Christ, the Curriculum of Christianity - Rick Holland

Main message: Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 4 calls Christians to a decisive break with their old, sinful way of thinking and living, and to ongoing, personal engagement with Jesus—learning Christ as the living content of the Christian life so faith produces real transformation rather than mere cultural or moral performance.

Key points:

• Mission drift happens to institutions and souls; outward religiosity or theological knowledge does not equal genuine union with Christ.
• Aim 1 — decisive transformation from the past: put off the "old self," be renewed in the mind, and let changed thinking produce changed actions (Eph. 4:17–24).
• The noetic effects of the Fall mean sin begins in the mind; the remedy is learning and thinking differently about God and Christ.
• Aim 2 — personally engage with Christ: the goal of Christian instruction is to "learn Christ" (know him personally), because truth is embodied in Jesus, not an abstract system.
• Practical applications: hear and be taught by Scripture (especially the Gospels), regularly remember Christ (Lord’s Supper/communion), repent and return to first love when drifting.

Scriptures mentioned: Ephesians 4:17–24, Ephesians 6:24, Ephesians 5, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 2:2, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 6, 2 Corinthians 1:19, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Acts 5:42, Colossians 1:28–29, Colossians 3 (including 3:4), Philippians 1:21, Philippians 3, Galatians (2:20 referenced), John 17:3, Matthew 11, Hebrews 12, 2 Timothy 2:8, 2 Timothy 1:12, (reference to leaving "first love" as in Revelation 2:4–5).