Pastor's Outlines

     The Preeminent Christ- 9 TITLE: The Christ-filled Life -Pt. 2 TEXT: Colossians 3:5-11 THESIS:    Because believers have died with Christ (2:11-12) to the old world and have risen with Christ into a new world (3:1, 3-4), they must focus on this new heavenly world (vv. 1-2). On this basis of such a focus, they are to consider themselves dead to participation in the sinful lifestyle of the old world (3:5). One of my favorite church fathers is Augustine. It's because I can relate to his life and conversion. Augustine lived in the 4th and 5th centuries and was initially known for his indulgent, hedonistic lifestyle, pursuing pleasures that were contrary to biblical teachings. In his work "The Confessions," he recounts a pivotal moment when he heard a child's voice say, "Take up and read." This prompted him to pick up the Scriptures, which spoke directly to his heart, leading him to turn away from his old ways and embrace a life dedicated...

     The Preeminent Christ- 8 TITLE: Living the Christ-filled life! TEXT: Colossians 3:1-4 THESIS: Embracing a Christ-filled life compels believers to shift their focus from earthly illusions to the ultimate reality found in Christ, fostering a mindset aligned with spiritual truths that glorify God and cultivate a deep, transformative relationship with Him. TRUTH: In Plato's famous parable, a group of people have lived their entire lives chained inside a cave, facing a wall. Behind them is a fire, and between the fire and the prisoners, people carry objects that cast shadows on the wall. Because this is all they have ever seen, they believe the shadows are reality.   One prisoner is freed. He turns around, sees the fire, and realizes that the shadows are mere illusions, not the actual substance of existence. He is then taken outside the cave. At first, the sunlight hurts his eyes, but gradually he begins to see the real world and ultimately the sun. ...

  TITLE: From Shadows to Substance! TEXT: Colossians 2:16-23 THESIS: T he Apostle Paul calls believers to resist the entrapments of legalism and asceticism, urging them to embrace their identity and spiritual fullness in Christ, emphasizing that their relationship with Him transcends external practices and ceremonial observances, and unlocks the freedom and richness of their faith.   TRUTH: In Colossians 2:16-23, Paul makes a significant shift, urging the congregation to recognize and live according to their identity in Christ. He cautions them against legalism and ascetic practices that detract from their faith. Instead, Paul encourages the believers to embrace their freedom in Christ and resist being judged by external observances, affirming that their standing before God is rooted entirely in their relationship with Christ. This passage serves as a clarion call for believers to embody the freedom and fullness they possess in their unity with Hi...