Text: Colossians 2:16-23 Consider the Insufficiency of Legalism (2:16-17) Following religious rules does not produce godliness; it can lead to self-righteousness and judgmentalism. Look to Christ as the substance of your faith! Consider the Insufficiency of Mysticism (2:18-19) Worshipping angels and searching for visions will lead us away from the …

Travis Thompson preaches from 2 Peter 1:19-21.

Text: Colossians 2:11-15 In Christ We Are Given a New Heart (2:11-12) Because of Christ, we are given a new life with a transformed heart. Life Application: Because Christ has given us new hearts, we are now empowered by Christ to follow Him. In Christ We Receive Complete Forgiveness (2:13-14) Because of Christ, we experience total forgiveness of a…

Text: Colossians 2:6-10 We are Established in Christ (2:6-7) We look to Christ as our Lord and Savior in salvation. We are given new life in Christ through His work. We rest on Christ as our foundation with thanksgiving. We are Steadfast in Christ (2:8) We must resist the lies of false teaching and cling to the Truth. These lies are deceptive, man-…

Text: Colossians 2:1-5 Treasuring Christ Leads to True Community (2:1-2a) We have mutual encouragement in Christ because our hearts have been united in love by Christ. Treasuring Christ Leads to Understanding the Wisdom of Christ (2:2b-3) In Christ, we have access to the abundance of His sufficient wisdom and knowledge. Treasuring Christ Leads to S…

Text: Colossians 1:28-29 Proclaim Christ’s Message Exclusively (1:28) The content and substance of our message is Christ alone. When Christ is proclaimed, the church will be warned of error and taught in wisdom. When Christ is proclaimed, the church will grow to maturity in Christ. Depend on Christ’s Strength Fully (1:29) We work for the sake of Ch…

Text: Colossians 1:24-27 Suffer For Christ’s Name Joyfully (1:24) We have been called to endure suffering with joy for the advancement of Christ’s church. It is an honor to share in Christ’s suffering for His Name. Steward Christ’s Word Faithfully (1:25-27) We have been entrusted with the Gospel of Christ and called to make it fully known to the wo…

Text: Colossians 1:21-23 What We Were Before Christ (1:21) The need for reconciliation: We were alienated, hostile in mind, doing evil deeds against God. What We Become in Christ (1:22) The means of reconciliation: We become holy, blameless, and above reproach before God. How We Live Because of Christ (1:23) The outcome of reconciliation: We contin…

Text: Colossians 1:19-20 He is Preeminent in Completeness (1:19) Jesus possesses all the fullness of God Himself. Jesus lacks nothing as sovereign and supreme over all things. He is Preeminent in the New Creation (1:20) Jesus brings complete and comprehensive reconciliation to His creation and His people. Jesus is the ultimate Restorer, making all …

Text: Colossians 1:15-18 He is Preeminent in Creation (1:15-17) Jesus is the eternal Son of God who is the exact image of God Himself. Jesus is the supreme and sovereign Creator, Sustainer, and focal point of all things. He is Preeminent in the Church (1:18) Jesus is the Founder and Leader of the church. Jesus’ death and resurrection secured our en…

Text: Colossians 1:13-14 The Work of Redemption Accomplished (1:13) God the Father accomplished His saving work through Christ. This saving work delivered us from darkness and brought us into the kingdom of Christ. The Work of Redemption Applied (1:14) Through Christ’s sacrificial death, we have been set free from the power of sin. Though Christ’s …

Text: Colossians 1:9-12 Gospel-Centered Prayer Prioritizes God’s Will (1:9) We must seek to be filled with the knowledge of God’s revealed will so that we will live according to His wisdom. Gospel-Centered Prayer Produces Godly Fruit (1:10) Knowing God’s revealed will leads to a life that is pleasing to God and bears godly fruit. Gospel-Centered Pr…

Text: Colossians 1:3-8 The Foundation of Gospel Work (1:3-5a) The foundation of the Gospel is God Himself as He saves us by His grace. The evidence of God’s saving grace is true faith in Christ and genuine love for the saints that is grounded on eternal hope in Christ. The Fruitfulness of Gospel Work (1:5b-6) The Gospel has a global impact as the t…

Text: Colossians 1:1-2 The Author of Colossians The human author of this book is the Apostle Paul, who also penned 13 letters of the New Testament. Paul was redeemed by God’s grace and became a missionary for the Gospel’s sake. The Audience of Colossians Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colossae from prison in Rome between A.D. 60-62, before…

Text: Philippians 2:5-11 Jesus, Our Suffering Servant (2:5-8) These verses center on the humiliation of Jesus as He came in the flesh and died on the cross. Jesus, Our Exalted Lord (2:9-11) These verses center on the exaltation of Jesus where every earthly and heavenly being will bow at His feet and give Him the worship He deserves.…

Text: Isaiah 9:6-7 and other selected passages Jesus Makes Peace With God and Man Jesus broke down the wall of hostility between God and man through His atoning work on the cross. Jesus brings wholeness and reconciliation to our relationships. Consider these verses: Psalm 85:8-10; Isaiah 55:10-11; Ephesians 2:12-18; Colossians 1:19-22; 1 Thessaloni…

