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.

Is Death's Separation Permanent?

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

There are two kinds of grief: 1) sadness because of temporary separation; and 2) hopelessness because of permanent separation. Paul explains that while believers may grieve the loss of a loved one, our separation is only temporary. God promises a personal embodied reunion for those who believe in Him. The promise of our future resurrection is rooted in Christ's past resurrection.\r\n

Profile of a Healthy Church

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Paul commends the Thessalonians for being a model church. This church exhibits 3 characteristics of a healthy church: 1) a work of faith (they believe in God and humbly receive His gift of grace); 2) steadfastness of hope (they have spiritual confidence even in life's storms); 3) labor of love (they actively share their faith with others). God wants each of us to have these traits individually and as a group.\r\n

Five Lessons for the Disciples

Dennis McCallum

Luke 17

Jesus here gives his disciples several lessons. First, he warns about being a stumbling block to others coming to know Christ for which he reserves stricter judgement as the consequences are devastating. Second, Jesus advises them to rebuke a brother when he sins, practicing discipline, but to forgive others as well, unconditionally and in Christ's example. Next, Jesus describes how it is not the amount of faith that is the issue, but instead it is the object of one's faith. And finally, he admonishes the entitlement attitude, as we are instead called to cultivate thanksgiving in our relationships with Christ.

God's Attitude Toward Those Who Reject Him

Dennis McCallum

Luke 15

When we reject God, our assumption is that He will reject us. Through several parables, Jesus demonstrates that in reality, when we reject God, He is waiting to receive us with open arms. God wants a relationship with each of us, and waits for us to turn back to Him.

On the Mountaintop

Dennis McCallum

Luke 9

Jesus' transfiguration up on the mountain revealed his true glory, while testifying to prophecy concerning Christ from the Old Testament and foreshadowing his work on the cross. The experience that Peter, John, and James witnessed is an example of God using experience to promote further dependence and trust. Often times, people use experience as an idol, instead of trusting in the stability of God's Word and what Jesus did. Developing a category for spiritual experience without needing them for our faith is important for growing Christians.

The Great and Small - Forgiveness

Dennis McCallum

Luke 7

Jesus' interaction with a centurion reveals the nature of what makes great faith. The centurion's faith amazed Christ and was characterized by humility, trusting in God's Word, and asking but not demanding from Jesus. Jesus challenged the Pharisees lack of forgiveness, highlighting their misguided spirituality. True spirituality is exemplified by radical love and forgiveness that comes from an understanding of God's love and forgiveness towards unworthy sinners.

Fishers of Men

Dennis McCallum

Luke 5

Jesus' calling of the 12 disciples was towards a life that was a thrilling mission orchestrated by Jesus. The disciples were willing to suffer for the sake of Christ and ultimately led the way during the early church movement. God's call on people's lives is for their good and for the good of others. For those who encounter Christ, they should be willing to get equipped and ask for his forgiveness.

The Birth Narratives

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 2:1-12

The birth narrative of Christ depicts a life characterized by rejection and exclusion from the beginning. King Herod was threatened by Christ taking his rule and sent Magi to find Jesus. The Magi were honestly seeking to know who Jesus was, an attitude that is still essential today when it comes to Jesus. The birth narrative of Jesus is ironic given Jesus' work and what he would accomplish at the cross for those who rejected him.