The Reality is Christ

Conrad Hilario

John 3:19-22

All religions feature rituals, but Christianity's rituals from the Old Testament differ from other religions in that their purpose is to pre-authenticate Jesus' mission. Besides being a shadow of what was to come with Christ, rituals also functioned as physical depictions of God's character for the Jews. The author of Hebrews details three specific aspects of these rituals to demonstrate Christ's complete fulfillment of them: the tabernacle, the role of high priest, and the innocent victim needed for the atoning sacrifice. Because of Jesus' fulfillment of the Old Testament system, we as Christians are freed from our moral guilt and no longer are obligated to follow the Mosaic Law.

Two Common Objections to God's Grace

Gary DeLashmutt

Galatians 2:15-21

God's generosity challenges both Judaizer theology and Lordship theology. Regardless of how our sin compares to the sin of others, we are all hopelessly in debt and in need of grace. The implications of believing that Christ's justification is unconditional in contrast with believing it is highly conditional (as these two faulty theologies claim) are explored.

A Change of Priesthood

Conrad Hilario

Genesis 14:18-20

In the Old Testament, humans could only approach God through a high priest, a role that had to be fulfilled by a man descended from the tribe of Levi. God, however, prophesied through David that one day there would be a priest from the line of Melchizedek whose priesthood would be eternal, and Jesus is that high priest. Since Jesus is the perfect and eternal high priest whose priesthood replaced the old one, humans are no longer under the Old Testament law and can be rescued forever from their sin.

Two Ways to Enter God's Kingdom

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 5:17-48

?How can I gain entry into God's kingdom?? This age-old question has two answers from Jesus Himself. The first answer, or Plan A, is to earn one's way into heaven by fulfilling God's Law perfectly, a worldview that Jesus' audience held dearly and that most still hold today. The second answer, or Plan B, is to let Jesus earn one's way in by His perfect fulfillment of God's Law, and although this answer is offensive, it provides true hope through the promise of the Holy Spirit.

How Does Lasting Change Happen?

Jim Leffel

Colossians 3:1-11

Being "in Christ" means that we have received a new identity where we are victorious, totally acceptable to God, and have the hope of heaven. We need to set our mind on these things as we resist the old self and act as the people that God has made us to be. The song "Ain't No Grave" by Claude Ely was performed to illustrate victory over death.

Experiencing the Fullness of Christ

Conrad Hilario

Romans 6:11

Paul writes to combat and dismantle the false Gnostic teachings that were circulating within the Colossian church. Paul warns them to not be taken captive by the false ideologies. From the early church until now, Christianity's central truths have been attacked and infiltrated by various philosophies. This is why we need to be grounded in the Word and know our new identity in Christ.

Sufficiency of Christ

Ryan Lowery

Colossians 2:9-23

The sufficiency of Christ meets all of our needs. Ritualism, mysticism, and asceticism are bankrupt alternatives to finding fulfillment in Christ. True change happens when we let God change our hearts rather than on us trying to change our outward behavior. True change is possible through Christ when we put our faith in Him. Even after having a relationship with God through Christ there's a pull to live seeking fulfillment in other things. When this happens we can change our minds and agree with God's way, experiencing Him to empower us.

Introduction: Good News!

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:1-8

Paul in his letter to the Colossians focuses on the person of Christ, the work of Christ, and life in Christ. He begins by describing how the good news has to do with grace, transforms people, spreads naturally, and should be urgently considered. Jared Harrop shared his testimony about the way that the good news changed his life after he was led to Christ by the Fulford family.

Features of a Transformed Community: Concluding Prayer

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

God's Will for all people has to do with the process of sanctification. Our problem is that we have broken desires, relational alienation, dying bodies, and true moral guilt. Through the cross, God offers justification and complete transformation in this life and in the next. For those who pursue sanctification, security in Christ is the key to perseverance.