Focus of Faith (Part 2)

Jim Leffel
Hebrews 13:17

A life of faith is fundamentally a life of trust in God, rather than the opposing values of materialism. It also means a trust in and imitation of legitimate spiritual leaders: those who are faithful to God's Word, have godly character, and who are accountable.

Faith in Action

Jim Leffel
Genesis 12:1-3

The author of Hebrews defines faith as counting on the fact that God is there and to trust in His goodness. Abraham illustrates what faith in action looks like in four ways: 1) his obedience to God; 2) his living as a foreigner in a hostile world; 3) in his walking in grace; and 4) in his willingness to put everything on the line.

Elijah in Boot Camp

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Kings 17:1-16

God's interactions with His prophet, Elijah, showcase a pattern for the way that God works in Scripture. Here we see: God gives a command, makes a promise, calls Elijah to take a step of faith, and God fulfills. We learn that God relates with us in this same pattern: He provides a command or promise, He calls us to action in faith, and we get to experience His reliability. \r\n\r\n

Joseph and God's Purpose

Dennis McCallum
Genesis 37-45

Joseph seems to have it all, and yet his life is that of misery and pain starting with the day his brothers sell him into slavery. His is a story of long term suffering. Yet, he finds that all the while, it is also a story of God's provision. We, like Joseph, have the choice of whether or not we will stay true to God over the long haul, and see how He comes through.

Jacob's Trouble

Dennis McCallum
Genesis 27:41-33:20

We often approach our relationship with God incorrectly, looking for what we can gain for self. As Jacob flees Esau, he attempts to live his life looking for what he can get, and finds himself in continuous trouble. He is faced with the choice of either remaining self-reliant and doing things his own way, or clinging to God and having his true needs met.

Habits of the Heart

Jim Leffel
Psalms 95:8-11

The author of Hebrews offers a commentary on true spirituality; he presents the idea that God reveals Himself and His purpose as he calls on people to respond. In the Old Testament example of ancient Israel in the wilderness, the people hardened their hearts and experienced consequences. There is a call for modern Christians to respond with urgency to the voice of God.

Parents and Children

Jim Leffel
Ephesians 6:1-4

Living a purpose-centered life applies to all of the relationships believers have with each other, including parents to children and vice versa. Children are to obey and honor their parents for their own benefit. Parents should avoid performance-based acceptance and disengaged relationships and keep four points in mind: 1) knowing & serving God is the purpose of life and the primary goal of parenting, 2) gain awareness and development of personal strengths, 3) be aware of how their strengths can be a deficit & ability to grow in self-discipline in these areas, and 4) know how to address sin patterns. Most importantly, parents need to stand under grace and keep learning humility.

Building Character in the Life of Your Disciple

Howard Hendricks
Ephesians 6:1-4

Developing character in others begins with letting God develops it in us, and for that we need to focus on scripture. Hendricks focuses on several key passages for developing character, emphasizing it's incredible importance in the the life of someone who desires to have an impact on the Kingdom of God. \r\n\r\n

Attaining Spiritual Maturity

Dennis McCallum
Philippians 3:9-16

God has positioned us into His family as his sons and daughters and has promised us an eternity with him. Often we choose to focus on our temporary condition when God truly views us in terms of our eternal position. God fully loves us and His view of us is what really matters.