Two Questions That Change Everything | Pastor Jeff Scott
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As we step into 2026, it’s the perfect time to align our hearts with the purposes of God. In this message, Pastor Jeff explores two pivotal questions Jesus asked His disciples—questions designed to move them beyond surface-level religion and into a deep, life-altering relationship with the Savior.Drawing from Mark’s Gospel, we look at how Jesus intentionally trained the Twelve by putting them in "impossible" situations to stretch their faith. Whether you have followed Jesus for years or are just starting to seek Him, these two questions challenge us to examine our true identity and our perception of God.
Key Questions Explored:
Do you really know who you are? (Mark 7:14–23) Jesus challenges the idea that outward traditions make us "clean." Instead, He points to the heart—the source of our motivations, affections, and desires. To truly follow Him, we must first understand our own brokenness and need for grace.
Who do you perceive me to be? (Mark 8:27–33)At Caesarea Philippi, a center of pagan worship, Jesus asks the ultimate question. It’s not enough to know what others say about Jesus; we must personally recognize Him as the Christ—the suffering servant who gave His life to rescue us.
The Call to Follow
The message concludes with the radical cost of discipleship found in Mark 8:34: a call to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him daily. This year, let’s move past a "human perspective" and embrace the divine purpose God has for our lives.
Next Steps:
Reflect: Are you willing to take a "deep dive" into your heart to see what motivates your actions?
Connect: If you don't yet know Jesus as your Savior, we would love to introduce you to Him.
#GospelOfMark #Discipleship #ChristianLiving #2026Vision #Jesus #Faith
In this special episode of Alongside, several of the pastor of HBC sat down to talk through the significance of 2026, including the coming vote on the constitution. Listen as the pastors walk through the timeline of the constitution creation, the importance of theological guardrails, and the move to eldership. This is a great way to hear the heart and purpose behind the potential constitutional change as we prepare to vote in 2026. Referenced in this conversation:Teachings on Elders & DeaconsFull Timothy & Titus SeriesMembers Page
The Shepherd Who is Near | Psalm 23
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As we stand at the hinge of 2025 and 2026, we look to the most beloved shepherding passage in all of Scripture: Psalm 23. In this message, we explore how the Lord’s presence provides us with three unshakable confidences to carry into the new year: I shall not want, I will fear no evil, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Message Highlights
The Shepherd’s Experience: Written by David—a shepherd-warrior who fought lions and bears—this psalm is anchored in the reality of God’s literal nearness in the valleys of life.
Sufficiency in a Someone: We often struggle with lack, fear, and insecurity. David teaches us that true satisfaction is found not in "something" (possessions or status), but in "someone"—the Person of God.
The Shadow of Death: For those who belong to the Shepherd, death is but a shadow. While the shadow may feel cold and dark, it cannot touch the soul because our Mighty Companion walks with us.
From Sheep to Sons: The psalm concludes with a victory banquet where the Shepherd-King stoops to serve us, eventually bringing us into His household as fully adopted children for all eternity.
A Warning and a Hope
These words of comfort are a "blessed gift," but they are also "profoundly dangerous" if they nurture a false assurance. This covenantal language belongs to those who have trusted in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. If you desire this relationship, the good news is that belief can be yours today.
Scripture References:
Psalm 23
1 Samuel 17 (David’s background)
John 10:11 (The Good Shepherd)
Revelation 7:17 (The Lamb as our Shepherd)
Next Steps:
Memorize Scripture: Join us this spring as we memorize Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34 together.
Reflect: Take time as a family to look back at 2025 and see how the Lord has gently shepherded you through both hardships and blessings.
Connect: If you have questions about what it means to trust in Jesus, we would love to talk with you.
#Psalm23 #GoodShepherd #NewYear2026 #BibleTeaching #Heritage
The Shepherd Who Brings Peace | Sunday Service
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In this powerful Christmas message, we explore the profound reality of peace—not just as a feeling of tranquility, but as a concrete cessation of hostility. Drawing a parallel to the famous Christmas Truce of 1914 during World War I, we see how peace requires someone to step out of the "safety of the trenches" and into "no man's land" to make a genuine overture.
The Context of War: While we often think of the Christmas story in terms of "Silent Night," Luke 2 actually takes place against a backdrop of cosmic warfare. Ever since the fall, humanity has been in a state of rebellion and "at war" with a holy God.
