One Prayer: Make us Free from Shame

Series: One Prayer
Lord, Make us Free from Shame by Rick Bezet, June 15, 2008

We are continuing with the One Prayer series that links us with over 800,000 Christ-followers and 1400 churches all over the world. This week we look at something that separates us from God in a big way: our shame. (Note: it could be useful to have a Bible handy in a group discussion to take a look at Psalms 51 and 32 and even the long passages in Romans 7 and 8 that Rick used in the message - see below).

1. Rick started his message standing above the Grand Canyon... and looking at that 18 mile expanse from one side of the canyon to another. Have you ever been there? If so, tell a little bit a of your Grand Canyon experiences... or think for a minute about any experience you've had in nature where you've been overwhelmed with a sense of vast space. (5 - 10 minutes)

2. The comparison that Rick made is the vast distance that can grow between someone and God (and also between people) because of shame. But, before talking about distance, take some time to talk about a couple of words that we could understand better: Shame and Repentance. First “shame: What is it and what causes it? Then “repent”: What does that word mean to you? How can it be misunderstood? (5 - 10 minutes)

3. Rick told a story about a ticket he got from a patrolman. He said that we often think of God as being like a policeman. What do you think? Do you tend to see God that way, or if not you, then do other people? Why? (Describe different ways people might see God as like a cop). (10 minutes)

4. Next, what about the idea of separation/distance and shame? Have you ever had an experience in your own life where shame – yours or someone else’s, separated you from someone ? This could be something “big” or something “small”. Take time for those who’d like to talk about their personal experience with separation from shame. (10 - 15 minutes)

5. Rick described how God does not want there to be any distance between us and Him, and Jesus was His solution (see verses below for relevant explanations from the Bible). As Rick noted, when we “repent” we can wipe out that distance (see note on Psalms 51 and 32 below). First, discuss what would it “feel” like to be completely without shame. So, if we can get forgiveness, why do you think shame is such a problem in our relationship with God? Talk about what keeps us from getting there. (10 - 15 minutes)

6. So what about you? Does any of this ring true? Anything you have shame about, that you can’t let go? Take some time to think about that and then to talk to God. You can leave it behind by using the bridge that God built across the Grand Canyon in Jesus. Think about writing down whatever “it” is on a piece of paper and then tearing it up or scratching it out before God, and know that’s what He has done with it. Gone. (5 minutes)

Bible verses from the message
So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Romans 7: 21-24

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8: 15-16

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis 2:25

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Genesis 3:7-8

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. Acts 7:55-58

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:7

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

For an example of repentance in the Bible, check out Psalm 51 where David pours out his “shame” to God and asks for repentance, and Psalm 32 where he talks about getting God's forgiveness.

Want to get more/go farther?

• You can listen to this message - and other ones too at Gateway Messages.


• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.


• Want support in some area of your life - maybe where you are struggling with shame? There are different ways to get help at Gateway's Support and Recovery ministries.


• Need personal help with something big (or little)? Biblically-based professional counseling is available with Merry Fiske.


• Search for other topics you want to know more about Gateway's online Bookstore. or go to the virtual Bookstore on the second level of the auditorum at Gateway's main campus.

One Prayer

Series: One Prayer
One Prayer by Craig Groeschel, June 8, 2008
Gateway is doing all sorts of different things this summer… and this week we began a four-part series in the “One Prayer” initiative (you can check it out on-line at http://www.oneprayer.com/). Over 1400 churches are doing One Prayer at the same time, with the purpose of being a unified force in our communities and in the world for good – and in doing that, to be true to Jesus’ prayer for us to be ONE (see John 17: 21 below). This week we saw a video by the guy who started the One Prayer program, Craig Groeschel from LifeChurch.tv, and the Secon Helping questions are built around Craig’s video and the One Prayer materials.

