Mary's Big Decision

Dennis McCallum

Luke 1:26-38

Mary is approached by the angel Gabriel, announcing that she will give birth to Jesus. Mary's response was one of active trust and obedience to God's Will for her life. Mary had the option to resist God's Will, but showed an availability to what God was trying to do in her life. As we make ourselves available to God's Will, we get incredible opportunities to affect the course of eternity for God.

The View From the Cross

Gary DeLashmutt

Psalms 22

When Jesus cries out on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me," is this him giving up his faith in God's plan? No! He is quoting a line from a Psalm of David, Psalm 22, and is actually declaring that God's plan has been fulfilled. This Psalm describes in detail the manner of Jesus' death centuries before it occurred, and the reason for his death. Jesus died so that we could have a relationship with God. Will we accept that free gift for ourselves?

The Last Supper

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Jesus in His last night celebrates the Passover with His disciples. The Passover was a prophetic picture of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. He asks them to continue on in communion with one another to remember what He has done for salvation.

A Mountaintop Experience

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 7:18-19

Peter, James, and John were witnesses to the transfiguration. They got to see a miraculous event where Jesus stood before them in His true glory alongside God's prophets Moses and Elijah. This experience was so powerful and tangible that it helped lead them throughout their life. God too can open our hearts and eyes to experiencing Him in powerful ways. We must be careful not to allow the experiences God gives us to be the goal. We must welcome God's experiences but not idolize them.

Are Miracles Real?

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus performed many miracles in his day, often he would heal the sick. Many people doubt the reality of the supernatural, but if you believe that God created the laws of nature then wouldn't He have authority over nature? God has revealed His truth and power through the Bible.

John the Baptist

Dennis McCallum

2 Corinthians 5:21

John the Baptist was a "type" of Elijah the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. John the Baptist baptized people in water; this was symbolic of their need for forgiveness. John baptized Jesus, and when he did, God the Father sent the Holy Spirit to affirm that Jesus was the son of God.

The Birth of Christ (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

Philippians 2:4-8

Mary was called by God to give birth to the messiah as a virgin. Mary walked by faith and trust toward God knowing that this was a chance for her to serve the Lord. She went through rejection and suffering in order to serve God, and now we see the great impact she had on our world because she was willing to trust in God.

The Genealogy of Christ

Dennis McCallum

Luke 3:23-38

Jesus (the Messiah) was born a descendant of King David, in Bethlehem, as had been predicted in the Old Testament. Jesus fulfilled prophecies that he had no control over, this is just one way God has shown His sovereignty in His plan for this world.