Micah’s Prophecy: We dive into the book of Micah, a text that oscillates between declarations of war and overtures of peace. Micah 5:2-5 foretells a Shepherd-King from Bethlehem who is both human and divine ("from ancient days") and who doesn't just bring peace, but is our peace.
Jesus in No Man's Land: Jesus Christ is the ultimate emissary of peace. He left the safety of heaven to step into the "no man's land" of our world to offer an end to hostilities between God and man.
The Peace Offering: True peace is not universal or automatic; it is a gift of grace received through faith. By the blood of His cross, Jesus reconciled us to God, turning enemies into friends.
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased." — Luke 2:14
God's Promise of a Shepherd: Finding Fulfillment in Jesus Christ
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This message explores the rich prophetic background of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, drawing primarily from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel and contrasting it with the Christmas story in the New Testament.
Good storytelling highlights the hero by contrasting them with the villains and darkness. The Christmas narrative in Matthew and Luke is presented as a drama of contrast:
False Kings and Teachers:
Caesar Augustus, the self-proclaimed "son of God".
King Herod, the corrupt and murderous usurper.
The chief priests and scribes, the corrupt teachers and enemies of God.
Contrasting with Jesus Christ:
The True God.
The Promised King.
The Faithful Teacher.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd coming for His sheep.
For ancient Jewish ears, the title "Shepherd" held both affectionate and royal connotations, signifying the king as the earthly caretaker for the divine ruler's flock. This royal image was widespread in the ancient Near East. The Akkadian verb meaning "to shepherd" also meant "to rule".
Ezekiel 34, written centuries before Christ, is one of the most explicit shepherd passages in all of Scripture, speaking to both the Incarnation (Christmas) and the Cross (Easter). The passage breaks down into three key sections:
Indictment Against Failed Shepherds (Ezekiel 34:1-10) : These failed kings and false prophets were characterized by self-service (feeding themselves), exploitation (fleecing the sheep), neglect (leaving the sick, injured, and lost), and harsh rule. Their failures resulted in the scattering of the flock.
God as Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:11-16) : In stark contrast, God declares, "I, I myself will search, seek out, and rescue My sheep". God promises to personally be the shepherd, providing rest and tending to the weak, lost, and injured.
The Coming Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23-25) : God promises to set over them "one shepherd, my servant David," who shall be their prince and shepherd. This shepherd must be divine to fulfill God's promise but also human (of the line of David). This promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus, born in Bethlehem, the city of David.
Ezekiel 34:12 speaks of God rescuing His scattered sheep on a "day of clouds and thick darkness," which is consistent Old Testament imagery for divine wrath and judgment.
This prophecy finds its supreme fulfillment not just at Christ's final return, but on the cross:
The Gospel accounts record thick darkness covering the land during Jesus' crucifixion from the sixth hour until the ninth hour.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, rescues His sheep by becoming the wrath of God (propitiation) on the cross. The penalty of sin is poured out on the Shepherd instead of the sheep.
Christmas is impossible to celebrate without Easter, as the Good Shepherd's coming was to give His life for the sheep.
Have you put your trust in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who bore the wrath for your sin?
Key Scripture: Ezekiel 34:23
Related Themes: Prophecy, Messiah, Incarnation, Atonement, Davidic Covenant
🌟 The Drama of Contrast📜 The King as Shepherd: An Ancient Title🐑 Ezekiel 34: God's Indictment and Promise✝️ The Day of Rescue: Clouds and Thick Darkness
Wednesday Night Gathering
Series: Acts
Teacher: Zach Martin
🐑 Watching and Waiting for a Shepherd | Christmas Message 2025
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Join us as we explore the beautiful and profound title of Jesus the Good Shepherd and its connection to the Christmas story.The Christmas season is a time to celebrate and remember the first coming of Christ—God becoming flesh to save sinners. This event is described as humble majesty. The title "Good Shepherd" encapsulates this concept of humble majesty, combining gentleness and care with divine authority and royalty.We connect the dots between the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament fulfillment by studying three key passages:John 10:11: Jesus proclaims, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep". This title conveys humility, gentleness, and care, but also divinity and royalty, referencing the Messianic imagery throughout the Old Testament.Jeremiah 23: We examine the failure of earthly shepherds, God's promise to personally intervene and gather His flock, and the prophecy of the coming righteous King—a "righteous branch" from the line of David. This coming Shepherd-King would be called "The Lord is our righteousness".Luke 2: The narrative of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem—the city of the shepherd-king David—screams the "aesthetic of shepherd," with the manger and the angels appearing to shepherds. The angelic announcement to the shepherds proclaims Jesus's humility (born this day) and his majesty (Savior, Christ the Lord, rightful heir to David's throne).The prophecy that "The Lord is our righteousness" is fulfilled in the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life so that His righteousness becomes ours, giving us peace with God.We are urged to respond this Christmas season by proclaiming the humble majesty of the Good Shepherd, worshipping what He has done, and sharing the need for Jesus Christ with others.Sermon Scripture Passages:John 10:11 Jeremiah 23:1-8 Luke 2:1-20 If you've been blessed by this message, please subscribe and share it with a friend!
