Podcasts about Colossae

Occult spiritual practices are nothing new. False teachers attempted to sway the church at Colossae into believing that if a person didn't have these kinds of spiritual experiences then that person didn't truly know God. Paul makes quick work of this false teaching by showing the Colossians that the only spirituality that matters is the one that is connected to Jesus. 

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all. As Paul concludes his letter, he focuses on how we are to use our words - and how they are to line up with our conduct.

False teachers were telling the Christians at Colossae they had to obey commands in the Old Testament Law in order to be saved. Paul tells the Colossians they have no obligation to uphold the Old Testament Law now that they are in Christ. Why did Paul say that? Because the Law was the shadow that pointed ahead to Jesus. 

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all. In this passage, Paul gets very practical. But these nine verses MUST be read in context with the previous two and half chapters. In this new kingdom of Jesus, there are ways to live in our everyday. When Christians live as if they are truly risen with Christ, everything changes.

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all.As Paul shifts to the "what now" portion of his letter, his focus moves to how the Colossians should live in light of the truth of Christ's pre-eminence. In this passage, he implores the Christians in Colossae to fix their minds on things that are right and true and pure and let their behavior follow.

Tragically, this “vain religion of the puffed-up fleshly mind” is but a mere substitute for true spiritual nourishment from Jesus Christ, the Head of the body, His church. This is one of several passages in the New Testament that pictures the church as the body of Christ (see Rom. 12:4ff; 1 Cor. 12–14; Eph. 4:4–16; Col. 1:18, 24). All of us, as believers, are members of the spiritual body, the church, because of the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:12–13). As Christians, we minister to one another in the body just as the various parts of the human body minister to each other (1 Cor. 12:14ff). But if a believer does not draw on the spiritual nourishment that comes from Christ and other Christians, he becomes weak. The false teachers were not holding to the Head, and therefore they were spiritually undernourished; but they thought they were spiritual experts. Imagine thinking yourself a spiritual giant when in reality you are a spiritual midget! The correct view of Christ is one which submits to his authority and acknowledges his power as the head of the church. This will lead to God-given growth. Jesus is Lord[1] The false teachers were anxious to win converts to their cause; but the spiritual body grows by nutrition, not by addition. Every member of Christ's body, including the “ligaments and sinews” (joints and bands), is important to the health and growth of the body. No matter what your spiritual gift may be, you are important to the church. In fact, some people who may not have spectacular public ministries are probably just as important behind the scenes as those out in public. It is through worship, prayer, and the Word that we draw on the spiritual resources of Christ. All of us must be part of a local church where we can exercise our own spiritual gifts (Eph. 4:11–17). “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7, niv). The New Testament says nothing of “isolated saints” outside of the local church. But it is possible to be in a local church and not draw on the Head and the nourishment of the spiritual body. The false teachers in Colossae sought to introduce their teachings into the local assembly; and if they succeeded, they would have caused the spiritual nourishment to decrease instead of increase. Unless the members of the local assembly abide in Christ, yield to the Spirit, and obey the Word, they cannot experience the life of the Head, Jesus Christ. There is a fascination with “religious mysticism” that attracts people. Learning mysteries, being initiated into the inner secrets, and having contact with the spirit world all seem exciting. But these practices are soundly condemned by God. The true Christian glories in Christ, not in his own experience. He follows the Word, led by the Holy Spirit; and as he abides in Christ, he experiences blessing and fruitfulness. He seeks no other experience than that which relates him to the Head, Jesus Christ.[1] Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?              John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today.               “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32             Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten.              hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F             The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all. In this passage we get to the root of the issues in Colossae. The young Christians were being told that the way to grow in faith was through legalism or spiritualism and not through Jesus.  We can find ourselves in the same place, even today. So, what are we to do?

In this message, Shawn Pierce takes a look at the book of Colossians the first chapter where he is dissecting the prayer of Paul to the believers in Colossae. A prayer that we can all pray and heed to even in our modern-day and time. We pray this message blesses you as it did for us! Join the RPS family by following us on IG @readprayshare for weekly events to fellowship with us. Be encouraged!