Text: Isaiah 9:6 and Selected Passages Jesus is the Father of Eternity Jesus is the self-existent Son of God who is the unchanging author of eternity. Consider these passages: Psalm 90:1-2; Isaiah 40:28-31; 1 Timothy 1:14-17; Hebrews 1:10-12, 13:8. Jesus’ Fatherly Care is Everlasting Jesus’ fatherly care toward us is never-ending and overflowing. J…

Text: Isaiah 9:6 & Other Selected Passages Jesus is Mighty in Creation Jesus is our mighty fortress, present help, and comfort. Consider these passages: Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6-9; Psalm 95:1-6; John 1:1-4 Jesus is Mighty in Salvation Jesus is mighty to rescue us from our bondage to sin and give us new life in Him. Consider these passages: Psalm 40:…

Text: Isaiah 9:1-6 The Light That Shines into Spiritual Darkness (9:1-5) Jesus is the promised Light that brings deliverance and hope to those living under sin’s tyranny. The Child Who is Born with a God-given Destiny (9:6) Jesus is the promised Son who was born as our Savior, but also as our King. The Counselor Who Comes with Divine Wisdom (9:7) J…

Gebriell Sierra preaches to us from James 4:8 on drawing near to God.

Text: Titus 3:12-15 We must intentionally provide for the needs of our Gospel ambassadors (3:12-13). The Gospel points us outward to encourage and support fellow laborers in the ministry. We must lovingly support the needs of our Gospel community (3:14-15a). The Gospel points us inward in addressing the urgent needs of the church by devoting oursel…

Text: Titus 3:9-11 Pursue Gospel Unity by Avoiding Divisive Behavior (3:9) We are called to keep the Gospel central, not give ourselves to unprofitable disputes that oppose the Gospel. Preserve Gospel Unity By Confronting Divisive People (3:10-11) We must guard our Gospel unity by not tolerating those who stir up division within the church. The App…

Text: Titus 3:3-8 Before Christ: Our Sinfulness (3:3) Before Christ, we were entrenched in our rebellion against God and enslaved to our desires. After Christ: Our Salvation (3:4-7) After Christ, we are saved by His mercy, given new life through the Spirit, and justified by His grace. Through Christ: Our Service (3:8) Through Christ, we are equippe…

Text: Titus 3:1-2 Grace-Filled Submission (3:1a) Our life must be characterized by a submission to God and His ordained authority in this world. Grace-Filled Service (3:1b) Our life must be characterized by an eagerness to serve the Lord and carry out His will. Grace-Filled Speech (3:2) Our relationships must be characterized by speaking evil to no…

Text: Titus 2:11-15 Grace Appeared to Us in Christ (2:11) God’s grace is personified to us in Christ’s coming to us. God’s grace is dispensed to us through Christ’s work of salvation. Grace Trains Us to Live For Christ (2:12) God’s grace trains us to say no to self-centered living. God’s grace trains us to say yes to Christ-centered living. Grace M…

Text: Titus 2:9-10 Our Work Should Reflect the Gospel (2:9-10a) We should be submissive in every way that is God-honoring. We should excel in working well without argument or opposition. We should excel in being trustworthy and faithful as opposed to dishonest and deceptive. Our Work Should Adorn the Gospel (2:10b) We need to view our work as a pla…

Text: Titus 2:6-8 Sound Doctrine Produces Sound Men Who are Self-Controlled (2:6). God calls older men to life-on-life discipleship that culminates in the sanctification of younger men. God calls younger men to a life of self-mastery in thought and deed. Sound Doctrine Produces Sound Men Who Lead and Teach By Example (2:7-8) God calls the leaders o…

Text: Titus 2:4-5 Sound Doctrine Leads to Sound Training in Christlikeness (2:3-4a) God calls older women to life-on-life discipleship that culminates in the sanctification of younger women. Sound Doctrine Produces Sound Women With Christlike Character (2:4-5). God calls younger women to cultivate a love for their family. God calls younger women to…

Title: “God’s Instructions for Older Men & Women” Text: Titus 2:1-3 Sound Doctrine Must Be Taught Faithfully by Christlike Elders (2:1) Sound Gospel doctrine feeds the church. Sound Gospel doctrine counsels the church. Sound Gospel doctrine protects the church. Sound Doctrine Must Be Modeled Faithfully By Older Men (2:2). God calls older men to be …

God’s Love Defined - “God’s love is an exercise of His goodness towards individual sinners whereby, having identified Himself with their welfare, He has given us His Son to be their Savior, and now brings them to know and enjoy Him in a covenant relation.” (J.I. Packer, Knowing God) - God declares Himself as the One who abounds in love (Exodus 34:6…

Text: Romans 8:31-39 What then shall we say to these things? Our Justification, sanctification, and our glorification is tied back to “No condemnation.” “Nothing” – What can we say? “Everything” – We should be in continuous praise and live for Christ. If God is for us, who can be against us? “If” God is for us? This can mean “Since” or “Because” Ps…

