The Upward Call: The Teaching Ministry of Colonial Church

Because God permits our needs, hears our prayers, and answers in His perfect wisdom, we can depend on Him daily and trust Him to provide. Isaiah 38:1-6,15-17; Matthew 6:11. 5-3-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

True prayer fulfills its purpose when believers humbly surrender their will, their lives, and their plans to God—aligning themselves with His authority and purposes rather than seeking to impose their own. Matthew 6:10-11a; James 4:6-10,13-17. 4-26-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Because God alone is supremely great and worthy, believers are called to honor His holy name in prayer by seeing His greatness, sounding His praise, and surrendering their lives fully to His glory. Matthew 6:9b; Psalm 96:1-9. 4-19-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Because God reveals Himself as a loving Father, compassionate Redeemer, and sovereign King, a right view of His character transforms our prayers into God-centered expressions of trust, worship, and dependence. Matthew 6:9a; Psalm 103:1-5,11-13,19-22. 4-12-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Because Jesus conquered sin, death, and the world through the cross and resurrection, believers can face life’s sorrows with confidence, live with courageous faith, and rest in a joy that nothing can take away. John 16:19–22, 27–33. 4-5-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. https://youtu.be/-pjLmfynHs4

Jesus prepares His followers to expect persecution from a world opposed to God, understand its root in rejecting Christ, and stand firm in faith when suffering comes for His name. John 15:18-25, 16:1-4a. 3-29-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Because Jesus invites believers to abide in His love, they are empowered to reflect His sacrificial love to others and reproduce lasting spiritual fruit that advances His mission. John 15:9–17. 3-22-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

When life becomes uncertain or unsettling, believers strengthen their trust in Jesus by following Him as the Way, relying on His promises as the Truth, and finding lasting meaning and hope in Him as the Life. John 13:36–14:7. 3-15-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

In the shadow of Judas’ betrayal at the Last Supper, Jesus reveals that true loyalty to Him is not proven by outward claims but by honestly confronting our own capacity for disloyalty, embracing the cross as God’s supreme display of glory, and living out a costly, Christlike love that visibly marks us as His disciples. John 13:21-27,31-35. 3-8-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Because Jesus—fully secure in His divine identity—humbled Himself to cleanse us, true discipleship is revealed when we receive His cleansing grace and then take up the towel to serve others sacrificially, even when it is unseen and costly. John 13:3–10,14–16. 3-1-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Eternal life is God’s promised future in which He makes all things new—dwelling with His redeemed people forever in a restored creation marked by His presence, the removal of sin and death, and the joyful privilege of worshiping, serving, and reigning with Christ. Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-5. 2-22-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

What is faith, really? Is it blind belief? Positive thinking? Ignoring doubt? Part 5 of “Christanese: The Language of Faith” looks to Hebrews 11 to identify the true definition of faith. It is more than a religious word; it’s a foundation, a movement, and a way of life shaped by trust in God. Hebrews 11:1-6. 2-15-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Through Christ’s saving work, God transforms believers from who they once were into people set apart for His glory—redeemed from their past, freed from sin’s control, and empowered by the Spirit to live holy lives. 1 Corinthians 6:9-20. 2-1-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Because we can’t fix our sin or make ourselves right with God, salvation is God’s gracious rescue through Jesus—who justifies us as righteous, redeems us from our debt, and satisfies God’s justice—received by faith alone, not by our works. Romans 3:20-28. 1-25-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Being lost means living in sinful separation from God that we cannot fix ourselves, but through repentance and faith God the Father—like the father of the prodigal son—runs to restore, forgive, and joyfully welcome home anyone who turns back to Him. Luke 15:11–24. 1-18-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Holiness is no longer achieved through religious rituals, but experienced through a growing relationship with Jesus that transforms how we live as we trust in Him daily. Isaiah 40:25–31. 1-11-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

