Podcasts about in colossians

What does it mean to be complete in Christ? In Colossians 2:9-15, Paul reminds us that everything we need for salvation is found fully in Jesus Christ. In Him dwells all the fullness of God, and through Him we have been made complete, given new life, forgiven of our sins, and freed from the debt that stood against us. At the cross, Christ not only canceled our debt but triumphed over every power that stood against us. Join us as we continue our verse-by-verse study through the book of Colossians in our series, Christ Above All.

What if the way you continue in Christ is the same way you began… by grace, not effort? In Colossians 2, Paul draws a direct line between how we received Christ and how we keep walking in him. Not: try harder. Not: generate something new. Just… keep walking. The same way you started. He gives us four pictures of what that looks like: rooted, built up, strengthened, overflowing. Each one a different angle on the same truth. You don't graduate from dependence on Christ. You deepen into it. This week we're inviting you to stop waiting for things to settle… and keep walking.

Today Pastor Jeff shares how we can respect everyone by using words that are kind, truthful, and full of grace to reflect the love of Jesus. In Colossians 4:6  "Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person."  

COLOSSIANS 3:12-17 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Icebreaker - what stories from Croatia stood out to you? 2. In Colossians 3, verses 12-14 have a strong emphasis on our relationships with others. Jeremy shared about how impactful it was for everyone involved as the students built friendships with their Croatian and Ukrainian brothers and sisters, and encouraged us all to build friendships with others.  How impactful can friendship building be? Do you find it easy or challenging? 3. Verses 15-17 emphasize the impact of the message of Jesus, and we were encouraged to talk to others about what Jesus is doing in our lives. Do you find yourself worried that talking about Jesus will push people away or come off as abrasive? Do you think that people today have a desire to hear about Jesus? If so, in what way?

Following Jesus is more than a decision we make. It’s a lifelong walk of remaining rooted in Him. In Colossians 2:6-8, Paul reminds believers that the Christian life doesn’t move beyond Jesus, but deeper into Him. Just as we received Christ Jesus as Lord, we continue by remembering our confession of faith, rooting our lives in Christ, and rejecting anything that competes with His Lordship. This message explores what it means to keep moving forward in our faith by remaining […] The post Continue to Walk with Jesus | Pathways first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

What if your deepest longing wasn't for a better life on earth, but for your true home with Christ? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on John 14:2, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for those who belong to Him. While this world offers temporary joys and inevitable hardships, our ultimate hope is found in the eternal home Christ has prepared for us. The more we fix our hearts on heaven, the less we become consumed by the fleeting treasures of this world. An eternal perspective reshapes our priorities, strengthens our faith through suffering, and reminds us that our greatest joy is not found in earthly comforts but in the promise of being forever with Jesus. Highlights: Discover how John 14:2 reminds believers that Jesus is preparing an eternal home for His followers. Learn why longing for heaven strengthens our hope during seasons of suffering and uncertainty. Be encouraged to treasure Christ above the temporary comforts and distractions of this world. Understand how an eternal perspective transforms your priorities and daily decisions. Reflect on Jesus' call to store up treasures in heaven rather than earthly possessions. Find renewed joy by remembering that your true home is with Christ forever. Join the Conversation How often do you think about heaven and the promise of being with Jesus? What is one way you can live today with a greater focus on eternity rather than temporary circumstances? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Longing for Heaven By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading: “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2 ESV). In the fourteenth chapter of John, Jesus told His followers He was leaving them to prepare a place for them and that He would return and take them with Him so that they would always be with Him. He called this place that He was preparing a mansion with many rooms, and, in my understanding of Scripture, Jesus might’ve downplayed it a little about what truly awaits us in this place He’s preparing for us. I wonder if we really think about His promise to return, and if what awaits us in heaven is really impacting our lives and our longings. I once heard an author and speaker say that our frustration—at heartache, pain and suffering, struggling to attain perfect love, and even striving for a more fulfilling relationship with God—is to be expected because “this life on earth is not the way it was supposed to be. Our former address was Paradise.” When my husband, Hugh, visited the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea several years ago, he observed something peculiar and wonderful about the Iteri people. These tribesmen, in a church established years earlier by American missionaries, were a people obsessed with heaven. When my husband—an American man who was schooled in the knowledge of the Scriptures—came to speak at the little Iteri church, the natives bombarded him with questions, but not about doctrines or dispensations, interpretations, or translations. They wanted to know more about heaven. Lon, the American missionary to the Iteri people, attempted to explain to my husband the people’s particular obsession with eternity. Because the Iteri people dealt with so much suffering, saw so many of their loved ones die, and had such a high mortality rate there in the jungle, the life to come was all they really cared about. When I heard that, I thought about how it must touch our Creator’s heart to know that, somewhere in this world, some of His loved ones truly long to be home. Intersecting Faith & Life: When my husband recounted the Iteri’s questions to me, my heart grieved over my own contentment with this earth, to the detriment of my longing for heaven. Why isn’t heaven all I think about? Why do I not long more to be in the presence of my Savior, to be away from the pain and the temporary and the often meaninglessness of this world, and to be complete and whole, and by His side as I was created to be? In what ways have I grown too comfortable in this world and forgotten that my real home is in heaven? What cheap substitutes for heaven have I settled for? In Colossians 3:1-2, we are instructed, as followers of Christ, to seek the things above—in heaven—where Christ is, and to set our minds on things above, not on things that are on earth. And in Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Those are commands and exhortations to be eternally minded, to be preoccupied with heaven, and to set our hearts and our desires there for the health of our souls, for proper order of our values, and for our inexplicable joy. Oh, to have a longing to be with the Maker of my soul… to long for Him as much as He longs for me. It’s clear to me today that my longing for Heaven is directly proportionate to my longing for Christ. Lord, give me a longing for the day I will be in perfect communion with You – no distractions, no other loves to steal my heart away, just You and me. For eternity. Further Reading:Revelation 21:1-4 For more on gaining a heart for heaven, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What would happen if Jesus Christ stood at the front door of our church? Would we gladly welcome Him, or keep Him at a distance? In Colossians 3:15–17, Paul calls the church to throw open the doors and let Christ take His rightful place at the center of our life together. As Christ rules among us, His peace governs our relationships, His Word fills our conversations and worship, His authority shapes everything we say and do, and thankfulness overflows from our hearts. This message challenges us to examine whether Christ truly occupies the most prominent place in our church and reminds us that the happiest, healthiest church is the one where Christ is welcomed to rule and reign.

