2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

TITLE: Tough Challenges are Given- Part 2

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

I.   Our New Identity           

You are God’s (Chosen People)
You are (Holy)
You are (Dearly Loved)

Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you. [v.12 MSG]

(Compassion)     (Patience)

(Kindness)         (Bear with each other)

(Humility)          (Forgive each other)

(Gentleness)      (Love one another)

II.  Our New Ruler

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…
If our King is a Good King we have (nothing to fear and much to rejoice over).
Live at (peace with each other) and be (peace-makers).
Be (thankful)! – Mentioned 3 times in these last three verses!

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…
(Scripture)– Are you a vessel filled with God’s Word? Are you saturated with it?
(The Spirit) – As you abide with Christ, you will learn to know the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life

Let whatever you say and do be to Christ’s Glory.

NEXT WEEK’S THEME: Run with the Horses
SERIES: Jesus Unfiltered
TITLE: Jesus is Real
SCRIPTURE: I Cor. 15:1-9

2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

TITLE: Tough Challenges are Given- Part 1

Scripture:  Col. 3:5-11

I.   COACHING UP           

3 things to do counteract false teachers:

1. 1. 1. 1. We need to (reset our sights) on things above.
         2. We are to (reshape our perspective).
         3. We need to (redefine our purpose).

II.  COACHING DOWN     

Paul uses various images to portray Christian living:

1. 1. 1. 1. A (disciplined athlete) in I Cor. 9
         2. A (faithful soldier) in 2 Tim. 2
         3. A (tenacious wrestler) in Eph. 6

Sanctification= (set aside for a specific purpose).

Three things we need to do:

1. 1. 1. 1. Put to death our (sinful passions).
         2. Put off our (sinful practices).
         3. Put down our (sinful pride).

NEXT WEEK: THEME: Run with the Horses   SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

Title: Tough Challenges are Given-Pt. 2- Col.  3:12-17 (Pastor Ryan preaching)

2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

TITLE: Obedience is Encouraged

Scripture:  Col. 2:16-3:4

Following Jesus should be (expected), but never (demanded).

I.   OBEDIENCE AND THE “LORD IT OVER” APPROACH           

Two words will conflict:

1. 1. 1. (Grace)- God’s unmerited favor
      2. (Legalism)- conforming to a code to exalt self. A (self-made) approach to get on God’s good side. Always involves man-made (rules and regulations) enforced through guilt and shame.

Let’s go to the text:

1. 1. 1. Our (sins) were nailed to the Cross, not a (deed) we do.
      2. (Freedom) comes through Christ, not rules and regulations.
      3. We are free from the (bondage of religion).
      4. Relying on religion, on legalism, leaves one out in the cold when it comes to (salvation).
      5. Relying on religion leaves one (powerless and chained).

II.  OBEDIENCE AND THE “LOVE IT ALWAYS” APPROACH          

What do we need to do?

1. 1. 1. We need to (reset our sights) on things above.
      2. We are to (reshape our perspective).
      3. We are to (redefine our purpose).

NEXT WEEK: THEME: Run with the Horses   SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

Title: Tough Choices are Challenged-Pt. 1- Col.  3:5-11

2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

TITLE: Lives are Changed

Scripture:  Col. 2:6-15

I.  WE MUST DEEPEN OUR INTIMACY          

Here is what we have so far:

1. 1. 1. 1. It starts with the (new birth).
         2. It continues when we (follow Him).
         3. We learn steady walking leads to (stability and growth).
         4. A steady faith is marked by (overflowing gratitude).

II. WE MUST DEFINE OUR IDENTITY          

What is the transformation which must take place?

1. 1. 1. 1. There is a (death).
         2. There is a (burial).
         3. There is a (resurrection).

NEXT WEEK: THEME: Run with the Horses   SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

Title: Obedience is Encouraged- Col.  2:16-3:4

2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

TITLE: Grace is Offered

Scripture:  Col. 1:20-2:5

I.  GRACE IS OFFERED VERTICALLY

5 key words to know:

1. 1. 1. 1. (Justification)- Sinner declared righteous (not guilty)
         2. (Redemption)- Sinner is granted freedom
         3. (Forgiveness)- Sinner has debt paid and forgotten
         4. (Adoption)- Sinner is made a son
         5. (Reconciliation)- Sinner is made a friend 

II.  GRACE IS OFFERED HORIZONTALLY       

People are in need of a lot of grace today. Why? Because we are all (broken people). 

