Key Ingredients of Spiritual Maturity

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 2:4-7

Paul instructs the Colossians on four key ingredients to spiritual maturity: 1) receiving Christ; 2) ongoing instruction about Christ; 3) resistance to spiritual deception; and 4) being ?in formation? with other Christians. All of us tend to specialize in one or two of these areas, but no amount of proficiency in any one area can make up for a deficiency in the others. All are needed if we want to mature spiritually.

The Return of the King

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 19:1-20:6

John's vision shows Heaven cheering at the defeat of Babylon. The triumph of Christ causes worship and celebration. Satan is bound and thrown into a bottomless pit for a time (before he will need to be released again). This vision paints the picture of the ultimate celebration in Heaven, beginning with the return of Christ!

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.

Jesus Our Rescuer

Mike Sullivan

Colossians 1:13-23

False teachers infiltrated the church at Colossae and were leading them away from focusing on Jesus and the gospel. Paul clearly communicates to them that Jesus rescued them from a very desperate spiritual situation. Jesus alone is uniquely qualified to rescue. Just like the Colossians, we must get educated and be convinced of our faith and then stay focused on Jesus and His rescue or we will drift away!

Spiritual Transformation

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 1:9-12

Paul describes his ongoing prayer for the Colossians to undergo a comprehensive spiritual transformation. God desires we center our lives on Him and grow in 1) active goodness towards others; 2) personal intimacy with Him; 3) becoming more steadfast and patient, and 4) deepening our joy and gratitude. God transforms us as we meditate on the Gospel and ask Him to illuminate the Gospel's application to our lives while in the context of Christian community.

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.

Stephen's Defense

Ryan Lowery

Genesis 7:37-8:1

When argument failed, the enemies of the early church turned to lies and perjury when they accused Stephen of attacking the God of Israel. In Stephen's defense, he makes the argument that God is much more than just the God of Israel. Those who murdered Stephen had idolized ritual practices and were blind to the fact that God wants a relationship rather than religious acts.\r\n\r\n