The Faithfulness of God | Vernon Smith at Heritage Baptist Church
Join Vernon Smith as he delivers a powerful message on the profound and unchanging Faithfulness of God.
Drawing from personal experiences as a missionary in Arusha, Tanzania , and tracing God's promises from Abraham to the New Testament , Vernon Smith affirms that God is eternally faithful.
God is Faithful The central, simple truth is that God is faithful. This faithfulness was demonstrated generationally, fulfilling promises from Abraham and Sarah having a son in their old age (Isaac) , to David's everlasting ruler , and ultimately to the lineage of Jesus Christ.
The Big Idea: God's faithfulness motivates believers' faithfulness for His purposes.
A Deeper Understanding of Blessing: God blesses in order to fulfill His purposes. The overwhelming evidence in Scripture is that believers are blessed to be a blessing for the sake of the Gospel.
What God's Faithfulness Doesn't Mean: It does not mean He is faithful to give us what we want, but rather to orchestrate things for His own will and purposes. It doesn't mean He will answer every prayer exactly the way it's prayed. Instead, even when we don't understand His hand, we can trust His heart.
Motivation for the Christian Life: God's faithfulness, especially in providing salvation and forgiveness , motivates believers to live a faithful Christian life of Christian morals and ethics.
"Even if we are unfaithful, God remains faithful because he cannot deny Himself." (Referencing 2 Timothy 2)
Vernon and his wife Mary have served the Lord as global workers for all their adult lives. They send greetings from Arusha, Tanzania, and share an encouraging word of God's provision and greater plan.
Learn more about the issues facing the African church: The Africa Statement on the Prosperity Gospel and the Word of Faith Theology.
Website: www.africastatement.org
Scripture References: Genesis 12:1-7 , Genesis 21:5-7 , Genesis 24:27 , Exodus 34 , 2 Samuel 7:28 , Zechariah 8 , 1 John 1:8-9 , Romans 10:9-13 , John 3:16 , Romans 5:8 , 2 Peter 3:9 , Hebrews 13:5 , Matthew 28:20 , Isaiah 55:8 , Hebrews 11:6 , 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
The Marks of Christian Maturity | Philippians 3
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In this sermon, we explore the essential marks of a mature Christian as laid out in Philippians chapter 3. Before diving into Philippians, we take a moment to reflect on the foundational truth of our salvation in Christ, remembering that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, as taught in Ephesians 2.
The sermon focuses on the way a mature Christian thinks, drawing directly from Philippians 3:15: "Let those of us who are mature think this way".
The speaker identifies three core marks of a mature Christian based on the passage:
1. The mature Christian relinquishes all self-righteousness.
This is the way of thinking that puts no confidence in the flesh or our own ability to appease or earn favor with God.
Paul, despite his impressive religious credentials (circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, a Pharisee, blameless under the Law), counted all of it as loss and rubbish for the sake of knowing Christ.
Religious acts like Bible reading, serving, and giving are good and should be part of a follower's life, but they do not make us right with Jesus or make God love us more.
2. The mature Christian believes that their righteousness comes through Christ alone.
Our righteousness, or right standing before God, comes through imputed righteousness by way of faith in Christ alone, not by our works.
This belief means that our regular wrestling with sin, doubts, and fears does not remove our right standing with God, as we have been given all of Christ.
Christian maturity is a growing understanding that there is no greater love God can show us than what has already been given in Christ.
3. The mature Christian is primarily motivated by the world to come.
We press on toward the goal of the "upward call of God in Christ Jesus," forgetting our former self-righteousness and sinful pursuits.
Followers of Christ are compared to those who walk as "enemies of the cross," whose minds are set on earthly things, whose god is their belly, and whose end is destruction.
By contrast, our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our bodies to be like His glorious body.