1. SO, what do you think about the need for this program? Is there a need for the church (defined as all Jesus followers) to unite? Discuss why or why not. (5 minutes)

2. Clearly there is a LOT of diversity in “the church”, but try to be specific about how. In there group, try to list major ways there are difference across all those who follow Christ. Then talk about how that diversity is/can be a positive thing. Can it help the world know Christ better? What are other benefits of diversity? (10 minutes)

3. So what about diversity in your experience. Austin is a diverse place. Have you had an opportunity to work/play/live/”do church” with people very different from you? If so, try to think about some event and impact of having different types of people had on the outcome. How did it make the event more difficult and/or how did it make things better? (10 – 15 minutes)

4. What about God and God’s character? Does God have diversity in who He is? Take some time to talk about the idea of “diversity” in God’s character. Then consider Deuteronomy 6:4, where Moses says: “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Discuss how the idea of “oneness” and “diversity” both apply to God. (10 minutes)

5. Since one of the goals of One Prayer is to have impact in our communities and our world, think about that for a minute: What could be some specific outcomes of all the churches who follow Jesus, seeing themselves linked in trying to act like Jesus wanted His followers to act? What could be accomplished? Next, what could be accomplished in Austin? (10 minutes)

6. Rather than ending with personal reflection this time – end with GROUP reflection: Is there some one small thing in the “world” of those in your group where your group could be “one” – and have a direct impact? Take some time for each person to think of possible ways your group could together do something “outside” (think as big as you want… but in this case, start with one small thing). Then share your suggestions and see if there is one idea that you would like to do as a group (and remember – ONENESS is the goal!). If there is something clear, make plans for how to do this. If not, then you can agree to pray about 2-3 ideas and then decide next time. (15 minutes)

Bible Verses from the message

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales. Act 4:32-34

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… Matthew 28:19

Want to get more/go farther?

• Be sure to check out the One Prayer website. You can join with thousands of Christ-followers around the world in prayer for the Church and this program. There is other information, next steps and devotionals on the One Prayer website.
• You can listen to Craig Groeschel's message - and other ones too, at Gateway Messages. Craig has several books and DVD's you can learn more about through the Gateway virtual Bookstore.
• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.
• Investigate and get plugged into ways Gateway is meeting needs throughout our community at the Community Care website - or learn more about our involvement in global issues at Gateway Mobilization.
• Search for other topics you want to know more about Gateway's online Bookstore. or go to the actual Bookstore on the second level of the auditorum at Gateway's main campus.

Dialogue with the World

Series: Dialogue with the World
Questions about Christianity by John Burke, June 1, 2008
This lesson was distinctly different from any others. Due to John’s illness two weeks ago and his travel last week, the discussion with leaders from different religions was postponed. Sill, John DID stay with the theme of this series, Dialogue with the World, but in this case it the Dialogue was with John. People text-messaged questions for John to answer. So, this week, Second Helping is based on your questions too. You’ll pick the questions to discuss in the group (Note: you’ll need some paper and pen/pencil before you get started.)

1. Begin with a couple of minutes to just think about your own questions about God, spirituality, the Bible, Jesus, heaven, hell… whatever. Write down the top three questions you would like to discuss. (Note: some might be questions that were discussed by John, but that you’d like to explore more and discuss in the group. There is a “cheat sheet” list of questions that were covered during the first two services below. But try not to look until you’ve spent some time thinking about your own questions) Next, go around the group and have each person read their top two questions. After everyone has nominated questions, get a list of those that were most common and work through those with discussion. (Just in case you have more time, you can go to question # 3). (45 - 50 minutes)

Before you start, keep in mind a couple of guidelines:

• As John said, not all questions are created equal. There are some questions that are key questions of faith… sort of foundational issues that really impact whether one can accept the whole idea of belief in Jesus as Savior (i.e., “Did Jesus claim to be God?”). Then there are some questions where sincere, reasonable Christ-followers can have differences of opinion that are impossible to resolve… but might be interesting to discuss (i.e., “Do we have free will or are our lives predestined?” or “Did creation happen through evolution or in one week?”). Last, there can be those that we will NEVER be able to answer given our limited existence in time and space (i.e., “What will it be like to live forever?”). (John also said there were silly questions.. i.e., “Can God make a rock so big He can’t lift it?”… but clearly that doesn’t count here). As John did, in your discussion, try to focus on the first type – central questions… or perhaps even the second type as long as everyone understand that any “answers” will be personal opinion.