What would happen if Jesus Christ stood at the front door of our church? Would we gladly welcome Him, or keep Him at a distance? In Colossians 3:15–17, Paul calls the church to throw open the doors and let Christ take His rightful place at the center of our life together. As Christ rules among us, His peace governs our relationships, His Word fills our conversations and worship, His authority shapes everything we say and do, and thankfulness overflows from our hearts. This message challenges us to examine whether Christ truly occupies the most prominent place in our church and reminds us that the happiest, healthiest church is the one where Christ is welcomed to rule and reign.

In Colossians 3:12–14, we are reminded that our new identity in Christ calls for a new way of living. As God's chosen, holy, and beloved people, we are to clothe ourselves each day with the character of Christ—compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These gospel virtues are not merely attitudes but essential garments that enable us to bear with one another, forgive one another, and live together in genuine Christian community. Above them all, we are to put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. The unity of the church is not produced by personalities or preferences but by believers daily putting on Christ and displaying His character toward one another.

In Colossians 3:12–14, we are reminded that our new identity in Christ calls for a new way of living. As God's chosen, holy, and beloved people, we are to clothe ourselves each day with the character of Christ—compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These gospel virtues are not merely attitudes but essential garments that enable us to bear with one another, forgive one another, and live together in genuine Christian community. Above them all, we are to put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. The unity of the church is not produced by personalities or preferences but by believers daily putting on Christ and displaying His character toward one another.

In each of the three gospel (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) accounts of Jesus's institution of the Lord's Supper, the writer tells us that after Jesus broke the bread he "gave thanks." In Colossians 3, the Apostle Paul helps us understand what this giving of thanks looks like in the context of our fellowship together as the body of Christ when we gather for worship.In what sense is our "giving thanks" a sacrifice which we offer to God when we gather for worship and at the Lord's Table?

In Colossians 3:5-11, the Apostle Paul is teaching us to firmly put to death earthly sins like sexual immorality and covetousness to live fully for Christ Jesus.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org

Jesus Follower's Greatest Witness for the Gospel of Jesus, in a Hurting World, is for Others to See Jesus in Them MESSAGE SUMMARY: You need to live the Christian life in whatever you do – at home; in your job; in the way that you drive; and in the way that you treat your friends. We live in a hurting world, but God wants more for you. To achieve God's desire for your life, you must stay in fellowship and communion with God; and you must let Him work in your life. In Colossians 3:17, Paul challenges us: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”. If you live your life, in all places and situations, in the name of Jesus, you will live a better life in our hurting world. As Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.". Remember, the greatest witness for the Gospel, as a follower of Jesus, that you can give is for others to see Jesus in you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, I confess that when difficulties and trials come into my life, large or small, I mostly grumble and complain. I realize the trials James talks about are not necessarily “walls,” but they are difficult to bear, nonetheless. Fill me with such a vision of a transformed life, O God, that I might actually consider it “pure joy” when you bring trials my way. I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 94). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Lust. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Perfect Provision. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Colossians 3:16-17; Matthew 21:21-22; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalms 43:1-5. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “And They Asked Jesus to Leave” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In Colossians 4:2–4, Paul calls the church to be steadfast in prayer, watchful in faith, and thankful before God. He also asks the church to pray for open doors for the gospel and for clarity in proclaiming the mystery of Christ.This passage reminds us that prayer is not a spiritual accessory; it is part of the church's calling. We pray because Christ is Lord, the gospel is powerful, and God is the One who opens doors no one else can open.

