Colossians 2:11-15 - "In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
***Every person lives by faith in what they believe to be true
***Do you believe that Jesus' life, death and resurrection is sufficient for salvation?
***The symbol of His shame has become our symbol of victory in Him
***Jesus has given us life...(v 13-"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,...")
***Jesus has cancelled our debt of sin...(v 14-"having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross."
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
***Our sin was nailed to the cross....how does that make you feel?
***Jesus disarmed evil powers...(v 15-And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.)
***When Christ forgives your sin, He frees you from the unrelenting power of sin
John 3:15-18 - "...that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."
***It is not enough to 'believe'...it must be lived out in daily life
***Does Jesus Christ have absolute power in your life? If so, you can overcome anything
***Does your life reflect what you say you believe about Christ?
***Do you pray as if God answers prayer?
***Does your life demonstrate that you believe in Jesus Christ?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Alive in Christ
Colossians 2:13 - "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,"
***Satan has been good at keeping us from understanding what happened on the cross
Romans 5:6 - "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."
***Death is not primarily about our body, it is the plight of our soul
***Jesus referred to death as 'sleep' because He could bring people back to life...He used 'death' differently than we do
***Jesus came from eternity and His perspective on life and death is much different than ours
John 8:51 - "I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
John 6:35 - "Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."
John 5:24 - "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
***He didn't come to save us from 'sleep,' but from 'death'.....spiritual death
***On that awful hill called Mt Calvary, we see the Savior 'sleep,' we do not see him 'DIE'!
***Christ died for the ungodly; He tasted death for all mankind
Romans 8:1-2 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."
***The Christian will never die - he may 'sleep,' but will never experience eternal death
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
***Satan tries to make us feel sorrow and agony for Christ's beaten body
***Unforgiven sin keeps us from eternal life
***All the concerns of our lives are changed because of the resurrection
***The primary concern of Jesus was to secure our soul in eternity
***Physically, we're born and live until we die...we progress toward physical death; Spiritually, we're all dead until we're made alive in Christ...we progress toward spiritual life
***What is the condition of your soul? Are you dead in sin or alive in Christ? Are you moving toward death or eternal life?
***Satan has been good at keeping us from understanding what happened on the cross
Romans 5:6 - "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."
***Death is not primarily about our body, it is the plight of our soul
***Jesus referred to death as 'sleep' because He could bring people back to life...He used 'death' differently than we do
***Jesus came from eternity and His perspective on life and death is much different than ours
John 8:51 - "I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
John 6:35 - "Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."
John 5:24 - "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
***He didn't come to save us from 'sleep,' but from 'death'.....spiritual death
***On that awful hill called Mt Calvary, we see the Savior 'sleep,' we do not see him 'DIE'!
***Christ died for the ungodly; He tasted death for all mankind
Romans 8:1-2 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."
***The Christian will never die - he may 'sleep,' but will never experience eternal death
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
***Satan tries to make us feel sorrow and agony for Christ's beaten body
***Unforgiven sin keeps us from eternal life
***All the concerns of our lives are changed because of the resurrection
***The primary concern of Jesus was to secure our soul in eternity
***Physically, we're born and live until we die...we progress toward physical death; Spiritually, we're all dead until we're made alive in Christ...we progress toward spiritual life
***What is the condition of your soul? Are you dead in sin or alive in Christ? Are you moving toward death or eternal life?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Complete in Christ
Colossians 2:6-12
Colossians 2:6-12 - " So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead."
Deuteronomy 10:16 -"Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer."
***Baptism is a picture of our complete salvation
Matthew 3:1-17 -"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
***Jesus was baptized to please the Father - not because he had to be - it ws an act of obedience
***He wanted to identify with the humble - those He would save
***He wanted to make a public declaration to do the Father's will
***Baptism was a foreshadow of His life, burial and resurrection
***Jesus was not primarily concerned about physical death, but about spiritual life
***All who are buried with Christ in baptism and raised to new life are complete in Him
Romans 6:3-11 -"Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
***He could not provide our salvation unless He first assumed our position
***Thru baptism, Christ identified with us....thru baptism, we identify with Him
Colossians 2:9-10 - "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority."
***When you put your faith in Christ, you are complete in Him
***Baptism doesn't save you....It is a symbol of our union with Him
***Are you right in Christ? Are you complete in Him or are you still struggling with your sin?
***In Christ you are complete - Apart from Him, you have nothing
Colossians 2:6-12 - " So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead."
Deuteronomy 10:16 -"Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer."