• Next, be sure to keep an open mind. Jesus said that we could know the Truth, and it could set us free. Gateway values include open and honest questions… so remember the point is not to out-argue, but to sincerely and lovingly seek Truth together.

2. After the discuss, stop and think again. Did anything set you thinking in a different way? Is there more you need to learn? No doubt you addressed important question… questions at the heart of how you live your life and think about and relate to God. So, take a couple of minutes to write what YOU want to know more about and how you will start – a real, concrete “next step” you can do this coming week. Surely it delights God to know that someone is hoping to know Him better. (5 minutes)

3. End by discussing whether there are any big questions left “hanging”. If so, nominate someone in the group to go to the Second Helpings website and list those questions. In response, we’ll post reading ideas, Bible passages and other thoughts to those that are the big puzzlers in the group discussions. (5 - 10 minutes)

Questions from the Dialogue with John (for John’s answers you can listen/download the message at the Gateway Message Archive)
1. How do you “know” God is there?
2. Why do someone have to believe in “Jesus”… why can’t they just be a good moral person?
3. What happens to people who died without hearing about Jesus?
4. Why don’t Protestant Christians pray to the Virgin Mary?
5. If Christians are supposed to search for world peace, why is there so much fighting in the Bible?
6. Why did Jesus have to die to forgive my sins? Why didn’t God just forgive if He wants to forgive?
7. Will we meet spiritual leaders such as the Dali Lama in heaven?
8. Why are there so many different religions? 10. What happens to “non” christens when they die? Will non-Christians go to hell?
9. How do Adam and Eve tie in w/ the dinasours? Can I be a Christian an believe in evolution?
10. Did God pick people to go to heaven and earth?
11. Are Jesus and God one and the same?
12. Why does God forgive murderers and people who hurt children?
13. How can you know that the Bible is true when it was written by “man”?
14. How can you reconcile the vengeful God of the Old Testament and the loving/self-sacrificing God of the New Testament?

Want to get more/go farther?

• You can listen to this message - and other ones too at Gateway Messages.
• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.
• Check out some books:
Read more about what C.S. Lewis says about Moral Laws in the Abolution of Man Learn about one scientist's road to belief in The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, by Francis S. Collins.

Read a systematic walk through the evidence that supports Christianity in The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
Similar themes are covered in Evidence for Christianity by Josh McDowell, The Verdict of History by Gary R. Habermas (at Amazon.com) and Science Speaks by Peter Stoner (at Amazon.com)

• Search for other topics you want to know more about Gateway's online Bookstore. or go to the virtual Bookstore on the second level of the auditorum at Gateway's main campus.

Dialogue with the World: Jesus God's Son?

Series: Dialogue with the World
Is Jesus God's Son? by Ted Beasley May 25, 2008
Note: Because John was very sick this Sunday, this message is a repeat of a message from 2006 in the “Letters from a Skeptic” series. You can think of this topic as a continuation of last week’s message on “Jesus for the World” because the message speaks to why belief in Jesus is credible.

In the message, Ted directs us to the day that Jesus was crucified and to the others who were crucified with him, in particular, the one who changed his mind about who Jesus is. You can read the story snippet below – from Matthew and from Luke… but the essence is that the “robber” went from ridicule to trust. He made a decision to trust Jesus for who He is.