Romans 12 tells us to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind." But that naturally raises a question: How? How does someone actually live a transformed life? Have you ever wondered why so many Christians struggle to experience real transformation? We believe the Gospel. We know Christ has saved us. We still worry like the world worries, chase what the world chases, lose our temper over the same frustrations, seek our identity in our careers or accomplishments, and return to the same sins we've battled for years. The problem isn't that Christ has failed to transform us. The problem is that we often continue living as though our old life is still our true life. As we will see today, we can learn to live as the new people Christ has already made us. In Colossians 3:1–11, the apostle Paul taught the Colossian believers that because they had died and been raised with Christ, they were to live out the transformed life that Christ had given them.

6th Sunday after PentecostSermon Series: Once a Pastor, Always a PastorSermon Title: Coming to AmericaScripture: Colossians 3: 12-17As many of us gather with family and friends this Independence Day weekend, we're reminded that true freedom isn't just something we celebrate as a nation—it's also something Christ offers each of us every day.Join us this Sunday as we continue the sermon series, Once a Pastor, Always a Pastor, with this week's message, "Coming to America."In Colossians 3:12–17, Paul paints a picture of what life in God's kingdom looks like. Compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love aren't just admirable qualities—they're the clothing we're called to put on as followers of Christ.We'd love for you to join us this Sunday as we worship together and discover how God's Word continues to transform the way we live, love, and serve.Summer Worship Schedule9am: Sunday School10am: Worship11am: Summer Fellowship Time

Spiritual pride disrupts the simple truth that Jesus is enough. In Colossians chapter 2, Paul warns against the danger of adding human rules, preferences, and traditions to the gospel. When we measure faithfulness by our own standards rather than God's, we turn our relationship with Christ into a burden of external expectations. How do we break free from the trap of self-reliance and reclaim true, life-giving faith? Remaining solely dependent on Jesus frees you from spiritual pride and transforms your heart.  

In Colossians 3:22–4:1, Paul shows us that the lordship of Jesus reaches into every part of life, including our daily work, responsibilities, and relationships of authority. The Christian life is not divided into “spiritual” and “ordinary” categories. Whatever we do, we are called to do it sincerely, faithfully, and ultimately for the Lord.

In Colossians 2, we learn that discipleship, life in Christ, is to be rooted like a tree and overflowing like a jug full of wine. Today's Readings: Colossians 2:6-7, Luke 6:43-49.

Following Jesus is not just about taking off sin. It is about putting on Christ.In Colossians 3:10-17, Paul calls believers to live out their new identity by clothing themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. We discover God's plan for handling conflict, growing in Christ, and allowing His peace and Word to guide our lives.The Christian life is not led by feelings. It is led by Christ.And in everything we do, there is one ultimate purpose: God's glory.6.14.26 - Message 14

What holds a home together?In Colossians 3:18–4:1, Paul shows us God's design for the home and reminds us that every relationship is meant to orbit Christ. Wives submit, husbands love, children obey, parents build up rather than tear down, and everyone ultimately serves the Lord Jesus.Using the picture of gravity and orbit, this message explores how homes drift into chaos when they move away from God's design, but flourish when Christ is at the center.When we reject God's design, the planets start colliding. But when Christ is at the center, every relationship finds its proper orbit.6.21.26 - Message 15

Are your kids cheating in school? Have you talked to them about what it means to honor the Lord in their academic pursuits? You might be surprised to learn that according to the International Center for Academic Integrity, a survey of over seventy thousand high school students found that ninety-five percent of students admitted to some form of cheating. Sixty four percent admitted to cheating on a test. And, fifty-eight percent admitted to plagiarism. I've been hearing reports from teachers on how students are cheating these days. Some students take audio notes of test questions immediately after leaving an exam, and then share the audio notes with other students. One report said that a student had a cheat sheet attached to the bottom of his Croc. In Colossians three twenty three we read, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for me.” Teach your kids to embrace academic integrity as they study to build their minds, and faithfully serve the Lord.

