Choices – Part 1: Being Shaped for Leadership
Jesus, in a moment of great humility, gives his disciples a lesson that will redefine the choices they make as future leaders and teaches us a key to leading well. John 13:1-5; 12-17
Love Others
What difference would it make if the people who claim faith in Jesus demonstrated the kind of love that Jesus came to reveal? 1 Cor. 13:13; John 13:34
Fear
The future seems very insecure right now, and in the midst of all of this, our hearts are failing us for fear. Fear is a very powerful emotion — it can grip us with an immobilizing terror. It can keep us from succeeding in life. Fear wants to steal your joy, take your courage and leave you cold, naked and trembling. Fear is an obstacle that we all must overcome by building and standing on our faith. Isaiah 41:10-13
Esther: When the Time is Right – Part 4: Rescue
The dilemma that brought an edict to destroy the Jews is still in play. What could have been a picture of disaster becomes a story of rescue and victory. Esther Chs. 8-10
Esther: When the Time is Right – Part 3: Reversal
In these chapters, the tension comes to a head. The die has been cast and the fate of the Jews hangs in the balance. If there was ever a time for God to show up, now would be the time. Esther Chs 5-7
Esther: When the Time is Right – Part 2: Collateral Enemy
Ethnic hatred and discrimination have plagued humanity for centuries. In these chapters, the Jews are targeted for destruction, and the weight of the matter falls on Esther. Esther Chs 3-4
Esther: When the Time is Right – Part 1: Behind the Scenes
As the first two chapters sets the scene, the events that unfold imply a greater hand is orchestrating the pieces coming into place. At a time when power played to selfish ends, the hand of true power was setting the stage for a showdown. Esther 1&2
Crossroads – Part 6: Science Has Done Away with God
The secularization hypothesis stated that the more educated, more advanced, and more scientific a culture, the more religious belief would wane. Why has science become the enemy of God? Psalm 19:1-6
Crossroads – Part 5: Religion Hurts Diversity
Critics of religion see it as hypocritical, narrow-minded, and bigoted. Because they see religion as a breeding ground for discrimination, they also see it as detrimental to the well-being of society as a whole. Galatians 3:26-29; Acts 2:5-12
Crossroads – Part 4: We Are Better Off Without Religion
The challenge against the value of religion continues to escalate. From secular claims about the harm religion creates, to the high-profile believers who have either damaged the faith or have walked away altogether. James 1:22-27
Crossroads – Part 3: God is Violent and Cruel
To our modern sensibilities, the thought of a bloody and barbaric God is appalling. How do we make any sense from passages that call into question God’s goodness? Deuteronomy 7:1-4
Crossroads – Part 2: Truth is What I Say It Is
Few topics can raise conflict and arguments like the subject of truth. Is truth recognizable or is it simply a matter of what feels right for me? John 8:31-32; 18:37-38
