Podcasts about colossian

Two esteemed friends (vv. 12–14) epaphras, the man with a single passion that they might be mature. It is generally accepted that Epaphras was the pastor of the church at Colosse and its founder; Paul identifies him as ‘one of you' (cf. 1:7). He also planted the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis and was now in Rome visiting Paul in prison to take advice about the situation in the church in Colosse. His heart was warm towards his friends back in Colosse and his prayers were fervent and specific on their behalf. He was praying that they might ‘stand perfect and complete in all the will of God' (v. 12). He was a man of prayer. How he prayed. The phrase ‘labouring fervently' speaks of him wrestling and striving in prayer. The same Greek is used in 1:29 of a man toiling at work until he is thoroughly weary, and in 1 Corinthians 9:25 of an athlete determined to win the race. We get the English word ‘agonizing' from it. In 1 Timothy 6:12 it describes the soldier fighting for his life on the battlefield. True intercessory prayer demands self-sacrifice, dedication and determination. What he prayed. ‘That you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God' (v. 12). There was need for them to grow up spiritually and be mature in the things of Christ, remaining firm in the truth. Paul preaches to achieve it (1:28) and Epaphras prays for it to be so. The word ‘perfect' (teleioi) means ‘to finish the process'. There is, in New Testament religion, such a thing as progressive sanctification: an increase in holiness and the possibility of growing into a deeper love for God, Christ and the brethren (see Phil. 3:12–15). The Colossians are complete positionally (2:10) but here the will of God is in view so that they will be able to resist the ‘spoilers” errors (cf. 1:9). Epaphras prays that they will persevere in the faith, in accordance with the will of God, and that their commitment to the truth in Christ Jesus their Lord will continue. luke, the man with a special talent who is the author of the third Gospel and the book of Acts. He was a companion of Paul during his missionary journeys and accompanied him to Jerusalem and during his dangerous journey to Rome (Acts 16:10–17; 20:6–16, 21, 27–28; 27:1–8—note the ‘we' references). Luke, a Gentile Christian, probably hailed from Antioch. He was a medical doctor and as such was a very valuable travelling companion to Paul and his team. Luke is called the ‘beloved physician' and when we remember what Paul said in 2 Corinthians about his health problems, which he called ‘a thorn in the flesh' (2 Cor. 12:7), there can be no doubt that Luke was of great help to him personally. Besides this, Luke has proved to be a historian of highest quality. His account of the historical Jesus is on a par with the other Gospel writers, and his history of the beginnings of Christianity in the book of Acts is unsurpassed. What he has written has proved, over two millennia, to be very reliable indeed. One endangered soul (v. 14b) demas, the man with a sad future  is something of an enigma. As part of Paul's missionary team he proved to be a valuable helper, but we remember him most because of what Paul wrote of him in 2 Timothy. He is listed there among many of the same companions found in Colossians 4, but here Timothy is told ‘Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world' (2 Tim. 4:10). This was not only a physical but also a spiritual separation. He had succumbed to worldliness. This reminds us of the Parable of the Sower and the consequences of the seed not falling on ‘good ground' (Luke 8:4–15). Sadly, in the New Testament there is no record of his restoration. This is a reminder that Christians need to make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). Those who received greetings (vv. 15–17) Nymphas or possibly Nympha a woman (v. 15) Having brought greetings from his companions, Paul now requests that his words be passed on: ‘Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and Nymphas.' The church in Laodicea, or part of it, met in the house of Nymphas. We have no other information about him but can assume that he willingly supported the growing church in his own town and offered it hospitality. This reminds us that the early church met in private homes (Acts 12:12; 16:40), with the church in Colosse meeting in the house of Philemon (Philem. 2). The Epistle to the Colossians is also sent to the church that meets at Laodicea, so that the message could be shared as an act of Christian friendship and evangelism (v. 16). Is this an example of consecutive preaching in the early church? At the very least we see the gathered church hearing and meditating on the Word of God (see Acts 20:7). The Laodiceans (vv. 15–16) What is ‘the epistle from Laodicea'? Is it: A letter written from Laodicea? John Calvin supported this view, which was first mooted in the fourth or fifth century A.D. A letter written by Paul from Laodicea and now lost? The letter written and sent by Paul to Philemon? If Philemon lived in Colosse, this would be unlikely. The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians? This theory has many advocates but lacks conclusive proof. A letter written by Paul to Laodicea written at the same time as this epistle but now lost? If we remember that Tychicus would need to travel through Laodicea to go to Colosse it would seem strange that there was no letter from Paul. Why leave Laodicea out? Not all of Paul's letters have been preserved (see, for example, 1 Cor. 5:9). There is an apocryphal Epistle to the Laodiceans which was made between A.D. 300 and 400 to fill in the gap in the manuscripts, but by the eighth century it was ‘rejected by all' (Jerome). There is the possibility that there was no letter at all! If there was, why the greetings in v. 15? None of the above throws any doubt on the doctrine of the inerrancy of Scripture. Archippus (v. 17) Archippus was a member of the church in Colosse. Some think he was the son of Philemon and Apphia. Paul speaks to him directly, as he must faithfully discharge the ministry he has received ‘in the Lord'. Archippus was given: a personal message: ‘take heed'. At the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, Lord Nelson is said to have told his sailors and marines that ‘England expects every man to do his duty'; this is no less true of the Lord of the churches. The Lord Jesus Christ expects all believers to do their duty by discharging the ministry given to them, whether in preaching, teaching, leading or serving in the local church. All the believers' talents are to be fully utilized in the service of Christ (Matt. 25:14–30). This was the same exhortation which Paul gave to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:16). a public message: ‘Take heed to the ministry you have received in the Lord'. This exhortation was given in support of Archippus and the ministry he was called by God to discharge. What was this ministry? Perhaps he was the elder in charge while Epaphras was gone (as some suggest), or one of the body of elders and deacons? Whatever it was, he could not run from his responsibility now that Paul had so openly spoken of it! The Lord expects us to do his will when vows have been made. a pointed message: ‘fulfil it'. Archippus obviously needed this exhortation, but why? Had he lost heart (2 Cor. 4:1, 16)? Had he lost his love for the brethren? Had he found the office to which he was called too demanding, and did he now want to relinquish it? We just do not know. But we can be sure that the Holy Spirit meant him to hear this. God wanted him to complete the work he had received from Christ his Lord. Final thoughts (v. 18) Remember Paul's chains Paul's custom was to dictate his letters (Rom. 16:22; Gal. 6:11) and then write a few words of greeting with his own hand at the end to give authentication (2 Thes. 3:17; 1 Cor. 16:21). Because the letter is written by Paul, it is authoritative for faith and practice in the churches. He reminds the Colossians of his ‘chains'. This is a very human touch that indicates his need for prayer support. Those in the service of Jesus Christ are not immune to hardship or injustice in a fallen world. Suffering is ordained by God for believers (Job 2; Gen. 39:6–21; 2 Tim. 3:12), our Saviour being the chief example of this (Isa. 53:7–8). Paul knows that prayer will help (2 Cor. 1:11). Daily grace ‘Grace be with you.' Paul began with grace (1:2) and ends with it. We start the Christian life because of God's grace freely given (Eph. 2:8) and we require it until the end of the journey. Paul speaks to all the Colossian believers (the pronoun ‘you' is plural). They need grace to keep them from falling under the control of the ‘spoilers', and to keep them strong in the Lord and the power of his might. Grace is necessary to do God's will, fulfil his work and live holy lives. Christ promises grace right to the end (Matt. 28:20; 2 Cor. 12:9). ‘Amen' is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word meaning ‘surely', from the root meaning ‘to be firm'. It is used to express agreement (Deut. 27:15; 1 Kings 1:36) and is the expression of agreement used by the churches (1 Cor. 14:16; Rev. 5:14). It means ‘So let it be'. It is also translated as ‘verily' in the AV, ‘most assuredly' in the NKJV and ‘I tell you the truth' in the NIV (cf. John 3:16).[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