What happens when Christ is at the center of every moment of every day? In Colossians 4, Paul challenges us to live with purpose, speak with grace, and look for opportunities to point others toward Jesus. Discover how God uses ordinary people and everyday conversations to make an extraordinary difference in their community and the world.  

Most people spend their lives trying to improve themselves externally, better habits, better discipline, better routines. But Christianity is not behavior modification. In Colossians 3:1–4, Paul reminds us that the Christian life begins with a funeral and a resurrection. In this message, we explore what it means to set our minds on things above, find our identity in Christ, and live like people who have truly been raised with Him. What fills your mind shapes your life, and when Christ becomes your life, everything changes.5.31.26 - Message 12

As a Jesus Follower, the Greatest Witness for the Gospel that You Can Give Is for Others to See Jesus IN You MESSAGE SUMMARY: We live in a hurting world, but God wants more for you. You need to live as a Jesus Follower in whatever you do – at home; in your job; in the way that you drive; and in the way that you treat your friends. To achieve God's desire for your life, you must stay in fellowship and communion with God; and you must let God work in your life. In Colossians 3:17, Paul challenges us: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”. If you live your life, in all places and situations, in the name of Jesus, you will live a better life in our hurting world. As Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.". Remember, the greatest witness for the Gospel, as a follower of Jesus, that you can give is for others to see Jesus in you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Colossians 3:16-17; Matthew 21:21-22; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalms 43:1-5. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Our Awesome God -- Part 2: Trinity; Our Father” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

The Christian life flows from identity, not toward it. In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul reminds believers that they are chosen, holy, and beloved before commanding them to put on five Christ-like virtues: compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These virtues work themselves out practically through bearing with one another and forgiving each other. Love binds all these characteristics together in perfect harmony. This transformation happens in community with other believers, not in isolation, as we live out our new identity in Christ rather than trying to become better versions of ourselves.

In Colossians 3:1–11, the Apostle Paul calls the Colossian Christians to set their minds on Jesus, put to death sinful practices, and embrace their new identity. In this standalone message, Joe walks us through what it means to be hidden with Christ in God. The post Hidden with Christ appeared first on Caz Church.

I was teaching at a national seminar on how to communicate an unchanging Christ in our rapidly changing culture. Well, at the end of a session, a pastor from Kentucky came up to tell me his story he thought really illustrated some of what I had been saying. He said, "When I was a young man, we used to have some big tent revivals in my community. Each night an invitation was given for folks to come forward if they wanted to be, well as this country preacher would always say, 'borned again.'" The pastor went on to describe how some of the deacons would actually go out into the audience and go row-to-row, and shall we say they were "encouraging" folks to make that choice. Near the back, one of the deacons came to a young man who gave him an honest and memorable response. The deacon said, "Son, do you want to be borned again?" To which the boy said, "No." The deacon pressed the point, "Why don't you want to be borned again?" The young man answered in all seriousness, "Cause I'm afraid this time I'd come out as a girl!" I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Lost In Our Language." Okay, first we can laugh at what that boy said. Then, when we're done laughing, let's think about what we can learn from a response like that. The preacher used words that the preacher understood, but apparently not everyone who was listening understood. It's a classic example of the problem with a language called "Christianese." It's the language we church folks speak without even thinking, and the language that folks who desperately need our message don't begin to understand. Many of our "Christianese" words are good Bible words, but words that a lot of lost people around us just don't know. For just a moment, try to "think lost." Think to think like a lost person. Think what a person without the context of a Christian environment hears when we say words like "accept" or "receive Christ as your personal Savior." We receive packages today, not people, and when we accept someone, we treat them right. When you try to hear what a lost person hears, words like "salvation" and "saved" and "become a Christian" are either not understood or they're vastly misunderstood. Oh, and "born again." In a world without absolutes, the word "sin" has become a word without meaning to many people, as much as the word "believe." Most people would probably say "yes" if you asked them if they believe in Jesus. And you'll know that they don't mean what the Bible means when it says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." Even the word "Savior" is not one that people use much today. They're great words, but the people who need Jesus the most have no idea what they mean or have the wrong idea. That's what makes our word for today from the Word of God such a mission critical prayer for any of us who know people that we want to take to heaven with us. In Colossians 4:3-4, listen to Paul, "Pray for us that God may open a door for our message...Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should." It's not enough to just transmit the Good News about Jesus. No, like good missionaries, we need to ask God to help us translate it into non-religious words that lost people can understand. If a man came running into the room you're in, shouting in say Swahili, "The room is on fire! Evacuate immediately!" you'd probably go, "Well, he sounds sincere; I think he has something important to say." But you'd have no idea what he was saying, because it wasn't in words you could understand. It's not in your language, and you might die as a result. And that's no matter how important the message and no matter how sincere the messenger. The spiritually dying people around us hear us Christians announcing our all-important life-or-death message, often in words they don't understand. Yes, the gospel's life-or-death information that literally eternities depend on. So, we can't afford for them to get lost in our language, or they might be lost forever.

