We should live counterculturally with our focus on Christ.Scripture TextPhilippians 3:15-21Main Points or IdeasWe are to imitate mature believers (v. 15-17)Beware of those that draw away from Jesus (v. 18-19)Our Citizenship is in Heaven, not Earth (v. 20-21)ConclusionWe are able to agree in the Lord when we boast in the Lord.
Audiaphora, a word that denotes the things that do not really matter, is used to describe the issue of Christian liberty. Dr. Doug Brown explains what Christian liberty is and how Christians should use it.Scripture TextRomans 14:1-3Main Points or IdeasFour PrinciplesWelcome one another (14:1-3; 15:7)Jews in a predominantly Gentile churchFive common gray areas: worship style, Bible versions, school choices, modesty, and alcoholIf Christ has accepted your fellow Christian, so should you.Stop judging others (14:4-9)Judging others develops discordWe all have the same master - JesusChoose love over liberty (14:13-22)The freedom to be flexible for the sake of the gospelThe lack of love and consideration for one another leads to quarrels and disputesFollow Christ’s example (15:1-6)Jesus is the ultimate exampleJesus served us for our good and His Father’s gloryConclusionDoes using your Christian liberty bring glory to God?
God always answers prayer, and sometimes it is no.Scripture TextRomans 12:12Main Points or IdeasCommon responses to God’s no:InternalBad: Unbelief, Anger, and Hurt/OffenseGood: Humble trustExternalBad - stop prayingGood - keep prayingThree People, Three Lessons on Faithful Prayer:Humble Yourself - King Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33)Rely on God’s Grace - Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)Seek God’s Will - Jesus (Matthew 26:37-46)ConclusionJust keep praying! Sin is no excuse to stop praying.
Recently retired missionary Ron Self shares how he and his wife sought God’s will when they first landed in Argentina. He then talks about how others can do the same.Scripture TextMark 10:32-34Main Points or Ideas3 Observations of Reasons Why We Need to Follow God’s Will:Follow God’s will when you know it will require sacrificeFollow God’s will even when you are perplexed and afraidFollow God’s will when you don’t want to miss the blessings of GodConclusionIt is worth it to follow God’s will.
Brian Trainer talks about how morally filthy we all are and how Scripture exposes our filth.Scripture TextJames 1:21-25Main Points or IdeasWe Face Four Problems When We Look at The Word:We are morally repugnant (1:21)We are naturally forgetful (1:24-25)We are willfully proud (1:23)We are blindly self-deceived (1:22)We Have Four Choices When We Look at The Word:We must personally own the ugliness (1:21)We must humbly receive it (1:21)We must immediately take action (1:22, 25)We must embrace the purity and the power of the word (1:21, 25)ConclusionDon’t waste the Word.
God has entrusted each of us with a unique purpose and role.Scripture TextJohn 21:15-28Main Points or IdeasThe Setting of John 21The Prediction of Jesus (21:18-19)John wrote of this 10 years after Peter’s deathPeter was crucified upside down. It glorified GodGiven after Jesus’ restoration of Peter just two weeks after His own crucifixionThe Comparison by Peter (21:20-22)Comparison does not equal wisdomJesus told Peter to stop worrying about John and to just follow HimThe Explanation from John (21:23)Take Home TruthsHave you thanked God for designing you uniquely?Will you be willing to go out of the way?Are you willing to say yes?ConclusionAre you going to say yes, no matter what God has for you to do?
As we see in Romans 12:2, God calls us to live counter-culturally.Scripture TextTitus 2:6-8Main Points or IdeasLive Sober-minded (v. 6b)Self-controlled in all things2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27A Pattern of Good Works (v. 7a)Not a key to become a Christian, but to live as a Christian!Charlie Kirk, Jim Elliot, Nate SaintTitus 2:14; Galatians 6:9-10Be Pure in Doctrine (v. 7b)Good doctrine mattersA relationship with God with a knowledge of HimBe Dignified (v. 7c)Reverence, honorableIntegrity and HonestySound in Speech (v. 8a)Beyond reproachUncondemnable, clean, nothing bad to be said about himConclusionGod doesn’t expect you to change the world, but he wants you to change someone’s world.
God wants glory now and foreverScripture Text2 Peter 1:1-4Main Points or IdeasPlug into the Power of God (v. 3)His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life in Godliness (v. 3)His power of salvation (1 Corinthians 15)The Spirit’s power (John 14:16; Acts 1:8)The power of the Word of God (Ephesians 6)Plug into the Precious Promises of God (v. 4)What are the promises you cling to?Our promises fall short of God’s promises“... so that you may become partakers of the divine nature.” (v. 4)ConclusionWhat are you plugging yourself into?
