1. Home
  2. Bible Teachings
  3. Browse by Topic

Parables of Lost and Found

Jim Leffel
Luke 15:1-26

In some of the most famous parables Jesus told, we unpack the unexpected reality of grace when Jesus approaches known sinners to eat with them. He tells the onlookers about the shepherd searching for a lost sheep, a woman who searches tirelessly for a single lost coin, and the father of the prodigal son who waits expectantly to greet him with a celebration. We uncover the truth of God's mercy and love for us, that He would go to any length to save a lost son or daughter, and that no one can retreat so far from God in pride or fear that He would turn His back from them. We see the fallacy of the "religious" people who take pride in what they feel they have earned before God and the importance of humility in coming to the God of mercy for forgiveness.

Keywords

{"passage": "Luke 15:1-26","passageabreviated": "Luke 15:1-26","passagetiny": "Luke 15:1-26","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "09/...

View

God's Good News

Ryan Lowery
Romans 1:1-7

Paul explains what it means to be saved and what the good news of Jesus really is. He describes the good news as: 1) coming from God; 2) revealed from scripture; 3) bona fide due to Christ having a dual nature and being raised from the dead; 4) intended by God to be spread by people who are empowered by Him; 5) a free gift to anyone who desires it; and 6) purposed to reveal God's greatness. Paul concludes his explanation of what the gospel is by disclosing to his audience that all people are called to the mission of sharing it with the world.

Keywords

{"passage": "Romans 1:1-7","passageabreviated": "Rom 1:1-7","passagetiny": "Rom 1:1-7","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": "08/16/20...

View

When God Judges

Dennis McCallum
Amos 1:1-8

The prophet Amos is sent from Judah to Israel to warn them about God's judgment for their violation of the covenant with Him and that His protection will be removed from them. In order to understand the gift of God's grace in Jesus, we need to fully understand God's judgment for our sin, which is anything short of God's perfection.

Keywords

{"passage": "Amos 1:1-8","passageabreviated": "Amos 1:1-8","passagetiny": "Am 1:1-8","teacher": "Dennis McCallum","teachingDate": "07/27/...

View

Four Contrasts, Four Priorities

Jim Leffel
Luke 11:14-12:12

We are all part of a cosmic drama between God and His opposition. In this, God pursues those who are far from Him by sending His people to them. God's intent for mankind is explored as revealed through: 1) power; 2) grace; 3) contrasting priorities of love and justice; and 4) who we fear.

Keywords

{"passage": "Luke 11:14-12:12","passageabreviated": "Luke 11:14-12:12","passagetiny": "Luke 11:14-12:12","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachin...

View

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.

Keywords

{"passage": "Ephesians 4:25-32","passageabreviated": "Eph 4:25-32","passagetiny": "Eph 4:25-32","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": ...

View

Your True Self

Ryan Lowery
Romans 7

Paul calls on the Ephesians to recognize their new identity because of the grace they have received from God. People have a tendency to want to be their own god and rule their own lives rather than honor their identity of being an eternal child of God. In a secondary passage, Romans 7, Paul expresses his frustration with his old self and the enslaving habits of sin.

Keywords

{"passage": "Ephesians 4:17-24","passageabreviated": "Eph 4:17-24","passagetiny": "Eph 4:17-24","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": ...

View

Walking Worthy

Ryan Lowery
Ephesians 4:1-6

Paul calls for the Ephesians to walk in a manner worthy of God. This means living confidently in God's love and grace as opposed to trying to earn God's love or forgiveness. This teaching features a three minute sound clip from the movie "Saving Private Ryan".

Keywords

{"passage": "Ephesians 4:1-6","passageabreviated": "Eph 4:1-6","passagetiny": "Eph 4:1-6","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": "04/26...

View

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

Keywords

{"passage": "Luke 7:36-50","passageabreviated": "Luke 7:36-50","passagetiny": "Luke 7:36-50","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "04/...

View

From Ritualism to a Personal Relationship with God

Gary DeLashmutt
Galatians 4:1-11

Biblical Christianity is not ritualistic. On one hand, ritualism can lead to a false sense of confidence; on the other, ritualism can turn into an aversion against Christianity, which is a shame because Biblical Christianity is not ritualistic. We can cultivate a personal closeness with God without reducing our faith to a formula.

Keywords

{"passage": "Galatians 4:1-11","passageabreviated": "Gal 4:1-11","passagetiny": "Gal 4:1-11","teacher": "Gary DeLashmutt","teachingDate":...

View