Difficult Conversations

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 7:2-11

Paul's message to the Corinthians highlights the important elements of having difficult conversations. The basis for these types of conversations is a committed, Christ-centered relationship that seeks the good of the other person. The content of the conversation is one of correction over condemnation, while valuing the personal identity of a person in Christ. With God at the center of people's lives, we can express confidence in people's ability to move towards Him. These types of conversations are outcome oriented, seeking to see people restored to God while remaining direct and without apology, standing on His truth.

Failure

Mike Woods

Matthew 26:14-75

When we encounter failure as we follow God, our response to failure is vital. Judas Iscariot and Peter are two examples of two radically different responses to failure. If we choose to despair after failure, we will encounter a loss of hope that God is committed to us. However, real repentance allows for closer fellowship with God, a deeper appreciation of His love, and an active pursuit to love others and learn from failure. God is committed to using failure in our lives for good.

Jesus' Mission Statement

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 5:1-32

In the early stages of Jesus' public ministry, he makes it clear that he has come to call the sinners; this passage includes three encounters between Jesus and sinners. Jesus' mission statement is that no matter how sinful and broken you are, Jesus loves you and wants you and is able to transform your life, and the only thing you have to do is humbly admit to Jesus that you need his love and forgiveness.

Reconciliation

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 2:6-11

Paul gives instructions to the Corinthians on how they should approach a brother who has undergone church discipline. The purpose of discipline is redemptive by nature, desiring a change of mind and moving away from damaging habits. Paul calls on them to extend forgiveness and grace toward the offender and affirm their love for him. As people experience reconciliation, they are able to humbly respond to God out of gratitude for His grace, eager to be used by Him.

Dealing With Spiritual Evil (Part 3): The Battle Lines

Jim Leffel

1 Peter 5:8-9

In addition to other means of attack, Satan strikes at believers' consciences through seduction and temptation: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life. After they fall into sin, he accuses them to God and to themselves, leaving them feeling considerably remorseful. When believers choose to repent by basking in God's love, graciousness, and mercy, they can have a cleared conscience; they can be restored; and they can be confident in God's active transformational work in their heart. They also begin to have the freedom to desire what God desires.

The Ten Plagues

Lee Campbell

Exodus 7:2-6

God causes 10 plagues against the Egyptians that directly correlate with the Egyptian gods. Many view the plagues as disturbing due to the judgement on the Egyptians. However, God rescues the oppressed in order to show His character through this situation. Additionally, God persuades the oppressor to show that He alone is God. In the hardship that people face, it might require patient enduring until God finishes His persuading of the oppressor. God will ultimately stop the oppression because He is just.

David and Bathsheba

Dennis McCallum

Psalms 32:1-5

Years after David''s throne is established, he begins making poor choices that lead his life in a bad direction. The culmination of this is when he commits adultery with Bathsheba, impregnates her, then tries to cover it up by having her husband killed in battle. A prophet named Nathan confronts him about this, and David finally chooses to admit to his wrongdoings and repent rather than continuing to lie and hide his sin. Through his repentance, we see the joy and happiness that comes from the release of guilt that God's grace offers. We also see that God's grace covers all sin, no matter how big.

Saul Pursues David: Waiting Upon the Lord

Dennis McCallum

Psalms 37:1-40

For fifteen years, Saul pursued David throughout the wilderness. David knew he was meant be king, and it would have been easy to take matters into his own hands. He had multiple opportunities to kill Saul and immediately take the throne. Instead, he trusted in God's promise and decided to wait for God and His timing. As followers of God, we too, are often called to wait. It is during these periods of waiting where important internal changes take place.

Why the Gospel (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

Romans 2:17-23

There are three common responses to the moral guilt we have before God. The first is to reject the standard for moral guilt, resulting in hypocrisy. The second option includes self-righteousness that sees guilt as others problems, not our own. The last option is to repent and understand that our moral guilt can be solved through God's grace through Jesus Christ. Repentance through grace allows for genuine healing, true humility, and honest transparency with our shortcomings.