Dangerous Philosophy

Stopping Bad Decisions

September 15, 2019 • Jeff Cramer

Today we kick off a new study in the book of Colossians; This letter was written about 3-years after the book of Romans some where around (60AD - 62 AD). This morning the only reason we want to know the time frame is so we can see where Paul was at in his life. We get to see that change is possible! A guy that was NOT welcome in church becomes the one who cares for the church!

Jesus Is The Center

September 22, 2019 • Jeff Cramer

Today we dive right into the main thrust of this letter the preeminence of Christ! This topic lays the foundation of what we believe and it also combats the false philosophy’s of any age. Point being, the theological topics in Colossians are important to grow in as we live out our Christian Faith.

He's Number One

September 29, 2019 • Jeff Cramer

Last week we learned why the topic of Preeminence took center stage with the believers in Colossae. They were immature & needed to be grounded in the faith. They were being harassed & confused by heretical doctrines and Paul wanted to see them succeed (strengthened). So too, our understanding of Biblical truths directly affect the way we live our lives because we live out what we believe. We've seen the Superiority of Christ in Creation (vv.15-17), and in the Church (vv.18-23) Today we see the Superiority of Christ in our individual lives & ministries. Paul magnifies three particular points: 1) Suffering for Christ (1:24) 2) Proclaiming Christ (1:25-28) 3) Depending on Christ (1:29)

Watch Your Steps

October 13, 2019 • Jeff Cramer

Today we come to a change in the tone of what Paul has been saying! Paul turns and takes a more serious tone as he talks about five dangers thru this chapter: - Deceptive Diversity (2 Peter 2:1-3) - Philosophical Fluff (Rom. 16:17-18) - Religious Rites (Gal. 3:1-5) - Christian Theology twisted with Pagan Practices - Useless Self-Reformation (Matt. 12:43-45). This is the prayer closet of Paul and he’s sharing the depth of his heart with them in Colosse. He prayed for these people even though he never met them, and the crazy thing is he tells them how difficult it was (v.1).

Defensive Stance

November 3, 2019 • Jeff Cramer

We continue with the tone change from Paul as he’s combating destructive beliefs. The technical word is "polemical" meaning: Strongly critical & highly-controversial. And his applications are uncomfortable in mainstream culture today! The church was wrestling with Gnosticism AND its impact on the believers. Today the topics impacting our culture are found in these avenues:  Social media  Cable News  Written publications  Academia (college campuses)  & Politics So the church needs to know how powerfully God has spoken against all corrupting influences! Yet applying the word to these topics comes with a massive cost! So pastors accurately teach scriptures but stop-short of the full-force by giving wimpy applications to questions nobody’s asking!

I'm Free Indeed

November 10, 2019 • Jeff Cramer

Here’s why this text matters because the Colossians AND people right in this room are struggling with their faith! When you don’t feel saved and you’re questioning if you know Jesus! And all of these thoughts are leading you to give up because of discouragement! God is the one that does the work when I surrender to Him placing my belief in Jesus.

I Need His Life

November 17, 2019 • Jeff Cramer

If you're in a spiritual funk today Paul’s going to help us check our spiritual eyesight AND then lift us to higher ground. Chapter three of Colossians was written to a church that got confused & disoriented. So Paul was clearing up what had become foggy by helping them back to spiritual health. So too, when we get to stressful seasons we can lose focus on the promises of God as well. And we can let circumstances & past failures rob us from what God wants to do!

Teach Me To Fly

November 24, 2019 • Jeff Cramer

If I could set the tone and the flavor of this message I would tell you it’s “Positive!” BUT it’s instructive. Because Paul calls us to live on a higher plain by surrendering what hurts us FOR what helps us! Why is it that we get so anchored down in our routines & habits even when they are NOT helping us!?! These verses take us from frustration to fulfillment from trash to treasure if you will.

Secret of Success

December 8, 2019 • Jeff Cramer

Lets remember the big picture flow of Colossians: Bring to maturity – help them to grow up in Christ, tackle destructive beliefs twisting the faith, and give them practical wisdom on how to live the Christian life. His care is what we all desire in Discipleship, someone to take interest in us and help us navigate life! Don't you wish there was an easy to understand guidebook to help us with practical questions!?! Lets start the discussion by grasping practical wisdom.

Discipleship Maker

December 15, 2019 • Jeff Cramer

A Gallop Poll revealed there are three types of employees: 1) Engaged 30% – passionate & connected. 2) Not-Engaged 52% – Checked out & sleepwalking thru the day. 3) Actively Disengaged 18% – Busy acting out their discontent. The poll says: “… 70% of U.S. employees are disengaged at work, meaning they don’t show up… bringing their best.” “For 18% of employees, it’s even worse. Almost one in five employees… are: emotionally disconnected from their companies and may actually be working against their employers’ interests; they are less productive, are more likely to steal from their companies, negatively influence their coworkers, miss workdays, and drive customers away.” (Source Link: Gallop Poll June 2013 ). This means there’s a massive need for understanding “Civil Discipleship”! Faith finds expression in the way we live our lives WITH Jesus - Our work / friends / hobbies / our community. All of these areas are the Christian’s mission field. So today, Paul gives practical discipleship instruction.

Westminster Calvary

Studying Through Colossians