Once your soul tastes Heaven, Earth will never fully satisfy again. In Colossians 3, believers are called to “set your hearts on things above” because Jesus is coming again in glory, and that future reality changes how we live right now. Jesus came giving humanity a taste of the world as God intended it to be. Every miracle was Heaven leaking into Earth. Every healing was Christ declaring war against the curse. And because we belong to that coming Kingdom, Paul says sin should begin tasting bitter to us. The old self no longer fits who we are becoming. This message is about learning to put the old life to death, fixing our hearts on Jesus, and becoming people who carry the culture of Heaven into a broken world.

Every great story has closing credits — and so does the book of Colossians.In Colossians 4:7-18, Paul doesn't close with a grand theological statement. He closes with names — ordinary people who carried letters, opened their homes, prayed through the night, and showed up when it wasn't easy.Tychicus, the reliable messenger. Onesimus, the runaway servant turned beloved brother. Mark, the one who failed and came back. Epaphras, who agonized in prayer for a church he loved deeply. Nympha, who opened her home so the church could gather.None of them were famous. Most of them we know almost nothing about. But together, they changed the world.The extraordinary work of the church comes from ordinary people.This is the miracle of the Gospel — it takes the useless and makes them useful. It takes the broken and makes them whole. It takes the ordinary and accomplishes the extraordinary.What role has God placed in your hands? What ministry is waiting for your full attention and effort?"Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it." — Colossians 4:17

In Colossians 3:5–11, Paul calls believers to put sin to death, put away the old life, and live from their new identity in Christ.This is not a call to earn God's acceptance through better behavior. It is a call to gospel-shaped holiness: because believers have died and been raised with Christ, sin no longer has the right to rule them.In this message, Pastor Eric Echols explains how Paul confronts both the hidden sins of disordered desire and the relational sins that poison homes and churches—anger, slander, corrupt speech, and lying. The passage ultimately points us to the hope of renewal in Christ, who not only forgives sin's guilt but breaks sin's dominion and forms a new people in Himself.

What do you really believe about Jesus? In Colossians, Paul reminds the church that the gospel is Jesus plus nothing. Jesus is not simply one part of the Christian life. He is supreme over all creation, the one who rescued us, the one who defines our identity, and the one who holds all things together. Pastor Rich teaches that we often treat faith like a buffet, choosing the parts we want while leaving surrender, patience, generosity, forgiveness, and obedience behind. But if Jesus is truly enough, then every area of life belongs to Him. This message will help you ask whether Jesus is the foundation you are building on, or decoration you add to make life look better. Speaker: Rich Greene Series: Jesus + Nothing, Week 1 Message: Jesus Plus Nothing Date: May 17, 2026 Scriptures referenced: Colossians 1:3-6, Colossians 1:9-10, Colossians 1:13-23, Colossians 3:17 Next steps, prayer, and connection: https://bit.ly/m/lifechurchia Website: https://www.lifechurchnow.org/ Give: https://www.lifechurchnow.org/give

In Colossians 3:1–4, Paul shows us that the Christian life is lived from our union with the risen, reigning, and returning Christ. Before he tells believers what to put to death, he reminds them who they are in Christ: raised with Him, hidden with Him, and destined to appear with Him in glory.This sermon explores what it means to seek the things above, set our minds where Christ reigns, and stop treating earthly things as ultimate things. Work, family, comfort, control, and approval may all be good gifts, but none of them can bear the weight of our souls. Only Christ can.Because Christ is your life, Christ must govern your life.In this sermon, we consider:What it means to be raised with ChristWhy does Paul call believers to seek and set their minds on things aboveHow our life is hidden with Christ in GodWhy future glory gives strength for present faithfulnessHow Christ frees us from moralism, passivity, and misplaced identityIf you feel worn down by performance, anxious about the future, stuck in sin, discouraged by weakness, or tempted to build your identity on something that cannot last, Colossians 3:1–4 gives deep gospel comfort and a clear call to look again to Christ.

Church is a place of suffering, service, and toil. Paul doesn't downplay this reality. In Colossians 1:24-29, he leans into it, describing clearly the cost of his commitment to the church of Jesus. But he also shows us the glory. If you're a person who's getting burned out on church, or even considering giving up church altogether due to discouragement, or hurt, or whatever - this is the passage for you. Because in this passage we see the motivation to stay committed to church even when it's hard. Not because the church is so great, but because Jesus is, and he's the one who suffers, and serves, and toils for us.

