Many Christians get tripped up on their walk with Jesus through not forgiving those that have wronged them. Although it's not as overt as lust, pride, anger, this can lead to a bitterness that tramples on our joy, love and satisfaction in God. In this message from Colossians 3:12-15, Pastor Scott preaches about the importance of forgiveness. Jesus was wronged himself but he responded with meekness instead of anger or bitterness. We need to ask God to flood our hearts with His love so that we can truly forgive from our hearts those that have hurt us.
Colossians: Our Common Identity
When we become new in Christ He renews our minds to begin to think like God does. In the family of God there are no distinctions and categories that separate and divide. The Gospel demolishes racism and prejudice and bigotry. The Spirit awakens the heart to see all people as created equal, all people as made in God's image, all people as sacred. Jesus taught us to"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6:27-28) This kind of love can break the cycle of racism one person at a time. In this message Pastor Scott preaches from Colossians 3:9-11 talking about all this and especially how in the church all our differences fade as we realize our common identity in Christ.
Colossians: Putting Sin Away
Pastor Scott begins this message with a reflection and prayer on the church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. He then preaches from Colossians 3:5-9 about how God wants us to put away all evil practices and thoughts from our minds & lives. What do these things look like in our lives and how do we battle against them? Why is it so important to battle against these earthly temptations?
Colossians: Set Your Mind
In Colossians 3:1-4 we are taught that we should not let our hearts & minds be occupied by the things of the world, but to set our minds on the things above. In this message Pastor Scott unpacks the challenges of setting our minds on the things of God. The reality is the world is moving in one direction and we are trying to move in the opposite direction. We need to remember that it is a battle to set our minds on Jesus.
Colossians: Beware of Spiritual Bullies
In Colossians 2:16-23 Paul warns the people about the spiritual bullies that are oppressing and dragging them down. The truth is that the church has found itself throughout history dealing with spiritual bullies that put unnecessary burdens on the people. Pastor Scott reminds us of the different kinds of spiritual bullies and the lies and deception that come from these bullies.
Colossians: Raised from the Dead
Our salvation does not come through our power or our works, but by the power of Jesus. He has raised us from the dead, we are spiritually lifeless and destitute before his power comes into our lives. In this message Pastor Scott reminds us that it is the work of Christ that cancels our record of debt, it is his work that has brought people out of the kingdom of darkness.
Colossians: Knowing the Gospel
Understanding the message of the gospel is important for every believer in Jesus. It protects us and provides us with discernment when faced with ideas contrary to it. In this message from Colossians 2:8-10, Pastor Scott preaches about what the gospel is and why it's important that we know the message.
Colossians: Returning to Your First Love
The essence of this message is about returning to your first love. In Colossians 2, Paul calls the people to walk with God the way they did at the start. Just as you received and just as you were taught in the early days of your walk so continue to walk now. Pastor Scott reminds us of that early ethos right after conversion and the call back. The reality is there are countless folks at Ren who at one time were so near to God but have grown cold, but we know the Spirit of God can break hearts and bring renewal.
Colossians: Declaring War on Sin
As Christians we need to be ready and guarded against any attempts to distract us with arguments and ideas that move us away from a simple faith in Jesus. In this message, Pastor Scott looks at Colossians 2:1-5. Paul is writing to the Colossians who are being deluded and tempted with plausible arguments that caused discouragement and a lack of unity. Pastor Scott preaches about the theology of "easy believism" that has attacked the Christian faith. It's a view that keeps us from obedience and aligning our beliefs with how we live our lives. He concludes by saying that we need to declare war on the sin in our lives.
Colossians: Living as Ministers
To be a Christian is to be a Minister. Maybe not a full-time pastor or missionary, but all Christians are ministers. We are all minsters in our distinct, diverse ways. We are all called to spread the gospel and play our roles. In this message, Pastor Scott preaches from Colossians 1:24-29 about our call as ministers and the reality of our role in the kingdom of God.