Get Focused: Look Up

Colossians 3.1-17 Key verse: Keep seeking the things above … Keep thinking about things aboveKnow who you are in ChristThe transformation: put to death, put off, put onVv 1-4 are theological foundation for the following practical verses. Focus on things above because:-you died to the old order-you are already raised with Christ so that you … Read more

Get Focused 5: Are You a Christian? Then Act Like It!

Colossians 3.1-17 Let heaven fill your thoughts! Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ … Read more

Get Focused: Check the Warning Label

Colossians 2.6 – 2.23 Intro: Warning LabelsI get in my car and there are three warnings posted on my visor: high rollover risk; airbag; and seatbelt. Other places we see warning labels:prescription drugsSurgeon General’s Warning: Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and may complicate pregnancy.On coffee: Caution: Hot! Many warning labels today are to … Read more

Get Focused 4: Check the Warning Label

We see warning labels all over the place. There’s a warning label on boxes of cigarettes: "SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, and May Complicate Pregnancy." On coffee cups, you’ll notice the warning, “Caution: Hot!” You might see signs occasionally, exclaiming, “Flammable!” or "High Voltage!" On homes, you might see signs … Read more

Get Focused: Helping Others Get Focused

Colossians 1.24–29Colossians 2.1-5 EQUIPEQUIP is a ministry of John Maxwell which is designed to equip leaders abroad to do the work of Christ. Bill Bright predicted that 1 billion people would come to know Christ in the first decade of the 21st Century (by 2010). This is creating a need in the church:4,000 pastors needed … Read more

Get Focused 3: Helping Others Get Focused

For this series, we’re using the New English Translation. It’s posted online by chapter, so you can read today’s text by clicking on Colossians 1.24–29 and Colossians 2.1-5. God call servants First, let’s talk about God’s call. Paul writes, “according to the stewardship from God.” Clearly (from here and other writings), Paul understood that he … Read more