The Functional Centrality of the Gospel

Mike Bullmore

Romans 5:1

The Gospel is not just the beginning of our faith, but it is the source and core of the rest of our Christian lives. There exists a biblical paradigm that illustrates the functional centrality of the Gospel. First, there is the Gospel itself, that Jesus died for our sins, which is theologically central. If we allow it, the truths of the gospel transform our thinking. Thus by believing these gospel truths, the Gospel will bear fruit in our minds. Beyond this, as our minds are transformed, our actions and behaviors flow out of these truths, and our actions become a witness to the Gospel. From this paradigm, there are both implications and opportunities that follow.

Handling the Word Accurately

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Timothy 1:10-11

Gary DeLashmutt explains that the command to "handle the Word of truth accurately" means first and foremost that our teaching must focus on the Gospel. In order to focus effectively on the Gospel in our teachings, it must be the focus of our lives; which means that those engaged in Christian ministry must grow in their understanding of their sinfulness, their gracious acceptance by God in Christ, and their fitting response to God of loving others.\r\n

Reactions to the Birth of Jesus

Scott Risley

Matthew 2:1-23

How do you respond to the King? Matthew gives us three different reactions to the birth of Jesus. King Herod felt threatened and ordered the murder of all infant boys in Bethlehem. Herod's scribes were preoccupied and apathetic, giving Herod the information needed to track down and murder the recently born King of the Jews that the Magi were searching for. The Magi went to great lengths to find and bring costly gifts to the newborn King.

The Dynamic Work of the Holy Spirit

Jeff Gordon

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

When Paul said that only Christians can say 'Jesus is Lord', what he meant is that it is only by the Holy Spirit leading us to faith in Christ that that truth is revealed to us. In making a choice to accept the grace of Christ, we have a second, spiritual birth. A life of faith means doing things outside of our abilities, through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.

Introducing the Corinthian Church

Jim Leffel

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

At the beginning of this letter, we are introduced to the Corinthian church. This network of wealthy churches has steered away from the things of God and compromised many of their values. Paul addresses this church to challenge their morals and their ideas of truth based on God's grace. What makes someone acceptable to God is by the sufficiency of Christ's death on the cross and the forgiveness he provides in a relationship with him. Through God's undeniable grace, it can lead to real transformation.

God's Intrusion into Human History

Dennis McCallum

Philippians 2:4-8

Jesus' birth was a miraculous event that God orchestrated by having him conceived through the virgin Mary. Mary's attitude towards God's plan is one of willingness and personal trust. Jesus' birth was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Jesus' entrance into the world as God incarnate begins with him in a manger, essentially a feeding trough where he is rejected and excluded. This would be the first instance of many as Jesus' life was a portrayal of humanity's rejection of God. Despite all the suffering, rejection and pain, Jesus' birth signifies God's desire to have people come to know Him personally through the cross.

Life and Death

Scott Risley

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Paul explores life and death and how our view of death influences how we live our lives. Jesus has conquered death and provided us a sure afterlife. Video testimony by Wayne Talarzyk included.

Paul on Trial

Dennis McCallum

Acts 23:1-26:32

Over the course of nearly two years, Paul undergoes different trials while in Rome. He encounters the Sanhedrin, the Governor Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. In each trial, Paul takes the opportunity to share the gospel in his defense. Ultimately, he is set free from jail after two years of frustration and little to no visible fruit borne. However, it looks different today as it stands as a reminder to endure for the sake of the Gospel. The responses from the Sanhedrin, Felix, and Agrippa are very common still today: not considering the truth claims of the gospel, waiting to make a decision until later, or nearly being persuaded but never making a decision.

Speaking About Jesus

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 4:2-6

Paul instructs the Colossians on how to effectively tell others about Jesus. His three imperatives include: 1) be prayerful; 2) be wise; and 3) be gracious. When Christians are prayerful, they realize that sharing ones faith begins by talking with God and that He opens up opportunities to speak with others about Jesus. Being wise entails learning to listen and effectively witness in various situations. Lastly, being gracious involves loving speech and communicating respect and acceptance in light of different beliefs and behaviors. Keeping these three things in mind will allow us to effectively communicate about Jesus in an attractive and genuine way with those who don't know God.