Harbor Rock Tabernacle Harbor Rock Tabernacle

As we weigh the amazing work Christ has done to redeem us, and the calling to live as a new creation in Christ, it's important to ask: "How does the Lord want me to live?" Love requires sacrifice, so if we love the Lord, how does that show in consistent and practical ways? In Colossians 3, the apostle Paul calls us to 10 specific actions that will be unmistakable evidence we've "put on" this new life Jesus has given us.   Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2tg6IKqeTM

Because Jesus has saved us from death to life, and is now our Lord and the Head of our lives, our old life has absolutely no place in anything we do as believers. So the Lord gives us the imperative direction to "put to death" and deprive sin of having any power. He says they can become idols to us. So we have to resist justifying impurity and volatile emotions like anger and malice and slander, being filled by the Spirit so His fruit exudes through our lives.   Video of this service is available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eth8rmxNHVQ&t=4191s

One of the dangers the young Colossian believers faced was the influence of Judaizers, who wanted to pull them into legalism. So Paul warns them, and us, that being proud and "puffed up" in our mind draws attention away from Jesus, Who is the Head of our lives and the Church. When we understand the characteristics and practical control of our physical head and brain, it gives us clarity as to why we must make Jesus pre-eminent, and live under His control and leading.   Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD_Z0nvkiU4

When all of our focus is on Jesus, confidence replaces doubt and we find strength in His work and assurances instead of fearing our circumstances. In the middle of Colossians 2, Paul makes a statement that calls us to be staggered by the transcendence of the Lord, Who still came here as one of us to save us. Through 10 astounding actions, Jesus makes those who trust & live for Him complete, and give us the power and victory to live abundantly.   video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC_tj8x1NzE

The battle for people's minds is pervasive--and increasingly, that involves a strong cultural opposition to Jesus and His Word, as well as those who believe in both. Throughout history, man has offered self-centered philosophies to address the spiritual need within, but they all fall short. But Colossians says that "in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge", and calls us to take our thoughts captive, stable in our faith and living in grateful obedience. 

After Paul reminds the Colossian believers of the awesome reality of Christ's work, he then calls them to boldly live as those who are no longer alienated from God and marked by sin. He establishes the need and expectation to continue on to maturity, "firmly established and steadfast, not moving away from the hope of the Gospel". Our effectiveness in this continuation will be driven by our love for the Lord and for His work.