Reconciliation

Jim Leffel
2 Corinthians 2:6-11

Paul gives instructions to the Corinthians on how they should approach a brother who has undergone church discipline. The purpose of discipline is redemptive by nature, desiring a change of mind and moving away from damaging habits. Paul calls on them to extend forgiveness and grace toward the offender and affirm their love for him. As people experience reconciliation, they are able to humbly respond to God out of gratitude for His grace, eager to be used by Him.

Jesus' Mission Statement

Gary DeLashmutt
Luke 5:1-32

In the early stages of Jesus' public ministry, he makes it clear that he has come to call the sinners; this passage includes three encounters between Jesus and sinners. Jesus' mission statement is that no matter how sinful and broken you are, Jesus loves you and wants you and is able to transform your life, and the only thing you have to do is humbly admit to Jesus that you need his love and forgiveness.

Spiritual Confidence

Jim Leffel
2 Corinthians 1:12-16

Paul speaks to the Corinthians about spiritual confidence. Spiritual confidence is based out of God's love, His power, and His grace. When we develop spiritual confidence based on who God says we are, we can experience freedom in serving Him firstly and develop outward focus in our other key relationships. As we are faithful to God's message, our consciences can strengthen and reflect the confidence we have through our relationship with God.

Jesus' Birth & Childhood

Gary DeLashmutt
Luke 2:1-52

Luke writes about the beginning of Jesus' life through Mary's perspective. The three scenes in this passage illustrate that Jesus is the unique, divine Ruler of the whole human race, he has voluntarily come to rescue us at great personal cost, and God welcomes and involves everyone who receives Jesus.\r\n

Playing Games with God

Dennis McCallum
Mark 7:1-23

Jesus and the Pharisees held two competing views of spirituality which caused immense disputing among them. The Pharisees focused on man-made religion and outward observance, while neglecting the inward heart attitudes that God desires from people. While the Pharisees avoided acknowledging their sin and claimed to be close to God, Jesus stressed the importance of grace, freely receiving a relationship with God without any man-made works. Outward observance and inward heart change are in stark contrast to each other.

The New Worship

Gary DeLashmutt
Hebrews 12:28-13:16

The author of Hebrews describes a new and better way to worship God, as compared to the rituals of the old covenant. Several differences include new worship: 1) is wherever you are, 2) is continuous, 3) is equally achievable by all believers, and 4) is a lifestyle of thanks to God and loving service to others. It is important to note how ritual worship services can hinder believers from having a full life with God.

The New Covenant

Gary DeLashmutt
Hebrews 10:1-18

Now that the author of Hebrews has clarified that the new covenant is better than the old covenant, he gives three examples of how. 1) People now have the power to follow God. 2) People now have personal intimacy with God. 3) People now have complete forgiveness by God. While not as extreme as the old sacrificial system, it is still important to watch for ways that people can revert to relating to God through rituals.

Entering God's Rest

Gary DeLashmutt
Hebrews 4:1-16

Responding to God and trusting Him leads to being able to partake in His rest. This rest lifts burdens from His people, but it can seem difficult to understand at first. Entering into God's rest involves ceasing from works, while making every effort to depend on God. This can only be understood and applied through grace and mercy, which are available through Christ.

Why Jesus Became a Human

Gary DeLashmutt
Hebrews 2:5-18

Hebrews makes the case that Jesus is greater than any person or institution. This second chapter provides understanding about why this is: because of his sacrifice in order to rescue humanity. The necessity of Christ to become human is explained in three reasons: 1) to regain humanity's lost dominion over the earth (prevailing where Adam failed in the fall), 2) to die in our place for the guilt of our sins(allowing us to join God's family), and 3) to help us when we suffer (since he, himself, knows what it means to suffer).