A key takeaway is that the growth process takes a lifetime—even Paul admitted, "Not that I have already attained it or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own".
Ultimately, a key mark of Christian maturity is a growing and deepening faith in Christ. This faith transforms our engagement with spiritual disciplines: we read the Bible to know the God who loves us, we pray because we truly believe He hears us, and we serve passionately because we have tasted His goodness.
Scripture References:
Philippians Chapter 3
Ephesians Chapter 2
Galatians 2
Wednesday Night Gathering
Series: Acts
Teacher: Dr. Gnanakan
A continued study of Jesus as the Good Shepherd from John 10. Graphic Outline
Join us as we explore John chapter 10, a profound passage that reveals not just the power of Jesus, but the beauty of His heart.
While Jesus has many great titles, the name Good Shepherd is the most beloved because it shows His loving actions and character.
In this teaching on John 10:14-21, we uncover four key truths about Jesus:
1. The Good Shepherd is Beautiful (John 10:14)Jesus calls Himself the "good shepherd". The Greek word for "good" (kalos) means He is of superior quality and is truly beautiful. His goodness is seen in His gracious acts, like seeking out the man born blind (John 9) and giving abundant, overflowing life. We are encouraged to woo people to Christ by showcasing His loveliness.
2. The Shepherd's Relationship is Intimate (John 10:14-15)Jesus says, "I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father". This relationship is elevated to the same level of intimacy that Jesus shares with the Father. The ultimate proof of this love is that He chooses to "lay down my life for the sheep". This is an act of pure sacrifice—He values His named sheep more than His own life.
3. The Shepherd's Mission is Global (John 10:16)Jesus declares: "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also... So there will be one flock, one shepherd". The "fold" is Israel, and the "other sheep" are the Gentiles—people from every tribe and nation. Jesus' mission is a personal endeavor to draw all His sheep together under one Savior.
4. The Shepherd's Sacrifice is Complete (John 10:17-18)Jesus lays down His life because His relationship with the Father is defined by love, obedience, and submission. He had the authority and choice to die—no one took His life from Him. Furthermore, He laid down not just His body (bios), but His very soul (psyche)—His fundamental inner being—opening it fully to God's wrath to pay our debt of sin completely.
🐑 Jesus: The Good Shepherd (John 10)
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Dive into one of the most beloved and enduring images in church history: Jesus as the Good Shepherd. This passage from John 10 reveals not just what Jesus is (Creator, Son of God), but who He is—a humble, hardworking, gentle, and intentional Shepherd.
A Beloved Image: The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd has been popular and enduring throughout the ages, often appearing in Christian art and even early Christian tombs.
The Person of Christ Over Abstraction: The imagery puts "flesh and blood" on the idea of Jesus, reminding us that He is not an abstract notion, but a living, breathing person with whom we have a personal relationship. The goal of teaching the Word is always to get to Jesus, the person, and his work, not just to focus on action points or theological concepts as ends in themselves.
The Parable of the Sheepfold: Jesus uses the common illustration of the shepherd, the sheepfold, the door, and the thieves/robbers to teach an important truth.
The Door: Jesus explicitly states, "I am the door". This means He is the only lawful access point to life, salvation, and the knowledge of God.
The Shepherd's Call: The shepherd knows his own sheep by name and leads them out to abundant life. The sheep follow Him because they know His voice, and they will flee from the voice of a stranger.
The Threat: The flock faces real threats from wild animals (like wolves and lions) and thieves/robbers who seek to steal, kill, and destroy. The hired hand flees, but the Good Shepherd stands His ground.
Life Abundant: Jesus came so His sheep "may have life and have it abundantly". This "abundant life" is not just everlasting (life without end), but qualitative life—limitless in scope and depth, which is participation in the very life of God.
What Makes Jesus the Good Shepherd?
He calls His own by name.
He is the only lawful access to life (the Door).
He gives abundant life.
He stands guard against the enemy.
He lays down His life for the sheep.
John Chapter 9: Chapter 10 explains the previous events. The fold is Israel, and the man born blind (and healed) is a lost sheep pursued and found by the Good Shepherd. The Jewish authorities, who should have been the under-shepherds, acted as thieves and robbers by rejecting the true Shepherd and casting out the healed man.
Old Testament Imagery: The shepherd imagery carries royal undertones in antiquity (Pharaohs and kings claimed the title). Most importantly, it overtly "screamed of biblical imagery" , as the title was most often applied to Yahweh (God) Himself in passages like Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34.
