Introduction to Hearts and Minds Message Series

Written by the Apostle Paul, the first seventeen verses of Colossians chapter three is like a “how-to” guide for following Jesus. This nine week, Hearts and Minds message series will unpack and explore these practical "how-to's" and inspire us to live them out.

Introduction to Image is Everything message

From IKEA furniture to Lego toys, most of us have survived the trauma associated with "some assembly required". The more adventurous don't even follow the instructions, they just look at the picture on the box and wing it! Imagine though, if the image on the box was misprinted and distorted. No doubt, the final product would end up distorted as well. The Lego house ends up a Lego mouse and the IKEA chair crumbles beneath its first use. Similarly, there are disastrous consequences when we construct our lives based on a distorted image.

1. No shoes, no shirt, no service.

Based on the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, (Mt 22:1-14), at a minimum it's disrespectful to assume that we can strut into God's kingdom and presence without being "dressed" appropriately - "... you have taken off the old self and its practices..."

Reflection Questions
1. Have you ever arrived underdressed/overdressed to an event? How did that feel? What did you do? If you resolved the situation, how did you do so? Would it have been appropriate to participate/not participate based on how you were dressed?
2. Have you ever crashed a party? Did it feel like stealing? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever been responsible for an event and had to remove someone from it? Why? How did that feel?
4. What are your thoughts and feelings about Mt 22:1-14? Since it is a parable about the kingdom of God, how does it relate to Colossians 3:9a?

Next Step:

With humility, get rid of any sense of entitlement or disrespect that serves as a barrier between you and God.

Reflection Questions
1. Thinking about StoneBridge through a corporate lens or, in other words, thinking about StoneBridge as a congregation or community, in your opinion are there any "old practices" (v9a) that will continue to work into the near future? The long term future? Are there any StoneBridge "old practices" that need to be "take off" (v9a)?
2. Thinking about StoneBridge through a corporate lens or, in other words, thinking about StoneBridge as a congregation or community, in your opinion are there any "new practices" (v9a) that ought to be considered for the near future? The long term future?
3. Now, thinking through a personal lens are there any "old practices" (v9a) that will continue to work effectively into your near future? The long term future? Are there any personal "old practices" that need to be "take off" (v9a)?
4. Thinking through a personal lens are there any "new practices" (v9a) that ought to be considered for the near future? The long term future?

Next Step:

Prayerfully consider what's not working in your own life and the reasons why you cling to it.

3. We become who we adore.

They're called social media influencers because they have so much gravitas that people imitate them. Image is everything. The question is, who's image are we imitating?

Reflection Questions
1. From the most shallow to the most profound, for better or for worse, who have you attempted to imitate? What were/are the results of doing so?
2. Who imitates you? Is your image worth reflecting? Whose image ought to reflect through you? How's that going?

Next Step:

Prayerfully consider what is working in your life, whether it's rooted in God's image, and the reasons why you should cling to it.