***Baptism is a picture of our complete salvation
Matthew 3:1-17 -"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
***Jesus was baptized to please the Father - not because he had to be - it ws an act of obedience
***He wanted to identify with the humble - those He would save
***He wanted to make a public declaration to do the Father's will
***Baptism was a foreshadow of His life, burial and resurrection
***Jesus was not primarily concerned about physical death, but about spiritual life
***All who are buried with Christ in baptism and raised to new life are complete in Him
Romans 6:3-11 -"Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
***He could not provide our salvation unless He first assumed our position
***Thru baptism, Christ identified with us....thru baptism, we identify with Him
Colossians 2:9-10 - "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority."
***When you put your faith in Christ, you are complete in Him
***Baptism doesn't save you....It is a symbol of our union with Him
***Are you right in Christ? Are you complete in Him or are you still struggling with your sin?
***In Christ you are complete - Apart from Him, you have nothing
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Secure in Christ
Colossians 2:1-10
Colossians 2:1-10 - "I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
***When you know and experience a love relationship with Jesus Christ, everything in your life is interpreted by that one reality
***How did Paul gain such a love for the Church? He met Jesus Christ and Christ loves the Church. Once he met Christ, it changed his thinking
***If you are not walking in a love relationship with God, there is a great question as to whether you are a Christian
1 John 3:14 -"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death."
1 John 4:16-21 - "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
***The only real evidence that you are a child of God is that you love the people of God
***Those who are in Christ love the church and would give their lives for it
***We are interdependent in the body of Christ - we need one another
***Every child of God has a strategic place within the church
***God doesn't forgive because you ask, He forgives because you repent
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
***Do you love the church like Christ loved the church?
***The love of Christ compels us - it is the motivating factor of all we do
***Are you building up the body? Are you loving people in spite of themselves or are you one who is quick to become angry?
***If the love of Christ is in you, you will love the people of God
Colossians 2:1-10 - "I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
***When you know and experience a love relationship with Jesus Christ, everything in your life is interpreted by that one reality
***How did Paul gain such a love for the Church? He met Jesus Christ and Christ loves the Church. Once he met Christ, it changed his thinking
***If you are not walking in a love relationship with God, there is a great question as to whether you are a Christian
1 John 3:14 -"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death."
1 John 4:16-21 - "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
***The only real evidence that you are a child of God is that you love the people of God
***Those who are in Christ love the church and would give their lives for it
***We are interdependent in the body of Christ - we need one another
***Every child of God has a strategic place within the church
***God doesn't forgive because you ask, He forgives because you repent
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
***Do you love the church like Christ loved the church?
***The love of Christ compels us - it is the motivating factor of all we do
***Are you building up the body? Are you loving people in spite of themselves or are you one who is quick to become angry?
***If the love of Christ is in you, you will love the people of God
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Serving in Christ
Colossians 1:24-29
Colossians 1:24-29 -"Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."
***To be in the presence of Jesus is to know the power of God
***The mystery of God: Christ in you, the hope of glory!
***Everyone in Christ is made perfect, ('perfect' in Hebrew means 'fulfilling a purpose'; in Greek, it means 'ideal')
***Christian perfection is found in fulfulled purpose
***Christian service is accomplished through Christ in us
***Christ does not give you skills, talent or power - He gives you Himself
1 Samuel 16-7 -"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
***The Christian life is not only about going to heaven when you die, but about dying to yourself on earth
***Is your faith based on religious activity or on a relationship with Christ?
***It is crucial to not just CALL Him Lord, but to MAKE Him Lord
***Is there any excuse for inactivity when God is in you?
***A life God can use is a life motivated by a pure heart
***Are you serving the Lord? If not, why not?
***It's not about you, it's about Christ IN you!
***He is the answer to every question you have.
Colossians 1:24-29 -"Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."
***To be in the presence of Jesus is to know the power of God
***The mystery of God: Christ in you, the hope of glory!
***Everyone in Christ is made perfect, ('perfect' in Hebrew means 'fulfilling a purpose'; in Greek, it means 'ideal')
***Christian perfection is found in fulfulled purpose
***Christian service is accomplished through Christ in us
***Christ does not give you skills, talent or power - He gives you Himself
1 Samuel 16-7 -"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
***The Christian life is not only about going to heaven when you die, but about dying to yourself on earth
***Is your faith based on religious activity or on a relationship with Christ?
***It is crucial to not just CALL Him Lord, but to MAKE Him Lord
***Is there any excuse for inactivity when God is in you?
***A life God can use is a life motivated by a pure heart
***Are you serving the Lord? If not, why not?
***It's not about you, it's about Christ IN you!
***He is the answer to every question you have.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Priviledge of Suffering in Christ
Colossians 1:24
Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church"
***How do you view suffering? What perspective do you bring to life? The same instances can cause different reactions based on perspective. To those who trust in God, there is no bad luck or misfortune...only God
***Paul made a choice to willingly suffer to follow Christ
Philippians 1:27-30 -"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."
