God Speaks!

Dennis McCallum

Daniel 1:1-20

At a time when the Jewish nation has been beaten down yet again, and many have been taken captive by the Babylonian empire, a young Jewish man named Daniel comes on to the scene. Daniel and a few of his friends are specially selected to live in the palace and be trained and taught as Babylonians. They are offered wealth, power, and prestige but at a price - as they are called to give up their cultural and religious identity. Daniel and his friends are respectful but firm in their refusal to conform, and God provides for them as a result! We face many similar choices where we are told to compromise, will we stand firm?

God All Powerful

Jim Leffel

Exodus 13:17-14:31

When the Lord parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to escape from the Egyptians, He was demonstrating His mighty power in the midst of the Israelites' all-out weakness. As a result of their dependence on Him, their faith was strengthened. We can also have the supernatural expectation that God can and desires to perform the miracle of heart and life transformation in us. However, it's not until we are totally weak?until we come to the end of ourselves?that we are able to fully trust in God's ability to work in us.

A "Thorn in the Flesh"

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 6:11-17

Paul had a thorn in his flesh that God allowed to be there, this thorn was a reminder to Paul that God's grace is sufficient for him. God will allow us to suffer in order for us to see our need for him in our life. We need to choose to depend on God with our lives to experience the fullness of His love and to powerfully be used by Him.

Asking According to God's Will

Gary DeLashmutt

1 John 5:14-15

Understanding how to pray according to God's Will includes: 1) entrusting ourselves to God's loving authority; 2) focusing on God's priorities; and 3) listening to God's Spirit. We must learn humble obedience to listen to His Will and present ourselves to Him, eager to live out His purposes. Our prayers should align with what God cares about including developing our character, sharing His love with others, and becoming more attuned to hear Him through His Word. As we couple our prayers with other Christians' and note the Holy Spirit's leading, we can better understand where God is leading us in our lives.

The Simplicity in Christ

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 5:6

Paul explained that the message of Christianity is quite simple. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and all we have to do is accept God's free gift of forgiveness through Jesus in order to start a relationship with God and go to heaven. There is no reason to add any unnecessary barriers to this message.

Stages of Spiritual Development

Gary DeLashmutt

1 John 2:14

John highlights the stages of spiritual development for Christians, including: 1) childhood; 2) young adulthood; and 3) mature adulthood. The focus of spiritual development within the childhood phase includes the assurance of God's complete forgiveness and the personal-love relationship we have with Him. As we mature, God wants to remind us of our victory against Satan and regularly exposing us to His Word and learning how to obey it. As we get to adulthood spiritually, God is able to deepen our appreciation of our personal relationship with Him and produce stability and confidence after years of depending on Him. Healthy spiritual development isn't automatic, but occurs within the confines of a healthy community of Christians.

Joy in God's Sovereignty

Jim Leffel

Philippians 1:12-20

Paul's imprisonment meant that the legal status of the church was at stake. Aside from the unique role Paul played, he was undergoing enormous personal suffering as well. Here he shares his example of how to respond to suffering with joy. Your perspective of yourself, your purpose, and God drastically alter your ability to recognize the opportunities He provides. Paul's joyful perspective in suffering resulted in: the elite Roman guard being reached with the Gospel; boldness among Roman Christians; and the books of Luke, Acts, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. There is no greater joy than to participate with God in His work.

Affliction and Comfort

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 15:32

Paul explained that suffering is the occasion for faith and growth. God is with us in our suffering and He can use it for good. God chooses to comfort us in our suffering when we choose to endure it for His sake. When we view suffering in the bigger picture of eternity we are able to put it in a proper perspective and see the overwhelming victory that we have in the Lord.

The Church on the Move: Then & Now

Dennis McCallum

2 Timothy 2:2

Dennis gives his testimony in connection to how Xenos began as a housechurch movement. He caught a vision of what church could be like through listening to teachings on Acts 19 and 20 at a campus Bible study. The campus Bible study led Dennis to a seminar by Howard Hendricks who recommended Robert Coleman's" The Master Plan of Evangelism". Hendricks also encouraged Dennis to begin the New Testament church practice of discipleship. Throughout the teaching, Dennis excitedly explains the fruits of discipleship and the homechurch planting movement at Xenos. Vision includes the beginning of a campus ministry, Urban Concern, and development of spheres -all today are staples of Xenos Christian Fellowship.