Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 2:6-15 (ESV)6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, our Heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbors, in thought, word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:24-2:5  (ESV)24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty and most merciful Father; we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. And grant, O most merciful Father, for your Son Jesus Christ’s sake, that we may hereafter live a godly and righteous life, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: AdventLuke 2:1-21 (ESV)1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest,    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.Sermon OutlineReflecting on glory and peace in the song of the angels (v14) will help clarify why Christmas is worth celebrating.1. Gloryv1 “a decree… from Caesar Augustus”v9 “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them”v18 “And all who heard it wondered”v20  “the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God”2. Peacev14 “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased”v10-11 “the angel said to them, ‘Fear not… I bring you good news of great joy… a Savior’”v15, 17  “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds… made known the saying… concerning this child”v13-14 “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God… and on earth peace…!’”Prayer of ConfessionOur glorious God, we praise you and rejoice at the good news of Jesus’ birth.  Hear us as we admit our sin and appeal for forgiveness.  We have sought our own glory, and are guilty of pride, envy, arrogance and idolatry.  We have forfeited peace and struggle with the consequences.  We have been troublemakers, not peacemakers. We humbly admit our need of your grace, and we marvel at your kindness.  Forgive our sins.  Thank you for the peace given to us in Christ.  May all glory go to you.  In Jesus’ name, amen.Questions for ReflectionHow are you feeling this season?  How are you feeling about Christmas?  Why?  What are you looking forward to?  What are you dreading?What do you imagine the shepherds saw when the angels appeared?  What did they hear (what did it sound like)?Do you postpone peace in pursuit of glory?  Have you given up striving for glory because you want to be at peace?  Which is more of a priority in your life right now (peace or glory)?What evidence is there that the world is not at peace with God?   Why is the birth of Jesus good news?  What benefits come because he came into the world?  How is Jesus a gift to the world?How do we receive peace from God?  What did Jesus do so that we would have peace with God?How do we “give” glory to God?  What attitude and actions should you cultivate?As you practice receiving peace and giving glory, what will help set a clearer trajectory for a life of joy?

Audio Recording Scripture TextsSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Lessons & CarolsLuke 1:26-38 (ESV)26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.Matthew 1:18-23 (ESV)18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,     and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us).

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:24-2:5 (ESV)24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.Sermon OutlineA life that deepens in Christ includes struggling (1:29-2:1) as part of the maturing process.1. Proclaiming Christ1:28 “ Him we proclaim…”2:2-3 “God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”2. Suffering for Christ1:24 “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church”1:29  “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”3. Maturing in Christv28    “…that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”v27  “this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”Prayer of ConfessionOur great God, you have made available to us all the riches of wisdom and knowledge. Yet we have not trusted you, walked with you, or loved you. We confess our sins and turn to you for forgiveness. We have set our hearts on earthly treasures while neglecting the treasure of Christ. We have been more concerned with our bodies than with the body of Christ, your church. Comfort has been a greater priority than love for others. We have been childish, but not child-like. We thank you that through the remarkable love of Christ we have the hope of glory. Cleanse and renew us. Sustain us by the powerful working of your Spirit so that we have strength to walk in a manner worthy of Christ. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat forms of suffering do you assume are a normal part of life?  What forms of suffering do you not understand, or leave you confused or make it difficult to believe in God?What encouragement can readers of Colossians take from the costly sufferings Paul endured in order to bring the gospel to us and to offer teaching and help?Why is it important to stay focused on Christ?  What is challenging about remaining focused on Christ?How does a person “look to Christ”?  What should you do?How can challenges push you grow?  What kinds of trials should Christians expect to be part of their growing process?How can you draw from the power of God to be sustained when enduring difficulties?Is there anything you are doing or failing to do that is hindering your maturing in Christ?  What can you start to do differently?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:15-23 (ESV)15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.Sermon OutlineWhy we need reconciliation (v.21)How Jesus reconciles (v. 20-22)What this means for how we live now (v. 23)Prayer of ConfessionGracious God, you created the universe for wholeness and flourishing. Harmony and peace were meant to be ordinary elements of day to day life. But we have brought ruin and created distance from others, ourselves, and you. Forgive us for our evil deeds, both seen and unseen. Forgive us for our hostile thoughts. In your mercy and kindness, you did not start all over again, but you sent your Son, Jesus, to reconcile all things to himself. We do not deserve this gift of reconciliation. Help us to remain in Jesus and be firmly secured in the hope of the gospel. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?The brokenness of the world reveals that there is distance from others, ourselves, and from God. Where do you feel this distance in your own life?Sometimes, even the slightest doubt or suspicion can take away intimacy and contribute to more distance. How have you seen this to be true?God is the one that initiated reconciliation. Why is this significant?Jesus “presents us holy, blameless, and above reproach.” Reflect and mediate on this truth. How might this be an encouragement to your soul?The gospel is meant to be our foundation for all of life. Describe how we might treat it as one option among many. What might continuing in the faith look like for you in this season?What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:15-20 (ESV)15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.Sermon OutlineWe are invited into the reforming and reordering of all things in Christ, who is far greater than we imagine.1. Christ is first.vv17-18 “he is before all things… he is the beginning”v15 “he is the image of the invisible God”, v19 “for in Him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell”2. Christ holds all things together.v17 “in him all things hold together”v20 “through him to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven”3. Christ is above all.v15 “the firstborn of creation”, v18 “the firstborn of the dead”v18 “he is the head of the body… that in everything he might be preeminent”Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, our Creator and Redeemer, you who are above all: we admit our sin and shortcomings. With pride we have sought to take the preeminent place. With greed we have been lured into believing there are things greater than you. With corruption we have failed to act honorably toward you or others. With shame we admit that we are broken people and cannot fix ourselves. We thank you that Christ, who gives life to all, has given us new life. We ask for the forgiveness of our sins. Renew us by the Spirit that binds us to Christ, in whom all things are held together. The kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, forever. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat do you see as “preeminent” in our world?  What do people put first, value most, get most excited about, etc.?Why is it hard to see that Jesus is preeminent?What is meant by the phrase “if you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus”?  What are you supposed to do?How is looking to Jesus like keeping your “eye on the ball”?  How can you keep your eyes on Jesus throughout a typical day?  In extraordinary circumstances?How does Christianity provide meaning in life?  Does life make sense?  Are you experiencing a sense of purpose?   In what areas of your life would you benefit from reordering things with Jesus as your guide and teacher?  Where do you feel like you most need to give attention? Why is it good news that Jesus is above all?  Are you confident Jesus is worthy of that position?  What concerns do you have? What are some implications of Jesus being over all, and all things being accountable to him?Do you ever have a sense of the transcendence and glory of Christ?  What can you be attuned to in order to help you recognize the greatness of Christ?  What can you expect to happen within you if you can more consistently connect with the exalted Christ?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:9-14 (ESV)9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.Sermon OutlineWe mature spiritually as we align with God’s will, so we should seek growth in the following areas:1. Understandingv9  “asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding”2. Actionv10  “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”3.  Endurancev11 “being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience”4. Attitudevv11-12  “with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light”Prayer of ConfessionOur wise God, we don’t want to walk in darkness. We admit we often have the attitude “not thy will be done, but mine.” We have not sought to understand your will. In fact, we have tried to ignore it. We have contradicted it. We have sinned in thought, word and deed. We recognize our ingratitude, and we admit stubborn resistance to rejoice in you. Grant us forgiveness. Fill us with the knowledge of your will so that we walk with wisdom in a manner pleasing to you. Strengthen us with your power, according to your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Amen.Questions for ReflectionHow do you pray for other people?  Aside from specific needs, what do you (or should you) ask God to do in the lives of others?  What does it mean to know God’s will?  What kinds of things should Christians know?  What can we not know?What role does learning play in the Christian life?  What are some ways learning happens?How are actions (what we do) part of the learning process?  What does it look like to draw strength from God?  How can your endurance be with strength that God provides?What is needed to get through periods where you are not experiencing joy? Is it possible to choose to rejoice?  Are there things you can do that are authentic and faithful when you are not feeling joyful?What role does thanksgiving play in the Christian life?  How can prayers of thanksgiving be a more frequent part of your day?  How does the concept of inheritance inform how we can live?  What is implied?  What do you have that you did not earn?  What are you doing with what has been entrusted to you?What does it look like to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord”?  What attitude and posture should you have? 

