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.

The Correct Use of the Law

Conrad Hilario

1 Timothy 1:5-17

The Law shows us that we fall short of God's perfect standard. Many view the Law's stance on subjects like sexual immorality to be overly restrictive. But ultimately, the purpose of the Law is to lead us to Christ. Paul considered himself a trophy of God's grace in spite of his sin, and believers should take the same view of their own lives.

The Path to Spiritual Maturity (Part 2)

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 3:5-17

Part two of a two-part series on the path to spiritual maturity. Paul encourages the Colossians to embrace a lifestyle consistent with what God has provided us through Christ. He urges them to ?put aside? a self-centered way of life and to ?put on? an other-centered, loving lifestyle. As we cultivate a mental focus on ?the things above? (part one) and replace a selfish lifestyle with a loving one (part two), God changes us from the inside out.

Three Questions about God and Morality

Jim Leffel

Matthew 5:17-48

We look at three questions on morality: 1) what's the meaning of morality, 2) what's the standard of morality, and 3) what's the purpose of morality? We see from Jesus' teachings how humility and gratitude, not pride, are components in the meaning and standard of morality.

Jesus' Letters to 7 Groups (Pt. 2)

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 2:12-3:5

Jesus's address to the churches continues with Pergamum, Thyatira, and Sardis. These three churches have a common flaw: passivity. Christ addresses this sin, which invokes careful consideration of what it looks like to be an apathetic or dead church and the dangers involved.

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.

Walking With the Holy Spirit

Jeff Gordon

Galatians 5:13-26

In the heart of every believer, there is a battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The goal of the Christian is to be sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit that indwells them. This is possible because in Christ our flesh has been crucified, with all of its evil passions and desires. Ultimately, the fruit of walking with the Spirit is love.

Eros and Agape-Based Relationships

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 3:11-4:12

Agape is a Greek word that refers to the unique love of God demonstrated in Christ and practiced by His people. This often runs in contrast to eros, which refers instead to the kind of erotic love so valued by our culture. Under God's paradigm of agape love, sexual ethics exist to protect people from hurting themselves and their families. Brian Gardner spoke about his victory over sex addiction.

Sexual Sin and Grace

Brian Gardner

1 Thessalonians 3:11-4:12

A false belief around sexual sin is that behavior modification or restrictions have the power to change people. They do not. There are four key dynamics that result in lasting heart change: knowing sin, hating sin, knowing the total forgiveness and grace of God, and being astounded at the love of God.