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

This message is a brief overview of spiritual gifts as an outworking of our identity as disciples and our participation in the body of Christ.

Reference texts: I Corinthians 12:1-31

tags: spiritual gifts, Fall 2009, I Corinthians

Moving to honoring god with a tithe and beyond.

Main points

1. Moving toward the tithe and beyond keeps the spirit of an Old Testament Principle (Matthew 14:15-17; Numbers 18:20-21; I Corinthians 9:13-14; Galatians 6:6; I Timothy 5:18)
2. Moving toward the tithe and beyond honors the Creator as Owner of All (Psalm 24:1)
3. Moving toward the tithe and beyond puts a governor on Ever-Expanding Spending
4. God's way of bringing about Good Deeds (II Corinthians 9:8; Titus 2:14; II Corinthians 9:11)
5. Giving a tithe and beyond is God's Way of Providing for You (II Corinthians 9:6; Malachi 3:10)

tags: giving, Fall 2009, Matthew, Numbers, I Corinthians, Galatians, I Timothy, Psalm, II Corinthians, Titus, Malachi

Understanding the third person of the Trinity, and learning how to allow Him to have greater control of our lives.

Reference texts:
His work Glorifies Christ - John 16:14
Convicts - John 16:8-11
Illuminates, Teaches - John 16:12-15
Provides power to witness - Acts 1:8
Will give eternal life - Romans 8:11
Leads and Guides - Romans 8:14
Assures - Romans 8:16
Prays for us - Romans 8:26
Gives spiritual gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11
Produces fruit - Galatians 5:22-23
Directs - Acts 20:22
Warns - Acts 20:23
Comforts - Acts 9:31
Regenerates - John 3:5-8
Sanctifies - 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Seals - Ephesians 1:13, 14
Instructs - John 14:25, 26
Testifies about Jesus - John 15:26

tags: Holy Spirit, Fall 2009, John, Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Galatians, II Thessalonians, Ephesians

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

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