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Following Jesus in a Pluralistic World

Dennis McCallum

Acts 17:1-33

Paul reasons through the scriptures in Thessalonica, only to be driven out by some Jews and end up in the cultural hub of Athens. This city had idol worship of various kinds and was a spot for pluralistic thinking. Today, pluralism is such a potent belief - the idea that all beliefs are equally valid. Paul spoke to this pluralistic culture by finding common ground with them without compromising on God's Truth and showing how God is so distinct and true as opposed to the false idols they were worshiping. It's important to realize God's claims through scripture stand in total contrast to pluralistic thinking, and that people must make a decision about the truth and validity revealed through Jesus Christ. This teaching includes two separate interviews, on the topic of worshiping false idols and if all religions are valid.

Keywords

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Kings and Teens

Jeff Gordon

Daniel 1:1-21

Daniel was among the teenage boys who were taken to Babylon as captives to train in the king's palace. They received education and training and were offered choice food and wine from the king's table. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to eat food that was sacrificed to idols. God honored their loyalty to Him by making them stronger than the other boys and by giving them wisdom and understanding. Two lessons are taught: 1) live in the culture while being aware of where to draw lines. Maintain allegiance to God while being engaged in the culture; 2) parents should be aware of what the culture is teaching kids and model how to honor God as they involved in their kids' lives and activities.\r\n

Keywords

{"passage": "Daniel 1:1-21","passageabreviated": "Dan 1:1-21","passagetiny": "Dan 1:1-21","teacher": "Jeff Gordon","teachingDate": "11/22...

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Samson's Collapse

Scott Risley

Judges 16:1-31

Sampson's pattern of arrogance towards God and engaging in whatever he seems is best comes to a fatal conclusion, as he is tormented by his enemies and the Spirit of God leaves him. Yet, God demonstrates His power and compassion to hear his plea in spite of Sampson's sin. Much like us, God is more compassionate and patient towards our way of living and can use it in spite of our efforts.

Keywords

{"passage": "Judges 16:1-31","passageabreviated": "Judg 16:1-31","passagetiny": "Judg 16:1-31","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate": ...

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Jephthah: Bargaining with God

Scott Risley

Judges 10-11

Jepthath's interactions with both his enemies, the Ammonites, and with God, reflect a repeated flaw in thinking during the time of the Judges: religious bargaining. By operating out of a man-made system of relating to God, Jepthath misses the point of real devotion to Yahweh and pays the consequence by having to sacrifice his daughter after a foolish vow.

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The Cycle of Sin

Scott Risley

Judges 2

Following the death of Joshua, the nation of Israel begins an era that is characterized by a cycle of rebellion against God. This cycle could be described in four stages: 1) salvation; 2) abandoning God; 3) enslavement; and 4) crying out to God. This pattern of sin continues into the day-to-day lives of Christians even to this day, and demonstrates our depravity and God's goodness to take care of the problem ultimately through Christ.

Keywords

{"passage": "","passageabreviated": "","passagetiny": "","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate": "04/09/2009"}

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Moutaintop Showdown

Scott Risley

1 Kings 18

The prophet Elijah and King Ahab put their gods to the test. Elijah erects an altar for the Lord, while Ahab's prophets create one for Baal. Both parties place a cut bull as sacrifice, but neither lights their altar on fire, instead, they decide that whoever's god ignites their own altar is the true God. The prophets appeal to Baal for hours, but nothing happens. Elijah prays to God and the Lord's altar is immediately ablaze, incinerating everything on it. God's power is proven and immense, while Baal is revealed to be a mere idol. Elijah executes the prophets of Baal.

Keywords

{"passage": "","passageabreviated": "","passagetiny": "","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate": "12/15/2008"}

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Basic Training

Scott Risley

1 Kings 15-17

Israel is led by a series of progressively evil, short-lived kings. Ahab and Jezebel take over, installing altars to Baal and an Asherah pole. This angers the Lord and he sends Elijah, the prophet, to tell Ahab there will be no rain for three years in Israel. Elijah goes into hiding, eventually meeting a widow with enough flour and oil for one last meal before starvation.

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Rehoboam and Jeroboam

Scott Risley

1 Kings 11-14

Solomon dies and his foolish son, Rehoboam, ascends the throne of Israel. The community leaders approach him, begging Rehoboam to lighten the severe taxes and labor requirements set upon the people by his father, however, he refuses and promises to increase them. This leads to a revolt, separating the country into two parts, with eleven of the twelve tribes being lead by Jeroboam, who leads the people of Israel into a religion based upon convenience.

Keywords

{"passage": "","passageabreviated": "","passagetiny": "","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate": "12/01/2008"}

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The End of King Solomon

Scott Risley

Deuteronomy 17:14-20

King Solomon violates the covenant between God and the Israelites. He disobeys the Lord by accumulating vast amounts of wealth, wives, horses, and an army. Eventually he begins to worship other gods, which leads to his downfall.

Keywords

{"passage": "1 Kings 9:14-11:20","passageabreviated": "1 Kgs 9:14-11:20","passagetiny": "1King 9:14-11:20","teacher": "Scott Risley","tea...

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