How Pride Sneaks into our Ministry

Scott Risley

Mark 9:21-29

A man whose son is tormented by an evil spirit begs Jesus to heal him. The disciples could not cast the demon out because they lacked faith. Jesus heals the boy and explains true greatness to His disciples. In this passage the disciples demonstrate their pride in four ways: 1) trusting in themselves; 2) wanting to be the greatest; 3) holding others back; 4) punishing the unresponsive.

Who Touched My Clothing?

Mike Sullivan

Mark 5:21-43

Despite the crowds and confusion, Jesus notices that someone touches his cloak as he and his disciples are walking to an official's house to heal his sick daughter. As Jesus interacts with the woman who touched His cloak, He teaches his disciples, the crowds, and us about his character, the power of faith in him, and how he responds to our requests. The object, not the strength, of our faith is what matters most.

What Do You Want Me to Do?

Gary DeLashmutt

Mark 10:46-52

When Jesus restores Bartimeaus' sight in Jericho, He not only provides Bartimaeus physical healing but also the sign that he offers humanity - salvation. In this passage, Jesus is described by Mark as the promised Messiah, one who is interested in the needs of individuals, and also inclined to bless. When we, like Bartimaeus, can identify answered prayers, pray specific prayers, and pray in faith, our relationship with God and understanding of His Will will be enhanced.

Jesus' Supremacy

Conrad Hilario

Mark 5:41

Through several events, the disciples witness and recognize the absolute power that Jesus has as the Son of God. Jesus calms the waters while the disciples and him are on a boat; this act demonstrates Jesus' authority over nature. Later, the disciples witness Jesus cast out demons from a man, which shows Jesus' power over evil and the spiritual realm. Lastly, Jesus heals and brings back to life a sick girl; this shows his power over sickness and even death.

The Unrighteous Judge: A Lesson On Prayer

Jim Leffel

Luke 18:1-8

In this parable, Jesus teaches his followers about perseverance in prayer. As we persevere in prayer, we not only see miracles happen as those prayers are answers, we also see ourselves transformed.

The Perks of a Loving Lifestyle

Mike Sullivan

1 John 3:11-24

Love is the distinguishing mark of the Christian, and this kind of love is exemplified by Jesus' death on the cross. It is supplied to us by God and manifested in concrete actions towards others. As we move towards actively loving people, God's Spirit supernaturally assures us of our new identity, gives us confidence in our prayers, and empowers us to serve more effectively.

School of Prayer

Jim Leffel

Luke 11:1-13

The habit of prayer is a window into our deepest beliefs; prayer reveals what we really think about the nature of God. Under that framework, we explore the who, what, and how of prayer.

Two Indicatives and Five Imperatives

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 10:19-31

After thoroughly explaining how the cross was more than sufficient, the author now moves on in his argument to results of the cross. These results benefit humanity immensely. People can now: 1) come to God in prayer with confidence, 2) have assurance of the future, 3) think of others before themselves, 4) fellowship with one another, and 5) give and receive encouragement. At the end of chapter 10, the author of Hebrews makes claims that at first glance seem contradictory to his previous arguments regarding grace. The end of the teaching addresses this problem passage.

Key Elements of Daily Private Prayer

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 6:6-13

It is important for all Christians to develop a personal, private spirituality with God, and Jesus models that kind of spirituality through the Lord's Prayer. The Lord's Prayer provides a valuable framework for private prayer while also emphasizing three important truths: 1) God is our loving Father and we are his children; 2) God is our rightful King and we are His servants; and 3) God is our Provider and we are dependent on Him daily. We as Christians can pray along these lines daily and as a result develop a deep personal relationship with God.