The Book of Ruth: God's Redemption

Scott Risley
Ruth 1-4

Ruth was a Moabite widow with no children in the foreign land of Israel, but God redeemed and provided for her. God provided for her a husband in Boaz, an unconventional choice but one that worked because they passed four relationship tests: faith, suffering, character, and love.

Jephthah: Bargaining with God

Scott Risley
Judges 10-11

Jepthath's interactions with both his enemies, the Ammonites, and with God, reflect a repeated flaw in thinking during the time of the Judges: religious bargaining. By operating out of a man-made system of relating to God, Jepthath misses the point of real devotion to Yahweh and pays the consequence by having to sacrifice his daughter after a foolish vow.

Gideon

Scott Risley
Judges 6:1-32

God tasks Gideon to save Israel from the Midianites, Despite Gideon's doubts about his ability and worthiness, God commissions him into action and assures him of His power to use Gideon. God also provides an outline for Gideon to interact with Him amidst doubt: 1) gratitude; 2) public proclamation; 3) actions steps; and 4) personal encounter.

An Unlikely Savior

Scott Risley
Judges 4:1-24

Deborah emerges as the leader which God wishes to use to aid Israel against King Jabin and the Canaanites. Along the way, Barak is called to step up and take a risk for God, but is unwilling. God instead uses the willingness of Jael. Underlying this story is the concept of spiritual leadership and the risks that are involved with those who want to have a deep impact for God. God picks the most unlikely people to accomplish his purposes.

The Gospel of Jesus

Jim Leffel
Mark 6:1-6

Jesus was a scandalous figure who subverted the expectations of people, demonstrated his power, and refused to fit their mold. As people today encounter Jesus, their expectations present unique barriers to belief.

Power of the Gospel (Part 2): Defeating Sickness and Death

Jim Leffel
Mark 5:21-53

Mark records Jesus healing two different people: the famous synagogue leader named Jairus and a bleeding woman. While Jairus was famous, esteemed, and spoke to Jesus directly, the woman was anonymous, rejected, and sneaky. In their desperation, both had the same faith in the person of Jesus. Jairus and the woman both received more healing and grace than they were expecting.

The Role of Good Works

Dennis McCallum
James 2:14-24

James' passage here can be easily misinterpreted to say that, we are justified by works and not by faith. But his usage of the word "justified" is referring to being justified, or being seen as righteous, by people - not justified by God. James is asking who should be considered righteous - one who says he believes in God? Or one who lives a life based on God? Justification before God is faith, apart from works, and justification before people is through godly works.

Joy in the Midst of Suffering

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Peter 1:1-9

Peter provides 2 insights about having joy during times of suffering. First, God will grant us a glorious inheritance in heaven as his adopted children. Second, God, like a goldsmith, is refining our faith through our sufferings.\r\n

Getting Ready to Give

Dennis McCallum
James 1:1-8

Are we willing to turn to God to seek wisdom in the midst of suffering? James talks about perseverance through trials and, with wisdom from God, to consider trials an opportunity for joy. We can turn to God who will give us the strength to make it through trials and shape us in our broken state to be used in His plans. God is going to provide for us if we are sold out for Him in our hearts and minds. When we are provided for through Him we are able to become grateful and able to give out to others who are also going through trials.