In which we talk about how important it is to go after the means of grace with diligence and discipline...

Brian shared what he felt God put on his heart for our congregation as a timely message.

Hannah weeping at Shiloh is the catalyst for Samuel's birth and his unique calling and devotion...

Q #1 - If I already died with Christ, then do I still need to die to anything else?

Q #2 - If the law and asceticism doesn't work, but grace does, then what is the role of self-discipline in the Jesus-life?

There's a lot of really important stuff tucked in this chat.

This Sunday chat sort of happened. I left my notes behind almost immediately and went after a big picture view...

The religious self-salvation projects humanity is so addicted to have a demonic aspect. And not only that, but they are also completely ineffective at killing sin or making us right with God.

In Christ, we died to these "stoicheia," the lowly evil powers that drive empty religious earning. Instead we receive God's love and forgiveness and life as a gift and now live FROM the high ground of union with God toward the challenges of life.

This talk is on Colossians 2:20-23.

God has always been after our hearts in touch with His heart.

Sometimes we make too much of personal spiritual experiences in a way that puffs us up and doesn't help others really know God better, but instead leaves them feeling disqualified. Jesus, on the other hand, transforms, beautifies, and grows us up into the image of love.

Jesus should be the focus of our mountaintop experiences with God.

Don't let anyone condemn you over shadows when you have the substance who is Christ.

This little talk is from Col 2:16-17.