A message from the series "Colossians." The body of Christ, the church, is His amazing idea and creation. Its very existence encourages and humbles us. It reminds us of His grace and gives opportunity for us to express that grace in many ways. God gives to each one of us gifts so that as we use them, He is glorified among us and in the eyes of those who have yet come to know Him. The apostle Paul said, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Cor. 12: 4-7, NASB)
Messages
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A message from the series "Missionary Speakers." Retired missionary Tine Hardeman shares his testimony
A message from the series "Colossians." The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure and pearl that requires selling all you own to obtain it.
A message from the series "Colossians." I haven’t decided what I’m going to be when I grow up. I know many of us use that line in hopes someone will agree with our attempt to create a more youthful persona. Hmm! At my age, who’s going to believe that? So,when can we say we’ve grown up? And, what does it take to be fully mature in Christ?
A message from the series "Colossians." I say it. You too are likely to say it. “I’m praying for you!” What does that mean? How am I praying? For what am I praying? What’s my frame of reference and what’s on my mind as I pray for friends, family, missionaries, young people, co-workers, and those who are facing transitions or disturbing circumstances? Last Sunday, I said that I’m so thankful for every opportunity to pray every week with the elders. One text from God’s Word often shapes our prayers for you as we ask God, “to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”So, we pray today, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
A message from the series "Colossians." We try sometimes to get our young ones to, “Say thank you” but it can feel like we are pulling teeth. Why is that? Are they unaware that someone just did something nice on their behalf? Were they unhappy with what they received? Did they think they deserved better? Was it unabashed pride or stubborn defiance of the reminder that they ought to be thankful? I wonder, what does God see is my reaction to His amazing gifts and goodness?We pray for each other to the end that God will be glorified in...
A message from the series "Colossians." The identity of Jesus has been a highly debated matter over the centuries. It has given rise to serious schisms. Heresies have arisen over His identity. How comfortable are you in the notion that ordinary people in our times are caught up in such heresies?Jesus made it very clear that He wants a vibrant relationship with us. That requires a growing understanding of His person,His values, and His will. The letter of Paul to the church in Colossae was written to clarify and personalize God’s intentions to know Him in Christ. So we continue our deliberate study of this little epistle about the supremacy of Christ. Enjoy!
A message from the series "Colossians." When was the last time you took a pop quiz? How did you do? Well, we are going to take a pop quiz this morning...along with the original followers of Christ, and all who have followed in His footsteps.
A message from the series "Colossians." The preeminence –those words are emblazoned in my memory. They reminded me, Sunday after Sunday, morning and evening during my formative years. They are captured on the wall behind us in our wedding photographs reminding us the supremacy of Christ over all that we are and for whom we live. They turned my attention to Jesus, the One “by whom and for whom all things were created.” Today, we continue to focus on Him “who is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead...” “...that in all things He might have the preeminence.”
