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Jesus' Big Surprise

Dennis McCallum
Ephesians 3:9-11

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was God's mystery that He kept hidden from all creation. Jesus' first coming broke expectations for people at the time, as God had planned for a second coming to take place after the time of the cross, ushering in a time for God to use His church to reach people for Christ. The cross was God's demonstration of His perfect love and was kept hidden from Satan in order to ultimately defeat him through Jesus Christ's first coming at the cross.

Keywords

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Jesus' Birth & Childhood

Gary DeLashmutt
Luke 2:1-52

Luke writes about the beginning of Jesus' life through Mary's perspective. The three scenes in this passage illustrate that Jesus is the unique, divine Ruler of the whole human race, he has voluntarily come to rescue us at great personal cost, and God welcomes and involves everyone who receives Jesus.\r\n

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Introduction & Overview

Gary DeLashmutt
Luke 1:1-4

The book of Luke is the first of a two part written history of the Gospel; it tells the story of Christ's life, while the second part, the book of Acts, tells the beginning of the Church. Luke got his information for this book from three very reliable sources: oral testimony of eyewitnesses, previously written accounts, and his own thorough research. In this book Luke emphasizes that Jesus is radically inclusive and subversive, and the true savior of humanity.

Keywords

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The Day of the Lord

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:11

Paul reminds the Thessalonians about the Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord refers to God's involvement in the end of the world. No one knows the day or time this will happen but the Bible describes warning signs. Two types of signs include: 1) increasing intensity and frequency of wars, famines, and ecological disasters; and 2) the nation of Israel and the Temple are restored and all nations hear the Gospel. Paul calls Christians to be sober and alert, encouraging one another in faith, hope, and love. It is God's will for Christians to live this way in order to share his Good News with those who have not yet heard.\r\n

Keywords

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The New Worship

Gary DeLashmutt
Hebrews 12:28-13:16

The author of Hebrews describes a new and better way to worship God, as compared to the rituals of the old covenant. Several differences include new worship: 1) is wherever you are, 2) is continuous, 3) is equally achievable by all believers, and 4) is a lifestyle of thanks to God and loving service to others. It is important to note how ritual worship services can hinder believers from having a full life with God.

Keywords

{"passage": "Hebrews 12:28-13:16","passageabreviated": "Heb 12:28-13:16","passagetiny": "Heb 12:28-13:16","teacher": "Gary DeLashmutt","t...

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Some Essential Aspects of a Spiritual Movement

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

Paul explains three essential things that can ignite a movement and make a church effective: speaking the Gospel message, having deep personal connections, and instilling lasting convictions. Unwillingness to directly call people to this better way of life is what hinders a movement. The Thessalonians experienced this because they pressed each other towards what was better. God gives His resources for His people to live this way.\r\n

Keywords

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Parable of the Soils

Dennis McCallum
Mark 4:1-20

Jesus describes people's responsiveness to God's Word in a parable of four soils. The four responses of the soil include: 1) forgetful hearer; 2) superficial hearer; 3) distracted hearer; and 4) the soil that bears much fruit. The focus for Christians is sending forth God's message to people and being faithful to His message even when people don't respond to it. The choice is still up to the individual on which type of soil they'd like to be.

Keywords

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Gospel and Postmodern Culture (Part 3)

Jim Leffel
Hosea 2:5-14:4

Part three of a four-part series connecting the gospel to our culture. God wants us to dialogue with people about the truth and be able to defend our faith in a loving and compelling way. Many people are turned off to Christianity because they think a loving God will not judge people or they wonder how God can judge both a little old lady and Hitler. Satisfying responses are given along with a look at the loving heart of God revealed in the book of Hosea.\r\n

Keywords

{"passage": "1 Peter 3:15-16","passageabreviated": "1 Pet 3:15-16","passagetiny": "1Pet 3:15-16","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": ...

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Gospel and Postmodern Culture (Part 2)

Jim Leffel
1 Peter 3:15-16

Part two of a four-part series on how the Gospel can impact postmodern culture. As we live out the Gospel, we need to have honest, compassionate and respectful answers for peoples' honest questions. Compelling arguments are given for how to dialogue with people regarding: 1) the exclusive claims of the Bible; 2) the issue of people having sincere beliefs but on different paths; and 3) the problem of those who have never heard the Gospel. A powerful video testimony by Gary Saalman, a lawyer who examined the evidence for the faith and became a Christian, is shown.\r\n

Keywords

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