Abraham: The Man of Faith

James Rochford

Genesis 12-17

What is biblical faith? Is there a difference between biblical faith and blind faith? Is there room for doubt? Why do some people have more faith than others? Can we grow in our faith in God? Examining key events in the life of Abraham helps us answer these questions and learn what true faith looks like.

Importance of a Positive Outlook in Ministry

Conrad Hilario

Hebrews 10:32-35

While holding and presenting a positive outlook is scientifically shown to cause others to thrive, spewing negativity just further feeds our negative attitude. The difference is between effective, motivational leadership and defeatism, which leads to unbelief. If we remain with our negative outlook, we are at risk of becoming cold towards the very people God calls us to love. Thus, we should seek a positive outlook in ministry without running to the other extreme of being overly positive. Finally, we can cultivate a positive outlook through several key steps outlined in this presentation.

Lessons on Prayer

Conrad Hilario

Matthew 18:19-20

God doesn't promise to answer all of our prayers with affirmation. However, we can and should pray: 1. According to His will; 2. In faith; 3.With persistence; 4.Corporately (in groups); 5. Seeking answers; and 6. Remembering how He has answered us in the past.

David's Courageous Heart

Jim Leffel

1 Samuel 17:1-50

Israel and the Philistines prepare to battle. Goliath challenges the armies of Israel. David defeats Goliath. Looking at 4 responses in this crisis we see: 1. Israel is fearful while David has a vertical perspective. 2. David's older brother Eliab responds with cynicism while David has a heart of faith that says "Doubt your doubts! Examine them". 3. Saul tells David, "You are not able" while Davids' heart of belief says, "God is able". 4. Goliath's response is defiant unbelief while David responds with courage.

If I Am a Father, Where Is My Honor?

Gary DeLashmutt

Malachi 1:6-14

God draws attention to Israel's half-hearted devotion when He questions the priests offerings. Whole-hearted devotion does not mean the absence of sin, but it does mean the genuine active recognition of who God really is. Only when we recognize our half-heartedness and move towards God by entering into a relationship with Him and seeking fresh revelation from Him in His word will we be able to live our lives with whole-hearted devotion.

Two Kinds of Failure

Jim Leffel

John 21:15-19

Both Judas and Peter fail in following Christ. Judas betrays Jesus for financial gain. He regrets his decision and takes his own life. Peter denies he knows Jesus but then acknowledges his failure and repents. After receiving forgiveness, Peter is commanded by Christ to lead His church. Peter understood that Christ's forgiveness extended to his failure and knew God could heal him. God's forgiveness and healing are also available to us when we experience failure.

The Disciples Try to Do Some Ministry

Scott Risley

Luke 9:1-17

Jesus and the disciples feed 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. In the process, the disciples learn three important ministry lessons: 1) bring to Jesus what you have; 2) God works through weak people; 3) the feeders get extra food.

What Are You Doing Here?

Mike Sullivan

1 Kings 17-19

When God commanded Elijah to tell King Ahab that there would be a drought in Israel, Elijah's faith was tested. When God commanded Elijah to gather the prophets of Baal and the people of Israel to Mt. Carmel, God provided in revealing Himself to all the people present and eradicating the prophets of Baal. But when Ahab's wife, Jezebel, ordered the death of all the prophets of God, Elijah was deeply disappointed. Such is the type of defeat we can feel in the midst of disappointing outcomes that arise during the Christian life. Fortunately a life serving God is not centered around outcomes, and God will help direct us away from the mindset if we are willing.

Who Saw This Temple in Its Former Glory? Does It Not Seem Like Nothing in Comparison?

Gary DeLashmutt

Haggai 2:1-9

Viewing our past appropriately under God's grace is a difficult aspect of the Christian life, and it is in this area that God raises tension with Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the rest of Israel in Haggai 2. Nostalgically longing for the past devalues God's provision and person in the present and future, while shame about the past communicates a low view of God's grace and redemption. It is only with God's help that we can resist the desire to escape in nostalgia, focus and trust in Him in the present, and place our hope in His promises for the future