Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Ryan Lowery

Luke 18:9-17

Many believe that religion teaches you to think that you are better than others, but Jesus teaches that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. The Pharisee of Jesus' parable thanks God that he is better than others, but fails to realize that he cannot stand before God. The tax collector, however, understands that his only option is to plead for mercy from God. We should remember the incredible grace that God showed us when we were saved.

Spiritual Rebirth

Dennis McCallum

John 3:1-18

Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus, a wealthy Pharisee and part of the Sanhedrin, who was both an important political and religious figure in Jesus' time. However, through their interaction, Jesus points out to Nicodemus his need of a new spiritual birth. Jesus then points out the need to believe the testimony of the Son of Man, and that whoever believes in the Son of God will have eternal life. This is the main message of the Bible for people today, that God in his love sent Jesus Christ to pay for all the moral wrongdoing of all people so that we could have a free, personal relationship with God.

Jesus' Crucifixion

Gary DeLashmutt

John 19:16-42

John focuses on the prophecy that was fulfilled through Jesus' crucifixion and the emotional suffering he endured. In addition to the physical pain of crucifixion detailed in Psalm 22, Jesus endured the pain of being separated from his Father so he could pay for the sins of all humanity. Jesus' purpose as the Son of God was woven throughout history and John highlights the consistency of God's plan.

The First Sign

Scott Risley

John 2:1-11

John organized his Gospel account around seven miraculous signs Jesus performed so his readers would believe Jesus was the Messiah. The first sign was performed at a wedding in Cana. Jesus turned six large pots of water, which were normally used for Jewish ceremonial cleansing, into wine. Jesus revealed His power and showed He was bringing a new way of relating to God--from the inside out and from ritual to a relationship. God wants our hearts!

God's Heart for the Lost

Ryan Lowery

Luke 15:1-32

Jesus tells three parables to illustrate God's response when people rebel against Him. In the parables of the lost sheep and coin, Jesus shows that each person matters to God and that He rejoices when lost people are found. The parable of the prodigal son shows that God is overjoyed when we choose to repent and come home to Him. Jesus also illustrates the evil of hypocrites who judge others by their sin.

Introducing The "Word"

Scott Risley

John 1:1-17

John the Apostle wrote this letter to persuade people to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. He opens his letter by describing Jesus as the Word - the eternal, personal, creator God who has come to earth and is part of the Trinity. Some received Jesus as Messiah and many did not. How will you respond to Him?

Good News Comes to Philippi

Jim Leffel

Acts 16:11-40

During Paul's second missionary journey, he makes a stop at the city of Philippi. During their time at Philippi, they encounter many different people that all come to faith in Jesus. The first is Lydia, a wealthy and single woman selling purple fabrics that is seeking God. The second is a possessed slave girl that is liberated through the good news of God's grace and freed from her bondage. Lastly, the Philppian jailer, while initially uninterested and unmerciful, is shown mercy and comes to know Jesus after coming to the end of his self. Each of these encounters in Philippi reflect the principle that God meets us where we're at and provides us with what we need to find him.

The Word

Conrad Hilario

John 3:19-21

The importance of God's Word (the Bible), is described to two different audiences: the Greeks and the Jews, and the different reactions that the two audiences would have had. The purpose, meaning, and implications of the Word of God is described as intended by God.

First Mission to the Gentiles (Part 3) The Jerusalem Council

Jim Leffel

Galatians 2:11-16

Paul and Barnabas go up to Jerusalem to figure out the issue of salvation and how it pertains to circumcision, something the Judaizers had begun teaching to others. The issue being discussed among the Council was if circumcision was necessary across cultures, and not simply for the sect of the Jewish people. Paul, Barnabas, Peter and James all come to agreement that God saved people through grace, not by circumcision or works of the Law. They want to encourage the Gentiles to use their freedom in Christ to love others.