Spiritual Birth vs. Spiritual Growth

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 15:21-22

What we do arises out of who we are. Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden resulted in all of his descendents (us) being born with a sin nature. However, just as spiritual death was brought through Adam, spiritual life was brought through Christ. When one is baptized into Christ, he is given a new identity because he is identified with Christ. It is this new identity that is the key to lasting change and spiritual growth.

From Past to Future

Jim Leffel

Colossians 3:4-11

We are transformed when we enter into a relationship with Christ, but we are still susceptible to being drawn back into a way of living that represents our old or "earthly" nature. We should strive to identify these dangers, agree with God, and move forward towards what He has for us!\r\n\r\n

Where's Your Head At?

Jim Leffel

Colossians 3:1-4

In Christian living, our focus is of the utmost importance. Rather than listening to outside voices, or our own feelings and insecurities, we can stand firm in Christ and on the Word of God. \r\n

Continue with Christ Just the Way You Started

Jim Leffel

Colossians 2:6-23

We have been given so much in Christ: forgiveness, purpose, and future hope. Yet often we feel like we need so much more, and we seek after experiences or follow rules in order to try and gain more, which never produces what we want. In reality, when we turn to God and recognize what He has given us, it is more than enough! \r\n

Stewards of the Mystery

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:24-2:5

Christian community is comprised of individuals who are stewards of God's truth. Christ has accomplished our greatest need, but we now have a mission to carry out in building His kingdom on earth. Serving God involves a process of transformation of ourselves and others, freedom from the power of sin, and a focus on grace given to us by God through Christ.

Introducing Colossians

Jim Leffel

Colossians 1:1-2

Paul begins his letter to Colasse by introducing himself and who he is writing to. He calls the Colassians faithful, implying marks of spirituality worth considering: a reliable foundation, a revolution within, and a visible difference within people. These marks are internally-based, not dependent on our conforming to people around us.

The Cross of Christ

Jim Leffel

Galatians 6:11-16

Paul ends his letter to the Galatians with a focus on the centrality of the cross. His boasting isn't revolved around self, but in the work of Jesus Christ. Through the offensive message of the cross, we have a new outlook on the lives we live as Christians. Jesus Christ's work on the cross allowed for real freedom to relinquish our rights, demands, and agendas in favor of getting behind God's work and His purposes that are more satisfying.

Planting & Harvesting

Jim Leffel

Galatians 6:6-10

Paul highlights the importance of our focus and choices as Christians. Within the Christian life, there are two paths to follow: the way of the spirit of way of the flesh. As we live in accordance with the Spirit, God can produce a harvest in our lives, even if we don't immediately see the results. Likewise, our lives can be used powerfully by God as we become good stewards with God's resources. Growing spiritually is correlated with feeding the Spirit, as opposed to feeding the fleshly desires within our lives.

Maturing In God's Family

Gary DeLashmutt

Galatians 4:12-20

Once we become Christians we are a part of God's family, and can play a role in each others spiritual lives and growth. We do this through sitting under God's Word, sharing it with each other, and choosing to initiate deeper conversations. This involves encouraging each other, but it also involves being willing to admonish each other such as Paul is doing in the letter to the Galatians. Being able to receive admonishment and give it is vitally important for our spiritual lives!