Complete in Christ

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 13:9-14

Becoming complete in Christ is an ongoing process where who we are in Christ becomes more and more evident in all aspects of our lives. Living out of our new identity in Christ necessitates believing what God says about who we are, including that we are forgiven, acceptable, and redeemed. Our responsibility in this process is to take steps of faith to live out God's Word of who we are. God's love and grace are motivating factors in this process to love others and help others reach spiritual maturity. When we do this, we are strengthened to be effective in the work God has for us.

Becoming a Spiritual Community (Part 1)

Larry Crabb

2 Corinthians 13:9-14

Crabb teaches about spiritual formation and community. Our self-obsessed nature can get in the way of God's goal for the church. The goal of the church is to transform us to be more like Jesus, to resemble Jesus. Personal transformation happens in community. The trinity relationship is an example of how the church should be in relationship. Because of what God did through Jesus on the cross we can live with the well being of others in view.\r\n

The Need for Authentic Spiritual Growth and Christian Community

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 13:9-14

Christian community is essential to grow spiritually. The mark of a growing Christian involves deep love relationships. American individualism hinders this way of life as it prioritizes self above God and others. God's will for His church is to love Him and others by speaking into each others lives, being there to support one another and sharing His good news of forgiveness with those who don't know Him. Being involved in Christian community is necessary to grow spiritually.\r\n

God's Provision for our Spiritual Growth

Bill Lawrence

Luke 9:23

To really grow in our relationship with God, we must forgive. God calls on all of us to forgive. He desires for us to learn this in community. A barrier to forgiveness is unaddressed anger. We must take our anger to God and not allow bitterness and resentment to build up in our hearts.

Parable of the Sower & Soils

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 8:1-15

During the time between the Messiah's first coming and second coming, spreading Jesus' message is top priority. Only those who respond properly to his message reap the benefit, as Jesus explains through his parable of the sower and soils; those who respond through compromise do not bear fruit.

An Interrupted Dinner Party

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 7:36-50

When an immoral woman interrupts a dinner party that is thrown by Pharisees, Jesus teaches that Simon the Pharisee self-righteously thinks he doesn't need forgiveness. Jesus claims divine authority to forgive sins; loving Jesus doesn't merit his forgiveness, instead being forgiven by Jesus motivates love for him.

Treasure in Clay Pots

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 4:6-18

Paul uses clay pots to explain how God can be manifested more and more in Christians lives. God often times has to break our selfish tendencies in order to have His light shine through our lives more radically. In the midst of hardship, Christians can have real hope as they focus on the eternal purposes of how God can be manifested through our hardships.The willingness to give up the self-focused life in favor of further dependence on God can lead us into spiritual renewal.

Transformation

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6

As Christians, we can experience deep transformation as we live in newness of the Holy Spirit, knowing God has provided us the ability to serve Him adequately. In God's new way, we can more substantially know God in His glory as we understand His love and mercy more deeply. By being in His presence, we are able to live in real freedom under God's grace, which allows Christians to minister effectively according to His power. Living in the New Covenant shows the futility of relating to God under the Old Covenant.

Spiritual Attitudes that Transform

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Paul explains key attitudes that reflect and foster God's sanctifying work in a Christians life. The five attitudes he mentions are: 1) rejoicing; 2) prayerfulness; 3) gratitude; 4) sensitivity to the Spirit; 5) forth telling-giving God's perspective. God is involved in this lie long process of transformation.\r\n