Ephesians Study: Least of the Saints

[Ephesians 3:1-13] Paul wrote over half of the books in the New Testament. Paul knew the Scriptures well. Paul had an encounter with Jesus and a special calling to preach to the Gentiles. He had many reasons to be puffed up. Instead we read: 1 Corinthians 15:9 “least of the apostles,” Ephesians 3:8 “very least … Continue reading Ephesians Study: Least of the Saints →

Philemon Study: True Forgiveness

[Philemon] Paul wrote letter to Philemon while he was in jail.Philemon’s house may be where the Colossian church met (v. 2).Philemon had a slave Onesimus (v. 16).Onesimus means “useful” or “beneficial.”Onesimus was useless to Philemon – slave who stole money and ran away.Paul converted Onesimus.Onesimus is now useful to Philemon and Paul. (v. 11).Though Onesimus … Continue reading Philemon Study: True Forgiveness →

Colossians Study: Good Words

[Colossians 4:1-18] 5- 6 [CEV] “When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.” Always make good use of time Walk in wisdom. Use your head. … Continue reading Colossians Study: Good Words →

Colossians Study: Worship Works

[Colossians 3:22-25] "What you think about you care about What you care about you chase" “Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full … Continue reading Colossians Study: Worship Works →

Colossians Study: Godly Living

[Colossians 3:18-21] As we run with Jesus, we continue to build godly relationships. Godly living starts at home. If you aren’t living godly at home, you won’t succeed in godly living outside of the home. Paul speaks about the importance of godly relationships in numerous letters. Husbands & wivesParents & childrenMasters & slaves “Submit to … Continue reading Colossians Study: Godly Living →

Colossians Study: Men of Rules

Men of Rules [Colossians 2:16-23] Let no one steal your freedom (v. 16) Legalism = slavery/bondage à Christ accomplished the Law Spiritual elitism – believed if circumcised, watched diets, observed days – then elite Asceticism (self-denial and self-modification) – Christ does more than restrain—He puts new desire within a person Let no one disqualify or … Continue reading Colossians Study: Men of Rules →

Colossians Study: Foolish Philosophies

[Colossians 2:1-15] Fooled by fancy talk / persuasive speech / well-crafted arguments / enticing words / smooth rhetoric / nice-sounding words / wild-goose chase (v. 4) – speech adapted to persuade, speech to lead others into error “Don’t let anyone fool you by using senseless arguments. These arguments may SOUND WISE, but they are ONLY … Continue reading Colossians Study: Foolish Philosophies →

Colossians Study: Ministry to Maturity

[Colossians 1:21-29] 1) Must stay DEEPLY ROOTED and FIRM IN FAITH (v. 23a) 2) Must NOT GIVE UP HOPE received (v. 23b) Warn every manTeach every man all wisdomPresent every man mature in Christ 3) Must PREACH COMPLETE MESSAGE (v. 25) plērōsai (play-ro'-o) Fulfill, complete, to make full, full to individual capacity In its fullness … Continue reading Colossians Study: Ministry to Maturity →

Colossians Study: The Gospel Truth

[Colossians 1:1-8] The Gospel is… Good News of God (v. 5)The Word of Truth (v. 6)The Message of God’s Grace (v. 6)Centered in a person – Jesus (v. 4)Universal – It is for the whole world (v. 6)Humanly transmitted (v. 7)Productive – Multiplies (v. 6) People believed. People were discipled. People were faithful in Christ. … Continue reading Colossians Study: The Gospel Truth →

More Than a Story: Kingdom-Focused

[Matthew 13] Contains EIGHT parables!! All of these parables speak about the kingdom of heaven. Parable of the Sower Readiness to hear and receive the Message of the kingdom of heaven. Three parables about growth: Weeds, Mustard Seed, Yeast/Leaven Parable of the Weeds – weeds among good seed, test between true disciples and others. Parable … Continue reading More Than a Story: Kingdom-Focused →