Gospel and Apocalypse

Jim Leffel

Mark 13:1-24

In a single teaching, Jesus predicts both the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and the end of the world. Near the end of human history, the world will get progressively worse as people become distant from God. But in the end, Jesus will return and set things right.

Spiritual Power in Collision

Dennis McCallum

Acts 3:1-4:31

Peter and John heal a lame man, giving Peter an opportunity to speak to the crowds concerning God's plan of salvation, revealed through the Old Testament prophets and culminating with the revelation and message of Jesus Christ and the eternal life he offers to everyone. As a result, Peter and John encounter persecution from the Saducees as they have to defend this miraculous healing through the power of the Holy Spirit. This miracle was used by God to authenticate Jesus, along with the use of fulfilled prophecy. In light of the persecution of Peter and John, we should view persecution for the sake of Christ as good and worth pleasing God for, as we rely on the boldness from the Holy Spirit to be spokespeople for God.

The Gospel of Christ Glorified

Jim Leffel

Mark 9:2-10

During the transfiguration, Jesus gives some of his disciples an experience to prepare them for what is to come. Jesus' glorified state proves his power and deity, while the appearance of Moses and Elijah confirm that the purpose of the Messiah is to redeem the world. Even today, God reveals Himself to all who seek Him.

Paradox of the Gospel

Jim Leffel

Mark 8:27-9:13

When Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is, they correctly identify him as the Messiah, despite the many possible answers. The paradox of Christ lies in the idea that he is both the King Messiah and the Suffering Servant who will die for sin. A similar paradox lies in following Jesus: those who lose their life for his sake will gain everything.

Making Sense of it All

Jim Leffel

Isaiah 19:19-25

This teaching explores the question of how do all of the stories of the Bible relate and connect with each other. It looks specifically at Jeremiah's prophecy and its connection to the exodus, both the literal exodus from Egypt and the theme. Jeremiah references the exodus out of Egypt and its importance as a defining event of Israelites. He also states that in the future, there will be another exodus that will be even more significant, not just for the Israelite but for the entire world. Understanding this prophecy helps us see that God has a great, overall plan of redemption for not just Israel but the entire world. Jeremiah prophesies that there will be a second exodus in which God brings back the scattered and captive Israelite to their homeland; this prophecy has been fulfilled. The universal exodus mentioned in this passage is also stated in Isaiah 19. This exodus is for all people, even the Israelites' enemies, and it is a freedom for all people on earth from their captivity by sin. These prophecies affirm that it has always God's plan to bless all of the nations and redeem everyone from their captivity to sin. God invites us to be part of his exodus plan by sharing this good news of redemption with those around us.\r\n

Jesus in the Old Testament (Part 9)

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 24:44-47

Introducing the Man & His Time

Jim Leffel

Jeremiah 1:1-16

God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nation of Judah and warns them if they do not turn from their evil ways they will be destroyed like the nation of Israel. The nation of Judah is contrasted with the heart of Jeremiah. Judah's heart is unfaithful to God, their destruction is looming, and they will be ruled by the Babylonians. Jeremiah has a heart for God, knows a future exodus is coming, and trusts God to rule his future. In His sovereignty, God has a calling for each of us and He promises to accomplish His word.\r\n

Jesus in the Old Testament (Part 3)

Gary DeLashmutt

Genesis 22:1-14

God's love is demonstrated through the earliest event that predicts the coming Messiah through Abraham and his son Isaac. This is shown through two kinds of Messianic prophecies: 1) historical; 2) typological. Through Abraham's faith being tested as God calls on him to sacrifice his son Isaac, God's faithfulness is revealed as He provides a ram to take Isaac's place. This is a picture (type) of what God will do through His Son Jesus. There are many pictures (types) through Abraham and Isaac's story that point to what happens with Jesus as he is the sacrifice for humanities sin.\r\n

The Mystery of Christ Revealed (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:24-2:5

Paul's wish is for the Colossians to have "complete confidence" in God's plan. Despite the limited understanding people have, they can have experiences, witness miracles, and receive revelations that validate God's trustworthiness. Specifically, prophetic revelations in the Old Testament and layered throughout the Bible point to historical events predicted long before their time, including the death of the Messiah.