Scripture Reference: John 10:1-18 (Focus on verses 1-14)
If you have not believed, why not believe today? Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone, He alone who is Savior, so that you might have life and life abundantly.
In this special podcast, Pastor Kent shares the story of his 27 years on staff at Heritage and how the Lord is now guiding he and Tara to pursue new ministry ourside of our church. We are so very thankful for the faithful ministry of Pastor Kent and Tara over their time at Heritage. Join us in praying for them as they take a step of faith into a new season of ministry together.
Wednesday Night Gathering
A Study in the Book of Acts
Pastor Dave Ashburn
💡 A Living Parable: Spiritual Sight and Blindness (John 9)
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Join us as we dive into John chapter 9, exploring the dramatic story of Jesus healing the man born blind, which the sermon frames as a "living parable". This passage beautifully illustrates profound spiritual realities, God's sovereign grace, and the stark contrast between true spiritual sight and wilful blindness.
Inconvenient Compassion: Discover how Jesus, amidst hostility and danger (they had just picked up stones to throw at him), went out of his way to show compassion to the blind man. Compassion often requires self-sacrifice and is rarely convenient.
Providence in Brokenness to Display Glory: Jesus explains that the man's blindness was not a result of his own sin or his parents' sin, but rather so "that the works of God might be displayed in him". The brokenness in our lives can become a showpiece for God's grace and healing work, like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken ceramics are mended with gold to highlight—not hide—the cracks.
Salvation Imaged: The healing process—Jesus making mud with spit, anointing the man's eyes, and sending him to wash in the Pool of Siloam ("which means sent") —is a powerful image of salvation. It reveals both sovereign grace (Jesus pursuing the man who didn't ask) and human responsibility (the man's obedience/belief to wash).
Grace on Trial: See the tragic and unbelievable response of the neighbors and the Pharisees who, instead of celebrating a great miracle, put grace on trial by focusing on religious standards and questioning if Jesus broke the Sabbath.
The Power of Fear: The parents' fear of being "put out of the synagogue" (ostracized from the community) led them to deflect and refuse to confess Jesus as the Christ. We are challenged to consider what fears keep us from unrestrained obedience.
He Who Believes Truly Sees: After being cast out by the religious leaders, Jesus "found him" and revealed his identity: "You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you". The man's response—"Lord, I believe. And he worshiped him" —is the final validation of true spiritual sight.
Scripture Reference: John 9:1-41
This sermon was given on Nov 2, 2025
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Wednesday Night Gathering
A Study in the Book of Acts
Pastor Jeff Scott
Persecution, Hell, & The Gospel: Unpacking the Tension in John 8
Sermon Graphical OutlineDive into a powerful message that examines the intense drama of John chapter 8, where Jesus confronts his enemies with the radical truth of his identity and the eternal stakes of belief. This sermon explores the downward spiral of rejection Jesus faced and connects it directly to the reality of persecution for Christians today.In this message, we cover:The Downward Spiral of Rejection : Witness how Jesus' opponents moved from theological debate to name-calling—labeling him a Samaritan (a "half-breed apostate") and accusing him of having a demon. This highlights a strategy to diminish influence when argument fails.Matters of Life and Death: The Reality of Hell : Jesus' willingness to endure abuse is rooted in the high stakes of his message: deliverance from eternal death. We explore the biblical teaching on hell, including Jesus' descriptions of it as unquenchable fire and outer darkness. We break down the three specific consequences of hell: punishment, destruction, and banishment.Grace in the Face of Blasphemy : Despite the intense hostility and blasphemy he received, Jesus extended an invitation to life. The message stresses that the world's enemies and persecutors are the mission field , and Christians are called to demonstrate grace, even to those who hurt them.The Power of Christ's Word : What does it mean to "keep my word" and "never see death"? We clarify that the first command of Christ is belief (faith alone - sole fide) , which then expresses itself in good works.The Climax: "Before Abraham Was, I Am" : The sermon builds to Jesus' climactic declaration of his pre-existence and deity, connecting his presence on the Temple Mount (Mount Moriah) to Abraham's prophecy that "The Lord will provide".The Light is Chased Away : The message concludes with the tragic, yet temporary, rejection of Christ—the glory of God being chased from the temple —and the triumphant promise that he is undeterred, returning to Jerusalem as the Lamb of God to secure life for all who believe.Scripture Reference: John 8:48-59
Key Theme: Jesus' identity as God, the reality of eternal death, and the mission of extending grace to those who persecute.If you are struggling with the reality of persecution or wrestling with the eternal consequences of life and death, this message offers clear, biblical truth and powerful encouragement.#Sermon #John8 #Persecution #Hell #TheGospel #ChristianLife #JesusIsGod #BibleTeaching
True Disciples: Love, Live, and Remain in the Word (John 8:31-47)
Graphic Outline: https://marks-of-true-disciple-f2hgmj1.gamma.site/What is the mark of a true disciple? In this deep dive into John chapter 8, we explore Jesus's challenging words to those who had believed in him: "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples" (John 8:31).
