Raintree Community Church Stephen Conley

Missions Focus Sunday
Dr. Joshua Paxton preached to us from 3 John 5-8, which called us to send missionaries out in a manner worthy of God so that we may be fellow workers in the Truth. He taught us how we can “hold the rope” with missionaries through meaningful involvement in training, sending, and supporting. 
(Dr. Paxton is the Director of the Burnham Center for Global Engagement and Professor of Intercultural Studies at Calvary University)

Text: Colossians 3:5-6
 
God’s Grace Empowers Us to Make War on Sin (3:5)
Because we are raised with Christ, we are empowered to put our sin to death. Because we are raised with Christ, we must no longer worship our desires.  
God’s Wrath Sobers Us to Think Rightly About Our Sin (3:6)
For sinners outside of Christ, the wrath of God will be coming upon them; therefore, we need to take sin seriously. For sinners saved by Christ, the wrath of God has been satisfied in Christ; therefore, we can rest in His sufficient work (1 John 2:1-2).

Text: Colossians 3:1-4
 
We Must Earnestly Prioritize Christ and His Kingdom (3:1-2)
Because we have been raised to life in Christ, He is our chief consideration in all things. We value Christ and His eternal kingdom over the things of earth.  
We Must Purposefully Embrace Our Identity in Christ and His Kingdom (3:3-4)
In Christ, we have died to ourselves and have been raised to a new identity in Him. In Christ, our life is complete and secure for all eternity in His Kingdom.

Text: Colossians 2:16-23
 
Consider the Insufficiency of Legalism (2:16-17)
Following religious rules does not produce godliness; it can lead to self-righteousness and judgmentalism. Look to Christ as the substance of your faith!  
Consider the Insufficiency of Mysticism (2:18-19)
Worshipping angels and searching for visions will lead us away from the truth of the Gospel. Hold fast to Christ, the fountain head of all wisdom and fulfillment!  
Consider the Insufficiency of Asceticism (2:20-23)
Self-made religion and discipline for the sake of the flesh leads to enslavement by the flesh. Depend on Christ to deliver you from your sin and equip you in the battle against temptation!

Travis Thompson preaches from 2 Peter 1:19-21.

Text: Colossians 2:11-15
 
In Christ We Are Given a New Heart (2:11-12)
Because of Christ, we are given a new life with a transformed heart. Life Application: Because Christ has given us new hearts, we are now empowered by Christ to follow Him.  
In Christ We Receive Complete Forgiveness (2:13-14)
Because of Christ, we experience total forgiveness of all our sins as we are made alive in Him. Life Application: As Christians, we are no longer under condemnation, but under grace!  
In Christ We are Granted Victory Over the Enemy (2:15)
Because of Christ, we share in the victory of Christ’s triumphant defeat of Satan and his demons. Life Application: As Christians, we do not live in light of who we were in our sins; we live in light of who Christ is as our victorious Savior.