He's My Neighbor?

Patrice McCormac

Luke 10:25-38

With the sea of complex needs surrounding us, it is easy and tempting to just keep on walking past people in need. This parable is a challenging call to action. God has placed you where you are today and He will make you adequate and work through your weaknesses to love your neighbors as yourself.

Freedom and Love

Ryan Lowery

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Paul writes to the Corinthians about eating meat sacrificed to idols. He urged them to practice their freedom in Christ and eat the meat if they feel okay to do so, but to not eat the meat if it will stumble other Christians. The application in our lives is that we should have a willingness to sacrifice our own freedoms in morally gray areas in order to show love others.

Faith that Works

Gary DeLashmutt

James 2:14-26

It can seem like Paul and James are in conflict over what is genuine faith. Is it by faith or works? In reality, they are teaching two different lessons about genuine faith. Paul teaches that one is accepted by God in His sight by faith in Jesus' work for you, not your work for God. James is teaching people will only know you have been accepted by God by your actions that demonstrate your faith in God.

The Old Covenant vs. The New Covenant

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 3:6-6:18

We, as Christians, are able to manifest the sweet aroma of the knowledge of God by understanding and communicating the New Covenant instead of the Old Covenant. The new Covenant surpasses and replaces the Old Covenant in three ways. First, the new Covenant is the ministry of the Spirit, and the Old Covenant is the ministry of death. Second, the New Covenant is the ministry of righteousness and the Old Covenant is the ministry of condemnation. Third, the New Covenant brings about profound change in your life but the Old Covenant only brings superficial change.

Destruction to Destiny

Chris Hearty

Ephesians 2:1-10

Paul recalls that all believers were once separated from God and living lives of sin, but God, in his unfailing mercy, saved us while we were dead in our transgressions. Paul emphasizes that we are saved by grace and not works, and salvation is a gift from God, so we cannot boast about receiving it.

Old Covenant vs. New Covenant

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 3:6-18

We, as Christians, are able to manifest the sweet aroma of the knowledge of God by understanding and communicating the New Covenant instead of the Old Covenant. The new Covenant surpasses and replaces the Old Covenant in three ways. First, the new Covenant is the ministry of the Spirit, and the Old Covenant is the ministry of death. Second, the New Covenant is the ministry of righteousness and the Old Covenant is the ministry of condemnation. Third, the New Covenant brings about profound change in your life but the Old Covenant only brings superficial change.

Assessing Good Spiritual Leadership

Ryan Lowery

Matthew 23:1-25

In the final week of Jesus' life, we see him rebuke religious leaders of the day through his actions and his teachings. In this passage Jesus teaches that good leaders teach the Bible, live what they teach, live modestly, and give God the glory. Instead of pointing people toward trying to keep a set of rules, good leaders help people depend on God to change from the inside out.

Pointing Out the Truth

Chris Hearty

1 Timothy 4:1-11

God wants you to enjoy the good things in life with thankfulness. Paul warned Timothy to teach against the false doctrines going around that taught to abstain from things God has given us to enjoy. He was urged to not allow falsehoods about God to linger. A godly life requires spiritual exercise motivated by an accurate knowledge of your eternal future,

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.