An Introduction to the Book of James

Mike Sullivan

The Book of James is different than most of the other New Testament books especially in its tone. Other writers of NT letters were balanced between what God has done for us and what we can do for God. James, on the other hand, focuses strongly on what we can do for God. He emphatically urges us to be doers of the Word. He was aware of the extreme need the dispersed believers were experiencing as they fled persecution in Jerusalem. His tone was different also because he was reaching a different audience than other writers. He was urging Jewish Christians to remove cultural barriers to the gospel so that the gospel could reach as many people as possible.

The Heart of the Issue

Conrad Hilario

Mark 7:1-23

In this passage, we will look at a passage where Jesus confronts the religious thinking of his day that prevented people from seeing their problems clearly and experiencing God's grace. Not surprisingly, we see the same religious thinking pervading the thinking of our own day. Join us as we study this passage and examine parallels it contains today.

The Baptism of Jesus

Scott Risley

Mark 1:9-11

Before Jesus begins his long-awaited public ministry he travels to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. What follows is a fascinating interaction of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Here we learn about the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the Father's delight in the Son, and their implications for the privileges believers enjoy in Christ under the New Covenant.

The Human Condition

Jim Leffel

Romans 1

This is a study of the human dilemma and the tragedy of the human condition. Because humanity has refused God's loving leadership, God has let us go to walk in our own devices. As a result, we are broken people and have shattered our intimacy, identity, and dignity. The good news of the Bible is that Jesus Christ came to rescue us from our rebellion against God and our shattered selves.

From Tragedy to Triumph

Jim Leffel

Luke 1:1-4

This teaching gives an overview of the first eight chapters of Romans, which encapsulates the primary message of the entire Bible--that God has provided a Messiah to bring peace between God and man, turning tragedy into triumph. Paul gives this perspective to help Christians stand strong and established in the strength, love, and direction that God provides through Jesus. Paul says Christians can have confidence in this message because of the testimony of prophesy, the resurrection, and the historical record of Jesus' crucifixion.

The Book of Ruth: God's Redemption

Chris Risley

Ruth 1-4

In Ruth and Boaz we see people who chose to follow God and were blessed more than they ever imagined. We also learn that just as Boaz was a loving redeemer for Ruth when she was helpless and had nothing to offer, Jesus Christ wants to be our redeemer, free of charge. When we choose to take Him up on His offer, we also can experience the blessings of following God.\r\n

The Righteous Sufferer

Dennis McCallum

Psalms 22:1-31

This Psalm written by David was written hundreds of years before the death of Christ. How then does it perfectly explain the manner in which Jesus was killed? This teaching covers that topic and much more importantly, the purpose of Jesus's death.\r\n

Where Can I Flee God's Presence?

Conrad Hilario

Psalms 139:1-24

David describes God's inescapable presence, that no part of our life or heart is outside of his purview. On the one hand this is amazing, but on the other it threatens the autonomy our sin nature clings to. When we turn to God, however, we find that while He knows everything about us, He loves us anyway and that while there is no refuge from God's presence, there is refuge in His presence.

Why I Am Happy to Be With God

Dennis McCallum

Psalms 103:1-22

How do we approach an infinite, all-powerful God? This Psalm covers that question and how God values humans and our free choice.\r\n