Spiritual Relapse

Scott Risley

Hebrews 5:11-6:12

Hebrews was written to Christians from a Jewish background who were once sold out for Christ but then reverted back to having priests as intermediaries. The author introduces a six-chapter argument on the superiority of the priesthood of Christ after the order of Melchizedek. This section covers a complicated and controversial passage about eternal security, pseudo-Christians, and lost blessings. God desires that all press on to maturity with a continual diet of learning and action.

Introduction

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 18:10-14

Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount begins with his prescription for true happiness - the Beatitudes. He speaks with authority as God's King, and his teaching is that the key to happiness is first coming into a relationship with God and then adopting certain attitudes in line with knowing God personally. Our happiness as people is not dependent on our circumstances but rather on our cultivation of these attitudes.

Two Ways to Live

Scott Risley

Romans 3:10-12:3

An overview of Hebrew poetry (tools for understanding and interpreting), types of Psalms (wisdom, praise/thanksgiving, and lament/anger), and an explanation of what we can learn from the Psalms including: how to express our feelings to God; and reconciling our feelings/life experiences with truth found in scripture. Psalm 1 is a wisdom psalm that lays out two life-paths (wicked vs. righteous), and the importance of delighting in and meditating on the Word. Ultimately, this psalm calls us to entrust our lives to God and learn to listen to His Word.

Character and Leadership (Part 2): Maturity

Jim Leffel

1 Timothy 3:1-13

Spiritual leadership is desperately needed by the church. Those who desire to become leaders should, over all else, desire to be a faithful representation of Christ. This is only possible through spiritual maturity in areas such as home life, self-control, reputation, and the ability to teach others.

The Word of God

Ryan Lowery

Nehemiah 8:1-18

The people of Nehemiah's day found that they wanted to do the will of God, but were largely ignorant about the Scriptures. In order for the Word of God to have its proper effects, we must allow the Word to impact us intellectually, to affect our hearts, and to move us forward into action motivated by love.

Character and Leadership (Part 1): Ambition

Jim Leffel

1 Timothy 3:1-13

Ambition to influence others is a virtue that is promoted in Scripture. Many have observed negative examples of worldly ambition, or even a lack of ambition in the church. But spiritual ambition is a thoughtful passion rooted in vision, expressed in Christ-like serving, and resulting in a rich reward from God.

Challenges to Spiritual Leadership

Conrad Hilario

1 Timothy 4:1-16

As a relatively inexperienced and young leader, Timothy had a variety of challenges to his leadership. Paul offers six pieces of advice: 1) don't be surprised when people fall away; 2) keep the message of Christ at the center; 3) you can't lead others unless you yourself are growing; 4) stand on the authority of God's Word; 5) remember that God commissioned you; and 6) people should see where our lives are heading. Those who are able to persevere in the face of challenges are able to do incredible work for God.

Organic Leadership in Action

Dennis McCallum

1 Timothy 4:12-16

Paul encourages Timothy to continue to lead the church with humility and service. The main instruction he gives Timothy is to dedicate to preaching and teaching of the Word. Through Timothy's commitment to spiritual character and undying effort to the New Testament church, others will see his progress in the faith.

Training for Godliness

Scott Risley

1 Timothy 4:1-10

Paul describes to Timothy what is needed in order to grow with God and train for Godliness. Paul talks about how it is not an easy method but you have to labor and strive for it. Though the work may take diligence, it can be joyful and fulfilling at the same time. God does not want us to live boring, joyless, or ungrateful lives, but this training is something we can do together in the body of Christ.