Introduction

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Corinthians 1:18-30

Key biblical teachings often strike us as contrary to common sense, counter-intuitive, or even foolish. This is because it is actually our thinking about major areas of life that is backward. Ultimately, at the center of the backwards wisdom of God is the cross.

The Right Use of the Law

Scott Risley

Romans 7:6

Timothy had to deal with false teachers pushing the idea that Christians need the Law to continue their spiritual growth. We learn from Paul that this is not true and he refutes it with Jesus's own teaching. The law isn't for the righteous but it is meant to lead those who need forgiveness toward God.

A Burden for Balance

Dennis McCallum

Philippians 2:19-22

In 62 AD, Paul writes to his ?true son in the faith? Timothy, whom he left in Ephesus. Paul left Timothy there to correct false teaching that was spreading throughout the church. He encourages Timothy to remain faithful to the Word out of love, a good conscience and a sincere faith. The value of the church being firmly rooted in the Word is vitally important.

God's Eternal Plan for the Nations

Jim Leffel

Philippians 2:19-22

God's plan for the nations is salvation. Salvation is the ultimate story line of the Bible. Working through creation and other motifs, the Bible displays salvation's path of redemption, regeneration, and God's reign.This results in a new people of God.

Why Deeds Aren't Enough

Chris Hearty

Philippians 2:19-22

Chris Hearty, teaching pastor at Xenos, speaks on his own experience in coming to faith as well as why its so important to share the Gospel with others. Our deeds are important - but what we say is too and we cannot share God's truth without uttering His words. God's message is incredible, what a privilege to share it with others!

Adorning the Gospel in Your Community

John Cleary

Sherri Fojas

Philippians 2:19-22

God calls His followers to adorn the gospel with word and deed. To effectively participate in this, Christians need to be convinced and motivated by grace. It is also essential to serve those outside the church community because God's purpose and goal are to share His love with those who don't yet know Him. Being prepared with a short answer about why you serve as well as a short personal testimony will give you the ability to answer when people ask why you serve. Jesus is our ultimate example to follow and we need to be sure it is every member that participates in serving the community. Get involved where you are burdened and gifted and consider how to mobilize others to do the same.\r\n

The Good News vs. The Elemental Principles of the World

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 2:14-23

The good news of Christ is extremely counter-intuitive to the way that many think about God. All humans naturally have a certain religious way of thinking that have surprisingly negative implications towards God. Ultimately, the cross renders man-made religious principles useless and reveals the true nature of God.

Basic Principles of This World

Conrad Hilario

John 4:21-24

Paul explains to the Colossian church that they do not have to perform rituals, ?the basic principles of this world,? in order to be made right with God. This construct was promoted by false teachers who tried to tarnish the gospel with ideologies such as Greek dualism, aestheticism and legalism. These false teachers urged the Colossians to incorporate Old Testament dietary laws, holy days, and other rituals. Paul stresses the importance and sufficiency of Christ's death on the cross; therefore, these rituals are of no spiritual value.

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.