In Colossians 1:1-8, Paul's gratitude for the Colossian church reveals three essential marks of a healthy Christ-centered church, Gospel hope, Gospel fruit, and Gospel messengers. 

In this weeks message, we talked about how Jesus should be above everything in our lives, taking the top spot in everything we do. We looked at some issues the Colossian church faced, like humanism, legalism, mysticism, and asceticism, and how Paul addressed them. He prayed for the Colossians to really know God's will so they could live lives that truly please Him. We were encouraged to get closer to Jesus to understand His will better, live in a way that reflects our faith, do good works, keep growing in our knowledge of God, rely on His strength, be grateful, and remember that we've been rescued from darkness.

In week 5 of a series through Colossians, Pastor Devin discusses Paul's address to the Colossian heresy regarding ascetic practices and legalism. The sermon focuses on how bad theology leads to bad practice, emphasizing that everything in Christian faith begins and ends with the finished work of the cross. The pastor explains how attempting to earn God's favor through rigid religious practices or self-denial actually demonstrates a lack of understanding of Christ's sufficiency.What's the difference between biblical fasting and ascetic fasting according to the sermon?How can spiritual practices become prideful rather than humble expressions of faith?What are some modern-day examples of ascetic practices that we might engage in without realizing it?Why is rest (Sabbath) important according to the sermon, and how might avoiding rest actually demonstrate pride?How can we distinguish between healthy spiritual disciplines and legalistic practices?What does it mean that Christ is sufficient? How should this truth impact our daily lives?How might focusing on rules and regulations actually hinder our relationship with God?What's the difference between serving God out of love versus trying to earn His love?Support the show

As we continue our study over Paul's letter to the Colossian church, Pastor Roy Helu, Jr. preaches on an amazing truth: that the Good News of God's salvation was concealed for generations until the coming of Jesus Christ, through whom salvation and eternal life became available to us.

