Spiritual Complacency

Ryan Lowery

Nehemiah 1:1-11

Many Christians have chosen to go through the process of sanctification, but still encounter bumps along the way. They recognize that God has shown them incredible grace, yet still are susceptible to distractions that can turn a spiritual life into something mediocre. It is common to enter into these states of spiritual complacency. The story of Nehemiah contains seven steps toward spiritual renewal: 1) face the reality of our complacency; 2) rely on the promises and grace of God; 3) spiritual dedication; 4) repentance; 5) depend on God's Word; 6) ask God to move in big ways; and 7) be willing to take big steps of faith.

Introduction

Ryan Lowery

Jeremiah 29:4-14

Throughout the history of Israel, the nation experienced incredible peaks where they had intimacy with God and incredible lows where they completely lost their faith. Often, we can relate with the despair of the Israelites as they go through a period of suffering. By looking at God's plan in human history, it is apparent that God has an overarching plan that includes both refreshing periods of spiritual highs and difficult periods of spiritual lows. Ultimately, God's most impactful work for his people often comes after years of difficult preparation.

Keeping your Spiritual Edge

John Cleary

Jeremiah 29:4-14

Keeping your spiritual edge in the spiritual war includes understanding three things: 1) the reality of the war; 2) the description of who the war is with; 3) having a personal Combat Field Manual to fight with. God's word is our weapon and it is essential to read it daily. There are many approaches in developing a personal Combat Field Manual but the important thing is to do it. To stand firm and fight this battle we need to have a mind to engage in the war.\r\n

A Life Filled With Meaning & Purpose

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 9:16-17

Paul explains to the Colossians the costliness of their reconciliation: Christ's death on the cross. He expresses how salvation has impacted his life purpose such as being able to understand suffering, having a passion to share the gospel, and a deep commitment to instructing others. Paul's life showcases an example of a sanctified life that Christians today should aspire to.

An Invitation To Suffer

Ryan Lowery

Philippians 3:8-9

God's love and grace gave Paul the motivation to become a servant with a purpose, but it did not spare him of a life free of suffering. In fact, serving God requires Christians to wade into suffering so that others may know Him just as Christ was willing to undergo suffering for our sake. This sort of service requires that: we become servant leaders by laying down our lives for others, we bring the truth of God to those who don't know Him, and we commit to other people through discipleship.

Joyful Suffering (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:24-2:5

The Christian life involves activities that bring with them, at the same time, suffering and joy. One of these is the process of helping others along to spiritual maturity, which is an extremely fulfilling interpersonal process that comes with relational risk. Another is the commitment to unity in the church, which is incredibly rewarding but can grate against our selfish nature.

Joyful Suffering (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:24-2:5

If there's nothing that is worthy of our whole life, then our lives will be made up of trivialities. Advancing Christ's work will result in some suffering, and joy comes through the deep connection that forms through giving our lives for others. According to the Bible, God has revealed a great mystery set forth in the Old Testament through Christ. Knowing God is the greatest knowledge that brings us the greatest joy.

Three Keys to Victorious Suffering

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 1:24-2:1

Paul suffered greatly for the Colossians and shared with them how they could suffer victoriously: 1) understand where history is headed; 2) know your unique role in God's plan; 3) access God's power. We need to adopt Paul's perspective if we are to suffer victoriously while doing the Lord's work.

The Supremacy of Christ

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:15-23

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul explains the person and work of Christ in a very concise way. Paul speaks of His deity, that He is the Lord of Creation, and that He is the head of the church. Chip Geiser spoke about his experience standing firm on these truths in spite of chronic pain.