Lessons on Prayer

Ryan Lowery
Acts 12:1-17

When Peter is arrested and put on death row, God miraculously saves him as an answer to prayer. There are four principles about prayer to be learned: 1) God does not always answer prayer; 2) persistence in prayer is important; 3) corporate prayer is important; and 4) it is important not to miss answered prayers.

God's Eternal Kingdom (Part 2)

Gary DeLashmutt
Revelation 21:9-27

This passage on the New Jerusalem is mainly symbolic, but indicate literal truths about its glory. It will be populated by God's people, full of the beauty of perfect creation, full of human creativity, utterly secure, and pervaded by God's presence. Christians who focus on their inheritance in this kingdom will have greater resilience in adversity.

The Victorious Return of Jesus

Gary DeLashmutt
Revelation 19:1-21

In the book of Revelations, John receives a vision of a celebration in heaven, Jesus' return to Earth, and Jesus' defeat of God's enemies. Jesus' first coming was as a savior to suffer and die for humanity, but the second coming will be as a king to judge and rule over humanity. In light of this, we should entrust ourselves to Jesus before he returns and be saved. We should also embrace a way of life that anticipates His return by sharing about God's grace, relying on Him through prayer, and enduring injustice.

The Beast

Jeff Gordon
Revelation 13:1-18

John describes The Beast, who appears in the next part of his vision. The Beast is given power from the Dragon (who was described in a previous passage to represent Satan). John describes how The Beast will blaspheme God, have a miraculous recovery from an injury, emerge from a Geo-political empire, and gain worldwide dominion during the Great Tribulation. The Beast will persecute God's people and commit The Abomination of Desolation, an act where he will claim to be God. He will deceive many into worshiping him. A second Beast will rise up and support him, initiating the mark of the Beast (which restricts anyone from buying or selling without it). Ultimately, their reign is of complete dominance and control, but as Revelation 11:3-13 shows, God will continue to pursue people and snatch victory from apparent defeat.

Features of a Transformed Community: Concluding Prayer

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

God's Will for all people has to do with the process of sanctification. Our problem is that we have broken desires, relational alienation, dying bodies, and true moral guilt. Through the cross, God offers justification and complete transformation in this life and in the next. For those who pursue sanctification, security in Christ is the key to perseverance.

Sowing & Reaping

Jeff Gordon
Galatians 6:7-18

The Bible presents two options that we may put our effort into: either the things of the flesh, which are perishable; or the things of the Spirit, which will produce an eternal harvest. To sow to the Spirit with perseverance, we must deeply hold an eternal perspective.

Suffering with God's Perspective

Ryan Lowery
Philippians 1:1-30

As the apostle Paul begins his letter, he communicates an eternal perspective amidst severe suffering and imprisonment. Paul actively takes six steps to cultivate this perspective: 1) thanksgiving for past blessings; 2) confidence in God's work continuing; 3) remembering that he was not alone in God's work; 4) seeing his suffering in context of God's larger plan; 5) keeping his priorities in order; and 6) keeping a focus on eternity.

Unpacking the Message of Hope in 1 Peter (Part 2)

Gilbert Lennox
1 Peter 1:1-5:14

In order to truly unpack the messages in Scripture, we must fight to go deeper into the text. If we want to truly gain answers and understanding, we should approach the Bible with questions to guide our search. As we do this, we can more effectively train others in the Word as well. Lennox explains what it looks like to approach our reading with five broad questions: Does the author say why he's writing? What is the diagnosis, or in other words, what is going on with the audience? What is said about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? How is salvation discussed? Finally, is there a phrase or concept introduced in the beginning of the letter that may unlock truths woven throughout the rest of the writing?

End Times Prophecy

Ryan Lowery
Luke 21:5-36

During the Olivet Discourse, Jesus explains a number of eschatological details concerning both the destruction of the temple and his kingdom. He explains that before his return, there will be many false predictions about him during a long period of tumultuous events. He also explains that his followers will be persecuted in the 1st century and the temple will be destroyed. He urges his listeners to persevere in the face of these events. If we can trust the Bible on these issues, we should trust it concerning other areas of God's Will.