The Lord's Prayer

Ryan Lowery

Matthew 6:5-8

Prayer is meant to be a personal communication with God, not meant to impress people.The template that Jesus lays out for prayer is to address it in terms of one's relationship with God, declare what is true about God, and then present requests to God. Jesus also teaches two important principles: 1) perseverance in prayer is important; and 2) prayer is good for us.

Building A Healthy Prayer Life

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Paul gives instructions for prayer to the Thessalonian church. Prayer should be talking with God in an ongoing and personal way, with an emphasis on gratitude. Gratitude in prayer is a vital component in light of what's been done for Christians because of Jesus' death on the cross. Cultivating this habit can lead us to a more joyful life and relationship with God and others. As we practice thankfulness before God, we should consider looking at Biblical passages to help remind us of the promises God has made and make regular attempts to thank God for what He's done.

Parable of the Vine and Branches

Jim Leffel

John 15:1-11

Jesus uses a parable to describe himself and God and how he wants to relate to us as human beings. He offers us the life that we desire if we abide in Him. To truly abide in Christ, we must understand and move towards our identity and intimacy with God, dwell in God's mind, and dwell in God's heart. When we truly abide we will bear the fruit of the Spirit, bring glory to God's name, and effectively pray.

Promise of the Holy Spirit

Jim Leffel

John 14:1-18

The idea of Jesus leaving was uncomfortable at best for His disciples. In answering several of Thomas' questions, Jesus gives the disciples reassurance of their future and position by explaining to them His oneness with God, the power of prayer, and the role of the Holy Spirit. In growing in our relationship with God and enduring the trials of this life, we need similar reassurance. When studying this passage, we learn that we can: expect God to transform our lives and answer our prayers, have confidence in God because we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, and understand the mind of God because we can be taught by the Holy Spirit.

Evangelical & Revival Missions

Alice Ott

John 14:1-18

The modern mission movement in the United States was influenced by four factors: 1) prayer; 2) missionary literature; 3) revision to missions; 4) specific plan of action. John Edwards and many other were huge contributors who influenced this movement. Calvanism and Arminianism collided leading to questions of theology which impacted the way Christians were involved in the movement. The spread of the Gospel continued where many came to faith and many were impacted by the biographies of missionaries even today.\r\n

Keys to a Healthy Relationship with God

Scott Risley

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

Paul focuses on how to have a healthy relationship with God through prayer, rejoicing, and thankfulness. Paul also focuses on how we can be led by God: 1) with His Spirit; 2) with prophecy (speaking on behalf of God); 3) not quenching the Spirit and saying no to God's leading; 4) to discern what is from God and what is not by comparing it to Scripture; 5) being comforted by God's power and faithfulness.

Serving Love and the Body of Christ (Part 3)

Dennis McCallum

John 15:4-5

Paul commands Christians to rejoice, pray continually, and to be thankful. Rejoicing is a choice made in faith to remember God's promises, and it often leads to abiding to God's presence through prayer. Lastly, thanksgiving focused on specific events and circumstances leads to spiritual maturity, and these three commands together promote living by faith in God's goodness no matter what the circumstances.

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: Resentfulness

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 18:21-35

Resentfulness and bitterness are real barriers to the love that we have toward other people. God has forgiven everyone for their sins, this includes you. Are you willing to forgive others like God forgave you?

The Armor of God

Scott Risley

Ephesians 6:11-24

God has given us several methods of defense and one method of attack for dealing with spiritual warfare. Paul uses a soldier's uniform as a metaphor to illustrate these practices. With prayer, faith, and the sword that is God's Word, we can stand up to Satan.