In this sermon, Pastor Bart delves into Colossians 3:1-17, focusing on the theme of renewing one's mind and actions as a follower of Christ. He uses the analogy of choosing the right "coach" to illustrate the internal struggle between listening to the Holy Spirit and giving in to our sinful nature. The pastor emphasizes the need for believers to actively "put to death" their old selves and embrace their new identity in Christ.
Pastor Bart discusses the importance of setting one's mind on heavenly things and resisting the cultural flow that leads away from God. He explains the concept of "phantom pain" - the lingering effects of our old sinful nature even after we've died to sin - and encourages believers to continually choose to follow Christ's teachings. The sermon also highlights the importance of unity in the church, cultivating positive attributes like love, forgiveness, and gratitude, and living every aspect of life in a way that honors Jesus.
The pastor concludes with practical commitments for the church community, including creating a grace-filled environment for open discussion, studying the Bible together, practicing forgiveness, and holding each other accountable in love. He also provides homework suggestions for listeners to apply the sermon's teachings in their daily lives.

Bear Creek Community Church is a new church plant in Lavon, TX. Learn more at www.bc3.church

This sermon delves into Paul's letter to the Colossians, specifically focusing on Chapter 2, verses 16-23. The speaker begins by reflecting on a recent podcast about young adults' perceptions of church, highlighting common issues like feeling judged and overwhelmed by rules.

The sermon then explores how Paul addresses similar concerns in the early church at Colossae. Paul warns against legalism, asceticism, and the worship of angels, emphasizing that these practices are merely shadows compared to the substance found in Christ. The speaker explains how Paul critiques the idea that following strict rules or severe self-discipline makes one holier or closer to God.

Throughout the message, the speaker draws parallels between the challenges faced by the early church and those experienced by modern Christians. He emphasizes that Christianity is fundamentally about a relationship with Jesus, not about adhering to a set of rules. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and practices, encouraging them to examine whether they have inadvertently created rules that they believe define a "good Christian."

The speaker uses relatable analogies, such as comparing religious rules to disposable utensils, to illustrate the temporary and ultimately unfulfilling nature of legalism. He also addresses common doubts and questions about faith, reassuring listeners that it's okay to wrestle with difficult concepts.

The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to identify any self-imposed rules they may have created and to pray over them, seeking to prioritize their relationship with Jesus above rule-following. The overall message encourages a shift from a religion based on regulations to a faith centered on a genuine connection with Christ.

In this insightful sermon, Pastor Bart Blair delves into Colossians 2:8-15, unpacking powerful truths about our salvation through Jesus Christ. The main message is clear: stop trying to pay for something that's already been paid for. Through faith in Jesus, we have been set free from the burden of religious rules and practices, and we no longer need to strive to earn God's approval.

Pastor Bart provides historical context for the Colossian church, explaining how they were grappling with various philosophical influences and religious practices that were detracting from the simplicity of the gospel. He emphasizes that Jesus is the fullness of God in human form, and through Him, we have access to the Father. No other intermediaries or spiritual beings are necessary.

One of the key points Pastor Bart makes is that when we come to faith in Christ, God performs a spiritual circumcision, cutting away our sinful nature. However, he acknowledges the struggle we still face with sin, likening it to phantom pain in an amputated limb. He encourages us to starve our sinful nature and feed our spiritual nature to grow in holiness.

The sermon also highlights the significance of baptism as a public declaration of our identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Through this powerful act, we demonstrate that our old self has been buried with Christ, and we have been raised to new life by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

Central to Pastor Bart's message is the concept of our spiritual debt being canceled through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. He explains that our sin created an IOU that we could never pay, but Jesus took that debt and nailed it to the cross, clearing it once and for all. This has disarmed the spiritual forces that once held us captive and publicly shamed them through Christ's victory.

The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder from Pastor Bart that we don't need religious practices or special prayers to earn God's favor. It is by faith alone in what Christ has done that we are saved. He encourages listeners to live in constant celebration of the victory that Jesus has won for us and to trust fully in the sufficiency of His work on the cross.

Throughout the message, Pastor Bart uses relatable anecdotes and illustrations to drive home key points, making complex theological concepts accessible to a broad audience. His passionate delivery and clear explanations make this sermon an excellent resource for anyone seeking to understand the depths of God's grace and the freedom we have in Christ.

Those who have struggled with legalism, guilt, or a sense of inadequacy in their faith will find great encouragement in Pastor Bart's teaching. By directing our focus back to the finished work of Christ, he helps listeners break free from the cycle of striving and rest in the assurance of their salvation. This sermon from Pastor Bart Blair is a must-listen for anyone desiring to grow in their understanding of the gospel and experience the abundant life that Jesus promised.