The Lord's Prayer

Scott Risley
John 17:1-26

The human race has a wrong view of God. As Jesus approached the cross, the main thing on his mind was correcting that view. This passage contains Jesus' incredible prayer for his disciples and for all who believe through their message. Thanks to Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection, we can know God personally and have eternal life. We also have the privilege of glorifying God through our actions and words!\r\n

How to Relate to a Hostile World pt. 2

Conrad Hilario
John 17:1-23

After the Upper Room talk with his disciples, Jesus prayed summarizing the points he made in this talk. Jesus prayed for God to be glorified through His followers, and that non-believers would be attracted to Him through the truth, the unity of believers, and their lives.\r\n

Standing Firm in the Lord

Ryan Lowery
Philippians 4:1-9

Paul is concerned about the Philippians resorting to legalism by way of false teachers, and encourages them to stand firm and united against this teaching. Paul expresses several ways a church can stand firm: 1) fight the urge to live in disharmony with one another; 2) stand firm in the Lord together with others; 3) keep an eternal perspective; 4) let God's work in your life be known to others; 5) pray rather than be anxious; and 6) make time for the things that matter most.

The Holy Spirit

Scott Risley
John 14:1-26

Jesus taught his disciples about the ministries of the Holy Spirit on the night before his crucifixion. Trusting in the Holy Spirit is the key to true spirituality and to all spiritual victory. We can do nothing supernaturally for God without the Holy Spirit. Will you step into the power, guidance, and closeness that only the Holy Spirit can provide?\r\n

Suffering with God's Perspective

Ryan Lowery
Philippians 1:1-30

As the apostle Paul begins his letter, he communicates an eternal perspective amidst severe suffering and imprisonment. Paul actively takes six steps to cultivate this perspective: 1) thanksgiving for past blessings; 2) confidence in God's work continuing; 3) remembering that he was not alone in God's work; 4) seeing his suffering in context of God's larger plan; 5) keeping his priorities in order; and 6) keeping a focus on eternity.

The Cranky Neighbor

Mike Sullivan
Luke 11:5-13

Jesus' parable about the persistent neighbor gives insight into how we should approach God in prayer about ministry. Attitudes of willingness, helplessness and boldness are all critical when we come to God and want to have an impact in His ministry. The implications of listening to Jesus' parable would include praying boldly and moving in spite of our fears.

What is the Blessing of Faith?

Jeff Gordon
Galatians 3:23-4:7

Many Christians fall into a legalistic paradigm, where they believe that they earn God's blessings by living faithfully. While a good life of blessings can be reached by living a faithful life, submission to this linear arrangement actually adds pressure and guarantees failure. The blessing of faith, as opposed to legalism, is a growing relationship with God through faith. In light of this, we should live as children of God, developing closeness with our Father in heaven.

Receiving the Help of the Holy Spirit

Gary DeLashmutt
John 15:1-12

How often do we turn to God to pray for direction from the Holy Spirit? Many of us try to go it alone. God has given us the Spirit as a helper and He can supply the opportunity but we must be praying to see these opportunities and pray for the words to say through the Spirit. Teaching includes sharing from the audience on "How does involvement with other Christians help us to cultivate this lifestyle?"

The Help of the Holy Spirit (Part 2)

Gary DeLashmutt
John 15:26-27

How often do we rely on the Holy Spirit to show us opportunities to share Christ with those around us? Even more so, how often are we praying to be able to share Christ effectively? Paul and the apostles knew the power of the Holy Spirit and knew to pray for what they needed - whether that was boldness, to preach clearly, or opportunities to share Christ. This same Spirit is available to all believers in Christ as a helper to us in this fallen world.