Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 2:15-23 (ESV)
15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Sermon Outline
Those who desire to grow spiritually must focus on Christ and be discerning of the lure of self-made religion.

1. The Danger of Being Puffed Up

• v18 “…going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind”

2.  The Fear of Disqualification

• v17 “These are a shadow… but the substance…”

• v18 “Let no one disqualify you” [v16]

3. The Need to Hold Fast to Christ

• v20 “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why…” 

• v17 “the substance belongs to Christ”

• v19 “not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body… grows with a growth that is from God.

Prayer of Confession
Our God, you are so great we should abound with thanksgiving and eagerly walk with you. We confess we have been apathetic and lukewarm. When we have demonstrated greater fervency, it has often been infected with pride. We are guilty of forming faith and practices around our own desires. We have been fooled by those who appeal to these desires. Our thoughts and actions have not honored you. We are immature, needing forgiveness as well as guidance. We ask, in the name of Christ, that you forgive our sins and nourish us so that we grow in him. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. Are you more typically ambivalent and lax in your walk with God, or overzealous?  Are you content, believing your walk with God is healthy?  What do you observe?

2. Can you be “too devoted” or enthusiastic in following Christ? 

3. What distinguishes a highly enthusiastic and engaged faith that is healthy, from one that is problematic?

4. Does a “reasonable mind” require denying supernatural elements of Christianity?  How do you discern what is true and real?  How can you identify what is false?

5. How can churches create social pressures that appeal to ego or fear?  What are some of the dynamics of an unhealthy Christian community?  What might you see or experience?

6. How does Jesus set us free from the powers of the elemental spirits of this world?

7. How can you live free of the lure of these spirits and from the unruly desires withing you?

8. What does it mean to hold fast to Christ? 

9. What are some of the means God provides for your growth within the body of Christ?  How does church and Christian community provide nourishment from God?

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 2:6-15 (ESV)
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Sermon Outline
Real enduring growth flows out of the change that begins with the unique work that Christ does.

1. Circumcision

• v11 “In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands… the circumcision of Christ”

2. Crucifixion

• v13 “you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh”

• v14-15 “canceling the record of debt that stood against us… nailing it to the cross…He disarmed… put… to… shame”

• v13 “God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses”

3. Baptism

• v12 “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God…”

Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, who works powerfully for your people: forgive all our sins. We have not been thankful for your sacrificial love. We have not believed that your ways lead to life. We have trusted in our own judgements even when they have conflicted with your teachings. We have acted on corrupt desires, even when we recognized they lead to death. We have not been faithful to the covenant nor honored our relationship with you. Our hope is in Christ, who cancelled the record of debt that stood against us. Forgive us in him. Cleanse us and fill us with your Holy Spirit as we look to you with faith and give thanks for your grace. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. Are you abounding in thanksgiving?  How often do you experience envy, resentment, or in some way dissatisfaction because you feel like you don’t have enough?  What are some of the themes of negativity that persist in your life?

2. Jesus calls us to a new way of life.  How would you describe it?  How does it work?  What don’t you understand about it?

3. Why is God concerned about our hearts? 

4. Why is the work of Christ described as a circumcision of the heart? 

5. How does the crucifixion of Jesus bring forgiveness to us?  How does it work?

6. How can reflecting on what Jesus did for you help with your struggles of shame or efforts to be free from all that holds you captive?

7. What does baptism picture?  What are we supposed to see when we observe a baptism?

8. What does it look like to have faith in the powerful working of God? 

9. What changes can you make this week to make progress in walking “in Christ”?  How will you try to think differently?  What habits will you put aside?  Which will you take on?

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 2:6-15 (ESV)
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbors, in thought, word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Speaker: Rev. Tim Chang
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 1:24-2:5  (ESV)
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Prayer of Confession
Almighty and most merciful Father; we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. And grant, O most merciful Father, for your Son Jesus Christ’s sake, that we may hereafter live a godly and righteous life, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Advent

Luke 2:1-21 (ESV)
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Sermon Outline
Reflecting on glory and peace in the song of the angels (v14) will help clarify why Christmas is worth celebrating.