God has a way to measure how godly we are. Dr. Will Senn challenges his listeners to strive to meet God's standard.Scripture TextRevelation 11:1-14Main Points or IdeasJohn was Instructed to Measure Three Things with a Measuring RodThe temple of God - tribulation templeThe altarThose who worship thereHow to Measure the Worshippers (& ourselves)Always measure yourself and “those who worship” by the divine standard of the person of Jesus ChristEphesians 4:13d2 Corinthians 10:12And by the Word of GodThey served with POWER (11:3a)They served with PERSEVERANCE (11:3b)They served with PASSION (11:3c)They serve DESPITE PERSECUTION (11:5, 7, 10)ConclusionThere is hope in the resurrection - the power of God in the tribulation. How do you measure up?
Dr. Wilkening talks about Samson and lessons that can be learned from his life. Samson's parents had pure intentions to raise him up in the Lord.Scripture TextsNumbers 6:1-6; Judges 13-14, 16Main Points or IdeasCourting (Judges 14:3)Marriage depends on our relationship with GodCharacter (Judges 14:8-9)We have to make our own decision to follow GodThe small, day-to-day matters have impactConsequences (Judges 16:21)Sin has consequences and we do not get to choose them.ConclusionWhat do you need to commit to God?
Are you saved? What are you living for?Scripture Text1 Corinthians 15Main Points or IdeasHow We Can Hope in the Resurrection: Fulfilled Prophecy (vv. 3-4)How We Can Hope in the Resurrection: Eye Witnesses (vv. 5-10)It is not enough to know who God is - you need to place your faith in him by repenting of your sins!ConclusionLove is by choice. You cannot force someone to love.You must choose to love God and not just know him.
Alumnus Willi Slischewski talks about how Jesus loves the local church.Scripture TextPhilippians 2:1-5Main Points or IdeasUnity - What does it look like? (vv. 1-2)Have the same mind - the mind of ChristHave the same love - unconditional devotionBe of one accordUnity - What can I do? (vv. 3-5)Selfish and vain ambitions are deadly - be humbleRespect others moreBe like JesusConclusionStrive, so that Christ may be glorified.
Satan never wants you to look at the consequences. He just wants you to look at the bait.Scripture Text2 Samuel 11:1-12:15Main Points or IdeasIt brings reproach on the cause of Christ (v. 12:14)It will damage your family (17:1-4; 12:14)It will cause you to live the life of a hypocrite (vv. 12:5-7)It hinders your intimate relationship with God (Psalm 51:7-14)It will take a way your desire to witness (Psalm 51:10-13)It will lead to your destruction (vv. 12:10-11)God will punish (v. 12:10-12; Ephesians 5:5-7)A sexual sin leads to enslavement (Proverbs 5:22-23; James 5:16)ConclusionAre you going to get victory over your sin?
Dr. Herron talks about why we should pray and what prayer teaches us.Scripture TextLuke 11:1-13Main Points or IdeasThe Request (v. 2-4)His Sovereignty (v. 2)Our Surrender (v. 3)The Illustration (v. 5-8)The Lesson (v. 9-12)“Ask” - inquire“Seek” - investigate“Knock” - IntensityThe Point (v. 13)“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance but laying hold of His willingness.” - Martin LutherYou are NOT a nusiance!Take Home TruthsCan you be alone? (Mark 1:35)Are you seeking God? (Jeremiah 29:13)Will you be diligent and deliberate in prayer? (Colossians 4:2)ConclusionThe power of prayer demonstrated in a real life situation from Dr. Herron
Dr. Jim encourages new and returning students alike to be involved in a local church, both during their time at Faith and after they leave. He shares from Scripture why the church is so important and why believers should be part of a local church.Scripture TextsHebrews 10:19-25; Psalm 27:4Main Points or IdeasBecause you have a passion for God (vv. 19-23)If you don’t go to church as a believer, it says a lot about your walk.Acts 20; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5Because you have a passion for God’s people (vv. 24-25)John 13:34-35The church is the greatest accountability in our lives. We need each other!1 John 3:16; 4:20-21Because you have a passion to serve God (v. 24b)1 Corinthians 12:12-31Find where you can serve and love others well.ConclusionThe point of the church isn’t to sit and be idle. The point is to serve because of love for the people and for God, even more so unto the day of Christ’s second coming.
The tragedy of our day isn’t unanswered prayer but unoffered prayer. He who ceases to pray ceases to prosper.Scripture TextHebrews 4:14-16Main Points or IdeasWhy Pray When We Are Struggling?We have a Great High Priest (v. 14)John 14:6Hebrews 11:61 John 2:1-4We have a Great High Priest who CARES (v. 15)1 Peter 5:6-7What people in pain need is LOVE, SUPPORT, and CARE. God understands and cares for our pain the best.Hebrews 12:1-3We have a Great High Priest who can HELP (v. 16)1 Corinthians 10:12-13We can receive mercy and find grace when we come boldly to the throne of grace, to find help in times of need.We can come boldly because of Jesus!ConclusionWe are not meant to go through life on our own. We have a Great High Priest.
