Jephthah: Bargaining with God

Scott Risley

Judges 10-11

Jepthath's interactions with both his enemies, the Ammonites, and with God, reflect a repeated flaw in thinking during the time of the Judges: religious bargaining. By operating out of a man-made system of relating to God, Jepthath misses the point of real devotion to Yahweh and pays the consequence by having to sacrifice his daughter after a foolish vow.

Gideon and God's Strength

Scott Risley

Judges 7:1-8:27

Gideon's conquest against the Midianites continues as his weakness in the face of his enemies allows God's power to be fully demonstrated. Gideon's understanding of his weakness allows him to discern God's will and direction for him easier. However, after God strengthens him and leads him to victory, Gideon takes credit for himself and his arrogance results in religious hypocrisy for him and the nation of Israel. Christians can learn through this passage the importance of day to day reliance on God's strength rather than our own.

The Heart & the Gospel

Jim Leffel

Mark 7:5-23

The Pharisees were confused about why Jesus and his followers did not follow certain ceremonial rituals that they viewed as keeping people clean and free from defilement. Jesus' critique of religious tradition demonstrates that it: replaces relationship with ritual, emphasizes feelings, and ultimately legitimizes sin. The religious approach says that you are what you do, while the secular approach says that you are basically good. In stark contrast to these, Jesus cleans people from the inside out.

Being a "Doer": Inclusiveness and Compassion

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

When we are not taking our identity from God we create an arbitrary identity through distinctions and setting our identity based on that. James implores us to love others as ourselves, and not show partiality based on distinctions we make in our minds. Being a doer of the Word means going out of our way to love those different than ourselves.

Offense of the Gospel

Jim Leffel

Mark 2:23-3:12

The sabbath law prescribed a weekly day of rest and celebration. The purpose of the law was for our good, and was meant to be a system of values and priorities. When Jesus gleans on the Sabbath, which was allowed by the law, the religious leaders are filled with murderous rage. This is because the kind of grace that changes lives also exposes religious impotence and sick attitudes, challenges assumptions, and threatens self-justification.

Basic Training

Scott Risley

1 Kings 15-17

Israel is led by a series of progressively evil, short-lived kings. Ahab and Jezebel take over, installing altars to Baal and an Asherah pole. This angers the Lord and he sends Elijah, the prophet, to tell Ahab there will be no rain for three years in Israel. Elijah goes into hiding, eventually meeting a widow with enough flour and oil for one last meal before starvation.

Rehoboam and Jeroboam

Scott Risley

1 Kings 11-14

Solomon dies and his foolish son, Rehoboam, ascends the throne of Israel. The community leaders approach him, begging Rehoboam to lighten the severe taxes and labor requirements set upon the people by his father, however, he refuses and promises to increase them. This leads to a revolt, separating the country into two parts, with eleven of the twelve tribes being lead by Jeroboam, who leads the people of Israel into a religion based upon convenience.

Return to the Lord

Jim Leffel

Jeremiah 3:11-4:2

The Israelites were living their own way and following idols. God offered a better solution. Four lessons were taught: 1) agree with God that you have turned away from Him and He will bless you with grace; 2) agree about who God is (He is the Lord and He is good) and He will give you clarity and wisdom; 3) name and critique your idols and He will give you healing; and 4) proclaim God's goodness and you will become a blessing.\r\n

Strength & Weakness

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 11:30-12:10

Paul's revelations and experiences were used by God to equip Paul for greater service. To prevent pride from creeping in, God allowed a unique type of suffering in Paul's life to cultivate humility before Him. As we experience similar sufferings, we can remember that God has allowed this for His purposes, as we learn to rely less on self and more on Christ's power. God can use suffering in our lives to create a proper boasting in Him rather than our abilities, and allows for a deeper appreciation for who He is.