The Father's Heart--Father's Day

Luke 15 and Hebrews 12. What can we learn about our role as father's from how our Father treats us? Specifically, what is the Father's heart towards the lost, towards discipline, and towards giving?

2 Peter 1 on Romans 12

Romans 12:1-3; 2 Peter 1. We know from Romans 12:1-3 that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. But which values are to be transformed? What does this practically look like? 2 Peter 1 offers a practical look at the differences between worldly and Godly thinking.

The Call to Service

Hebrews 10:5-10. What is most important to God? Religious rituals or obedience? Why does God save us? Is it to simply sit back and enjoy our salvation, or is there a call to service inherent in our salvation? In examining 1) Christ's life and ministry, 2) The Old Testament concept of election, and 3) The New Covenant of Jeremiah 31:31-34 we see that God desires a life of obedience and service. Our salvation and election is always for service on behalf of God for the sake of others.

Interruptions Along the Way

Pastor Joyce Okert. We are a planning nation. We hate having our plans interrupted. What can we learn about our impatience from the way Jesus handled interruptions?

The Other Side of Christianity

Lamentations 3. Sometimes Christianity is represented as a pure joy ride through life--minus all the troubles and suffering. But is this really accurate? What happens when life doesn't quite happen as we expect? What are we to do with suffering, pain, and death? What does Lamentations have to say about our relationship with God, the grieving process, and the trials of life?

Transformation: God's Way

Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Cor. 3:18. 1) What does it mean to offer our bodies as living sacrifices? We are to no longer think and live like mere humans, but as God's people who live by his Spirit. 2) How do we know God's will? By being transformed into his character. 3) How are we to live this life of transformation? By intentionally and regularly renewing their minds by exposing themselves to Christ and his truth.

Psalm 27

Psalm 27. David did not fear the chaos around him. Why? 1) His trust was fully in his God, 2) His desire was to be fully in God's presence, 3) He knew God would not forsake him; he would see God's goodness in the land of the living.

True Religion

Isaiah 58 and John 15. What kind of religious life does God desire? How can we best please him? Only by 1) True, lifestyle commitment to his truth; 2) Breaking from our self-centered existence and caring for others; and 3) Relying on Christ as our source of power.

Dependence on God

Isaiah 66:2-4. What does God require of us? What pleases him? 1) True, internal religion of the heart; 2) A humble heart that depends solely on the Lord; 3) Respect for and obedience to his Word.

God's Workmanship

Ephesians 2:10. We are God's workmanship: what exactly does this idea mean for how we are to view ourselves and interact with God?

Walking in humility and unity

Philippians 2:1-11. Paul uses Christ's example of humility as the basis for his exhortation to unity.