Focus of Faith (Part 3)

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 13:10-16

The author of Hebrews stresses the fact that God was at work in the Old Testament through instituting a system of sacrifices that describe the human condition and prepare humanity for Christ. The author urges his audience not to fall into old ways of relating to God, but instead to see the fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Christ. Instead of offering literal sacrifices to God, Christians are instead called to follow God by choosing to give their whole lives for his purpose.

Healing a Man Born Blind

Gary DeLashmutt

John 9:1-41

John describes the sixth miracle in a series of miracles that Jesus performed. Jesus heals a man that was born blind, but the Pharisees refuse to believe in Jesus and instead grow more stubborn against him. After Jesus claims he is the light of the world and reveals his identity, the healed man comes to recognize his healer as the Messiah, therefore receiving spiritual sight as well. Also includes an interview on spiritual bias from existentialist Jean Paul Sartre in 1974.

Old Testament Ceremony

Lee Campbell

Hebrews 10:1-4

Sometimes, before we will see spiritual reality, we need to hit rock bottom. Part of the purpose of the Old Testament Law was to show the problem that people have, and to point to the solution in Christ. Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the symbolism of the Old Covenant.

From Good to Great

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 8:6-13

The Old Covenant was good because it demonstrated God's moral character, prescribed a just society, and was a means of securing blessing for ancient Israel. Though the Law itself was good, sinful human beings could never keep it. The New Covenant is superior because it is unilateral, does away with sin, and results in an internal change of the heart. Believers today should seek to relate with God under the New Covenant, not the old.

Murder!

Dennis McCallum

Genesis 4:1-16

Cain and Abel offer sacrifices to God, but they are received with different reactions. Abel's was looked on with favor by God, but Cain's was not. Cain's sacrifice represented a ritualistic approach to relating with God, while Abel's was based on faith. Cain allowed his emotional state of bitterness and jealousy affect his behavior, and he murdered his brother. Cain exemplifies a fallen man putting himself at the center, resulting in conflict with God and others.

Water to Wine

Gary DeLashmutt

Isaiah 25:6-9

Jesus' first miracle was to turn water into wine. Jesus condemned the ritualistic relating of the people of his day, while showing his love and compassion for the people in his life. God is a good God, and He has good and wonderful plans for our eternity.

Introducing Hebrews

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 1:1-3

The book of Hebrews was written to answer a variety of questions that a 1st-century Jewish person may have had. The book is significant because, while Christianity emerges from Judaism, it also rejects key Jewish practices and assumptions. It answers many questions about God's Word and authority in a convincing way that harmonizes both the Old and New Testaments.

God's Rest

Cathy Treyens

Hebrews 1:1-3

Biblical rest is an active to choice to trust God. It includes trusting His unconditional affection towards us, His power to work through us, and His ability to change us. It also means we stop trusting that our good works earn His acceptance. As we rest in God's unfailing love for us, we are able to work out of His grace to love and serve Him and those around us.

The Critical Divide

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 5:1-4

Paul and Barnabas fight against the Pharisee's legalistic teaching being spread in Antioch. They take a firm stand and sharply dispute it. They remind people they are made right with God through grace and not by following the law. Peter also speaks up and supports Paul and Barnabas by delivering the same message about grace. Understanding grace and the relationship God offers has a transformative effect that produces freedom and results in a life of giving love. This life is satisfying and exciting.\r\n