We heard from one of our elders, John Hannigan, this week as he discussed the blessings of forgiveness displayed in Psalm 32. As we confess our sins to God, we receive a full pardon and freedom from guilt and shame. This freedom then allows us to draw near to God and receive His instruction. Listen as John encourages us to confess our sins without delay so that we may receive the abundant blessings that God has promised us.

This week we discussed a biblical perspective on marriage roles and responsibilities. Colossians 3:18-19 makes it clear that wives are to submit to and respect their husbands with a gentle and quiet spirit and husbands are to sacrificially love their wives as Christ loves the Church.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Listen as Pastor Chris expands on these roles and explains that marriage is intended to glorify God by reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church, giving others a glimpse of the Gospel.

Colossians 3:15-17 proposes a life mission statement based on three components: living with others in the peace of Christ, immersing oneself in the Word of Christ, and doing everything in the name of Christ. Listen as Pastor Chris emphasizes living out this statement through pursuing unity and thankfulness in the church body, integrating Scripture deeply into our lives, and living in a way that is consistent with the character of Jesus Christ in all areas of life.

This week we discussed how to love an imperfect, and sometimes disappointing, church. Colossians 3:12-14 shows us that we can do this by embracing our Gospel-centered identity as God's chosen, holy, and beloved ones, which empowers us to put on Gospel-driven character qualities such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness. Listen as Pastor Chris encourages us to look to Christ as our ultimate example and motivation for loving, instead of criticizing, our church community despite its imperfections.

In the biblical account of Jesus healing the demon-possessed man in Gerasenes, we see that Jesus has power over not only the natural world but also the supernatural world. Jesus uses His power to liberate and restore those who are broken, transforming them into something even better than they were before so that they can proclaim the Gospel and tell others of God's mercy in their lives. Listen as Pastor Chris encourages us, as those who have been transformed, to boldly proclaim the good works God has done for us and live in a way that reflects our freedom in Christ.

Colossians 3:5-11 exhorts believers to put to death sinful desires and actions such as sexual immorality, anger, and lying. This passage reminds us that through faith in Christ we have died to our old sinful nature and are raised to new life in Him. As we are renewed in the knowledge of Christ, we should live in a manner consistent with our new identity in Him. Listen as Pastor Chris reminds us of who we are in Christ and how to use the message of the Gospel to motivate us towards Christlikeness.

The final two chapters of Colossians pivot the focus from theological knowledge to practical Christian living. This week we looked at Colossians 3:1-4, a passage that calls believers to set their minds on the things of heaven, remaining focused on Christ and the future glory that awaits. Listen as Pastor Chris discusses practical ways to maintain an eternal perspective and live with a purified heart and mind fixed on our coming transformation when Christ returns.

This week we looked at three types of false teaching that were threatening the church in Colossae and remain a threat today: legalism, mysticism, and asceticism. The things offered by each of these teachings pale in comparison to the truth, spiritual growth, and internal transformation that are found in Jesus. Listen as Pastor Chris warns against these false teachings and exhorts the church to pursue the all-sufficient Jesus Christ and embrace the spiritual fullness He alone offers.

This Easter Sunday, we explored four powerful pictures of salvation seen in Colossians 2:11-15: heart transformation, spiritual resurrection, debt cancellation, and victory celebration. This message is a call to celebrate our salvation but even more to rejoice in our great Savior Jesus Christ who secured this salvation through His death and resurrection. If you need a reminder of who our great Savior is or you do not know Him at all, listen as Pastor Chris presents this beautiful message of hope so that you too can celebrate in the victory of Jesus’ resurrection.

In Colossians 2:6 the apostle Paul encourages us to walk in Christ Jesus. This walk must begin by receiving the free gift of salvation and must be motivated by Christ Himself. Our spiritual walk should be defined by being rooted in and building on Christ, established in faith, and abounding in thanksgiving. Listen as Pastor Chris expounds on how to successfully complete this spiritual journey and find rest and fulfillment in Jesus along the way.