Colonial Presbyterian Church

This sermon interprets Genesis 4, focusing on the story of Cain and Abel to illustrate human sin and God's mercy. It examines Eve's initial joy and high expectations for Cain, contrasting them with Abel's less celebrated birth. The speaker explains God's "regard" for Abel's offering was due to his heartfelt generosity and offering of "first and best," unlike Cain's resentful attitude. The sermon highlights Cain's subsequent anger as a "second temptation story" mirroring Adam and Eve's fall, emphasizing that unchecked anger and self-pity lead to greater sin, culminating in Abel's murder. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of sin and a call for confession, gratitude, and turning to God.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This sermon explores Genesis chapter 3, focusing on Adam and Eve's response to God's judgment, God's provision, and their banishment from the Garden of Eden. The speaker highlights Adam's act of faith in naming Eve "life" after hearing God's promise of a coming deliverer. The sermon then emphasizes God's "costly grace" in providing animal skin coverings, contrasting them with humanity's inadequate attempts at self-covering through good works or religious duties, and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Finally, the text explains the merciful banishment from the Garden, preventing Adam and Eve from an eternal life of corruption and setting the stage for God's plan of redemption through Christ.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This sermon focuses on Genesis 3, exploring the consequences of the fall of humanity and God's subsequent judgments. It systematically addresses the curses placed upon the serpent, the woman, and the man, detailing the specific pains and hardships each faces as a result of their sin. However, the speaker emphasizes that within these judgments, there is also an immediate revelation of God's plan for redemption, highlighted by the promise of the "seed of the woman" who will ultimately overcome the serpent. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to acknowledge human sin and suffering while choosing to be grateful for God's enduring mercy and the hope offered through Christ. Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This text is a sermon based on Genesis chapter 3, focusing on the biblical account of the fall of Adam and Eve. The speaker examines the immediate consequences of their sin, highlighting the tendency to hide from God and truth and the avoidance of personal responsibility. The sermon emphasizes the gravity and pervasiveness of sin in human nature, arguing that a true understanding of one's own sinfulness is necessary to grasp the transformative power of the gospel and the offer of forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This sermon explores the Christian doctrine of the fall of humanity as depicted in Genesis 3. The speaker discusses how the serpent, identified as Satan, uses half-truths to tempt Adam and Eve, leading to their disobedience and the introduction of sin and death into the world. The sermon highlights that the fall resulted in the spiritual death and alienation of humanity from God, and it concludes by reflecting on God's merciful approach to Adam and Eve after their sin, posing the question, "Where are you?" Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, even though they knew it would lead to death, the Second Adam, the Lamb of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, practiced total submission to God's Word in the garden of Gethsemane, knowing full well it would lead to His death on a Roman cross…a cross that He did not deserve…but a cross that would break the curse of sin that began so long ago when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This excerpt from a sermon explores the problem of evil as presented in Genesis chapter 3. The speaker identifies the serpent in the Garden of Eden as a representation of evil and addresses the difficult question of the origin of evil and the serpent's presence in a perfect creation. Drawing on other biblical texts, specifically Revelation, Ezekiel, and Isaiah, the sermon identifies the serpent with Satan, a fallen angel who rebelled against God out of pride. While acknowledging the limitations of human understanding regarding God's allowance of evil, the sermon emphasizes the limitations of Satan's power, which is ultimately subject to God's sovereignty. The core message is that despite the reality of evil, Jesus Christ has overcome the world and offers freedom from the tyranny of the evil one for those who believe in him. Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Drawing upon Psalm 118:24, this sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing and living fully in the present day, highlighting that "this is the day the Lord has made." The speaker encourages listeners to find opportunities to praise God today for His protection and provision, even amidst challenges. Furthermore, the message urges believers to actively resist negativity and find joy in God's presence. Finally, the sermon stresses that today is the prime opportunity to bring glory to God through action and availability, framing the present as the "tomorrow" we've been waiting for.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Marriage was designed by God for God's glory, and so it is unreasonable to hope that our marriages will flourish when one or both of the spouses dishonor God with their unbelief. I hope we will all be grateful that God's created intention for sex, sexuality, and marriage is clearly presented in the Garden prior to sin. That picture gives us a foundation for our lives, our sexuality, our marriages, and our families.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

