Raintree Community Church

Living With a Christ-centered Focus | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 3:1-4   We Must Earnestly Prioritize Christ and His Kingdom (3:1-2) Because we have been raised to life in Christ, He is our chief consideration in all things. We value Christ and His eternal kingdom over the things of earth.   We Must Purposefully Embrace Our Identity in Christ and His Kingdom (3:3-4) In Christ, we have died to ourselves and have been raised to a new identity in Him. In Christ, our life is complete and secure for all eternity in His Kingdom.

Holding Fast to Christ's Sufficiency | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 2:16-23   Consider the Insufficiency of Legalism (2:16-17) Following religious rules does not produce godliness; it can lead to self-righteousness and judgmentalism. Look to Christ as the substance of your faith!   Consider the Insufficiency of Mysticism (2:18-19) Worshipping angels and searching for visions will lead us away from the truth of the Gospel. Hold fast to Christ, the fountain head of all wisdom and fulfillment!   Consider the Insufficiency of Asc...

The Trustworthy Word of the Holy Spirit | Travis Thompson

Travis Thompson preaches from 2 Peter 1:19-21.

Alive in Christ | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 2:11-15   In Christ We Are Given a New Heart (2:11-12) Because of Christ, we are given a new life with a transformed heart. Life Application: Because Christ has given us new hearts, we are now empowered by Christ to follow Him.   In Christ We Receive Complete Forgiveness (2:13-14) Because of Christ, we experience total forgiveness of all our sins as we are made alive in Him. Life Application: As Christians, we are no longer under condemnation, but under grace! ...

Complete in Christ | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 2:6-10   We are Established in Christ (2:6-7) We look to Christ as our Lord and Savior in salvation. We are given new life in Christ through His work. We rest on Christ as our foundation with thanksgiving.   We are Steadfast in Christ (2:8) We must resist the lies of false teaching and cling to the Truth. These lies are deceptive, man-centered, and enslaving.   We are Fulfilled in Christ (2:9-10) We have a new life in Christ that is complete and lacks noth...

Treasuring Christ Together | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 2:1-5   Treasuring Christ Leads to True Community (2:1-2a) We have mutual encouragement in Christ because our hearts have been united in love by Christ.   Treasuring Christ Leads to Understanding the Wisdom of Christ (2:2b-3) In Christ, we have access to the abundance of His sufficient wisdom and knowledge.   Treasuring Christ Leads to Steady Resistance to Error (2:4) Because we possess Christ’s wisdom, we are empowered to stand firm against persuasive, unbiblic...

A Christlike View of Ministry, Part 2 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 1:28-29   Proclaim Christ’s Message Exclusively (1:28) The content and substance of our message is Christ alone. When Christ is proclaimed, the church will be warned of error and taught in wisdom. When Christ is proclaimed, the church will grow to maturity in Christ.   Depend on Christ’s Strength Fully (1:29) We work for the sake of Christ through the power of Christ. The power of Christ works mightily in us as we suffer for Christ, steward the Gospel, and pro...

Romans 8:1 | Jeff Fitzgerald

A Christlike View of Ministry, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 1:24-27    Suffer For Christ’s Name Joyfully (1:24) We have been called to endure suffering with joy for the advancement of Christ’s church. It is an honor to share in Christ’s suffering for His Name.   Steward Christ’s Word Faithfully (1:25-27) We have been entrusted with the Gospel of Christ and called to make it fully known to the world. The mystery of God’s plan has been revealed: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

The Results of Reconciliation | Dr. Stephen Conley

  Text: Colossians 1:21-23   What We Were Before Christ (1:21) The need for reconciliation: We were alienated, hostile in mind, doing evil deeds against God.   What We Become in Christ (1:22) The means of reconciliation: We become holy, blameless, and above reproach before God.   How We Live Because of Christ (1:23) The outcome of reconciliation: We continue by grace with steadfastness, holding onto the hope of the Gospel.

The Preeminence of Christ, Part 2 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 1:19-20   He is Preeminent in Completeness (1:19) Jesus possesses all the fullness of God Himself. Jesus lacks nothing as sovereign and supreme over all things.   He is Preeminent in the New Creation (1:20) Jesus brings complete and comprehensive reconciliation to His creation and His people. Jesus is the ultimate Restorer, making all things new in His eternal Kingdom.