Dr. Jim Tillotson focuses on the transformative power of prayer and its integral role in believers' lives. He emphasizes the biblical foundation for prayer from James 5:16 and encourages students to approach prayer with authenticity, righteousness, and intentionality. Through a practical outline of prayer, including confession, praise, thanksgiving, intercession, and petition, Dr. Tillotson guides the community in both individual and group prayer exercises to deepen their spiritual connection and care for each other. Scripture PassageJames 5:16 Main Points or Ideas The Power of Prayer – Prayer has the ability to change circumstances when approached in righteousness and fervency. Dr. Tillotson shares examples from Scripture of God responding to heartfelt, righteous prayer. Five Aspects of Prayer – He outlines a structured approach to prayer: Confession – Acknowledging and repenting of specific sins in response to God’s holiness. Praise – Honoring God’s greatness, power, and love. Thanksgiving – Expressing gratitude for God’s goodness and grace. Intercession – Praying for others, especially those facing trials, including classmates and the college community. Petition – Presenting personal requests to God with specificity and trust. Praying for the Needs of Others – Dr. Tillotson encourages students to support one another, especially in times of loss and hardship, and to remember specific people and needs within the community. The Impact of a Righteous Life on Prayer – He stresses the importance of living a righteous life to enhance the effectiveness of prayer, drawing from the context of James 5:16. ConclusionDr. Tillotson concludes by leading the college in communal and personal prayer, encouraging each participant to approach God with sincerity. He reminds them that prayer is a daily practice, not just an event, and that God is faithful to forgive and empower those who humbly seek Him. As the congregation prays for each other, he calls them to rely on God’s mercy, experience spiritual growth, and embody the love and support of Christ in their relationships.
Pastor Lance Augsburger explores Psalm 91, focusing on the believer's safety found not in the absence of trouble but in faith in God's presence. Through vivid imagery and practical applications, he emphasizes the trustworthiness, protection, and relational care of God, urging believers to take refuge in His shadow and find peace amidst life's uncertainties.Scripture Text(s)Psalm 91Main Points or Ideas God Delivers Those Who Take Refuge in Him (Verses 1–8) God is depicted as a sheltering presence, likened to a mighty bird protecting its young under its wings. His truth and faithfulness serve as a shield for believers, allowing them to live without fear even in the face of danger, disease, or destruction. Deliverance doesn’t mean the absence of trials but God's sovereign control over every event in our lives. God Protects Those Who Abide With Him (Verses 9–13) Abiding in God provides safety and protection from harm, underscoring the believer’s trust in His control. Angels are mentioned as God’s instruments of care, illustrating the unseen realm where His protection operates. Jesus modeled ultimate trust in God during His temptation, demonstrating how believers should rely on God’s promises rather than testing Him. God Promises Salvation to Those Who Love Him (Verses 14–16) The psalm transitions to God speaking directly, offering rich promises of protection, deliverance, and satisfaction in a relationship with Him. The relational aspect of God’s care is emphasized; He delivers and exalts those who trust Him. These promises are ultimately fulfilled in Christ and extend to all believers, assuring them of eternal safety in Him.ConclusionSafety in life’s challenges is not found in avoiding difficulties but in resting under the shadow of El Shaddai. Believers are invited to meditate on God’s promises, find refuge in His presence, and trust in His unchanging faithfulness.
Different motivations drive us. Why do we do what we do?Scripture Text1 Corinthians 15:10-11Main Points or Ideas God’s grace enables us to serve Him with grit for His glory.God’s Grace - V.10 “By the grace of God I am what I am…”Change from past to the present; regrets to new lifeGod enables us to serve Him by His graceFaithful work must be done with gratitude because of graceServe with Grit - V.10 “...I labored even more than all of them…”Colossians 1; 2 Timothy 2 (soldier, athlete, and farmer)Ministry is hard work! It needs people who are willing and are enabled with a grace-enabling grit.Life is hard. Keep trusting the Lord and pressing onFor His Glory - VV.10-11 “yet not I, but the grace of God was with me”V. 11 - “whether it was I or they…”All for God’s gloryOur boast isn’t in anything but Him who is able!ConclusionWe need faithful servants, who by God’s grace, are enabled to serve Him with grit for His glory.
Dr. Jim continues his message from Titus 2 on what a godly female mentor looks like.Scripture TextTitus 2:4-5Main Points or IdeasLove ChildrenChildren are tremendous blessingsSacrificial love for childrenDiscreet/SensibleWith common senseStrong women who are able to handle challengesPureShe looks out for the younger women and their purityMorally and physicallyHomemakers/Workers at HomeOur culture today does not encourage homemakingProverbs 31Kind - Ephesians 4:32Obedient to Their Own HusbandsSomething we all have to do, even unto the Lord and authoritiesPicture of submitting to a perfect GodConclusionTitus 2:5c “...so that the Word of God will not be blasphemed.”