Putting on the New You

Scott Risley
Ephesians 4:20-28

When we accept Christ's gift of salvation, we become new creatures. Our minds will be transformed as we learn to believe in our new identities, which are rooted in Christ. Since we are secure in him, we are able to focus on and love other people.

Walking in Unity

Scott Risley
Ephesians 4:1-6

God calls us to be active members in the Body of Christ. We are to build close relationships with other believers, bear with one another, and remember our own unique roles in each other's lives.

What's Wrong With The Human Race?

Scott Risley
Ephesians 2:1-10

Paul contrasts God's love with the plight of humanity, i.e., physical and spiritual death. He explains the bad news resulting from human depravity and also describes God's solution to it. Because of His love and mercy God intervened by providing His Son Jesus to take on the judgment humanity deserves. It is by His grace that humanity is saved, not by works. After receiving this free gift, God gives His children the opportunity and privilege to do good works by sharing His good news with others.

Jesus' Departure

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus gives his last instructions to his disciples before he leaves to be with the father. Known as the Great Commission, these commands from Jesus are about going outward to make disciples of Christ, and involves teaching others about Jesus' instruction. The basis for this instruction is that all authority belongs to Jesus and that he promises to be with his followers always. This is the natural response for people forgiven by God through Jesus, as His plan involves all people knowing about the forgiveness He offers through Jesus. This practice is largely ignored in the church, but is of central importance to God's plan in human history.

Welcome One Another

Gary DeLashmutt
Romans 15:7

All Christians are called to welcome one another. This includes welcoming people who have significant sociological differences. Welcoming does not mean passive acceptance or tolerance; and it does not mean snobbery or prejudice. To welcome means to actively and personally invite someone into your life. Welcoming one another is compelling evidence that Jesus is the living Lord. Christians can learn to welcome others by thanking God regularly for His undeserved welcome through Christ.\r\n

The Tongue

Jim Leffel
1 Corinthians 14:26

James told us that the tongue is hard to control and it can do a lot of damage. What we say can be very encouraging, or dangerously damaging. We are called to speak to others like we are saying the utterances of God.

Encourage One Another

Gary DeLashmutt
John 13:34-35

All Christians are commanded to regularly give and receive biblical encouragement. This "one another" command is foundational for three reasons: 1) it is the most used of the "one another" commands; 2) all of the other ?one another? commands work best within an encouraging relationship; and 3) experiencing Jesus' encouragement is central to biblical Christianity. To become an effective encourager you must commit to have regular face to face meetings with the other person and also think carefully and prayerfully about that person. Four practical ways to communicate God's encouragement to others are explained: 1) affirm others' value and potential in Christ; 2) recognize and praise others' steps of faith to follow Christ; 3) remind others of God's comfort and faithfulness to those who are suffering; and 4) exhort others to take scary steps of faith to follow Christ.\r\n

The Cross

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 26:36-27:54

The most important event in human history occurred when Jesus Christ went to the cross. Jesus' crucifixion was the epitome of physical torment, and included being stripped naked and flogging. Not only that, but Jesus endured spiritual torment by taking on God's wrath to pay for humanity's sin. Jesus paid the certificate of death for all humanity in the greatest demonstration of sacrificial love. As Christians, the cross is a constant reminder of God's love for us and something we should thank God for regularly. For those who aren't Christians, making a decision about Jesus' work on the cross is the most important decision to make.

Overcoming Prejudice with Love

Jim Leffel
1 John 3:17

James calls us to practice the love that Christ showed us. The world sees people in terms of their temporary status or wealth, but we are called to see people how God sees them. God sees them as loved, and so we should see everyone as a masterpiece of God's own creation.