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When You've Messed Up Really, Really Bad

Scott Risley

Psalms 32:3-4

A psalm of repentance to God, written after David slept with Bathsheba, who was the wife of another man. David recognizes the severity of his sin, and takes full responsibility for what he has done. At the same time, David throws himself on God's mercy, His unfailing love, His ability to forgive and redeem. Identifies six signs of true repentance: 1. have a vertical perspective, 2. take responsibility, 3. accept consequences, 4. deeply understand the problem, 5. express joy and gratitude, and 6. desire to serve God and to tell others about Him.

Keywords

{"passage": "Psalms 51:1-13","passageabreviated": "Ps 51:1-13","passagetiny": "Ps 51:1-13","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate": "10/...

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Confession and Repentance

Ryan Lowery

Leviticus 26:40-46

All Christians will experience periods of guilt and shame as a result of a moral failing. Five principles for confession are illustrated by the Israelites: we must acknowledge 1) God's sovereignty; 2) that His Word is true; 3) His faithfulness; 4) His righteousness; and 5) how we have been unfaithful in contrast to God's faithfulness. Ultimately, confession means recognizing that we have sinned and choosing to agree with God, while repentance means choosing to act in accordance with what is true.

Keywords

{"passage": "Nehemiah 9:2-13:30","passageabreviated": "Neh 9:2-13:30","passagetiny": "Neh 9:2-13:30","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDa...

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Spiritual Complacency

Ryan Lowery

Nehemiah 1:1-11

Many Christians have chosen to go through the process of sanctification, but still encounter bumps along the way. They recognize that God has shown them incredible grace, yet still are susceptible to distractions that can turn a spiritual life into something mediocre. It is common to enter into these states of spiritual complacency. The story of Nehemiah contains seven steps toward spiritual renewal: 1) face the reality of our complacency; 2) rely on the promises and grace of God; 3) spiritual dedication; 4) repentance; 5) depend on God's Word; 6) ask God to move in big ways; and 7) be willing to take big steps of faith.

Keywords

{"passage": "Nehemiah 1:1-11","passageabreviated": "Neh 1:1-11","passagetiny": "Neh 1:1-11","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": "08/...

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Saul's Conversion

Ryan Lowery

Acts 26:14

Saul was a Jewish leader who harshly persecuted Christians. In his encounter with Jesus, it is obvious that his passion to persecute the church was fueled by an emotional rebellion against the evidence. Once he saw the truth of Christ, he immediately chose to live out the implications for his life. Ananias was also willing to take a step of faith toward Saul despite his fears.

Keywords

{"passage": "Acts 9:1-23","passageabreviated": "Acts 9:1-23","passagetiny": "Acts 9:1-23","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": "12/15...

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The Sheep Scatter

Conrad Hilario

Mark 14:70-72

On the night before his death Jesus takes his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus is betrayed by Judas and later Peter denies knowing Jesus three times. Comparing the actions and responses to sin by these two men illustrates difference between true repentance and worldly sorrow.\r\n

Keywords

{"passage": "John 18:1-40","passageabreviated": "John 18:1-40","passagetiny": "John 18:1-40","teacher": "Conrad Hilario","teachingDate": ...

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Jesus' Letter to the Church in Laodicea

Mike Sullivan

Revelation 3:14-22

Jesus' letter to the church in Laodicea is a rebuke against their attitude towards wealth. Like this church, many of us have let our wealth cause spiritual blindness. Jesus instructs them to repent from their attitude towards wealth, invite Jesus to meet their needs, and invite Him back into their lives in a relational way.

Keywords

{"passage": "Revelation 3:14-22","passageabreviated": "Rev 3:14-22","passagetiny": "Rev 3:14-22","teacher": "Mike Sullivan","teachingDate...

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The Sheep are Scattered

Scott Risley

2 Corinthians 7:10-11

Peter and Judas both betrayed Jesus before his death - one by denying that he had ever met Jesus, and the other by turning him over to the murderous authorities. Even though these two men performed the same despicable act, Peter became a leader in the early church and Judas committed suicide. These two outcomes can only be explained by one factor: their response to their failure. Peter chose to repent while Judas chose to stay in his regret, and we as Christians are also faced with the same choice when we make mistakes in our own lives.

Keywords

{"passage": "John 13:18-36","passageabreviated": "John 13:18-36","passagetiny": "John 13:18-36","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate":...

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Jesus Betrayed, Arrested, and Denied

Dennis McCallum

John 18:1-40

Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot and handed over to the chief priests and Pharisees to be arrested. Jesus is aware of Judas' betrayal, and shortly afterwards, Peter denies Jesus three times, something Jesus had also predicted. On the surface, the failures of Judas and Peter seem identical, but their attitudes reflect a difference, what is known as metanoia (repentance or change of heart) versus metamelomai (regret or worldly sorrow). It is these heart attitudes that distinguish Peter versus Judas and why the outcome of their lives looked radically different. This attitude before God is important for Christians to consider when they encounter failure as well.

Keywords

{"passage": "John 18:1-40","passageabreviated": "John 18:1-40","passagetiny": "John 18:1-40","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teachingDate":...

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Overcoming Spiritual Sloth

Doug Patch

Revelation 3:1-6

In a letter to the church of Sardis, John confronts their state of being a "spiritual sloth". Digging into the dangers of this state and how it offends Christ, Christ initiates a wake up call and initiates a treatment plan for Sardis and anyone stuck in this apathetic state. Christ calls people to respond by repenting, strengthen their involvement in what they are still doing correctly, remembering what they have heard and obeying it, and to be inspired by people who are going the distance for God.

Keywords

{"passage": "Revelation 3:1-6","passageabreviated": "Rev 3:1-6","passagetiny": "Rev 3:1-6","teacher": "Doug Patch","teachingDate": "09/15...

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