The Spirit: God's Conduit for Wisdom

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

After contrasting God's wisdom with human wisdom, the Apostle Paul teaches the Corinthians that Godly wisdom can only be obtained through the Holy Spirit, alive within those who have trusted themselves to Jesus. We can grow in spiritual maturity as the Spirit transforms our mind to align with God's way of thinking.

Two Wisdoms, Or the Way of Humility

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 11:25-30

The Bible discusses the idea of two different types of wisdom. One if the wisdom of the World and the other is the wisdom of God. These two different types of wisdom often collide with one another. One offers true purpose and deep relationships whereas the other leaves people feeling empty.

Collision Between God's Wisdom and Human Wisdom

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5

In this letter to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul contrasts the wisdom of man, based on human experience and speculation, with the wisdom of God, revealed most poignantly in the cross. In His wisdom, God chose to use Jesus' crucifixion, which may seem like foolishness to the world, so that we might not boast, but approach God in humility, leading to salvation.

Creative Leadership

James Rochford

1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5

Creativity is producing something new and valuable, and it has a vital role in Christian leadership. It helps us fight fatalism and frustration, utilizes our limited resources better, and is charismatic to others. This workshop outlines five main steps for becoming more creative. We must recognize the problem, research it, rack our brains, rest and relax, and rationally assess the solution. Through becoming more creative leaders, we can experience positive change in our groups and teams.

How to Ask Good Questions

John Ross

Genesis 4:4-7

Learning to ask good questions unlocks new potential to more effectively share our faith, develop deep relationships, and help others move toward Christ. This workshop helps describe what good questions consist of and explains how to actually ask these questions while talking with others. Before asking our questions, we should prepare ahead of time and be willing to adjust our approach during the conversation. As we listen wisely in conversations, we can walk away more prepared to ask further questions later that may go deeper. The workshop ends with several case studies to practice asking good questions in specific contexts.

Biblical Introspection

Ryan Lowery

2 Corinthians 13:5

Paul defends himself against lies charged to him as he calls the Corinthians to look inward and consider what they really believe. Are they willing to respond to God's truth and His promptings for change? Or are they willing to accept lies? Introspection can lead to paralysis by analysis, but we're called to serve others by looking inward at how God wants to grow and challenge us.

Two Guys and a Bowl of Soup

Jim Leffel

Genesis 25:19-28:1

How do you see the world and your place in it? Do you focus on temporary things or is your mind set on eternal matters? Think through these questions as you examine the lives of Jacob and Esau. As sons of Isaac, they are key figures in God's plan to bless all nations. Esau makes a short-sighted choice to trade his birthright to Jacob and suffers the consequences. The trajectories of their lives is driven by the way they each see the world and their place in it.

Ministers of a New Covenant

Ryan Lowery

2 Corinthians 3:18

The Corinthians have been questioning Paul's authority and credentials to speak into their lives. Paul tells this church that its members are his credentials ? the way he loved them and led them to God and not himself is his proof that he speaks truth. Paul records four ways that we can know whether or not we should listen to a person's insight. We must ask: 1) from whom do they take their confidence, 2) where do they get their adequacy, 3) are they a servant, and 4) do they rely on the Spirit or the Law?

Who is Like Yahweh? The Old Testament God and New Testament Faith

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:13-20

Who is God and who are we as God's people supposed to be? To know God does not just include gathering knowledge about God, but really knowing Him in a relational and personal way. As you read through scripture in the Old Testament it is emphasized over and over that God is love. It is through His love that He reveals His glory, engages relationally, and is working through history. Learning about the heart of God is and always will be fundamental to representing Him.