Good Shepherd Community Church

The false teachers in Colossae were tempting, intimidating, & frankly shaming the new believers in Christ to turn away from Jesus as the sole source of their joy & their open, refreshing reconciled relationship with the Father.

Christ + Nothing = EVERYTHING

“At some point all of us will feel the lack of something.
The only question is, where will we look to fill-up what is lacking?”
-Greg Cahalan

“From the best bliss that earth imparts, we turn unfilled to Thee again.”
-Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

Paul is combatting a culturally normative stoic, “bootstrap” approach to following Jesus vs. a full-hearted response to the lavish grace of the Lover of their soul.

"Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely. Live much in the smiles of God. Bask in His beams. Feel His all-seeing eye, settled on you in love, and repose in His almighty arms."

-Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813-1843)

Walking with Jesus is NOT about:
•Religious rules [Legalism]
•Religious acts of self-denial [Asceticism]
•Religious experiences [Mysticism]

Christ + Nothing = EVERYTHING

You’re invited to experience a loving relationship with the resurrected Jesus & His Father, by the Holy Spirit --OR-- You can settle for a regimen of steps rules, protocols, and regulations. Rules -or- Relationship.

Next steps takeaways:
With God: Accept His invitation for a life-giving relationship with Him through His Word
With Others: Establish/Continue in settings where authentic conversations about the Father, Son, and Spirit are normative.
On Mission: Daily experience the extravagant love of the Father and give it away to the next person you meet.