Jesus and the Law

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 5:17-48

Jesus continues to oppose the self-righteous standard set from the Pharisees. Jesus discusses that his purpose was to fulfill the Law and discusses the weighty expectations of the law, including topics like murder, adultery and more. The sermon ends with a call to be perfect as God is perfect, exposing the problem of humans trying to meet God's righteous requirements. Jesus gave his audience two options: obey the law of God and enter into his eternal award or give up the self-sufficient attitude and receive the forgiveness of Jesus for eternal life. Jesus became the law giver and the fulfillment of the law so that we wouldn't have to.

The Sermon on the Mount (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 5:9-16

Jesus continues to speak on happiness as he opposes the self-righteous Pharisees of his time. He explains to his audience that attitudes of: enduring persecution, being peaceable, and living in a way that is attractive to those who do not know God are what can ultimately lead to a blessed or fulfilling life. When Christians forsake selfish interest and focus on living lives that are centered around loving others and reflecting God's Truth in their words and action, our relationships with one another, and more importantly with God, will be very fulfilling.

Christians in the Workplace

Tom Dixon

Colossians 3:22-4:1

Paul gives instructions to slaves and their conduct of work, shedding light on principles for Christians in the workplace. The motivation to work hard in the workplace comes from living to please God. When we see this part of our lives as a way to please God, our work will come from sincerity of the heart, not for the approval of human beings. In addition, when we work hard to please God, we are looking forward to the reward we'll receive from God in the next life, as opposed to be anxiety ridden or frustrated attitudes towards our jobs. When we follow Christ and serve him in our workplace, we will have something to share, develop godly character, provide for ourselves and others and have an opportunity to be a light for Jesus.

Is it Time to Live in Paneled Houses?

Gary DeLashmutt

Haggai 1:1-14

Sent by God to speak to the Jews who had returned from exile to Jerusalem, God asks this question through the prophet Haggai. The people were supposed to be rebuilding His temple but instead were focused on their own lives. Their priorities were compromised, and as a result they were not accomplishing what God wanted them to. We have the same privilege, building God's kingdom as we reach the people in our lives for Christ. Though our focus shifts and our priorities become skewed, God calls us back through His Word and through other people to remind us of our true mission.

An Unlikely Savior

Scott Risley

Judges 4:1-24

Deborah emerges as the leader which God wishes to use to aid Israel against King Jabin and the Canaanites. Along the way, Barak is called to step up and take a risk for God, but is unwilling. God instead uses the willingness of Jael. Underlying this story is the concept of spiritual leadership and the risks that are involved with those who want to have a deep impact for God. God picks the most unlikely people to accomplish his purposes.

Disputing with God

Jim Leffel

1 Corinthians 10:13

Jeremiah complains and accuses God because he is suffering. God responds to Jeremiah with assurance that He will restore him and protect him if Jeremiah simply chooses to return to God. God assures Jeremiah that God is his fortress; this is reminder for Jeremiah from earlier that He will make Jeremiah strong like walls. Walls are useless until tested; Jeremiah is now being tested through suffering. Jeremiah does end up choosing to return to the Lord in grace and he was restored to God's work

Jesus in the Old Testament (Part 11)

Gary DeLashmutt

Isaiah 55:1-11

Four passages predict and describe the Messiah's ultimate reign but focus on his prior sufferings as God's Servant. These passages detail centuries in advance the specific suffering he would go through for the very people who were persecuting him. His death was the ultimate payment for humanity's sins and our response to his sacrifice on the cross impacts our lives for eternity. Because of God's great love for us, He makes eternity available through simply turning to Him and accepting His Servant's work on the cross to pay for our sins.\r\n

Introducing the Man & His Time

Jim Leffel

Jeremiah 1:1-16

God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nation of Judah and warns them if they do not turn from their evil ways they will be destroyed like the nation of Israel. The nation of Judah is contrasted with the heart of Jeremiah. Judah's heart is unfaithful to God, their destruction is looming, and they will be ruled by the Babylonians. Jeremiah has a heart for God, knows a future exodus is coming, and trusts God to rule his future. In His sovereignty, God has a calling for each of us and He promises to accomplish His word.\r\n

Practicing the Word

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 5:11-14

The aftermath of a hardened heart towards God is spiritual dullness. As a result, Christians in this state are not accustomed to understanding the depths of God's Word, leaving them incapable of real spiritual discernment or the ability to live out God's truth in their lives. Not being deeply rooted in God's Word is a sign of spiritual immaturity and should be a warning sign to being unresponsive to God. Those who wish to grow radically with God should orient their lives around His revealed truth.