Seeker Small Group

Mark Ashton

In our culture today, people are seemingly becoming less interested in Christianity, seen through the declining numbers of church growth in America. Seeker small groups, however, target the meeting and discussion around people who are not believers in Christ. A group like this would have a majority of non-Christians with a Christian discussion leader and be a relatively small cluster of people. This provides a safe environment for spiritual discussion and is thus an effective method of evangelism. This can be especially effective for people who may not be close to believing in God yet. We discuss 10 "laws" of seeker small groups, why they are effective, and how to run them.

The Spirit of Freedom (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

Galatians 5:16-25

Character transformation is an ongoing process that happens as we depend on the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. Developing a radical dependence on God to change us, we are able to see Him grow our ability to show sacrificial love, take joy in other's growth, and stay at peace with people. Other areas of transformation include gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.

New Creatures in Christ

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

There are many ramifications of our new identity in Christ. As a new creation, we have new aspirations to live for God instead of ourselves. In addition, we can adopt God's view of success, seen through a lifestyle of sacrificial service toward others and character transformation. Lastly, we are now seen as Christ's ambassadors, with a unique role and responsibility to tell others about Christ's love for them and how to know God personally.

Working Out What God Has Put In

Dennis McCallum

Acts 16:31

Paul calls us to work out our salvation, in other words, living out our salvation. We are called to forgive one another and move towards one another in love. We have been forgiven so much, so we should be free to forgive others.

Why I Believe

Jim Leffel

Mark 12:28-37

As Jesus speaks to the religious authorities, one scribe asks an honest question: what is actually most important to God? Jesus' response is that we must be able to love God and love other people perfectly. It's not about completing religious rituals - a relationship with God is about love. And yet, loving perfectly is an impossible task. That is why God sent Jesus.

The Effect of Living On

Dennis McCallum

Philippians 1:21-27

Paul calls believers to be others focused and to strive for unity in the Body of Christ. The world system preaches a message of self interest because they see this life as all we have. As believers who know that there is an afterlife we are called to spend this life serving and loving others which is truly beneficial for us.

The Afterlife

Dennis McCallum

1 John 5:13

Paul said to live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul thought he was going to live because he knew God still had plans to use him in the lives of others to share His gospel message. Paul was also secure that if he were to die then he would be going to heaven.

How to Receive God's Comfort

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 1:1-10

God's comfort is the strengthening assurance of His sovereign goodness in the midst of suffering. As Christians, we are able to receive this in two distinct ways: 1) understanding and affirming God's purposes for allowing suffering in our lives; and 2) allowing other Christians to give you God's comfort.

Paradoxes Concerning "Greatness"

Jim Leffel

Mark 10:32-45

As humans, we aspire to be great; this is an aspiration God has given us. So, it is God who defines the terms of what greatness is. When we pursue greatness as the world defines it, we pursue disappointment. Mark records Jesus' definition of greatness as those who strive to serve others. When we pursue God and greatness through sacrificial service, that is when we find true fulfillment.