The New vs. Old Identity

Ryan Lowery

Ephesians 4:25-32

Paul continues to expound on the new self by calling on the Ephesians to be others-focused. Paul speaks to anger, bitterness, selfishness, and finally to our basis for forgiving others, Christ himself. If love is to transform us in the manner God intends, we are to respond to our emotions in a selfless way and seek peace and restoration in relationships.

The Patriarchs

Conrad Hilario

Genesis 37:3-45:11

Joseph was a man whose life was characterized by both immense success and intense suffering. Despite the constantly changing circumstances of his life, he maintained his faith in God and adopted a godly perspective on his trials. Joseph's story serves as an example of how God can redeem even the worst circumstances to His glory and our benefit.

Profiles in Grace (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

Luke 7:36-50

Jesus is invited to dinner at the house of Simon the Pharisee. While Jesus is reclining at the table a sinful woman enters the house. She anoints Jesus' feet with oil and wipes them with her hair. Jesus forgives the woman of her sins and instructs Simon on the relationship between forgiveness and love. The woman's response reveals that love is rooted in humility and gratitude which results in peace.\r\n

The "Patriarchs"

Dennis McCallum

Genesis 37:2-45:28

The story of Joseph, a beloved son of Jacob who is betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers, is a story of forgiveness and redemption. Through over a decade of further betrayal, suffering, and despair God continually works and brings him into a position of power as the right hand man of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Joseph's brothers come to Egypt during a famine to buy grain and find the brother they had betrayed. Joseph forgives his brothers and is finally reunited with his father. Over and over in Joseph's life, God proves his amazing power to bring about good in spite of evil.\r\n

Profiles in Grace (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Luke 7:1-50

In three events Jesus reveals his identity and mission as the Messiah. He displays his authority in three areas: 1) his authority to heal when he revives a centurion's slave who is near death; 2) his authority over death by bringing widow's dead son back to life; and 3) his authority to forgive when a sinful woman anoints his feet with oil. These miracles serve as a prelude to Christ's ultimate rule and illustrate the compassionate heart of God.

The Order of Melchizedek

Scott Risley

Hebrews 5-7

For years priests were in place as mediators between humans and God?to point out our need for reconciliation with God. Then God brought in a greater high priest?Jesus?who became the perfect and eternal mediator between God and us. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross to pay for our sin, He was made the ultimate high priest. From that point forward, human priests and the law became obsolete. We can only be made right with God when we accept forgiveness from Jesus, the ultimate high priest.

Key Principles of Healthy Relating

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 7:1-12

The Golden Rule, as taught by Jesus, is to treat others the way that we would want to be treated. It's clear from the rest of Sermon on the Mount, however, that God's priority for Christians is not simply following a rule but rather to develop healthy relationships in multiple facets. Jesus gives four supplementary principles for healthy relating: 1) do not view others with a critical spirit ; 2) resolve conflict with an attitude of humility; 3) relate to fools in a wise way; and 4) ask for God's enabling power in relating to others. By applying these principles to their personal relationships, believers can be a light to the world and more effective examples of God's love.

The Greatness of the Love of God

Scott Risley

Psalms 103

Perhaps the greatest of all the praise psalms. Our delight in the Lord is incomplete until it is expressed, therefore, praise completes our enjoyment of God. On the other hand, when we don't spend time talking about God's character, we forget about His goodness. While neglecting to praise God leads to depression, expression of God's grace fills us with a joy that is practically inexhaustible. By proclaiming why God deserves to be worshiped, as well as the benefit we receive when we praise Him, David invites us to partake in praising Yahweh. \r\n

When You've Messed Up Really, Really Bad

Scott Risley

Psalms 32:3-4

A psalm of repentance to God, written after David slept with Bathsheba, who was the wife of another man. David recognizes the severity of his sin, and takes full responsibility for what he has done. At the same time, David throws himself on God's mercy, His unfailing love, His ability to forgive and redeem. Identifies six signs of true repentance: 1. have a vertical perspective, 2. take responsibility, 3. accept consequences, 4. deeply understand the problem, 5. express joy and gratitude, and 6. desire to serve God and to tell others about Him.