Knowing Christ

Mike Sullivan

John 12:23-24

As people who have been made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ, Christians are now capable of growing in their personal relationship with Him. This growth is a privilege, and even though it should be a passion for all believers, it is easy to devalue the importance and joy that comes from knowing Jesus personally. To grow in our relationship with God involves admitting that: we have not arrived at a perfect knowledge of Christ yet, sharing in Christ's sufferings, and realizing we have not yet arrived at perfect knowledge and will not do so in this life.

The Resurrection

Jim Leffel

Luke 24:1-12

Is it reasonable to believe in the resurrection of Christ? The account of the empty tomb is presented and the historicity of the event is examined. Prophecy and historical evidence from the Old Testament book of Psalms and the letters of Paul are explained in connection to the resurrection.

Mountaintop Experience

Conrad Hilario

2 Peter 1:16-18

Jesus takes his three closest disciples---Peter, John and James---up to a mountain to pray. There, Jesus transforms into his glorified state. Moses and Elijah meet with Jesus. The disciples hear God's voice call Jesus ?His Chosen One,? referring to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. This moment displays for the disciples and followers today that Jesus is God's son and the predicted Messiah; he supersedes Moses, the Prophets and the Law. Later in Peter's writings, he refers to this mountaintop experience and how God used it as an encouragement. Believers should enjoy and remember moments when they personally experience God, but we should not rely on the fleeting experiences for our faith alone.

A Mountaintop Experience

Scott Risley

Luke 9:27-36

Peter, James and John see Jesus' majesty and glory in his transfiguration on the mountaintop. Elijah and Moses appear with Jesus in his glorious splendor and God reveals Jesus as His Son. Key points discussed include: 1) the greatness of Jesus; 2) how to view spiritual experiences; and 3) God wants you to be transformed too.

Two Pivotal Decisions

Conrad Hilario

Mark 9:57-62

Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is. Peter responds that he is the Christ, the prophesied Messiah. There are many ways people today respond to Jesus' question regarding his identity, including: 1) he was a simply a good teacher, 2) he was a liar, 3) he was a legend, 4) he was lunatic, or 5) he was indeed the Savior and Son of God. Jesus asks of everyone on earth who do you believe that I am, and all must answer. Of those who want to follow him, Jesus tells his disciples that they must deny themselves and pick up their cross daily. His followers must be willing to endure suffering for his mission.

The Two Most Important Decisions You Will Ever Make

Scott Risley

Luke 9:57-62

Jesus asks the disciples, ?Who do you say that I am?? Four responses to Jesus' identity are examined: 1) legend; 2) New Age guru; 3) lunatic; and 4) moral teacher. Peter identifies Jesus as the Messiah and learns what it means to be a follower of Christ.

God's Empowerment

Conrad Hilario

John 6:26-27

Jesus gathers the twelve disciples and sends them to preach about the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Afterwards, Jesus and the disciples retreat to Bethsiada to talk about their experiences. However, a crowd of five thousand people follow Jesus, and instead of sending away the people, Jesus heals and teaches them. The disciples give Jesus the small meal they have to offer, and Jesus prays and multiples the food, enough for both the crowd and the twelve. The disciples learn how God can use them and how to have a horizontal perspective (focus on God) versus a vertical perspective (eyes on circumstance and situation).

The Last Supper

Jim Leffel

Exodus 12:1-23

The narrative of the Last Supper begins with the sacrifice of the Passover lamb. The original Passover narrative is recorded in Exodus 12. The Passover lamb foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Jesus introduces Communion at this Passover feast. The purpose of the communion tradition is to remember Christ's sacrifice and to bring the Christian community together.

What Do You Want Me to Do?

Gary DeLashmutt

Mark 10:46-52

When Jesus restores Bartimeaus' sight in Jericho, He not only provides Bartimaeus physical healing but also the sign that he offers humanity - salvation. In this passage, Jesus is described by Mark as the promised Messiah, one who is interested in the needs of individuals, and also inclined to bless. When we, like Bartimaeus, can identify answered prayers, pray specific prayers, and pray in faith, our relationship with God and understanding of His Will will be enhanced.