resources for our battle with supernatural evil. This time we discuss the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth and the shoes of peace.

Be Filled with the Spirit

Gary DeLashmutt

Ephesians 5:18-21

The most concise passage in the New Testament on how to be filled with God's Spirit. A helpful and practical look at what it means to: 1) speak God's truth to ourselves; 2) give thanks; and 3) be subject to one another. Habitual submission to the Holy Spirit's control results in progressive health.\r\n

Responding to the Message

Chris Hearty

James 1:19-27

How do we prepare the soil of our heart to welcome the God's message/ Receive the word of God by paying careful attention in order to truly understand it. Be wise listeners, who are slow to speak and slow to anger. And finally, keeping your attention fixed on the perfect law of liberty, be a purposeful doer of the Word; Put into practice what you know to be true.

Learning to Meditate

James Rochford

Psalms 1:1-6

Psalm 1 draws a contrast between the "blessed" and the "wicked." The blessed person is the one who delights in God's Word, which brings happiness, stability, and guidance. To experience this blessing, we must learn to meditate regularly on scripture.

The Ways of Knowing

Jim Leffel

Deuteronomy 6:4-8

Released from the Law

Chris Hearty

Romans 7:1-25

What does it look like to depend upon God as we grow spiritually? Paul teaches us how to depend upon God and not on our own fleshly power to grow spiritually. Although the Law is good and holy, it is not meant for us to try to live under Law as we endeavor to grow in our relationship with God. The Law brings death, but the Spirit brings life. We can look to the Law to know where we fall short, but not to find the power to change and grow. We can only find that in Christ Jesus.