The Apostle Paul is aware of the false teaching that is trying to infiltrate the church at Colossae. But instead of getting the Colossians to fixate on the false teaching, Paul calls them to focus on moving forward, continuing to grow their faith in Jesus. Because the stronger one's faith in Christ is, the harder it will be for false teaching to draw them away from following their Lord.

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all.In this passage, Paul begins to deal with some of the false teaching that was impacting the lives of the Christians in Colossae. He appeals to them to walk with Christ in the same way they received Him. He asserts that there is no separation between our salvation and our sanctification.

           We see in the concept of baptism, how it symbolizes the great spiritual reality of being buried with Christ and raised to new life in faith. This symbolic act is to be understood as an essential part of the believer's identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We need to have the assurance that we if we are believers are complete in Christ and have been given everything we need for salvation to not seek to add external religious practices or ceremonies to the finished work of Christ on the cross. Paul emphasizes the power of faith and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for redemption and salvation. If you haven't you need to place your faith in Jesus Christ and repent and believe in the gospel. The primary message is that authentic faith in Jesus Christ, not religious rituals or external forms, is the essence of salvation and the foundation of the Christian life. These conclusions go way beyond the specific religious context of the Colossian church and have a universal application. The emphasis on true faith and spiritual authenticity over external practices holds significance in current society, particularly in the context of increasing secularization and the challenges faced by religious communities. This section serves as a reminder of the significance of genuine faith, the sufficiency of Christ, and the need to prioritize spiritual substance over external forms in the Christian walk.                Without faith in Jesus Christ, no rite or ceremony or anything done in this world ultimately has any meaning or significance.                  Hebrews 11:6 “it is impossible to please Him [God].”  And without faith, faith in Jesus Christs finished work only, what unrepentant sinners face, those who have not put their faith in Jesus Christ, is an eternity spent in hell, an unending future of facing God's unmitigated wrath in fury in a place where the flames are never quenched and the worm never dies and the torment never ends.    Colossians 2:12 What Paul is describing here, just as he did when addressing circumcision back in verse 11 and really as he is doing throughout this letter of Colossians, he is addressing spiritual matters.  He is bringing up the unequalled spiritual reality, the eternal reality that the true follower of Christ has undergone a spiritual metamorphosis.  The old man has been buried with Christ in baptism and the new man has been “raised up,” verse 12, “with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”  This was an important word for the Colossian church, a church that was made up of individuals who were still newer in their faith, a church which had been infiltrated, as we've seen, by these false teachers who were trying to persuade the members of this church to add various matters of form to the substantive truths they already knew.  This was a timely word from Paul to remind these new believers here in Colossae that they had already been spiritually circumcised, that they had already received the circumcision that he calls as “a circumcision made without hands,” one which united them in “the circumcision of Christ,” meaning the death of Christ, a death He died only once, a death which was perfectly sufficient in its atoning power and provision, a death to which nothing could ever be added.  Not only that, it was important and timely of Paul to remind the Colossians here in verse 12 of the death that they had already died, “having been buried with Him in baptism,” and of the fact that they had now been “raised up with Him through faith.” Nothing greater on this earth will be done until we get to heaven than for God to Take us from kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light Forgive us from our sins and free us from guilt From Slavery to freedom From Emptiness to Fullness    Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?              John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today.               “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32             Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten.              hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F             The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions

Pastor Ben begins our series in Colossians looking at what Paul said to the church in Colossae and how it helps us today.

Jeff Nine begins our series in Colossians, setting up the context for Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, and how it points to the transcendent beauty of Jesus.

In this section, Paul exemplifies both praise and gratitude for the transforming power of Christ'sgospel and for how it is bearing fruit, not only in Colossae but in all the world.I. Greeting and Blessing (vs. 1-2).A. Paul identifies his apostolic authority along with Timothy, his co-minister (v. 1).B. Greetings and blessings to those in Christ at Colossae (v. 2).II. Prayer of Thanksgiving (vs. 3-8)A. Paul thanks the Lord continually since hearing of the Colossians' (vs. 3-5a):1. Faith in Christ (v. 4).2. Love towards all the saints (v. 4).3. The hope laid up for them in heaven (v. 5a).B. Paul addresses the foundation of their hope, the gospel of Christ (vs. 5b-8).1. The word of truth has been:a. Taught (v. 7).b. Heard (vs. 5b and 6b).c. Understood (v. 6b).2. In response, the believers are bearing fruit and multiplying.a. In Colossae (v. 6).(1) Faith (v. 4).(2) Hope (v. 5a).(3) Love (vs. 4, 8).b. In all the world (v. 6).

