Loving Outrageous People

Ben Foust
Luke 19:1-10

In a culture of outrage, it's tempting to turn away from or even hate people who are on the other side of issues we care about, but the Bible calls on Christians to love "outrageous" people. In the example of Zacchaeus we see Jesus moving toward him in love, even though he was likely a corrupt man. Ultimately Jesus saw Zacchaeus differently than the crowd did, seeing his "lostness"--his inner need to be saved by God. We must see people through the same lens, asking God to enable us to see all people as His image bearers, with empathy, and with humility.

Raising Our Kids in Community: Priorities and Fears

Liz Sweet
Luke 19:1-10

God's highest priority is love. Secular research even agrees that friendships, forgiveness, and volunteering creates healthier and happier lives. People living in community with others have less stress. People at the end of life often regret not spending more time with loved ones. You will never regret investing in your children, nor teaching them to love. Community is a source of God's love and a provision for us and our children.

Forgiveness

Ryan Lowery
Matthew 18:21-35

When Jesus told the parable of the unforgiving slave who was forgiven an insurmountable debt by the king but would not forgive a fellow slave a minor debt, He was using a creative story to give us God's perspective on us. When Peter asked Jesus how many times should we forgive others, Jesus used this story to ask Peter how many time would he like God to forgive him? Forgiveness is the willingness to absorb the consequences of wrong without retaliation. This is best demonstrated by what Jesus did on the cross for us.

What Jesus Accomplished through His Death on the Cross-Pt1

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 2:13-14

Early in Christianity, false teachers rose up to say Jesus's death on the cross was not spiritually significant. But the Bible is emphatic that Jesus' death on the cross was a very significant. It accomplished what no man could do. It demonstrated why we need forgiveness. It displayed how God provided forgiveness. And it showed the amazing extent of God's forgiveness.

Jesus' Invitations:John 6

Gary DeLashmutt
John 6:53-56

In John 6, Jesus challenges His listeners to prioritize spiritual food over temporal, perishable food. Only God's Messiah can provide this spiritual food. The only condition one must fulfill is to believe in God's Messiah, Jesus. Jesus is the sole source of spiritual life for all of humanity. Call out to Him, acknowledge your hunger, and ask Him to satisfy it and He will abundantly.

Forget None of His Benefits

Mike Sullivan
Psalms 103

In this Psalm, David calls on himself, God's people and all of creation to praise God. C.H. Spurgeon says this Psalm peaks "overtop the rest." Because God's compassion and grace are inexhaustible and He offers mercy we don't deserve, we must forget none of His benefits. If we neglect giving God the praise He deserves, we risk becoming an ingrate who is increasingly deceived and more easily overwhelmed. But for those who revere him, His lovingkindness is from everlasting to everlasting.

Community Renewal:Christ Is All in All

Jim Leffel
Colossians 3:10-17

As Christians, we have become a new creation in Christ, not just as individuals but also as the corporate body of Christ. We are to put on the newness of Christ not merely as individuals but as a whole community. A renewed community thrives on grace, is united through love, cultivates peace, grows in truth, and reflects Christ to others.

A Community of Forgiveness

Conrad Hilario
Matthew 18:21-34

Forgiveness is necessary to healthy Christian community. It calls on us to lay aside our right to make someone pay, even for grievous wrongs. While difficult, it reflects our appreciation for all our wrongs that God has forgiven.

God's Eternal Kingdom Part 4

Mike Sullivan
Revelation 22:13-21

In the final chapter of Revelation, God comes full circle. He restores what was lost in the garden of Eden. He restores life where there was death. He restores our separation from God, from self and from nature. All ills will be healed. We will have direct access to God and eternal life. We will co-rule with God. God has always had a plan and all problems will be resolved. He promises he is coming quickly. Do you believe it?