Pastor Scott Applegate

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:15-20 NIV

 “We are living in a time when sensitivities are at the surface, often vented with cutting words. Philosophically, you can believe anything, so long as you do not claim that it is a “better” way. Religiously, you can hold to anything, so long as you do not bring Jesus Christ into it. If a spiritual idea is eastern, it is granted critical immunity; if western, it is thoroughly criticized.” Ravi Zacharias

1.Jesus is the greater promise of life (Colossians 1:5, 1:23, 1:27)

• What do most people hope for? What is the basis of their hope?

• Real hope = the confident expectation of God’s faithfulness

• Jesus did not come to bring me religion, he came to be my only hope

2. Jesus is the greater purpose of life (Colossians 1:16-17)

• The haunting questions of purpose: Who am I? Why am I here?

• Jesus did not come to be an addition to my life, He came to be my life

3. Jesus is the greater pleasure in life (Colossians 1:18-19)

• He meets our deepest needs: security and significance 

• Jesus did not come to be my example, He came to be my Savior