The Preeminence of Christ, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 1:15-18   He is Preeminent in Creation (1:15-17) Jesus is the eternal Son of God who is the exact image of God Himself. Jesus is the supreme and sovereign Creator, Sustainer, and focal point of all things.   He is Preeminent in the Church (1:18) Jesus is the Founder and Leader of the church. Jesus’ death and resurrection secured our entrance into the church. Nothing can compare to Jesus’ preeminence in all things.

The Redemption of Christ | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 1:13-14   The Work of Redemption Accomplished (1:13) God the Father accomplished His saving work through Christ. This saving work delivered us from darkness and brought us into the kingdom of Christ.   The Work of Redemption Applied (1:14) Through Christ’s sacrificial death, we have been set free from the power of sin. Though Christ’s sacrificial death, we have been forgiven of the penalty of sin.

Gospel-Centered Prayer | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 1:9-12   Gospel-Centered Prayer Prioritizes God’s Will (1:9) We must seek to be filled with the knowledge of God’s revealed will so that we will live according to His wisdom.   Gospel-Centered Prayer Produces Godly Fruit (1:10) Knowing God’s revealed will leads to a life that is pleasing to God and bears godly fruit.   Gospel-Centered Prayer is Powered by God’s Strength (1:11) We must pray in total dependance upon God, for it is His power that brings us spiritua...

Glorying in the Gospel's Work | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 1:3-8   The Foundation of Gospel Work (1:3-5a) The foundation of the Gospel is God Himself as He saves us by His grace. The evidence of God’s saving grace is true faith in Christ and genuine love for the saints that is grounded on eternal hope in Christ.   The Fruitfulness of Gospel Work (1:5b-6) The Gospel has a global impact as the truth is preached and heard. The Gospel has a fruitful impact as it is believed and practiced.   The Faithfulness of Gospel Wor...

An Overview of Colossians | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 1:1-2   The Author of Colossians The human author of this book is the Apostle Paul, who also penned 13 letters of the New Testament. Paul was redeemed by God’s grace and became a missionary for the Gospel’s sake.   The Audience of Colossians Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colossae from prison in Rome between A.D. 60-62, before his eventual martyrdom in A.D. 64. Paul was confronting false teaching by pointing the Colossian church to hope in the supremacy...

Jesus is Lord: The Name Above Every Name | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Philippians 2:5-11  Jesus, Our Suffering Servant (2:5-8) These verses center on the humiliation of Jesus as He came in the flesh and died on the cross. Jesus, Our Exalted Lord (2:9-11) These verses center on the exaltation of Jesus where every earthly and heavenly being will bow at His feet and give Him the worship He deserves.

Jesus is Our Prince of Peace | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Isaiah 9:6-7 and other selected passages   Jesus Makes Peace With God and Man Jesus broke down the wall of hostility between God and man through His atoning work on the cross. Jesus brings wholeness and reconciliation to our relationships. Consider these verses: Psalm 85:8-10; Isaiah 55:10-11; Ephesians 2:12-18; Colossians 1:19-22; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24   Jesus Brings Peace Within our Hearts Jesus gives us the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds. Jesus is our...

Jesus is Our Everlasting Father | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Isaiah 9:6 and Selected Passages   Jesus is the Father of Eternity Jesus is the self-existent Son of God who is the unchanging author of eternity. Consider these passages: Psalm 90:1-2; Isaiah 40:28-31; 1 Timothy 1:14-17; Hebrews 1:10-12, 13:8.   Jesus’ Fatherly Care is Everlasting Jesus’ fatherly care toward us is never-ending and overflowing. Jesus calls us to come to Him as weak, burdened sinners to find rest in the everlasting dimensions of His steadfast love and forg...

Jesus is Our Mighty God | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Isaiah 9:6 & Other Selected Passages   Jesus is Mighty in Creation Jesus is our mighty fortress, present help, and comfort. Consider these passages: Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6-9; Psalm 95:1-6; John 1:1-4   Jesus is Mighty in Salvation Jesus is mighty to rescue us from our bondage to sin and give us new life in Him. Consider these passages: Psalm 40:1-4; Zephaniah 3:17; Luke 1:46-55; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:3-10; Hebrews 2:14-18, 7:25; Revelation 5:9-13   Jesus is Mig...

