When God Judges

Dennis McCallum

Amos 1:2-8

Amos was a prophet who spoke about God's judgment to the Assyrians. The sins of these people and this judgment is a reminder of how there must be justice from God in order Him to be good. The argument for justice needing to be served is then turned back onto the audience, who has to learn that they are just as sinful. This would hopefully lead to a lack of self-righteousness, an appreciation of grace, an eagerness to share grace, a sensitizing towards sin, and a freedom from vengeance.

The Only Wise God

Jim Leffel

Romans 16:25-27

God's plan to send Jesus Christ to die for humanity was the mystery hidden for generations past. The coming of Jesus was foretold throughout scripture, as he was pictured as a Messianic King. However, the cross revealed that Jesus was also the suffering servant mentioned throughout the Old Testament, revealing God's plan that Christ would come to Earth twice. The mystery of the cross demonstrated God's immense love and justice.

The Coming of the Kingdom

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

Jesus' disciples ask Him about the end times, including: the destruction of the Temple, His coming, and the end of the age. Jesus lets them know that no one will know the time in human history that these events will occur. Jesus reveals that the temple will be destroyed and rebuilt. Before the end of the age the gospel will be spread to all people groups and the Antichrist will come and perform the abomination of desolation. When these things have occurred Jesus will return in the sky with great power. Jesus then calls His believers to be on alert and ready for His second coming.

What About Israel? (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Romans 9-11

God's plan throughout human history has always included the Nation of Israel. During this time of the church age, God has been primarily using Gentiles, while remaining faithful to the small remnant of Israel for the future. God's sovereignty throughout human history proves that He uses who He wants. In the meantime, those in the church age have the exciting experience to be used by God before He goes back to using His chosen people group.

Summing Up All Things in Christ (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 2:10-3:12

God's eternal plan was fully revealed by Jesus' work on the cross. This new revelation after the cross included God using the corporate church of believers to spread the Good News of Jesus before Christ's second return. Christ's first and second comings were both predicted in the Old Testament, but God's full plan wasn't seen until the cross made it clear. Christians in the present time have great access and assurance before God as they get the privilege to participate in His work, demonstrating His immense wisdom, grace and righteousness throughout the ages past and into eternity present.

Serving Love in the Body of Christ (Part 3)

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:11-24

After reviewing verses 11-15, we uncover more imperatives for a faith-centered community (verses 16-24). In a faith-centered community, believers learn to practice the following: 1) rejoice always; 2) pray continually; 3) exercise gratitude; 4) learn to discern prophetic messages from the Lord; and 5) continue to show God's grace.

Christ Our Priest

Jim Leffel

Genesis 14:17-20

The message of the Bible hinges on an understanding of sacrifice; that we need a priest, who intercedes for us through substitution. The Old Testament explains that the priesthood was held by the Levites, yet Jesus with from the tribe of Judah. The way to reconcile Jesus' kingship and priesthood lies in the character of Melchizedek, and has two important implications: 1) the old priesthood is over, and 2) the new priesthood means we have constant intercession with God.

Revealing the Son

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 1:4-2:4

The author of Hebrews uses a variety of Old Testament quotations to support affirmations about Jesus. He points out that God has a unique son with a right to rule, that this son is higher than angels, and finally that he is divine. If God has spoken to us about these things, then what He says really matters for our lives.

The End of the Wolrd

Dennis McCallum

2 Peter 3:1-8

There will be a second coming of Christ. If there were no second coming, there would be no answer to the problem of evil, Jesus Christ would lose all credibility, and the Bible could not be believed.