Reaching Rejects: Matthew's Party

Dennis McCallum

Luke 5

Jesus' healing of a paralytic and a man with leprosy demonstrates his radical concern for the outcast within society. He goes a step further by commissioning Levi, a tax collector, to follow him. Tax collectors were despised within society, but Jesus had compassion and sought those who were rejected to be his followers instead of those who didn't think they needed help. Jesus' love for sinners and those who are helpless demonstrated God's radical love to those who are undeserving.

Cleansing from a Guilty Conscience

Gary DeLashmutt

Psalms 51

The Psalms often provide empathy and instruction, and in this case David writes about cleansing oneself of a guilty conscience. When he took Bathsheba and had her husband killed, his sin was called out by the prophet Nathan. In response to his crime and its revelation, David cried out to the Lord. Through his Psalms we learn that the only way to cleanse a guilty conscience is to sincerely seek out God's grace.

Handling Interpersonal Conflict (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 3:13

In the last of three lessons on love relationships in Romans 13, believers are called to always forgive others when in conflict, sometimes lovingly reprove if necessary, negotiate, and most importantly, leave room for God to act.

Love Relationships Under God

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 22:36-40

The concept of love is the summary of the intent of the entire Biblical Law and Prophets. Love is found in personal relationships with others, beginning with God. The key to understanding and experiencing love is to understand and experience God. These theological ideas are explored in the first of three lessons from Romans 13. Includes quotes from "What Americans Believe" by George Barna and "True Spirituality" by Francis Schaeffer.\r\n

How Can a Loving God Allow so much Suffering?

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 1:4-5

Pain and suffering is an unavoidable part of the world that we live in. Much of the pain and suffering in this world is a result of human choices, which is a consequence of the free will that God gave us. Some pain and suffering are consequences of us living in a fallen world; there isn't always a clear reason for the suffering we endure, but we know God can use it for good and can show us things through our pain.

Framework For Successful Community

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 1:27-2:4

Paul writes to the Philippian Christians about the framework needed to have a successful Christian community. Believers share a common spirituality?being indwelt by the Holy Spirit?allowing them to be in fellowship with one another. They share the same source of truth?God's Word. Having the same access to truth enables them to love people in a godly way. Christians also share an understanding of Christ-like love and they have a common focus on reaching other people for Christ. All of these factors make for an enjoyable and deep community.

Jesus Vs. False Religion

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 23:1-28

Dennis McCallum defines false religion as a man-centered twisting of Christianity, in which people care more about looking good in front of other people than what is pleasing to God. God rejects the self-righteousness and hypocrisy involved with false religion and calls us to focus on what matters most to Him: justice, mercy, and faith. McCallum teaches on ways to recognize legalism and offers a healthier alternative to growing spiritually.

The Big Picture

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 22:35-40

What is the difference between secular love and biblical love? Biblical love is so beautiful, we should be wary of hardening our hearts by saying no to God too many times. For those striving to love God, there are two key components: knowing God and loving His people. How these two elements fit together in God's law of love are explained.

God's Triumph in Christ

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Have you ever meet someone and you wanted to listen to them and be around them more? This sort of instant connection is described by Paul as an aromatic Christian and there are a few ways we can grow in being a pleasant aroma to those around us. Speaking God's Word, our confidence in God's Word and the power of the Gospel has the power to convict people and bring them to God. Living out our transformed lives shows something different to the watching world. We can all have this kind of impact on others regardless of our limitations.