It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive

Jeff Gordon

Acts 20:33-35

God's wisdom reveals that Christians will be more happy and content as they choose to give out to others. This principle goes against society and culture throughout history, but has profound impact for those who hold to it. We are able to give out to others based on God's love for us and as such become a blessing for others. Growing Christians realize more how God wants to use them to be givers of His love, resulting in real joy and happiness for them as they live it out.

Slaves and Masters

Jim Leffel

Ephesians 6:5-9

While the Bible does not promote slavery, Paul uses it as an example of how each situation is a unique opportunity to give witness. The most important call for believers is to love and serve others, even in difficult circumstances. There is a clear path to be drawn from slavery in the world and the slavery humans experience under sin. But, God has a message that invites everyone to be free.

Power through Weakness

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 12:9

The relationship between power and weakness is a key theme throughout the Bible. God's wisdom says that power is available to those who trust in God and realize their weakness apart from Him. As a result, powerful people can boast in God and their weakness while enjoying a level of contentment as they learn to depend on Christ's power to work through them more. Christ's power empowers us to serve others, be nourished by God's Word, and endure difficulties in spite of our human weaknesses.

Freedom and Slavery

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 12:9

A key contrast throughout scripture is freedom and slavery. The Bible stands against human slavery, while focusing on the real freedom God offers to other forms of slavery, including to the law, sin, and other people's judgments of us. God offers us the chance to become slaves to Christ, serving him from gratitude for what he did on the cross. As we live more and more for Christ, we experience increasing freedom from being enslaved to selfish desires and ways of life.

God's Purpose in Marriage (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

Ephesians 5:21-33

Focusing on the wife's role in marriage, the text brings out how she should submit to her husband's leading. This is not passive obedience, but it is: 1) a spiritual commitment in the totality of life, 2) a context to fully develop as the person God intended you to be, 3) a pattern of service advancing your husband's spiritual growth, and 4) a partnership rooted in common vision. Submission in the Biblical sense is purposeful.

Paul's Speech at Ephesus

Dennis McCallum

Acts 20

Paul's defends himself as a Christian worker to the elders in the Ephesian church. In this discourse, we see 11 central themes of effective Christian ministry.

Disciples with Disabilities

Greg Roth

Psalms 119:67

In this breakout session, Greg Roth discusses what is necessary to serve those with any kind of disability. We need God's vision, truth, and passion for people with disabilities, focusing on the potential that they have. There are many examples in Scripture of Christ's interactions with disabled people. Studying these passages shows us Jesus' perspective on people and gives us practical ways to love and serve in the ways he did.

World View Model of Discipleship

Gene Getz

Psalms 119:67

Gene Getz explains his World View Model of Discipleship and how to help a church grow. He begins by explaining his succession plan and how others will step in to take over when he retires. He also explains four key functions of a growing church and defines fellowship segmentation. The emphasis is on understanding where people are at and seeking to get them involved in community. Gene concludes by encouraging people to learn to think about life through a biblical lens.\r\n

Lessons from Corinth

Dennis McCallum

Acts 18

The ancient city of Corinth is introduced as the Apostle Paul travels from Athens to Corinth, in the middle of his second missionary journey. Because of the contention between Paul and his critics, Paul intentionally became a ?tent maker? to ensure no unnecessary boundary remained for Paul to share the Gospel. Biblical principles on money, sacrificial Christian service, and church finances are explored.\r\n