Doing All in the Name of Christ

Mike Sullivan
Colossians 3:17

Doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus is living for God's interests in every part of our lives. This is how we worship God and how we were designed to live. As we surrender ourselves to Him, He works through our words and through our deeds to love people for His glory. This is a supernatural lifestyle that can only be lived out as we develop a lifestyle of gratitude through Jesus to God the Father.\r\n

Loving God Through Thankfulness

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 3:15-17

Because of God's great love for us, Paul encourages us to embrace a lifestyle of loving God through thankfulness. Biblical thankfulness is based on God's gift of salvation and is rooted in choice not in feelings. Giving thanks to God is important because it is the only sane response to His incredible grace. It is key to putting aside a self-centered lifestyle and to growing spiritually. Cultivating thankfulness is a lifelong process and many practical ideas are given for thoughtful consideration.\r\n

Walk!

Jim Leffel
Colossians 2:6-15

According to the Bible, the way forward in the Christian life is just the same as it begins. We are to be rooted in our new future, new relationship with God, new life, and our justification. We are to be built up through learning and believing the truth from God. And finally, these things are to overflow into a heart of gratitude.

The Transformation Christ Brings

Jim Leffel
Colossians 1:9-14

People come to know God through humbly receiving what He has revealed. After this, we can begin to walk in a way that is pleasing to Him. Walking with God manifests in four ways: 1) bearing fruit; 2) growing in knowledge of God; 3) being strengthened for endurance; and 4) joyful gratitude.

Features of a Transformed Community (Part 3)

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

A heart of prayer includes rejoicing, where we get excited about the things of God and offer praise to Him. It also means praying continually as we trust that He is faithful in any situation. Finally, it involves practicing gratitude in any circumstance.

Standing Firm in the Lord

Ryan Lowery
Philippians 4:1-9

Paul is concerned about the Philippians resorting to legalism by way of false teachers, and encourages them to stand firm and united against this teaching. Paul expresses several ways a church can stand firm: 1) fight the urge to live in disharmony with one another; 2) stand firm in the Lord together with others; 3) keep an eternal perspective; 4) let God's work in your life be known to others; 5) pray rather than be anxious; and 6) make time for the things that matter most.

Abide in Christ - Refining our Motives for Ministry

Jeff Gordon
Philippians 4:1-9

When we attempt to do work for God, we are often confronted with our imperfect motives and sinful hearts. We need to grow roots deep into Christ by abiding, in order to have the power to really love people.

Building A Healthy Prayer Life

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Paul gives instructions for prayer to the Thessalonian church. Prayer should be talking with God in an ongoing and personal way, with an emphasis on gratitude. Gratitude in prayer is a vital component in light of what's been done for Christians because of Jesus' death on the cross. Cultivating this habit can lead us to a more joyful life and relationship with God and others. As we practice thankfulness before God, we should consider looking at Biblical passages to help remind us of the promises God has made and make regular attempts to thank God for what He's done.

Serving Love and the Body of Christ (Part 3)

Dennis McCallum
John 15:4-5

Paul commands Christians to rejoice, pray continually, and to be thankful. Rejoicing is a choice made in faith to remember God's promises, and it often leads to abiding to God's presence through prayer. Lastly, thanksgiving focused on specific events and circumstances leads to spiritual maturity, and these three commands together promote living by faith in God's goodness no matter what the circumstances.