The Story of Jacob

Gary DeLashmutt

Genesis 25-33

An insightful overview of the first half of Jacob's life. God promised that He would provide for Jacob's major needs, but he struggled and schemed through his own means rather than trust Him. After resisting God his whole life, Jacob was finally broken of his self-sufficiency when he wrestled with God and surrendered. We all struggle with God ? by deeply mistrusting His goodness and by determining to control our own lives ? will we surrender to Him or not?

Blindness

Jim Leffel

Jonah 4:2

This passage contains three scenes describing three types of blindness. The first describes the king of Aram and deals with being blind to the plans of God because of ambition ? seeing is a condition of the soul. The second is directed at Elisha's servant and relates to being blind to the presence of God ? God is always present and works at times we do not expect and in ways that we cannot see until later. The third is being blind to the grace of God and describes Israel's king ? how easily we can forget who we are, why we are here, and that God loves all people.\r\n

The Beginning of the Babel Project

Gary DeLashmutt

Genesis 11:1-9

Genesis 10 and 11 tell the story of the Babal project, in which man sought to build a tower for astrological worship. The tower represented their attempt to unite humanity under human rule, in defiance of God's direction to spread out. God responded by thwarting their plan and confusing their language, forcing them to spread out. Through Biblical stories and history, we see God judging human empires, in keeping with His opposition to the "proud," but we also see God giving grace through the Messiah for those who humble themselves before God.

The Two Humanities Continued

Gary DeLashmutt

Genesis 11:10-32

A continuing study of the two humanities delving into the genealogies of Seth and Cain. As human society develops, we see both man's greatness in being made in God's image and man's corruption through godless egotism with a moral trajectory downward. We are all born into the line of Cain spiritually, but we can choose the line of Seth by entrusting ourselves to the God of the Bible. We all leave a legacy ? what step of faith can we take with the Lord TODAY toward a godly life legacy?\r\n

Cynicism

James Rochford

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, which had become cynical. What are the dangers of cynicism in the Christian life? It distorts our view of truth, it leads to pride, and it ultimately suggests that we know better than God does. A historical look at cynicism and modern day examples are reviewed to understand the damage it can cause.

The Perils of Pride

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 4:1-16

Paul addresses a destructive issue in the Corinthian church--pride. Pride often leads to Christians to judge, which Paul says should usually be left to God, and he says it leads to Christians having a destructive sense of superiority. Instead we should understand that any strengths we have come from God, and we should devote ourselves to His work.

Fools for Christ

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 4:1-16

The Apostle Paul urges the Corinthian church to set aside their pride and unrighteous judgment, and instead live a life devoted to following Christ. When we choose to do likewise and reprioritize our life to align with God's values, we can experience a truly fulfilling life, far richer than anything worldly success can bring.

Combating Egotism in God?s Community

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 3:4-23

As the early church faces budding factions as members rally around different charismatic leaders, Paul warns them against such division and urges them to remember that it is not the people doing the primary work, but God. Likewise, the church today should be on alert for a similar division and should strive to combat egotism, and instead recognize our proper place as instruments in God's plan, looking forward to God's greater reward.

Collision Between God's Wisdom and Human Wisdom

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5

In this letter to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul contrasts the wisdom of man, based on human experience and speculation, with the wisdom of God, revealed most poignantly in the cross. In His wisdom, God chose to use Jesus' crucifixion, which may seem like foolishness to the world, so that we might not boast, but approach God in humility, leading to salvation.