Advertise on podcast: The Epic Life - Bob Hallman

Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction Introduction What I find most remarkable about this passage of scripture is what isn’t there:   There is no self-pity, no bitterness, no anger, no disillusionment and no despair. Paul had learned the importance of living beyond adversity!  Even while shackled in chains, he remained focused on the goal of proclaiming the gospel. But Paul was just one of the countless, nameless thousands in the early church who lived beyond the adversity of persecution in order to fulfill the Great Commission.  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction What I find most remarkable about this passage of scripture is what isn’t there:   There is no self-pity, no bitterness, no anger, no disillusionment and no despair. Paul had learned the importance of living beyond adversity!  Even while shackled in chains, he remained focused on the goal of proclaiming the gospel. But Paul was just one of the countless, nameless thousands in the early church who lived beyond the adversity of persecution in order to fulfill the Great Commission.  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In Genesis 1:27 we are told that God created mankind in his image and declared his creation of man and woman and marriage to be “good”!  The relationship was to be governed by equality of personhood, equality of dignity, equality of mutual respect, harmony and unified destiny! Unfortunately, Eve usurped her husband's headship and took over his place of God-ordained leadership.  And, simultaneously, Adam abdicated his leadership role over his wife.  Consequently, God sentenced men and women to have to deal with this struggle of leadership on a permanent basis. And therein lies the conflict of marriage that is so universal to every marriage and every family! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In Genesis 1:27 we are told that God created mankind in his image and declared his creation of man and woman and marriage to be “good”!  The relationship was to be governed by equality of personhood, equality of dignity, equality of mutual respect, harmony and unified destiny! Unfortunately, Eve usurped her husband's headship and took over his place of God-ordained leadership.  And, simultaneously, Adam abdicated his leadership role over his wife.  Consequently, God sentenced men and women to have to deal with this struggle of leadership on a permanent basis. And therein lies the conflict of marriage that is so universal to every marriage and every family! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In the late 70s a new term was coined in the business community called “Paradigm Shift”  It refers to a new model or new approach.  It means doing things with a new perspective, a new outlook, starting from scratch with no restrictions. That’s in essence what Paul is calling us to as believers – a whole New Paradigm.  As believers, we are no longer sinners, but saints. No longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness. No longer citizens of this earthly kingdom, but citizens of God’s heavenly kingdom. That’s what he is getting at in verses like …       2 Cor 5:17  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”       Rom 12:1  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The teachings of the Bible are intensely practical.  And the book of Colossians is no exception.  Paul’s doctrine and theology always leads to practical transformation – a spiritual Paradigm Shift that results in life-changing perspective and behavior. You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In the late 70s a new term was coined in the business community called “Paradigm Shift”  It refers to a new model or new approach.  It means doing things with a new perspective, a new outlook, starting from scratch with no restrictions. That’s in essence what Paul is calling us to as believers – a whole New Paradigm.  As believers, we are no longer sinners, but saints. No longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness. No longer citizens of this earthly kingdom, but citizens of God’s heavenly kingdom. That’s what he is getting at in verses like …       2 Cor 5:17  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”       Rom 12:1  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The teachings of the Bible are intensely practical.  And the book of Colossians is no exception.  Paul’s doctrine and theology always leads to practical transformation – a spiritual Paradigm Shift that results in life-changing perspective and behavior. You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction There are a growing number of TV shows that are designed to take what you got (whether it’s your house, your car or your body) and reshape, reform, rebuild, and rework it so that the before and after shots are breathtaking! I went to the website for Extreme Makeover on the ABC site and they described the show this way: “… lucky individuals are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in Extreme Makeover. These men and women are given a truly Cinderella-like experience: A real life fairy tale in which their wishes come true, not just to change their looks, but their lives and destinies.”       We like these kinds of shows because: We enjoy witnessing the remarkable transformations We enjoy imagining what it would be like to have our own Makeover We enjoy believing that while “those people” might need a makeover, we’re just fine like we are! God isn’t interested in renovating your life – He wants to transform it! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction There are a growing number of TV shows that are designed to take what you got (whether it’s your house, your car or your body) and reshape, reform, rebuild, and rework it so that the before and after shots are breathtaking! I went to the website for Extreme Makeover on the ABC site and they described the show this way: “… lucky individuals are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in Extreme Makeover. These men and women are given a truly Cinderella-like experience: A real life fairy tale in which their wishes come true, not just to change their looks, but their lives and destinies.”       We like these kinds of shows because: We enjoy witnessing the remarkable transformations We enjoy imagining what it would be like to have our own Makeover We enjoy believing that while “those people” might need a makeover, we’re just fine like we are! God isn’t interested in renovating your life – He wants to transform it! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In chapter 3, Paul makes a transition from teaching spiritual truths and begins to teach the practical applications of what he has presented in chapters 1 & 2.  