Living in the Future Now

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

We can live distinctly in Christian community because of God's involvement. It is His will that His people live in peace. His power transforms us and results in changed lives. Christian community should have five distinct qualities: 1) encouragement; 2) admonition; 3) helpfulness; 4) patience; and 5) graciousness. God cares for our lives and is faithful to bring about positive changes.

The New Worship & Gratitude

Gary DeLashmutt

Hebrews 13:15

God doesn't need our gratitude as validation for Himself, so why does it matter? Firstly, our level of gratitude reveals our spiritual health. Gratitude is a natural response to grace, so if we are understanding grace, we should be expressing gratitude. Gratitude is also a medicine that promotes spiritual health. This means we should be practicing gratitude actively. Several helpful ways to do this are to utilize spiritual songs, ask God to sensitize you to grumbling (and give others the green light to say something to you about it), keep a journal, reflect, thank others, and spend time with other grateful people.

Sex and Teens

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Paul teaches that sexuality is impacted largely by identity, culture, and conformity. He teaches that God wants His people to live distinctly in this life. God's way is better than the culture's way. The teenage years are a time of seeking to belong and be normal through sexual identity. Parents and the Christian community (peers and other parents) have a huge role in working together to influence their teens along God's ways. This is much more effective than trying to figure things out alone while under the culture's influence.\r\n

Three Assumptions About Sex

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Paul teaches the Thessalonians to follow God's will for sexuality and to be sanctified in this area. He explains that this means we live distinctly from the culture in regards to sex. The Roman views of sex and family are the same as our contemporary views. Paul addresses three assumptions about sex: 1) sex is an amoral natural impulse; 2) anything goes between consenting adults; and 3) how we view the self. He teaches that biblical sexuality is radically different and better.\r\n

Running the Race (Part 2)

Gary DeLashmutt

Hebrews 12:2-13

Continuing in learning how to run with endurance, two more keys are presented. The third key is to focus your attention on Jesus as an example and provider. The fourth is to cooperate with the trainer, knowing that He is motivated by love, and knowing that the benefit of running the race will come later.

Running the Race (Part 1)

Gary DeLashmutt

Hebrews 12:1

God has a race for His people to run! It requires endurance and several key points. The first key is to get rid of all suitcases. These can be the sins that hinder us or the activities we do that aren't morally wrong but still slow us down. The second key is to get strength from other veteran runners. Characters from the Old and New Testaments, biographies of other Christian workers, and Christian workers God puts in one's life can be great sources of motivation and encouragement.

How to Suffer Victoriously

Jim Leffel

Romans 6:3-4

How do we suffer in a way that does not destroy our lives? We are commanded to arm ourselves for suffering. Deep within we must understand our participation in the death of Christ. If we are dead to what this world is about, then we do not have to be driven by fear anymore. Peter gives practical instructions for suffering victoriously. Video clips from Titanic and Band of Brothers are shown.\r\n

Examples of a Transformed Life

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 5:25-6:9

Paul has been discussing how to achieve spiritual growth. He now gives examples of what it looks like to live a transformed life. When we live our lives according to the Spirit, we live to serve others.

A Transformed Life

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 5:19-23

In order to see spiritual growth in our lives, we must have a mind set on the spirit and seek out God's transforming power. Paul describes a stagnant life lived for self, one that ends in bitterness. He then describes a life lived sacrifically loving others, the kind of life we can live as we grow with God. What does it look like to love God's way?