We're so glad you're joining us for The New Man, the New Life, and the New Home.In Colossians 3, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the supremacy of Christ is not just a doctrine to believe but a reality that renews every part of life. Because we have been raised with Christ, the old life can no longer define our desires, our words, our relationships, or our homes.This message calls us to put sin to death, put on the character of Christ, and let His lordship reshape even the hidden places of our lives. The old man has to die, the new life has to be worn, and the home has to come under Christ—because Christ is the mark. 

In Colossians 3:1–3, we're reminded that life with Jesus isn't about lowering ourselves into survival mode—it's about being raised to a higher level of living. Every verse points upward, calling us to shift our focus, our mindset, and our pursuit toward things above. Too often, we settle for what we can understand, living beneath the fullness Christ already secured for us—not just in eternity, but right here and now. If what we're following is leading us to a lower level, it's not Jesus. He didn't give His life so we could live stuck—He gave it so we could live fully alive. This message challenges you to stop bringing God's calling down to your comfort level and instead rise to the life He intended. It's time to go above and live truly Built Different.

The health of the soil a plant is rooted in can determine the fullness of life the plant lives out. Sometimes, that means uprooting a plant from bad soil, and repotting it into good soil. We, as followers of Jesus, must also be uprooted from our worldly desires and mindset, and be re-rooted in a Kingdom reality in which we are renewed, living out the work Christ has already done in us. In Colossians 3:1-11, Paul unpacks three stages of this journey.

There's one clear theme for today's section in the Colossians: the unrivaled supremacy of Jesus. In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul shows how Jesus is Lord of Creation and New Creation and everything in between. But this isn't just abstract theology. It's exultation. It's poetry. And Paul's hope is that by seeing the glory of Jesus, we'll be spurred on to deeper devotion and abiding joy as we look forward to the day when Jesus himself will make all things new.

Monday April 27, 2026IV Week After EasterToday's episode contrasts false worship with transformed living and the upside-down values of God's kingdom.In Exodus 32:1–20, while Moses is on the mountain, the people turn to a golden calf, exchanging the glory of God for something they can control. Their impatience leads to idolatry, and the result is both judgment and grief. It's a sobering reminder of how quickly hearts can drift when trust in God is replaced with the desire for visible substitutes.In Colossians 3:18–4:18, Paul brings faith into everyday life—marriages, families, and work. He calls believers to live under the lordship of Christ in every relationship, with integrity, humility, and purpose. Whatever we do, we do it for the Lord, reflecting a transformed life that flows from belonging to Him.Finally, in Matthew 5:1–10, Jesus Christ describes the kind of people who are truly blessed—the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart. These Beatitudes reveal a kingdom that values what the world often overlooks, promising that those who live this way will experience the fullness of God's favor.Together, these passages remind us: we must guard against idols that pull our hearts away, live out our faith in every area of life, and embrace the character of Christ as citizens of His kingdom.

What if the reason we're not sharing the gospel… is because we're not praying for the opportunity? In Colossians 4 and Ephesians 6, Paul—one of the boldest voices for the gospel—asks for prayer. Not for comfort, but for open doors and the ability to speak when those doors appear. In this message, we see three powerful ways we should be praying: for opportunity, for ability, and for a deeper passion for people who need Jesus. God still opens doors. The question is—will we walk through them?

What does the flourishing Christian life look like? And where does it come from? In Colossians 1:9-14, we get to hear Paul's prayer for the Christian community in Colossae. Along the way, we'll get some healthy reorientation regarding what "our best life" looks like and discover how the basis of our ongoing wellbeing is found in knowing God.

Thursday, April 23, 2026III Week After EasterToday's episode calls us to obedience, rootedness, and victory in the face of temptation.In Exodus 20:1–21, God gives the Ten Commandments, revealing His holy standard and His desire for a people who live in right relationship with Him and with one another. The scene is filled with awe and trembling, reminding us that these commands are not rules—they are a reflection of God's character and a pathway to life under His authority.In Colossians 1:24–2:7, Paul speaks of his labor and suffering to present believers mature in Christ. He urges the church to be rooted and built up in Jesus, established in the faith, and overflowing with gratitude. The Christian life isn't shallow—it's deeply grounded in the mystery of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Finally, in Matthew 4:1–11, Jesus Christ faces temptation in the wilderness and overcomes it through unwavering trust in God's Word. Where others have failed, He stands firm—showing us that victory over temptation comes through dependence on God, not self-reliance.Together, these passages remind us: God calls us to live by His truth, to be deeply rooted in Christ, and to stand firm against temptation with the strength that comes from His Word.

