The Town Church / Fort Collins

This week's passage reminds us that any way of thinking or personal practice that has no root in Christ is empty, giving us nothing. Paul calls the church to continue in the faith and stand firm on what is true. 

Eric is back! This week, we welcome Eric back and get to hear a bit about his sabbatical. We also unpack this week's sermon with a few questions: Are we facing suffering as a direct result of our faith? Why or why not? What does suffering look like in an American context?What are things that we've held too closely that started out about Jesus but have drifted elsewhere? 

This week's passage directs us to a few important questions: Where is our commitment to Jesus, His gospel, and the Church? Are we willing to endure the suffering that comes from boldly proclaiming the gospel? 

This week, Vince, Kirsten, and Betty reflect on things that may stand in the way of seeing Christ as Lord over creation, redemption, and reconciliation. If we truly believe that Jesus is preeminent, how should this change the life of a Christian? Additionally, The Loft gets some exciting updates in preparation for Eric's return next week. 

This passage proclaims the complete supremacy of Christ, reminding us that He is Lord over everything. With these rich theological truths in mind, how can our worship be transformed? 

The AfterWord is back with a brand new season and a brand new studio! This week, we take time to express gratitude, look back at how discipleship has impacted our lives, and consider how we hope our affections are raised for Jesus through this upcoming series. Some questions for discussion: Why can it be difficult to express gratitude for other people? Who are people you are thankful for? How has discipleship impacted your life? What pieces of Paul's prayer in verses 9-14 hit your own heart? How do you hope your affections are raised for God through Colossians? 

We begin Colossians with an introduction to the context of the book and the central theme of this series: Christ is all. This letter opens with thanksgiving and a prayer of encouragement for the church at Colossae. These verses serve as a model for us in our own prayers and a reminder of the qualifying work of the gospel. 

Last week, Vince led us through the vision of The Town Church. This week, three of our elders lead us through the mission of the church, which is broken into four categories. These four categories show us how we can practically live out the church's vision to see the gospel transform everything. 

As a church, our vision is to see the gospel transform everything. This week, we launch our Vision and Mission series by narrowing in on the gospel and its transformative power. 

This week, we get to hear from all of you! Vince reads out responses to the question posed to the church: How did this series through 1 and 2 Samuel raise your affections for Jesus? 

The book of 2 Samuel concludes by demonstrating once again how God uses our own sinful motives to fulfill His purposes and bring glory to His name. Through this, we are reminded of the true and perfect King who leads His people to right worship. 

This week, we explore the gospel themes woven throughout 2 Samuel 21 and 22, and we also lean into prayer and the patience of God. How have we recognized our own lack of prayer in certain situations in life, and what draws us to finally seek the Lord? When it seems like justice is delayed, how can we still trust God? 

All of Scripture is meant to point us toward Christ and the Gospel. This week's sermon explores the key Gospel themes presented in 2 Samuel 21 and 22. 

2 Samuel 20 looks at three different types of people: the worthless or rebellious, the seemingly faithful, and the faithful. How do we see those categories play out in the world today? What do expressions of false faithfulness look like? Can we think of times when we tend to be inconsistent in our own character? Bonus: Betty brings the best podcast snack to the studio! 

2 Samuel 20 begins with a rebellion against David and ends with a glimpse of who has remained faithful to him. Throughout the passage, we also see men who seem faithful to the king, when in reality their loyalties lie elsewhere. This inconsistency in character challenges us look inward and consider what our fruit reveals about the abundance of our own hearts. 

This week, the king returns home. How did David get to a place where his response was to pardon, give, and bless? What can we learn from the characters' responses to David's actions? What "wilderness experiences" have we walked through, and how have we grown from them? 

Throughout this passage, we see David extending mercy and kindness to those who do not deserve it. His actions point us to a perfect King who pardons abundantly out of His deep love for us. 

Another special guest joins us as we explore more of 2 Samuel and its characters. How have we seen David change throughout these past couple of weeks? What do we learn about Joab's character, and how does he contribute to the changes in David? As we continue pushing through heavy passages, where can we look for hope? 

The pattern of trouble and brokenness continues for David and his family as Absalom is killed, ending his rebellion. Through this story of destruction and grief, our hearts are pointed even more toward the coming King and the restoration He provides. 

Guided by Proverbs 19:21, the sermon led us to see that despite the many plans man might make, God's purposes will always stand. We continue that conversation in this week's AfterWord by exploring a few questions: Does this Proverb elicit comfort or fear? How can we hold plans our own plans loosely? What does it look like to submit to and discern good counsel?