Introduction

Ryan Lowery

Jeremiah 29:4-14

Throughout the history of Israel, the nation experienced incredible peaks where they had intimacy with God and incredible lows where they completely lost their faith. Often, we can relate with the despair of the Israelites as they go through a period of suffering. By looking at God's plan in human history, it is apparent that God has an overarching plan that includes both refreshing periods of spiritual highs and difficult periods of spiritual lows. Ultimately, God's most impactful work for his people often comes after years of difficult preparation.

Resistance Training

Scott Risley

Exodus 4:27-7:10

Moses returns to Egypt and confronts Pharaoh. Pharaoh responds by making life harder for the Israelites. What appears to be a failure turns out to be part of God's leadership training. Moses learns God is the one who will do the work. Christian leaders will experience failure, difficulties and opposition, but they can be encouraged that God uses all these things for his purposes.

I Have My Doubts (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

Exodus 4:27-7:10

Painful experiences, shattered expectations, and a lack of sensing God's presence can all lead to a crisis of hope. A crisis of hope can open the door to doubt. Doubts are not uncommon to the great people of faith in the Bible. God allows his people to come places of extreme need so that their faith will be tested and strengthened into a faith that can't be shaken.

Building Unity with Other Christians

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 3:12-16

Because of God's great love for us, Paul encourages us to embrace a lifestyle of loving other Christians by building relational unity. The local church cannot effectively accomplish its mission of reaching others for Christ and we cannot grow spiritually without a network of unified Christ-centered friendships. By helping each other be filled with the Word of Christ and by persevering with one another despite our messiness and sinfulness we can cultivate a lifestyle of love toward other Christians.

Living Out of Our New Identity

Conrad Hilario

1 John 4:20

Now that Paul has established theological truths for the Colossians, he goes into detail about how these truths can be applied to life. Paul describes characteristics of a Christian who is believing and acting on his new identity in Christ. A sanctified believer embodies qualities such as: compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving.

Bearing Good Fruit

Scott Risley

Colossians 1:1-12

Paul begins his letter to the church at Colossae with a prayer. Paul encourages this group for their love for people and the way God has grown them to this point. Paul also prays for the ongoing spiritual growth of this community. Paul encourages the church to bear good fruit for God strengthened by His power and love.

The Supremacy of Christ

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:15-23

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul explains the person and work of Christ in a very concise way. Paul speaks of His deity, that He is the Lord of Creation, and that He is the head of the church. Chip Geiser spoke about his experience standing firm on these truths in spite of chronic pain.

Lessons on Prayer

Ryan Lowery

Acts 12:1-17

When Peter is arrested and put on death row, God miraculously saves him as an answer to prayer. There are four principles about prayer to be learned: 1) God does not always answer prayer; 2) persistence in prayer is important; 3) corporate prayer is important; and 4) it is important not to miss answered prayers.

God's Eternal Kingdom (Part 2)

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 21:9-27

This passage on the New Jerusalem is mainly symbolic, but indicate literal truths about its glory. It will be populated by God's people, full of the beauty of perfect creation, full of human creativity, utterly secure, and pervaded by God's presence. Christians who focus on their inheritance in this kingdom will have greater resilience in adversity.