Putting on the New You

Scott Risley
Ephesians 4:20-28

When we accept Christ's gift of salvation, we become new creatures. Our minds will be transformed as we learn to believe in our new identities, which are rooted in Christ. Since we are secure in him, we are able to focus on and love other people.

Life Without God

Scott Risley
Romans 1:18-21

The existence of God is evident to all of His creation, although we may actively make the decision to ignore Him. Without God, we have no reference point for morality and seek increasing highs to fill the void. Thankfully, accepting Christ breaks this cycle and gives our lives meaning and fulfillment. Our old selves have died and we are new in Christ Jesus.

Finishing Well

Don Dixon
Randy Jones
Romans 1:18-21

A God-centered life presents optimism and meaning, and stands opposed to the pointless tendency of a self-centered life. By drawing near to God, Christians can be effective servants for Him, even through suffering and life changes. With Christ, believers can have hope for their futures and eternity.

Six Essentials of Christian Leadership

Gary DeLashmutt
2 Timothy 4:12-16

The pastoral epistles are a rich quarry of key elements of Christian leadership. Six of these are compressed in a letter from Paul to Timothy. 1. Be continually strengthened by the grace that is in Christ; 2. develop other leaders; 3. embrace the rigors of Christian leadership; 4. keep your teaching focused on Biblical priorities; 5. pursue godly character in your own life; and 6. deal with errant members in a firm and redemptive way. There is a bonus element found in another chapter: keep making progress that your flock can see.

Paul - Living for the Call of Christ

Gene Getz
1 Thessalonians 2:6-12

Through the life of Paul, Gene Getz talks about how we can live our lives for the call of Christ. He gives us principles to live by from Paul's formative years including what our lives should look like when we receive Christ's forgiveness. He also takes us through Paul's life in ministry and some principles for us to take from those years in Paul's life.\r\n

Romans 12 - Renewal or Conformity?

Dennis McCallum
Romans 12:1-5

As believers in Christ, we have two choices: we can conform to the values of this world, or we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We cannot straddle the line between these two choices, but are called to make a conscious decision and effort to be transformed by God. That decision allows us to make an eternal impact instead of investing in the fleeting things of this world. It also causes us to grow deep relationships alongside others in the body of Christ who are being transformed by God with us. When Christians choose to be transformed in this way, they become more persuasive, more zealous, and more mature in their spiritual lives.

Career Choices and God's Will

Jeff Gordon
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

It is very easy for believers to fall into overvaluing or undervaluing work. Scripture reveals to us that all parts of our life can bring glory to God, including our career. You must start with orienting your mind around the biblical perspective that your whole life can be a spiritual service of worship. Once you have been grounded in this principle choosing a career and working hard will fall into place. Like Jesus communicated to his followers, you must seek first his kingdom and all things will be added to you. \r\n

Leading Home Group Evangelism

Doug Patch
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Home group evangelism is a balance of outward movement with inward growth. Learn about the steps of challenging a group to generate a new focus on evangelism, including how to anticipate resistance. Each step is rooted in getting members to become outward-focused and to fight against staying in a small comfort zone.

Victory in the Pressure Cooker of Life

Jim Leffel
James 2:20-22

James explained that enduring suffering strengthens your faith. Suffering is painful, but God can use it in our lives, and so it is not in vain that we suffer. Suffering is confusing, but it is also an opportunity for us to turn to God and rely on His strength.