The sermon delivered by Pastor Greg begins with a reading from Mark 16:1-8, recounting the discovery of Jesus's empty tomb by Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. Pastor Greg draws a parallel between the initial despair of these women and the disappointment of Kansas City Royals fans during a pivotal baseball game, illustrating how seemingly hopeless situations can have unexpected comebacks. The sermon then explores three key lessons: God's ability to respond to the impossible, His power to restore the broken, and the revelation of His resurrection power through Jesus Christ.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This audio recording captures a Sunday sermon delivered by campus pastor Mark Potter on Easter. Potter begins by recounting the creation story in Genesis, emphasizing humanity's unique creation in God's image and God's subsequent love for humankind. He then connects this to the events of Holy Week, drawing parallels between the days of creation and the days leading up to Jesus's resurrection. Focusing on the Gospel of John's account of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, Potter highlights her encounter with the risen Jesus and her role as the first witness. The sermon concludes with an invitation for listeners to examine their own spiritual seeking and to recognize Jesus's presence in their lives, encouraging them to share the good news of the resurrection.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This audio recording captures a sermon delivered on the first day of Holy Week, connecting the biblical narratives of the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Gethsemane. The speaker contrasts Adam, the first man, with Jesus, the second Adam, highlighting their responses to temptation, confrontation, and intercession within these pivotal garden settings. The sermon explores how Adam's disobedience brought sin into the world, while Jesus's obedience and sacrifice in Gethsemane offer redemption for humanity. Ultimately, it frames the story of the two gardens as the central narrative of redemption, urging listeners to reflect on Christ's love and sacrifice during Holy Week.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This audio recording captures a sermon delivered by Pastor Jim West on April 6, 2025, focusing on the biblical book of Genesis, specifically chapter 2. The sermon explores the creation narrative, highlighting that work was intended as a positive aspect of human flourishing before the fall of man. Pastor West discusses the significance of the two named trees in the Garden of Eden: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, emphasizing that the latter was not inherently bad but represented a boundary set by God. The central theme revolves around love as a choice, arguing that God gave humanity free will to choose to love and obey Him, illustrating this through the command regarding the forbidden tree and drawing parallels to parent-child relationships. Ultimately, the sermon posits that humanity's purpose is to love God, and this love is expressed through obedience and trusting God's established parameters for life, a concept exemplified by Jesus Christ's life and sacrifice.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This audio recording captures a church service led by Jim West, focusing on a detailed exposition of Genesis 2:4-14. The sermon centers on the creation of man and the Garden of Eden, addressing the common scholarly perspective that Genesis 2 presents a separate creation narrative from Genesis 1. Pastor West refutes this idea, arguing instead that Genesis 2 offers a more specific, personal account focusing on God's relationship with humanity, complementing the broader scope of Genesis 1. He highlights the significance of humans being formed from dust yet imbued with God's life-giving breath, emphasizing their dependence on God. Finally, the message explores the beauty and provision within the Garden of Eden as a reflection of God's love and a foreshadowing of the eternal home believers anticipate Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This audio recording captures a church sermon delivered by Jim West on March 23, 2025, focusing on the biblical concept of the seventh day of creation in Genesis. West emphasizes the unique nature of the seventh day as a day of God's rest, highlighting its significance through repetition in the text and its distinction from the other creation days. He connects this idea to the Fourth Commandment to observe the Sabbath, explaining its dual purpose of remembering God as both creator and redeemer, referencing both Exodus and Deuteronomy. Furthermore, the sermon explores the contemporary struggle to find rest, contrasting it with the cultural obsession with busyness and production. Ultimately, West posits that true rest for the soul is found not in inactivity but in actively coming to and trusting in Jesus Christ, aligning one's life with Him, and ceasing from self-reliance.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This audio recording from a church service on March 16, 2025, centers on a passage from John 8 about the adulterous woman brought before Jesus. The sermon uses this biblical story to illustrate God's grace and offer of second chances to those burdened by their sins, no matter how significant they may seem. It emphasizes that Jesus confronts accusers, leaving individuals to face their sin before a merciful savior. The message encourages listeners not to be intimidated by judgment and to recognize Jesus as Lord, offering forgiveness and the opportunity to live anew, free from the bondage of past mistakes. Ultimately, it conveys that God's grace is always available, providing endless chances for redemption and a life without continued sin.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This source presents a sermon focusing on the Genesis creation narrative, specifically days four through six. The speaker analyzes God's creation of light, sea creatures, birds, land animals, and ultimately, humanity. A key theme is that humans are uniquely created in God's image, setting them apart from all other living beings. The sermon emphasizes that this divine image grants humans intrinsic value, responsibility for stewardship of creation, and the capacity for a personal relationship with God. The message also contrasts the biblical account with other creation myths and the modern scientific narrative of evolution, arguing for the philosophical necessity of a transcendent, personal God. The speaker also discusses the meaning of being created in God's image and the importance of recognizing that every person has this image, advocating for compassion and valuing human life.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This sermon centers on Psalms 23, emphasizing God's role as a reliable and righteous leader. The speaker uses the analogy of sheep and a shepherd to illustrate humanity's need for divine guidance. It asserts that God intimately knows each individual and has a specific plan for their life. Guidance through prayer, scripture, and godly counsel are highlighted as essential for aligning with God's will. Ultimately, the sermon argues that God leads believers on the right paths to bring glory to Himself. This path may not be easy, but believers can rely on God's direction, as his own reputation is on the line.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

