People of Peace in an Anxious Culture

Mary Beth Gladwell

Jesus promised His followers peace, but did he mean that for today, when anxiety is at an all-time high? This session unpacks the peace which fits all times and circumstance.

Keys to Healthy Spiritual Community

Scott Risley

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

The practical instruction Paul gives on building a successful spiritual community begins with having a relationship with God. It requires the right attitude toward spiritual leadership. And it requires each of us taking responsibility to help those around us to grow and working hard to make peace as conflicts arise.

The Full Armor of God

Conrad Hilario

Ephesians 6:10-24

Paul warns his audience that their struggle is not against other humans but evil spiritual forces, namely Satan. We need to be prepared to fight with the Word of God's truth, relying not on our own righteousness but on Christ's righteousness. The full armor of God consists of truth, righteousness (Christ's), gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God and finally, prayer.

The Armor of God

Scott Risley

Ephesians 6:10-24

A spiritual battle rages around us that is a battle for truth with eternal consequences. We are called to stand firm not by our own strength but in the Lord's. We are to take up the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil. We are to rely on God's truth, His righteousness, the peace that comes from the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer.

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.

Are Christians Allowed to Drink?

Conrad Hilario

Ephesians 5:15-20

Many churches forbid alcohol consumption but God is not opposed to drinking alcohol, just getting drunk. Instead of being controlled by mind-altering substances, the Bible says to be filled with the Spirit. God wants you to fill the emptiness you feel with the relational and spiritual side of life, not with substances. Only God's presence in your life will fill the void you feel.

The Spirit-Filled Life

Scott Risley

Ephesians 5:18-21

Ephesians Chapter Five speaks of the three aspects of being filled with the Spirit. First, speak to oneself in spiritual hymns, psalms and songs. Second, always give thanks for all things. Third, be subject to one another in the the fear of Christ. If you are not experiencing a spiritually fulfilled life, have you received the Holy Spirit? If you have, are you asking to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Exchanging the Old Self for the New Pt2

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4:29-32

Exchanging the old self for the new self first involves having peace with God. As a new Christian, you have laid aside the old self and the new self has been put on. This is the work of God. Now, you live out this new reality by recognizing this truth. With this new identify, peace with others is God's will for you. Commit to getting guidance needed to resolve conflict or resentment.

Choosing to Live Out the New Self pt.2

Chris Hearty

Ephesians 4:26-32

Paul tells us be righteously angry, but to forgive one another and watch out for Satan's schemes. Our speech should be used to build up the body of Christ.