Fracture!

Dennis McCallum
1 Kings 11:26-14:26

The fracture of Israel comes from the sin of Jeroboam which is referenced again throughout Kings. Jeroboams' anxiety and doubt in God lead him to place idols in Israel to foreign gods because he didn't have faith that God could meet his needs and protect his position as King. We are not immune to this heart attitude. We too have our idols that we turn to when we think God is not sufficient enough to meet our needs. This leads to a weak church and leads to leaders who compromise their morals in order to retain their followers.

A Heart of Wisdom

Jim Leffel
Psalms 1:2-3

This passage is a proverb or wisdom section of Jeremiah. It asks what is the heart and what is God's vision for transforming the heart. Jeremiah begins describing and contrasting two different ways of living: the cursed way (a desert plant) and the way of the Lord (a well-watered tree). The cursed way is relying on self as well as actively turning away from the Lord and results in deprivation, purposelessness, and isolation. The other way of living is choosing to trust in the Lord. In this lifestyle, the trusting flourish like a well-watered tree and are able to endure suffering because of their hope. The human heart has a disposition towards deceit and is naturally drawn towards the self-focused way of living. The way to save our hearts is to ask God in prayer to examine us as well as seek him out by reading his Word. \r\n

Jesus in the Old Testament (Part 5)

Gary DeLashmutt
John 7:37-39

God uses Moses to deliver the Israelites from Pharaoh and to guide them to the Promised Land. While wandering in the wilderness, God provides for their needs and quenches their thirst. Moses strikes the rock with his staff which produces an abundance of flowing water. This is a foreshadowing of Jesus being stricken and quenching humanities' thirst. It also points to Jesus providing everlasting life. Jesus is God's provision to meet humanities' greatest need and he continues to be our provision as we continue to entrust our lives to him.\r\n

What is a Family? (Part 7)

Jim Leffel
Colossians 3:22-23

This passage raises some valid questions for modern hearers, such as, "Is the bible okay with slavery?" and "Does the bible address social injustice?" Slavery in the Old Testament was quite different than slavery in the recent past, and we can interpret passages such as these by remembering who we serve and why.

The Mystery of Christ Revealed (Part 1)

Jim Leffel
Colossians 1:24-2:5

Paul's wish is for the Colossians to have "complete confidence" in God's plan. Despite the limited understanding people have, they can have experiences, witness miracles, and receive revelations that validate God's trustworthiness. Specifically, prophetic revelations in the Old Testament and layered throughout the Bible point to historical events predicted long before their time, including the death of the Messiah.

The Incomparable Christ

Jim Leffel
Colossians 1:15-23

Paul makes the argument that Christ has the authority and is sufficient to forgive sins. Christ's death on the cross gives the grace that humans cannot earn on their own. Christ is worthy of people's lives, and he is adequate to meet their needs. He is ultimately trustworthy and the only way to be made right with God.

8 Essential Attitudes (Part 6)

Dennis McCallum
Hebrews 13:10-16

In order to be associated with Christ, Christians must reject the temptation to conform to what the world says is appealing. Instead, we should focus on what God says is important, and actively worship Him by praising Him, ministering to others and sharing with others. This form of worship is pleasing to God, and allows us to stand out in an increasingly conforming world. Christians who do not conform to the world around them are characterized by their thankfulness and how God is at the center of their lives.

8 Essential Attitudes (Part 4)

Dennis McCallum
Hebrews 13:17

Spiritual leadership is established by God within the Body of Christ. Christians should obey their spiritual leaders who serve as examples of sacrificial love for God's church and learn how to develop a servant leadership lifestyle. As we learn to follow and trust God, encounter suffering, and develop strong relationships, God can grow our ability to lay down our lives for others, as we try to emulate Christ - the perfect example of servant leadership.

8 Essential Attitudes (Part 3)

Dennis McCallum
Hebrews 13:5-6

Developing God's perspective on money is of utmost importance to Christians. God desires to free us from anxiety and fear that comes from the love of money, and instead teach us how to draw contentment and security from what He's provided. As God provides more freedom and contentment in this area, Christians are freed up to focus more on His will for our lives, be excited for His purposes, and enter into deep relationships with others. Developing a stewardship mentality over an ownership mentality concerning God's money is crucial for Christians wanting see freedom in this area.