The Church at Colossae was spiritually healthy. They were doing well. But that didn't stop the apostle Paul from writing to them about Jesus. Because everybody needs Jesus – both the spiritually sick, and the spiritually healthy.

In the second installment of our series "Deepening the Roots of Our Faith," we explore Colossians 1:15-23 and examine the supremacy of Jesus Christ. This message reveals why understanding Jesus' true identity is vital for believers, addressing today's culture's many counterfeit versions of Jesus. Pastor Matt explains how Jesus is supreme in creation and redemption, explaining theological concepts like justification, redemption, forgiveness, adoption, and reconciliation. He compares these transformative realities to the false teachings that troubled the early church in Colossae, many of which still mislead people today. Learn why Jesus Christ is not merely a prophet, teacher, or moral guide but God himself - and discover what it means to place Him at the center of every aspect of your life. Whether you're just beginning your faith journey or seeking to strengthen your spiritual roots, this message offers clear biblical truth about who Jesus really is and why it matters. Join us next week as we continue our 8-week journey through Colossians, building a faith foundation that can withstand our time's counterfeit ideas.

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all.As Paul begins to move to the body of the letter, he wants to show the Colossian Christians how much their lives and even their suffering matters to God's plan to save the world. 

Daily Dose of Hope March 2, 2025 Day 1 of Week 49   Scripture: Esther 7-10; Revelation 3   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are in week 49 of 52!  Good job, everyone.  We have almost read the whole Bible in a year.    Today, our Old Testament reading is finishing the book of Esther.  Let's start with chapter 7.  Esther was risking her life by approaching the king and she has no idea how the king will react. We know from previous chapters that he is prone to rash, angry decisions. First, the king does not know that she is a Jew. Second, Esther doesn't know if the king will choose her over Haman, his trusted advisor. If the king chooses to side with Haman, then Esther and her people will be killed.   But she must have courage and take the risk–the stakes are too high. God calls all of us to take risks. Let's hope our risks aren't quite as scary as Esther's but they might be! The reality is that the Christian walk was never intended to be comfortable and easy. The Holy Spirit is constantly prompting us to take risks: go talk to that person, volunteer for that organization, reach out to that neighbor, offer to pray with that person over there, give money here...you get the idea. The big question is are we listening and are we obeying?   Back to the Scripture...Esther again puts herself out there, asking the king one more difficult thing. The king had decreed that all Jews would be eliminated. Thus, another edict must be made that superseded the previous one. Esther knows this so she pleads with the king to overrule the horrible decree made by Haman so her people could be saved. The king basically allows Esther and Mordecai to create the new decree themselves and hands over his signet ring so they can seal it on behalf of the king. The new decree was strong. It guaranteed that the Jewish people could protect themselves, giving them the right to annihilate and plunder any group who tried to conquer or harm them. It even designated a specific date on which the Jews could attack their enemies.   In chapter 8, we read about Mordecai. He has the privilege of delivering the news of the new decree to the Jewish people. By this point, the roles have been totally reversed for Mordecai. No longer does he need to sit by the king's gate in ash cloth. No longer does he need to worry about his life or the fate of his people. He is the victor, but only because a young queen was willing to do the right thing and risk it all for the sake of her people. What is God calling you to do right now? What excuses are you making? How does this text inspire you to step out in faith?   As mentioned, the new decree, written by Esther and Mordecai, allowed the Jewish people a specific day on which to attack their enemies, the 13th of the Jewish month Adar. As you read through chapter 9, you find that is exactly what occurred. The Jewish men assembled and killed thousands of their enemies. Then, on the following day, they rested and feasted.   This was the beginning of an annual celebration for the Jews called Purim. Purim means “lots” in ancient Persian. The holiday was thus named since Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his evil scheme. Purim is still celebrated among devout Jews. On the eve of Purim, they read the book of Esther and then do so again on the following day. There is also much gift-giving. They are to send monetary gifts to at least two poor people and then two food gifts to at least one other person. There is also much feasting and celebrating.   I have to admit when I first read about this, it sounded a bit gory. Are they really celebrating the death of all those people? But I had to reframe it. The Jews had been oppressed. They had received a death sentence. And then, they were freed from it. They had the ability to protect their families. They knew God was with them. This was worthy of celebration.   