Authentic Faith
Authentic faith is rooted in regeneration and is displayed in an orthodox faith and in a willing, joyful life of obedience to God’s commands that overcomes the world.
1 John 5:1-5
The Path of Authentic Love
Authentic love is based on the nature of the Trinity, revealed in Christ’s death, completed when Christian’s love one another, and gives confidence as we face the day of judgment.
1 John 4:7-21
Authentic Spirit of God
The mark of the Authentic Spirit of God is a biblical confession of Jesus Christ, and those indwelt by the Spirit of God overcome false spirits and confess the Jesus revealed in Scripture.
1 John 4:1-6
Authentic Brotherly Love
Christians must walk in authentic brotherly love, following the example of Christ in their actions, which produces assurance before God.
1 John 3:11-24
Authentic Regeneration and Its Effects
Christians have been regenerated, given a new nature, so that they can not embrace a Satanic life of lawlessness and sin.
1 John 3:4-10
An Authentic Eschatology
An authentic eschatology does not promote speculation about signs, but rather an eager hope for the completion of our salvation that is fueled by purifying ourselves from the practice of sin now.
1 John 2:28-3:3
All Things New
Our God is One Who renews and restores that which has been broken and marred by sin, and Who proclaims “I make all things new!”
Revelation 21:1-5
Authentic Faith and the Antichrist
Authentic faith does not follow antichrists – counterfeit teachers – but remains firm in Christ through the anointing of the Spirit and the apostolic teaching of Scripture.
1 John 2:18-27
Authentic Faith In A World Of Illusion
We must resist this fallen world, remembering that authentic, eternal life and joy Is found in God, not in this fading evil order of illusion that is passing away.
1 John 2:15-17
Our Authentic Inheritance in Christ
All Christians enjoy the forgiveness of sins, know God, and have overcome Satan.
1 John 2:12-14
The Authentic Christian In Action
Authentic Christian faith is seen not in the claim to know God, but in the fruit of faith – obeying God’s commands, walking as Jesus did, and loving other Christians.
1 John 2:3-11
Authentic Atonement
When we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus the Righteous One, who has provided authentic atonement for us – bearing the wrath of God and purifying us from sin, allowing us to freely come before the Father.
1 John 2: 1-2
The Authentic Response To Sin
If we deny our sin, we are deceived, but if we confess our sin, we are forgiven and cleansed.
1 John 1:5 – 2:2
Introducing the Authentic Word of Life
Authentic faith is built upon Jesus, the True Word of Life, is proclaimed in the Gospel, and produces fellowship and full joy as we walk with God and His people.
1 John 1:1-4
Christ – The Risen Lord of All
All of the Gospels present Jesus as the Risen One, Conqueror of death, and Lord of all, and call all people to become His disciples.
Luke 24:1-12; Matthew 28: 18-20
Palm Sunday – Blessed Is The King
On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He was recognized as the Messianic King.
Matthew 21:1-11
John – The Eagle
John presents Jesus as the Eternal God in flesh – fully Divine, Creator of all, the True Light, the Great I AM – coming to reveal the Father and redeem His people.
John 1:1-18
Luke – The Ox
Luke presents Jesus as the ox, full of strength yet suffering as a sacrifice for sin, so that we might repent and be forgiven of our sins and then serve others.
Luke 1:5; 9:22; 22:15; 24:44-47
Mark – The Lion
Mark presents Jesus as the High King on the move. Although His true identity was hidden from most, His ultimate authority and power confronts the world and could not be withstood. Ultimately all will choose either complete allegiance to this King, or high treason against His Kingdom.
Mark 1:1-15
Matthew – The Man
Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, God’s True Son who accomplishes the call of Adam and Israel, succeeding where they failed, to bring salvation to the earth.
Matthew 1:1; 2:13-15; 3:16-17; 4:1-11
Behold Christ!
The ancient church saw the Gospels as a fulfillment of Ezekiel and John’s visions, and as testimonies to Christ – who is the focal point of all of God’s revelation.
Ezekiel 1:4-11; Revelation 4:6-11
Less Is More – Lent
Lent is patterned after Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. It is a time when we fast, pray, confess sin, and set aside distractions so we can fully seek God to be empowered by His Spirit.
Luke 4:1-2, 14
What Comfort Zone
As those saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to cast away our fear, doubt, and anxiety despite our circumstances and step out of our comfort zones and face change with confidence in God’s character and the absolute truth of His Word.
2 Corinthians 4:7-12
Right and Wrong Responses To Sin
If we deny our sin, we are deceived, but if we confess our sin, we are forgiven and cleansed.
1 John 1:5-2:2
The Feast of Fasting
Biblical fasting is a call to not only abstain from food but to feast upon the Word and will of God.
Matthew 4:1-4