The Apostle Paul urges Timothy, and us, to faithfully run the God-given race of life with endurance and total surrender, keeping our eyes on Christ and the eternal crown of righteousness He promises to all who love His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:5-8. 1-4-26. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Christmas celebrates not only Christ’s first coming but also trains our hearts to wait faithfully and live on mission in hopeful expectation of His promised return as King. Revelation 1:7; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 9:28. 12-24-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

The Son of God—who arrived humbly, lived selflessly, and died sacrificially—calls us to a life marked by the same love. From the manger’s straw to the cross’s wood, His humility is not only our salvation but also our example. Luke 2:1-7 / Philippians 2:5-11. 12-21.25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

True Christmas joy is born the moment we believe God’s promises, grows as we share the good news of Jesus, and endures as we fix our eyes on the joy He envisioned beyond the cross. Luke 1:39-45 / Luke 2:8-15. 12-14-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

The birth of Jesus fulfills God’s ancient promises, confirming that true biblical hope—certain, active, and grounded in God’s character—is realized in Christ’s arrival, sacrifice, and salvation. Isaiah 7:14, 53:5. 12-7-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Daniel’s steadfast prayer life shows that true faith stands firm against opposition, trusts God in every trial, and becomes a powerful witness to His saving authority. Daniel 6:6–10, 13–16, 19–22. 11-30-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Because sin always carries consequences, corrupts the heart, and guarantees a coming reckoning, we must confront it honestly in ourselves and others while clinging to Christ—the only One who transforms warning into redemption. Daniel 5:17–28. 11-23-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way that when pride takes the throne of your heart, downfall follows—but when you humble yourself before God, He restores you with grace, purpose, and true greatness. Daniel 4:27–37. 11-16-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

God is not a distant observer but your greatest admirer—your “biggest fan”—who relentlessly seeks, saves, savors, soothes, and shouts over you in love, proving that His devotion to you is deeper and louder than any earthly fan’s enthusiasm. Zephaniah 3:17. 11-9-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Real courage is choosing unwavering faith in God over compromise, trusting that even if the fire comes, He will meet us there for our good and His glory. Daniel 3:13–18, 26–28. 11-2-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

When life’s pressures threaten to overwhelm us, fervent prayer connects us to God’s wisdom, power, and purpose—transforming panic into peace, dependence into confidence, and our crises into opportunities to reveal His greatness. Daniel 2:14-24,27-30. 10-26-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Although culture constantly pressures believers to conform, true followers of God must purpose in their hearts to honor Him above all—resisting compromise, revealing conviction through obedience, and trusting that God will ultimately reward their courage and faithfulness to fulfill His greater purpose. Daniel 1:3-5,8-13,17-19. 10-19-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

A healthy church family is one where believers faithfully gather to worship, are equipped by leaders to grow in Christ, actively serve one another in love, and commit themselves fully to belonging as members of Christ’s body. Hebrews 10:24–25; Ephesians 4:11-16. 10-12-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

2 Timothy 2:1–10 reminds us that sharing the Gospel is our great task. Like a soldier, athlete, and farmer, we are called to persevere, entrust the good news to others, and continually point people to Jesus Christ—risen, reigning, and redeeming. 10-5-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Romans 10:1–3, 8b–13 emphasizes that salvation is not earned by good works but received by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. To be saved, we must believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, confess Him as Lord, and trust that His invitation to salvation is open to all who call upon His name. 9-28-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Romans 5:6–11 highlights how God’s love, righteousness, and reconciliation are made available through the saving work of Jesus Christ. While we were helpless, sinful, and even God’s enemies, Christ died in our place, declaring us righteous and restoring us to a joyful, hope-filled relationship with God. 9-21-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Isaiah 43 reminds us that we were created, redeemed, and called by name to belong to God, and our ultimate purpose is to glorify Him and enjoy His presence forever. In Christ, we can live without fear, rejoicing in His redeeming love and reflecting His glory in our daily lives. Isaiah 43:1-7. 9-14-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

