The Birth of Jesus

Jim Leffel

Luke 2:1-14

The circumstances of Jesus' birth are in one sense obscure, but in another, fulfilled prophecy of eternal importance--that of the awaited Messiah. While it was not the fulfillment people expected, it demonstrates God's willingness to extend a solution to people's greatest need--forgiveness--allowing them to enter into a relationship with God.

Cries of Anguish

Conrad Hilario

Mark 15:33-36

My God, my God; why have you forsaken me? Why were these words spoken by Christ on the cross? Christ experiences separation from the Father in order to pay for the sins of the world. This Psalm details the event of the Messiah's death at the hands of His enemies.

The Case for Christ

Lee Strobel

Mark 15:33-36

The evidence to the question, ?Did Jesus return from the dead?? is summarized and points to: 1) an execution ? Jesus was dead, 2) early accounts recorded immediately after the event, 3) an empty tomb, and 4) eyewitness reports in 9 ancient sources. Those who do not yet believe Jesus returned from the dead owe it to themselves to examine the evidence.

The Uniqueness of Christ

Jim Leffel

Mark 15:33-36

Jesus made a unique claim that he was God in human form. He also claimed he was the Messiah, son of God who would save the world. The possibilities of who Jesus was include: 1) self-deceived or mentally ill, 2) a liar and conspirator, 3) a legend, or 4) the promised savior of humanity. The evidence is the critical variable in determining who he was.

Experiencing the Fullness of Christ

Conrad Hilario

Romans 6:11

Paul writes to combat and dismantle the false Gnostic teachings that were circulating within the Colossian church. Paul warns them to not be taken captive by the false ideologies. From the early church until now, Christianity's central truths have been attacked and infiltrated by various philosophies. This is why we need to be grounded in the Word and know our new identity in Christ.

The Supremacy of Christ

Scott Risley

Colossians 1:13-20

The apostle Paul begins his exposition on Christ's position over all. Paul establishes the different roles played by Christ as fully God and fully human. Christ operates as head over His creation as well as His church. Paul argues against the Colossian false teachers in defense of Christ's supremacy.

Who is Jesus?

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 1:13-23

Many people, both Christians and non-Christians alike, are not sure who Jesus really is. According to the Bible, he is God incarnate who created the universe and serves as its sovereign king. Jesus is also the sacrifice for our sins and the bringer of freedom and peace. He is the means through which we can have a restored relationship with God.

The Cross: God's Radical Provision

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 2:8-15

False teachers were trying to influence young Christians in Colossae away from Christ and toward religious practices so they would become enlightened. Paul wrote this letter to refute the false teachers, to instruct the Colossians about the deity of Christ and to explain how His death on the cross is God's radical provision for us. It is a provision for us in three ways: 1) it has canceled our certificate of debt; 2) it has given us a spiritual ?circumcision?; 3) it has disarmed the demonic forces that oppose us. God has given us all the resources we need to mature in Him.

Who is Jesus and What Did He Do?

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 15:19-20

Around 60 A.D., Paul and Timothy wrote to the church in Colossae to clarify who Christ was. The first chapter of Colossians expounds on the incarnation of Christ, meaning that Jesus was both fully man and fully God. In order for humanity be fully redeemed, Jesus had to be both. How we view Christ's nature is critical to our salvation and the gospel message.