Foundations of Faith

Jim Leffel

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

There are major differences between our culture's view of faith and the Bible's view of faith. Peter instructs the ?resident aliens? about the life of faith which has intellectual and character components and provides hope. God has given us incredible prophecies about Christ in the Anonymous Servant passages in Isaiah in order to strengthen our faith to endure suffering.\r\n

The Tale of the Beasts

Dennis McCallum

Daniel 7

Daniel predicts the overthrow and victories of various nations, all of which ended up happening later. He points towards a final battle, at the end of this world. The Bible is clear that this world as we know it will have an end. What side will you choose in the battle?

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

Dennis McCallum

Daniel 2:1-25

Daniel is the only one who can interpret a troubling dream of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, through God's wisdom and power. The dream contains a prophecy of future empires that are to come, almost all of which have been fulfilled!

God's Heart For People

Dennis McCallum

Jonah 1-4

Jonah was a prophet who initially ran from what God called him to do. After some discipline and repentance, God uses Jonah to show characteristics of His heart: 1) His love goes out to needy and confused people, and 2) God has a lot more compassion than we do. This book can lead the readers to consider if they have answered the call to reconcile the world to Him that God has given all believers.

Relating to God

Dennis McCallum

Hosea 14:1-5

Hosea was a prophet who God called to marry an unfaithful prostitute. God reveals that this will "illustrate the way my people have been untrue to me, openly committing adultery against the Lord by worshiping other gods." Hosea's book contrasts idol worship (which applies to letting anything have priority over God) to the relationship God wants with people. This relationship includes intimacy, grace, discipline, freedom, faithfulness, and repentance, which is contrary to the perils that people experience without God.

When God Judges

Dennis McCallum

Amos 1:2-8

Amos was a prophet who spoke about God's judgment to the Assyrians. The sins of these people and this judgment is a reminder of how there must be justice from God in order Him to be good. The argument for justice needing to be served is then turned back onto the audience, who has to learn that they are just as sinful. This would hopefully lead to a lack of self-righteousness, an appreciation of grace, an eagerness to share grace, a sensitizing towards sin, and a freedom from vengeance.

The Only Wise God

Jim Leffel

Romans 16:25-27

God's plan to send Jesus Christ to die for humanity was the mystery hidden for generations past. The coming of Jesus was foretold throughout scripture, as he was pictured as a Messianic King. However, the cross revealed that Jesus was also the suffering servant mentioned throughout the Old Testament, revealing God's plan that Christ would come to Earth twice. The mystery of the cross demonstrated God's immense love and justice.

The Coming of the Kingdom

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

Jesus' disciples ask Him about the end times, including: the destruction of the Temple, His coming, and the end of the age. Jesus lets them know that no one will know the time in human history that these events will occur. Jesus reveals that the temple will be destroyed and rebuilt. Before the end of the age the gospel will be spread to all people groups and the Antichrist will come and perform the abomination of desolation. When these things have occurred Jesus will return in the sky with great power. Jesus then calls His believers to be on alert and ready for His second coming.

What About Israel? (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Romans 9-11

God's plan throughout human history has always included the Nation of Israel. During this time of the church age, God has been primarily using Gentiles, while remaining faithful to the small remnant of Israel for the future. God's sovereignty throughout human history proves that He uses who He wants. In the meantime, those in the church age have the exciting experience to be used by God before He goes back to using His chosen people group.