Joy in Adversity

Dennis McCallum

Romans 8:28

Paul suffered countless times for the Lord, even during these times he was able to find joy in the love and purpose he received from the Lord. Paul constantly turned to his new identity and future eternal life as things to always be thankful for. God can use suffering in our lives to teach us things and to grow our faith.

How to Receive God's Comfort

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 1:1-10

God's comfort is the strengthening assurance of His sovereign goodness in the midst of suffering. As Christians, we are able to receive this in two distinct ways: 1) understanding and affirming God's purposes for allowing suffering in our lives; and 2) allowing other Christians to give you God's comfort.

God's Love

Dennis McCallum

1 John 4:7

Paul describes vividly what biblical love is, and the love that God has for us. God's love is sacrificial, patient, hopeful, and it never fails. Biblical love is deeply tied to the meaning of life and the gospel message that we Christians share.

Goal Setting

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Paul explains that boxers don't box without aim, and in the same way Christians shouldn't work without aim. Sluggards lust after their desires and don't give out love. God calls us to do His work with His power, but we need to be willing to act on His calling.

Love and Freedom

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 10:23-29

Paul called the Corinthians to sacrifice some of their freedoms for the conscience of a younger believer. God's moral imperatives are clear in scripture, but some moral choices seem grey and unclear. We shouldn't draw moral lines that God hasn't drawn himself, but in a spirit of love it is good when we lay down our freedoms for the benefit of another person.

Spiritual Radicalism vs. Mediocrity

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 3:28

Paul gave up a comfortable lifestyle in order to serve God with his whole life and share God's love with other people. When we approach our relationship with God in an attitude of self interest we will often become lukewarm. God's love and truth is meant to be shared and when we go out and share this message, as Paul did, we can experience God powerfully working through us.

Mental Transformation (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4:13-14

God has given us His Word as reliable truth that we can continually turn to. When we act on God's truth and study His Word we begin to grow into mature believers. God's Word feeds us like milk feeds a baby, moving us towards maturity.

Two Wisdoms or the Way of Humility

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 2:8-9

Paul juxtaposes the human wisdom of this world and pride to God's wisdom and humbling yourself before God. We desire to earn our own salvation as we fix our lives, but God tells us that He is the way to salvation and that only He can offer lasting fulfilment and meaning. The cross is God's payment for humanities sins.

A Legacy of Leadership

Jim Leffel

Genesis 45:4-8

Spiritual leaders look at difficult circumstances in their lives and ask how God is working in the situation to further His work and provide for them personally. Instead of hiding their weaknesses that are exposed by circumstances, spiritual leaders are vulnerable about their struggles and depend on God's Spirit to make them adequate to serve others. Lastly, spiritual leaders have trust in God's sovereign plan for them, and they seek God's glory above their own. These qualities create an opportunity to leave a powerful legacy for generations of Christians to follow.