In Colossians 2:16-23 Paul warns the people about the spiritual bullies that are oppressing and dragging them down. The truth is that the church has found itself throughout history dealing with spiritual bullies that put unnecessary burdens on the people. Pastor Scott reminds us of the different kinds of spiritual bullies and the lies and deception that come from these bullies.
Colossians: Raised from the Dead
Our salvation does not come through our power or our works, but by the power of Jesus. He has raised us from the dead, we are spiritually lifeless and destitute before his power comes into our lives. In this message Pastor Scott reminds us that it is the work of Christ that cancels our record of debt, it is his work that has brought people out of the kingdom of darkness.
Colossians: Knowing the Gospel
Understanding the message of the gospel is important for every believer in Jesus. It protects us and provides us with discernment when faced with ideas contrary to it. In this message from Colossians 2:8-10, Pastor Scott preaches about what the gospel is and why it's important that we know the message.
Colossians: Returning to Your First Love
The essence of this message is about returning to your first love. In Colossians 2, Paul calls the people to walk with God the way they did at the start. Just as you received and just as you were taught in the early days of your walk so continue to walk now. Pastor Scott reminds us of that early ethos right after conversion and the call back. The reality is there are countless folks at Ren who at one time were so near to God but have grown cold, but we know the Spirit of God can break hearts and bring renewal.
Colossians: Declaring War on Sin
As Christians we need to be ready and guarded against any attempts to distract us with arguments and ideas that move us away from a simple faith in Jesus. In this message, Pastor Scott looks at Colossians 2:1-5. Paul is writing to the Colossians who are being deluded and tempted with plausible arguments that caused discouragement and a lack of unity. Pastor Scott preaches about the theology of "easy believism" that has attacked the Christian faith. It's a view that keeps us from obedience and aligning our beliefs with how we live our lives. He concludes by saying that we need to declare war on the sin in our lives.
Colossians: Living as Ministers
To be a Christian is to be a Minister. Maybe not a full-time pastor or missionary, but all Christians are ministers. We are all minsters in our distinct, diverse ways. We are all called to spread the gospel and play our roles. In this message, Pastor Scott preaches from Colossians 1:24-29 about our call as ministers and the reality of our role in the kingdom of God.
Colossians: Presented Before Him
In this message Pastor Scott preaches from Colossians 1:21-23. We were all stuck in rebellion, alienated, hostile and doing evil works, but through Jesus' blood he has reconciled us. Jesus is doing work in us so that we would be presented holy, blameless and above reproach before him.
Colossians: Who is Jesus?
When we think about Jesus our minds are usually immediately drawn to his work on earth. His teaching, his miracles and ultimately his death & resurrection. In Colossians 1:15-20 Paul writes to expand our thoughts about who Jesus is. He is God the Creator & Sustainer of the universe. We need to be filled with awe and wonder when we think about who Jesus is, all things were made by him and for him. He is truly great!
Colossians: Two Kingdoms
There are two kingdoms: the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. For many it is very jarring the moment we first realize there are two kingdoms, we live our lives ignorant of this fact and when Christ comes into our lives we see not only his kingdom but the kingdom of darkness. In this message from Colossians 1:13, Pastor Scott takes us through some of the lies and deception of the kingdom of darkness. He also reminds us of the wonderful new kingdom that Jesus has brought us into.
Colossians: Prayer for the People
We continue in our series of the book of Colossians by looking closer at Paul's prayer for the people in Colossians 1:8-12. Pastor Scott takes a look at what it means to live a life worthy of the Lord and pleasing to Him. God always loves us and accepts us but he does correct us to change us when we are going off track. We are to have lives that bear fruit and declare the goodness and glory of God.