1. Ted talked about the non-Christian historical record that supports the Bible, the credibility of the Biblical story tellers, and the (very low) probability of the prophecies about Jesus being coincidence. Which of these do you think is most credible? Go around the group and talk about a type of evidence that is most convincing for you and explain how it fits into your own beliefs. (10 minutes)

2. Next, think about why we change our minds. First, take a look at your own experience: Think of someone or some situation that you changed your mind about – either from positive to negative or vice versa? What made the difference? Spend some time sharing different people’s stories and try to identify what types of things cause beliefs to change. (10 minutes)

3. Ted said there are decisions that are made “with the head” and decisions that are made “with the heart” . And what we all know is that many important decisions involve both. Think back over the last year: have you had to made any decisions that were somewhat important? (i.e., My most recent one was what kind of stove to buy when mine died: Important to me because it’s a chunk of change and I’ll have to live with it for quite awhile). So, fix a decision in your mind. How did you go about making the decision? Was there a “head” part to your decision? What was one part of your decision process that was mostly “head” related. Now what about the “heart” side? What was one thing in making the decision that talked to your “heart”? As you talk about these things, have someone keep a list of the types of things that appeal to the head and to the heart. (15 - 20 minutes)

4. Next, try to apply all this to a belief in Jesus: Do you or did you have any “issues” with the basics of “Christianity” (i.e., that Jesus was the promised “Christ”, who died in payment for peoples’ rebellion, and that accepting/believing in Him is THE route to have a good relationship with God.) ? If in the past you didn’t believe in the basics of this, but you do now, … think back to any key changes in belief you had: What made you change your mind about that? Do these relate to any of the types of things you discussed in the previous questions? Talk about the things that caused a change of mind and/or heart about Jesus and draw in parallel to the other factors that came up in other questions. Now, what about if you DON’T believe in all the basics of Christianity now: What are the points you have the most questions/issues with? Which are “head” issues and which are “heart issues? Can you identify any things you want to know more about? (Please, everyone remember that Gateway is ALL about being honest about where we are and learning/growing…. And NOT about twisting arms.). If you don’t believe, and have any specific idea about what you’d like to learn more about check out the resources below. Also you can ask others in the group if they can suggest anything directly relevant to your questions to read/hear/watch/study. (15 - 20 minutes)

5. End with some individual time to nail down what you thought about today: Is there some resource or information about Jesus you plan to follow up on? Have you had any changes in head or heart from the message or the discussion? If so, what are they? Or maybe you have decided that you have enough information and you want to decide about Jesus. If so, take time to talk to God, and be sure to tell someone else in the group who can pray with you too. (5 minutes)

Don’t forget that in the coming weeks you’ll have a chance to ask questions about Christianity as well as other religions. If something came up today that you want to know more about – be sure to text it in to:Myquestion@gatewaychurch.com.

Bible verses from the message:
Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"
In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
Matt 27:38 – 40, 44

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Luke 23: 39 - 43

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
1 Corinthians 15: 3 – 8

Want to get more/go farther?

• Want to work on the “mind” part of whether the story of Jesus is true? Check out the following readings:
  - The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
  - Evidence for Christianity by Josh McDowell
  - The Verdict of History by Gary R. Habermas (at Amazon.com)
  - Science Speaks by Peter Stoner (at Amazon.com)
• You can listen to this message - and other ones too at Gateway Messages.
• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.
• Search for other topics you want to know more about Gateway's online Bookstore. or go to the virtual Bookstore on the second level of the auditorum at Gateway's main campus.

Dialogue with the World: Jesus for the World

Series: Dialogue with the World
Jesus for the World by John Burke, May 18, 2008
Today, we’re beginning a new series on major world religions, and this first message stressed that God has always wanted to have a loving relationship with individuals from every part of the world – and that Jesus is His “Way” to make that happen.

1. As John pointed out, “the world is coming to Austin”. Isn’t it so? Do a quick test: If you are not from the U.S., what is your original nationality? If you ARE from the U.S., of the people you know personally here in Austin, what counties are they from? Also consider how Austin has gone to the world: Tell about any countries you’ve lived in beside the U.S.. (My bet is that there is going to be a pretty good sized list... it's a small world!) (10 minutes)

2. John talked about some of the similarities in moral beliefs that exist across the world (he even listed some from C.S. Lewis’s book The Abolution of Man). Think about this idea for a minute (and try not to peek at the list below). Can you identify a rule of life that you think might be a more or less a “universal” – one that most cultures/people believe? Go around the group and see what kinds of “standards” you can identify. (Note: don’t worry if you don’t agree with each one identified… the idea is to see what “rules” a shared to some degree across nations.) (10 - 15 minutes)