Wednesday April 22, 2026III Week After EasterToday's episode draws our attention to the holiness of God, the supremacy of Christ, and the affirmation of His mission. And a brief explanation of the difference between the Catholic and the Protestant Bible.In **Exodus 19:16–25**, God descends on Mount Sinai in thunder, lightning, fire, and smoke. The mountain trembles, boundaries are set, and the people are warned not to approach casually. It's a powerful reminder that God is not only near—He is holy, and His presence demands reverence and awe.In **Colossians 1:15–23**, Paul lifts our eyes to the greatness of Jesus. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and the One through whom and for whom all things were made. He holds everything together and stands as the head of the church. Through His death, He reconciles us to God, making peace and presenting us holy and blameless.Finally, in **Matthew 3:13–17**, Jesus Christ is baptized, and heaven responds. The Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father's voice declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” It is a moment of divine affirmation, launching Jesus into His public ministry.Together, these passages remind us: God is holy and worthy of reverence, Jesus is supreme over all creation and our Savior, and in Him we see the fullness of God's plan revealed and affirmed.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026III Week After EasterToday's episode centers on preparation, identity, and bearing fruit that matches a transformed life.In Exodus 19:1–16, Israel arrives at Mount Sinai, where God calls them into a covenant relationship. They are set apart as His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. But before encountering His presence, they must consecrate themselves—because approaching a holy God requires reverence, readiness, and obedience.In Colossians 1:1–14, Paul gives thanks for believers who are marked by faith, love, and hope. He prays for their continued growth—that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, and bear fruit in every good work. It's a picture of a life shaped by grace and moving steadily toward spiritual maturity.Finally, in Matthew 3:7–12, John the Baptist confronts empty religion with a sharp call to true repentance. It's not enough to claim spiritual heritage—real change is seen in the fruit of one's life. With urgency, he points ahead to the coming One who will bring both salvation and judgment.Together, these passages remind us: we are called to be set apart for God, to grow into lives that bear lasting fruit, and to respond to Him with genuine repentance that prepares us for His presence.

Because Jesus is alive, our future is not just something we wait for, but it determines our identity and launches us into a gospel-shaped community. In Colossians 3, Paul explains how our new identity shapes a new community that displays the glory of God. Today, we will consider our individual role in growing with God's people within the context of the local Church.

In Colossians 1:21-22 we are told that when we are born again God sees us as “holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Can that really be true?  Holy and blameless???

Because Jesus is alive, our future is not just something we wait for, but it determines our identityand begins to shape how we live today. In Colossians 3, we are reminded that we have been raisedwith Christ and called to live in light of that new reality. We will explore what it means to put off theold life and put on what is now true of us in Him.

Worship isn't just something we do on Sundays, it's how we live every part of our lives. In Colossians 3:18–4:6, Paul shows that when Jesus changes your heart, it shows up in your home, your work, and how you treat people in the world. Real worship looks like honoring Christ in your private life, working like you ultimately answer to Him, and being ready to share the gospel with others.Make your private life worship for JesusMake your professional life worship for Jesus (work for your boss' boss)Make your public life worship for Jesus Life Group Discussion:In what ways is it easiest for your faith to slip in your private life (home, roommates, family, dating, etc.)? Why do you think that is?What challenges make it hard to honor Christ in your workplace or school environment?Can you think of a recent moment where you felt an opportunity to talk about faith but hesitated? What held you back?

Worship isn't just something we do on Sundays, it's how we live every part of our lives. In Colossians 3:18–4:6, Paul shows that when Jesus changes your heart, it shows up in your home, your work, and how you treat people in the world. Real worship looks like honoring Christ in your private life, working like you ultimately answer to Him, and being ready to share the gospel with others.Make your private life worship for JesusMake your professional life worship for Jesus (work for your boss' boss)Make your public life worship for Jesus Life Group Discussion:In what ways is it easiest for your faith to slip in your private life (home, roommates, family, dating, etc.)? Why do you think that is?What challenges make it hard to honor Christ in your workplace or school environment?Can you think of a recent moment where you felt an opportunity to talk about faith but hesitated? What held you back?

