Parables at a Dinner Party

Jim Leffel
Luke 14:7-24

In unpacking four key parables from Jesus in Luke 14, we uncover the "backwards wisdom of God" and see the importance of humility in the Kingdom of God. Jesus calls his followers to voluntarily take the lower seat and reminds us of His heart and His concern for the poor, the crippled, the sinner, and the outsider. Jesus tells of the dinner party of all believers in Heaven, to which He has invited all people without discrimination, and calls His followers to "go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame," that they would be able to be with Him.

The First Lesson in Discipleship

Jim Leffel
Luke 9:46-56

What is humility? Humility begins with the person of Christ. Cultivating a deeper sense of humility involves: 1) an inner-awareness of God's incredible generosity towards you; 2) giving without love demands; and 3) complete surrender to God.

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 Life of Faith

Mike Sullivan
Galatians 4:21-5:10

The same humble faith that is required for justification (or salvation) is required for sanctification (or spiritual growth). While Christians may be tempted to define themselves by their mistakes, clinging to this view of self is not conducive to spiritual maturity and contrary to God's view. Instead, when God looks at a Christian, He sees someone who: 1) has been redeemed and made righteous; 2) has been adopted as His child into His family; and 3) has His life indwelling within through the Holy Spirit. Just as Abraham had a choice between the free woman and the slave woman, Christians have the choice between depending on God's promise and self-effort for spiritual growth.

Leading and Following God's Way

Ryan Lowery
1 Peter 5:1-7

God uses delegated human leaders to serve Christian communities. Though no person is completely adequate for leadership, there are Biblical principles to help those chosen for the job. Scripture says that: 1) we aren't meant to lead alone; 2) God's leadership is different than the world's leadership; 3) spiritual leadership is primarily through example; and 4) spiritual leadership is a good investment. Ultimately, both leaders and those who follow them are called to have humility and trust in God.

Two Birth Announcements

Jim Leffel
Psalms 110:1

God uses a barren woman to bring forth John the Baptist and a young virgin to give birth to Jesus Christ. Both of these births fulfill Old Testament prophecy and God's promise to send the Messiah. Mary responds in faith to God's plan and His goodness. She is a picture of courage, faith, and humility.

God's Ultimate Self Disclosure

Conrad Hilario
Philippians 2:4-11

Despite its unknown author and somewhat obscure background, the book of Hebrews opens with a bold and clear claim that God has spoken to humanity, first through the prophets and ultimately through Jesus Himself. God desires to reveal Himself to His creation, and Jesus is the exact representation of God's very nature. He is both fully God and fully human, and His incarnation demonstrates God's humility in a powerful example for Christians and non-Christians alike.

Being Known by God

Chris Hearty
Psalms 139

David rejoices in God's divine attributes. The psalmist meditates on three key characteristics of God's nature: His omniscience (God is all-knowing), omnipresence (God is everywhere), and omnipotence (God is all-powerful). David rejoices in being completely known by God and models how to ask for His divine leadership. David unpacks personal implications of each of these truths.

Husbands and Wives

Ryan Lowery
1 Peter 3:1-7

At times, the Bible has been accused of promoting misogyny. But with correct interpretation, Scripture actually presents a compelling case for equality and an overwhelmingly positive stance on marriage that stands apart from its culture. When understood correctly, we are presented with a framework that allows for unity and love between spouses.