Hebrews 2:9-10 -"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering."
Hebrews 5:8-9 -"Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him"
***Not all suffering is because of sin
**Jesus did not sin, yet He suffered. He had a greater purpose
**We learn more and grow more during suffering than any other time
**You'll see a good picture of yourself while suffering
***Suffering is the source of our salvation -- someone suffered on our behalf
2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Luke 22:42-43 -""Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him."
***Suffering is the strength of our salvation - true Christianity is involvement, not escapism
2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Philippians 1:29 -"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,..."
***Suffering is the sign of Christ in us - the image of Christ includes suffering
***Christ loves the Church
***What about you? Is it a joy to serve in the Church?
***Are you looking for things you can do to build up this body?
***Have you found your place of service?
***STOP WHINING - Why does serving God seem to be such a hardship?
Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church"
***How do you view suffering? What perspective do you bring to life? The same instances can cause different reactions based on perspective. To those who trust in God, there is no bad luck or misfortune...only God
***Paul made a choice to willingly suffer to follow Christ
Philippians 1:27-30 -"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."
Hebrews 2:9-10 -"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering."
Hebrews 5:8-9 -"Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him"
***Not all suffering is because of sin
**Jesus did not sin, yet He suffered. He had a greater purpose
**We learn more and grow more during suffering than any other time
**You'll see a good picture of yourself while suffering
***Suffering is the source of our salvation -- someone suffered on our behalf
2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Luke 22:42-43 -""Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him."
***Suffering is the strength of our salvation - true Christianity is involvement, not escapism
2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Philippians 1:29 -"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,..."
***Suffering is the sign of Christ in us - the image of Christ includes suffering
***Christ loves the Church
***What about you? Is it a joy to serve in the Church?
***Are you looking for things you can do to build up this body?
***Have you found your place of service?
***STOP WHINING - Why does serving God seem to be such a hardship?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Reconciled in Christ
Colossians 1:19-23
Colossians 1:19-23 - "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."
***We don't set the criteria for heaven - God does!
***Genuine faith makes a difference in our life
***He has provided all you need to be holy and blameless before God IF you continue in the faith
John 10:27 -"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"
Philippians 1:15-16 - "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel"
2 Timothy 1:12 - "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day"
1 Peter 1:3-5 -"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."
***If you are a Christian, you are safe and your eternal salvation is secure
***Colossians doesn't talk about security, but perserverance
Revelation 14:12-13 - "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
***The emphasis of perserverance in the Bible is on the price, but on the person
Hebrews 10:26-29 - "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?"
***Salvation makes a difference. If our salvation does not show a new lifestyle, we should not presume upon God eternal life
Matthew 7:21-23 -"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
***Your salvation is not a private matter. It is demonstrated in full light before a watching world
***Are you living your life on a false security?
***The blood of Jesus was not shed to get you into heaven, but to reconcile you with God
***How is your relationship with God?
Colossians 1:22 -"But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation"
***Christ's goal for your life is holiness
***Salvation is secured in Christ
***Are you in Christ?
Colossians 1:19-23 - "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."
***We don't set the criteria for heaven - God does!
***Genuine faith makes a difference in our life
***He has provided all you need to be holy and blameless before God IF you continue in the faith
John 10:27 -"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"
Philippians 1:15-16 - "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel"
2 Timothy 1:12 - "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day"
1 Peter 1:3-5 -"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."
***If you are a Christian, you are safe and your eternal salvation is secure
***Colossians doesn't talk about security, but perserverance
Revelation 14:12-13 - "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
***The emphasis of perserverance in the Bible is on the price, but on the person
Hebrews 10:26-29 - "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?"
***Salvation makes a difference. If our salvation does not show a new lifestyle, we should not presume upon God eternal life
Matthew 7:21-23 -"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
***Your salvation is not a private matter. It is demonstrated in full light before a watching world
***Are you living your life on a false security?
***The blood of Jesus was not shed to get you into heaven, but to reconcile you with God
***How is your relationship with God?
Colossians 1:22 -"But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation"
***Christ's goal for your life is holiness
***Salvation is secured in Christ
***Are you in Christ?
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