God's Eternal Kingdom (Part 1)

Gary DeLashmutt

Isaiah 25:6-9

The eternal kingdom of God will be a material place, will be primarily about relationships, and will be a place of healing. The main reason to believe that this will be a real place is because of God's flawless record of fulfilling his predictions. God says that entrance is absolutely free, and only requires asking God for the forgiveness purchased by Christ.

Eternal Life

Lee Campbell

Revelation 21:1-4

After John describes Hell, he changes gears in this passage to focus on Heaven. The passage and other supporting verses in the Bible describe Heaven as: 1) "earthy" in some way, 2) interesting and relational, 3) living with God, and 4) free of brokenness. The importance of choice by every individual is emphasized. Christians are encouraged to think more about Heaven and look forward to it.

The Final Judgment

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 20:11-15

In John's vision of the final judgment, he sees that all those who are judged are condemned and sentenced to hell. Many raise objections to the idea of hell, but the Bible abundantly answers these. Contrary to the idea of many, living a good life is not what saves people but instead it is by receiving Christ's offer of forgiveness.

Jesus: The Slain Lamb

Jeff Gordon

Revelation 5

John details seeing Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, represented as the ransom for God's people. The Lamb was slaughtered, but was able to take the scroll that no one else could open, and he was declared worthy of it. With reference to Exodus 12 and Isaiah 53, this vision symbolizes the gospel message: that Christ died in our place to offer salvation to all people.

The Resurrection

Scott Risley

Mark 16:3-4

The resurrection of Jesus Christ has been portrayed by some scholars as a nice parable for modern, rational people. If the resurrection was not a literal, historical event; however, the ramifications for Christianity and humanity as a whole would be life-altering, and so the evidence must be examined thoroughly. The accounts given in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John present a complete picture of the events that transpired on that Sunday, and through studying them skeptics and believers alike can gain a realistic and accurate perspective of the resurrection.

It all turns out to be true!

Dennis McCallum

John 20:1-31

Three days after Jesus' death on the cross, Mary Magdalene, John and Peter discover his tomb to be empty. Regarding the empty tomb, several theories have been posed to account for the event, but the most rational explanation that also explains the effects after the cross is that Jesus physically resurrected as he had predicted. Without this being true, Jesus' claims would be completely false, his followers would be liars and the Bible would be worthless. Since there is real evidence that his resurrection happened, then Jesus is true; he is the sole authoritative spokesman for God and God accepted his sacrifice as adequate. As a result, there is a basis for an afterlife and having a new life in Christ.

Behold, Your King

Scott Risley

Psalms 22:14-18

Death by crucifixion is brutal and bloody, and Jesus' death on the cross was no exception. However, Jesus' death was not merely an execution but rather God's plan for the salvation of mankind, and his death simultaneously fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and satisfied God's wrath. Through his sacrifice, we are able have our moral debt paid in full and to experience a personal relationship with God.

Introduction

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 1:1-20

The book of Revelation is primarily a record of visions from God that reveal who Jesus is and what will take place in the future. From John's vision of Christ, it is clear that Jesus is both the Savior who serves us and the King whom we are to serve. The essence of Christianity is an encounter with and surrender to this Jesus who is Savior and King.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Mike Sullivan

Luke 10:25-37

Jesus has an interaction with an expert in the law, and uses the conversation as an opportunity to confront the blind spots of his religious thinking. Jesus uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to show that we are incapable of meeting God's perfect standard, and need God's mercy. As Christians, we should beware of our arrogance and be quick to correct the blind spots of the culture around us, so that we may better share and reflect God's love to others.