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Romans 12 - Renewal or Conformity?

Dennis McCallum
Romans 12:1-5

As believers in Christ, we have two choices: we can conform to the values of this world, or we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We cannot straddle the line between these two choices, but are called to make a conscious decision and effort to be transformed by God. That decision allows us to make an eternal impact instead of investing in the fleeting things of this world. It also causes us to grow deep relationships alongside others in the body of Christ who are being transformed by God with us. When Christians choose to be transformed in this way, they become more persuasive, more zealous, and more mature in their spiritual lives.

Keywords

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Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ (Part 2)

Scott Risley
Ephesians 1:11-23

Paul continues explaining the spiritual blessings that come from having a relationship with God. Paul adds two to the list: receiving an eternal inheritance and being sealed with the Holy Spirit. Ongoing growth in knowing and experiencing God is essential for spiritual growth. God has given confident hope, value and power to His children which can positively impact their lives.\r\n

Keywords

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The Normal Christian Life

Gary DeLashmutt
John 14-16

Jesus' farewell discourse describes the normal Christian life as a life of supernatural provisions in the midst of extraordinary difficulties. Three difficulties are presented: 1) Jesus will not be physically present; 2) we are living in a hostile world; and 3) we are given a humanly impossible mission. Four provisions are given: 1) hope in the eternal kingdom; 2) access to God through prayer; 3) help through the Holy Spirit; and 4) the authority of Jesus over the world system.

Keywords

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What Must I Do?

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 19:9-30

A man asked Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life. This reflects the typical religious attitude Jesus had been teaching against. The man ended up walking away saddened, because he wanted to earn righteous standing instead of simply asking for mercy from Jesus. Jesus' conversation with the man highlights the deceitfulness of the human heart and exposes what the man truly wanted, which wasn't forgiveness. Often, people are deceived into thinking they can do enough to be good with God, but in reality all people need to simply ask for God to have mercy on them through Jesus.

Keywords

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The Transfiguration and Metamorphosis

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 16:28-17:5

Peter, James and John witness Jesus transfigure before them. Elijah and Moses appear with Jesus. This incredible account shows that God wants show Himself at key times and in various ways. This spiritual experience that Peter, James and John had is an instance of God providing such experiences right before He calls for self-sacrifice and a new level of commitment. As Christians we should welcome spiritual experiences, but not idolize them. This account also reveals how the Old Testament prefigured and validated the New Testament, and thus how we can trust Jesus and what he says about needing forgiveness.

Keywords

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Through A Mirror Dimly

Jim Leffel
1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Paul concludes his famous passage on love by unpacking the triumph and centrality of love in the Christian life. He details three dimensions of biblical spirituality: faith, hope and love (which he calls the greatest of the three). This is because now we see as "through a mirror dimly", knowing truth but not in its entirety; but one day we will be face to face with God. On that day, faith and hope will no longer be necessary. But love will endure forever, so we should pursue deepening love relationships that will last for eternity.

Keywords

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Three Important Questions

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 16:1-27

Through his interactions with the Pharisees and his disciples, Jesus brings up three major questions that are worth answering. The first question that comes up is who people think Jesus really is. Peter responds that he is the son of God, and Jesus promises that he will build his church to which nothing will overpower it, not even Satan. The second question concerns the call of discipleship, and if people are willing to follow Jesus' radical call of self-sacrifice. The last question concerns the cost of not following after Jesus, which is the forfeiture of one's own soul as Jesus will ultimately judge people according to their deeds. People must make a clear decision on what they think about Jesus.

Keywords

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The Feeding of the 5000

Scott Risley
Matthew 14:1-21

When Jesus fed the five thousand with just a few scraps of bread and fish He was teaching a bigger lesson. He was demonstrating that He is willing to provide for our deepest needs even beyond food. He is offering eternal life. Another lesson is that He loves to use other people as His agents of provision. When we allow God to use us to meet the needs of others, their needs are met, it gives significance to our lives and it spiritually feeds us too.

Keywords

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Cultivating an Eager Anticipation of Jesus' Return

Gary DeLashmutt
2 Peter 3:1-16

Peter gives us three ways to cultivate an eager expectation of Jesus' return?one for our hearts (what we desire), one for our heads (what we understand), and one for our hands (what we do; how we live). When you love Jesus with your heart, head, and hands, your life will become much simpler and fuller?and your desire for his return will grow. \r\n\r\n

Keywords

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