God's Justice

Scott Risley

2 Thessalonians 1:1

Here, we address a topic that many Christians would rather avoid: the reality of Hell. Paul is writing his second letter to the church in Thessalonica to instruct them on a few key points. He begins the letter by encouraging them on the ways in which their church is doing well. They are growing in faith and love, and a few points of application are made about practical steps we can take to grow in our faith. The passage moves on to describe the Thessalonians' victorious suffering in the midst of intense persecution. Paul says that God will use this persecution to show His justice, in other words, their good attitudes show that they believe God is aware of suffering and evil, and intends to do something about it. However the issue of "God's justice" is often considered problematic. Does God have the right to judge anyone? If Hell does exist, what is it like? Does the punishment really fit the crime? This teaching addresses all of these questions and more. Although Hell is real, God doesn't want anyone to go there, and has offered everyone a way to escape.\r\n

Partnership of Faith and Works

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 11:19

James points out that faith without works is dead. We don't work to save ourselves through the law, but rather what we do reflects what we believe.

Abraham and Lot

Ryan Lowery

Genesis 19:24-29

Abraham started out as a man who barely knew anything about God but was still wiling to trust in His promises. He witnesses God's dealing with Sodom and Lot as a lesson in God's character. Ultimately, this teaches him how God's mercy and justice work together. In the end, Lot serves as an example of compromised faith, while Abraham serves as an example of God's faithfulness to those who trust Him.\r\n

God Restrains Evil

Jeff Gordon

Genesis 11:1-8

In the ancient world, God took action in order to restrain evil. The first way is by instituting government, including a balanced system of capital punishment for Israel in order to preserve human dignity in the case of murder. The second way is by scattering humanity in order to slow progress. This is because when mankind is unimpeded, we inevitably try to assert ourselves over God.

Noah and the Flood: Crucial Questions

Jeff Gordon

Genesis 6:5-7:24

The flood story can be controversial for both scientific and theological reasons. Both of these issues with God's judgment can be resolved. Ultimately, God must judge our evil choices but those who choose to trust Him will be saved.

Ananias and Sapphira

Scott Risley

Matthew 23:25

Ananias and Sapphira were members of the early church who said they were sharing all of their money but were holding back some for themselves. They were judged not for withholding earnings but for lying about it. The dangers of hypocrisy in the ancient church is outlined as well as how those dangers continue with the modern church today.

The Gospel and the Lamb on His Throne

Jim Leffel

Mark 11:1-18

In the time of Jesus, Jerusalem represented God's rule and hope for the nations. As Jesus approached Jerusalem, he fulfilled Old Testament prophecies by riding in humbly on a donkey. The temple, though meant to symbolize God's presence and character, became an ugly misrepresentation of God. Jesus fulfilled and embodied many Old Testament symbols as he rode into Jerusalem.

The Gospel, the Cup and the Ransom

Jim Leffel

Mark 10:32-45

Many feel uncomfortable about the fact that God's forgiveness requires a sacrifice. The Bible presents the reality that forgiveness always requires a volitional choice for innocents to die in the place of the guilty. Ultimately, God's love and justice meet at the cross.

Jesus in the Old Testament (Part 11)

Gary DeLashmutt

Isaiah 55:1-11

Four passages predict and describe the Messiah's ultimate reign but focus on his prior sufferings as God's Servant. These passages detail centuries in advance the specific suffering he would go through for the very people who were persecuting him. His death was the ultimate payment for humanity's sins and our response to his sacrifice on the cross impacts our lives for eternity. Because of God's great love for us, He makes eternity available through simply turning to Him and accepting His Servant's work on the cross to pay for our sins.\r\n