"Cultivating a Heart of Compassion" by Rev. Kim Salo

Sermon: Cultivating a Heart of Compassion Jan 11.26
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Click on the icon above to read in full Rev Kim's sermon of January 11th, "Cultivating a Heart of Compassion".   Based on this sermon, here are some questions:

1. READ Colossians 3:1-4. Verse 1 says "you have been raised with Christ." V.3 says "you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." How can Paul say we have died, and have been raised, long before our own physical death? (Hint: look at Romans 6:2-4)

2. READ 3:5-10. V. 5 tells us to "Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature." V.8 says "rid yourselves of all these things." After each of these Paul gives lists of vices. How do we "put to death" and "rid ourselves" of the vices listed? How do we "put on the new self"? Is it by our own efforts? Or some other way? (Bonus question: why do so many New Years resolutions fail?)

3. We often read about Christian conduct as it applies to individuals. How does it sound if we READ Col. 3:12-17, as it applies to community life, as the church's house rules? What stands out for you when you hear 3:12-17 addressed to the whole church? READ it aloud that way.

4. Kim's sermon pointed out the difference between "churchianity" which emphasizes our personal lives, self improvement, "living your best life," etc., and Christianity, a church that puts Christ at the center, especially Christ's dieing and rising.
Why is it a mistake to read Colossians 3:1-17 as a self improvement plan? What will eventually happen to a church that does that? Why is Christ's dieing and rising so connected to our behavior, as it is in Col.3?