Wisdom in the Business of Life

Jim Leffel
James 4:13-17

James teaches how to gain wisdom and live by it. The issue he brings up is our attitude in making important non-moral decisions. It's foolish to only consider ones own thoughts and desires which results in anxiety and isolation. Rather than follow our own foolish tendencies we can make the decision to gain wisdom from God in all areas of our life. Through our conscience, biblical values, and considering others, God reveals the best path for our lives. God has a unique will for each believers life. Our lives can make a radical contribution if we're willing to follow Him.\r\n

Striving with God

Ryan Lowery
Genesis 28:12-32:30

Most human relationships are based on conditional love, and many of us relate to God this way as well. Jacob wrestled with God throughout his entire life, trying to force God into his will. But God has a different way that He wants to relate to us, and He does this by showing us an example of unconditional love. Instead of demanding a blessing from God, we must learn to see and believe that we have already been blessed.

God Restrains Evil

Jeff Gordon
Genesis 11:1-8

In the ancient world, God took action in order to restrain evil. The first way is by instituting government, including a balanced system of capital punishment for Israel in order to preserve human dignity in the case of murder. The second way is by scattering humanity in order to slow progress. This is because when mankind is unimpeded, we inevitably try to assert ourselves over God.

Trusting God with Big Decisions

James Rochford
James 4:13-17

Major decisions are not morally neutral. In this passage, the author, James, gives an example scenario to show how to reason in decision making. One principle is to consider the immediate reward and principle two considers the ultimate reward. God gives us every reason why we can trust Him in decision making.

Dealing with Negativity and Cynicism

Scott Risley
Philippians 4:8-9

We are naturally drawn toward negative thinking, but we can correct this bias. There is evil in this world, but God is good and we have to choose where we are going to focus.

The Writing's on the Wall

Jim Leffel
Daniel 5:1-30

King Belshazzar's hubris was able to distort reality to fit his desires even when God himself delivered a supernatural message. The writing on the wall contained three statements: 1) your days are numbered; 2) you've been found wanting; and 3) your kingdom goes to another. We should seek to avoid the hubris of Belshazzar as we live in light of eternity, seek to be made right with God, and realize that only our accomplishments for God will result in a lasting legacy.

Restored from the Insanity of Unbelief

Jim Leffel
Daniel 4:1-37

King Nebuchadnezzar suffered from insanity caused by inner problems with a profound spiritual dimension. Greatest of all was his pride, in which he was self-deceived about his greatness and blind to his cruelty. God pursues him through a revelation of knowledge and a demonstration of His power. When Nebuchadnezzar humbly turns to praise God, he experiences God's blessing and receives personal knowledge of who God is.

Greatness and the Gospel

Jim Leffel
Mark 9:30-35

Throughout his ministry, Jesus' disciples could not grasp the paradox of his ultimate power manifested in ultimate weakness. When the disciples argue about which is the greatest, Jesus teaches that those who are servants will be considered the greatest. Instead of seeking worldly greatness, followers of Jesus can seek a greatness for the gospel.

Samson's Collapse

Scott Risley
Judges 16:1-31

Sampson's pattern of arrogance towards God and engaging in whatever he seems is best comes to a fatal conclusion, as he is tormented by his enemies and the Spirit of God leaves him. Yet, God demonstrates His power and compassion to hear his plea in spite of Sampson's sin. Much like us, God is more compassionate and patient towards our way of living and can use it in spite of our efforts.