Persevering Through Trials
With Faith in Christ, we can persevere through any trial. Christ is our foundation to have patience, endurance, and steadfastness.
James 1:2-18
Leaving Success for Significance
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at crossroads where we must choose between pursuing worldly success and embracing a higher calling. The story of Simon Peter’s encounter with Jesus by the Sea of Galilee offers a powerful illustration of this pivotal moment.
Luke 5:1-11
Greater Love Has No One
Jesus emphasizes the greatest commandments: to love God and to love our neighbors. Genuine love always involves sacrifice, mirroring Christ’s ultimate act of laying down His life for us.
Matthew 22:34-40; John 15:13
The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Man
The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus in a false dilemma about paying taxes, but in His brilliant answer Jesus provides the basis for a Christian view of government and citizenship.
Mark 12:13-17
The Pattern of Discipleship
Disciples personally respond to Christ in repentance and faith, obey His command to be baptized, and are vital members of a local church.
Acts 2:36-47
The Resurrection Changes Everything!
The physical resurrection of Jesus from the dead changes everything, and His followers gather each week to remember His resurrection and then take the Good News forth to everyone.
John 20:19-29
The Good Portion
We can be distracted by many things, even good things, but fellowship with the Lord should always be our top priority.
Luke 10:38-42
Scripture and Tradition
Jesus taught that Scripture alone is the final authority for God’s people; therefore all traditions and extra-biblical teachings and practices are helpful only when they clarify, support, uphold, and submit to the Scripture.
Mark 7:1-13
The Good Builder
When we pursue Christ, we can withstand the storm, be cleansed from our sin, and grow wise as we become more like Him.
Matthew 7:24-27
Submitting To God’s Discipline
Christians, covered by the blood of Christ, can no longer be punished for their sins – but they will be tested and disciplined by their loving Father.
No Excuses – God Is With You!
God calls individual people according to His specific purposes, giving them everything they need to walk out that calling, and granting them comfort and assurance that He is with them.
Exodus 4:1-17 (ESV)
The Humble and Gentle King
Jesus came as the humble and gentle King, and He demonstrated these qualities, taught them and He gives His people the power to live them.
Zechariah 9:9
Finishing Well
Christians are motivated to finish well, even if it requires suffering, by remembering the eternal reward Christ will give to them when He returns.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
A Faithful Saying About the Faithful God
Believers can be encouraged to be faithful, enduring even through suffering, by remembering the faithfulness of God.
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Grace To Suffer for the Gospel of Christ
Believers must grow strong in grace so that they will be able to endure the suffering necessary to guard and pass on the precious deposit of the Gospel.
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Unashamed To Suffer for the Gospel
Christians are not to be ashamed of the Gospel but must be willing to suffer for clearly proclaiming it and living a life of holiness in the midst of an unbelieving and unholy culture.
2 Timothy 1:8-18
A Father, A Son, and the Spirit
Paul writes to his spiritual son Timothy, fondly remembering his participation in the ancient faith and encouraging him to stir up the Spirit’s Presence and gifts.
2 Timothy 2:1–7
Disciples, Water Baptism, and the Local Church
Disciples are those who have personally responded to Christ in repentance and faith, obey His command to be baptized, and are vital members of a local church.
Acts 2:36-47
Ancient Present Future Faith
God’s people must have a faith that is rooted in the truths He has revealed in the ancient past, is experienced in a life of present trust and obedience, and that labors to build for the generations to come.
Psalm 78:1-7
Purity in an Impure Age
The world is constantly working to press us into its mold. Jesus promises the blessing of seeing God if, in humility, we allow Him to purify our hearts through single-mindedly focusing on Him.
Matthew 5:8 ESV
You Belong
When a person is in Christ they are admitted into the body of Christ, a world wide community of faith. The next and most important step is to become a member of a local body!
1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Peter 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:2
The Way – Trusting In God’s Sovereignty
To walk in God’s Way while surrounded by those who reject it, God’s people must learn to trust in His Sovereignty, knowing He rules all things and will fulfill His Word.
Psalm 1 – 2
The Way – Embracing God’s Rule
Those who walk in God’s Way must embrace His Kingship, submitting to His wise, loving rule in every area of life.
Psalm 2
The Way – Meditating on God’s Instruction
Those who walk the way of Jesus Christ embrace God’s Instruction, meditating on His Word day and night so they understand and obey it, knowing this is for their own good.
Psalm 1
Newness of Life
Christians receive newness of life through the death and resurrection of Christ, and are empowered to walk in this newness through the bonds of grace.
Romans 6:1-18 (ESV)