Jesus canceled our debt at the cross and freed us from rule-keeping and spiritual add-ons. We've been handed a bill stamped "Paid in Full"—we don't have to work for our salvation. We simply need to accept the receipt and live in the true freedom only Jesus provides. In this message from Colossians 2, we'll learn from the apostle how to anchor ourselves in Christ.

One of the most emotional debates raging in our day centers on the subject of abortion. Some see it as simply the choice of a woman over what happens to her body; some see it as far more sinister. Today, we look at the ancient practice of child sacrifice to see if there is any parallel to the modern practice. This conversation is vital because it involves the doctrines of both God and man.

I. The Ancient Practice (Leviticus 20:1-5)

II. The Modern Parallel (Psalm 106)

III. The Divine Prescription (John 3:16; Romans 12:1-2)

Talk with God: Meditate on Lamentations 3:22-24, thanking the Lord that His mercies “are new every morning,” and ask Him to renew your hope in Him this week.

Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group in refusing to conform to the world and focus on “being transformed” through the Word.

Talk with kids: What does it mean to repent?

Paul showed Jesus as the Maker and Maintainer of all things, the Head of the church who reconciles us by His cross and continues His work in us until completion. Like a building, your life needs both a cornerstone and a blueprint—Christ is both. He will align every room of your life to His design. This teaching from Colossians 1 will help you build on what lasts. 

John Calvin noted, “The human heart is a perpetual idol factory.” Idolatry was a constant issue in the Old Testament, and Paul saw that Athens was filled with idols. But have you ever considered how false worship systems of the past have made their way into the present, but under other names? Today we’ll see how, over time, societies move away from God, His authority, and His truth.

I. Corruption in the Nation (vv. 1-6)

II. Confusion in the Home (vv. 2-5)

III. Chaos in the Heart (v. 6)

Talk with God: Take time to prayerfully assess your priorities this week and ask the Lord to reveal anything—or anyone—that’s pulling your focus away from Him.

Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group or believing friends and family members to keep Jesus at the center of their lives.

Talk with kids: Why is it right and good for God to punish sin?

In Colossians 1, Paul reminded the church that Jesus holds all things together—He’s the center of creation and the anchor of our faith. When Christ is at the center, everything else in life will fall into place. As believers, we find true direction only when our focus is on Christ, who reconciles us to God and gives purpose to all we do.

Jesus turned the world’s idea of blessing upside down when He shared the Beatitudes. When life feels like it’s spiraling—when we’re poor in spirit, grieving, or desperate for righteousness—He reminds us that we're positioned closest to God’s grace in these very moments. True blessing isn’t found in comfort or control but in surrender, dependence, and the promise that God will meet us at our lowest.

I. Stick to the Plan

II. Peel Away the Extra

III. Interpret Your Struggle Accurately

IV. Retool for the Current/Coming Season

V. Attack the Problem from All Angles

VI. Look for Beauty

Are you ready for revival—and what comes next? When Jesus came to the country of the Gadarenes, He encountered a man who was tormented by a legion of demons and had been given up as lost by his community. With just a word, Jesus delivered him and restored him to peace, dignity, and purpose. This passage reminds us that when Jesus comes to town, no life is too broken, no situation too dark, and no one too far gone for His transforming power.

The Bible often speaks about courage, reminding us again and again to be strong and not give in to fear. True courage is not the absence of fear—it's facing it and choosing to do what is right, no matter the cost. In this message from Pastor Robert Furrow, we examine five biblical examples that show us what real courage looks like.

In John 12:20–26, Jesus explains that revival begins not with hype, but with surrender. Like a seed that must fall into the ground and die before it can multiply, we must lay down our own desires so God can bring forth lasting fruit in our lives and new life that spreads beyond us. Revival begins not with what we keep, but with what we’re willing to give up to follow Christ.

We have spent seventeen weeks covering the book of Nehemiah and have considered the many life-application lessons that these chapters provide. But today, for our eighteenth and final study, we’ll zoom out to get the bigger picture. There are five “mega-themes” from this book that we can benefit from. These great themes provide both encouragement and warning to us today.

I. Great Cities Can Fall

II. Ordinary People Can Help

III. Real Prayer Can Work

IV. Spiritual Revival Can Happen

V. Good Movements Can Falter

Talk with God: Meditate on Isaiah 6:8 this week and ask the Lord to give you His heart for your city and the people He’s placed in your life.

Talk with others: Ask a believing friend or mentor to pray for and support you as you seek revival in your walk with the Lord.

Talk with kids: How did God rescue His people through Samson?