Paul's Vision For Spirituality

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 1:1-11

Paul's vision for spirituality has to do with increasing faith, hope, and love. God wants to transform our values, mindset, and actions. All of this change is based on God's grace given through the cross.

Joyful Suffering (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:24-2:5

If there's nothing that is worthy of our whole life, then our lives will be made up of trivialities. Advancing Christ's work will result in some suffering, and joy comes through the deep connection that forms through giving our lives for others. According to the Bible, God has revealed a great mystery set forth in the Old Testament through Christ. Knowing God is the greatest knowledge that brings us the greatest joy.

Who is Jesus?

Ryan Lowery

John 14:8-11

Since God's love is what gives us the power to love others, an important part of understanding God's love is understanding who Jesus is. Jesus is: 1) our redeemer; 2) the highest form of revelation; 3) creator and owner of everything; 4) the highest authority; 5) the head of the church; 6) God.\r\nWhile the divinity and humanity of Jesus are constantly under attack, the truth that God became a human and died in our place is the basis for love and the only true gospel.

Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding

Ryan Lowery

Colossians 1:9-12

A key component of growing with God is knowledge of His will, however, knowledge requires the wisdom of how to use it. Head knowledge is not enough. Our understanding of God's will and His love will be incomplete unless we have taken steps to employ the knowledge that we have to our lives in a practical way. This growing knowledge, wisdom, and understanding comes directly from God and is what results in a life that honors and pleases Him.

Demonstrating the Reality of Christ

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:3-5

In Paul's prayer for the Colossians, he thanks God for many things that they are doing well. According to the Bible, a healthy church will prioritize the values of faith, hope, and love

The Gospel & Love

Ryan Lowery

Colossians 1:2-9

The church in Colossae, started by Epaphras, was infiltrated by false teachers. The apostle Paul wrote to combat these false teachings and strengthen the faith of the believers there. The apostle encourages the believers on the love they have shown because of the hope laid up for them in heaven through the gospel. All believers are called to be heralds of this gospel because it teaches and motivates us to love. This transformation towards love is possible because Christ has really loved us and guaranteed our eternal life, therefore we no longer have to look out for ourselves and can choose to give love freely in the knowledge that we are secure for eternity.

Four Insights Into the Gospel

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 1:1-8

Paul thanks God for the faith of the Colossians, namely that they had received the Gospel (the message that Jesus is the Messiah and through His death we can be forgiven by God). He also rejoices that this Gospel had begun to change their lives by imparting peace with God, hope for eternal life and the ability to love others. The Gospel spreads through people who have been changed by it, so if that describes you, go tell others this great message!

The Narrow Gate

Jim Leffel

Matthew 7:13-23

Jesus presents the choice between the narrow gate and the wide gate. The wide gate represents itself as false prophets, spiritual deception, and misrepresenting God; all of which leads to destruction. But the narrow gate represents God's love and judgment and the gift of a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Jesus says not many will find the narrow gate, but God is continuously pursuing us to lead us to His truth.

Judge Not!

Jim Leffel

Matthew 18:15-16

Judge not so you will not be judged and "take the log out of your own eye". These are some of the most famous verses from Jesus' sermon on the mount that are still referenced today. Are you someone who is always confronting others about how they messed up? The Bible lays out a path to confront a brother or sister, not through self-righteousness, but in love and also how to restore them in grace.