Putting on Christ

Dennis McCallum
Colossians 3:9-17

Putting on Christ is living out the new identity God has given us. This involves a transformation powered by God as we cooperate with Him. God produces selfless qualities in us that make us more like Christ. This results in lasting love relationships that are unifying and produce peace which are in contrast to relationships that do not follow God's way.

The Spiritual Mindset

Dennis McCallum
Colossians 3:1-12

What is doubt and how should we deal with it? This is the first of a two-part series on doubt that addresses what doubt is, what it is not, and what it might look like in the life of a believer. Everyone struggles with doubt at some point in their lives. We should pursue our doubts and search out answers to the questions we have. Common issues that trigger doubt and the problem of evil in the world are also discussed.\r\n

What is the Church?

Jim Leffel
1 Corinthians 12:18

What is the church? There are many different answers to this question, but what does the Bible say? Jesus says the church is the body of believers, i.e., people who believe in God. The Bible says God created the church to be intensely relational and interdependent, and God has a place for you in it! Find out how you can be a part of the church that God created. A testimony by Julie is included.\r\n

Transformation

Jim Leffel
1 Corinthians 5:9-10

God calls His followers to be different than than the rest of the world. What does this look like? Paul says the first step is to worship God with our whole lives, then let Him change us from the inside out. God wants to change our minds and the way we think. This will result in changes in the way we act. However, he warns us that we have to make a choice: either we can live for the world system or we can live for God.\r\n

Avoiding Capture

Dennis McCallum
Colossians 1:27-28

What is the standard for right and wrong in this world? What happens when the church is captured by the culture surrounding it? Does right and wrong change at that point? Paul warns the church in Colossae to watch out and make sure they are not taken captive by deceptive philosophy from the culture. This applies to modern believers as well. It is the key to maturity and yet the church has a vast history of buying into deceptive philosophy.\r\n

God Transforms His People

Dennis McCallum
Colossians 1

God invites us to transformation in three key areas. First, God wants to transform our values so that our trust in Him and hope in heaven leads to loving other people. God also wants to transform our thinking as we study His Word; not just what we think about but also how we think. Finally, God wants to transform our actions so that we accomplish good works through His power. The only thing that God asks of us is a willingness for Him to transform us!

Jesus Calls Disciples

Gary DeLashmutt
John 1:35-42

Jesus calls four men to follow him and be his disciples. Four principles of discipleship are discussed: 1) discipleship begins by making an informed decision to receive Jesus as Messiah; 2) discipleship involves living in community with other disciples; 3) discipleship involves embracing Jesus' call to influence others for him; and 4) discipleship means allowing Jesus to continually change our lives. It is important for disciples of Jesus to be continual learners. He can use anyone to impact the world as long as they are willing. Living this way brings much joy and satisfaction.\r\n

Consecration & Transformation

Jim Leffel
Romans 12:1-2

Biblical worship is demonstrated by a life lived fully for God based on His mercy as we present our whole lives before Him to be used as He wants. As a result, God is able to transform our thinking to go against the values of the world. Gradually, God is able to help us understand how to pursue His purposes better as His will becomes more clear for our lives.

Get Your Head Together

Jim Leffel
Romans 8:1-27

Our new identity in Christ allows us to pursue spiritual growth through living according to the Holy Spirit. This happens as we set our minds habitually upon the Holy Spirit's work, leading to real life and peace. Five things that we should consider in our minds are: 1) the Holy Spirit's living presence in our lives; 2) how the Holy Spirit allows us to relate to God; 3) the transforming power of the Spirit; 4) the Spirit's ability to comfort and coach us in God's work; and 5) the Spirit's leading.