1. Glory

• v1 “a decree… from Caesar Augustus”

• v9 “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them”

• v18 “And all who heard it wondered”

• v20  “the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God”

2. Peace

• v14 “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased”

• v10-11 “the angel said to them, ‘Fear not… I bring you good news of great joy… a Savior’”

• v15, 17  “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds… made known the saying… concerning this child”

• v13-14 “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God… and on earth peace…!’”

Prayer of Confession
Our glorious God, we praise you and rejoice at the good news of Jesus’ birth.  Hear us as we admit our sin and appeal for forgiveness.  We have sought our own glory, and are guilty of pride, envy, arrogance and idolatry.  We have forfeited peace and struggle with the consequences.  We have been troublemakers, not peacemakers. We humbly admit our need of your grace, and we marvel at your kindness.  Forgive our sins.  Thank you for the peace given to us in Christ.  May all glory go to you.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. How are you feeling this season?  How are you feeling about Christmas?  Why?  What are you looking forward to?  What are you dreading?

2. What do you imagine the shepherds saw when the angels appeared?  What did they hear (what did it sound like)?

3. Do you postpone peace in pursuit of glory?  Have you given up striving for glory because you want to be at peace?  Which is more of a priority in your life right now (peace or glory)?

4. What evidence is there that the world is not at peace with God? 

5.  Why is the birth of Jesus good news?  What benefits come because he came into the world?  How is Jesus a gift to the world?

6. How do we receive peace from God?  What did Jesus do so that we would have peace with God?

7. How do we “give” glory to God?  What attitude and actions should you cultivate?

8. As you practice receiving peace and giving glory, what will help set a clearer trajectory for a life of joy?

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Lessons & Carols

Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Matthew 1:18-23 (ESV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us).

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 1:24-2:5 (ESV)
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Sermon Outline
A life that deepens in Christ includes struggling (1:29-2:1) as part of the maturing process.

1. Proclaiming Christ

• 1:28 “ Him we proclaim…”

• 2:2-3 “God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

2. Suffering for Christ

• 1:24 “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church”

• 1:29  “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”

3. Maturing in Christ

• v28    “…that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

• v27  “this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Prayer of Confession
Our great God, you have made available to us all the riches of wisdom and knowledge. Yet we have not trusted you, walked with you, or loved you. We confess our sins and turn to you for forgiveness. We have set our hearts on earthly treasures while neglecting the treasure of Christ. We have been more concerned with our bodies than with the body of Christ, your church. Comfort has been a greater priority than love for others. We have been childish, but not child-like. We thank you that through the remarkable love of Christ we have the hope of glory. Cleanse and renew us. Sustain us by the powerful working of your Spirit so that we have strength to walk in a manner worthy of Christ. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What forms of suffering do you assume are a normal part of life?  What forms of suffering do you not understand, or leave you confused or make it difficult to believe in God?

2. What encouragement can readers of Colossians take from the costly sufferings Paul endured in order to bring the gospel to us and to offer teaching and help?

3. Why is it important to stay focused on Christ?  What is challenging about remaining focused on Christ?

4. How does a person “look to Christ”?  What should you do?

5. How can challenges push you grow?  What kinds of trials should Christians expect to be part of their growing process?

6. How can you draw from the power of God to be sustained when enduring difficulties?

7. Is there anything you are doing or failing to do that is hindering your maturing in Christ?  What can you start to do differently?

Speaker: Rev. Tim Chang
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 1:15-23 (ESV)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Sermon Outline

1. Why we need reconciliation (v.21)

2. How Jesus reconciles (v. 20-22)

3. What this means for how we live now (v. 23)

Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, you created the universe for wholeness and flourishing. Harmony and peace were meant to be ordinary elements of day to day life. But we have brought ruin and created distance from others, ourselves, and you. Forgive us for our evil deeds, both seen and unseen. Forgive us for our hostile thoughts. In your mercy and kindness, you did not start all over again, but you sent your Son, Jesus, to reconcile all things to himself. We do not deserve this gift of reconciliation. Help us to remain in Jesus and be firmly secured in the hope of the gospel. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What connected with you from the sermon or the passage?

2. The brokenness of the world reveals that there is distance from others, ourselves, and from God. Where do you feel this distance in your own life?

