CityLight Vineyard Church

How are we growing in faith? This passage in Colossians encourages us to let go of all the extra stuff we try to add, and to keep the focus on the simple message of Jesus. As we let go of faulty thinking, sin, and whatever else holds us back we can truly lean into Jesus. And one of the greatest ways to let go of all that is to move towards faith community. In true Christian community we can grow together, challenge each other, and encourage each other!

In order to truly embody the message of the Gospel we will find it necessary to live sacrificially. If Jesus lived sacrificially, there is no way for us to truly communicate His message without doing so as well. This teaching will challenge you to see that it’s the kindness of God that invites us to sacrifice for others.

In this passage Jesus is spoken of in the highest terms. He is the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Redeemer of all things. If Jesus literally has the blueprints for all of creation, certainly we can trust Him to have the blueprints for our lives!

It can be tempting to think that our spiritual growth is all about the work we put in. And while it is true that we have work to do, we cannot replace the work that God by His grace does in our lives. Can we learn to see God working in our lives, and find the fruit that comes from Him?

Why do we read the Bible? We read so that we may know Jesus better. The Word of God is meant to draw us closer to the Son of God. Knowing His Word and loving Him are inseparable realities. However, it can be easy to forget this. How can we read for relationship?

As we read the Word of God, are we reading for information only, or are we allowing the Word to transform us. Are we letting the Word into our hearts to  change our lives? Are we becoming new people because we interact with God’s Word regularly?

The Word of God has been assembled over 1500 years, with 40 authors in three different languages. The key that holds it all together is that God is speaking through the words to us. We can trust this book, because God has spoken. The words aren’t meant to just inform us, but to transform us. To change us. To change our lives. And to change the world.

Have you ever wondered where the Bible came from? How did we get it? Why should we trust it? Is it authoritative? This week we tackle some of those questions as we begin our series on the Word of God!

What gets in the way of you saying “yes” to Jesus in your life? Is it time? Insecurity? Opposition? We all face obstacles and roadblocks, but how can we learn to overcome them and a big yes for Jesus in our hearts?

Often we say “yes” to many things we think are important in life. At times, these commitments take the place of the path God truly wants us to be on. We fill our lives up with so much that we tend to neglect the opportunities to serve, lead and build ourselves up in the Lord. As you listen to this teaching, ask yourself, ”What do I need to let go of so I can “fan the flame” God has placed on my heart and in my life.”