Identity and Transparency

Chris Risley

As new creations, our struggles and failures don't need to define us--they are often a way for God's glory to shine through us.

The Psychological Self

James Rochford

Follow Up: Growth, Persecution, and Judgment

Dennis McCallum

2 Thessalonians 1:1-10

God, in all His amazing wisdom, is able to use the suffering and persecution Christians receive, to grow us spiritually. He promises that those who persecute us will come under eternal judgment, if they refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus.

Jesus and His Brothers

Danny Walker

John 7:1-10

In John 7, we see Jesus' brothers egging Jesus to go into Judea and show Himself to the world. They did not believe in Him and were acting out of their fleshly or worldly mindset. But Jesus did not go at that time because he was waiting upon God's leading and timing. After His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus appeared to a number of His followers and His brothers. Jesus' hardship has turned to joy now that His brothers believe in Him. As followers of Jesus, we also are called to wait upon God and act in step with the Spirit.

The Enduring Message of Jeremiah

Jim Leffel

John 7:1-10

Looking at the book of Jeremiah as a whole, we see the general consequences of living a life apart from God, as well as the insurmountable love that is present in God's offer to restore us.

Excellent Behavior Part 1

Ben Foust

1 Peter 2:11-17

What does the way you live your life communicate to the "watching world?" Do your actions refute negative misconceptions about Christians or do they confirm them? Peter gives concrete examples of how to show the world the truth by what you do. By honoring all people, loving the brotherhood, fearing God and honoring the king, we can show Christ to the world.

The Tabernacle

Conrad Hilario

Exodus 25:1-8

The Tabernacle was a scale model of the heavenly reality. It communicated God's desire to have a relationship with His creation but that there were barriers that prevented them from drawing near to Him. The Tabernacle was a powerful symbol of how He would remove those barriers by the the work of His Son Jesus.

Understanding Ceremonial Law

Dennis McCallum

Exodus 25-28

The ceremonial laws of the old Testament were a form of instruction for the Israelites who were at that time mostly illiterate. They were a prediction of the future work of Jesus. They were only symbolic and now are obsolete.

Getting Ready to Hear God

Dennis McCallum

Exodus 17-20

At this point in their wilderness journey, Moses is instructed to prepare the people to hear Him speak. This story must be interpreted in light of the New Testament. God is still transcendent and powerful. He is also close and gracious. The difference is our relationship is now based on grace and not law.