Walking on Water

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus comes walking on water in a heavy storm and the disciples are amazed. Jesus challenges Peter's lack of faith that he can provide for them. The doubt of Peter highlights what happens when Christians adopt a horizontal perspective and focus on other things rather than looking to Christ for provision. Often, the horizontal perspective leads to more problems, including anxiety, anger and ingratitude. What Jesus is trying to teach his disciples is to look towards him with a vertical perspective amidst the "waves" or problems that arise in our lives.

The Seventy Sevens Prophecy

Jim Leffel

Daniel 9:24-27

The main theme of Daniel's prophecies is that God is not aloof, but is aware and at work in human history. In the seventy sevens prophecy, God declares the year that Jesus will die hundreds of years in advance. God has given objective evidence in history where He has laid out His plan and purpose. Each person then has a decision to make concerning their personal belief in Jesus.

Daniel Introduction

Jim Leffel

Daniel 1:1-4

The book of Daniel takes place in a unique time of captivity for the Jewish people. Three interwoven questions are answered throughout the book: 1) why are the Jewish people in Babylon?; 2) how do they live in Babylon?; and 3) where does history go from here? The book of Daniel, with its many prophecies, withstands textual criticism by both external sources and internal accuracy. God desires for us to be brought into an authentic faith through books like Daniel.

Do You Wish To Be Well?

Gary DeLashmutt

John 5:1-24

Jesus heals a paralyzed man after posing the question to him, "Do you wish to be well?". We may believe in Jesus and His ability to save, but we often disbelieve his ability to offer true healing in areas of our lives. Like the man who had to pick up his mat and begin to walk, we can step out in faith and believe in God's power to heal and transform!

The Gospel and the Nature of Faith

Jim Leffel

Mark 9:21-24

When Jesus calls a man to faith, he replies: "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief." Doubt is a normal experience, and challenges to faith can often strengthen it. There are four categories in which faith can be challenged and strengthened in this way: 1) in rationality; 2) individual experience; 3) values and the will; and 4) cultural factors.

Gideon

Scott Risley

Judges 6:1-32

God tasks Gideon to save Israel from the Midianites, Despite Gideon's doubts about his ability and worthiness, God commissions him into action and assures him of His power to use Gideon. God also provides an outline for Gideon to interact with Him amidst doubt: 1) gratitude; 2) public proclamation; 3) actions steps; and 4) personal encounter.

The Gospel of Jesus

Jim Leffel

Mark 6:1-6

Jesus was a scandalous figure who subverted the expectations of people, demonstrated his power, and refused to fit their mold. As people today encounter Jesus, their expectations present unique barriers to belief.

Fracture!

Dennis McCallum

1 Kings 11:26-14:26

The fracture of Israel comes from the sin of Jeroboam which is referenced again throughout Kings. Jeroboams' anxiety and doubt in God lead him to place idols in Israel to foreign gods because he didn't have faith that God could meet his needs and protect his position as King. We are not immune to this heart attitude. We too have our idols that we turn to when we think God is not sufficient enough to meet our needs. This leads to a weak church and leads to leaders who compromise their morals in order to retain their followers.

Reaching College and High School Students in an Age of Cynicism

Scott Risley

Conrad Hilario

2 Corinthians 5:11

The percentage of student involvement in a church is decreasing at a staggering rate. Today's youth are growing up in an age of extreme cynicism toward everything from people and institutions to knowing truth. In order to effectively reach high school and college students, it's essential to look at the culture they were raised in and be able to both critique what the world has taught them about significance and replace that with God's perspective.