God's Wisdom and Trials

Gary DeLashmutt

James 1:1-12

James addresses the Galatian's drifting into worldly attitudes and behaviors. As they were experiencing legitimate trials and suffering, James calls them to have the proper perspective toward their difficulties. Trials are not random or retribution from God, but they are God's Trainer to develop spiritual fitness and strength. Our ultimate destination matters far more than our comfort along the way.

The Mystery of Christ

Conrad Hilario

Ephesians 3:1-11

God created man with freewill which led to a dilemma for God. He is both loving and just. He loves us but His justice demands he punish us for our sins. His enemies make accusations against his character. So, God kept secret His plan to resolve His dilemma for a time. At the right time, he revealed that Jesus would be the perfect substitute to pay for man's sins. Thus, He demonstrated His great love but also satisfied his justice.

Renewing Our Vision

Cindy Botti

Isaiah 55:8-9

Vision, whether in life in general or in parenting in particular, is important because it gives meaning to the mundane. It gives us direction, a destination. It brings our world into focus and gives us purpose. God's vision is that He values our children. They are a gift from Him. Children are also a reward from Him. God's vision is also that He gave us, parents, an important role to teach our children about Him. We can model for them how to be Spiritual Champions. We train them according to their way. We keep God in the picture, i.e. cling to His promises.

Opening the Eyes of Your Heart

James Rochford

Ephesians 1:15-23

Opening the eyes of your heart involves transitioning from propositional truth of knowing God in a head-knowledge sort of way to a personal knowledge of God that goes deep into your heart. We need God's enlightenment to understand the depth of these truths. We can access this enlightenment of the heart by prayer, meditation and recognition and redirection throughout the day.

Battling Falsehood Among God's People

Dennis McCallum

2 Timothy 3:8-4:2

The best way to battle falsehood among God's people is to know the Word of God and preach it! Scripture is God-breathed, meaning the authors of the Bible were supernaturally inspired by God to write everything God directed them to write. By studying His Word Christians are equipped for every good work and able to discern truth from falsehood.

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 1:9-11

Paul prayed for the spiritual growth of the Philippians. He likened it to the growth cycle of a plant. A young tomato plant requires staking in order to bear fruit in time. In our spiritual growth, love is the plant and knowledge and discernment are the two stakes need to guide the growth of our love. The resulting fruit is a lifestyle that glorifies God.

Embracing a Lifestyle of Love:Toward Non-Christians Part 2

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 4:2-6

Showing God's love to non-Christians through our attitudes and actions involves sharing God's love through our words about Jesus. It First of all, pray for God to open doors for you to share the truth of God's love and for wisdom in how to make the most of opportunities. Always use gracious speech.

Guarding and Sharing the Treasure

Dennis McCallum

2 Timothy 1:8-14

Paul exhorts Timothy to the treasure which had been entrusted to him. The treasure is the biblical truths Paul has been teaching him. Paul wants him to teach what the Bible teaches and emphasize what it emphasizes. Every believer has also been entrusted with these treasures. Truths like grace need to be guarded. The best way to guard the truth is to entrust it to many others. This is why discipleship is serious business.

Paul's Last Words

Dennis McCallum

2 Timothy 1:1-7

As the time that Paul has left on this earth comes to a close, his final words to Timothy focus on encouraging him to keep fanning the flames of the spiritual gift God has given him. He reminds him that God has not given him a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and sound mind. In that spirit, he has the power to love others and have confidence in God in all circumstances.