Let's move to the final chapter in Esther.  Not unlike Joseph in an earlier Old Testament text, Mordecai moves from lowly and close to death to the king's right-hand man. While God isn't explicitly mentioned, we know that God acted extraordinarily to orchestrate the events of this story.   Today's chapter was short but it gave me pause to reflect on the book of Esther as a whole. What can we learn from this book? ·If you are a Christ-follower, God has a purpose for your life. You exist to love and glorify God AND to demonstrate his love and goodness to the world. •God didn't make a mistake where he has you today. God put Esther exactly where he needed and wanted her to be. God has you where you need to be as well. How might God want to use you right now? •Sometimes, living into your purpose means making big, difficult decisions but it is often lived out in the small, everyday decisions of life.   Our New Testament text is Revelation 3. Here, John continues to proclaim the visions that Jesus has given him about the churches. Chapter 2 focused on Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. This chapter addresses the rest of the churches of Asia Minor, including Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Since we focused on the structure and flow of the letters on Thursday, I wanted to highlight the message to one particular church today–Laodicea.   I think it is incredibly important for all of us who are part of the American church. Laodicea was a very wealthy city. It was on a main trade route and it had several prosperous industries. It was known for its banking. It was also known for a black dye that it produced which was used to make black wool, quite a luxurious commodity in those days. It also had a respected medical school which developed an eye medicine that was quite sought after. But despite its wealth, the one really big problem that Laodicea had was lack of a water supply. Its northern neighbor, Hierapolis, had these amazing hot springs. It's other close neighbor, Colossae, to the east, had a lovely refreshing cold water supply. As a result, Laodicea built an elaborate system to pipe the water from both those places into their city. But by the time it got there, it was not hot, nor cold, but simply lukewarm. Jesus has harsher words for Laodicea than any of the other churches. He says that just like their water, they are lukewarm! Hot water heals, cold water refreshes, but lukewarm water is useless. They are spiritually lukewarm; they are spiritually useless.   The thing is that they looked good on the outside. They went through all the motions. They worshiped, read Scripture, and sang hymns. But it was phony piety. Their hearts were far from God. There was no passion for Jesus. And they didn't even realize this. In fact, because of their wealth and prosperity, they thought they were doing quite well. Largely sheltered from the persecution that other Christian communities in the area experienced, they were free to do as they pleased.   And what they were doing was not pleasing to God. They were self-reliant, complacent, lazy, and passionless. Not good traits for a church. But despite their spiritual mess, Jesus loves them and still yearns for them. He stands at the door and knocks, waiting for them to answer it. He wants a real relationship with them. He wants them to be passionate for his love.   Think about the American church. Think about our church for that matter. Are we lukewarm? Do we resemble Laodicea. In which ways? I'm not saying this to be critical but because I'm convicted. Do we serve God with passion? Are we simply going through the motions? Have we become stagnant?   Rate your passion level based on the following: -Do you experience joy and excitement in your prayer life? -Do you read Scripture with expectancy of hearing from the Lord? -Do you have spiritual conversations with non-Christians? -Do you actively seek out relationships with non-Christians so you can demonstrate the love of Christ to them? -Do you look for ways to serve Jesus and reach out to those who are struggling/hurting in our community? -What's the last time you felt really excited about your spiritual walk with Jesus? -As a church, are we passionate about being disciples who make disciples?   Are our hearts close to God? I'll stop there but do take some time to let this all sink in a bit. God wants our whole heart and life, not just some of it. He wants us to be passionate as individual believers and a church.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

In this episode of Sermon Notes, hosts Jay Strother and Brian Ball begin their deep dive into the Book of Colossians, highlighting the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ as expressed by Paul. They discuss the importance of context when studying scripture and suggest various resources, from study Bibles to commentaries, to enrich one's understanding. The conversation also touches on the power of specific prayer, drawing from Paul's prayers for the church at Colossae, and emphasizes the need for gratitude and encouragement within the church community. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to deepen their exploration of scripture, using both traditional and digital tools, to better know Christ and make Him known.