Jesus is Our Wonderful Counselor | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Isaiah 9:1-6   The Light That Shines into Spiritual Darkness (9:1-5) Jesus is the promised Light that brings deliverance and hope to those living under sin’s tyranny.   The Child Who is Born with a God-given Destiny (9:6) Jesus is the promised Son who was born as our Savior, but also as our King.   The Counselor Who Comes with Divine Wisdom (9:7) Jesus is the promised Counselor in whom all wisdom and knowledge dwells.

Drawing Near to God | Gebriell Sierra

Gebriell Sierra preaches to us from James 4:8 on drawing near to God.

Doing Gospel Work Together | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Titus 3:12-15     We must intentionally provide for the needs of our Gospel ambassadors (3:12-13). The Gospel points us outward to encourage and support fellow laborers in the ministry.   We must lovingly support the needs of our Gospel community (3:14-15a). The Gospel points us inward in addressing the urgent needs of the church by devoting ourselves to good works.   We must willingly rely upon God’s grace for our Gospel work (3:15b). The Gospel points us upward to the...

Practicing Gospel Unity in the Church | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Titus 3:9-11   Pursue Gospel Unity by Avoiding Divisive Behavior (3:9) We are called to keep the Gospel central, not give ourselves to unprofitable disputes that oppose the Gospel.   Preserve Gospel Unity By Confronting Divisive People (3:10-11) We must guard our Gospel unity by not tolerating those who stir up division within the church.   The Application of Gospel Unity Preserving Gospel unity will promote a healthy Gospel culture within the church. If we don’t divisiven...

The Power of Gospel Transformation | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Titus 3:3-8   Before Christ: Our Sinfulness (3:3) Before Christ, we were entrenched in our rebellion against God and enslaved to our desires.   After Christ: Our Salvation (3:4-7) After Christ, we are saved by His mercy, given new life through the Spirit, and justified by His grace.   Through Christ: Our Service (3:8) Through Christ, we are equipped and compelled to do good works for the sake of the Gospel.

Living a Grace-Filled Life Before the World | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Titus 3:1-2   Grace-Filled Submission (3:1a) Our life must be characterized by a submission to God and His ordained authority in this world.   Grace-Filled Service (3:1b) Our life must be characterized by an eagerness to serve the Lord and carry out His will.   Grace-Filled Speech (3:2) Our relationships must be characterized by speaking evil to no one and giving courtesy to everyone with gentleness.

Grace Empowered Ministry | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Titus 2:11-15   Grace Appeared to Us in Christ (2:11) God’s grace is personified to us in Christ’s coming to us. God’s grace is dispensed to us through Christ’s work of salvation.   Grace Trains Us to Live For Christ (2:12) God’s grace trains us to say no to self-centered living. God’s grace trains us to say yes to Christ-centered living.   Grace Motivates Us to Serve Christ and Look For His Return (2:13-15) God’s grace is the empowerment of all our service to Christ....

God's Instructions For Workers | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Titus 2:9-10   Our Work Should Reflect the Gospel (2:9-10a) We should be submissive in every way that is God-honoring. We should excel in working well without argument or opposition. We should excel in being trustworthy and faithful as opposed to dishonest and deceptive.    Our Work Should Adorn the Gospel (2:10b) We need to view our work as a platform for Gospel proclamation. The way we work should make Gospel doctrine attractive to the world around us.

Gods Instructions For Younger Men | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Titus 2:6-8   Sound Doctrine Produces Sound Men Who are Self-Controlled (2:6). God calls older men to life-on-life discipleship that culminates in the sanctification of younger men. God calls younger men to a life of self-mastery in thought and deed.   Sound Doctrine Produces Sound Men Who Lead and Teach By Example (2:7-8) God calls the leaders of the church to lead by example in good works in doctrinal purity, personal dignity, and edifying speech. The Gospel will be put...

