April 17 – Mark 7; James 1; Colossians 3

Mark 7:20-23

He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them.

21For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder,

22adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.

23All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

James 1:14-15

14but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Colossians 3:1

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

The Making Of A Bitter Heart 

We have all heard people talk about the proverbial “line in the sand.” Whatever the context, the point is always the same—you can go this far, but no farther. We have now come to the important point in our study where we honestly face how and when bitterness becomes sinful. This is the line in the sand that God instructs us not to cross. 

The good news is that the Lord is our gracious King who stands ready with strength to help us avoid taking steps that would dishonor him and destroy us. Additionally, He is our merciful Savior who is willing to forgive and cleanse us when we have become sinfully bitter. The hope is that we don’t cross the line into sinful bitterness, but if we do, He provides a way out.

God’s Word paints a comprehensive picture of how human life works. Our behavior, including bitterness, flows out of a fully functioning heart, or inner person. Jesus explained it like this: “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man” (Mark 7:20).

The word “heart” is used over seven hundred times in the Bible. It isn’t simply the seat of our emotions or the physical organ in our body. In God’s Word, “heart” encompasses every aspect of our inner person. It is our control center and includes everything about us that is not material. It is so important that King Solomon tells us, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

Sinful bitterness in the heart always begins with misplaced desires. Often they come in the form of unreasonable expectations we set up for the people and situations around us. Our children, spouse, coworkers, neighbors, and everyone else must behave in a certain way. Once we go from “I’d like to have” to “I must have,” there’s idolatry in our heart.

We do what we do because we want what we want. One way to watch over our heart with all diligence is to give careful attention at any given moment to the nature of our desires. We should be asking ourselves, What am I wanting right now, and is this a desire God can bless?

Is examining the condition of your heart something you do often? Commit to making this a common habit. Are you able to ask yourself: What am I wanting right now, and is this a desire God can bless?

We would like to thank Baker Publishing for providing this plan.

March 15 – Colossians 3:12-15

How can I pray in faith over broken relationships?

Read It

Colossians 3:12-15

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Meditate On It

The call of every Christian is to be like Christ, wherever they are at and no matter who is in front of them. Even when we are faced with relational conflict and tension, our aim is to love like Christ and be reconciled to those who we have hurt or have hurt us. On the basis of what Christ has done for us, we should treat others in the same manner, especially those closest to us.

Consider the following questions:
1. List down the specific attitude and actions of what Christ-followers are to cultivate in their approach towards others. What does this look like in your family setting? With your friends, co-workers, and acquaintances?
2. What is the basis for how God’s people are to behave towards one another?
3. Check yourself: What are the Christ-like actions from the passage above you have difficulty in practicing and applying in your life? Why do you think that is?

Apply It

1. What can I thank God for in my family and relationships? Take the time to ask God to give a heart of compassion to reach out, kindness to treat others, humility to improve, gentleness in my approach, and patience towards the people whom God has placed in my life.

2. Is there anyone in my family or friends that I need to forgive and reconcile with? I will pray for that person and ask God for an opportunity to re-engage with them.

3. By faith, I will pray for an opportunity to engage with… (mention each person by name). This coming week, text or call this person and let them know that I care for them.

Set Simple, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic, and Time-bound (SMART) commitments.

Example: “I will engage with my child / loved one by spending quality time with them, doing their favorite bonding activity next weekend.”

Pray It

• Ask God to use you as a channel of His love to your close relationships, relatives, and family members:
– To be a more Christ-like spouse, parent, child, family member, friend, etc.
– To shepherd our families and friends in the ways of the Lord.
– To be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to exhibit the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
– To glorify and praise God in all things, even through the often-challenging relationships in our families or among our close contacts.

• Let us confess our tendency to take our relationships for granted, ignore conflicts or relational tensions, and our unforgiveness towards those who have hurt us, especially in our families.

• Be intentional this week by reaching out and praying with a family member, relative, or friend whom you need to reconcile with.

