Christianity is not about "behavior modification." It's about a whole new motivation for doing what's right. When you believe in Jesus, God says you are chosen, holy, and dearly loved. Live out of that reality. Only a knowledge of God's deep love for you will enable you to love others.
What Difference Does the Ascension Make? | Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:50-53
Because Jesus ascended to heaven and sent his Holy Spirit, there is more of him in the world now than ever. Because he ascended to take his rightful throne, he is Lord over all.
"Touch Me, and See" | Luke 24:36-49
Jesus reveals to us that in Christianity there is no such thing as a general, abstract understanding of God. Through Jesus' real, resurrected body, we learn that he can bring us peace in our lives, hope for the physical world, and a real message that the world needs to hear.
Encountering the Risen Jesus | Luke 24:13-35
In this story, the risen Jesus encounters two disciples personally. He explains that the whole Bible is about him. Jesus still encounters people today through his Word, the Bible.
When you encounter the risen Jesus, you move from confusion to clarity, from despair to hope, and from purposelessness to mission. He sets your heart on fire.
What Difference Does the Resurrection Make? | Luke 24:1-12
The resurrection of Jesus provides the power for our forgiveness, the power for our transformation, and hope to hold on to.
Crucified King | Luke 19:28-44
What's on Your Resume? | Romans 3: 21-31
Stop trying to prove your goodness to God and accept goodness from God. That's "justification by faith."
First Importance | 1 Corinthians 15: 1-6
The Gospel is not advice to follow but news about what God has done through Jesus to forgive your sins.
Who Do You Worship? | Psalm 99
Shaped for Service | Matthew 25.14-30
How to be Extraordinary | James 5: 12-20
God calls us to practice extraordinary integrity, extraordinary prayer, and extraordinary relationships
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
-Find at least one person you can go deep enough with to confess your sin
Delayed Gratification | James 5: 1-11
Learn how to patiently wait for Jesus to make things right
“See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”
James 5:7-8
-In what ways do you make your goal “luxury and self-indulgence” (5:5) rather than trust in God?
Letting God be God | James 4: 11-17; Leviticus 19: 16-18
James 4: 11-17; Leviticus 19: 16-18
Get down from your tower of judging others and boasting about your plans, and let God be God
“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge...” James 4:12a
-Pray the words of Psalm 131
Getting what You Want | James 4: 1-10
God wants you. How much do you want him?
“Or do you think that Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace.” James 4:5-6a
-What are your deepest desires? In what ways do you try to satisfy them outside God’s will?
The Gospel of John the Baptist | Luke 3: 1-18
What are You Waiting For | Isaiah 9: 1-7
Being Peacemakers | James 3: 13-18
True wisdom makes you live for the good of others
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17
-Pray the Prayer of St. Francis, which starts, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace”
Responding to Evil
The recent terrorist attacks in Paris are a sad reminder of the reality of evil in this world. As Christians, we are called to respond to evil in these ways:
-Lament about it -- Like the Psalmist, we pray, "How long, O Lord?"
-Fight against it -- Not against human enemies, but we are called to fight the spiritual battle through prayer, forgiveness, and love
-Hope beyond it -- Remember that God has the ultimate victory
The Power of your Speech | James 3: 1-12
Let Jesus be the master of your speech
“…no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8b
-What areas of your speech do you most need Jesus to master?
What is Saving Faith Like? | James 2: 14-26
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Real faith—saving faith—cannot fail to produce action in your life
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17
-How would your life be different if you acted on everything you believe about God?