Ahaz and Hezekiah: Fear and Faith

Mike Sullivan

2 Kings 16:7

What can we do when we're facing difficult or scary circumstances? Two kings of Israel, Ahaz and Hezekiah, both faced threats to their kingdom and reacted very differently. One made an alliance with an enemy, the other took his fears to God.

David's Courageous Heart

Jim Leffel

1 Samuel 17:1-50

Israel and the Philistines prepare to battle. Goliath challenges the armies of Israel. David defeats Goliath. Looking at 4 responses in this crisis we see: 1. Israel is fearful while David has a vertical perspective. 2. David's older brother Eliab responds with cynicism while David has a heart of faith that says "Doubt your doubts! Examine them". 3. Saul tells David, "You are not able" while Davids' heart of belief says, "God is able". 4. Goliath's response is defiant unbelief while David responds with courage.

The Peace of God & The God of Peace

Gary DeLashmutt

Romans 15:13

God promises to give us peace - personal assurance from His Spirit that He is with us and that He will see us through any circumstances in our lives. This peace comes from having a personal relationship with God and continuing to trust Him by focusing on evidence of His goodness and responding properly to anxious thoughts. Through continual practice of these disciplines, Christians can experience God's peace personally and for the rest of their lives as well.

Why Are You Afraid?

Gary DeLashmutt

Mark 4:35-41

In their fear, the disciples jump to conclusions when they are caught in a storm while on a boat with Jesus. After waking him up and accusing him of being apathetic toward them drowning, Jesus calms the storm and asks them, "Why are you afraid?" Sometimes our circumstances or just our minds can lead us to fear to the point where we forgo our faith. While God does not invalidate our fear, He provides us with a response to it that can lead us to real peace.

Two Kinds of Failure

Jim Leffel

John 21:15-19

Both Judas and Peter fail in following Christ. Judas betrays Jesus for financial gain. He regrets his decision and takes his own life. Peter denies he knows Jesus but then acknowledges his failure and repents. After receiving forgiveness, Peter is commanded by Christ to lead His church. Peter understood that Christ's forgiveness extended to his failure and knew God could heal him. God's forgiveness and healing are also available to us when we experience failure.

Who Told You that You Were Naked?

Gary DeLashmutt

Genesis 3:7-13

After eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, Adam and Eve unsuccessfully seek to hide from God and themselves in the Garden of Eden. Their response to God's questioning their clothing indicates something common among all human beings: shame. This passage is the first of many to illustrate God's ability and desire to redeem all of mankind, as well as His desire to provide us with a way to approach Him that does not depend on our own righteousness. In learning how to "take off the old self and put on the new self," it is possible to be truly liberated from the real shame that influences much of our lives.

Esther: God's People, God's Power (Part 2)

John Ross

Esther 6-10

One man's wounded pride resulted in hatred of the Jews, whom he tried to eradicate in 127 provinces of Persia in 483 BC. Instead, God worked through imperfect and fearful Jews and ordinary events to bring about His plans.

Taking Risks in Light of Heaven

Cathy Treyens

Matthew 14:22-33

Most of us are risk adverse in some areas of God's mission. Yet, confidence in eternity can change our perspectives on taking risks for the Kingdom. Taking risks always involves fear and growth. In order to have courage and obedience in midst of taking risks involves embracing truths that surround the risk. Trusting God feels risky but is perfectly safe. Having courage requires the need to fix our view on Jesus and the Gospel. Risk-taking is more about practicing saying yes to God rather than success versus failure mentality. God desires faithfulness.\r\n

Four Contrasts, Four Priorities

Jim Leffel

Luke 11:14-12:12

We are all part of a cosmic drama between God and His opposition. In this, God pursues those who are far from Him by sending His people to them. God's intent for mankind is explored as revealed through: 1) power; 2) grace; 3) contrasting priorities of love and justice; and 4) who we fear.