• Take the opportunity to pray with your family and loved ones: encourage one another and appreciate each other’s good qualities and actions.

• Take time to ask one another: “How can I improve?” then pray for each other.

We would like to thank Christ’s Community Fellowship for providing this plan.

July 22 – Me & My Big Mouth – Colossians 3

Read Colossians 3:1-17

This series has probably been one of my favorites because its whole focus has been on the power in and behind our words. We hold words incredibly valuable in our lives. Therefore, when we read the words of Colossians 3, we are reminded of our true identity. We are reminded of what is expected of our life as a follower of Christ, and we are challenged with what our lives, actions and speech should represent.

The Church of Colossae was a smaller church, think maybe 50 people. At the time Paul is writing this letter, Nero is still in power. As some of us know, Nero is someone who persecuted Christians by slaughtering them any way he saw fit. During this time, the church was in desperate need to remember whose they were. Paul’s main message in this book is about our completion in Christ, about the fullness in our walk as believers. Paul understands the power behind words and constantly used his words, through his letters, to help shape the lives of his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Have you experienced this type of encouragement in your life? Maybe you’ve been spoken to in both encouraging words but also degrading words and both sides of the aisle help shape the direction you walk and/or think. We are no different than this small church. We all are in need of constant reminder of whose we are and our completion in Christ.

We all know the power of words and how the smallest phrase, or critique, can stick with us for the rest of our lives.

Words shape lives.

Paul uses the words, “Put on” which in the Greek translates as “to clothe with”.  What if we put on everything mentioned in verse 12? What if we clothed ourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? What if we held each other up?  And in our speech, what would happen to the body of believers if we truly walked in the fullness of Christ that is accessible within us?

What were to happen if our speech would be “Grace filled”? I challenge you to take a moment to read these verses again. Read each characteristic and take it before the Lord. Ask Him if change needs to occur in your life and in your speech.

If it does, then change. What you say can either build up or tear someone down. So don’t let anger, malice, wrath, slander or even greed shape your words. Train your thinking and examine your speech.

July 11 – Me & My Big Mouth – Colossians 4

Read Colossians 4:2-6

“Me and My Big Mouth” The title implies that our mouths can get us in trouble. We use those title words often as we express some kind of regret over something that we have said.

With the Spirit’s help, however, we must learn that our mouth is more than something that we need to learn to tame…to prevent from saying things that we live to regret. As Paul points out here, our mouths are powerful instruments that should verbalize gratitude, gospel clarity, and grace.

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Gratitude – In the context here, Paul is calling the readers to prayer. How is your commitment to prayer? Are you faithful in it in times of crisis? Certainly, the Lord is “an ever present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). As the apostle reminds us, however, thanksgiving should also flow freely and frequently from our lips.

Gospel Clarity – In addition to prayer marked by gratitude, Paul specifically asked these believers to pray for an opportunity to clearly share the mystery of Christ. The message of Christ is a mystery. In Paul’s day, people did not yet grasp the idea that both Jew and Gentile have access to God through faith in Jesus. In our day, the mystery remains for some. They have not heard the message of Christ. It is counter intuitive to their works mentality or their reluctance to call any way the right way. You and I get to pray that those proclaiming the message can do so clearly. And we can also seek to clearly express the gospel.

Grace – Paul says that our conversations should be “full of grace.” There are many dimensions to grace-filled speech. Certainly, part of that reality is the fact that we are regularly pointing to the grace of God. We are faithful witnesses of Christ. At the same time, grace-filled speech will be demonstrated as we talk to and about other people. Rather than being critical, unforgiving, and devaluing others, we extend grace that overlooks weaknesses and offers another chance…and another…and another.

The words of our mouths should verbalize gratitude, express gospel clarity, and extend grace. Which of those is your strength? Which of those is your weakness? How are you going to go about turning your weaknesses into strengths?

