Hey kids, thanks for listening to this podcast. I know there are a number of families that use this podcast for their daily devotions. Kids, I want to speak to you especially today. I’ll chat to your parents tomorrow.

Most of you finished school with a report card from your teachers on how well you did in various subjects, didn’t you? Well, God has a report card for every child and it has one subject on it: Obedience to parents. It has a verse written at the top: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord (Col. 3:20).

How many of our families would be transformed if this short verse was practiced? So, let’s ask, How does a complete Christ completely change children?

Listen here.

Marriage is in a mess, and therefore we are in a mess.

• It is being re-defined (man-man, woman-woman, polygamy, polyamory)
• It is being delayed (average age for marriage is now 30)
• It is being broken up (almost 50% of marriages in the US end in divorce)

It’s not just marriage in general that’s in trouble; your own marriage may be in trouble. Or perhaps you’re unmarried but you’ve seen so many troubled marriages that you’ve decided, “Not for me.” Or if you do go forward, you’re pessimistic about it working out long-term.

Marriage is in a mess, and therefore we are in a mess. How can I have a happy marriage? In Colossians 3:18-19, God lets us in on the simple secret to a happy marriage.

Listen here.

Which is the odd one out? “I must call my Mom” “I must get to that office meeting.” I must lose weight.” “I must get my finances organized.” “I must get into that college.” “I must be born again.” I must win that game.”

It’s “Why must I be born again?” isn’t it. Why is it the odd one out? Because the vast majority do not see it as a ‘Must.’ All the other ‘Musts’ are common and are heard thousands of times every day. But, “I must be born again” is a rare must; indeed it’s almost extinct. This, despite it being the most important and urgent of all Musts.

Why is this the most important and urgent of all the ‘Musts’? “Why must I be born again?” That’s the question Jesus answers in John 3:1-8.

Sermon Notes

Kids Sermon Notes

Sermon Graphics

Pursue inner change for outward change. Many in our society want change but few know what to change first or how. So, what needs changed most and how do we make change last?

In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul points us to what must change first and how to effect lasting change. He was addressing two temptations that faced the Colossians and have faced all Christians through the ages.

• Some Christians limit personal renewal to their internal and invisible world.
• Some Christians focus on outward change but it has no inward foundation or power.

Paul, therefore, showed the Colossians how to pursue renewal in every area of life.

Listen here.

Our labels determine our lifestyle. Recently I’ve been working hard at improving my diet and fitness. One of the greatest helps I’ve found for that has been Under Armour clothes! I’m not being paid to say this, but since I started wearing more Under Armour clothes I’ve found it easier to adopt an Under Armor lifestyle. My kids now mockingly call me Mr Under Armor. The label has become my identity which in turn changes my lifestyle. The label changes the way I view myself and the way I live. Our labels determine our lifestyle.

Spiritually, there are only two designer brands: ‘Old You’ and ‘New You.’ Like all designer labels these spiritual brands also define our identity and determine our lifestyle. They decide who we are and what we do. So, how do use our label to change our lifestyle? In Colossians 3:5-8, we’re told the first step is to rip off our ‘Old You’ label.

Listen here.

Has anyone ever told you, “You need to change?” and you’ve wondered what on earth they are talking about? They see it but you can’t see it. Or perhaps you reply, “I know, but I don’t want to change.” Or, “I know, I want to change, and I’ve tried to change, but I just can’t.” Or, “I’m trying, but the change is so slow and small.” Personal change is hard.

How does personal change happen? In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul takes us to heaven to change our lives on earth.

Listen here.