God’s Love Defined “God’s love is an exercise of His goodness towards individual sinners whereby, having identified Himself with their welfare, He has given us His Son to be their Savior, and now brings them to know and enjoy Him in a covenant relation.” (J.I. Packer, Knowing God) God declares Himself as the One who abounds in love (Exodus 34:6-7).…

Title: "The Providence of God, Part 3" Text Matthew 6:25-34 God's Providence Defined God's Providence Displayed God's Providence Demonstrated (Matthew 6:25-34) Submit to God as the Provider and Sustainer of your life (verses 25-30) Surrender your life to God's care and His Kingdom purposes (verses 31-34)…

God’s Providence Defined “The providence of God is seen in His purposeful and pervasive sovereignty” (Piper) “The providence of God is the almighty, everywhere-present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth with all creature, and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren ye…

God’s Providence Defined - “The providence of God is seen in His purposeful and pervasive sovereignty” (Piper). - “The providence of God is the almighty, everywhere-present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth with all creature, and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barr…

Text: 1 Peter 1:13-21 God’s Holiness Demonstrated (1 Peter 1:13-21) - Our mindset is driven by the Gospel (v. 13a). - Our hope is fueled by grace with an eternal perspective (v. 13b). - Our holiness is produced by the One who is holy (vv. 14-16). - Our conduct is empowered by Christ and His atoning work (vv. 17-21).…

The Cross and the Constraint: Living In Light of Christ's Sacrifice | Gebriell Sierra Text: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Outline: • The Cross - Ruin - Redemption - Regeneration • The Constraint - No Longer Live Yourself - Forsake Sin - Do Not Waste Your Life - Discipline Yourself For the Purpose of Godliness - Be Motivated By Love…

Isaiah 6:1-9 God’s Holiness Defined “The primary meaning of holy is separate. It comes from an ancient word that means to cut or to separate.” (Sproul) God’s holiness carries the idea of transcendence, moral perfection, and majestic splendor. God’s Holiness Displayed (Isaiah 6:1-5) God’s holiness governs all His attributes and points to all His wor…

Drew Erickson preaches from Romans 1:13-3:27. He walks through the power, righteousness, and wisdom of God revealed in the Gospel to guilty sinners. We receive the righteousness of God through faith as we are justified through Christ’s redemption.

Text: Titus 1:10-16 The Exposure of Gospel Opponents (Titus 1:10-13a) We must detect their expanding infiltration within the church. We must recognize their ungodly character. We must silence them by removing their platform, overpowering them with truth, and giving ourselves to holy living. (MacArthur) The Response to Gospel Opponents (Titus 1:13b-…

Travis Thompson preaches from Hebrews 1:1-4 on Christ's supremacy.

Text: Titus 1:10-16 The Exposure of Gospel Opponents (Titus 1:10-13a) We must detect their expanding infiltration within the church. We must recognize their ungodly character. We must silence them by removing their platform, overpowering them with truth, and giving ourselves to holy living. (MacArthur)…

Text: Titus 1:5-9 The Charge to Appoint Christlike Elders (Titus 1:5) The New Testament uses three words to refer to the same leadership office: Elder, Overseer, and Pastor. Titus was charged with identifying, appointing, and equipping elders to lead the church. The Character to Aspire to in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6) An elder is above reproach.…

Text: Titus 1:5-7 The Charge to Appoint Christlike Elders (Titus 1:5) The New Testament uses three words to refer to the same leadership office: Elder, Overseer, and Pastor. Titus was charged with identifying, appointing, and equipping elders to lead the church. The Character to Aspire to in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6) An elder is above reproach.…

Text: Titus 1:5-6 The Charge to Appoint Christlike Elders (Titus 1:5) The New Testament uses three words to refer to the same leadership office: Elder, Overseer, and Pastor. Titus was charged with identifying, appointing, and equipping elders to lead the church. The Character to Aspire in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6) An elder is a man who is above…

One of our elders, Jeff Fitzgerald preached to us today from James 5:7-12. He exhorted us to consider five ways to let patience have its perfect work in our life. First, we must wait with long patience with eternity in view, enduring affliction with a centered trust in God. Second, we must establish and strengthen our hearts to be steadfast in ligh…

Text: Titus 1:1-4 A Purposeful Identity (Titus 1:1) Paul identifies himself as a servant of God who was sent by God. Paul’s mission was to connect truth and godliness for Christ-followers in Crete. By God’s grace, we are servants who have been called and sent out for the Gospel’s sake. An Eternal Hope (Titus 1:2-3) Paul grounds our eternal security…

Dr. Thor Madsen preaches to us from John 10:1-42. He is the Dean of Doctoral Studies and Academic Initiatives as well as a Professor of New Testament, Ethics & Philosophy at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The Author of Titus The human author of this book is the Apostle Paul, who also penned 13 letters of the New Testament. Paul was redeemed by God’s grace and became a missionary for the Gospel’s sake. The Audience of Titus Paul wrote the book to a pastor named Titus, whom he left to establish churches on the island of Crete. It was most likely writt…