In this opening message of an eight-week series on Colossians, Pastor Matt explains why this ancient letter remains crucial for modern believers. He enthusiastically explains how the church in Colossae faced challenges similar to those Christ-followers encounter today. The sermon explores Paul's letter to the Colossians, written between 58 and 62 AD while imprisoned. It addressed both false philosophy and Jewish legalism that were confusing new believers.   The message focuses on Colossians 1:1-14, breaking down Paul's prayer for spiritual knowledge into five key goals: a worthy walk, a fruitful life, spiritual growth, strength, and joyous endurance. Pastor Matt then connects these ancient challenges to modern issues in Christianity, including progressive Christianity, new-age mysticism, and hyper-grace teachings. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of standing firm in Christ and God's Word, encouraging daily Bible reading using provided Scripture journals.

February 23, 2025Christ has filled us with himself. His identity is now ours, we are kept in Christ, and are to mature more into the image of Christ. Yet so often in our world we face the pressure of “performance Christianity" and can get caught up in things that have no value in helping us to become more like Christ but rather place value in how we appear to others. The easy thing is to care more about how we appear rather than caring about our hearts and yet what Christ knows about us is that from our hearts comes the external appearance. Paul is warning the church in Colossae and he is warning us to not give way to this thinking or allow someone else to have an influence on you to pull you away from what Christ has already said about you. Paul calls us to live our lives fully in Christ and trust more of what he says about us, that we are righteous, forgiven, and loved.Clossians 2:16-23

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all.As Paul continues his introduction, he lays out a bold proclamation - Jesus is God. This truth would have been revolutionary to the Roman world but Paul would not leave it at some sort of cosmic truth, he would explain to the Colossians why that matters to them personally. The same is true for us. Jesus is God. And that matters.

Archippus was the son of Saints Philemon (Nov. 22) and Apphia (Feb. 15), and, like them, was a disciple of the Apostle Paul, who calls him "our fellow soldier" (Philm. 2). He and his father preached the Gospel at Colossae, and Archippus probably served as a priest for the church that gathered there at his family's house (Col. 4:17). Archippus' fervor in preaching the Gospel of Christ so angered the pagans that they seized him and brought him before the governor Androcles. When the Saint refused to sacrifice to Artemis, he was stripped, beaten, tormented in various ways, and finally stoned to death.

While the Apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he was visited by a church planter from Colossae named Epaphras. Epaphras had great news about the move of the Holy Spirit in Colossae but had some concerns about false teaching making its way into the church there. This visit inspired Paul to write a letter to the church in Colossae to remind them that Jesus really is above all.In Chapter One, Paul shares his desire for the Christians in Colossae - that they would truly know the will of God in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. In much the same way, we need the same thing. Our lives are full of situations where we aren't sure what to do but we have all we need in Jesus.

The Prayers of Paul, Part 3 - Episode 236. Paul's prayer for the church at Colossae focuses on a single, significant fact: the Christian life begins in the mind of every believer. His prayer is that our minds would be "filled with the knowledge of God's will."

Although the specific details of each Christian's life will vary from one person to another, the main components of every Christian's life are the same: We all started out alienated from God, Jesus saved us, and then we go on to build the rest of our life upon Him. This is what Paul shares with the Christians at Colossae in the three verses we are looking at in this message.

In this episode, Pastor Jeremy explores Paul's deep commitment to his mission of proclaiming Christ, warning, teaching, and struggling in prayer for the believers in Colossae. As we reflect on his example, we are challenged to embrace our own mission—sharing the gospel, growing in faith, and persevering in prayer for encouragement, unity, and assurance in Christ.

