On the Mountaintop

Dennis McCallum

Luke 9

Jesus' transfiguration up on the mountain revealed his true glory, while testifying to prophecy concerning Christ from the Old Testament and foreshadowing his work on the cross. The experience that Peter, John, and James witnessed is an example of God using experience to promote further dependence and trust. Often times, people use experience as an idol, instead of trusting in the stability of God's Word and what Jesus did. Developing a category for spiritual experience without needing them for our faith is important for growing Christians.

Who Was John the Baptist?

Dennis McCallum

John 1:19-23

John the Baptist paved the way of Christ's earthly ministry. At the time, people were confused on who he was, as the two comings of Christ had been concealed by God. People were expecting Elijah to come before the Messiah, but John instead removed a key obstacle to people believing in Christ when he came. God's mystery plan that was revealed through the Cross gives us a greater appreciation for His work throughout human history.

The View From the Cross

Gary DeLashmutt

Psalms 22

When Jesus cries out on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me," is this him giving up his faith in God's plan? No! He is quoting a line from a Psalm of David, Psalm 22, and is actually declaring that God's plan has been fulfilled. This Psalm describes in detail the manner of Jesus' death centuries before it occurred, and the reason for his death. Jesus died so that we could have a relationship with God. Will we accept that free gift for ourselves?

God's Strategy in Human History

Dennis McCallum

Romans 9-11

What are God's plans for humanity and the means to His ends? God communicates throughout the Old and New Testaments that righteousness before God is bestowed on those who have faith, not those who devote themselves to rules or works. All are called to specifically put their faith in the culmination of God's law, Jesus Christ. God shifts His work to spread this message beyond the Israelites, specifically to non-Jewish people; but will come back and fulfill His promises to the Jewish people.\r\n

How is the Bible Different from Other Scriptures?

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 18:35

The Bible stands out from other scriptures in its accuracy of historical claims, and it's fulfilled prophecy. God chose to confirm His message to mankind through these verifiable claims. Some spiritual texts contradict history, while others make no verifiable claims.

Signs of the Times (Part 6): Sociological

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Within the scriptures we can piece together the timeline for the end times. There will be a rapture, the great tribulation, the second coming of Christ, the millennial kingdom, and finally God's great white throne of judgement. The description of the last days sounds terrifying because the moral standards of the world become completely subjective. Anything goes. This will have a huge impact on our ability to experience relationships.

Signs of the Times (Part 5)

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 8:8-11

Jesus' words on the end times reflects all over scripture. There will be a man who comes called the antichrist who will perform the abomination of desolation. He will carry out horrific acts and the whole world will worship him. Our world today is and is becoming the world we see described in scripture that sets the stage for the end. It is crucial that all people make a choice and enter into a relationship with Jesus. It should be our goal to share His love with everyone.

Signs of the Times (Part 4): The Political Scenario of the Last Days

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 17:9-13

Jesus predicts what will occur at the end of human history, mentioning specific political signs that will signal this time period. With supporting passages from Daniel and Revelation, we see that there will be a great eastern power, a unified Europe, and the emergence of the antichrist. Our changing world today points to the plausibility of this type of political scenario taking place in the future.

Signs of the Times (Part 3): One World Trends

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 17:8-13

There are many prophecies that God declares must be fulfilled before the end times. One prophecy that God declared will occur is the regathering of the nation of Israel. In 1947, this prediction occurred. God also says that a one world government will come about before He returns. The threads we see today leading to the reality of a one world government includes: international entertainment; global business; global monetary markets; the information revolution; and increased weapons technology.