God's attributes…His eternal power and His divine nature…have been communicated to us through the brilliance of God's creation. You are currently breathing air because our atmosphere is perfectly arranged to provide the perfect amount of oxygen for your heart to distribute to your body.   Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

We will seek to understand the text from the perspective of the first listeners, and we will trust God to reveal His truth to us in a way that makes sense of reality as we find it in the 21st century. More than anything else, we need remember that this is God's self-revelation to His creation.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

God loves you more than you will ever know. His beauty and majesty is evident in all that has been made, and particularly in the power, promise, comfort, and blessing of LIGHT.  I implore you to stop running from His light but rather run to it!Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

We need not have blind faith in a Personal beginning; instead, we appeal to the evidence to suggest that a Personal beginning is the most reasonable answer. The infinite, personal, triune God is there, and He is NOT silent! And that is reasonable, right? If, in the beginning, God created this remarkable universe with staggering design, and if that God made human beings in His image as relational, free, moral creatures, it stands to reason that the Creator would speak to His creation, and that is precisely why we approach the Bible as “the Word of God.” Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This sermon by Pastor Jim West argues for the reasonableness of the Genesis 1:1 creation account. He contrasts a Christian worldview, grounded in the belief that God created the universe, with philosophical naturalism, which posits an impersonal origin. West uses philosophical arguments and scientific findings, particularly concerning the fine-tuning of the universe and the complexity of DNA, to support his claim that a personal creator offers a more compelling explanation for the existence and design of the universe than an impersonal one. He emphasizes the implications of each worldview for understanding human purpose, morality, and free will. Finally, he invites listeners to consider the implications of their beliefs and encourages further discussion.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This sermon excerpt from Jim West discusses the pervasive biblical illiteracy in modern American culture. He argues that a lack of biblical understanding contributes to many societal problems and proposes a multi-year study of Genesis as a foundational solution. West addresses questions about the book's authorship, historical accuracy, and compatibility with science, emphasizing the importance of Genesis as a truthful account of creation and humanity's relationship with God. He contends that understanding Genesis is crucial for comprehending the Gospel message and sharing it effectively. Finally, he calls for compassion and outreach to those unfamiliar with a biblical worldview.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

The sermon discusses finding your divine purpose in Christ. The speaker uses the story of “Charlie the mailman,” who left his prestigious job to pursue a calling to serve others. The speaker also discusses the Apostle Paul, whose plans were disrupted, but whose purpose never changed. Paul describes himself as a servant, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel. The speaker challenges listeners to examine their purpose and ensure they are living the purpose God intended for them.  He encourages them to be like Charlie and Paul by following their calling and serving others.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Pastor Mark's sermon uses the biblical account of Jesus washing his disciples' feet to illustrate true greatness as humble service. He identifies five pitfalls of pride—control, comparison, competition, criticism, and credit-seeking—that hinder such service. The sermon emphasizes that following Jesus's example of servant leadership brings blessings, exemplified by a story of a birthday party for a prostitute. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to prioritize selfless service over self-aggrandizement.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

This sermon uses the story of a homeless man seeking reconciliation with his estranged mother as a springboard to explore the book of Hosea. The pastor parallels the mother's conditional love with God's unconditional love, contrasting the son's need for transformation rather than mere change. Hosea's marriage to Gomer, a prostitute, serves as a parable of God's unwavering faithfulness to his unfaithful people, Israel, ultimately culminating in the arrival of a savior who offers redemption. The sermon emphasizes that humanity's inherent sinfulness necessitates not self-improvement, but divine transformation through Jesus Christ, a message particularly relevant during the Christmas season. The overarching purpose is to offer hope and reassurance of God's relentless love to those feeling distant from Him.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Hear the whisper of hope declared by an angel to those walking in darkness so long ago: “Fear not! For behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!” Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Jesus keeps you from falling and pays the bill so he can present you as perfect. The righteousness of Jehovah Tsidkenu can be applied to your sins so that you can declare that the Lord is my righteousness…and it is he that presents me as perfect. I don't know about you, but to me that is an amazing reason to have hope!  Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

