Guard the Truth

Larry Crabb

The farther we grow with Christ, the more we understand the depths of the Gospel, at the center of which is love. It is a truth that we must guard fiercely. First, we should seek a vision of divine love the way it is practiced among the Trinity. Second, brokenness over failure to love is the opportunity to learn what love and grace are. And third, we should avert our focus from our smaller story to the larger story that God is telling. As we move toward and experience these truths, we come to understand the truth of grace more deeply. \r\n

Jesus Before His Public Ministry

Gary DeLashmutt

John 3:16

Summarizes Jesus' birth and childhood. Draws a parallel between Mary's free will in deciding whether to let God put his Son in her - and our free will in deciding whether to let God supernaturally conceive his Son's life in our hearts.

Who is the Real Jesus?

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Timothy 1:14

Who is the real Jesus? Introduction to series on "The Essential Jesus". Shows differences between the canonical portrait of Jesus and portraits of him from other religions, current fiction writers, and gnostic gospels.

The God of All Comfort

Ryan Lowery

2 Corinthians 1:1-9

As pressures and suffering mount, Paul shows how confident he is (and we can be) in God's faithfulness. You are able to receive comfort from God even in the midst of your suffering, knowing that God is producing in you an eternal weight of glory.

The Way of Biblical History

Jim Leffel

Psalms 110:4

During one of Abraham's travels he meets the priest and king Melchizedek. God reveals Himself through Melchizedek by showing throughout the history of Scripture a prophetic image of the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus, like Melchizedek, was both priest and king. He came to earth to be the final mediator between God and a fallen humanity. Jesus is also king and ruler over all.

Two Dinner Lessons

Dennis McCallum

Luke 14:7-24

Jesus teaches and extolls humility, or servanthood, as a very different way of life than pride. Different forms of postmodern pride are explored and contrasted with the Biblical view of humility. Opportunities to learn humility are also discussed. Includes references to Aristotle, Stanton, Andrew Murray, and C.S. Lewis.\r\n

Introducing the Kingdom of God

Dennis McCallum

Acts 1:6-7

Jesus describes what the coming ?the Kingdom of God? is like, a concept His audience was eager to discuss. However, Jesus defies people's expectations and describes a spiritual Kingdom that at face value does not seem attractive, powerful, or wise. Indeed, this Kingdom is not about installing an institution, but about spreading God's Love.

The Problem of Evil

Dennis McCallum

Romans 3:23-25

Jesus asks hard questions to draw out peoples' inaccurate view of God's approach to sin and righteousness - where the unfortunate are punished by God and the righteous are not. Jesus' denies this view. Four worldviews are discussed, three are argued against regarding the ?Problem of Evil,? the Biblical view on evil and suffering being the only logical and loving belief system, revealing the real character of God.

Surprising News About the Kingdom of God

Scott Risley

Luke 13:18-34

Jesus uses the analogies of a seed, yeast, and a gate to describe the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is not what was expected: 1) It starts in a slow, gradual way; 2) not everyone will get in, and 3) Christ is saddened by our rejection of Him. God longs to gather everyone to Himself and He gives everyone that choice.