SALVATION: WHICH STORY CAN YOU TRUST? Colossians 1:15–23 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Colossians 1:15-23 Key Thought Every person builds their life on a story. The question is: Which story can you trust? 1. THE LONGING Every rescue story begins with the same assumption: Something has gone terribly Key Idea: Our longing for rescue points to a deeper need that every human heart shares. 2. THE PROBLEM Genesis 3 The Bible says our deepest problem is not simply broken , but broken with God. Sin is not merely breaking rules; it is breaking The brokenness around us reflects the brokenness us. Bottom Line: We don't simply need better advice, education, technology, or society. We need a 3. THE HERO Colossians 1:15–17 Jesus is… • The of the invisible God. • The of all creation. Key Question: If Jesus has the authority to create everything… Doesn't He also have the authority to everything? 4. THE RESCUE Colossians 1:19–22 The Creator became our To reconcile means: Because Jesus lives… 5. YOUR STORY Colossians 1:23 The final question is not whether Jesus is able to save. The question is: Continue… • Christ. • Building your life on the of the gospel. This Week's Challenge What story has been shaping your life lately? ☐ Success ☐ Comfort ☐ Approval ☐ Self-sufficiency ☐ Fear ☐ Jesus One thing God is saying to me today: One step I will take this week: Continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. Colossians 1:23