Chris Wall • Colossians 3:1-11
The final two chapters of Colossians, Paul gets really practical in applying the doctrine of the preeminence of Christ. As Christians, it is important not to just know the truth, but to actually live the truth. In fact, I would argue if there is not an inward heart change and desire to live out faith in Christ, close examination of knowing Christ would be wise.
This passage begins with the practices Christians should “take off” because Christ has “put on” a new self in the believer. He then goes on to explain what these desires produce in the believer and unbeliever alike. The grip of sin produces anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk and lying. Because of what Christ has done from the inside out, it is now possible for these things to be put off and we are able to live in this new self that is being renewed in the
knowledge after the image of our Creator. Though this is only possible because of the heart surgery that has supernaturally taken place, the actions of a believer still matter.
Chris Wall • Nehemiah 9 ESV The posture of repentance in Chapter 9 of Nehemiah is a big shift from the celebration that took place in the feast of Booths. It was right to celebrateforgiveness and deliverance, now it is important to continue to stay close to the Lord moving forward. Nehemiah 9 helps us see the real anatomy of repentance. Repentance is both a one-time calling and a continuous call. When the Holy Spirit draws us, He keeps moving us and molding us into God's image towards a lifetime of continual repentance. Nehemiah 9 breaks this down and helps us see how to faithfully come to the Lord in repentance enabling us to remain close to the Lord day by day. ...
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end. ...
Chris Wall • Isaiah 9:1-7 The prophet Isaiah in both Chapter 8 and 9 discusses the reality of the human condition. The message of Christianity and the Bible communicates how things really are worse than they appear. People really are desperate for meaning and direction. The human situation really is hopeless, It really is darker than we care to admit. This is the honest truth and everyone really gets it when they think about it. However, in spite of this inescapable dark reality, the message of Christmas is that LIGHT has come from outside this world exposing the seriousness of the human condition while revealing the path to hope, peace, comfort and complete salvation. Light came into the world. ...
