Solomon: the Half-Hearted King

Scott Risley

1 Kings 3-11

Solomon, the third king of Israel, had godly aspirations, a humble heart, and God's covenant promises. He was set up for great success. In spite of this, Solomon later chose compromise over wholehearted commitment to God. We learn the importance of clinging to God's instruction over our own plans. Solomon's reign highlights God's generosity, sovereignty, and integrity.

Legalism and Grace

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 5:1

Jesus and Paul both took strong stances against the pharisaic teaching that our moral decisions could make us righteous in God's eyes. When any works are added to the Gospel of grace, it is no longer the gospel. As we have been saved by God's grace, we can communicate the Gospel in the context of gracious relationships.

Things Possible & Impossible

Jim Leffel

Mark 10:17-31

When a rich man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus gave him a different response than usual. Jim Leffel teaches on why Jesus' response to this man was focused on the Law and how their interaction exposed the rich man's need for grace. Leffel expounds on the relationship between materialism and spiritual health then closes with the costs and rewards of choosing to follow God.

Being the Greatest

Jim Leffel

Mark 9:30-35

Desiring greatness is not wrong, and God desires for us to live great lives. However, the mind of man and the mind of God define greatness differently. Jim Leffel explains the truth in what seems to be a paradox: greatness through servanthood. Jesus embodied this, and Leffel provides practical ways we can adopt Jesus' attitude to sacrificially serve others.

Goal Setting

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Paul explains that boxers don't box without aim, and in the same way Christians shouldn't work without aim. Sluggards lust after their desires and don't give out love. God calls us to do His work with His power, but we need to be willing to act on His calling.

Strife Between Brothers

Dennis McCallum

Romans 5:1

There are many different types of conflict that we enter in life, generally God wants us to resolve conflict in a position of humility and doing what's best for the other party. We have been forgiven much by God, so we should be able to forgive most offenses against us. Conflicts can be opportunities to share God's love to a watching world.

Admonition

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Paul praises the Thessalonians for their love, but urges them to continue to excel, especially in the area of admonition. Despite our culture and pride that oppose correction, we are called to humbly receive correction and give correction to other believers out of love for them. As we participate in this task, there are several principles that lead to effective admonishment.

Righteous vs. Unrighteous Judgment

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 5:14

We lack the ability to judge ourselves from an objective point of view, however God can judge us objectively. We should let God be the ultimate judge of our lives. In clear issues of moral failure we are called to discipline other believers in love.

The Backward Wisdom of God

Dennis McCallum

Romans 12:2

God's wisdom stands opposed to the wisdom of this world; Jesus lived a life of self-sacrifice and love while our world calls us to be self-protective. God has given us the truth about this world, are we willing to accept His view of this world?