The Rich and the Poor

Dennis McCallum

Proverbs 14:21

There is a vast inequality between the poor and wealthy in the world today. Looking at other countries it's easy to see how we in the United States live in a state of surplus and luxury. God calls on us to support and care for the poor of the world. How often do we simply give out change and think nothing of it a moment later? Jesus calls us to care for those in real need and to give sacrificially so our heart can shift from supplying our needs to the needs of others. \r\n

Representing Jesus in a Non-Christian Society

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Peter 2:11-25

Peter explains how Christians should live in a non-Christian society. One way prescribed is for Christians to resist moral assimilation with society. Another way Peter presents is to be a blessing to those who don't believe in Jesus. Peter explains this includes: 1) respecting governing authorities, 2) doing good in the community, 3) treating people with honor and respect, 4) being a hard-working employee, and 5) patiently enduring mistreatment from others.\r\n

Gospel of the Kingdom

Jim Leffel

Mark 4:26-32

Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a seed that grows in a mysterious way to a farmer. His point is that only God causes growth and changes lives. He also compares it to a mustard seed that grows in an unlikely way into a giant tree. This is meant to describe how Jesus came humbly to die on the cross in order to save a multitude of people.

Word & Deed in Spiritual Renewal

Gary DeLashmutt

Acts 2-6

Throughout the first half of the book of Acts, we see that spiritual renewal is propelled and accompanied by two things: Word and deed. Jesus' followers share the Gospel, and their actions practically demonstrate God's love for people. Word and deed are completely interrelated, and we explore the necessity of action accompanying sharing the Good News.

Disputing with God

Jim Leffel

1 Corinthians 10:13

Jeremiah complains and accuses God because he is suffering. God responds to Jeremiah with assurance that He will restore him and protect him if Jeremiah simply chooses to return to God. God assures Jeremiah that God is his fortress; this is reminder for Jeremiah from earlier that He will make Jeremiah strong like walls. Walls are useless until tested; Jeremiah is now being tested through suffering. Jeremiah does end up choosing to return to the Lord in grace and he was restored to God's work

Farewell Ephesus

Ryan Lowery

Acts 20:18-38

Paul's farewell to Ephesus contains a unique look into his relationships. It demonstrates how serving God is relational, dynamic, and unpredictable. It requires endurance and care for those one is serving. It is also about entrusting yourself to Him in order to give to others with integrity. Ultimately, a life of serving God results in real friendship.

More Ministry Principles from Paul?s Life

Ryan Lowery

Acts 18:1-18

In the ancient world, Corinth was a city known for immorality. As Paul goes there to preach the gospel, there are several lessons that we can learn: 1) Paul paid his own way to avoid accusation; 2) some people will be offended at the message; 3) many will respond to the message; 4) even Paul had great fear; and 5) you never know who will respond. Those that are willing to tell others about Christ will experience the same adventure that Paul did, and will see that God is just as active today as he was in the early church.

Humanitarian Aid and the Local Church

Jeff Gordon

Titus 3:14

How can we gain more insight on the issues of poverty and what we can do about it? Jeff Gordon talks about what the issues surrounding poverty look like, and the issues surrounding relief and development. He addresses how we can help, and how helping helps us! He terms it the philosophy of generosity; in essence, it is the fact that giving to others helps us in a deep and live-changing way. He lays out 4 aspects to understanding poverty and stirring up change: God's generosity, God's truth, pressing needs, and effective solutions.

Adorning the Gospel

Gary DeLashmutt

Acts 5:12-14

Paul's letter to Titus sets forth a lifestyle of adorning the Gospel with good deeds. Four key questions are discussed in this teaching: 1) What are good deeds? Who should do them? To whom?, 2) How important are good deeds for Christian leaders?, 3) How do good deeds affect the spread of the Gospel?, and 4) What will motivate us to embrace and sustain a lifestyle of good deeds? The success of a sacrificial lifestyle in prospering the Gospel is emphatically supported by history. This sort of lifestyle starts with the individual. Each of us should commit to being a good neighbor, volunteering in our community, and investing our resources in serving the community.\r\n