Satisfying Our Inner Thirst

Conrad Hilario

John 4:1-42

The Samaritan woman at the well talks to Jesus and is amazed by all that he knows about her. Her status in the culture at the time does not define how Jesus sees her and chooses to interact with her. She learns that God is the only one who can satisfy our deepest needs. She is quick to want to tell others about her experience; God can and will use anyone who is willing to share His good news.

Don't Stumble Your Brother

Ryan Lowery

Luke 17:1-6

While the Bible teaches that we are sinners who need forgiveness, it is also serious in its call not to cause others to sin. It takes a conscious, concerted effort not to cause younger believers to sin. There are three keys to avoid stumbling others: 1) be on guard at all times; 2) rebuke sin appropriately; and 3) forgive.

The Unlikely Apostle

Jim Leffel

Acts 9

God pursues one of the most unlikely converts to the Christian faith. Saul becomes Paul in an epic confrontation with the risen Christ. He is stricken with the realization that he has been fighting the living God, and yet there is grace available even to him. Many of us are also "unlikely", but God pursues us nonetheless out of His incredible mercy. As a result we are given freedom and a new purpose, just like Paul!\r\n\r\n

Jesus in Samaria

Jeff Gordon

John 4:1-42

Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at a well. He offers her living water that will forever quench her thirst and reveals to her that he is the Messiah. His compassion, knowledge and patience for this woman leads her to believe in him, as well as many other Samaritans.

The Intimate Gospel

Jim Leffel

John 21:1-17

John's gospel ends with a clear and crucial application of the cross: a response to failure centered around grace instead of punishment. Jesus asks Peter if he loves him not to bury Peter in shame but to guide him to the path of reconciliation. When we fail at loving people, whether or not we receive God's grace will shape our lives and ability to be used for the glory of God.

It is Finished!

Jim Leffel

John 19:17-37

It is impossible to overstate the importance of the cross as far as the focus of the Bible, and the focus of the Christian life, go. By stating "It is finished," Jesus indicates that his work on Earth is done, the Scriptures predicting his death are fulfilled, and that our debt to God is paid in full. As the primary message of the Bible, the fact of the cross demands a response - either to be offended or turned off from the reality that we needed Christ's sacrifice, or to accept Christ's death as a payment for our own sins.

Neither Do I Condemn You

Jim Leffel

John 8:1-11

Leffel uses Jesus's interaction with the woman caught in adultery to teach on forgiveness, justice through substitutionary atonement, and real transformation from sin issues. He offers freedom from bondage to our anger, sensual habits, ego-elevating activities, and everything else that spirals downwards. While fear can cause external change, God uses His love to give us true transformation from the inside out.

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: Resentfulness

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 18:21-35

Resentfulness and bitterness are real barriers to the love that we have toward other people. God has forgiven everyone for their sins, this includes you. Are you willing to forgive others like God forgave you?

Jesus' First Signs

Jim Leffel

John 2:1-25

John explains some of Jesus' first signs. These physical signs demonstrate underlying spiritual truths. These signs point to Jesus and the life he offers. The miracle of turning water into wine symbolizes Jesus' transformation of religion into a relationship. The cleansing of the temple symbolizes the true nature of Jesus' presence in the world.