It's Thursday, March 26th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Christian ministries to send millions of Bibles into Iran Christian ministries are gearing up to send millions of Bibles into Iran.  The country's Islamic regime persecutes Christians for sharing their faith or even privately owning a Bible. However, Bible smuggling teams are praying for new doors to open despite the war. Dirk Smith, Vice President at Eastern European Mission, spoke to CBN News. He compared this moment in Iran to the opportunity right before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989. Listen. SMITH: “Our prayer is that we're prepared. We're ready to go. And that was what happened when the wall came down in 89 the opportunity came, and when we pray, God will open those doors. That's what happened when the wall came down with the Soviet Union, we were able to walk in and distribute hundreds of thousands  of Bibles.” In Colossians 4:2-3, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.” Iran rejected peace deal with America Iran rejected a peace plan from the United States yesterday to pause the war in the Middle East. The conflict began nearly a month ago when the U.S. and Israel carried out strikes on the country. The Associated Press reports the death toll has reached over 1,500 people in Iran, over 1,000 in Lebanon, 16 in Israel, and 13 U.S. military members.  The U.S. is sending more troops to the region in what could become a ground assault.  U.S. Supreme Court rules for Mississippi street preacher In the United States, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a street preacher last Friday. Gabriel Olivier is an evangelical Christian who desires to share his faith with others. OLIVIER: “I was arrested outside of a concert amphitheater arena for preaching the Gospel on a public sidewalk.” However, the City of Brandon, Mississippi passed an ordinance to effectively silence his evangelism. Sadly, lower courts sided with the city. He even faced arrest under the ordinance.  The Supreme Court's ruling now allows Olivier to go back to trial in the lower courts to challenge the city ordinance.  He celebrated the ruling. OLIVIER: “The Supreme Court has ruled unanimously, 9-0 in our favor. And I just wanted to say thank you to first and foremost, the Lord, for answering our prayers. I also thank you for First Liberty, for representing me, helping me along the way, and doing such a great job. Thank you to all those who support First Liberty with your donations. That is a wonderful contribution to help the case of religious freedom here in our nation.” He added, "Now all people with deeply held Christian religious beliefs who are called to share the Good News can do so in the public arena.” Psalm 119:46 says, “I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.” Late-term abortionist Kermit Gosnell, who killed born babies, died The infamous abortionist Kermit Gosnell  died at a hospital earlier this month, according to prison officials in Pennsylvania. He was 85. Gosnell was serving three life sentences for killing three babies -- after they were born alive. Shockingly, after complete delivery, Gosnell would jab scissors into the back of a baby's neck and then cut the baby's spinal cord. Gosnell called the killing of these children “snipping.”  Steven Massof, a former Gosnell employee, said the so-called “snipping” is really “like a beheading,” reported the Baptist Press. Gosnell likely killed thousands of babies in this manner. Not surprisingly, his abortion mill became known as the “House of Horrors.” Listen to a portion of the trailer to the 2018 movie called “Gosnell: The Trial of America's Biggest Serial Killer.” POLICEMAN 1: “Philadelphia Police Department: We have a search warrant.” POLICEMAN 2: “What is that smell?” POLICEMAN 3: “Man, you got to see this.” DETECTIVE JAMES WOOD:  “I've never been in an abortion clinic before. So far, we've found over 30 of them. [aborted babies in the abortion mill]. A healthy woman goes into a clinic, comes out dead, and there's no police report?” COURT OFFICIAL: “Prosecution has offered you a plea bargain, Dr Gosnell.” GOSNELL: “Then I would have to admit I was guilty. I'm not guilty!” PROESECUTOR: “When was the last time your division inspected Dr. Gosnell's [abortion] clinic?” INSPECTOR: “We had instructions, directly from [Republican] Governor [Tom] Ridge's office, not to inspect.” NURSE LEXY McGUIRE: “Nothing that man did protects women or children. And you don't have to be a pro-life activist to see that.” DISTRICT ATTORNEY DAN MOLINARI: “Kermit Gosnell is perhaps the most prolific serial killer in American history. You better win!” Watch the trailer for the movie “Gosnell.” Proverbs 6:16-19 describes the seven things that God hates, including “hands that shed innocent blood.” Maria Gallagher, executive director of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, told LifeNews, “We continue to grieve the loss of the babies and women who fell victim to Gosnell's violent crime spree. And we hold out hope that the lessons learned from Gosnell's reign of terror will not be forgotten.” Democrats won special election in Florida Democrats won a special election on Tuesday in South Florida. Democrat Emily Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples to win the state House District 87 seat. She won by only 800 votes or about two percentage points.  The district is home to President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence.  The Associated Press reports, “Gregory's victory is the latest example of how Democrats have flipped seats in a series of special elections that could be a sign of momentum in a midterm election year that will provide a political verdict on Trump's second term.” Christians are weak on abortion, marriage and family And finally, Dr. George Barna released his latest report on the worldview of Americans. Notably, the majority of U.S. adults—ranging from 68% to 82%—lack Biblical alignment in essential areas of worldview beliefs and behaviors. This is even more common among younger generations.  The weakest worldview category for Americans, even committed Christians, is social issues such as marriage, family, and the sanctity of life. Dr. Barna noted, “Very few adults presently own a biblical worldview. But the survey also shows that with some commitment and very focused mentoring, millions of Americans could certainly develop a Biblical worldview.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, March 26th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.