If life is a treasure hunt, what is the treasure? If life is a mystery, what’s the secret? If you have a secret identity, what is it?

You were captive to an evil tyrant. Yet you joined this tyrant in rebellion against God. Jesus, God’s son, died rescuing you and in the process had you declared innocent of all charges.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— Col 1:21-23

But He survived death and now lives in you. He is the absolute power of the universe.

God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col 1:27 The mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col 2:2-3 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Col 2:9-11

You have a new nature, identity and empowerment. Get rid of all the junk associated with your old, self-centered nature.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Col 3:5-11

As you develop your new nature you will be capable of superhuman feats! Like, compassion, patience, forgiveness, putting the well-being of others in front of your own.

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col 3:12-14

You were captive to an evil tyrant. Yet you joined this tyrant in rebellion against God. Jesus, God’s son, died rescuing you. But He survived death and now lives in you. He is the absolute power of the universe. You have a new identity and empowerment. Get rid of all the junk associated with your old, self- centered nature. As you develop your new nature you will be capable of superhuman feats!

Christ in you, the hope of glory!

60 AD Roman Empire – oppression Polytheistic, idol worship Dangerous Small, insignificant town in Asia Minor Only a few wealthy Most lived in poverty Slavery widespread Community oriented 2009 AD America - freedom Post Christian, theistic Safety, security Small, insignificant town in Colorado Prosperity, Resort area Consumer, materialistic, media driven culture Individualistic