Paul's Second Journey

Dennis McCallum
Acts 15:36-41

Paul's second missionary journey is a historical narrative that illustrates how to serve God. This journey highlights six ministry principles: 1) timing; 2) contextualization; 3) discipleship; 4) leading and empowering by the Holy Spirit; 5) spiritual warfare; and 6) having the right attitude. Ministry is the most exciting thing people can be part of and experience in this life.\r\n

Paul's First Journey (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum
Romans 1:19-14:20

Paul and Barnabas travel on their first missionary journey to spread the Good News and perform miracles. In one city the people mistake them for gods and attempt to worship Paul and Barnabas. Paul immediately gives a defense for belief in the Creator God. Through external and internal general revelation God gives testimony of His reality and kindness. A close look at the cell gives evidence for design and a designer. Looking within ourselves reveals there is a desire for significance, moral motions, creativity, and love. There is evidence for belief that we are personal and spiritual beings created by a personal God. Paul and Barnabas suffer for the message of the Good News but continue to travel and preach the Gospel.\r\n

Paul: Steward of God's Mystery

Jim Leffel
Ephesians 3:1-13

Paul calls himself a steward of God's grace. We are entrusted with the same message, that was once a mystery but has now been revealed by God through Christ. Although we are not worthy, God works through us with His power to carry out His message and purpose!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Course of This World

Jim Leffel
Ephesians 2:1-9

The world we live in is fallen, a distorted version of what God originally intended. People are held in bondage, evil reigns, but God offers total help for our total need. We can come to Him in faith, turning from bondage to freedom!

Foundation for Life's Purpose (Part 1)

Jim Leffel
Ephesians 1:1-14

We are designed by God for a purpose. When we come into a relationship with Christ we receive many blessings from God that are the foundation of our spiritual lives. We find security, acceptance, forgiveness, and so much more. God wants to continue to bless us as He works in and through us to accomplish His plan for the world. \r\n

The Humble Messiah

Dennis McCallum
John 12:12-34

We, like the Jewish people of Jesus' day, are ready to follow God only if He meets our expectations. This type of religious devotion is superficial and outward. Jesus did not meet the expectations of the people of his day. Instead of being a powerful ruler, he was a humble servant. He will come back one day and conquer Satan and the power of sin once and for all. We have a choice to lives our lives in sacrifice to others as well.

The Light of the World

Dennis McCallum
John 8

God is not looking for people who are free from sin and need no help. Instead, He is looking for people who are aware of their sin and willing to receive help. The blind man admitted that he could not see and needed the light of the world. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were blinded by their pride but thought that they didn't need help. Jesus will respond to those who admit they need help with freedom that leads to joy.

The Bread of Life

Dennis McCallum
John 6

Moses provided the Israelites with bread that came from heaven and in this passage, Jesus explains that God is now providing them with the Bread of Life through Jesus himself. We have an option in this life to try to fill ourselves with temporary things or be fulfilled by a relationship with God through Jesus' death. Peter believed and experienced the fulfillment of a personal relationship with God through Jesus; so much so that he saw no alternative to the life of service he was living alongside Jesus.

Leadership in Missions

Holly McCallum
John 6

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called not only to share our faith at home but also abroad, as Jesus has a heart for all people and wants all people to come to know him. A good sign of a healthy church is one in which its members are both aware and excited about missions. For the most effective world missions, the church should be sending people who are already servant leaders and who have already gained ministry experience at home before attempting this in a more difficult field abroad. Today, we face challenges such as post-modernism which often views mission leaders as intolerant for trying to proclaim one truth to a people group and a self-focused approach to church. As believers who are being transformed by God into influencers, we can gain the proper equipping and attitude to overcome this and prioritize world missions. \r\n