The Stewardship of Affluence

Jeff Gordon

1 Timothy 6:6-19

What is wealth, and is it good? Jeff Gordon gives a cultural perspective, as well as a Christian perspective on wealth and affluence. Using Jesus's life and view on wealth, Gordon gives us ways to lead regarding wealth.\r\n

Stewarding our Sufferings

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 1:24

We all suffer; what does God say about it? Gary DeLashmutt talks about how we can be a good steward of our sufferings. He talks about how through the cross God has made redemptive suffering central to His plan and His glory. DeLashmutt talks about why we can view our sufferings as a precious resource as well as how we can manage our sufferings to God's glory.\r\n

Conflict as a Stewardship

Ken Sande

Colossians 3:12-15

Does conflict have a place in advancing God's message? Ken Sande says yes, that we can use conflict as a stewardship opportunity to show people the Gospel. He says that forgiveness is powerful, and if we take what God has done for us and show it to other people, we will make a difference for God. Sande also gives some practicals on how to become a peacemaker.\r\n

What's Wrong with Humanity?

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 4:9-10

The world views believing that nothing is wrong with humanity (atheists, animists and pantheists) are contrasted to the biblical view that there are massive problems that have arisen from turning against God. Humans were made in the imagine of God, have turned against Him but have been given a free gift to be rescued back into a relationship with Him. The teaching concludes by contrasting religion to biblical spirituality.

Becoming Who We Are (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 3:18-19

Paul adds inheritance and guaranteed to the profile of attributes for having an identity in Christ and discusses how these aspects give significance and security. He then prays that the Ephesian church will gain wisdom and understanding that is given through both objective and subjective revelation as we understand the attributes of our identity in Christ. The teaching concludes with examples of what it looks like to live out your identity in Christ verses when you don't.

Welcome One Another

Gary DeLashmutt

Romans 15:7

All Christians are called to welcome one another. This includes welcoming people who have significant sociological differences. Welcoming does not mean passive acceptance or tolerance; and it does not mean snobbery or prejudice. To welcome means to actively and personally invite someone into your life. Welcoming one another is compelling evidence that Jesus is the living Lord. Christians can learn to welcome others by thanking God regularly for His undeserved welcome through Christ.\r\n

The Resurrection

Scott Risley

Matthew 28:1-15

The historical resurrection of Jesus after His Crucifixion is an exciting story that is non-negotiable. After two thousand years, no one has been able to discredit its authenticity. If, after all these years, no one can give a natural explanation of the recorded event, then the logical conclusion is a supernatural event occurred. The New Testament accounts of His resurrection were written so that people would believe Jesus is the Christ and by believing, have eternal life in His name.

Encourage One Another

Gary DeLashmutt

John 13:34-35

All Christians are commanded to regularly give and receive biblical encouragement. This "one another" command is foundational for three reasons: 1) it is the most used of the "one another" commands; 2) all of the other ?one another? commands work best within an encouraging relationship; and 3) experiencing Jesus' encouragement is central to biblical Christianity. To become an effective encourager you must commit to have regular face to face meetings with the other person and also think carefully and prayerfully about that person. Four practical ways to communicate God's encouragement to others are explained: 1) affirm others' value and potential in Christ; 2) recognize and praise others' steps of faith to follow Christ; 3) remind others of God's comfort and faithfulness to those who are suffering; and 4) exhort others to take scary steps of faith to follow Christ.\r\n

The Cross

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 26:36-27:54

The most important event in human history occurred when Jesus Christ went to the cross. Jesus' crucifixion was the epitome of physical torment, and included being stripped naked and flogging. Not only that, but Jesus endured spiritual torment by taking on God's wrath to pay for humanity's sin. Jesus paid the certificate of death for all humanity in the greatest demonstration of sacrificial love. As Christians, the cross is a constant reminder of God's love for us and something we should thank God for regularly. For those who aren't Christians, making a decision about Jesus' work on the cross is the most important decision to make.