Many of us are familiar with Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. Many of us say that we want to help our neighbor in need. The thing that stops us from following most of the time is not a desire to help, but a focus on self. Unfortunately most of us pass our neighbor by because are attention is elsewhere.

Reference text: Luke 10:25-37

tags: Fall 2010, Luke

In this teaching we read Peter's final words to the church in Asia Minor. We see the interesting company that Peter had in writing his letter. We also find Peter's purpose in writing the letter: "encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it." This message is a recap of many of things we heard over the course of the semester with an encouragement for us as the church today to stand firm in what we have heard.

Reference text: I Peter 5:12-14

     [12] With the help of Silas,[p] whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
     [13] She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. [14] Greet one another with a kiss of love.
     Peace to all of you who are in Christ.



Question of the week:

• When looking back at Peter's letter, what is one thing that you feel challenged to stand firm in?

Additional references: Acts 15:22; Acts 16:19-24; Acts 13:13: Acts 15:36-40

tags: I Peter, Acts, Spring 2010

Peter encourages the Christians in Asia Minor as they have spent more than enough time following their earthly desires and that now is the time to live for the will of God. Peter challenges his audience with the brevity of life as well as the impending judgment of God on the living and the dead. Next, Peter proclaims that the end of all things is near, and in light of that certain Christian ethics are to follow.

Reference text: I Peter 4:1-11

     [1] Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. [2] As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. [3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do–living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. [4] They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. [5] But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

     [7] The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Questions of the week:

• How would your life look differently if you knew that Jesus was returning by Easter?
• What are some things you would do differently?

Additional references: I Corinthians 3:13, 4:5; Romans 3:11; James 5:8-9; I John 2:18; Revelation 22:16-21

tags: I Peter, I Corinthians, Romans, James, I John, Revelation, Spring 2010

Much of our suffering in life can be self-inflicted. Peter gives the Christians in Asia Minor the encouragement that if they are going to suffer, let it be for doing what is right. We can't avoid all suffering; some of it we can and we should, but other suffering we should welcome especially if it is because we are deciding to follow Jesus as Lord.

Reference text: I Peter 3:8-17


     [[8] Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. [10] For,

          “Whoever would love life
               and see good days
          must keep his tongue from evil
               and his lips from deceitful speech.

          [11] He must turn from evil and do good;
               he must seek peace and pursue it.

          [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
               and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
          but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

          [13] Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. [17] It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.


Questions of the week:

• What areas in your life are you struggling at placing Christ as Lord?
• How can the way you live provoke questions from the people around you?
• Do you feel prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have?

Additional references: Matthew 5:43-47; James 3:6

tags: Spring 2010, I Peter, suffering, encouragement

Peter instructs what to do to love people as well as what not to do if you want to love people within the church.

Reference text: I Peter 1:22 - 2:3

[22] Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. [23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. [24] For,

     "All men are like grass,
          and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
     the grass withers and the flowers fall,
          [25] but the word of the Lord stands forever."

And this is the word that was preached to you.

[2:1] Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. [2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Additional references: I John 3:16-20; John 12:24; James 1:11; Ephesians 4:22

tags: Spring 2010, I John, I Peter, John, James, Ephesians, Church

This week we look at what we can learn about leadership from the book of Nehemiah. We see that a servant leader is one who seeks God first, is humble, has the right motivation, is willing to act, casts a vision that people follow, inspires team work, triumphs over opposition, and is willing to celebrate God's victories.

Reference texts: Matthew 28:18-20

tags: serving, leadership, Fall 2009, Matthew

In the greatest commandment Jesus tells his followers to, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." Often we can be tempted to leave our minds at the door when we attend church. In this message we explore the importance of loving God with our minds by studying his Scriptures as well as reading important works from great Christian writers.

Reference texts: Mark 12:30; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:11, 105

Helpful online resources:

• www.biblestudytools.net
• www.blueletterbible.org
• www.studylight.org

tags: Bible, Fall 2009, Mark, Hebrews, Psalm

This week we look at spiritual disciplines. These have been practiced by Christians for the last 2000 years, and can have a great impact in transforming our lives today. The specific disciplines examined in this teaching include fasting, solitude, and prayer.

Reference texts: Matthew 28:18-20

tags: prayer, fasting, solitude, Fall 2009, Matthew

In this teaching we examine the church, and how it is through the church that God wants to accomplish his mission of Redemption in the world.

Reference texts: I Corinthians 1:2, 6:15, 12:12-14, 27; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:28-30; Revelation 19:6-8; Matthew 28:18-20

Due to technical difficulties, this message did not record successfully. However, here is the script (PDF) from the message. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Download a script (PDF version) of this message.

tags: Church, Fall 2009, I Corinthians, Ephesians, Revelation, Matthew

Carl tackles one of the most difficult concepts in the Christian faith: the Trinity. How can a being be three separate entities and yet one cohesive whole? What is the function of each entity and how do they work together? Listen to this week's message to gain a better understanding of the Trinity and its purpose in the Christian faith.

Reference texts: Matthew 28:18-20

tags: Theology, Fall 2009, Matthew