Welcome to Day 2556 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Paul's Lost Letters – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2556 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2556 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today is the 41st lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God's redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it's also a book that seems strange to us. While God's Word was written for us, it wasn't written to us. Today's lesson is: “Paul's Lost Letters.” Unless you've been on an extended vacation from popular culture over the last couple of years, you know there's been a lot of recent discussion about how we got the New Testament. Dan Brown's blockbuster novel The Da Vinci Code based its conspiratorial plot in part on the notion that other gospels had been eradicated by spiteful church authorities and an emperor openly partial to orthodoxy. The success of the novel prompted many churchgoers to ask whether or not all the books that should be included in the New Testament actually were. To be sure, Dan Brown took a lot of liberties with facts in his story. But what if we're not dealing with fiction? The New Testament itself tells us that there were books written by apostles that didn't make it into in the Bible. Surprised? Let's take a look. 1 Corinthians 5:9 In 1 Corinthians, Paul himself mentions an earlier letter he wrote to this same church: “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people” (1 Cor 5:9). While some interpreters have argued that Paul was referring to the letter he was currently writing (1 Corinthians), most acknowledge that this explanation is weak. Taken at face value, 1 Corinthians 5:9 tells us that Paul had written to this church before—but that letter has not survived and thus is not part of the New Testament. Colossians 4:16 In Paul's letter to the church at Collosae, he says, “And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea” (Col 4:16). What was this letter from Laodicea? What happened to it? The phrase “letter from Laodicea” is a literal translation of the Greek and suggests that the letter came from Laodicea. This is a bit misleading, though. The phrase does not necessarily mean that this letter was written by someone in Laodicea to Paul or to the Colossians. Colossians 4:16 tells us that letters to churches were circulated, and so it may be that this Laodicean letter was written by Paul and sent to the Christians at Colossae—like the Colossian letter was to be sent to the believers in Laodicea. Some scholars have speculated that this letter isn't actually missing. The region of Laodicea was also identified with the city of Ephesus, indicating that the letter from Laodicea may actually be the epistle to the...

Welcome to In the Word with Malcolm Webber! In his letter to the Colossians, Paul highlights the divine Person and redemptive work of Christ, against the backdrop of a particular heresy that threatens the church at Colossae.The Colossian heresy blended Christianity together with Jewish legalism, Greek philosophic speculation, and Oriental mysticism. This joining of religions together in exotic hybrids is happening today in both Eastern and Western countries with the increasing “globalization” of religion. Paul's corrections are vitally pertinent to us today. In the Word with Malcolm Webber is a weekly podcast featuring selected teachings from Dr. Webber's over 40 years of ministry. Find more teachings, along with books, courses, tools, and other resources from Dr. Webber at our website.Related Resources from LeaderSource* Book: The Preeminence and All-Sufficiency of Jesus Christ* Audio Teaching: What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?* For More Teaching on Common Errors: Malcolm's Musings * Email Course: Who Jesus Christ IsCheck out more messages from Malcolm: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadersource.substack.com

As the churches of the first century were planted from Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the world, commons challenges of persecution and heresy quickly developed. Satan does not plant, he seeks pluck up and plunder. The church at Colosse was planted by a faithful minister of Christ, Epaphras (1:17). Paul had received report about this church while confined in prison. There was much to rejoice about, however there was a heretical teaching that was threatening the church. This heresy centered around the sufficiency of Christ. It was not a denial of Christ, but a demoting of Christ. Paul's heart was moved and so he wrote a needed epistle to help strengthen this church in the truth so they might do the will of God in Colossae. Thanks for joining us for this episode and please take a moment to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoy this content, please don't hesitate to leave us a 5-star review and share this podcast with your friends.  We'd like to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us for worship this week at Grace Baptist Church. We'd also love to connect with you online at https://gracekettering.org. Thanks again for checking out this episode, and we look forward to having you join us again right here on the Grace Baptist Church Podcast!

What is it that distinguishes a Christian? Is lifestyle a strong indicator that an individual is a Christian? If not, why not? While Paul addresses this question to his readers in Colossae, the admonition lands powerfully for us today. Colossians 3:1-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the gospel was first proclaimed in Colossae it triggered a series of events that culminated with Paul and Timothy giving thanks to God for all that He had done. The things Paul talks about in these verses should mark any group of people who have received the gospel for themselves.

