Why Believe in Jesus?

Dennis McCallum

2 Peter 1:12-21

We can be sure of our belief in Jesus because of the testimony of the apostles, predictive prophecy, and the uniqueness of the Bible. The Old Testament, in comparison to all other ancient Near East religions, is vastly different and does not follow the evolution of religion as it happened throughout the rest of the world, instead remaining steadfast and unchanging on its unique views of the Lord.

The Final Judgment

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 20:11-15

All people without a relationship with God will stand before His Great White Throne to face judgment for their rebellion. At face value, most people understandably find this event horrifying, but God's righteousness and goodness are actually demonstrated in His willingness to judge evil. God doesn't force Himself on anyone, but rather allows people a choice. If you've chosen to accept Jesus's free gift of forgiveness, you can take comfort in the fact that you are completely safe from this judgment!

The Victorious Return of Jesus

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 19:11-20:10

Jesus' second coming will be the most dramatic event in human history, and will bring an end to human history as we know it. Unlike his humble first coming, Jesus will come again in great power, with a host of angels and redeemed humans, crowned with universal dominion, and will triumph completely over all of His enemies forever! Jesus will reign for 1,000 years before he finally sends Satan into eternal judgment, which sets the stage for the final judgment of humanity.

The Whore of Babylon

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 18

This prophecy introduces us to another evil character in the End Times, the "Whore of Babylon", that is used to describe the judgment that God will carry out on the earth. She embodies the spiritual adultery of Israel and the apostate Church's worship of idols as history comes to a close. Also described as "Babylon the Great", she represents fallen humanity's determination to construct a society without a need for God by accumulating material wealth, comforts, and technology. Don't be deceived by the appeal of Babylon; turn to Jesus Christ, who is the source of true fulfillment!

The Beast

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 19:19-20

This passage predicts the rise and fall of the key human instrument of Satan during the End Times - the beast (or the "Antichrist"). The beast will emerge from a revived form of the Roman Empire, will be raised up and energized by Satan, will have world-wide dominion, will blaspheme God, will persecute Christians, and will finally be defeated by Jesus upon His return. Don't respond to this prophecy with skepticism, obsession, or fear. Rather, be confident in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is in control.

The Mystery Hidden for Aeons Past

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 2:6-8

Romans 16 talks about a "mystery hidden for long ages past." Collectively, scripture teaches that this mystery was the coming of Christ. Old Testament prophecies predicted both a King Messiah who would set up righteous reign, and a Suffering Servant who would be sacrificed. Prior to Christ's death no one, not even the angels or Christ's disciples understood that these two pictures were of the same person! We learn that God intentionally hid this plan from Satan, such that Christ might provide salvation for all.

Four Witnesses to Christ's Authority

Dennis McCallum

Luke 24:44-47

Jesus gives us reason to believe in who He is and what He claims. He points to the Scriptures as one of many witnesses to Himself. Throughout the Old Testament we read systems of symbols as well as direct predictive declarations that point to Christ. In the book of Daniel, the year Christ is crucified is predicted with great accuracy. It is not only faith building but it authenticates the claims of Christ. All over the Old Testament prophecy exists and has been fulfilled.

The Last Passover

Jim Leffel

Mark 14:22-25

During Jesus' last days he teaches his disciples during the Passover dinner - a significant ritual celebrating God's judgment passing over the Israelites due to an innocent lamb's sacrifice. Looking deep into the Passover we see the reminder of man's failure and God's solution. The Passover was a picture of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and payment for sin.

The Mountain Top Experience

Jim Leffel

Mark 9:1-13

What is the significance of the Jesus' transfiguration on the mountaintop? Peter, James, and John experienced a spiritually significant event: a meeting between Elijah, Moses, and Jesus. Jesus made clear that He was the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. How does this mountaintop experience compare to the role of spiritually significant events in our lives today? While we may seek out spiritual experiences, we should not: 1) seek them above Christ, 2) seek them at the cost of neglecting the Word, or 3) allow the benefits to end with us instead of propelling us toward greater love and service for others.\r\n