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The Beast

Jeff Gordon

Revelation 13:1-18

John describes The Beast, who appears in the next part of his vision. The Beast is given power from the Dragon (who was described in a previous passage to represent Satan). John describes how The Beast will blaspheme God, have a miraculous recovery from an injury, emerge from a Geo-political empire, and gain worldwide dominion during the Great Tribulation. The Beast will persecute God's people and commit The Abomination of Desolation, an act where he will claim to be God. He will deceive many into worshiping him. A second Beast will rise up and support him, initiating the mark of the Beast (which restricts anyone from buying or selling without it). Ultimately, their reign is of complete dominance and control, but as Revelation 11:3-13 shows, God will continue to pursue people and snatch victory from apparent defeat.

Keywords

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Features of a Transformed Community: Concluding Prayer

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

God's Will for all people has to do with the process of sanctification. Our problem is that we have broken desires, relational alienation, dying bodies, and true moral guilt. Through the cross, God offers justification and complete transformation in this life and in the next. For those who pursue sanctification, security in Christ is the key to perseverance.

Keywords

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Sowing & Reaping

Jeff Gordon

Galatians 6:7-18

The Bible presents two options that we may put our effort into: either the things of the flesh, which are perishable; or the things of the Spirit, which will produce an eternal harvest. To sow to the Spirit with perseverance, we must deeply hold an eternal perspective.

Keywords

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Suffering with God's Perspective

Ryan Lowery

Philippians 1:1-30

As the apostle Paul begins his letter, he communicates an eternal perspective amidst severe suffering and imprisonment. Paul actively takes six steps to cultivate this perspective: 1) thanksgiving for past blessings; 2) confidence in God's work continuing; 3) remembering that he was not alone in God's work; 4) seeing his suffering in context of God's larger plan; 5) keeping his priorities in order; and 6) keeping a focus on eternity.

Keywords

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Unpacking the Message of Hope in 1 Peter (Part 2)

Gilbert Lennox

1 Peter 1:1-5:14

In order to truly unpack the messages in Scripture, we must fight to go deeper into the text. If we want to truly gain answers and understanding, we should approach the Bible with questions to guide our search. As we do this, we can more effectively train others in the Word as well. Lennox explains what it looks like to approach our reading with five broad questions: Does the author say why he's writing? What is the diagnosis, or in other words, what is going on with the audience? What is said about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? How is salvation discussed? Finally, is there a phrase or concept introduced in the beginning of the letter that may unlock truths woven throughout the rest of the writing?

Keywords

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End Times Prophecy

Ryan Lowery

Luke 21:5-36

During the Olivet Discourse, Jesus explains a number of eschatological details concerning both the destruction of the temple and his kingdom. He explains that before his return, there will be many false predictions about him during a long period of tumultuous events. He also explains that his followers will be persecuted in the 1st century and the temple will be destroyed. He urges his listeners to persevere in the face of these events. If we can trust the Bible on these issues, we should trust it concerning other areas of God's Will.

Keywords

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Lessons from Prison

Jim Leffel

Acts 21-28

During his second missionary journey, Paul made his way to Jerusalem to help give relief with a famine that had occurred. He did this to establish unity amidst chaos and ended up spending two years in prison. Despite these circumstances, Paul learns more about God's sovereignty and how that was fully realized in the cross. A primary lesson Paul learned during his time in prison was considering the God he was following and how He would be glorified through this situation, not lamenting on why these circumstances happened to him. The questions of "who" and "how" are important for Christians to consider when encountering suffering, not to lament and become bitter and angry about "why" God would allow such things to happen.

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The Lord's Prayer

Ryan Lowery

Matthew 6:5-8

Prayer is meant to be a personal communication with God, not meant to impress people.The template that Jesus lays out for prayer is to address it in terms of one's relationship with God, declare what is true about God, and then present requests to God. Jesus also teaches two important principles: 1) perseverance in prayer is important; and 2) prayer is good for us.

Keywords

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The Cost of Discipleship

Ryan Lowery

Luke 14:27-33

While God's love is a free gift, it is a costly decision to be a disciple. It requires following Christ over comfort and possessions. It also means choosing God over certain familial obligations. Finally, being a disciple requires a denial of distractions that hinder our focus or pull us off course.

Keywords

{"passage": "Luke 9:57-62","passageabreviated": "Luke 9:57-62","passagetiny": "Luke 9:57-62","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": "01...

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