Parenting in the New Identity

Ryan Lowery

Colossians 3:20-21

Paul gives instruction to the church regarding parenting. Both this passage and Colossians 3 indicate the importance of a balance between discipline, healthy boundaries, and love. Biblical parenting is counter cultural and might be met with criticism, but the instructions from the Bible help establish healthy families based on the loving intentions of God rather than the trends of culture.

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.

How Should the Church Spend Its Money?

Scott Risley

1 Timothy 5:3-23

The Bible calls us to be generous and use discernment. There were many in need in Timothy's church, mostly widows, and Paul teaches Timothy what qualifications there are to receive official aid from the church. Any generosity towards the need should not make them feel dependent on that aid, and our motivation for giving should not be from guilt but from our gratitude towards God.

Staying Centered in Christ

Ryan Lowery

Nehemiah 6:1-16

In Christian service, a common tactic from the enemies of God is to try to bait us into extreme reactions. But Scripture calls us to an even-keeled approach where we are centered in the truth. It is looking at the cross that helps us to avoid extremes.

Power In Weakness

Mike Sullivan

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Many hold the view that weakness interferes with our service to God. But according to the Bible, spiritual power is found in weakness. Adverse circumstances can actually turn out to be opportunities to experience God's power. Honesty concerning weakness protects us from two pitfalls that can prevent us from receiving spiritual power: self-exaltation and self-sufficiency.

The Character of a Spiritual Leader, Part 2

Conrad Hilario

1 Timothy 3:3-13

Christian leadership is vastly different than the kind of leadership that we often see in our culture. The character qualifications for elders and deacons are a picture of spiritual maturity. Some of these qualities include hospitality, perseverance, gentleness, and authenticity. Elders and deacons are also called to lead their families, learn to teach well, and to avoid both drunkenness and the love of money.

A Vision for Christian Leadership (Part 2)

Scott Risley

1 Timothy 3:1-11

Paul writes to Timothy on more qualifications of an elder. Some of these characteristics are "to have a sharp mind...and are not given to drunkenness", we look at what the Bible says about alcohol and why this is a qualification for being an elder. There are many areas that God seeks to grow in potential leaders and Paul lists out many of them throughout this chapter.

The Character of a Spiritual Leader

Conrad Hilario

Titus 1:5-7

The Bible speaks of the desire to lead for God as a noble ambition. Instead of setting a standard of gifting or talent, God instead chooses to set a standard of character. Some of these character qualifications for elders include: being above reproach, being self-controlled, being level-headed, and to have a well-ordered life.

The Paradoxical Way to Happiness

Gary DeLashmutt

Isaiah 58:10-11

Human beings deeply desire personal happiness, and live in ways they believe will result in happiness. God affirms this desire to be happy, but declares that our way of seeking through a self-centered life is wrong. Instead, Jesus declares that the self-giving perspective results in true happiness. In order to live this sacrificial lifestyle, we must consistently receive God's love and then give it out to others.