Conclusions of Unbelief

Jim Leffel

Mark 3:20-35

Throughout Jesus' ministry, Jesus used miracles to demonstrate his mission and authority, and he often used these signs to challenge his audience to decide who he was for themselves. The scribes believed that Jesus did his miracles by Satan's power, an argument that he subsequently dismantled through logic, and Jesus' family believed that Jesus was taking his claims too far. Jesus taught that believers should be committed to their family but that all human commitments are subordinate to God's Will, and these commitments are best practiced in the context of fellowship with other Christians.

Jesus the Healer

Jim Leffel

John 9:2-3

Throughout his ministry, Jesus makes bold claims about who he is. To back up these claims, he performs many miracles, often in the presence of hostile religious leaders or in the midst of large crowds. From these miracles, we see that Jesus has unique authority. He is able to meet not only the physical needs of people, but our deeper spiritual needs as well.

Beginning: John the Baptist

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 5:21

After many years of silence from God, John the Baptist comes as a messenger to announce the coming of the Messiah, a fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah 40 and Malachi 3. His message was a need for repentance and forgiveness of sins, and many people came to be baptized by him. He tells the people that though he baptizes with water, the One coming after him will baptize with the Holy Spirit. While water baptism is only a symbolic cleansing done in recognition for the need for forgiveness, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of forgiveness provided by Christ's death.

Two Rich Guys

Dennis McCallum

Luke 19

The accounts in Luke 18 and 19 present two men in contrast. First, there is a rich man who approaches Jesus as a good teacher, thinking he has done enough good to earn salvation. He leaves grieved, however, because Jesus challenges his good deeds. The second man, Zacchaeus, eagerly goes to meet Jesus despite being known as a sinner. He repents before Christ and receives salvation in his humility. In response to this story, we are faced with several questions: will we trust that Jesus is the Messiah, not just a good teacher, liar, or lunatic? And will we walk away from Jesus sad or with joy?

Parables of the Kingdom

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 13

What will the Kingdom of God be like? How will God's message be spread? The answer is surprising. The Messiah came first not as a conquering king as expected, but as a humble servant. His message is spread not as a political power play, but through grass movements, gradual and quiet.

On the Mountaintop

Dennis McCallum

Luke 9:27-35

Peter, James and John witness Jesus's transfiguration into His heavenly, glorious form on the mountain. Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, demonstrating that the Law and Prophets bear witness to Jesus though predictive prophecy and typology. Peter didn't want this amazing experience to end, but experiences aren't everything in the Christian life. Patrice McCormac gives her testimony.

On the Mountaintop

Dennis McCallum

Luke 9

Jesus' transfiguration up on the mountain revealed his true glory, while testifying to prophecy concerning Christ from the Old Testament and foreshadowing his work on the cross. The experience that Peter, John, and James witnessed is an example of God using experience to promote further dependence and trust. Often times, people use experience as an idol, instead of trusting in the stability of God's Word and what Jesus did. Developing a category for spiritual experience without needing them for our faith is important for growing Christians.

Two Decisions

Dennis McCallum

Luke 14:28-35

Who do you think Jesus is? Your answer has immense implications, in this life and the next. Jesus asks us not only to trust in his free gift of eternal life, but also to entrust our earthly lives to Him as well. This life of discipleship will cost us everything we have, but in return we'll experience an exciting, fulfilling earthly life and an eternity full of rewards.

The Supremacy of Christ

Dennis McCallum

Luke 8

Jesus' interaction with the demonic gives insight into occult powers. Occult worship is widespread within culture and is demonic by origin. However, Jesus Christ has authority over all demonic spirits and powers. The response to encountering occult and demonic powers is to ask for Jesus Christ to come into your life for spiritual protection, to discern what is from God and what is from other demonic forces, and separating ourselves from the occult.