Paul had 5 goals for the Colossians:

1. 1. 1. 1. He wanted them to be (encouraged). (v.2a)
         2. He wanted them to be (knit together). (v.2b)
         3. He wanted them anchored (in the truth). (v.2c-3)
         4. He wanted them to know there will be (challenges). (v.4)
         5. He wanted them to (offer grace). (v.5)
            

NEXT WEEK: THEME: Run with the Horses   SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

Title: Lives are Changed- Col.  2:6-15

2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

TITLE: Jesus is Honored

Scripture:  Col. 1:15-20

I.   JESUS IS LORD OF CREATION        

(Preeminence)- Jesus is first. In Everything. First in importance, honor, and exaltation.

Is Jesus one of many gods?

He is the (visible image) of the (invisible God).
He is the (firstborn) of all creation.

What makes Jesus Lord of creation?

1. 1. 1. 1.  He is the (authority over creation).
         2.  He is the (agent of creation).
         3.  He is the (aim of creation).

II.  JESUS IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH        

He is the source from which the church derives its (life, sustenance, and growth)

III. JESUS IS THE SAVIOR OF THE CROSS 

(Redemption)=the act of setting free, liberating

Two take aways:

1. 1. 1. 1. Make Christ (first) in everything.
         2. Refocus our (attention) on Christ

NEXT WEEK: THEME: Run with the Horses   SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

Title: Grace is Offered- Col. 1:20-2:5

2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

TITLE: The Gospel is Preached

Scripture: Col. 1:3-14; I Cor. 1:18-31; Rom. 1:16-17

I. THE MANDATE BEFORE US

What does the mandate do?

1. 1. 1. 1. It gives us something to (pray) and (rejoice about).
         2. It (bears fruit).
         3. It (spurs growth).

The goal of the Gospel is not just that we might pass some kind of test by accurately recounting
the importance of Jesus. The goal of the Gospel is to produce a type of people consumed with
passion for God and love for others.

II. THE MATURITY WE REALIZE

Evidence of maturity:

1. 1. 1. 1. Our desire is to (please Christ).
         2. Our desire is to do (God’s will).
         3. Our desire is to experience (God’s freedom).

God is not going to rewrite the Bible for your generation. Stop trying to change Scripture when
it’s written to change you.

NEXT WEEK: THEME: Run with the Horses SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…
Title: Jesus is Honored- Col. 1:15-20

2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

TITLE: Dark Horse

Scripture: Jer. 12:5; I Cor. 9:24-27; Heb. 12:1-2

I.    RUNNING HINDERED      

Solomon’s kingdom divided-> Israel (northern kingdom-10 tribes) and southern kingdom (Judah-2 tribes). Northern kingdom fell to Assyria. Manasseh became king of Judah for 55 years-> pattern of apostasy until Josiah became king at 16. During his reign that Jeremiah called by God.

Jeremiah had a (calling from God on his life). See chapter 1.

II.   RUNNING FREE      

To run the race of faith, two things we must do (Heb. 12:1-2)

1. 1. 1. 1. (Eliminate).
         2. (Concentrate).

Paul’s imagery in I Cor. 9 is stark.

1. 1. 1. 1. (Running).
         2. (Boxing).

The terrible threat is “that we might die earlier than we really do die, before death has become a natural necessity. The real horror lies in just such a premature death, a death after which we go on living for many years.” (Peterson-p.19)

NEXT WEEK: THEME: Run with the Horses   SERIES: WELCOME HOME…where…

Title: The Gospel is Preached-Col. 1:3-14; I Cor. 1:18-31; Rom. 1:16-17

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: More Than a Holiday

TITLE: What Does it all Mean?

Scripture: Matt.1:23; Phil. 2:5-8; I Thess. 4:16

  I.        HE IS WITH US     

No matter what you receive, no matter how high the price tag, no matter how elaborate the technology, (things will disappoint us).

Mary and Joseph knew what Immanuel meant but (not the implications). All other religions lay out what you must (do) to somehow reach God. But Christianity is not (do), but (done).

   II.        HE IS COMING AGAIN     

Here is what we need to know and remember: Jesus Himself (did not know) when He would return.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem when (the time was just right).

NEXT WEEK: THEME: Run with the Horses

Title: Dark Horse- Jer.12:5; I Cor. 9:24-27; Heb. 12:1-2

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: More Than a Holiday

TITLE: Don’t Miss It!

Scripture: Luke 2:7; Mt. 2:1-12

I.   THEY MISSED IT    

The Innkeeper: Don’t miss Christmas because you are (too preoccupied).

Herod: Don’t miss Christmas because you (refuse to believe).

Religious leaders: Don’t miss Christmas because of (religion)

II.  THEY DIDN’T     

Simeon: His name means (God has heard).

Anna: Her mission was fulfilled because her (dream became a reality).

NEXT WEEK: SERIES: More Than a Holiday

Title: What Does it all Mean? Mt.1:23; Phil. 2:5-8; I Thess. 4:16