BTW, he does the same thing in Romans 12:1 and Ephesians 4:1. In essence, Paul is saying that our doctrine should impact our lifestyle. In light of the fact that we have been raised from the dead with Christ and have a new identity as believers with a new citizenship in His heavenly kingdom, our lifestyle should become radically altered to reflect our new life. God isn’t interested in renovating your life – He wants to transform it! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In chapter 3, Paul makes a transition from teaching spiritual truths and begins to teach the practical applications of what he has presented in chapters 1 & 2.  BTW, he does the same thing in Romans 12:1 and Ephesians 4:1. In essence, Paul is saying that our doctrine should impact our lifestyle. In light of the fact that we have been raised from the dead with Christ and have a new identity as believers with a new citizenship in His heavenly kingdom, our lifestyle should become radically altered to reflect our new life. God isn’t interested in renovating your life – He wants to transform it! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction       The believers in Colosse were being influenced by false teachers who were promoting a mixture of doctrinal error, humanistic philosophy, pagan superstitions, and Eastern Mysticism --- sounds like life on Kauai.       In yesterday’s paper I counted no less than 5 articles that were promoting the very same 3 false teachings that Paul addressed in the book of Colossians: Legalism: The strict adherence to certain laws, rules, or standards with the objective of suppressing the flesh and gaining a right standing with God. Mysticism: The pursuit of spiritual knowledge and insight that transcends ordinary understanding by means of contemplation, meditation or some extra-biblical practice. Asceticism: The practice of extreme self-denial or self-mortification for the purpose of spiritual purification and spiritual elevation.       “The focus of each of these practices is trusting in the religious activity rather than trusting in God. It is putting our confidence in a practice rather than in a Person. And without fail this will lead us to love the practice more than the Person.”  (Jack Deer, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, p. 151) You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction       The believers in Colosse were being influenced by false teachers who were promoting a mixture of doctrinal error, humanistic philosophy, pagan superstitions, and Eastern Mysticism --- sounds like life on Kauai.       In yesterday’s paper I counted no less than 5 articles that were promoting the very same 3 false teachings that Paul addressed in the book of Colossians: Legalism: The strict adherence to certain laws, rules, or standards with the objective of suppressing the flesh and gaining a right standing with God. Mysticism: The pursuit of spiritual knowledge and insight that transcends ordinary understanding by means of contemplation, meditation or some extra-biblical practice. Asceticism: The practice of extreme self-denial or self-mortification for the purpose of spiritual purification and spiritual elevation.       “The focus of each of these practices is trusting in the religious activity rather than trusting in God. It is putting our confidence in a practice rather than in a Person. And without fail this will lead us to love the practice more than the Person.”  (Jack Deer, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, p. 151) You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction It must be a fearful thing to be taken hostage.  And while we may think of kidnapping as something that happens far away in foreign lands, Paul warns us in Colossians that as Christians we need to be on guard against being spiritually kidnapped and enslaved by false doctrine. As you may recall from our previous studies in Colossians, the church in Colosse was being infiltrated by false teachers who were teaching what later became known as the Colossian Heresy.  In addition to simple faith in Christ: They put a heavy emphasis on dietary restrictions and religious ceremonies. (Colossians 2:11, 16-17; 3:11) They were preoccupied with and worshipped angelic beings. (Col 2:18) They taught that they had an exclusive, secret knowledge (Col 2:18) and special insight into the spiritual world. They had a heavy reliance on human wisdom and tradition. (Colossians 2:4,8) I  The Trap Of Human Philosophy       See to it = Blepo = “Beware or be on guard” (present imperative command) 2 Peter 3:17  “… be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.” Don’t be taken captive: [Verse 8a]  Take captive = Sulagogeo = “To strip and lead away as slaves or hostages”  It is used here figuratively of carrying someone away from the freedom that comes from the truth in Christ into the bondage of doctrinal error. You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction It must be a fearful thing to be taken hostage.  And while we may think of kidnapping as something that happens far away in foreign lands, Paul warns us in Colossians that as Christians we need to be on guard against being spiritually kidnapped and enslaved by false doctrine. As you may recall from our previous studies in Colossians, the church in Colosse was being infiltrated by false teachers who were teaching what later became known as the Colossian Heresy.  In addition to simple faith in Christ: They put a heavy emphasis on dietary restrictions and religious ceremonies. (Colossians 2:11, 16-17; 3:11) They were preoccupied with and worshipped angelic beings. (Col 2:18) They taught that they had an exclusive, secret knowledge (Col 2:18) and special insight into the spiritual world. They had a heavy reliance on human wisdom and tradition. (Colossians 2:4,8) I  The Trap Of Human Philosophy       See to it = Blepo = “Beware or be on guard” (present imperative command) 2 Peter 3:17  “… be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.” Don’t be taken captive: [Verse 8a]  Take captive = Sulagogeo = “To strip and lead away as slaves or hostages”  It is used here figuratively of carrying someone away from the freedom that comes from the truth in Christ into the bondage of doctrinal error. You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In Colossians 1:28-29, the apostle Paul described his goal of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ by “admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom that in order that he might present everyone perfect (or mature) in Christ.” As a Pharisee, Paul had only been concerned with what he communicated. But now as a Christian, Paul was also concerned with how he communicated. Through Christ and the modeling of Barnabas, Paul had learned the “Power of Encouragement” and became of source of encouragement for the church! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com