The Beast

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 19:19-20

This passage predicts the rise and fall of the key human instrument of Satan during the End Times - the beast (or the "Antichrist"). The beast will emerge from a revived form of the Roman Empire, will be raised up and energized by Satan, will have world-wide dominion, will blaspheme God, will persecute Christians, and will finally be defeated by Jesus upon His return. Don't respond to this prophecy with skepticism, obsession, or fear. Rather, be confident in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is in control.

The Mystery Hidden for Aeons Past

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 2:6-8

Romans 16 talks about a "mystery hidden for long ages past." Collectively, scripture teaches that this mystery was the coming of Christ. Old Testament prophecies predicted both a King Messiah who would set up righteous reign, and a Suffering Servant who would be sacrificed. Prior to Christ's death no one, not even the angels or Christ's disciples understood that these two pictures were of the same person! We learn that God intentionally hid this plan from Satan, such that Christ might provide salvation for all.

Four Witnesses to Christ's Authority

Dennis McCallum

Luke 24:44-47

Jesus gives us reason to believe in who He is and what He claims. He points to the Scriptures as one of many witnesses to Himself. Throughout the Old Testament we read systems of symbols as well as direct predictive declarations that point to Christ. In the book of Daniel, the year Christ is crucified is predicted with great accuracy. It is not only faith building but it authenticates the claims of Christ. All over the Old Testament prophecy exists and has been fulfilled.

The Last Passover

Jim Leffel

Mark 14:22-25

During Jesus' last days he teaches his disciples during the Passover dinner - a significant ritual celebrating God's judgment passing over the Israelites due to an innocent lamb's sacrifice. Looking deep into the Passover we see the reminder of man's failure and God's solution. The Passover was a picture of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and payment for sin.

The Mountain Top Experience

Jim Leffel

Mark 9:1-13

What is the significance of the Jesus' transfiguration on the mountaintop? Peter, James, and John experienced a spiritually significant event: a meeting between Elijah, Moses, and Jesus. Jesus made clear that He was the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. How does this mountaintop experience compare to the role of spiritually significant events in our lives today? While we may seek out spiritual experiences, we should not: 1) seek them above Christ, 2) seek them at the cost of neglecting the Word, or 3) allow the benefits to end with us instead of propelling us toward greater love and service for others.\r\n

Considered Philosophically and Prophetically

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 12:9-13

Are we becoming so politically correct that we can't call an evil act exactly what it is? Will holding to objective truths lead to violence? We see that when put to the test our post-modern consensus fails the test of reality. We look into what real truth is and what true prophesying, such as comparing the foretelling of the regathering of Israel against vague works like Nostradamus.

The Non-Negotiables

Dennis McCallum

Romans 6:4

Paul emphasized the importance of the Gospel message to the Corinthians, that Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected which demonstrates that he was God and had paid for sin. All we have to do to be made righteous in God's eyes is to accept Jesus' death and resurrection as a payment for our own sins. Nothing should be added or removed from the Gospel that Paul preached.

Loving Others with our Gifts

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 10:24-25

The spiritual gifts that God has given us are meant to be used for the edification of the church. God has given some the gift of tongues which is personally edifying, and only edifying for the church when there is an interpreter. God still works powerfully in our world today, but He doesn't work miracles to help people in a quest for self promotion, His power is given to edify and embolden the Body of Christ.

The Body of Christ (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Romans 12:7-8

The Body of Christ has been given a number of spiritual gifts to edify and serve the people in the church and around the world. God's given people gifts of service, understanding God's Truth, and through prayer. When we serve and love people, we live out God's mission for our lives.