God Changes Lives!

Scott Risley

2 Peter 1:1-11

The apostle Peter writes to the churches in Northern Turkey expressing God's desire to change our lives. He emphasizes three points: 1) The basis for this change is rooted in what Jesus has done for us, 2) He paints a vision for what this change looks like, and 3) He describes the benefits of allowing God to change our lives.

God Changes Lives!

Dennis McCallum

2 Peter 1:1-9

Peter begins his letter by speaking about how God wants to change the lives of believers; He wants to make us more like Jesus, and He has supplied the power for that change. God wants us to partake in the promises that He has given us, and through: having a position in Christ, believing and focusing on that position, and with faith, God will change us.

The Cost of Discipleship

Ryan Lowery

Luke 14:27-33

While God's love is a free gift, it is a costly decision to be a disciple. It requires following Christ over comfort and possessions. It also means choosing God over certain familial obligations. Finally, being a disciple requires a denial of distractions that hinder our focus or pull us off course.

Being Like Jesus

Dennis McCallum

Romans 6:10-11

By believing in the finished work of Christ, Peter exhorts us to prepare our minds to suffer in the same way that Christ did. Since Christ suffered in the flesh for a purpose, as believers, we will experience this as well. In preparation for suffering, Peter reflects on the days of Noah, addresses the purpose of baptism, and the authority that Christ possesses. \r\n

Parable of the Soils

Ryan Lowery

Luke 8:4-15

According to the parable of the soils, there are four possible responses to the gospel: 1) allowing God's enemy to snatch it away, which does not result in salvation; 2) receiving it and allowing temporary change, but falling away into temptation; 3) receiving it, but failing to prioritize it over the world; and 4) letting it sink deep and flourish, resulting in perseverance and fruitfulness. It is entirely up to the individual what kind of soil they will be.

The New Birth

Gary DeLashmutt

John 3:1-20

When approached by Nicodemus, Jesus teaches about the new birth: an event that enables us to enter and perceive God's kingdom. Jesus makes it clear that each and every person needs this new birth. God makes rebirth available through His Son's death on the cross and it is received by faith in Jesus, no amount of works are sufficient. Even though the message is simple and just, many people refuse it out of a prideful moral fear of their life being changed and their sins being exposed.

Don't Quench the Spirit!

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Paul continues to give the Thessalonian church instructions on how to grow their closeness with Christ. He instructs them to not quench the Holy Spirit, and highlights areas in which this can come out: 1) despising prophetic utterances, or tuning out God's message in its various forms; 2) mocking genuine enthusiasm for God by stifling or dismissing others excitement about God; and 3) shrinking away from scary steps of faith. By not quenching the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, we are freed up to become more intimate in our relationship with God.

Living in Light of Jesus' Return

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

In light of what Paul had previously written to the Thessalonian church concerning the Rapture and return of Jesus, he explains what this means for how Christians should live their lives. Jesus Christ's return is imminent, something that has been predicted throughout the Bible and is the basis for the hope of Christians. In light of Jesus coming back, Paul urges the Thessalonians to be sober and alert, and live consistently as if we're confident in Jesus' return. This would mean living for things that have eternal benefit, understanding the brokenness of the world around us, and living a life where we are transformed to look more like Christ.

3 Priorities That Please God and Fulfill You

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Paul writes to the Thessalonians on ways in which they can live to please God. Three priorities that please God include: 1) getting immersed in Christian community; 2) cultivating quietness before God and giving attention to family; and 3) being financially self-supportive. When Christians are plugged into communities with a healthy investment on Christ-centered relationships, have regular times spent with God and family, and learn to prioritize God's relational priorities while working hard in the workplace, it leads to a fulfilling life that glorifies God.