The Prologue

Dennis McCallum

Luke 1:1-38

An introduction to the Book of Luke, including its historical reliability and the case for Luke's authorship. When the angel Gabriel visits the virgin Mary to tell her she will bear the Messiah, Mary chooses to respond in faith and gratitude, despite the risk of legal prosecution and her husband's rejection of her testimony. Mary decides to present herself to God as a willing participant in his plan. This passage illustrates humans' ability and decision to willingly participate in God's Will for their lives or reject God's Will through refusal, failure to decide, or passivity.

A Framework for Predictive Prophecy

Mike Sullivan

Matthew 24:14

God makes it clear throughout the Bible that no one knows the day or hour Jesus will return, but we can get a broad outline of history through Scripture. In particular, the book of Daniel contains numerous visions that, when studied, provide a prophetic framework that informs our view of the future. Although it can be confusing and difficult, this prophecy is an essential part of Scripture that warrants careful study and consideration.

The Resurrection

Jim Leffel

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

The historical accuracy of Jesus' resurrection is of utmost importance as it authenticates Jesus' teachings and his place as Lord. It's historicity is attested to from prophecy, logic within the Bible, and sources outside the material. It's essential for all of us to examine the evidence, understand how the resurrection affirms forgiveness through faith, and respond in faith.

The Mystery of Christ

Ben Foust

Ephesians 3:1-13

The author Paul encourages the Ephesians not to lose heart despite circumstances. He ruminates on his own circumstances (being imprisoned) and emphasizes his confidence in God's plan. The teaching focuses on the fulfilled mystery of Christ and how God's plan has been consistent from the beginning; this can assure us of God's purpose despite our circumstances.

A Change of Priesthood

Conrad Hilario

Genesis 14:18-20

In the Old Testament, humans could only approach God through a high priest, a role that had to be fulfilled by a man descended from the tribe of Levi. God, however, prophesied through David that one day there would be a priest from the line of Melchizedek whose priesthood would be eternal, and Jesus is that high priest. Since Jesus is the perfect and eternal high priest whose priesthood replaced the old one, humans are no longer under the Old Testament law and can be rescued forever from their sin.

What About Priests?

Dennis McCallum

Psalms 110:1-4

The author of Hebrews argues that Jesus is a legitimate high priest even though he is not from the tribe of Levi. However an obscure character named Melchizedek is of an even higher order than the Levitical priesthood. Jesus is from the order of Melchizedek. The author of Hebrews proves that Jesus is not only King Messiah but also our permanent high priest who has replaced all others. When the Levitical priesthood was nullified, so was the rest of the law. This enables believers to draw near to God.

The Birth of Jesus

Jim Leffel

Luke 2:1-14

The circumstances of Jesus' birth are in one sense obscure, but in another, fulfilled prophecy of eternal importance--that of the awaited Messiah. While it was not the fulfillment people expected, it demonstrates God's willingness to extend a solution to people's greatest need--forgiveness--allowing them to enter into a relationship with God.

The Righteous Sufferer

Dennis McCallum

Isaiah 53:5-56

A remarkable, messianic psalm predicting Jesus' experience on the cross. Written over 1,000 years before His crucifixion, this psalm was known and sung by the Jews. When Jesus cried out on the cross, ?My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?,? He was trying to get their attention that this prophetic psalm was being fulfilled. This is incredible evidence for the Christian faith -- will you pay attention to His death on the cross?

Cries of Anguish

Conrad Hilario

Mark 15:33-36

My God, my God; why have you forsaken me? Why were these words spoken by Christ on the cross? Christ experiences separation from the Father in order to pay for the sins of the world. This Psalm details the event of the Messiah's death at the hands of His enemies.