Final Thoughts

Jim Leffel
2 Timothy 4:5-8

Paul closes up his letter to Timothy, describing his own perspective on the present, past, and future in order to teach Timothy how to live well. We, like Timothy, should live our lives sacrificially loving others, doing the work of God, and striving to please Him. Paul leaves Timothy with four aspects of a mature servant: be alert, prepare for battle, focus on what matters, and respond to God's leading.

Life Without God

Scott Risley
Romans 1:18-21

The existence of God is evident to all of His creation, although we may actively make the decision to ignore Him. Without God, we have no reference point for morality and seek increasing highs to fill the void. Thankfully, accepting Christ breaks this cycle and gives our lives meaning and fulfillment. Our old selves have died and we are new in Christ Jesus.

Glory

Lee Campbell
John 17:1-24

The Father glorifies Jesus by making him king; Jesus glorifies God by giving eternal life. Self-glory blinds us to God's glory, ruins relationships, and steals glory from God. God's glory results in an eternal relationship with God and an eternal relationship with others.

Romans 12 - Renewal or Conformity?

Dennis McCallum
Romans 12:1-5

As believers in Christ, we have two choices: we can conform to the values of this world, or we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We cannot straddle the line between these two choices, but are called to make a conscious decision and effort to be transformed by God. That decision allows us to make an eternal impact instead of investing in the fleeting things of this world. It also causes us to grow deep relationships alongside others in the body of Christ who are being transformed by God with us. When Christians choose to be transformed in this way, they become more persuasive, more zealous, and more mature in their spiritual lives.

Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ (Part 2)

Scott Risley
Ephesians 1:11-23

Paul continues explaining the spiritual blessings that come from having a relationship with God. Paul adds two to the list: receiving an eternal inheritance and being sealed with the Holy Spirit. Ongoing growth in knowing and experiencing God is essential for spiritual growth. God has given confident hope, value and power to His children which can positively impact their lives.\r\n

The Normal Christian Life

Gary DeLashmutt
John 14-16

Jesus' farewell discourse describes the normal Christian life as a life of supernatural provisions in the midst of extraordinary difficulties. Three difficulties are presented: 1) Jesus will not be physically present; 2) we are living in a hostile world; and 3) we are given a humanly impossible mission. Four provisions are given: 1) hope in the eternal kingdom; 2) access to God through prayer; 3) help through the Holy Spirit; and 4) the authority of Jesus over the world system.

What Must I Do?

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 19:9-30

A man asked Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life. This reflects the typical religious attitude Jesus had been teaching against. The man ended up walking away saddened, because he wanted to earn righteous standing instead of simply asking for mercy from Jesus. Jesus' conversation with the man highlights the deceitfulness of the human heart and exposes what the man truly wanted, which wasn't forgiveness. Often, people are deceived into thinking they can do enough to be good with God, but in reality all people need to simply ask for God to have mercy on them through Jesus.

The Transfiguration and Metamorphosis

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 16:28-17:5

Peter, James and John witness Jesus transfigure before them. Elijah and Moses appear with Jesus. This incredible account shows that God wants show Himself at key times and in various ways. This spiritual experience that Peter, James and John had is an instance of God providing such experiences right before He calls for self-sacrifice and a new level of commitment. As Christians we should welcome spiritual experiences, but not idolize them. This account also reveals how the Old Testament prefigured and validated the New Testament, and thus how we can trust Jesus and what he says about needing forgiveness.

Through A Mirror Dimly

Jim Leffel
1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Paul concludes his famous passage on love by unpacking the triumph and centrality of love in the Christian life. He details three dimensions of biblical spirituality: faith, hope and love (which he calls the greatest of the three). This is because now we see as "through a mirror dimly", knowing truth but not in its entirety; but one day we will be face to face with God. On that day, faith and hope will no longer be necessary. But love will endure forever, so we should pursue deepening love relationships that will last for eternity.