This sermon emphasizes the "big idea": True disciples love, live, and remain in the Word. We look at how salvation is by grace through faith alone, but this saving faith is validated and proven out by a life where the Word of God is resident—a communion that follows union with Christ .
Discover the profound and practical implications of abiding in the Word:
The Superiority of God's Word: The Psalmist finds a glory in the Word of God that even surpasses the majesty of creation . The Word is described as perfect, reviving the soul; sure, making wise the simple; and pure, enlightening the eyes.
Freedom vs. Slavery: Jesus teaches that sin brings slavery, but the words of Christ bring true freedom—a freedom that transcends political or national liberation, setting us free from eternal death and sin.
The Litmus Test of the Word: The Word of God is the ultimate test of belonging. Jesus makes it clear that if his Word finds no place in you, you are not of him, regardless of your religious credentials or heritage. We discuss how fruitlessness is not spiritual immaturity, but an indication of no spiritual life at all.
Loving the Word Applied: We explore the difference between those who intellectually like the Bible and those who are broken by the Word when it is applied to their sin, like anger, lust, or love of money.
Ultimately, what you do with the words of Christ shows you to whom you belong. Let the Word of God not just be information, but the very vehicle that shapes your communion with God.
Scripture References: John 8:31-47; Psalm 19; Matthew 13 (Parable of the Sower); Galatians 5:1; 1 Peter 2; 1 John 4:20
Keywords: True Discipleship, Abide in the Word, John 8, Salvation, Grace Through Faith, Assurance of Salvation, The Word of God, Freedom in Christ, Slavery to Sin, Psalm 19, Christian Life, Fruit of the Spirit, Nathan Smith.
Wednesday Night Gathering
Series: Acts
Teacher: Pastor Mike Crump
Our Brokenness. God's Grace. | Colossians 3:1-4
In this message, we dive into Colossians 3:1-4 to explore the profound truths of our identity in Christ and how that fuels our daily lives.
We start by acknowledging the universal reality of our brokenness and the expectation that God's grace provides healing and wholeness. This wholeness is a process called sanctification—God's work of making us more like Jesus.
The question then becomes: Is this process passive or active? We define discipleship as our intentional participation in God's work of sanctification in our lives and the lives of others.
Key Takeaways:
Our Knowing Fuels Our Doing: Our obedience flows best from a deep understanding of who Christ is, what He's done, and who we are as a result. The sermon overviews Colossians 1 and 2, highlighting Christ's preeminence and definitive victory on the cross—He is the image of the invisible God, and in Him, all things hold together.
A New Life, A New Focus: Since we have been raised with Christ, we are instructed to seek the things that are above and set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth. This requires sacrificing what comes naturally, acknowledging that we have died with Christ, and our life is now hidden with Him in God.
The Power of Hope: Our hope rests in the future—when Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. This ultimate hope should be the driving force of our obedience and motivate us to live a life fully devoted to Jesus.
Putting Sin to Death: We are called to actively put sin to death, treating it with a severity that eradicates it before it overwhelms us. Conversely, we are to intentionally put on certain virtues like kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love, which bind the body of Christ together in unity.
Are you intentionally participating in what God is doing to make you more like Jesus?
Scripture references discussed:
Colossians 3:1-4 (main text)
Psalm 51:17
Psalm 147:3
Psalm 34:18
1 John 3:2
2 Corinthians 3:14-18
Romans 12:1-2
Romans 5:1
Romans 5:8
Colossians 1:9
Colossians 1:15-20
Colossians 2:13-15
Galatians 2:20
Psalm 3:3
#Brokenness #GodsGrace #Sanctification #Discipleship #Colossians #NewLifeInChrist #ChristianLiving #IntentionalFaith