An Anchor for the Soul

Jim Leffel
Hebrews 6:9-20

Each person desires an anchor for hope that is steadfast and unchanging. God's promises, which He swears by Himself, are the sort of foundation that we are looking for. Perseverance in acting on these truths with strengthen our hope. A woman named Teresa shared her testimony about learning real hope through suffering

Entering God's Rest

Jim Leffel
Hebrews 4:4-16

Rest is a dynamic term, present in the pattern of history as receiving God's promise to blessing. Rest in the finished work of Christ means that we are prepared to receive and accept his sacrifice. To rest in an ongoing way means continuing to trust in God's provision and depend on Him in the whole of life. Dan Beech gave a testimony about the way that he learned to trust God.

The Cross of Christ

Jim Leffel
Galatians 6:11-16

The central message through Paul's letter to the Galatians has been the cross of Christ. As Christians, our boasting should come from the incredible work of Jesus Christ at the cross which gives us a new lens of viewing the present world. As a result of our new identity in Christ, we are able to live in this world with peace, as we understand God's grace and mercy towards us and await our real home in eternity with Him.

The Great Secret: Dealing with Negativity

Dennis McCallum
Romans 8:5-7

Paul called the Philippians to set their minds on the good things that are true of them in Christ. Paul found contentment in rejoicing in God's Love and trusting in His provision. Our relationship with God gives us a firm basis for joy.

Strife Between Brothers

Dennis McCallum
Romans 5:1

There are many different types of conflict that we enter in life, generally God wants us to resolve conflict in a position of humility and doing what's best for the other party. We have been forgiven much by God, so we should be able to forgive most offenses against us. Conflicts can be opportunities to share God's love to a watching world.

Gratitude and Spirituality

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to always rejoice and give thanks. Gratitude in the Christian life is both an indicator of spiritual health and a medicine that promotes spiritual growth, allowing us to experience peace, recognize God's love, and positively impact others. We can cultivate a grateful attitude by prioritizing thanksgiving in our prayer life and asking God to sensitize us to our internal complaining, amongst other things.

Two Elements of Spiritual Parenting

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

Paul explains two aspects of spiritual parenting: 1) prioritizing face to face relating; and 2) a willingness to be affected by another person's spiritual health. Technology is not a replacement for face-to-face relating. It actually can be a hindrance. We should prioritize face-to-face relating with our own children, in our own spiritual development, and in our efforts to impact others for Christ. Being affected by others' spiritual health is different than codependent relationships. Our identity is secure in Christ, not in another person.\r\n

Sermon on the Mount (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 6:31-34

Jesus started the Sermon on the Mount by explaining what living a joyful and fruitful life looks like. He explained that hiding from pain and suffering is not helpful in finding peace; living a simple and humble life is good; personal relationships are the venue for sharing God's love; and we should be rooted in the truths God has given us. Finally he urges us to trust and follow the Lord.