Salt River Community Church

REVELATION 21:3 As Christians, we need to begin anticipating God’s presence now, here among us on Earth, day to day, because being among His people physically, personally, and relationally is already the ultimate goal of His plan of redemption for Creation. And as Christians, we’re ALREADY part of His Kingdom… That same future Kingdom that is already present here and now… Do we live like it?

When we say "making disciples" is our mission, that means something very specific... At SRCC, a Disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ, displaying the character of Christ, fully equipped with the Word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to make other disciples that support the maturity of their local church and serve their community while considering opportunities to support planting other chu...

At Salt River Community Church we have a mission and vision that we hope will help change this community… but rather than just having a program, hosting events, and hoping for a building with people in it… we want to be able to answer WHY Making disciples is important to us… WHY planting churches matters… and be able to answer WHY Tempe AZ /PHX East Valley should care that Salt River CC is here?

We need to be reminded that we are not the only believers in God’s Kingdom… that we have family in other places… sister churches… and as PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER, we should be an encouragement to each other… and consider how we can share the burden of ministry Here in the text, we’ll look at some different ways to do that: • Prayers (12-13) • Position (14) • Resources (15-16) • Ministry (17) • Cha...

How great is it that we, like Paul, have brothers and sisters who can come and encourage us, and also stay and comfort us, when we need it. I hope that you’ll understand the need for this kind of discipleship… so that you become a comfort to others and allow others to encourage you as well. No believer is alone in the Kingdom of God. • Encouragement to send to you (7-9) • Comfort to stay with you...

Paul’s point is that “Power in Your Words” comes from Prayer, then making Christ's Word your words, and speaking them with clarity, and spice... so that God's Word finds open doors in your life for changing other peoples lives Power in Your Words • Speak With Clarity (2-4) • Speak With Spice (5-6)

When you accept serving each other through loving submission and respect, as an act of worship to God…then you’ll find your true purpose… and you can have a life that is FULL of meaning… leaving an impact on others even after you’re gone. Finding your purpose in: • Marriage (18-19) • Family (20-21) • Work (22-23, 4:1) • Worship (23-25)

For us, in light of knowing who we are in Christ, we need to represent Christ in how we live… with each other and in front of the world… so people will see Christ in us, and be drawn to Him. Paul notes 3 areas of adjustment for the lifestyle of believers… 1. Living Proactive (12-14) 2. Living Reactive (15-16) 3. Representing Christ in All Actions (17)

Set Your Mind Above / Put Self to Death / Embrace Transformation If you are a person whose faith is in Christ, then your old life is dead and your new life, which is secure in Christ, should reflect His Kingdom by the way you live it.

Self-Doubt / Self-Satisfaction / Self-Denial There are so many voices suggesting that behavior, obedience, sacrifice, etc. is what will grant us “true” salvation. However, in Christ we are fully saved, by His grace alone, through His finished work on the Cross; and that should build such love for Him that it drives our behavior, obedience, and sacrifices.

When you’re living life in anticipation of seeing God, your entire perspective will change - even if your situation doesn’t… and that anticipation will change the way you live out each day.

Paul is explaining to the Colossians that their faith is not in spiritual forces or traditions or words of so-called wisdom, but in the one God Jesus Christ… and that their salvation is a result of His victory over all… and His complete work in their redemption So when we say that we’re saved by Grace, we want people to know that means our salvation, new identity, is a result of the completed work...

As Christians today, we need to look to see that our talk is matched by the way we walk out each day - with full assurance in our hearts, deeply grounded in His Word, being thankful for His grace, and fighting for the faith and discipleship of others

Paul explains that he is linked to Christ, for the sake of Jesus’ church expanding to all nations… and that means having the power of God, united with hard work and suffering. As Christians today, we need to realize the power that comes from Christ IN US… and fully embrace the suffering, the struggle, and the hard work of sharing the Gospel and making disciples of all nations.

Paul reminds us that our salvation came entirely from the grace of God… through the work of Christ… and so, our deeds aren’t earning it, but proving it true... So we should make every effort to live our life in a way that reflects the ONE who died to save us… not to earn His love, but because of His love.

Paul explained that Jesus is First, Above All Creation. Now he adds that Jesus is also First above All New Creation; pointing out 1st that the man Jesus is all God and Created all, and now 2nd that God became entirely man in order to redeem mankind. Stop to considering this, and thank Him for your Salvation. Let it drive your behavior rather than attempting to earn His favor with good deeds. “For...

To understand our nature, our identity, we need to consider His. To know who we are, you have to know who He is. Paul takes a moment from directly addressing the believers in Colossae to point out, or remind them, that Jesus is First, Above All; Creator Ruler and Sustainer. I want you to see that our identity in Christ is only effective because of WHO HE IS, and our Hope is based on the same. “For...

As believers in Christ, we should desire to walk in a manner worthy of the Name we bear, because He has made us His own… so that our lives will bear fruit and bring us into greater intimacy with God. “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” [Colossians 3:3]

Know that, as believers in Christ, you are prayed for - as part of a brotherhood of love... and remember that you are saved by Grace... and have been served by faithful disciples... so let that encourage you... and move you to share the same Gospel, serve others by making disciples, and see the same fruit of the Gospel spread here in our own community.

When culture invades Christianity (the church) we need to recognize the Authority of God’s Word to correct and guide our lives... and when we share it with others, we need to approach them with respect and love. “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” [Colossians 3:3]