Who is Jesus?

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 1:13-23

Many people, both Christians and non-Christians alike, are not sure who Jesus really is. According to the Bible, he is God incarnate who created the universe and serves as its sovereign king. Jesus is also the sacrifice for our sins and the bringer of freedom and peace. He is the means through which we can have a restored relationship with God.

Avoiding Capture

Ryan Lowery

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Paul is warning and encouraging the Christians in Colossae of the ideas competing for their faith and how to avoid being captured. Four ways to avoid being captured by false ideologies: 1) come to Christ; 2) assess your own vulnerabilities; 3) walk by grace in faith; 4) stay rooted in the Word and community. The love of God changes and motivates our hearts. Evaluate what motivates you to follow God and His ways. Be moved by what His love has done. His love is a safeguard to legalism and worship of self.\r\n

The Father's Reward

Jim Leffel

Matthew 6:1-6

The uniqueness of our relationship with God the Father is broken down into three parts: 1) the Father's passion towards us as His children, 2) the Father's redemption of His people, and 3) the Father's reward. The Father's reward is not something we work for to bolster our own image but instead work that points others to God.

Three Questions about God and Morality

Jim Leffel

Matthew 5:17-48

We look at three questions on morality: 1) what's the meaning of morality, 2) what's the standard of morality, and 3) what's the purpose of morality? We see from Jesus' teachings how humility and gratitude, not pride, are components in the meaning and standard of morality.

The Cross

Conrad Hilario

2 Corinthians 5:21

Through the details of the crucifixion, the world witnesses the depth of love that God has for humanity. At the cross we see Jesus, the king of the world, go through mental and physical torture to gift forgiveness for humanity's moral debt. God judged and punished His son for all the sin and atrocities committed by humanity. Jesus died for his enemies and his death is adequate for all people.

Behold, Your King

Scott Risley

Psalms 22:14-18

Death by crucifixion is brutal and bloody, and Jesus' death on the cross was no exception. However, Jesus' death was not merely an execution but rather God's plan for the salvation of mankind, and his death simultaneously fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and satisfied God's wrath. Through his sacrifice, we are able have our moral debt paid in full and to experience a personal relationship with God.

The Sheep are Scattered

Scott Risley

2 Corinthians 7:10-11

Peter and Judas both betrayed Jesus before his death - one by denying that he had ever met Jesus, and the other by turning him over to the murderous authorities. Even though these two men performed the same despicable act, Peter became a leader in the early church and Judas committed suicide. These two outcomes can only be explained by one factor: their response to their failure. Peter chose to repent while Judas chose to stay in his regret, and we as Christians are also faced with the same choice when we make mistakes in our own lives.

Features of a Transformed Community (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

In every relationship, Christians are to treat others with the same grace that God has demonstrated toward us. This means forgiving people instead of seeking payback and showing patience to everyone. It also means having difficult conversations with people, encouraging the discouraged, and moving compassionately towards those who are vulnerable.

The Humble Messiah

Dennis McCallum

John 12:12-34

Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey for his triumphal entry, reflecting the humility he would exemplify as he went to the cross. The people of Jesus' time were surprised as they were expecting a conquering King who would bring power and destroy the Romans. Jesus is distinguishing himself from other rulers as he lived a life of radical self-sacrifice, a lifestyle he calls his followers to as well. Jesus was glorified as he gave himself up for the world at the cross. Jesus' mission wasn't to establish the perfect order, but to offer forgiveness for those who want a personal relationship with God.