At the time when Paul wrote his letter to the church in Colossae, he had not yet visited their community. Nevertheless, he had heard about their faith and love and wanted to send along some encouragement along with his teaching. Thus, he prays from afar that they would have all the hypomonē they need. In this prayer we see a beautiful reality about the Church's call to endure. We do not do it alone! We can lift up, pray for, and encourage others to endure, even as we endure alongside them.

Welcome to In the Word with Malcolm Webber! In his letter to the Colossians, Paul highlights the divine Person and redemptive work of Christ, against the backdrop of a particular heresy that threatens the church at Colossae.The Colossian heresy blended Christianity together with Jewish legalism, Greek philosophic speculation, and Oriental mysticism. This joining of religions together in exotic hybrids is happening today in both Eastern and Western countries with the increasing “globalization” of religion. Paul's corrections are vitally pertinent to us today. In the Word with Malcolm Webber is a weekly podcast featuring selected teachings from Dr. Webber's over 40 years of ministry. Find more teachings, along with books, courses, tools, and other resources from Dr. Webber at our website.Related Resources from LeaderSource* Book: The Preeminence and All-Sufficiency of Jesus Christ* Audio Teaching: What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?* For More Teaching on Common Errors: Malcolm's Musings * Email Course: Who Jesus Christ IsCheck out more messages from Malcolm: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadersource.substack.com

In this episode we welcome back Dr. G. K. Beale, professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Dallas, to discuss Paul's use of the Old Testament in his letter to the church in Colossae. Dr. Beale has written an insightful commentary on Colossians and Philemon in which he highlights the theological depth and practical application of these epistles, focusing on the Old Testament allusions in Colossians and their relevance to Paul's message of Christ's supremacy and the believer's union with Him. The conversation explores the nature of Paul's argument against syncretistic false teaching, the significance of Christ as the true temple, and the practical implications of Paul's exhortations for the church today. Dr. Beale also shares his method for identifying Old Testament allusions and discusses the relationship between Ephesians and Colossians.  This episode is a rich resource for pastors, teachers, and students interested in biblical theology, exegesis, and the practical application of Scripture. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 04:36 AI in NT Studies 13:10 Reformed Forum Seminary in Oklahoma City 15:37 Introduction to Colossians 21:27 Quotations and Allusions 25:15 The Nature of the Colossian Heresy 29:12 The Relationship between Colossians and Ephesians 32:05 Old Testament Allusions in Colossians 53:12 Initiation into and Maturity in Christ 55:19 The Elemental Principles of the World 58:46 Conclusion

Welcome to the Grace Coach Podcast! Mike and Kevin share their insights from the Book of Colossians as they dive into Chapter 1:1-14 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To God's holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters[a] in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.[b] 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God's people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God's grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,[c] who is a faithful minister of Christ on our[d] behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[e] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

“But wait, there's more!” The church in Colossae was being presented with “gospel-plus” teachings. In today's study, we're going to explore the gospel, and how if we really understand it, we'll guard ourselves against unnecessary add-ons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why should the Christian community at Colossae have cared about the letter that was sent to them from Paul? Why should you care about that same letter if you are a Christian? Paul gives us a compelling reason in the opening two verses of that letter. 

Welcome to a new season of In the Word with Malcolm Webber! This year we're starting off with Malcolm's exposition of Paul's letter to the Colossians. In this letter, Paul highlights the divine Person and redemptive work of Christ, against the backdrop of a particular heresy that threatens the church at Colossae.The Colossian heresy blended Christianity together with Jewish legalism, Greek philosophic speculation, and Oriental mysticism. This joining of religions together in exotic hybrids is happening today in both Eastern and Western countries with the increasing “globalization” of religion. Paul's corrections are vitally pertinent to us today. In the Word with Malcolm Webber is a weekly podcast featuring selected teachings from Dr. Webber's over 40 years of ministry. Find more teachings, along with books, courses, tools, and other resources from Dr. Webber at our website.Related Resources from LeaderSource* Book: The Preeminence and All-Sufficiency of Jesus Christ* Audio Teaching: What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?* For More Teaching on Common Errors: Malcolm's Musings * Email Course: Who Jesus Christ IsCheck out more messages from Malcolm: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadersource.substack.com

This year we are focusing on one passage for January-June: Colossians 3:12-17. In this episode the hosts discuss Colossians 3:12, what it meant to the church at Colossae, and how it applies to us today.