God created us and He knows us. In the Scriptures’ portrayal of creation, we find that God is a creator with complete power, a caregiver with constant perception, and that Christ is clearly preeminent over creation. Psalm 33:6-9,13-15; Colossians 1:15-17. 9-7-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Jesus’ encounter with blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52 shows how His mercy transforms lives, and that we experience His mercy by crying out to Him, coming when He calls, casting off what hinders us, and following Him wholeheartedly. 8-31-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Prayer is the spiritual lifeline that connects us to God and strengthens the body of Christ! Ephesians 6:10-20. 8-24-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

In Ephesians 5:15-21, Paul gives us three keys to church unity: walk with wisdom, win over worldliness, and work with willingness. Big Idea: Christlike submission honors God and benefits all who practice it. 8-17-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

In Ephesians 4:25-32, the Bible shows us three ways that Christians are to communicate: with character, with care, and with compassion. Big Idea: As members of Christ’s body, our speech should reflect truth, grace, and love. 8-10-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

In part 3 of our series, "Connected In Growth," we explore the simple truth that we build God’s church by encouraging and equipping every church member to grow into maturity in Christ. Ephesians 4:11-16. 8-3-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul describes unity as something precious and presents the church with the character for unity, the commitment to unity, and the core of unity. Unity is something given by the Holy Spirit, but staying unified takes work! 7-27-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Through Christ, we are brought near to God, brought into Christ’s family, the Church, and built together as one spiritual family as we’re brought into alignment with the Cornerstone. Ephesians 2:17–22. 7-20-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

As God’s children, we proclaim Jesus, obey God’s commands, and love another—all while treasuring the fact that He always listens. These fundamental Christian truths are at the heart of 1 John 5:1-15. 7-13-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

In 1 John 4, the Apostle shows us love initiated: God loved us and sent Jesus; and love imitated: Because God loves, we love. Big Idea: God’s love is seen when we love others the way He has loved us. 1 John 4:7-13,19-21. 7-6-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

In part 3 of this series, John shows us three reasons we walk in the light: God the Father loves us; God the Son died for us; God the Spirit lives in us. Big Idea: Children of the light are called to reflect God’s love and righteousness by turning away from sin and genuinely loving others. 6-29-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

We show that we love the light, and not the world, by choosing to daily honor Jesus with our words, actions, and attitude. That’s the big idea from this study in 1 John 2. John would have us Proclaim Jesus, Obey Jesus, Love Like Jesus. 1 John 2:1-11, 15-17. 6-22-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Even when the darkness threatens to overwhelm, light is available. That light is Jesus, the light of the world (John 8:12). Big Idea: Life in the light is grounded in God’s truth, lived in community, marked by joy, demonstrated in purity, and secured by Christ. 1 John 1:1-2:2. 6-15-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

In Luke 24 we discover three fundamental truths about Jesus: God’s Scripture is all about Jesus; God’s salvation is found in Jesus; and God’s saints are sent by Jesus. Big Idea: The victory we have in Jesus is way too big to keep to ourselves. Luke 24:44-49. 6-8-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

In Romans 8 Paul masterfully lays out his argument why for those who are in Christ—despite life’s struggles—there is no desperation, no condemnation, and no separation. Big Idea: Believers have no reason to fear separation from God and His love. Romans 8:31-39. 6-1-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

Using portraits of Abel and Enoch, the writer of Hebrews in the first six verses of chapter 11 presents to us a vibrant faith that’s assured in God, approved by God, and appealing to God. Big Idea: My faith in God makes me victorious. Hebrews 11:1-6. 5-25-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com

In Romans 6, the apostle Paul declares that a believer in Christ is dead to sin’s slavery and fully alive in Christ, and that when he/she is freely and fully given to the Lord, “Sin is no longer my master. Jesus is.” That’s the Big Idea of “Victorious Over Sin.” Romans 6:4-14. 5-18-25. Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. www.colonialchurch.com