Grow or Groan

James Rochford

James 1:1-11

Troubles and suffering are an inevitable part of human existence. When faced with suffering we can either use it as an opportunity to grow and build character or become bitter. We are provided with sufficient knowledge to have faith that God has a plan for us and will grow us through Jesus' example on the cross and knowledge that he suffers with us and for us. James also warns of having divided loyalty between God and earthly riches because riches will eventually fade away.

What About Miracles?

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 8:1-15

Jesus performs four miracles. He heals a man with leprosy, who would be seen as a total outcast at that time. He sees the faith of a gentile centurion and heals his slave servant and then goes on to heal a woman. All of these people were see as unimportant in society, but not to Jesus. Jesus miraculous power was used to authenticate his claims and demonstrated his love towards those who are deemed as unloved. Jesus wants to express his love to all people through his work on the cross.

Christian Ethics

Scott Risley

Matthew 5:21-48

God wants us to lead moral lives, but He wants to set the priorities, not have us decide ethical and moral priorities for ourselves because we are so often deceived. Many of the ethical teachings in the Bible are principles not set in stone "rules".

What motivated Paul?

Jeff Gordon

1 Corinthians 15

Paul was motivated by three things: the truth of God's grace, his experience of God's grace, and the certainty of eternal life. Paul taught that while following God is intense labor and trouble, that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Hope in the Midst of Suffering

Gary DeLashmutt

Romans 8:15-23

God will fill us with hope in the midst of our suffering as we trust in His promises about eternal life. The foundation of our hope is our adoption into God's family. We can also confidently hope in our inheritance; being glorified with Christ. God will heal all of this world's brokenness and give it beauty we've never seen before. However, like Christ, before we receive our inheritance we must suffer. We can have assurance in these promises through the down payment of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee.

Learning the Secret

Scott Risley

Exodus 17:7

Paul discovered the secret of contentment. He learned that lust will deaden our souls and Jesus alone offers true contentment. That contentment should overflow in generosity, starting now.

Knowing Christ

Dennis McCallum

Romans 6:3-4

There are two options to be made right with God: doing good works and hoping that they are enough to please God, or asking God for Christ's sacrifice on the cross to count for you and for his righteousness to be imputed to you. If we choose the second plan, we can experience true freedom from sin and enjoy our position in Christ instead of relying on our condition. This second plan is not free from suffering though, and Christians will experience difficulty and pain as they seek to be conformed to the image of Christ.

Jesus Calms The Storm

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 8:22-25

Jesus taught several lessons when he calmed the storm: 1) following Jesus does not mean immunity from "storms"; 2) "storms" expose our little faith in Jesus; 3) Jesus responds to our little faith in him; and 4) Jesus challenges us to grow stronger in our faith in him. The best ways to grow our faith are to consider God's promises, ponder previous instances of God's faithfulness, and to act in faith during the storms.

Into the Furnace

Jim Leffel

Daniel 3:1-36

When Nebuchadnezzar demanded universal worship of a statue, God's people faced a difficult and painful decision against the pressures of their culture. Today, the cultural bottom line that demands our loyalty has to do with the exaltation of the self. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made their decision based on integrity and an informed confidence in God. In the furnace, God was with them in their suffering.