Raintree Community Church

This is the podcast for Raintree Community Church in Lee's Summit, MO. It features Raintree's most recent sermons.

Hold the Ropes | Dr. Joshua Paxton 05/06/2024

Hold the Ropes | Dr. Joshua Paxton Missions Focus Sunday Dr. Joshua Paxton preached to us from 3 John 5-8, which called us to send missionaries out in a manner worthy of God so that we may be fellow workers in the Truth. He taught us how we can “hold the rope” with missionaries through meaningful involvement in training, sending, and supporting. (Dr. Paxton is the Director of the Burnham Center for Global Engagement and Professor of Intercultural Studies at Calvary University) /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31136013

Living With a Warfare Mentality, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley 04/28/2024

Living With a Warfare Mentality, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Colossians 3:5-6 God’s Grace Empowers Us to Make War on Sin (3:5) Because we are raised with Christ, we are empowered to put our sin to death. Because we are raised with Christ, we must no longer worship our desires. God’s Wrath Sobers Us to Think Rightly About Our Sin (3:6) For sinners outside of Christ, the wrath of God will be coming upon them; therefore, we need to take sin seriously. For sinners saved by Christ, the wrath of God has been satisfied in Christ; therefore, we can rest in His sufficient work (1 John 2:1-2). /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31020078

Living With a Christ-centered Focus | Dr. Stephen Conley 04/21/2024

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. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30921713

Holding Fast to Christ's Sufficiency | Dr. Stephen Conley 04/14/2024

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 Asceticism (2:20-23) Self-made religion and discipline for the sake of the flesh leads to enslavement by the flesh. Depend on Christ to deliver you from your sin and equip you in the battle against temptation! /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30818353

The Trustworthy Word of the Holy Spirit | Travis Thompson 04/08/2024

The Trustworthy Word of the Holy Spirit | Travis Thompson Travis Thompson preaches from 2 Peter 1:19-21. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30728638

Alive in Christ | Dr. Stephen Conley 04/01/2024

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! In Christ We are Granted Victory Over the Enemy (2:15) Because of Christ, we share in the victory of Christ’s triumphant defeat of Satan and his demons. Life Application: As Christians, we do not live in light of who we were in our sins; we live in light of who Christ is as our victorious Savior. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30617358

Complete in Christ | Dr. Stephen Conley 03/24/2024

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 nothing, for it flows from Christ and His infinite fullness. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30519558

Treasuring Christ Together | Dr. Stephen Conley 03/17/2024

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, unbiblical teaching. Treasuring Christ Leads to Enduring Faith in Christ (2:5) We possess a lasting faith that rests on the solid foundation of Christ. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30410148

A Christlike View of Ministry, Part 2 | Dr. Stephen Conley 03/10/2024

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 proclaim His message. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30311423

Romans 8:1 | Jeff Fitzgerald 03/04/2024

Romans 8:1 | Jeff Fitzgerald /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30213938

A Christlike View of Ministry, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley 02/25/2024

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.” /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30100953

The Results of Reconciliation | Dr. Stephen Conley 02/19/2024

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. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30007783

The Preeminence of Christ, Part 2 | Dr. Stephen Conley 02/11/2024

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. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/29896003

The Preeminence of Christ, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley 02/04/2024

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. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/29793368

The Redemption of Christ | Dr. Stephen Conley 01/29/2024

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. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/29687733

Gospel-Centered Prayer | Dr. Stephen Conley 01/21/2024

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 spiritual life and give us the strength to grow in grace and endure with joy. Gospel-Centered Prayer Promotes Gratitude to God (1:12) We must pray with thanksgiving to God, praising Him for all that He has done for us in the Gospel to make us His own and bring us safely home. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/29583943

Glorying in the Gospel's Work | Dr. Stephen Conley 01/14/2024

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 Work (1:7-8) We must devote ourselves to faithful ministry of the Gospel as servants and representatives of Christ. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/29481593

An Overview of Colossians | Dr. Stephen Conley 01/07/2024

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 and sufficiency of Christ. The Aim of Colossians The theology of Colossians centers on Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency as it is worked out within the believer’s life. Paul set out to proclaim Christ so that we may become mature in Christ (Colossians 1:18, 28). /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/29377343

Jesus is Lord: The Name Above Every Name | Dr. Stephen Conley 12/31/2023

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. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/29287628

Jesus is Our Prince of Peace | Dr. Stephen Conley 12/24/2023

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 refuge of peace for all the moments of our lives. Consider these passages: Psalm 4:6-8; Isaiah 26:3-4,12; John 14:27, 16:31-33; Romans 16:20; Philippians 4:6-7 Jesus Reigns With Peace Forever as Our King Jesus will put an end to all war and strife to reign forever in justice and righteousness in a kingdom of peace. Consider these passages: Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 7:14; Luke 1:30-33; Hebrews 1:8; Revelation 11:15 /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/29220758

Jesus is Our Everlasting Father | Dr. Stephen Conley 12/17/2023

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 forgiveness. Consider these passages: Psalm 103:10-18, 136:1-4, 138:8; Lamentations 3:22-24; Matthew 11:25-30. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/29117673

Jesus is Our Mighty God | Dr. Stephen Conley 12/10/2023

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 Mighty in Tribulation Jesus is our mighty fortress, present help, and eternal comfort. Consider these passages: Psalm 46:1-11; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/29009753

Jesus is Our Wonderful Counselor | Dr. Stephen Conley 12/03/2023

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. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/28908278

Drawing Near to God | Gebriell Sierra 11/26/2023

Drawing Near to God | Gebriell Sierra Gebriell Sierra preaches to us from James 4:8 on drawing near to God. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/28796008

Doing Gospel Work Together | Dr. Stephen Conley 11/19/2023

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 all-sufficient grace of God to energize Gospel ministry. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/28707563

Practicing Gospel Unity in the Church | Dr. Stephen Conley 11/12/2023

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 divisiveness will spread. Practicing Gospel unity will proclaim the Gospel message to the world. If we don’t our mission will be hindered. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/28605508

The Power of Gospel Transformation | Dr. Stephen Conley 11/05/2023

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. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/28521545

Living a Grace-Filled Life Before the World | Dr. Stephen Conley 10/29/2023

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. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/28454522

Grace Empowered Ministry | Dr. Stephen Conley 10/22/2023

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 grace focuses our attention on the return of Christ. God’s grace compels us to proclaim the Gospel with boldness and authority. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/28388621

God's Instructions For Workers | Dr. Stephen Conley 10/16/2023

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. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/28329227

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