3. Sometimes, even the slightest doubt or suspicion can take away intimacy and contribute to more distance. How have you seen this to be true?

4. God is the one that initiated reconciliation. Why is this significant?

5. Jesus “presents us holy, blameless, and above reproach.” Reflect and mediate on this truth. How might this be an encouragement to your soul?

6. The gospel is meant to be our foundation for all of life. Describe how we might treat it as one option among many.

7. What might continuing in the faith look like for you in this season?

8. What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Sermon Outline
We are invited into the reforming and reordering of all things in Christ, who is far greater than we imagine.

1. Christ is first.

• vv17-18 “he is before all things… he is the beginning”

• v15 “he is the image of the invisible God”, v19 “for in Him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell”

2. Christ holds all things together.

• v17 “in him all things hold together”

• v20 “through him to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven”

3. Christ is above all.

• v15 “the firstborn of creation”, v18 “the firstborn of the dead”

• v18 “he is the head of the body… that in everything he might be preeminent”

Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, our Creator and Redeemer, you who are above all: we admit our sin and shortcomings. With pride we have sought to take the preeminent place. With greed we have been lured into believing there are things greater than you. With corruption we have failed to act honorably toward you or others. With shame we admit that we are broken people and cannot fix ourselves. We thank you that Christ, who gives life to all, has given us new life. We ask for the forgiveness of our sins. Renew us by the Spirit that binds us to Christ, in whom all things are held together. The kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, forever. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What do you see as “preeminent” in our world?  What do people put first, value most, get most excited about, etc.?

2. Why is it hard to see that Jesus is preeminent?

3. What is meant by the phrase “if you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus”?  What are you supposed to do?

4. How is looking to Jesus like keeping your “eye on the ball”?  How can you keep your eyes on Jesus throughout a typical day?  In extraordinary circumstances?

5. How does Christianity provide meaning in life?  Does life make sense?  Are you experiencing a sense of purpose?   

6. In what areas of your life would you benefit from reordering things with Jesus as your guide and teacher?  Where do you feel like you most need to give attention?

7. Why is it good news that Jesus is above all?  Are you confident Jesus is worthy of that position?  What concerns do you have?

8. What are some implications of Jesus being over all, and all things being accountable to him?

9. Do you ever have a sense of the transcendence and glory of Christ?  What can you be attuned to in order to help you recognize the greatness of Christ?  What can you expect to happen within you if you can more consistently connect with the exalted Christ?

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 1:9-14 (ESV)
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Sermon Outline
We mature spiritually as we align with God’s will, so we should seek growth in the following areas:

1. Understanding

• v9  “asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding”

2. Action

• v10  “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”

3.  Endurance

• v11 “being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience”

4. Attitude

• vv11-12  “with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light”

Prayer of Confession
Our wise God, we don’t want to walk in darkness. We admit we often have the attitude “not thy will be done, but mine.” We have not sought to understand your will. In fact, we have tried to ignore it. We have contradicted it. We have sinned in thought, word and deed. We recognize our ingratitude, and we admit stubborn resistance to rejoice in you. Grant us forgiveness. Fill us with the knowledge of your will so that we walk with wisdom in a manner pleasing to you. Strengthen us with your power, according to your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. How do you pray for other people?  Aside from specific needs, what do you (or should you) ask God to do in the lives of others? 

2. What does it mean to know God’s will?  What kinds of things should Christians know?  What can we not know?

3. What role does learning play in the Christian life?  What are some ways learning happens?

4. How are actions (what we do) part of the learning process? 

5. What does it look like to draw strength from God?  How can your endurance be with strength that God provides?

6. What is needed to get through periods where you are not experiencing joy?

7. Is it possible to choose to rejoice?  Are there things you can do that are authentic and faithful when you are not feeling joyful?

8. What role does thanksgiving play in the Christian life?  How can prayers of thanksgiving be a more frequent part of your day? 

9. How does the concept of inheritance inform how we can live?  What is implied?  What do you have that you did not earn?  What are you doing with what has been entrusted to you?

10. What does it look like to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord”?  What attitude and posture should you have?