May 13 – A Changing Culture – Work

Read Colossians 3:22-25

On my way to work one day, I noticed multiple signs in front of businesses, factories, and restaurants advertising the fact that they were “Now Hiring.” If you go to a restaurant today, you may not only see the sign inviting applicants but you may also experience the reality of the need for more workers. There are often longer wait times or “drive thru only” options. For some employers, the problem is larger than just finding willing applicants. They struggle to find workers who can pass a drug test or who will show up for work for more than a few days.

The unchanging Word of God gives work instructions for God’s people in our changing culture. Here are some clear principles:

1. God created us to be workers. Adam and Eve were given instruction to subdue the earth and rule over other living things (Gen. 1:28, 29). Even the Ten Commandments remind us that God created us for a rhythm of six days of work and one day of rest (Ex. 20:8-11). Of course, this work is not limited to gainful employment indicated above. It is demonstrated in countless ways.
2. God designed us to work to provide for our families. Through both financial provision and compassionate care, we are to see that the needs of those closest to us are met (Ex. 20:12; 2 Thess. 3:6-10; 1 Tim. 5:3-8).
3. God intended that we give our all when we work. Our boss is ultimately not a man or woman above us on a hierarchical org chart. We work for Christ! We should do so with gusto and in recognition of our accountability to Him (Col. 3:22-25).
4. God planned that we give ourselves to His work. This is more than just the work we do to earn a living or to maintain a household. His work includes the ways we contribute to making disciples of the nations (Matt. 28:18-20). His work includes loving our neighbor as ourselves (Lk. 10:25-37). Paul tells us that we are to “always give ourselves fully to” His work (1 Cor. 15:58).

In the midst of a changing culture, Christ followers should be among those who work the hardest but maintain balance. They have an appropriate temporal and eternal perspective.

Does that describe you?

Steve Kern

April 29 – Sermon on the Mount – Which Way to Heaven?

Read Matthew 7:13-14 and Colossians 3:2

Many people consider Heaven and how to get there. Our culture is full of songs and movies considering heaven.

Many people write, sing and talk about heaven. They may ask, “How do you get there”?

Jesus said in Matthew 7 that only a few find life – eternity with Jesus. The word FIND means “to discover by searching.” Are you searching for it?

The Bible says it is crucial that you say – out loud – that Jesus is Lord and that you must believe that God raised Him from the dead. That is how you are saved! That is how you find Heaven!

Have you done this? (see Romans 10:9) If you have, your next step may be to be baptized!

The key to understanding verses 13-14 is that many people choose the broad way of this world but few choose the narrow way of following Jesus. The broad way has a wide gate and the narrow way has a small entrance.

The wide ways of this world – immorality, ungodliness and debauchery – are all around us.

Which way is Heaven? The way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ!

Following Jesus requires setting your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2), running the race before you (1 Corinthians 9:24) and obeying the word of God (Psalm 37:5). Many people know this way but are not willing to choose it – they love this world so much and can’t just let go of it.

Can you let go?

Jesus answered in John 14:6 by saying there is only one way!

Do you know the one way to Heaven? Who can you tell about Jesus so they can know and believe as well?

Tom Weckesser

March 29 – Our Values – Life change is an invitation away

Read Mathew 4:18-22, 9:35-38, Colossians 1:1-29 and 4:2-6 and 2 Timothy 1:7-14

We stood in my driveway. It was probably the most awkward attempt at sharing the gospel I ever made. We left emotionally drained. I felt like I failed but Jesus was at work. With one question, the Holy Spirit cracked the surface of a crusty heart and a soul began its pilgrimage out of darkness. It was a process. God sprinkled hope and help along the way and eventually, this soul surrendered, ever to be in the light.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “And I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed Him.

Jesus has changed my life. Once through salvation, and a million more times through calling me to surrender and follow Him.

As I stood in my driveway that day, I longed to prove everything I believed about Jesus. It made me feel desperate. It made my words come out all wrong. But God is a miracle worker. He made His invitation clear and He used my life…a life of a follower…to call and create a new one.

Amazing. Gracious. Inspiring.

