Knowing Christ

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 3:20

Not only did God pay for our sins on the cross, but he also initiated a personal relationship with each human being. All we have to do is accept God's invitation and our whole eternity is changed. Paul said he counts everything as garbage compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord.

Joy in Adversity

Dennis McCallum

Romans 8:28

Paul suffered countless times for the Lord, even during these times he was able to find joy in the love and purpose he received from the Lord. Paul constantly turned to his new identity and future eternal life as things to always be thankful for. God can use suffering in our lives to teach us things and to grow our faith.

What Does Belief Look Like?

Jim Leffel

Mark 9:14-29

What is the nature of true belief? This story about a doubting father is examined comparing his statement about his faith and doubt against responses he could have given to Jesus. The father didn't say, ?I can't believe because I have my doubts.? Doubt is not a sin, and true faith is possible even in the midst of doubt. God values the willingness to engage with Him regardless of how confident we feel in our faith. Prayer is a means to access God's power in times of doubt.\r\n

Loving Others with our Gifts

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 10:24-25

The spiritual gifts that God has given us are meant to be used for the edification of the church. God has given some the gift of tongues which is personally edifying, and only edifying for the church when there is an interpreter. God still works powerfully in our world today, but He doesn't work miracles to help people in a quest for self promotion, His power is given to edify and embolden the Body of Christ.

Making the Most of the "Lord's Prayer"

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 6:7-15

Life in God's kingdom is different from religion. Jesus teaches his followers how to truly pray. Instead of reciting empty words needlessly, God wants us to connect with him. As we take time to understand who God is, what He has done, and who we are before him, we can pray in a genuine and real way.

Two Different Forms of Spirituality

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 6:1-18

Next in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks to the religious elite. Addressing things commonly viewed as giving piety, and turning them upside down. Instead of doing things to gain peoples' admiration and favor, we should live for an audience of one. God wants a real relationship with us, not for us to merely go through the motions.

Praying Against Satan

Dennis McCallum

Luke 11:15-22

God and His people are living in the midst of a spiritual war against Satan. Jesus tells us that we are able to bind the strong man, Satan, and invade his kingdom through prayer. When we pray, we unleash God's power to destroy Satan's attacks. Therefore, we should be alert and engage in spiritual warfare.

Praying Against Satan

Dennis McCallum

Luke 11

Jesus' time of prayer communicates how Christians can utilize prayer in spiritual warfare. Satan is looking to prevent people from knowing Christ personally and prayer is our main weapon to combat his schemes. As we attack Satan's kingdom and try and help people understand their need for Christ, we need to be sober and alert to Satan's counterattacks. Understanding God's Word is essential to combat Satan's tactics through prayer, both individual and corporately.

More lessons on Prayer

Dennis McCallum

Luke 11:5-13

Jesus tells a parable to argue that if a selfish person would give his persistent neighbor what he needs, then a good and loving God will generously give us everything we need. If we seek God and His will out in prayer, then God promises that we will find Him and experience His goodness. Therefore, we should be persistent in prayer, which leads to deeper faith and dependence on God's love and power.