Four Insights Into the Gospel

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 1:1-8

Paul thanks God for the faith of the Colossians, namely that they had received the Gospel (the message that Jesus is the Messiah and through His death we can be forgiven by God). He also rejoices that this Gospel had begun to change their lives by imparting peace with God, hope for eternal life and the ability to love others. The Gospel spreads through people who have been changed by it, so if that describes you, go tell others this great message!

The Narrow Gate

Jim Leffel

Matthew 7:13-23

Jesus presents the choice between the narrow gate and the wide gate. The wide gate represents itself as false prophets, spiritual deception, and misrepresenting God; all of which leads to destruction. But the narrow gate represents God's love and judgment and the gift of a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Jesus says not many will find the narrow gate, but God is continuously pursuing us to lead us to His truth.

Stephen's Defense

Ryan Lowery

Genesis 7:37-8:1

When argument failed, the enemies of the early church turned to lies and perjury when they accused Stephen of attacking the God of Israel. In Stephen's defense, he makes the argument that God is much more than just the God of Israel. Those who murdered Stephen had idolized ritual practices and were blind to the fact that God wants a relationship rather than religious acts.\r\n\r\n

Praying to the Father

Jim Leffel

Matthew 6:7-13

We learn about the purpose behind prayer. We start with Jesus' message to his disciples about prayer which most people know as "The Lord's Prayer" and break it down. God wants us to come to Him and pray as children. We learn about God's goodness, His will, and His provision; what this means for our prayers; and we see how prayer is meant for us to connect with God in a unique personal relationship with Him.

Who is Worthy?

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 4:1-5:14

John is given another vision that displays God's wrath and intent to judge. This passage leads believers and people curious about who God is to consider what justice means and if judgement is warranted on Earth. It also leads to some startling realizations about the world we live in today and how we are closer to this time than ever.

Three Questions about God and Morality

Jim Leffel

Matthew 5:17-48

We look at three questions on morality: 1) what's the meaning of morality, 2) what's the standard of morality, and 3) what's the purpose of morality? We see from Jesus' teachings how humility and gratitude, not pride, are components in the meaning and standard of morality.

Persecution

Ryan Lowery

Acts 3:1-4:23

Persecution is a tactic used by God's enemies to halt authentic Christian movements. When Peter and John are faced with persecution, they choose to proclaim the good news about Jesus. Fear of rejection and idolizing comfort can hold us back from speaking, but like Peter we can choose to trust God and proclaim the gospel. For a variety of reasons, persecuted Christians often are more effective at sharing the gospel.

Jesus Speaks

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 1:1-19

A revelation from Christ appears to John, which he records in this letter. John emphasizes the importance of listening to the message God presents here because the time of Christ's return will be sudden. He directs the letter to the seven churches in Asia. The significance of the number seven, the mourning of all people in light of Christ's sacrifice, and John's conviction to write this letter are explored. Several ways to interpret Revelation (preterist, historical, futurist, idealist, and blended) are critiqued, followed by John's description of an intense vision of Christ.

Pentecost

Ryan Lowery

Acts 2:1-41

The first Christian community starts in Jerusalem with the disciples and crowds receiving the Holy Spirit. There are instances of speaking in tongues after the disciples receive the Holy Spirit. The Bible lays out very clear measures of speaking in tongues including that an interpreter must be present. We all say that we want to see a miracle but either we will be perplexed or create a cynical explanation to write it off. Peter stands up and rebukes the cynics of the crowd and gives glory to God who has revealed the second part of His plan which involves His Holy Spirit and of Jesus' fulfillment of the work on the cross.