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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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A Mountaintop Experience

Scott Risley
Matthew 17:1-9

Initially, the disciples did not understand the significance of their mountaintop experience of witnessing Jesus' transfiguration, they later realized that Jesus fulfills and supersedes the Old Testament, that He is greater than Moses and Elijah. They learned that God is both transcendent and immanent. Peter, in his exuberance, wanted to build permanent shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah to live in that moment rather than enjoy the experience however fleeting it may be.

Keywords

{"passage": "Matthew 17:1-9","passageabreviated": "Matt 17:1-9","passagetiny": "Matt 17:1-9","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate": "1...

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Abraham and Melchizedek

Ryan Lowery
Hebrews 7:1-12

Melchizedek is a little-known character in the Bible, but he ends up being crucial in fulfilling God's promise to Abraham and his plan to save the world. The story of Melchizedek demonstrates both the internal consistency of Scripture and the incredible commitment of God to keep his promises.

Keywords

{"passage": "Genesis 14:1-2","passageabreviated": "Gen 14:1-2","passagetiny": "Gen 14:1-2","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": "12/1...

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God's Promise to Abraham

Paul Alexander
Genesis 22:17-18

Much of Biblical history stems from God's covenant with Abraham, wherein He promises: 1) a land for him; 2) to make a nation out of his family; 3) to bless him; 4) and to use his descendants to bless the world. Over the course of history, God has kept all of His promises. Abraham's choice to have faith in God made him right with God. In light of this, our response should also be to trust God.

Keywords

{"passage": "Genesis 12:1-3","passageabreviated": "Gen 12:1-3","passagetiny": "Gen 12:1-3","teacher": "Paul Alexander","teachingDate": "1...

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Playing Games with God

Dennis McCallum
Mark 7:1-23

The Pharisees dispute with Jesus about why the disciples don't partake in the ceremonial hand washing before eating. The heart of this argument revolves around going through the outward motions without a change of the heart. By partaking in ceremonial washing, the Pharisees were cleaning the outside while not acknowledging their own sin. This issue makes people think they're okay before God when they really are not. The true need is in the heart, which needs a spiritual cleansing through Jesus Christ.

Keywords

{"passage": "Matthew 15:1-20","passageabreviated": "Matt 15:1-20","passagetiny": "Matt 15:1-20","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teachingDat...

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Walking on Water

Scott Risley
Matthew 14:22-33

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water toward their boat, Peter called out to Jesus, who invited him to come out of the boat and join Him on the water. But Peter took his eyes off Jesus and onto the waves and storm around him and began to sink into the waves. When we have a horizontal focus, we only see the danger but when we have a vertical focus, our problems seem more like challenges. As Peter began to sink, he called out to Jesus who reached out and rescued him. Be like Peter, get out of the boat, focus on Jesus, not the dangers, and call out to Jesus.

Keywords

{"passage": "Matthew 14:22-33","passageabreviated": "Matt 14:22-33","passagetiny": "Matt 14:22-33","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDat...

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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.

Keywords

{"passage": "Matthew 14:22-33","passageabreviated": "Matt 14:22-33","passagetiny": "Matt 14:22-33","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teaching...

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Feeding the 5000

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 14:1-20

Jesus performs a miracle by providing food for 5,000 people with two fish and five loaves of bread. The food in this event is a metaphor for spiritual provision. Jesus calls on his disciples to deliver the food, exemplifying what Christian ministry or service looks like, as God uses Christians to bring God's power into others lives. God has the ability to use Christians powerfully, but asks that we be responsive to His call. Ultimate provision is found through Jesus Christ.

Keywords

{"passage": "Matthew 14:1-20","passageabreviated": "Matt 14:1-20","passagetiny": "Matt 14:1-20","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teachingDat...

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Faith that Works

Gary DeLashmutt
James 2:14-26

Does the author James contradict the author Paul when he describes true faith as faith that works? No, rather they are each describing two different situations. James is arguing against a mere mental agreement with certain doctrines in order to gain God's acceptance. James is describing words that demonstrate living faith and this is consistent with God's promises. Application for readers today starts with personal belief in Jesus' death on the cross and then living a life of taking steps of faith for God. \r\n

Keywords

{"passage": "James 2:14-26","passageabreviated": "Jas 2:14-26","passagetiny": "Jas 2:14-26","teacher": "Gary DeLashmutt","teachingDate": ...

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