The curtain that separated us from God has been forever removed. He placed his perfect righteousness upon us and restored all who believe in Him to a right relationship with God. Our spiritual restoration has already happened. All you have to do to experience this is to submit your life to the King, to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Church is a Hope DealerSupport the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

The virgin birth reminds us that God has not abandoned us. He is with us! Despite our disobedience, He has always had a plan for our salvation, deliverance, and redemption through the birth of Jesus, Immanuel.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

 Church, let us find great joy and comfort in God's election and His unmerited grace for sinners, and let us live every day to share that Good News with a lost and perishing world.And that is how I would answer your question, “What about predestination? Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

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If you are a Jesus follower…if you are a Christian…you are part of the Body of Christ. Christianity is not a solo sport…we follow Jesus together, in community, as Paul so beautifully articulates in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12. Just as soon as you enter into a community of believers…be it a house church, a small congregation out in the rural areas, or a large suburban church like Colonial, everything we talked about here becomes VERY important.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

But in answer to the question, “Why infant baptism?” I will suffice it to say that baptism is less about “me” and more about “we.” Baptism has replaced circumcision as the sign of the Covenant of Grace. And just as the sign of circumcision applied to both infants and adults in the Old Testament, the sign of baptism also applies to both infants and adults in the New Testament.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Four Frequently Asked Questions at many churches: 1) Why Women Pastors and Elders? 2) Why Infant Baptism? 3) WhyPresbyterian? and 4) What About Predestination?Today we address the first question.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

We in Kansas City can be part of both going to and welcoming the least reached. We can create ripple effects of blessing from Kansas to the nations.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

I hope you can see that the story of Jonah is the story of God's love and unmerited grace for the worst of sinners, and the tendency for self-righteous religious people with idolatrous nationalistic tendencies to miss the point of God's grace. Find your place in the story and be honest about where you are — then respond with repentance and faith.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

We are to trust God, live as people who are free, conduct ourselves honorably, love our brothers, and honor whoever sits in the chair on Capitol Hill. That is our duty as Jesus followers. That is our role as sojourners and exiles.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

As the community of the redeemed, we live in this country, and every country...in every tribe, tongue and nation...as exiles and sojourners. Our true country is not this land...for our citizenship is in the Kingdom of God, and as Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

These Biblical stories, Jonah and the Prodigal Son, are a gift to us all because everyone you know...everyone, including you, needs grace.  Find yourself in these stories. Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Anytime we become convinced that “those people” are the enemy, “those people” are the reason for our suffering, “those people” are the threat that will take us out, “those people” are the reason the world is going straight to hell...we are channeling our inner Jonah. We are perched under our self-made tent of self-righteousness, waiting to see and secretly hoping that God eliminates “those people”. Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

There are many other lessons we can learn from Jonah's pity-party, and I don't mean to pick on Jonah because, again, it is only by Jonah's humility and redeemed life...a life that eventually grew into spiritual maturity...that we have the privilege of reading this story and learning from it. I pray, that by God's grace, we will all grow into spiritual maturity so as not to forget God's mercy, to be those with a powerful imagination to set our eyes on the unseen hand of God at work, and to resist self-pity and a victim mindset. Support the Show.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Keep talking to God.  Trust Him enough to be angry and to be honest. Know that God can handle your doubts, your frustrations, and even your very wrong thinking about Him!  And remember Jonah.  Jonah is well-intentioned but wrong, and he's a bit of blockhead right up to the end of this story. Support the Show.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

If you want to bear fruit, or bear more fruit. You will likely have to slow down. You will have to reassess how you spend your time. You'll probably have to let go of one or more of things in your life and fill that space with Jesus.Support the Show.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Serving like Christ is not a drag. It's fun! And more importantly, it's significant and fulfilling because when we serve, we serve within the Body of Christ to advance His mission in the world. Support the Show.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Pruning keeps the vine productive. Pruning looks devastating at times, nothing left but stems.  Yet pruning brings better grapes or more abundant fruit. The same is true for us. Actively meeting with just 1 PERSON Every Week for 1 year is Passing the baton to others, walking with them when the pruning takes place, THIS is at the heart of DISCIPLE-MAKING.Support the Show.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

JESUS' ultimate purpose for you and me is to "MAKE DISCIPLES" BUT . . . just like Peter, Andrew, James, and John, and just like all other Disciples who Make Disciples throughout the history of the Church, we must "FOLLOW JESUS" first, and be DISCIPLED FIRST.Support the Show.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Studying the Five Traits of Jesus-Awareness-Availability-Acceptance-Abiding-Self-AbandonmentSupport the Show.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org