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:3-8 (ESV)3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.Sermon OutlineThe gospel message of grace produces life that evidences itself in hope, faith and love.1. Hopevv3-4  “We always thank God… since we heard…”v5 “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven”2.  Faithv4 “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus”v6 “you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth”3.  Lovev4  “and of the love that you have for all the saints”v8  “has made known to us your love in the Spirit.”Prayer of ConfessionOur God and Father, we need your grace. Forgive our misplaced hopes. We have deep longings, yet we seek satisfaction apart from you. We have many firm convictions and opinions, yet insufficient faith in you. Our love always falls short. Our actions evidence corruption, and fail to evidence being alive in your Spirit. True grace has come in Christ, so in him we appeal for forgiveness and mercy. Revive us as we look to the hope laid up for us in heaven. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat is the gospel?  What are the key components of this message, that is described as “the grace of God in truth.”What are your deepest desires?  What, most basically, do you really want?  What do you absolutely need?What are your hopes?  What things do you look to in order to realize those hopes?  What are the top 3 things where you think “if I had that, I would be satisfied”?How is Christian hope “laid up in heaven”?  What does that mean?  How is faith the “instrument” of salvation?  What saves us?  How does one connect with what saves?What happens when faith is weak?  How can your faith be strengthened?How are faith and love connected to hope?  What are some ways hope feeds faith and love?What changes when you truly believe that God loves you?Why does the work of the Spirit in a person have to manifest itself in love?Which of the three – faith, hope, love – do you need to give particular attention to in this season of life?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:1-8 (ESV)1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:Grace to you and peace from God our Father.3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.Sermon OutlineWith Christ as our guide we can enter Colossians with expectations of maturing and fruitfulness.1. Who is this letter from?vv5-6  “the truth, the gospel, which… is bearing fruit”v1 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God”2. Who is this letter for?v2 “To the saints and faithful brothers” v2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father”v2 “in Christ at Colossae”Prayer of ConfessionOur Father, forgive us. We have squandered the grace and peace you have granted to us. We have not lived holy lives. Forgive every corrupt thought, word or action. Forgive us for how we have not honored you or our neighbors. We thank you for eternal life that is ours in Christ, for the forgiveness of all that is past, and our hope for all that is ahead. Sanctify us by your grace. Amen.Questions for ReflectionAs we enter the book of Colossians, what do you hope you can gain from the book?  How might time in this particular book help you grow?What power does the Gospel message have?  How is it that the “good news” about Jesus can be transformative?  Can you think of any examples of the gospel “bearing fruit”?What can you infer about Colossians from Paul identifying himself as a messenger of Christ?  Are these simply his thoughts?  How can you learn from Christ as you read the book?What practices could enhance what you get from a sermon?  What things can you do prior to church?  What can you do during the sermon?  What might you do after the sermon?How do your own attitudes and expectations shape how you engage reading the Bible?  What changes if the reader understands themselves to be a saint, set apart and part of the family of God?What does the greeting “grace and peace from God our Father” convey?What does it mean to be “in Christ”?  How are Christians “in Christ” while also being in a particular physical location?  What are some implications of being “in Christ” wherever you are?How can you experience eternal life today?  How is the gospel enough for today’s needs, and how can you be more present, with God, in each moment?Are there ways you are stuck in the past?  How can the gospel free you? Are you anxious about the future?  How does Christ provide strength for today?  How can you live wisely in the moment without be overwhelmed with trying to control the future?