Discipleship Failure

Jim Leffel

Luke 22:32

Peter and Judas give us two profound examples of how to deal with failure. In Peter's life, we see a beautiful picture of repentance that leads to restoration. While in Judas' life, we see a picture of remorse leading to destruction. Audio testimony by Vicky Mascarello included.

Legalism and Grace

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 5:1

Jesus and Paul both took strong stances against the pharisaic teaching that our moral decisions could make us righteous in God's eyes. When any works are added to the Gospel of grace, it is no longer the gospel. As we have been saved by God's grace, we can communicate the Gospel in the context of gracious relationships.

Two Ways of Relating to God

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 3:6-18

God's new covenant of grace and living by the Holy Spirit's power completely eradicated the Old Covenant of moral obligation and law. As opposed to trying to relate to God based on our own goodness or out of guilt, we are freed to live under the security of His unwavering love and acceptance of us through Christ. As we live under God's way of grace, more and more of who Christ is can be revealed to others as God works in our lives. This teaching includes a testimony by Travis Henderson.

Joy in Adversity

Dennis McCallum

Romans 8:28

Paul suffered countless times for the Lord, even during these times he was able to find joy in the love and purpose he received from the Lord. Paul constantly turned to his new identity and future eternal life as things to always be thankful for. God can use suffering in our lives to teach us things and to grow our faith.

Things Possible & Impossible

Jim Leffel

Mark 10:17-31

When a rich man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus gave him a different response than usual. Jim Leffel teaches on why Jesus' response to this man was focused on the Law and how their interaction exposed the rich man's need for grace. Leffel expounds on the relationship between materialism and spiritual health then closes with the costs and rewards of choosing to follow God.

Marriage and Divorce

Jim Leffel

Mark 10:1-9

Whether it's a failed marriage or a failing marriage, times of crises in our marriages reveal spiritual needs. Marital problems have the ability to cut deeper than most anything else and provides direction for pressing on with a focus on grace. Jesus answered the Pharisees' question about the legalities of divorce by addressing the heart of the issue and by stating God's design of marriage. Marriage reflects the image of God in humanity despite the ways our selfishness and culture attempt to twist it into something self-serving.

Scraps from the Master's Table

Jim Leffel

Mark 7:24-30

Through Jesus' interaction with a Gentile woman from Tyre it is clear the issue with humanity is a matter of the heart. Although the woman is non-Jewish and from a nation that is hostile to Jews she approaches Jesus with humility and faith. The Pharisees and disciples respond with judgment rather than love. Having the heart of God requires having God's perspective that He sent Jesus to save all humanity and no one is better than anyone else.\r\n

What God Really Wants From Us

Jim Leffel

Mark 7:1-19

The Pharisees question Jesus about why his followers are not following rituals as they eat. Jesus explains it is not external things that make someone impure. This comes from the inner life-the heart. Jesus exposes three problems about the Pharisees' misguided zeal: 1) hypocrites; 2) vain worship; and 3) illegitimate authority. He explains that God desires our hearts and not our external obedience. Only Jesus can fix our hearts and make us right with God. The way God's followers live impacts how others view who God is and what He wants from us.\r\n

Goal Setting

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Paul explains that boxers don't box without aim, and in the same way Christians shouldn't work without aim. Sluggards lust after their desires and don't give out love. God calls us to do His work with His power, but we need to be willing to act on His calling.