Posted: 12 Nov, 2017 | Author: Steve Nelson
To embrace God’s call to love others, we must commit ourselves to loving those who are difficult, inconvenient, and uncomfortable for us. God is not simply calling us to love those who give us the warm fuzzies, but to love the unfuzzy. Mark 12:29-31 “The most important [command],” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, […]
Read More...Posted: 29 Jan, 2017 | Author: Steve Nelson
The church in Corinth had serious issues that Paul addressed throughout 1 Corinthians. He spoke so strongly on at times that you might think his letter to them would have ended their relationship. Yet as he concluded his letter in chapter 16, instead of writing an it-was-nice-knowing-you ending to their relationship, he penned a very ordinary […]
Read More...Posted: 22 Jan, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson
As we near the end of 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul reminds his audience what is of first importance: the gospel. The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ came and died for our sins, taking our place, and providing a way for us to have a relationship with God and to be with […]
Read More...Posted: 15 Jan, 2017 | Author: Steve Nelson
If God were to give you a special supernatural gift, what would you want? Would you like to speak in tongues? Know the deep mysteries of God? Heal the sick? Any of these gifts would be amazing, but there is something even more incredible. It’s love. 1 Corinthians 12-14 is the most extensive passage on […]
Read More...Posted: 08 Jan, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson
Love is the greatest power on Earth and the true nature of God. In 1 Corinthians 13 we see the beauty and excellence of love. Through Jesus we can participate in this divine life. Download Handout
Read More...Posted: 11 Dec, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson
We can love people who are hard for us, but to do so we must see God’s good in ourselves, in others, and in His overarching plan for His people. In this message we look at spiritual gifts and how God has shaped each of us ways in various ways so that we can each […]
Read More...Posted: 04 Dec, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson
What comes to mind when you think of authority and the submission to authority? Our own experience and cultural context have inevitably shaped that view. We probably all know examples of the abuse of authority and realize the potential to be taken advantage of. As we look deeper, we see that a loving authority is […]
Read More...Posted: 27 Nov, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson
With a healthy understanding of grace, we can appreciate it for what it really is, and stand firm in the security of our committed relationship with Jesus. This allows us to stop being distracted with trying to measure up or trying to discern exactly what is permissible behavior and what isn’t. Instead, we can focus […]
Read More...Posted: 20 Nov, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson
As we continue to look at the Higher Calling we have in Jesus, we see the example of Paul to work with extreme effort to bring the good news of Jesus to others, breaking down barriers and enduring difficulties in the process. What is the source of his dedication and sacrifice? Is he trying to […]
Read More...Posted: 13 Nov, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson
Have you ever felt judged by Christians? You vote one way, but they think you should vote another. You trick or treat, but they don’t. You have a Christmas tree and they seem to think you are worshiping the forest god in your living room. You public school and they home school. Paul addresses these […]
Read More...Posted: 06 Nov, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson
Each of us lives in a situation that is not always easy. In fact life is often extremely challenging, and it is easy to think that if we were only in a different situation then we would be happy and fulfilled. If only I had a spouse, or if I didn’t have one but could […]
Read More...Posted: 30 Oct, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson
Marriage is intended to be a beautiful life-long relationship. Unfortunately things don’t always go as God desires in our broken world. In this message we look at what the Bible teaches on divorce and remarriage from 1 Corinthians 7 and from the teachings of Jesus. Download Main Handout / Supplemental Reference on Divorce See also: Pizza Seminar: What the […]
Read More...Posted: 23 Oct, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson
It is the reality of life that each person gets to enjoy pleasures and happiness. Also each human being experiences loss and sadness. Through this adventure of learning to trust God we are called to a bigger perspective. We can learn to be content with what we have been given and trust […]
Read More...Posted: 16 Oct, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson
How can the church be a hospital for broken and sinful people and also hope to have a standard of behavior that reflects our higher calling? Is it possible to be loving and compassionate and yet draw a line in the sand and say that certain behaviors are not acceptable among God’s people? In this […]
Read More...Posted: 09 Oct, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson
Are you chasing after an elusive pursuit to be somebody? What do you think others think about you? What do you think about yourself? It’s easy to think our worth is wrapped up in our own accomplishments and the praise of others, but what really counts is that you belong to Christ. In 1 Corinthians […]
Read More...Posted: 02 Oct, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson
Have you ever seen Christians sin and wondered how they could act so unchristian? And have you wondered why Jesus hasn’t changed them more? And what about in your own life? Have you ever thought that the power of God should have transformed you more? In this message, Steve explains how the power of God […]
Read More...Posted: 25 Sep, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson
In a culture where intellect and worldly wisdom is praised, God’s wisdom is often neglected or belittled. Many seem to think we have become too smart for God. In this look at 1 Corinthians chapter 2, human wisdom is contrasted with the vast mystery of God’s wisdom. The chapter lays out how God’s wisdom is […]
Read More...Posted: 10 Sep, 2016 | Author: Kathleen Nelson
Kathleen Nelson shares her story of how the Lord led her down a personal journey, and clarified six biblical areas in her life in which God has already called her to live out a “holy ambition.” Download Handout
Read More...Posted: 24 Nov, 2019 | Author: Steve Nelson
When we call evil good it is not loving. Rather it muddles lines—lines that God drew to bring us good.
Read More...Posted: 04 Oct, 2020 | Author: Dove Cranson
This dark and decaying world needs you, as a vessel of God, to be an influence of salt and light.
Read More...Posted: 10 Apr, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson
The key to walking in relationship with broken, sinful, and dysfunctional people, is to respond to Christ instead of to them.
Read More...Posted: 17 Jul, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson
"Take the log out" is a teaching of Jesus that is sure to dramatically bless your daily life!
Read More...Posted: 24 Jul, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson
Being a disciple involves following. Jesus calls us to put into practice the things he teaches.
Read More...Posted: 31 Jul, 2022 | Author: Dove Cranson
It might seem like the cause of anger is something outside of us, but really the cause of anger is inside of us. We need to address the inner root of anger with compassion and honesty.
Read More...Posted: 07 Aug, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson
Jesus doesn't merely call us to forgive, but to have an attitude of ongoing and limitless forgivenss.
Read More...Posted: 14 Aug, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson
When Jesus washed the disciples' feet, he set an example of the attitude of service he has called all of us into.
Read More...Posted: 21 Aug, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson
How do we love difficult people (like our coworkers, roommates, and spouses)?
Read More...Posted: 28 Aug, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson
The life that is truly life is found when we connect our hearts to the source of our true treasure!
Read More...Posted: 04 Sep, 2022 | Author: Dove Cranson
There is an open invitation from Jesus to come to him and rest by learning his humble ways, connecting to him, and finding rest for our souls.
Read More...Posted: 11 Sep, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson
How to be united in a world that values independence and protecting your own interests.
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