One of Satan’s sneakiest tricks is to make us think we love the message when we really just love the messenger. One pastor called this “American Christianity’s dirty little secret.” While a man might keep us connected to the message for a while, what happens when he (or we) leaves, dies or disqualifies himself? Paul strives to put our faith in the message about Christ, not the messenger. Hopefully, this message does the same, strengthening your commitment to God and His Word, no matter who preaches it. Homework for next week: Read Romans 10:10-17

"What’s in it for me?" It is one of those mottos that drives people today, and it’s impact on our church is real. What we are after is often more programs or at least the right ones for me and my family. So, what is it that drives you in your choice of this church (or any church)? While what our church does and offers can be a blessing, why we do it is what truly matters. As a church we need to remember that church is not about me but about Jesus and doing everything to and for His glory. Homework for next week: Read 1 Corinthians 1-4

Nowhere in the New Testament does God speak on worship style; so as a church we offer a variety of styles. While God did not speak to worship style, for many years now churches have had a “tug of war” going on over style. Sadly when we get caught up in worship style and make it our mission, we have forgotten the real mission of the church. The Church’s mission has nothing to do with what kind of music you sing or the instruments you play. Instead, we must go back to Jesus’ mission for His Church - namely to make disciples of all nations and see that substance trumps matters.

The conclusion of Paul’s letters reminds us that Paul wasn’t a lone ranger in life or in ministry. He spends paragraphs sending greetings to his friends and from his friends. Even in prison, Paul was surrounded by “one another”. In the same way, we are striving to be a church that doesn’t just gather to listen to a pastor, but truly does life with “one another”. Homework for next week: Read Romans 10:9-17

Everyone deals with authority. Either we are under someone else’s authority (as children, employees, etc.) or we are in a position of authority (as head of the household, parent, boss, etc.). So, how does Jesus change our view of authority? In a radical way! Jesus gives those under authority the greatest reason to humbly serve and Jesus gives those in authority the greatest reason to humbly lead. Homework for next week: Read Colossians 4:2-18.

Visit our website (http://922church.com/caps-lock-jesus-week-7) to download "This Is My Church" wallpaper to your smart phone or computer screen.

Finding your identity in Jesus changes everything. You set your mind on the things of Jesus because Jesus is your life. You put to death the old sinful patterns and embrace the “new you” who is remade into the image of God. Paul encourages the Colossians (and us) to fix our thoughts on Jesus in heaven and let our lives follow His ways. Homework for next week: Read Colossians 3:18-4:1

Every culture believes it has found something better than Jesus. The Colossians battled Jewish ritualism, hyper-spiritual angel worshipers, and more. That is why Paul trumpeted the “bigness” of Jesus. Only Jesus is God in human flesh. Only Jesus can make you spiritually alive. Only Jesus can take away sins. Therefore, cling to Jesus! In 2015 America, there are plenty of philosophies that claim to be better than “old time Christianity” (e.g. vague spirituality, follow-your-feelings-philosophy, scientism, ritualistic religion, etc.), but none can offer the glorious blessings Jesus can. So, cling to Jesus! Homework for next week: Read Colossians 3:1-17

Proclaiming a supreme Jesus is not easy. Paul is suffering (and writing this letter from prison!) and knew he would suffer more for the gospel. Yet, like a mother’s labor pains, this suffering has a purpose—to make people perfect through faith in Jesus. In our day, we might suffer for bold gospel proclamation, yet those “labor pains” are producing beautiful sons and daughters of God! Homework for next week: Read Colossians 2:1-23

Some people think of Jesus as a guru, a guide, a rabbi, or a wise teacher. But Paul insists Jesus is much, much more. Jesus is the creator of Saturn, the respiratory system, and the water cycle. Jesus is the One who ensures God doesn’t go to war against sinners. Jesus is the one who gave his life so that sinners could be free from sin’s accusations. Our Jesus is supreme. Our Jesus is truly [caps lock] JESUS. Homework for next week: Read Colossians 1:24-2:5

Paul passionately prayed that the Colossians would walk with God (aka live a God-pleasing life). That is why he prayed for their knowledge, both knowledge of God’s law, which would guide them down the right walking path, and knowledge of the gospel of Jesus, which would energize them to follow that same path. In the same way, we pray passionately for a deep knowledge of both the law and the gospel. Homework for next week: Read Colossians 1:15-23