The Apostle Paul’s love for God’s people shines brightly in his communication with Philemon, offering us an exemplary model of Christian love and leadership to emulate. This letter, penned towards the end of Paul’s life, exemplifies his unwavering love and faithfulness to the very end. Luke 10:25-37 A powerful story illustrating compassion to completeness The epistle of Philemon is not merely a parable, but a true account showcasing profound compassion in its fullest form. Philemon 1:1 Philemon was a church leader in Colossae. Onesimus was his runaway slave who had become a believer under Paul’s guidance. This letter, penned towards the end of Paul’s life, exemplifies his unwavering love and faithfulness to the very end. 2 Apphia is thought to be Philemon’s wife, and Archippus is either Philemon’s son or a fellow leader in the church. 3-4 Paul prayed often – Romans 1:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians; 1:3-4; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:3 7 Epaphras, likely the founder and influential leader of this church, was in Rome with Paul and must have informed Paul about Philemon whose leadership was vital. 9 Paul demonstrates the importance of voluntary, heartfelt actions. 11 Paul may be engaging in a clever play on words by contrasting “useless” and “useful,” as the name Onesimus actually means “useful”. 16 Paul's loving intercession for Onesimus as communicated was designed to touch the core of Philemon's heart, evoking his love, mercy, and spiritual understanding. 19 Paul asks Philemon to accept Onesimus as he would accept Paul and not as he was before his conversion. He offers to take on any debt that Onesimus may have incurred. 21 Paul conveys his confidence in Philemon’s obedience and willingness to go above and beyond what is being asked. 25 Paul's personal involvement in this situation is a great example of true compassion.The post Compassion Completed first appeared on Living Hope.

We enter the new year with the last of the messages from our study in Colossians. In this section, Paul closes out his letter to the church in Colossae and sends regards from the believers in prison with him in Rome. While we might be tempted to skip over a list of names like this, each one represents a unique story of salvation and faithfulness which helps us understand our own realities and relationships in light of the Gospel.   The good news of Jesus and His love for us fuels a passion for relationships in a world of shallow or apathetic friendships and gives meaning to our labors; it's not just a meaningless grind, everything and everyone is a mission field (including us!)

This is Pastor Tom Arnould welcoming you to the Good News Radio Broadcast. In the book of Colossians, we are blessed with a beautiful prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed for the first century Christians living in the city of Colossae. On today's program, I will be teaching on this opening prayer. I believe you will be blessed as we study this prayer together.

This is Pastor Tom Arnould welcoming you to the Good News Radio Broadcast. In the book of Colossians, we are blessed with a beautiful prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed for the first century Christians living in the city of Colossae. On today's program, I will be teaching on this opening prayer. I believe you will be blessed as we study this prayer together.

This is Pastor Tom Arnould welcoming you to the Good News Radio Broadcast. In the book of Colossians, we are blessed with a beautiful prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed for the first century Christians living in the city of Colossae. On today's program, I will be teaching on this opening prayer. I believe you will be blessed as we study this prayer together.

This short but profound epistle centers on Onesimus, a runaway bondservant who has become a brother in Christ. Paul makes a bold, loving appeal for Philemon—his master and prominent Christian leader in Colossae, to receive Onesimus not as a slave, but as a beloved brother, embodying the reconciliation made possible through the Gospel. The Apostle appeals to forgiveness, Christian love, and the transformation of earthly relationships in light of our shared identity in Christ as he urges Onesimus to do the right thing.   The Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, Mission Executive for the South Wisconsin District—LCMS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Paul's letter to Philemon. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org. Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

What does it mean to be “in Christ”? Where do we find true identity, as individuals and as a church? Hear the answers as we explore an important reminder from the apostle Paul to the early Christians in Colossae. That's on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘Thankful Living' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. • Give the most important Christmas gift of all—the message of the Gospel! Purchase quality gifts for under $8 at tfl.org/gifts. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

What does it mean to be in Christ? Where do we find true identity, as individuals and as a church? Hear the answers as we explore an important reminder from the apostle Paul to the early Christians in Colossae. That's on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. Colossians 3:1217 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29