Friends of God

Chris Hearty

Romans 5:0

Faith is not a blind leap but a trusting in God and His promises. We can boldly enter the throne room of grace if we have been declared righteous by faith in Jesus Christ. While we were still sinners, God made a way for us to be friends with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Now that we are friends with God, we can rejoice and have peace in all circumstances.

Entering God's Rest

Ryan Lowery

Hebrews 4:1-16

The author of Hebrews says we should fear failing to enter God's rest. Contrary to popular opinion, Christians should not fear rejecting God's provision and losing their salvation (for that would be inconsistent with the rest of scripture), but rather, we should fear failing to embrace the fullness of life God has in store for those who trust and rest in him.

Our Problem, God's Solution

Scott Risley

Romans 3:9-30

Paul explains humanity's problem with God--that all have fallen short of God's perfect standard and deserve judgment. Now he transitions to explaining God's solution to our problem: forgiveness through faith in Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. When we place our trust in Christ we are freely forgiven and can enjoy humble unity with one another.

The Beginning of the Two Humanities

Gary DeLashmutt

Genesis 4:1-16

In the story of Cain and Abel, we see man approaching God in 2 different ways, and God is pleased with one and displeased with the other. This contrast teaches us that God desires personal trust over mental assent and a reverent heart over religious formalism. God's interaction with Cain shows that while we can harden our hearts against God, God will never stop pursuing us.

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

Liz Sweet

Psalms 130:5

Waiting is an inevitable and frustrating part of life, and the Christian life is not exempt. Though we often short circuit what God wants to do through our waiting, waiting is necessary. This is in part because God is sovereign and knows what is best far beyond our own perceptions. This means that He also has His own timing. We often yearn for growth and change but they take time, as does forming a deeper relationship with our Creator. As we examine reasons why we are called to wait, and who the God is that calls us to wait, we can arrive at a confident hope in our Lord.

When God Doesn't Seem There

Lee Campbell

Isaiah 30:18

We will all experience times when God does not seem present, but several key principles can help us to endure these valleys faithfully. We should expect what is biblical rather than our own desires for God to present himself in vibrant, spiritual experiences. We must exercise trust in God's sovereign goodness and evaluate our own heart attitude and flawed perceptions. Our final step is to wait on the Lord, for which this workshop provides several practical applications.

Why This Waste?

Ryan Lowery

John 12:1-10

Mary pours out her costly perfume on Jesus' feet, anointing him. As different people react to her action, we see lessons on giving up what is ours in gratitude for all Jesus has given us.

Are We Overprotective?

Paul Alexander

Rebecca Alexander

1 Samuel 1

As much as we hate suffering, it is fair to say as parents, we hate even more to see our children suffer. Paul and Becky Alexander share how they as parents have learned to avoid the mistake of following the cultural mandate to protect your children from any and all suffering. They cite studies that demonstrate that allowing your children to experience normal, reasonable levels of suffering actually prepares them to deal with the inevitable suffering, that will come their way, in a positive, healthy way.

God's Message of Comfort

Mike Sullivan

1 Peter 5:6-7

When our circumstances are painful and God feels far away, how can we feel comforted? God keeps his promises, which are different from our expectations. God sustains us through his presence, other people and the hope of eternal life.