The Moody Church Sunday Morning Podcast

Once we are a new creation in Christ, what's the next step in our spiritual growth? A new life in Christ isn't only about an interior renovation of our spirit, although it certainly is that, but also an exterior reclamation of Christian values in our relation to others. The internal spiritual transformation should produce an exterior attitude change towards others. In this passage, the new life in Christ impacts us in four ways: a new identity, a new nature, a new attitude, and a new priority.

 

Colossians 3:12-14

How much thought have you given to setting your mind on heaven so that your life on earth is lived to the fullest? Our effectiveness for Christ in this world is tied to how much we tune our minds into the things of heaven. CS Lewis once wrote: "If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world are those who thought most of the next. It is precisely because Christians have ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this." In this sermon, we learn that the philosophy for right earthly living is to look up to heaven. Three practices help us to achieve this: we must constantly purge our lives of sinful behavior, we must consistently renew ourselves with the knowledge of Christ through His word, and we must view other believers as unified with us in Christ. Colossians 3:5-11

Relationships often open doors to opportunities that otherwise wouldn't exist. It's who you know, or who you're united with, that matters. A person's relationship to Jesus grants access to God that would be impossible otherwise. The moment you place your faith in Christ and enter into that relationship, it fundamentally changes who you are. In this sermon, we unpack three implications of being united with Christ: complete surrender to Christ, full security in Christ, and continue hope in Christ. Colossians 3:1-4

If we want to grow spiritually, how should we fuel that growth? That's a worthy goal many of us have. Yet, in our desire for spiritual growth, we need to be be aware of the things that stunt growth; things that may appear good, but their consequences are damaging. In this sermon, we learn about four false fruits that stunt our growth: false wisdom, false worship, false humility, and false hope. Colossians 2:20-23

Why is legalism so dangerous to our spiritual health? Legalism is believing that we can earn or keep favor with God by what we do. It flows from the failure to be humbled, broken, amazed, and satisfied by the grace of God in Christ. In this sermon, we learn about three dangers of legalism to avoid: a judgmental spirit, an insistence on man-made rules, and a marginalization of Christ as our supreme focus. Colossians 2:16-19

Why does God identify Himself as "Father"? On Father's Day 2019, this sermon reflects on the nature of our Heavenly Father. Pastor Stetzer shows us how through Christ God adopts us as His children, and He is both our loving Father and our fatherly example. Ultimately, the role of earthly fathers is shaped by God's character.

 

Various Passages

How do we make changes in our lives? Some habits and lifestyles are easier to change than others. But there are some things that are impossible for us to change to change on our own. Only Jesus can bring the change that we really need. In this sermon, we find 3 changes only Jesus can bring: from death to life, from debtor to forgiven, and from defeat to triumph. Colossians 2:13-15

How do we overcome the temptation to put our hope in things that don't satisfy? When we look for fulfillment outside of Christ, we find emptiness. But if we are captivated with Jesus, we will find true satisfaction for our deepest desires. Colossians 2:8-12

How do we sustain and grow our love for God? What are the marks of a Christian who is grounded in their faith? In this passage, Pastor McCarthy shows us three markers that we are walking with Christ: grounded, growing, and grateful. Colossians 2:6-7

How can we be assured that our faith is genuine? In this passage, we find three evidences that the church truly knows Jesus. The church is to be united in love, to remain focused on Jesus, and to be firm in the faith. There is an assurance of God that only comes from being united in love to the people of God. The church is not an event we go to, but a family we belong to. Colossians 2:1-5