In this lesson, Pastor Dave Capoccia discusses how the situation for early Roman Christians transformed dramatically with the emperorship of Constantine. Pastor Dave explains what happened to bring Constantine to power, what Constantine’s policies were toward Christians, and how his policies—and those of his successors—had profound effects on Christianity, both positively and negatively.
In this sermon, Pastor Joe Babij examines Paul introductory words in Colossians 1:3-8. Pastor Babij explains how, in Paul’s words of thanks, Paul clarifies how the gospel of Jesus transforms believers to progress in three areas of living: thanksgiving, hope, and steadfastness in the one, true gospel.
In this lesson, Pastor Dave Capoccia examines the persecutions Christians suffered in the first to early fourth centuries. Specifically, Pastor Dave explains: 1. What were the persecutions? 2. Why were Christians persecuted? 3. How did Christians respond to persecution?
In this sermon, Pastor Joe Babij examines the apostle Paul’s introductory greeting in Colossians 1:1-2. Pastor Babij explains how what was true about the ancient Colossians’ spiritual position is and ought to be true of believers today. Full Transcript: Let’s take our Bibles again and turn to Colossians 1. I’ll be reading just two verses…
In this lesson, Pastor Dave Capoccia begins examining early church history by first discussing the gospel’s expansion in the first four centuries. Pastor Dave explains the extent of gospel expansion, the ways God prepared for this expansion to take place, and the chief means God used to bring about the expansion.
In this introductory sermon for a new series studying the book of Colossians, Pastor Joe Babij explains the background of the book and the apostle Paul’s original purpose in writing. Pastor Babij breaks down Paul’s original purpose into a three-fold intention: 1. Establish a rapport with the Colossian believers and express to them a pastoral…
In Lesson 1 of our new Sunday school series on church history and the early church, Pastor Dave Capoccia tackles a fundamental question: Why Study Church History? Pastor Dave first considers what we already know about church history and why we often don’t study it. Pastor Dave then offers three main reasons why we should…
In this sermon, our guest, Pastor Tom McConnell, examines Luke 8:29-39 and the account of Jesus delivering the man with the legion of demons. Pastor Tom explains two lessons about deliverance that should result in the exaltation of Jesus—even new belief in Jesus and new boldness for Jesus. 1. The Need for Jesus’ Deliverance (vv.…
In this sermon, Pastor Dave Capoccia looks at Paul’s teaching about contentment in Philippians 4:10-13. Paul clarifies three parts to the secret of contentment so that you also will find true contentment in Christ. Introduction: Renewed Partnership Brings Joy in the Lord (v. 10) 1. True Contentment Is Learned through Practice (v. 11) 2. True…
In this sermon, Pastor Dave Capoccia finishes examining the spiritual discipline of the church from the Bible. In part 4, Pastor Dave completes looking at the “how” of the discipline of the church and explains the last three of six principles from the Bible to maximize mutual upbuilding in the church. 1. Engage in the…