Mobilizing

Jim Leffel
Luke 10:1-24

Jesus felt compassion for people before stating that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Jesus saw people and felt for them. In the same way, God calls the church to see people as God sees them. This includes all people, especially the poor and marginalized. We are called to move toward needful people with hands of generosity.

The New vs. Old Identity

Ryan Lowery
Ephesians 4:25-32

Paul continues to expound on the new self by calling on the Ephesians to be others-focused. Paul speaks to anger, bitterness, selfishness, and finally to our basis for forgiving others, Christ himself. If love is to transform us in the manner God intends, we are to respond to our emotions in a selfless way and seek peace and restoration in relationships.

The Love Equation

Ryan Lowery
Ephesians 3:13-21

Paul stands strong in his faith despite his circumstances. He is imprisoned yet confident that God is powerful and his mission to spread the love of Christ will continue. Paul's focus on eternity and God's promises help him recognize his circumstances are temporary. This challenges us on how we tend to deal with our difficult circumstances. Often we seek sympathy or try to disconnect from our problems rather than focusing on eternity and God's strength.

Responding to Radical Grace

Conrad Hilario
1 John 4:17-18

Since Jesus has fulfilled the entire Old Testament Law and forgiven us completely through His own death on the cross, Christians have absolute confidence in approaching God and can experience eternal security as well. This open access to God should foster a love for others that includes thoughtful encouragement and making time to build close friendships, and this counter-cultural love is the basis for authentic Christian community.

Leading and Following God's Way

Ryan Lowery
1 Peter 5:1-7

God uses delegated human leaders to serve Christian communities. Though no person is completely adequate for leadership, there are Biblical principles to help those chosen for the job. Scripture says that: 1) we aren't meant to lead alone; 2) God's leadership is different than the world's leadership; 3) spiritual leadership is primarily through example; and 4) spiritual leadership is a good investment. Ultimately, both leaders and those who follow them are called to have humility and trust in God.

Join with Me in Suffering for the Gospel

Jim Leffel
2 Timothy 1:8-14

Paul advocates that Timothy follow his example and suffer for the sake of the gospel. The basis for us living radically and suffering for the sake of God comes from the immense calling He has given us through the gospel. Christians have eternal work that has been set apart for them since eternity past and has come to fruition through Jesus Christ, which we are to live out with a focus on God's truth.

Foundations For A Legacy of Service

Jim Leffel
2 Timothy 1:1-7

As we reflect on living our lives for God, there are a few crucial elements that will help us to last the long-haul like the apostle Paul: 1) partnership; 2) restoring zeal; and 3) work of the Spirit. Paul reminds Timothy of their kindred bond serving God together and calls him to continue living zealously for the Lord, elements that will aid our spiritual lives as well.

Ministries of Compassion

Jim Leffel
1 Timothy 5:3-16

We must view our wealth as a stewardship and from the perspective of God's priorities. The western church is in a unique position to strategically care for the poor domestically and to support missions overseas. Kat Gossman spoke about her experience in the refugee ministry at Whispering Oaks.

Passion and Leadership

Jim Leffel
1 Timothy 4:12-16

Christians are called to lead by example, and to view ministry as a gift and stewardship from God. In order to live out this call to leadership, we need to have a focused passion. This kind of passion requires commitment, initiative, and strategy.