Why I Believe

Jim Leffel

Mark 12:28-37

As Jesus speaks to the religious authorities, one scribe asks an honest question: what is actually most important to God? Jesus' response is that we must be able to love God and love other people perfectly. It's not about completing religious rituals - a relationship with God is about love. And yet, loving perfectly is an impossible task. That is why God sent Jesus.

Three Challenges to Christ's Authority

Jim Leffel

Mark 11:27-12:27

As Jesus' ministry comes to a close, his public acts call people to respond to his deceleration that he is the Messiah. Many respond negatively, offended by his words and actions. The religious authorities question the basis, scope, and credibility of his authority. Jesus responds to three separate challenges, revealing that those testing him are not honest seekers while also continuing to declare the truth about himself.

Victory March of the Messiah

Jim Leffel

Mark 11:1-18

Jesus performs two public acts during the beginning of the Passover celebration: his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and his cleaning out of the temple courts. With these acts he finally announces that he is the Messiah. Through these two demonstrations we can learn about what our real needs are.

Leadership and Balance

Dennis McCallum

1 Timothy 1

All of us are in one way or another in a position of leadership with influence on others, therefore everyone has the opportunity to lead for God. In this passage, Paul instructs Timothy on how to be a godly leader who prioritizes the right things. He tells Timothy to dismiss strange and esoteric teaching, refusing to focus on it. Timothy should also refute legalism and guide the focus of the church to core important teaching, like who Jesus is and salvation by faith, instead of going off on tangents. Dustin White gives his testimony.

Considered Theologically II

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 3:10

We take a look at the nature of evil and how it is explained through the lens of different worldviews such as naturalism, pantheism, postmodern relativism, and theism. How does what we believe about God coincide with the evil that we see every day in the news? We will specifically focus on the WTC attacks at the end, and see how the lens of other worldviews explains why those who committed the atrocity did so based on their beliefs.

The Afterlife

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 1:9-10

If there is nothing after death, then this life is meaningless. God has offered us salvation from death through Jesus' death on the cross and He has been working this plan since man first sinned. God wants us to join Him in Heaven for eternity, and all we have to do is accept His free gift of salvation.

The Body of Christ (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4:15-16

Christians are called to be a part of a Christian community where they share in fellowship. Christian community (the church) is referred to as the Body of Christ, Jesus is the head of this body and people in the church are parts of the body. When we all come together in truth and love as diverse people with different strengths we are able to interdependently do God's work and experience God's love through one another.

Admonition

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Paul praises the Thessalonians for their love, but urges them to continue to excel, especially in the area of admonition. Despite our culture and pride that oppose correction, we are called to humbly receive correction and give correction to other believers out of love for them. As we participate in this task, there are several principles that lead to effective admonishment.

Love in Community: Setting Limits

Dennis McCallum

2 Corinthians 2:5-8

The cultural view of love and God's view of love are quite different. Our culture views love as an emotional connection while God views love as a choice to act for the benefit of someone else. God's love includes discipline which we do in order for the good of a brother or sister in Christ.