Playing Our Part in Advancing God's Purposes

Conrad Hilario

2 Timothy 1:7-8

Paul ends his letter to the Colossians and focuses on the role of prayer in evangelism. God uses prayer powerfully to provide opportunities to share the gospel as well as to combat His adversary who does not want others to know Christ. Quotes from Ole Hallesby's book on prayer further these points. Evangelism is not only impacted by prayer but also our speech and actions towards others.

Bearing Witness of Christ

Jim Leffel

Colossians 4:2-6

Speaking of Christ can be a touchy topic, but if the Bible is true then this is something worth talking about. In order to do effective evangelism, we must devote ourselves to effective prayer. Also, we must pursue wisdom to make the most of the opportunities that we are presented with.

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!

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.

God's Eternal Kingdom (Part 3)

Gary DeLashmutt

Genesis 3:17-19

The interior of the New Jerusalem contains a garden which symbolizes its restorative power. In the Garden of Eden, man first experienced theological, psychological, and ecological separation. This restoration with God, ourselves, and nature is provided only through Jesus' sacrificial death. Those who have received this gift should then tell others.

Heaven

Jenny Hale

Revelation 22

Building off of John's description of the New Jerusalem, this passage describes the incredible future that awaits Christians in Heaven. Among the qualities listed are no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain; no more evil; and God's presence forever! This knowledge of eternity should affect Christians by encouraging them to want to see more people there with them. It also allows Christians to know that their suffering is temporary.

Prejudice in God's People?

Ryan Lowery

Acts 9:31-10:48

Though the early church saw growth among the Jews, for years they had ignored Christ's instructions to preach to the Gentiles. God helps Peter to overcome his deep cultural prejudices against Gentiles and lead a Roman Centurion named Cornelius to faith. Four principles are seen in this passage: 1) God goes to amazing lengths to reach all people; 2) all people have prejudices that can be very powerful; 3) God's love and forgiveness is for everyone; and 4) even God's people are imperfect and can be slow to change.

Real Community

Ryan Lowery

Acts 6:1-7

In the early church, Hellenistic Jews and Hebraic Jews were culturally at odds in the diverse city of Jerusalem. They overcame cultural prejudice in four ways: 1) The leaders acknowledge the problem publically; 2) they delegated authority to a trustworthy group; 3) they didn't overreact; and 4) both sides trusted in the leadership of the church. In order to fight division, we must understand the basis for our unity in Christ, be on the lookout for division, and be a community of the Word that also serves each other.