God's Instructions For Younger Women | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Titus 2:4-5   Sound Doctrine Leads to Sound Training in Christlikeness (2:3-4a) God calls older women to life-on-life discipleship that culminates in the sanctification of younger women.   Sound Doctrine Produces Sound Women With Christlike Character (2:4-5). God calls younger women to cultivate a love for their family. God calls younger women to guard their minds and desires. God calls younger women to pursue moral purity. God calls younger women to a labor of love wit...

God’s Instructions for Older Men & Women | Dr. Stephen Conley

Title: “God’s Instructions for Older Men & Women” Text:  Titus 2:1-3   Sound Doctrine Must Be Taught Faithfully by Christlike Elders (2:1) Sound Gospel doctrine feeds the church. Sound Gospel doctrine counsels the church.  Sound Gospel doctrine protects the church.   Sound Doctrine Must Be Modeled Faithfully By Older Men (2:2). God calls older men to be Christ-focused. God calls older men to be worthy of respect. God calls older men to be disciplined in thought and deed. ...

The Love of God, Part 2 | Stephen Conley

God’s Love Defined - “God’s love is an exercise of His goodness towards individual sinners whereby, having identified Himself with their welfare, He has given us His Son to be their Savior, and now brings them to know and enjoy Him in a covenant relation.” (J.I. Packer, Knowing God) - God declares Himself as the One who abounds in love (Exodus 34:6-7). - God is declared as the very essence and definition of Love (1 John 4:8,16). God’s Love Displayed - God’s love displayed in creati...

Questions Asked, Questions Answered | Jeff Fitzgerald

Text: Romans 8:31-39   What then shall we say to these things? Our Justification, sanctification, and our glorification is tied back to “No condemnation.” “Nothing” – What can we say? “Everything” – We should be in continuous praise and live for Christ.   If God is for us, who can be against us? “If” God is for us? This can mean “Since” or “Because” Psalm 118:6 “…What can man do to me?”   He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also,...

The Love of God, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley

God’s Love Defined “God’s love is an exercise of His goodness towards individual sinners whereby, having identified Himself with their welfare, He has given us His Son to be their Savior, and now brings them to know and enjoy Him in a covenant relation.” (J.I. Packer, Knowing God) God declares Himself as the One who abounds in love (Exodus 34:6-7). God is declared as the very essence and definition of Love (1 John 4:8,16).    God’s Love Displayed God’s love displayed in creation (Ge...

The Providence of God, Part 3 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Title: "The Providence of God, Part 3" Text Matthew 6:25-34 God's Providence Defined God's Providence Displayed God's Providence Demonstrated (Matthew 6:25-34) Submit to God as the Provider and Sustainer of your life (verses 25-30) Surrender your life to God's care and His Kingdom purposes (verses 31-34)

The Providence of God, Part 2 | Dr. Stephen Conley

God’s Providence Defined “The providence of God is seen in His purposeful and pervasive sovereignty” (Piper) “The providence of God is the almighty, everywhere-present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth with all creature, and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed all things come not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.” (Heidelberg Cate...

The Providence of God | Dr. Stephen Conley

God’s Providence Defined - “The providence of God is seen in His purposeful and pervasive sovereignty” (Piper). - “The providence of God is the almighty, everywhere-present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth with all creature, and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed all things come not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.” (Heidelber...

The Holiness of God, Part 2 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: 1 Peter 1:13-21 God’s Holiness Demonstrated (1 Peter 1:13-21) - Our mindset is driven by the Gospel (v. 13a). - Our hope is fueled by grace with an eternal perspective (v. 13b). - Our holiness is produced by the One who is holy (vv. 14-16). - Our conduct is empowered by Christ and His atoning work (vv. 17-21).

The Cross and the Constraint: Living In Light of Christ's Sacrifice | Gebriell Sierra

The Cross and the Constraint: Living In Light of Christ's Sacrifice | Gebriell Sierra Text: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Outline: • The Cross - Ruin - Redemption - Regeneration • The Constraint - No Longer Live Yourself - Forsake Sin - Do Not Waste Your Life - Discipline Yourself For the Purpose of Godliness - Be Motivated By Love

The Holiness Of God | Dr. Stephen Conley

Isaiah 6:1-9 God’s Holiness Defined “The primary meaning of holy is separate. It comes from an ancient word that means to cut or to separate.” (Sproul) God’s holiness carries the idea of transcendence, moral perfection, and majestic splendor.   God’s Holiness Displayed (Isaiah 6:1-5) God’s holiness governs all His attributes and points to all His works. God’s holiness is seen in the superlative: He is supreme in His perfection and greatness. God’s holiness exposes our unwor...