“They left their nets.”

What’s in yours? All kinds of things sift into mine.

Fear.

Not wanting to be uncomfortable.

Apathy, rooted in forgetting God’s purpose for my life and the destination of lost souls.

Insecurity.

Dreading rejection.

Unbelief.

Busyness.

And then I remember the day in my driveway. The way God moved.  And I lay down my net and run hard after the life changing Savior of the world…of my heart. He is worth the awkward, the sacrifice, the time, the ‘trouble.’

Let’s keep following and pointing to the one who saves. No. Matter. What.

Shelly Eberly

Questions to consider:

• Pray – Ask God to show you what’s in your ‘net’ and for His help in surrendering them. Ask for His forgiveness in areas of unbelief and selfishness. Ask God for eyes to see the ‘fish’ within your circle of influence. Ask Him to prepare their hearts for the gospel and that He will give you opportunities to share your hope with them. Ask for courage.
• Share your desire to reach someone with a friend that will pray with you. Celebrate together when God moves in miraculous ways!

March 24 – Faithfulness – He is forgiving

Read 1 John 1: 5-10; Colossians 2:13

I love talking about God’s forgiveness, don’t you?  Everything I’ve ever done (or will do) wrong is covered by God’s forgiveness, thus giving me a free pass to heaven.  It’s Christianity 101!  We often overlook, however, that God’s forgiveness necessarily implies that we have sinned, and that our repentance is a blessing which allows us to easily see God’s faithfulness.

Let’s think about our sin differently.  Imagine that a terrible crime has been committed, and the victim immediately forgives the perpetrator.  The criminal is ecstatic about being forgiven and boasts about their newfound freedom.  Isn’t there something wrong with the criminal celebrating deliverance from a crime for which they refuse to take responsibility?  Yet, we do that continually to God, and it’s no less offensive to Him.

When we speak of God’s forgiveness without acknowledging our sin, it’s like using a calculator before learning how to do arithmetic.  You have no idea how great the remedy is when you don’t know what it’s saving you from!   Here’s what John and Paul are telling us today: “..You, who were DEAD in your trespasses [sin]…”; “… If you say you have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness [sin], we lie…”; “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves…”; “If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar…”  The common thread here is that forgiveness is necessary because of our sin…  since “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all…” (God is Holy), our sin requires God to act.  And boy, did He act!

God’s word is SCREAMING at us that forgiveness and repentance are two sides of the same coin.  Our repentance actually increases our joy by making God’s free gift MORE of a blessing once we realize where we’d be without it!  Here is where God’s faithfulness REALLY shines… when we humbly come before God’s throne to repent of our sin, we are ALWAYS forgiven by a loving, merciful God.  In case you’re wondering; always means EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.  To make His gift more complete, we are also promised that God “… will remember their [our] sins no more” (Heb. 8:12).  This is an amazing demonstration of God’s faithfulness for His church; the acknowledgement that God is faithful to forgive our sins FOR ALL TIME; He is faithful unto eternity.

Here’s how you can use these promises: make repentance part of your daily prayer routine; ask God to make you aware of your sins, and actively speak those to God, asking Him to forgive you.  Thank God for His amazing grace, and remember that you don’t need to be ashamed when you come before God, because He knows what you need before you even ask it (Matt 6:8).  There can be no shame when God promises that your sin is NOT held against you!  Praise God that He is faithful to forgive!

Craig French

March 18 – Hard Questions 2.0 – How to answer hard questions

Read James 1:19 and Colossians 3:12

One of the worst failings of my Christian walk was how I handled an attempt to share the Gospel with a close family member. My attempt was indignation cloaked in understanding, and superiority masked as empathy. Not surprisingly, it was ineffective. The fallout from that was years of separation, accompanied by broken trust which may never be completely repaired.  As I reflect on that situation, the primary thing that I failed to understand was that my family member had been wrestling with extremely deep, complex, and significant questions. They were crying out for wisdom and understanding, compassion and attention, and I trivialized their questions and misinterpreted their intent.

