Cain and Abel

Jim Leffel

Psalms 51:14-15

A study of Cain and Abel provides a penetrating picture of the human inner life. Cain's legacy was corrupt as he sought to appease God through ritual rather than a trusting relationship. Failure and sin mastered him.

The Last Supper

Jim Leffel

Exodus 12:1-23

The narrative of the Last Supper begins with the sacrifice of the Passover lamb. The original Passover narrative is recorded in Exodus 12. The Passover lamb foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Jesus introduces Communion at this Passover feast. The purpose of the communion tradition is to remember Christ's sacrifice and to bring the Christian community together.

The Sermon on the Plain II

Dennis McCallum

Luke 6:37-45

Jesus resumes his teachings from the passage known as the Sermon on the Plain. He gives instructions for creating close, personal relationships with other believers. A key part of developing loving relationships is being able to resolve conflict in a healthy and constructive way. Jesus gives us the freedom to admit when we are at fault. In this passage he gives further instructions on what to do and what not to do after we admit our fault.\r\n

Confrontations with the Priests (or four good reasons to reject religion)

Jim Leffel

Luke 19:45-20:40

Four reasons to reject religion include: 1) hypocrisy; 2) dogma and deafness; 3) group-think; and 4) a body of teachings with no solutions. Instead, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ, delivering the good news to all people in faith, hope, and love.

Jesus vs. Legalistic Religion

Dennis McCallum

Luke 6:11-38

Most people have heard some version of the "Golden Rule" but do they really know what it says? Jesus said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and he took it a step further when he said, "Love your enemies!" According to Jesus, loving other people involves action on our part. It is not a passive thought or passing feeling. Learn more about this type of love in The Sermon on the Plain.\r\n

Sermon on the Plain (Part 1)

Conrad Hilario

Luke 6:17-36

Jesus teaches the Sermon on the Plain including the Beatitudes. He explains three lessons to the crowd: 1) those who want to serve God will suffer; 2) God will generously reward in heaven those who make sacrifices in this life; and 3) service for God is characterized by sacrificial love.

Peter's Calling and Commission

Conrad Hilario

Luke 5:1-11

Jesus calls Peter to follow him and become a ?fisher of men.? We should consider following Jesus like Peter because eternity exists, people's eternal lives depend on it, and it is exciting. Jesus banked his entire ministry on the twelve disciples, concentrating on the few while not neglecting the multitudes. He calls on us to follow his example and make discipleship our primary strategy to make an eternal impact.

Offering Yourself to God

Conrad Hilario

John 15:18-19

Most American Christians view worship as a part of a church service with singing and praise. Genuine worship, however, involves allowing God to transform one's mind from the patterns of the world system and giving Him every part of one's life as well, and this form of worship is pleasing to God.

Living the Life of Faith (Part 6)

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 13:12-21

The author of Hebrews concludes the book with instructions on biblical worship. Hebrews explains this as a lifestyle of praise, service, and God's community. This teaching explores other interpretations of worship and compares them to our author's intent.