The Power, Righteousness, and Wisdom of God in the Gospel | Drew Erickson

Drew Erickson preaches from Romans 1:13-3:27. He walks through the power, righteousness, and wisdom of God revealed in the Gospel to guilty sinners. We receive the righteousness of God through faith as we are justified through Christ’s redemption.

Dealing With Gospel Opponents, Part 2 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Titus 1:10-16   The Exposure of Gospel Opponents (Titus 1:10-13a) We must detect their expanding infiltration within the church. We must recognize their ungodly character. We must silence them by removing their platform, overpowering them with truth, and giving ourselves to holy living. (MacArthur)   The Response to Gospel Opponents (Titus 1:13b-14) Their teaching must be reproved, so they can repent. Their teaching must be rejected, so it will not damage the church.  ...

The Supremacy of the Son of God | Travis Thompson

Travis Thompson preaches from Hebrews 1:1-4 on Christ's supremacy.

Dealing With Gospel Opponents, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Titus 1:10-16   The Exposure of Gospel Opponents (Titus 1:10-13a) We must detect their expanding infiltration within the church. We must recognize their ungodly character. We must silence them by removing their platform, overpowering them with truth, and giving ourselves to holy living. (MacArthur)

The Marks of Christlike Eldership, Part 3 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Titus 1:5-9   The Charge to Appoint Christlike Elders (Titus 1:5) The New Testament uses three words to refer to the same leadership office: Elder, Overseer, and Pastor. Titus was charged with identifying, appointing, and equipping elders to lead the church.   The Character to Aspire to in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6) An elder is above reproach. An elder is faithfully devoted to his wife.   The Conduct to Aim for in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6-9) An elder shepherds h...

The Marks of Christlike Eldership, Part 2 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Titus 1:5-7   The Charge to Appoint Christlike Elders (Titus 1:5) The New Testament uses three words to refer to the same leadership office: Elder, Overseer, and Pastor. Titus was charged with identifying, appointing, and equipping elders to lead the church.   The Character to Aspire to in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6) An elder is above reproach. An elder is faithfully devoted to his wife.   The Conduct to Aim for in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6-9) An elder shepherds h...

The Marks of Christlike Eldership, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Titus 1:5-6   The Charge to Appoint Christlike Elders (Titus 1:5) The New Testament uses three words to refer to the same leadership office: Elder, Overseer, and Pastor. Titus was charged with identifying, appointing, and equipping elders to lead the church.   The Character to Aspire in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6) An elder is a man who is above reproach. An elder is a man who is faithfully devoted to his wife. An elder is a man who shepherds his children in godliness.

James 5:7-12 | Jeff Fitzgerald

One of our elders, Jeff Fitzgerald preached to us today from James 5:7-12. He exhorted us to consider five ways to let patience have its perfect work in our life.   First, we must wait with long patience with eternity in view, enduring affliction with a centered trust in God.   Second, we must establish and strengthen our hearts to be steadfast in light of Christ’s return.   Third, we must not become bitter or complain in the midst of difficult suffering. As we consider the examp...

Truth That Leads to Godliness | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Titus 1:1-4   A Purposeful Identity (Titus 1:1) Paul identifies himself as a servant of God who was sent by God. Paul’s mission was to connect truth and godliness for Christ-followers in Crete. By God’s grace, we are servants who have been called and sent out for the Gospel’s sake.   An Eternal Hope (Titus 1:2-3) Paul grounds our eternal security in the eternal promises of God that are inscribed in God’s unfailing Word. Paul’s preaching of the Gospel is directed by the W...

Never Separated | Dr. Thor Madsen

Dr. Thor Madsen preaches to us from John 10:1-42. He is the Dean of Doctoral Studies and Academic Initiatives as well as a Professor of New Testament, Ethics & Philosophy at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.