Key Principles of Healthy Relating

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 7:1-12

The Golden Rule, as taught by Jesus, is to treat others the way that we would want to be treated. It's clear from the rest of Sermon on the Mount, however, that God's priority for Christians is not simply following a rule but rather to develop healthy relationships in multiple facets. Jesus gives four supplementary principles for healthy relating: 1) do not view others with a critical spirit ; 2) resolve conflict with an attitude of humility; 3) relate to fools in a wise way; and 4) ask for God's enabling power in relating to others. By applying these principles to their personal relationships, believers can be a light to the world and more effective examples of God's love.

The Greatness of the Love of God

Scott Risley

Psalms 103

Perhaps the greatest of all the praise psalms. Our delight in the Lord is incomplete until it is expressed, therefore, praise completes our enjoyment of God. On the other hand, when we don't spend time talking about God's character, we forget about His goodness. While neglecting to praise God leads to depression, expression of God's grace fills us with a joy that is practically inexhaustible. By proclaiming why God deserves to be worshiped, as well as the benefit we receive when we praise Him, David invites us to partake in praising Yahweh. \r\n

Focus on God's Mercy

Chris Hearty

Psalms 103

David celebrates the goodness of God. He begins by celebrating the undeserved blessings. David transitions to celebrate God's undeserved mercy and forgiveness. Finally he culminates in a celebration of praise and gratitude for the awesomeness of God.

When You've Messed Up Really, Really Bad

Scott Risley

Psalms 32:3-4

A psalm of repentance to God, written after David slept with Bathsheba, who was the wife of another man. David recognizes the severity of his sin, and takes full responsibility for what he has done. At the same time, David throws himself on God's mercy, His unfailing love, His ability to forgive and redeem. Identifies six signs of true repentance: 1. have a vertical perspective, 2. take responsibility, 3. accept consequences, 4. deeply understand the problem, 5. express joy and gratitude, and 6. desire to serve God and to tell others about Him.

Putting On The New Self

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 3:9-17

The New Testament always reasons from what God made us to be into our experience of that. The new self is characterized by love toward others, thankfulness, and knowledge of the truth.

Living Out of Our New Identity

Conrad Hilario

1 John 4:20

Now that Paul has established theological truths for the Colossians, he goes into detail about how these truths can be applied to life. Paul describes characteristics of a Christian who is believing and acting on his new identity in Christ. A sanctified believer embodies qualities such as: compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving.

Judge Not!

Jim Leffel

Matthew 18:15-16

Judge not so you will not be judged and "take the log out of your own eye". These are some of the most famous verses from Jesus' sermon on the mount that are still referenced today. Are you someone who is always confronting others about how they messed up? The Bible lays out a path to confront a brother or sister, not through self-righteousness, but in love and also how to restore them in grace.

The Paradox of Fulfillment (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

Matthew 5:1-12

How is God nudging you? We will learn about the Beatitudes from Jesus, and learn about the attitudes that can move us forward in God's Will or hinder us if we fail to understand them. Beatitudes include: gentleness, righteous hunger, mercy, purity of heart, peacemakers, and persecution.

Pentecost

Ryan Lowery

Acts 2:1-41

The first Christian community starts in Jerusalem with the disciples and crowds receiving the Holy Spirit. There are instances of speaking in tongues after the disciples receive the Holy Spirit. The Bible lays out very clear measures of speaking in tongues including that an interpreter must be present. We all say that we want to see a miracle but either we will be perplexed or create a cynical explanation to write it off. Peter stands up and rebukes the cynics of the crowd and gives glory to God who has revealed the second part of His plan which involves His Holy Spirit and of Jesus' fulfillment of the work on the cross.