The Level Playing Field

Ryan Lowery

Ephesians 2:11-22

The Author Paul gives the first command so far in the book of Ephesians - that the people would remember who they were before their relationship with God. It was God's intention to unite all people by first showing the world who he was through the nation of Israel. Now God intends to show the world who he is through the love of his people. When believers go out into our world we too need to remember our lives before we knew God.

Key Principles of Healthy Relating

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 7:1-12

The Golden Rule, as taught by Jesus, is to treat others the way that we would want to be treated. It's clear from the rest of Sermon on the Mount, however, that God's priority for Christians is not simply following a rule but rather to develop healthy relationships in multiple facets. Jesus gives four supplementary principles for healthy relating: 1) do not view others with a critical spirit ; 2) resolve conflict with an attitude of humility; 3) relate to fools in a wise way; and 4) ask for God's enabling power in relating to others. By applying these principles to their personal relationships, believers can be a light to the world and more effective examples of God's love.

Responding to Revelation

Dennis McCallum

Luke 14:18-20

God's goal is to bring as many people as possible into His family. All people are members of the sinful human race and need a perfect sacrifice for their sins in order to be part of God's family. To pay for the sins of humanity Jesus had to be like a man in every respect. He sacrificed his perfect human life to cover the sins of humanity.

Confession and Repentance

Ryan Lowery

Leviticus 26:40-46

All Christians will experience periods of guilt and shame as a result of a moral failing. Five principles for confession are illustrated by the Israelites: we must acknowledge 1) God's sovereignty; 2) that His Word is true; 3) His faithfulness; 4) His righteousness; and 5) how we have been unfaithful in contrast to God's faithfulness. Ultimately, confession means recognizing that we have sinned and choosing to agree with God, while repentance means choosing to act in accordance with what is true.

The Impact of Grace

Scott Risley

Colossians 3:9-11

Slavery and its interaction with Christianity has always been a contentious topic, and yet it is clear from the Bible that God is anti-slavery and that Christianity's principles directly contributed to the demise of slavery worldwide. The book of Philemon provides an intimate glimpse into an escaped first century slave's dilemma and Paul's response to the slave's Christian master, and through Paul's appeal we see God's power to reconcile diverse people.

A Life Filled With Meaning & Purpose

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 9:16-17

Paul explains to the Colossians the costliness of their reconciliation: Christ's death on the cross. He expresses how salvation has impacted his life purpose such as being able to understand suffering, having a passion to share the gospel, and a deep commitment to instructing others. Paul's life showcases an example of a sanctified life that Christians today should aspire to.

Who is Jesus?

Ryan Lowery

John 14:8-11

Since God's love is what gives us the power to love others, an important part of understanding God's love is understanding who Jesus is. Jesus is: 1) our redeemer; 2) the highest form of revelation; 3) creator and owner of everything; 4) the highest authority; 5) the head of the church; 6) God.\r\nWhile the divinity and humanity of Jesus are constantly under attack, the truth that God became a human and died in our place is the basis for love and the only true gospel.

Revelation and Christmas

Jeff Gordon

Revelation 21

Continuing to consider Heaven, this passage brings one to consider why God would welcome sinners into Heaven. Through this and other verses in the Bible, it is clear that He does this out of a desire to relate with His people. God created people in His image, and He worked through them to restore their relationship with Him. The new "Temple" is revealed to be God now dwelling with His people, instead of separately from them. There is a large reference from Tozer's "The Pursuit of God".

Eternal Life

Lee Campbell

Revelation 21:1-4

After John describes Hell, he changes gears in this passage to focus on Heaven. The passage and other supporting verses in the Bible describe Heaven as: 1) "earthy" in some way, 2) interesting and relational, 3) living with God, and 4) free of brokenness. The importance of choice by every individual is emphasized. Christians are encouraged to think more about Heaven and look forward to it.