How does Jesus deal with his own loved ones when they experience doubt? What does He offer John the Baptist in his moment of doubt and weakness in prison?
False faith can look outwardly a lot like the real thing. How can we tell the difference? False converts pursue Jesus because He gives bread; genuine believers pursue Jesus because he is Bread. Do you know how to spot the difference in your life? How is God's sovereignty involved in granting faith to His sheep?
Scott talked about the transcendent holiness of Jesus and the sinfulness of us His people. He also covered the forgiving mercy of God in Christ and how this should create a response of deep love for Him. For, it is those who are forgiven much who love much.
Perhaps the most damaging teaching of the American church in the last hundred years is a low view of what it means to become a Christian. It's hard to imagine many biblical topics that are more significant to teach well...especially to our youth. When we compare the radical nature of what the Bible teaches conversion actually is to what is often (normally?) taught in the American church, we begin to see a stark contrast. What did Jesus teach happens at the new birth? How does the new birth occur in anyone's life?
What is the book of Exodus really about? We covered the heart of the book (with a brief summary of the whole) this week. Exodus is about God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment.
One of the biggest objections to Christianity today is that the God of the Bible seems so self-centered. In the words of actor Brad Pitt, "I didn't understand this idea of a God who says, 'You have to acknowledge me. You have to say that I'm the best, and then I'll give you eternal happiness. If you won't, then you don't get it!' It seemed to be about ego. I can't see God operating from ego, so it made no sense to me." What do we say to this objection? Is God really an egomaniac?
Paul shows clearly that Abraham was declared righteous by faith, not works in Genesis 15. If Abraham was saved by faith not works, and we are saved by faith not works, then why was there a Mosaic Law Covenant at all? "Why then the law?" is the question Paul asks. The answer may be more relevant than you think.
How do we grow as Christians? How do we battle internal sins like anxiety, jealousy, and pride? We grow by Spirit-empowered faith in gospel promises. All of these promises were purchased by the blood of Christ...when He became a curse for us.
Sanctification is supernatural or it is not of the Spirit. How do you grow supernaturally? How does the gospel play into our lives after we have become believers?
Having spent most of my life in a Christian school (both as a student and now as a teacher), I am aware of many of the struggles that come with Christian education. The primary struggle being that the beauty of the gospel can easily fade into dullness and the joy of our salvation can grow stale. What can be done about this? That's the focus of this message.
