Two Decisions

Dennis McCallum

Luke 9

Jesus gives two decisions to his followers: die to self or live for self. Choosing to pursue Christ above everything else is the key to effective discipleship and followership as we weigh the cost in our lives. Those who decide to live spiritually mediocre lives will lose themselves, while those who have counted the cost of discipleship and are eager to sell out for God will gain true life. This decision happens after the decision to accept Jesus Christ as savior has occurred.

Two Decisions

Dennis McCallum

Luke 14:28-35

Who do you think Jesus is? Your answer has immense implications, in this life and the next. Jesus asks us not only to trust in his free gift of eternal life, but also to entrust our earthly lives to Him as well. This life of discipleship will cost us everything we have, but in return we'll experience an exciting, fulfilling earthly life and an eternity full of rewards.

Build Your Foundation on the Rock

Dennis McCallum

Luke 6

Jesus' final admonition on his Sermon on the Plain centers around the foundation to which people will build their life upon. There are many foundations that we can build our life around, including our family, materialism, and personal desires. However, real life fulfillment will come from placing Jesus at the center of our lives and living for him before all else. This teaching includes a testimony from a man named Chad who made Jesus the foundation for his life.

Spiritually Compromised Relationships

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 6:11-7:2

Paul writes to the Corinthians to resolve alienation between himself and some of the members of the Corinthian church. Paul has affirmed that we are to be in the world as ambassadors for Christ. Now Paul warns against being "of the world". This is best defined as any kind of relationship with someone which involves compromise of our commitment to and witness for Christ. Are you taking a clear stand for Christ verbally and in your actions? Who is influencing whom? \r\n

Two Visions Of Leadership

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 20:17-28

This passage shows the contrast between human leadership and Jesus' leadership. Jesus' leadership involves laying down his life for others and service while human leadership involves getting power for ourselves. Two central issues are raised: 1) We should be willing to follow Christ's leadership, and 2) We should learn to imitate Jesus in our leadership roles.\r\n

The Birth of Christ (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

Philippians 2:4-8

Mary was called by God to give birth to the messiah as a virgin. Mary walked by faith and trust toward God knowing that this was a chance for her to serve the Lord. She went through rejection and suffering in order to serve God, and now we see the great impact she had on our world because she was willing to trust in God.