Sunrise Community Church

In Colossians 3:1-17, Paul writes encouraging the believers that Jesus was calling them to "put off" the old self, and the put on the new.

Isaiah 58 describes what God desires when we fast. Instead of going through the motions, God wanted the Israelites to expose their sins, examine their hearts, fast and live for a Godly purpose, and delight in Him.

The wise men gave odd gifts for a baby, but perhaps they realized who Jesus was from the very beginning. Their gifts shed light as to who Jesus' identity truly is.

In Romans 12:1-2 Paul appeals to those in Rome that they were made to worship.

We examine 3 facets of those 2 verses:

1) The Call: lifelong worship

2) The Cost: changing for worship

3) The Goal: the glory of the God we worship

As Christians we believe Jesus has given us two sacraments that we are to observe. One being communion and the other water baptism.

Water baptism in and of itself has no power to save but rather symbolises the saving act and power of Jesus.

Paul speaks about this in Colossians 2:8-15.

Specifically, baptism symbolises Jesus victory over:

1. Deceptive doctrine

2. Indwelling sin

3. Debt of religion

4. Devil and his demons

Listen to our November Flourish message were we looked at Psalm 23 and how it encourages us to deal with fear, anxiety and depression. If this is something you have ever struggled with be reminded that with Jesus there is always hope and we hope this message reminds you of that.

In part 7 of our journey through Colossians we will discover how to withstand deception.

All Christians can withstand deception by:

1. Being united in Jesus

2. Growing in confident knowledge of Jesus

3. By walking in Jesus

2 Corinthians 5:10-21 tells us that our duties as Christians are to disciple others. We are called to persuade others to open their eyes, be controlled by the love of Jesus, and implore others to be reconciled with God.