Spirituality and Our Relational Lives

Gary DeLashmutt

James 3:13-4:3

The author of James describes the two kinds of wisdom, each having a relational posture which leads to two different relational results. The wisdom from below is self-centered and leads to a harvest of disorder and evil. Whereas the wisdom from above is self-giving and results in relational peace and wholeness.

The Walk of Wisdom

Scott Risley

Ephesians 5:15-17

Six practical tips for learning God's Will: 1, Make sure you have a relationship with God. 2, Understand the different types of decisions. 3, Be willing to follow His lead. 4, Knowing God's Word is essential. 5, Pray and listen. 6, Seek the counsel of others. Walking wisely means making the most of the time God has given you. Knowing God's will is a great treasure, available only to those who really want it. It is worth it!

What's Wrong with Humans?

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 2:1-10

Our sin is a big barrier between us and God. Our fall from grace has led to alienation from God. But God in His mercy offers us forgiveness through the death of His son Jesus. When we believe and accept this offer of forgiveness, God gives us a new identity which we then gradually grow into it. Religion is the performance of religious laws, but Jesus offers instead a relationship based on personal love.

Our Problem and God's Solution

Conrad Hilario

Ephesians 2:1-10

Humans have a serious problem and most are unaware they are in trouble. People think evil lives in the heart of men like Adolph Eichmann, Hitler's architect of the Holocaust. But the reality is that evil resides in all of our hearts and there is nothing we can do about it. But God has a solution for our deepest need. He offers forgiveness if we will acknowledge our moral failings and our need for His forgiveness. In order to appreciate the Good News, we must hear the bad news first.

Difficult Days Ahead

Chris Hearty

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul warns Timothy about the difficult times preceding Jesus' return, stating that people will be hypocrites, without love, and unforgiving. Paul tells us to have nothing to do with such people, but to instead strive for a Christ-like character. \r\n

Avoiding Capture

Ryan Lowery

Colossians 2:1-9

Biblical Christians face many pressures to take their eyes off the primary importance of the Gospel--appreciating and sharing the good news that God offers forgiveness as a free gift. In a culture of people dividing up into "tribes" and causes, it's easy to be sucked into opinions, fears, and forms of manipulation, taking our eyes off God's truth and isolating us from unity with other Christians. There are many ways to resist capture, including being discerning about current culture, remaining unified with other believers, and, through our faith, standing against evil.

How to Cure Self-Righteousness

James Rochford

1 Timothy 1:5-20

As Paul continues to instruct Timothy, he reminds him that the Law is good if used lawfully. The Law is for the lawless not for the righteous. Paul, the foremost of sinners, found mercy and grace in Jesus Christ. Recognizing his unrighteousness, he gives glory and honor to God who so freely forgave him and in love, gave him his ministry of reconciliation.

Is the Devil Real?

James Rochford

1 Peter 5:8-9

Some say Satan's greatest achievement is convincing us he doesn't exist. He prefers to work in the dark and let us think our evil thoughts come from our own mind. He uses his intellect rather than "power encounters" to manipulate us. He thrives on misinformation. As super intelligent as he is, he uses the same methods to deceive us over and over again. He manipulates expertly, embellishes fears and negativity, nurtures hurt feelings, and fuels temptation.

Know Your Enemy

Chris Hearty

1 Peter 5:8-11

Satan's greatest deception is making people believe he does not exist. Peter calls believers to know our enemy, the devil. Being sober and alert, we resist through faith and endure through fellowship. Jesus defeated him and the fear of death at the cross. We know we, who are in Christ Jesus, already have victory over the evil one.