July 12, 2026
Where's The Hope? | Christ In You
Suffering is the hardest thing for human beings. Why do we have to go through so much pain? One might think that getting on God’s ‘team’ would mean you wouldn’t suffer anymore or at least you’d suffer less. That’s not the case. Jesus suffered, and he was very clear that his followers would suffer too. What is more important is the second truth, which is that Christians’ suffering is never lost on God and is never in vain.
Songs for this week: Spotify
Colossians 1:24-29
Questions:
- What’s the worst pain that you’ve been in? Tell that story.
- Jesus suffered; he suffered penultimately on the cross. Why do Christians have to suffer?
- What could it mean for Paul to ‘make up in his flesh what is lacking in Jesus’ afflictions’? Are we also a part of that?
- Why is ‘Christ in you’ the great Christian hope? How is that different from any other life you could choose to live?
- V. 29 What are you ‘strenuously contending’ for these days? What has your mind and your heart?
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Recent Sermons
1 Samuel 24:1-22 - David chose inconvenience and risk when he could have chosen an easier life. Jesus calls us to do the same—to “Go!” even when it costs us, because sometimes our inconvenience helps someone else find Life.
2 Samuel 24:18-25-After his second colossal failure, David refused to cheap out on his sacrifice. See how God used his obedience to end a plague and build the Temple.
1 Samuel 23:14-18-Using the life of David, we’re taking four weeks to look at four essential practices that Christians have devoted themselves to for two thousand years: Gather, Grow, Give and Go. These practices are what Jesus has always called his church to do. This week we’re talking about growing … together.
1 Samuel 17:32-Join as we begin a 4-week series exploring the Vision of St. Paul’s through the life of David. Discover four essential practices Jesus has called His church to for 2,000 years: Gather, Grow, Give, and Go. This week, we begin with Gather—why gathering together matters and what it means to be the church.
Colossians 4:2-9 - Prayer isn’t meant to be an afterthought—it’s an invitation to stay connected to God. Paul’s final words challenge us to pray with purpose, keep our eyes open for what God is doing, and look for opportunities to share Jesus. A great way to wrap up a letter—and launch us into the world God loves.
Colossians 3:18-4:1 -Paul closes his letter by showing how following Jesus transforms our everyday relationships—with spouses, children, parents, employees, and employers—and calls us to care for one another with kindness.
