Three Lessons in Narrative

Dennis McCallum

Luke 9

Jesus taught that those who are like children would be the greatest in the Kingdom. Christians who substitute ambition and ego for humility and serving others emulate the attitudes of children in God's Kingdom. Jesus taught the principle of cooperation while allowing for disagreement on non-essential doctrine among believers in Christ. Jesus also rejected the ideas of racism and hate, instead affirming love for all people that reflects the love of God. Humility, cooperation, and love are key principles for effective Christian ministry.

The Parable of the Soils

Dennis McCallum

Luke 8

Jesus uses a parable to describe the common responses people have towards his Word. One response to God's message is to be a forgetful hearer, who hears the message and then immediately is swept away. Others can superficially hear God's Word, but after a while fall away. Some can hear God's Word, only to get distracted by riches or worries in the world. Jesus desires the humble and honest heart of a responsive hearer, someone eager to hear his Word and live by it. This parable calls attention to the personal need for individuals to listen and decide which soil they want to be when they encounter God's message about Jesus Christ.

The Great and Small - Forgiveness

Dennis McCallum

Luke 7

Jesus' interaction with a centurion reveals the nature of what makes great faith. The centurion's faith amazed Christ and was characterized by humility, trusting in God's Word, and asking but not demanding from Jesus. Jesus challenged the Pharisees lack of forgiveness, highlighting their misguided spirituality. True spirituality is exemplified by radical love and forgiveness that comes from an understanding of God's love and forgiveness towards unworthy sinners.

Sermon on the Plain (Part 1): Jesus vs. Legalistic Religion

Dennis McCallum

Luke 6

Jesus' sermon on the plain highlights genuine faith versus legalistic religion. Jesus taught that a life characterized by humility, suffering, and self-denial leads to real happiness. Jesus' teaching opposed the prideful, self-righteous attitudes of the Pharisees as he encouraged sacrificial love as the highest priority. As we learn to give like Christ, we'll experience God meeting our needs in a real way.

Mary's Big Decision

Dennis McCallum

Luke 1:26-38

Mary is approached by the angel Gabriel, announcing that she will give birth to Jesus. Mary's response was one of active trust and obedience to God's Will for her life. Mary had the option to resist God's Will, but showed an availability to what God was trying to do in her life. As we make ourselves available to God's Will, we get incredible opportunities to affect the course of eternity for God.

The Last Supper

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Jesus in His last night celebrates the Passover with His disciples. The Passover was a prophetic picture of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. He asks them to continue on in communion with one another to remember what He has done for salvation.

Two Visions Of Leadership

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 20:17-28

This passage shows the contrast between human leadership and Jesus' leadership. Jesus' leadership involves laying down his life for others and service while human leadership involves getting power for ourselves. Two central issues are raised: 1) We should be willing to follow Christ's leadership, and 2) We should learn to imitate Jesus in our leadership roles.\r\n

Sermon on the Mount (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 6:31-34

Jesus started the Sermon on the Mount by explaining what living a joyful and fruitful life looks like. He explained that hiding from pain and suffering is not helpful in finding peace; living a simple and humble life is good; personal relationships are the venue for sharing God's love; and we should be rooted in the truths God has given us. Finally he urges us to trust and follow the Lord.

John the Baptist

Dennis McCallum

2 Corinthians 5:21

John the Baptist was a "type" of Elijah the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. John the Baptist baptized people in water; this was symbolic of their need for forgiveness. John baptized Jesus, and when he did, God the Father sent the Holy Spirit to affirm that Jesus was the son of God.