3. Now that you have your list of a somewhat common “laws”, ask John’s question: How are we doing? Since these ideas/value are accepted an many places, do we see them lived out? How about in your own life: Do you consistently follow the ones you believe in? (Don’t worry if the answer is “no”… I’m pretty sure you’re not alone). So, why is that? Why do we so often fail in following these universal moral laws? Talk about this for a few minutes. (10 minutes)

4. Accord to Christian belief (and many other religions too), God is “Holy”… completely pure, righteous, and loving, and by definition He can’t mingle with those who are not. But as His dealings with people through time make clear, He wants to have a relationship with each of us. So, He set up some ways to bridge the gap – what theologians call “covenants”. As John told us, the covenant with Abraham was based on his faith, and was unconditional, while the one with Moses was conditional, and was based on people following God’s “law”. Take some time to try to get a hold on this idea of a “covenant relationship”, either conditional or unconditional. What other relationships can you identify that are like a “covenant” in some way? What makes them like a covenent? Are they conditional or unconditional? Are there any outward “signs” of the relationship? Read the bible verses below to get more insight in to the concept, and then take some time to draw as many parallels as you can with these concepts “covenant”… This can be a hard one for many of us to get our head around. (10 - 15 minutes)

5. In Luke 22: 20 (see below) Jesus called His blood the source of God's “new covenant”. Think about what you know about Jesus and what you understand about covenent relationships. In what ways did Jesus create a covenant “bridge” to God? What is the nature of the convenant? What are signs of it? How does it effect one's life? (5 - 10 minutes)

6. At the end of the services this week, we had baptisms … the major symbol/ceremony of a new covenant relationship with God. Have you been baptized? Take some time for those who would like to, to describe their own baptism… especially if it just happened this week! (10 minutes)

As you close, take a minute to talk to God about your relationship with Him. Have you entered a convenant? If so, what does it mean for your life? If not, do you want to? Why or why not? What should be your next step in the relationship? (3 - 5 minutes)

If you have questions about this idea of covenant – and Jesus as the covenant bridge to God, or questions about Hinduism, Buddhism, Judism, or Islam… now is your chance: There will be a dialog with people from other beliefs and with John over the next three weeks. You can text your questions to Myquestion@gateway.com.

Bible verses from the message:

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and…all the families on earth will be blessed through you…. Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness…I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant …to be your God and the God of your descendants. Genesis 12:1-3; 15:6, 18; 17:7

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests. Exodus 19:5-6

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach…No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you. Deut 30:11, 14-16

Even when Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. They demonstrate that God's law is written within them. Romans 2:14-15

Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, "We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey." Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words." Exodus 24:7-8

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives….When the LORD returns to [Jerusalem]…all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God…Just as there were many who were appalled at him--his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness--so will he sprinkle many nations. Isaiah 42:6-7, 52:8-15

Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey…your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth. Because of the covenant I made with you, sealed with blood. Zechariah 9:9-11

“The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant...because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD… “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34

This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:20

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins…Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. So don’t let anyone condemn you…. Colossians 2:12-16

1. Don’t do harm to another human by what you do or say (the Golden Rule)
2. Honor your father and mother
3. Be kind toward brothers and sisters, children, and the elderly
4. Do not have sex with another’s spouse
5. Be honest in all your dealings (don’t steal)
6. Do not lie
7. Care for those weaker or less fortunate
8. Dying to self is the path to life
--adapted from C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man

Want to get more/go farther?

• You can listen to this message - and other ones too at Gateway Messages.
• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.
• Want support in some specific area of your life? There are different ways to get help at Gateway's Support and Recovery ministries. Check it out.
• Read more about what C.S. Lewis says about Moral Laws in the Abolution of Man and learn about one scientist's road to belief in The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, by Francis S. Collins.
• Search these and other topics at Gateway's online Bookstore