The Cross

Jim Leffel

Colossians 2:13-15

Jesus went to the cross as a willing sacrifice for the sins of humanity. He was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah. The certificate of debt nailed above his head to the cross did not record his sin, but ours. His sacrifice was the embodiment of God's judgment of sin and His love for humanity.

Two Kinds of Failure

Jim Leffel

John 21:15-19

Both Judas and Peter fail in following Christ. Judas betrays Jesus for financial gain. He regrets his decision and takes his own life. Peter denies he knows Jesus but then acknowledges his failure and repents. After receiving forgiveness, Peter is commanded by Christ to lead His church. Peter understood that Christ's forgiveness extended to his failure and knew God could heal him. God's forgiveness and healing are also available to us when we experience failure.

The Sojourner's Attitude Towards Sin

Bev DeLashmutt

Romans 8:23-24

The Christian's relationship with sin in this life can be confusing. This workshop seeks to clarify the biblical understanding of sin in order to have a biblical response. Scripture teaches that we are free from sin's power to condemn, define, blind, or enslave us. Still, we are not free from the battle of indwelling sin, something that God allows for several purposes. As we form a biblical perspective in this area, we can form habits of confessing and repenting of our own sin, as well as showing compassion to other sinners.

Once for All

Chris Hearty

1 Peter 2:5-9

Most people experience guilt at some point in their lives, and their experience leads them to a variety of responses: denying their wrongdoing, shifting the blame to others, or attempting to do more good deeds to outweigh the bad. Christians, however, can realize that Christ's once-for-all sacrifice has cleansed us from all of our sin and made us right in God's eyes. Jesus' death has made the Old Testament rituals obsolete, and to return to them is to deny the sufficiency of the cross.

Turning Toward God

Chris Hearty

Psalms 32:1-11

David's agonizing psalm portrays a godly picture of repentance. The stories of David's adultery with Bathsheba, his murder of Uriah, and confrontation with the prophet Nathan demonstrate his change of heart back to the Lord. David's failure and change of mind offer insights into what it looks like to truly agree with God about one's sin.

When You've Messed Up Really, Really Bad

Scott Risley

Psalms 32:3-4

A psalm of repentance to God, written after David slept with Bathsheba, who was the wife of another man. David recognizes the severity of his sin, and takes full responsibility for what he has done. At the same time, David throws himself on God's mercy, His unfailing love, His ability to forgive and redeem. Identifies six signs of true repentance: 1. have a vertical perspective, 2. take responsibility, 3. accept consequences, 4. deeply understand the problem, 5. express joy and gratitude, and 6. desire to serve God and to tell others about Him.

Timothy's Challenge

Scott Risley

1 Timothy 1:1-5

We start the book of 1 Timothy with background on the author Paul the Apostle and on Timothy (who the letter is written to). Paul talks about having a "pure heart and a good conscience, and a sincere faith". How can we have a good conscience serving God in today's world of compromise?

Dealing with Failure

Conrad Hilario

1 Peter 5:2-4

God is the God of second chances. We see this play out in the life of Peter. As Jesus approaches Peter, after the crucifixion, He meets Peter where he is at in his failure and offers him compassionate discipline. Peter goes on to be foundational to the growth of the early church. Like Peter, God wants to use our failures to grow us into maturity and use us powerfully.

Dealing With Failure

Scott Risley

1 Peter 5:2-4

When Christians fail, it is easy to believe that God has abandoned them or will punish them for their mistakes. The example of Peter's failure, however, demonstrates that God is gracious towards us and can even use our failures for good, and those who choose to accept the second chance God gives them can become more effective servants for Him.