Everything's Going According to Plan

Ben Foust
Romans 10:1-11:36

Referencing many Old Testament scriptures, Paul explains Israel's place in God's post-Christ plan.

What is a Christian

Ryan Lowery
1 Corinthians 15:1-19

Paul lays out what concepts in the scriptures are essential doctrine, such as being saved by faith alone, or believing in the resurrection of Christ. We do not need to believe in non-essential doctrine in order to be a Christian, but Lowery posits that there is still benefit in wrestling with God through these non-essential concepts.

Want to Make an Impact?

Scott Risley
1 Thessalonians 2

If you want to make an impact in this world, you must start with asking God for eternal life. Then, share it boldly with others. Follow Paul's example of holding forth the Word of God and seeking only to please God. Learn to love with tenderness as well as toughness when needed.

The Enduring Word

Ben Foust
1 Peter 1:22-2:3

God speaks into the world through His Word. We can be saved by hearing the Word of truth. Once saved, we can grow in spiritual maturity by the Word. God wants to gradually transform all areas of our lives. We grow by allowing the Word to renew our minds. It builds our faith, convicts our hearts, nourishes our souls, rouses our passions, makes us wise, and empowers our ministry

The Armor of God

Scott Risley
Ephesians 6:10-24

A spiritual battle rages around us that is a battle for truth with eternal consequences. We are called to stand firm not by our own strength but in the Lord's. We are to take up the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil. We are to rely on God's truth, His righteousness, the peace that comes from the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer.

The Full Armor of God

Conrad Hilario
Ephesians 6:10-24

Paul warns his audience that their struggle is not against other humans but evil spiritual forces, namely Satan. We need to be prepared to fight with the Word of God's truth, relying not on our own righteousness but on Christ's righteousness. The full armor of God consists of truth, righteousness (Christ's), gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God and finally, prayer.

Avoiding Spiritual Deception

Mike Sullivan
2 Corinthians 11:1-21

Paul uses sarcasm to rebuke the Corinthians for being so easily deceived by false teachers. He gives three ways to be spiritually deceived. First, assume everyone who mentions Jesus or uses spiritual language is from God. Second, when listening to someone teach, prioritize the experience over their content. Third, accept "spiritual" justifications for greed. If you do not want to be spiritually deceived, then instead, expect counterfeit forms of Christianity, evaluate the message in light of the Bible, and look for evidence of financial integrity.

Understanding Satan's Tactics

Conrad Hilario
Ephesians 6:10-12

God's enemy is real and relentless. You are the target. Jesus never reasons or argues with Satan but declares God's truth. You are in a battle. Are you going to be a combatant or collateral damage? You need to arm yourself with truth. If you are a Christian, you do not need to fear death or Satan.

The Bible and Slavery

James Rochford
Ephesians 6:5-9

Some people today argue the Bible approved of slavery because it does not condemn it. On the contrary, the New Testament decries slave-trade, urges slaves to get their freedom, and affirms the value and equality of all people. The teachings of the inherent value of every human being in the New Testament actually led ultimately to the abolition of slavery.