Identity and Transparency

Chris Risley

As new creations, our struggles and failures don't need to define us--they are often a way for God's glory to shine through us.

What Does the Bible Say about Race?

Fillipe do Vale

Contemporary approaches to race, the history of the discussion, how Christians have look to Scripture in both helpful and unhelpful ways, and the current state of the discussion.

You Matter

Fouad Masri

Ephesians 2:10

Growing in our relationship with Jesus attracts Muslim background people to the Messiah. Learn how your personal growth can be a source of change that impacts Muslims everywhere.

Putting Others Before Ourselves

Kay Robinson

Philippians 2:1-15

Jesus is our perfect example of putting others ahead of self. He set aside His godly attributes to become like us in human form in order to rescue us from the penalty of our sin. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to follow His example of self-sacrifice through dependence upon the God's Word, prayer, and the ministry of suffering.

More Keys to Healthy Spiritual Community

Scott Risley

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

Healthy spiritual community requires love relationships among fellow Christians as they also relate to a loving God. In these passages, the focus will be on the vertical relationship with God, us speaking to God and God speaking to us. This will involve the keys of rejoicing, praying, thanksgiving, being open to receiving input from the Holy Spirit and rejecting any form of evil.

Serving Love in the Body of Christ

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

In this passage of 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul gives five of eleven imperatives for effective body life. (The first imperative was covered in the previous teaching) Here, he urges all to warn the lazy, encourage the fainthearted, care for the weak, have patience, and practice grace toward everyone. A community that practices these things will grow spiritually and be a compelling witness to the world of God's love and transformative power.

Fervent Love

Ben Foust

1 Peter 4:7-11

Peter is encouraging Christians to have a fervent love for one another, even in the midst of trials. This present suffering is not the whole picture. Having an eternal focus allows us to endure trials and exert effort to love others, which brings glory to God.

Enemies of the Cross

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Materialism defines fulfillment and security in terms of material possessions in this life. Christians in this present world are particularly vulnerable with the massive cultural pressure to engage in materialism. To resist this pressure, Christians must cultivate deep convictions about Jesus' return and His eternal kingdom, see through materialism enough that they are emotionally affected by its impact, and prioritize and treasure fellowship with committed Christians.

Building Up the Body of Christ

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4:7-16

Building up the Body of Christ involves using the gifting one received upon conversion in an attitude of love. The goal is for everyone to use their gifting to help others to attain spiritual maturity. Paul calls all Christians to make every effort to learn to love and build up others in the Body.