Warnings!

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 10:26-31

The author of Hebrews gives a warning against "falling away" or to "go on sinning willfully" that might seem to threaten the idea of eternal security. In one case, the author is speaking of those who are convinced of spiritual truth but never choose to become believers. In the other case, the author is saying that those who keep on rejecting Jesus cannot be saved until they change their minds. Ultimately, faith for true believers has real content and is based on a concrete decision.

Why God Became Human

Jim Leffel

Hebrews 2:5-18

According to the Bible, man was made with incredible value and purpose, yet has insurmountable guilt and corruption. While we could never save ourselves, God sent Jesus to identify with us as a man in order to serve as our substitute. Jesus' became man in order to enable us to have: 1) a new family; 2) victory over death; and 3) the assurance that God can relate to us.

God's Judgment

Dennis McCallum

2 Peter 2:1-22

False teachers draw people away from God with their lies, and for that God will judge them. People often have contempt for the idea of a God that judges, but that is often a self-serving notion; God is perfectly loving and perfectly just.

Slaves and Masters

Jim Leffel

Ephesians 6:5-9

While the Bible does not promote slavery, Paul uses it as an example of how each situation is a unique opportunity to give witness. The most important call for believers is to love and serve others, even in difficult circumstances. There is a clear path to be drawn from slavery in the world and the slavery humans experience under sin. But, God has a message that invites everyone to be free.

Walk as Light

Jim Leffel

Ephesians 5:3-14

God has rescued humans through Christ's death. Once we have a relationship with Him, He calls us to live our lives by walking in light as a demonstration to those in darkness. This looks like demonstrating the gospel in our daily lives and witnessing by contrast, not judgment. The text recognizes the struggle involved in trying to live this way.

The Woman Caught in Adultery

Dennis McCallum

John 8

We are all deeply sinful people who do not deserve God's grace. When God chooses to forgive us for our sins, He puts no stipulations on it. God's grace gives us freedom from sin and the motivation to love other people. The grace and forgiveness come first. It is only then that we can have the power to effectively love other people.

The Woman at the Well

Dennis McCallum

John 4:1-42

Jesus interacts with a Samaritan woman who was drawing water from a well. He reveals who he is by telling her things about her life. He claims he can give her living water. When she realizes he is the Messiah, she is so excited that she stops what she is doing and runs to town to tell people. Jesus offers salvation to all people, even those who think they are the worst sinners.\r\n

Meeting the Logos

Dennis McCallum

John 1:1-14

The Word has always existed with God. The Word is creator of nature, not a part of nature. If God is nature, He would be guilty, nature would be as it should, there would be no basis for struggling with evil, and there would be no need for forgiveness. Jesus is the Word.

Goal Setting

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Paul explains that boxers don't box without aim, and in the same way Christians shouldn't work without aim. Sluggards lust after their desires and don't give out love. God calls us to do His work with His power, but we need to be willing to act on His calling.