Preserving the Unity in Your Community

Mary Beth Gladwell

John 13:5

The depth and length of relationships that we have with one another, in the Body of Christ, is the final apologetic. To maintain unity we must engage the battle in our thought life, practice forbearance with one another, and practice humility.

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.

Pictures of Radical Christian Living

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 9:23-27

Paul explains to the Corinthian church the need to persevere in living a life for Christ. This means setting aside the things that interfere with our walk with God, living for eternal rewards rather than earthly treasures, and depending on God to transform us into spiritually productive followers of Jesus.

Suffering for Christ

Ben Foust

Acts 5:17-42

The early church in Jerusalem continues to face challenges, this time persecution from religious authorities, including flogging and imprisonment. Yet, as the apostles persevere, the church continues to grow as God provides for them. So we too should have a mind to persevere as we face suffering in our ministry for Christ, or else risk accomplishing little.

Paul in Corinth

Chris Risley

Acts 18:2-18

In this introduction to 1 Corinthians, we'll take a look at the history of Corinth and Paul's time there teaching the word of God.

Judea & Samaria

Ben Foust

Acts 8:1-39

Jesus' followers encounter persecution that results in them being scattered. While all appears hopeless, God actually uses their circumstance to advance the gospel into Samaria, just as Jesus predicted. This passage also covers Philip's encounter with a eunuch, where Philip powerfully shares the gospel, dependent upon the Holy Spirit.

Fighting the Good Fight

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Timothy 4:7

In Paul's letters to Timothy, God reveals the keys to fulfilling His purposes in your life; following God with your whole life is like a race or a fight. It won't be easy and you have to continue to remember it can only be done with God as your trainer. There are four keys laid out in these letters: 1) heed the gifting and calling that God gave you; 2) keep a good conscience; 3) cultivate an eternal perspective; and 4) learn endurance from the trials in your life.

Taking Your Stand with God

Conrad Hilario

Isaiah 43:2-5

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon constructs an enormous golden statue and commands his entire empire to worship it under the penalty of death. Daniel's companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, faithfully refuse to worship the statue and are thrown into a fiery furnace. Miraculously, God rescues them and the astonished King Nebuchadnezzar commands his empire to worship God alone. In the face of persecution, Christians today must count the cost of following God and consider whether or not we value Him above all else, even our very lives.

Subverting the System

Conrad Hilario

Jeremiah 29:10-14

The prophet Daniel writes his book to the nation of Israel for the purpose of demonstrating the mighty power of prayer, restoring God's splendor, and providing hope through predictive prophecy. In chapter one, we see Daniel enter King Nebuchadnezzar's service. Instead of giving in to pressure to completely conform to Babylonian culture, Daniel maintains his devotion to the Lord while also faithfully serving the king. We can look to Daniel as an example of obedience to God in the heart of a culture hostile toward Him.