How to Instill God's Love

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul describes the way that he loves the church. He explains how the gospel reveals God's amazing love for us that is far beyond our limited conceptions of love. The example Paul gives is of one who loves in a tender and nurturing way like a mother, but also one who loves with the toughness and instruction of a father. We should seek to embody both the toughness and tenderness of Biblical love.

Feeding the 5000

Scott Risley

John 6:1-13

Jesus teaches his disciples three lessons through feeding the five thousand: 1) God wants availability over ability; 2) God works through weak people; 3) feeders get more food. God's blessings always prove to be much greater than our abilities.

Feeding of the Five Thousand

Conrad Hilario

John 6:35

A crowd of 5,000 men gathers around Jesus near the Sea of Galilee. Jesus and His disciples discuss how they will feed this crowd. This passage reveals the differences between having a horizontal and vertical perspective on life. Through the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 Jesus shows He wants to meet humanity's innermost needs and use His followers to do this work.

Feeding the Multitude

Dennis McCallum

John 6:1-14

Jesus is with his disciples near the Sea of Galilee with a great multitude of people come seeking him. When Jesus presented his disciples with the opportunity to feed them, two attitudes from his disciples appear. The first comes from Phillip, who left God's power out of the scenario, and was simply looking to how he on his own could feed the people. The second, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, demonstrates the inadequacy to perform the work, and what little he does have he presents to Jesus. Jesus takes the loaves and fish presented by Andrew feeds the multitude so they are satisfied and even have leftovers. These attitudes are similar to the attitudes Christians can have today when attempting to be used by God, and as we look to move to love others, we ourselves are satisfied.

Lessons from Ephesus

Jim Leffel

Acts 18:21-20:38

During his second missionary journey, Paul visits the city of Ephesus. He stayed at Ephesus for three years, as the city had become a strategic center for spirituality. While there, an amazing spiritual transformation took place as many came to believe in Jesus and remove themselves from occult practices and magic publicly. There was also strong opposition from Demetrius the silversmith, leading to a riot within the city. Before Paul leaves, he gives a farewell address to the leaders of the church at Ephesus, which demonstrates different principles of servant leadership: 1) personal engagement with those who God's put in your lives; 2) telling the truth; 3) answering God's call and being a good steward; 4) looking after and protecting God's people as shepherds of the flock.

From Outward to Inward

Dennis McCallum

John 2:13-22

Jesus enters Jerusalem and drives the money changers out of the temple as they are shaming God's house. Afterwards, he speaks about the temple being destroyed and being raised up three days later. Jesus' audience didn't understand that the "temple" he was referring to was his body that would rise again three days after his work on the cross. Jesus' message was to point out that people's issues weren't solved with outward conformity to formalism, but through an inward change of the heart through a relationship with him.

The Unrighteous Manager

Ryan Lowery

Luke 16:1-14

In context, Jesus commends the unrighteous manager of his parable for his cleverness. Jesus' point is obviously not to promote stealing, but rather the clever use of money. While money is temporary, relationships are permanent. Followers of Christ should use money wisely for eternal purposes.

Some Principles for Servant Living

Jim Leffel

Acts 15:36-16:40

Paul's second missionary journey reveals several principles about living lives as servants. The first principle is that God works through broken people, as evidenced through the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. It also shows the need for servants of God to take chances, be challenged and grow from failure. Secondly, servants of God will relate to the culture around us, while remaining distinct, to reflect God to those who don't know Him. Lastly, servants who want to be used by God are led by the Holy Spirit. Practicing these principles will keep us effective in glorifying God with our lives.

The Wedding at Cana

Dennis McCallum

John 2:1-11

The first of John's seven recorded signs that confirm Jesus' identity and ministry takes place at a wedding in Cana. Here, Jesus transforms water intended for external washing into wine for internal consumption. Through this miracle, Jesus is expressing a critique of formalism, or focusing on the external. Jesus' purpose was not to fix the external, but to deal with the internal issues of a person's heart. People often want to relate to God with rules and regulations as opposed to a real authentic relationship that He offers through Jesus.