The first message in our series, Just Jesus, takes an exploratory look at the life and nature of Jesus Christ.

Reference text: John 1:1-18

tags: Fall 2010, John

Reference text: I Peter 4:12-19

     [12] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And,

     "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
          what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
     [19] So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to the faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Question of the week:

• What does the resurrection mean to you, right now, in this moment?

Additional references: John 20:1-20; Philippians 1:29; James 1:2-4

tags: I Peter, John, Philippians, James, Spring 2010

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

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