One of the themes in Colossians is that everything we do should be done, "in the name of the Lord." In other words, everything should be done out of loyalty to King Jesus. This includes how we live when no one is watching. When there are no parents, policemen, bosses, spouses, or anyone to hold us accountable, do we recognize our accountability to Jesus? Do we live faithfully and loyally even when we think we won't be caught or found out? In many ways, who we are when no one is watching is who we really are. (Scripture: Colossians 3:18-25 ..read more

Finally, we will conclude this series with the truth of what Jesus will do, he will come again. When he does, the fulfillment of all of God’s promises will be complete. All of the hidden truths that Christians believe now will become manifest to everyone. The whole world will finally bow their knees to him and confess that he is Lord. All of God’s enemies will be defeated, sin and death will be no more. We must live in the present in light of this future reality. (Scripture: 1 Corinthings 15:20-28 ..read more

(Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 ..read more

On Easter Sunday, we will explore the fifth truth that Jesus did not remain dead. He did not remain in the grave. Our faithful God raised Jesus from the dead. Which was not only a victory for him, but for all of his people. The resurrection of Jesus is a foretaste of what God will do for all of his sons and  daughters, and even for the whole creation. The bodily resurrection of Jesus, and the future resurrection of all of God’s people, is an essential doctrine to believe. (Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 ..read more

The third truth is not just about who Jesus is, but about what he did. Jesus suffered and died as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. His sacrificial death was the once-for-all sacrifice that was able to free all humanity from Satan’s hold on them. By offering himself on our behalf, he redeems, adopts, justifies, and sanctifies us. In order to be a Christian, you must believe that Jesus died for our sins in accordance with the Scripture. (Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-25 ..read more

The second truth of the series is the truth of the incarnation, Jesus came in the flesh. He became fully human. He is not God, pretending to be human. He was not wearing a human costume. He became fully human. It is also important to understand that Jesus didn’t abandon his humanity when he ascended to the heavenly throne. He is able to serve as our mediator because he IS human. (Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11 ..read more

If the kingdom—God’s uncontested rule and reign—can be received now, who can receive it and how is it received? How do we enter into God’s rule and reign? Once again, the answers Jesus gives are surprising. Jesus said we must receive the kingdom of God like a child. What does this comparison teach about the character of kingdom citizens? How can we become like little children? (Scripture: Luke 18:15-17 ..read more

The word “kingdom” is not just another word for the church. And the kingdom of God is not referring to the place people go when they die. The kingdom is God’s uncontested rule and reign over the world. When Jesus defined the kingdom of God he did so using parables. He said the kingdom was like a grain of mustard seed or leaven hidden in flour. What do these parables teach about the kingdom of God and what is our role in the kingdom? (Scripture: Luke 13:18-21 ..read more

One of the most difficult portions of Hebrews 11 is the author’s mention of Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah. These were hardly exemplary religious men. They did some pretty horrible things. So, why would the Hebrew writer mention them alongside people like Abraham, Moses, and David? Perhaps it is because each of them—in spite of their sins—had moments when they did what they were called to do in spite of the odds being stacked against them. Being a person of faith is not about being perfect, but about doing what we are called to do even when the odds are stack ..read more

Sometimes being loving God and being loyal to him means being willing to suffer mistreatment and persecution. Moses gave up the palace to suffer with the his Hebrew brothers and sisters. He chose loyalty over luxury. When we are called to give up comfort, wealth, freedom, safety, or security for the sake of our commitment to King Jesus, are we willing to do it? Do we love Jesus enough to suffer with him and with his people? (Scripture: Hebrews 11:23-28 ..read more