Is Death's Separation Permanent?

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

There are two kinds of grief: 1) sadness because of temporary separation; and 2) hopelessness because of permanent separation. Paul explains that while believers may grieve the loss of a loved one, our separation is only temporary. God promises a personal embodied reunion for those who believe in Him. The promise of our future resurrection is rooted in Christ's past resurrection.\r\n

Dealing with Despondency

Dennis McCallum

Luke 24:13-33

Jesus' followers are despondent following his death because their own plans and expectations seemed to be crushed. Meeting two of them on the road to Emmaus, in response Jesus explains the scriptures and God's plan. We deal with despondency in our own lives, and God's Word provides the comfort and revelation to us today. His plans are greater than our own!

Aftermath of the Cross

Dennis McCallum

Luke 24:1-9

After Jesus is crucified and buried, his followers are shocked to discover an empty tomb and a resurrected Christ. How can we know the resurrection happened? The evidence is impressive, and we are left with a convincing apologetic for the validity of the Bible and Christianity as a whole.

A Call to Diligence; Wielding the Sword Accurately

Jim Leffel

Ephesians 3:14-19

Timothy's church was facing a unique form of false teaching that combined mystical Judaism with popular Greek philosophy, and Paul commanded Timothy to handle the word of God accurately as a result. This command is not just relevant for Timothy though - modern believers face similar teaching and must be able to accurately interpret and explain God's Word to those questioning the Christian faith. These skills can be developed through diligence and intentional study of the Bible, and when they are combined with personal experience of the Holy Spirit, Christians can thrive and serve others more effectively.

Aftermath of the Cross

Dennis McCallum

Luke 23:50-24:8

The claim that Jesus literally rose from the dead after his death on the cross is the center of Christianity. Without this completed resurrection, our faith in Jesus and justification by his blood would be empty. There are numerous negative implications if the resurrection did not occur, each with serious consequences. The evidence shows, however, that this bodily resurrection did occur, and there are many positive implications following this truth, including that we can have a personal relationship and eternal life with the risen Christ.