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Reactions to Jesus' Birth

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 2:1-23

After Jesus' birth, there are three different types of responses towards what God has done. The first comes from King Herod, who was very cynical and, determined to keep his power, tried to destroy Jesus. The scribes and priests were very apathetic to Jesus' birth. Lastly, the wise men were spiritually interested and wanted to know about Jesus. The attitude of the wise man is the reaction God desires from all people, so they can find the truth and place their faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness. Parallels between Pharoah during Moses' time and Herod when Jesus was born are also explored.

Keywords

{"passage": "Matthew 2:1-23","passageabreviated": "Matt 2:1-23","passagetiny": "Matt 2:1-23","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teachingDate":...

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Shining Like Stars

Scott Risley

Philippians 2:12-18

The Christian witness depends on joyful unity and is completely incompatible with grumbling and disputing. We need to hold forth the truth and pour our lives out in sacrifice for others.

Keywords

{"passage": "Philippians 2:12-18","passageabreviated": "Phil 2:12-18","passagetiny": "Phil 2:12-18","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDa...

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The Flow of History (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Daniel 8:20-22

Predictive prophecy is God's revelation of His plan for history. This is important for us because God wants us to know what He is doing and has done so that it can be an objective foundation for faith. Biblical prophecy should be interpreted in light of its self-interpretation, its context in the Bible, and by known history. The visions that Daniel receives correspond to a succession of kingdoms in history, and indicate the end of history: that justice and grace will triumph, and that the Son of Man will rule.

Keywords

{"passage": "Daniel 7:1-18","passageabreviated": "Dan 7:1-18","passagetiny": "Dan 7:1-18","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "02/28/...

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Paul on Trial

Dennis McCallum

Acts 23:1-26:32

Over the course of nearly two years, Paul undergoes different trials while in Rome. He encounters the Sanhedrin, the Governor Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. In each trial, Paul takes the opportunity to share the gospel in his defense. Ultimately, he is set free from jail after two years of frustration and little to no visible fruit borne. However, it looks different today as it stands as a reminder to endure for the sake of the Gospel. The responses from the Sanhedrin, Felix, and Agrippa are very common still today: not considering the truth claims of the gospel, waiting to make a decision until later, or nearly being persuaded but never making a decision.

Keywords

{"passage": "Acts 23:1-26:32","passageabreviated": "Acts 23:1-26:32","passagetiny": "Acts 23:1-26:32","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teach...

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Back to Jerusalem

Dennis McCallum

Acts 21:1-22:29

Paul makes his way back to Jerusalem, despite the warnings of those closest to him. Convinced that this is the Holy Spirit's leading, Paul comes to Jerusalem, meets with James to hear about God's work among the Gentiles, and foolishly nearly performs a ritual purification before he gets arrested. During his defense, Paul preaches boldly about God's work in his life, before presenting himself to go before trial to argue his innocence. This narrative of Paul's journey reflects the importance of drawing strength from the Body of Christ, and how the leading of the Holy Spirit could draw us into intense trouble.

Keywords

{"passage": "Acts 21:1-22:29","passageabreviated": "Acts 21:1-22:29","passagetiny": "Acts 21:1-22:29","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teach...

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The Power Behind a Movement

Dennis McCallum

Acts 18:24-19:41

Paul's third missionary journey present four narratives, all which communicate about truths about God: 1) Apollos; 2) the twelve men; 3) spiritual warfare; and 4) the riot of Ephesus. These four narratives, while seemingly not related, demonstrate the power of God at work. These four narratives communicate the power of God's Word, the power behind the Gospel, the power of God over the demonic and occult powers of Satan, and the power over troubling circumstances as seen in the riot of Ephesus. It's important to recognize when God is at work and to appreciate His power behind spiritual movements. This testimony includes audience members sharing personal experiences about God's work and how to notice when God is moving.

Keywords

{"passage": "Acts 18:24-19:41","passageabreviated": "Acts 18:24-19:41","passagetiny": "Acts 18:24-19:41","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","te...

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Lessons from Corinth

Dennis McCallum

Acts 18:1-22

Paul visited the city of Corinth, a massive hub of immorality, occult practices, and materialism. Despite these rampant moral problems, there was a large responsiveness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul's time in Corinth was characterized by equipping spiritual leaders like Priscilla and Aquila, modeling integrity by working for his wages rather than asking for money, and continuing to speak and plant the gospel throughout the known world. The Corinthian church is similar to the world we live in currently, as the empty way of life leads to a receptivity of the better life in Jesus Christ. This teaching includes a short TV clip from a televangelist.

Keywords

{"passage": "Acts 18:1-22","passageabreviated": "Acts 18:1-22","passagetiny": "Acts 18:1-22","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teachingDate":...

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Following Jesus in a Pluralistic World

Dennis McCallum

Acts 17:1-33

Paul reasons through the scriptures in Thessalonica, only to be driven out by some Jews and end up in the cultural hub of Athens. This city had idol worship of various kinds and was a spot for pluralistic thinking. Today, pluralism is such a potent belief - the idea that all beliefs are equally valid. Paul spoke to this pluralistic culture by finding common ground with them without compromising on God's Truth and showing how God is so distinct and true as opposed to the false idols they were worshiping. It's important to realize God's claims through scripture stand in total contrast to pluralistic thinking, and that people must make a decision about the truth and validity revealed through Jesus Christ. This teaching includes two separate interviews, on the topic of worshiping false idols and if all religions are valid.

Keywords

{"passage": "Acts 17:1-33","passageabreviated": "Acts 17:1-33","passagetiny": "Acts 17:1-33","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teachingDate":...

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Three Pseudo-Spiritualities

Tom Dixon

Colossians 2:16-23

Paul warns the Colossians against three false spiritualities that will move them away from the hope of the gospel. The first is ritualism, where Christians do external acts of service to God without dealing with the internal heart attitude towards Him in order to gain closeness with God. The second is mysticism, a type of of focus on intuition and feelings that become more trustworthy than God's Word. Lastly, there is moralism, the sense of focusing on strict obedience to morals, while neglecting what God desires, like love or compassion towards others. Each of these false ways of relating to God can hinder our ability to stand firm in the gospel.

Keywords

{"passage": "Colossians 2:16-23","passageabreviated": "Col 2:16-23","passagetiny": "Col 2:16-23","teacher": "Tom Dixon","teachingDate": "...

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