In our Christian walk, when we come across hard questions, I believe there are best ways to handle them. 

To start with, we must NOT be afraid to ask hard questions, and as Christians, we MUST acknowledge them. We cannot be lazy, and must seek the answers! If God is who He says He is and all wisdom is found in Christ, then we need not be afraid of being stumped. Ask God to reveal truth to you… it is the promised work of the Holy Spirit! 

In today’s passage, we are instructed to be “Quick to listen”, and “Slow to speak”.  Before telling a fellow brother or sister how they should think about a tough question, command yourself to be silent and listen FIRST. Listen to God, listen to that person’s heart and perspective. You may see evidence of God already at work in their life, and it’s usually more successful when you are partnering with God as opposed to trying to run out in front of Him!  

Secondly, you MUST be familiar with, and seek guidance from His Word. The Bible is the PRIMARY way in which God has revealed Himself to us today.  Combined with Creation and the gift of Jesus, God’s desire to be known to us is wrapped up in His perfect Word. Any answer to any difficult questions MUST be grounded in Scripture, for it to bear any semblance to the truth.  

What if you aren’t all that familiar with Scripture and don’t know where to look? There’s instruction for that as well… seek WISE COUNSEL.  This means to find another person, be it a friend, family member, pastor, co-worker, who is perhaps more able to help discern the best way to minister to a question you or someone you care about is struggling with.  God designed us to live in community, and part of the beautiful design is how He uses His peoples’ lives to build experiences and perspectives that help the church minister to a hurting world… ask God to show you someone who can help!  

Grace Church is here to walk with you through these types of situations!  There are small groups, Sunday school classes, ministries, and multiple pastors at Grace Church available to help find God’s will in everyday life, and to encourage those seeking God’s way in their life. Let’s not be afraid to ask tough questions, let’s be diligent and zealous in seeking answers, and let’s help those around us find peace through the wisdom offered by Jesus!

Craig French

December 30 – God of 2nd Chances – Giving other a second chance

Read Colossians 3:13

It is inspiring to recognize how Jesus reacted to those who wronged Him. Jesus gave people a second chance and still does. When you begin to do things the way He did, you will encounter troubles (John 16:33). The world will resist you and pressure you to do things the wrong way but the wrong way does not work: “Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life.” (Matt 7:14).

To do what pleases God takes grit, effort and keeping your eyes on God.

Paul writes in Colossians 3 to put to death whatever belongs to the earthly nature. This can be difficult because the earthly nature comes easy and includes anger, evil desires, greed and revenge.

Prepare for every day by asking God to help you be ready to fight for what is good and clothe yourself with God’s weapons of compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength and patience. These are the weapons that Jesus used. These weapons can be used in difficult times in dealing with others and I can be an example of Christ to them. It can help in giving others a second chance.

Have you asked God to give you these weapons? Use these weapons in the way you live, act, text, email and in everything.

Are you prepared?

In order to give somebody a second chance, I need to show gentleness and patience rather than anger and self-serving shouting. Do I knee-jerk react to others or do I respond with love? Prepare your day with prayer and be ready.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.”

Colossians 3:13a

“To forgive means to write it off. Let it go. Tear up the account. It is to render the account canceled.

Warning: forgiveness and opening up to more abuse are not the same thing. Forgiveness has to do with the past. Reconciliation and boundaries have to do with the future. Limits guard my property until someone has repented and can be trusted to visit again. If they sin, I will forgive again, 70×7.” BOUNDARIES, the book by Dr. Henry Cloud.

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Colossians 3:13b

God has given me a second chance and a third chance and more and He has done the same for you. We have the opportunity to give a second chance to people that we know and do it in the same way that God forgave you for your mistakes!

“You’ll sink our sins to the bottom of the ocean”.

Micah 7:19 MSG

Can you sink the painful mistakes of others to the bottom of the ocean floor and give them a second chance?

Tom Weckesser