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Striving with God

Ryan Lowery

Genesis 28:12-32:30

Most human relationships are based on conditional love, and many of us relate to God this way as well. Jacob wrestled with God throughout his entire life, trying to force God into his will. But God has a different way that He wants to relate to us, and He does this by showing us an example of unconditional love. Instead of demanding a blessing from God, we must learn to see and believe that we have already been blessed.

Keywords

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God Restrains Evil

Jeff Gordon

Genesis 11:1-8

In the ancient world, God took action in order to restrain evil. The first way is by instituting government, including a balanced system of capital punishment for Israel in order to preserve human dignity in the case of murder. The second way is by scattering humanity in order to slow progress. This is because when mankind is unimpeded, we inevitably try to assert ourselves over God.

Keywords

{"passage": "Genesis 9:1-7","passageabreviated": "Gen 9:1-7","passagetiny": "Gen 9:1-7","teacher": "Jeff Gordon","teachingDate": "11/28/2...

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Trusting God with Big Decisions

James Rochford

James 4:13-17

Major decisions are not morally neutral. In this passage, the author, James, gives an example scenario to show how to reason in decision making. One principle is to consider the immediate reward and principle two considers the ultimate reward. God gives us every reason why we can trust Him in decision making.

Keywords

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Dealing with Negativity and Cynicism

Scott Risley

Philippians 4:8-9

We are naturally drawn toward negative thinking, but we can correct this bias. There is evil in this world, but God is good and we have to choose where we are going to focus.

Keywords

Peace
Pride

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The Writing's on the Wall

Jim Leffel

Daniel 5:1-30

King Belshazzar's hubris was able to distort reality to fit his desires even when God himself delivered a supernatural message. The writing on the wall contained three statements: 1) your days are numbered; 2) you've been found wanting; and 3) your kingdom goes to another. We should seek to avoid the hubris of Belshazzar as we live in light of eternity, seek to be made right with God, and realize that only our accomplishments for God will result in a lasting legacy.

Keywords

{"passage": "Daniel 5:1-30","passageabreviated": "Dan 5:1-30","passagetiny": "Dan 5:1-30","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "02/14/...

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Restored from the Insanity of Unbelief

Jim Leffel

Daniel 4:1-37

King Nebuchadnezzar suffered from insanity caused by inner problems with a profound spiritual dimension. Greatest of all was his pride, in which he was self-deceived about his greatness and blind to his cruelty. God pursues him through a revelation of knowledge and a demonstration of His power. When Nebuchadnezzar humbly turns to praise God, he experiences God's blessing and receives personal knowledge of who God is.

Keywords

{"passage": "Daniel 4:1-37","passageabreviated": "Dan 4:1-37","passagetiny": "Dan 4:1-37","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "02/07/...

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Greatness and the Gospel

Jim Leffel

Mark 9:30-35

Throughout his ministry, Jesus' disciples could not grasp the paradox of his ultimate power manifested in ultimate weakness. When the disciples argue about which is the greatest, Jesus teaches that those who are servants will be considered the greatest. Instead of seeking worldly greatness, followers of Jesus can seek a greatness for the gospel.

Keywords

{"passage": "Mark 9:30-35","passageabreviated": "Mark 9:30-35","passagetiny": "Mark 9:30-35","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "06/...

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Samson's Collapse

Scott Risley

Judges 16:1-31

Sampson's pattern of arrogance towards God and engaging in whatever he seems is best comes to a fatal conclusion, as he is tormented by his enemies and the Spirit of God leaves him. Yet, God demonstrates His power and compassion to hear his plea in spite of Sampson's sin. Much like us, God is more compassionate and patient towards our way of living and can use it in spite of our efforts.

Keywords

{"passage": "Judges 16:1-31","passageabreviated": "Judg 16:1-31","passagetiny": "Judg 16:1-31","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate": ...

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Samson: Right in His Own Eyes

Scott Risley

Judges 13-15

Sampson's life, despite being an miraculous work of God, is one characterized by disobedience and pride against God, as seen with his marriage choice, his dealings with his parents and how he interacts with those persecuting Israel. However, God demonstrates His power in spite of Sampson's pride to bring about God's own purposes for the nation of Israel. This demonstrates God's ability to powerfully use and love even those who are arrogant.

Keywords

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