The Ten Lepers

Patrice McCormac

Luke 17:11-19

The story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus tells us that the greater the gift, the greater the sense of gratitude. What makes out relationship with God such a great gift? it is such a great gift because of our tremendous need, it is entirely free to us, and the magnitude of the gift. We have such a huge need for forgiveness, and we deserve nothing but judgment, yet God does not merely not give us the punishment we deserve, but he gives us so much more blessing than we deserve.

The Practice of Neighboring

Jay Pathak

Luke 17:11-19

The practice of neighboring is engaging your neighborhood in a meaningful way by building genuine relationships right out your front door. In our culture we have under-valued the power of hospitality with our neighbors. We can reclaim the ability to influence our neighbors for Christ by moving from acquaintances to relationships by sharing meals, remembering people's names and opening up our homes to the people living in our neighborhoods.

A Life of Inexpressible Joy

Conrad Hilario

1 Peter 1:1-9

Upon receiving Christ, we become chosen by God, we have an imperishable inheritance, and we have incredible security in our salvation. God desires we obey him for the long term out of love and not out of fear for the short term. I response to his incredible gifts and our security in him, we can live a life of inexpressible joy, and courage even through times of difficult trials.

Jesus and Zacchaeus

Ben Foust

Luke 19:1-10

The lesson we can learn from Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus, the tax collector, is if you are lost, Jesus is seeking you. The way Jesus initiated with the this most hated man is typical of his posture toward all people. He showed him mercy, grace, honor, and acceptance, as well as included him in the family of God. Jesus' only prerequisite is to acknowledge your "lostness." Being "found" by Jesus dramatically changes the course of people's lives just as it did with Zacchaeus, who made four-fold restitution and gave away half his possessions after being "found."

Things God has Done for Us

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 1:1-9

Peter in 1 Peter 1 opens his first letter with a description of the things God has done for us who are in Christ. God has chosen us, set us apart. He has sprinkled us with the blood of Christ, allowing us to be spiritually reborn. We and all his promises to us are kept safe and secure by the power of God. We have the healing of our souls so damaged by sin. And finally we have the gift of suffering, which among other things, teaches us to truly depend upon God and not ourselves.

The Sermon on the Mount - Part One

Ryan Lowery

Matthew 5:1-12

God wants you to have an exceptional life. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus discusses the key to having an abundant life--a "blessed" life. This starts with an awareness of our brokenness and spiritual poverty, and developing a godly awareness and compassion for the pain of others.

Getting Closer to God

James Rochford

Philippians 2:1-11

Jesus was showing us the way to completely depend and trust in God. This is a supernatural act that cannot be done out of our natural ability. While Jesus was on earth, he kept all of his divine attributes and abilities but willingly chose not to use them. Instead he relied entirely upon God to empower him to do everything that he did. He chose not to grasp equality with God because wanted to grasp us instead.

Compassion Amidst Crisis

Conrad Hilario

Luke 5:12-15

A recent article highlights the historical tendency of people to exhibit heartless cruelty and self-preservation during epidemics. By contrast, Jesus calls his followers to rise above this self-protectiveness and cruelty found in past pandemics. In a day when most people in America associate Christianity with hypocrisy, corruption, and hatred, maybe believers' selfless response to this epidemic will change people's perception of the church and ultimately Christ.

The Rich and the Poor

Scott Risley

James 2:1-13

James writes that there should be no favoritism or preferential treatment within the Church. Racism, Sexism, Ageism, or any other form of discrimination have no place among God's people, since we all stand before God as His image bearers, all sinful and redeemed by His grace. In particular, Christians should prioritize caring for the poor and marginalized.