Today, Pastor Michael Acock speaks in week 5 of our series study of the book of Colossians. Our series is called "Beyond the Static" as we look to clear the noise of life and our world and listen to the voice of a loving God. Pastor Michael discusses the challenges facing the Colossian church, particularly that of syncretism, which involves adding other practices to one's faith in Christ, leading to disconnection from Him. He emphasizes that true spirituality stems from a personal relationship with Jesus, rather than from a list of religious activities or self-made rules that can create a false sense of righteousness. He also warns against spiritual snobbery, where individuals may feel superior based on their practices or visions, stressing that salvation and spiritual growth only come through Christ. Ultimately, Pastor Michael encourages the congregation to hold fast to Jesus, the true source of life, and to avoid being swayed by external influences that could detract from their relationship with Him. You can find the full sermon notes and other resources at our website. We hope this message encourages you and helps you know Jesus in a more real way. Subscribe to us at our YouTube channel, on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. You can also visit us at Facebook or Instagram.

Brother Nick continues his Colossian series in the book of Colossians chapter 1, verses 24-29.

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 3:16 “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE SECOND PERSON PLURAL. Notice that this dwelling is not automatic. Believers must co-operate in the Christian life as they do in salvation. The outlines of Eph. and Col. are very similar. The parallel to this verse in Eph. is 5:18! 3:16–17 There is a theological and structural parallel between Eph. 5:18–21 and Col. 3:16–17. In Eph. there is a PRESENT PASSIVE IMPERATIVE with the passive imperative our responsibility lies in being open to God's operation, the Spirit's working, and Christ's indwelling. Thus the passive imperative preserves in the grammar the most fundamental principle of God's economy, that is, that God is the One who operates in us and yet we are responsible to open to His operation, to allow Him to operate, and to cooperate with His operation. God is sovereign and we are responsible go hand in hand. “ever be filled,” while in Col. there is a Present Active Imperatives are commands that are expected to be followed not once, but as an ongoing process. “let the word of Christ dwell within you.” Also in Eph. the IMPERATIVE is followed by five PRESENT PARTICIPLES which describe the Spirit-filled life: This means, of course, the Word of God. The false teachers came to Colossae with man-made traditions, religious rules, and human philosophies. They tried to harmonize God's Word with their teachings, but they could not succeed. God's Word always magnifies Jesus Christ. It was not the word of false teachers that brought salvation to the Colossians; it was the Word of the truth of the Gospel (Col. 1:5). This same Word gives us life and sustains and strengthens us (1 Peter 1:22–2:3). The Word will transform our lives if we will but permit it to “dwell” in us richly. The word dwell means “to feel at home.” If we have experienced the grace and the peace of Christ, then the Word of Christ will feel at home in our hearts. We will discover how rich the Word is with spiritual treasures that give value to our lives. However, we must not think that Paul wrote this only to individual Christians; for he directed it to the entire church body. “Let the Word of Christ dwell among you” is a possible translation. As it dwells richly in each member of the church, it will dwell richly in the church fellowship. There is a danger today, as there was in Paul's day, that local churches minimize the Word of God. There seems to be a lack of simple Bible teaching in Sunday School classes and pulpits. Far more interest is shown in movies, musical performances, and various entertainments than in God's Word. Many saved people cannot honestly say that God's Word dwells in their hearts richly because they do not take time to read, study, and memorize it. There is (according to Paul) a definite relationship between our knowledge of the Bible and our expression of worship in song. One way we teach and encourage ourselves and others is through the singing of the Word of God. But if we do not know the Bible and understand it, we cannot honestly sing it from our hearts. Perhaps this “poverty of Scripture” in our churches is one cause of the abundance of unbiblical songs that we have today. A singer has no more right to sing a lie than a preacher has to preach a lie. The great songs of the faith were, for the most part, written by believers who knew the doctrines of the Word of God. Many so-called “Christian songs” today are written by people with little or no knowledge of the Word of God. It is a dangerous thing to separate the praise of God from the Word of God.[1] “with all wisdom” This is a play on the false teachers' overemphasis on human knowledge. The word of Christ (the Spirit-filled life) is true wisdom. Wisdom is a person (cf. Prov. 8:22–31) and a lifestyle, not isolated truth or creeds.  “with psalms” The NKJV and NASB translations imply “teaching with songs,” but the NRSV and NJB imply “teachers with songs in their hearts.” Psalms were, of course, the songs taken from the Old Testament. For centuries, the churches in the English-speaking world sang only musical versions of the Psalms. I am glad to see today a return to the singing of Scripture, especially the Psalms. Hymns were songs of praise to God written by believers but not taken from the Psalms. The church today has a rich heritage of hymnody which, I fear, is being neglected. Spiritual songs were expressions of Bible truth other than in psalms and hymns. When we sing a hymn, we address the Lord; when we sing a spiritual song, we address each other. Paul described a local church worship service (1 Cor. 14:26; Col. 3:16). Note that the believer sings to himself as well as to the other believers and to the Lord. Our singing must be from our hearts and not just our lips. But if the Word of God is not in our hearts, we cannot sing from our hearts. This shows how important it is to know the Word of God, for it enriches our public and private worship of God. Our singing must be with grace. This does not mean “singing in a gracious way,” but singing because we have God's grace in our hearts. It takes grace to sing when we are in pain, or when circumstances seem to be against us. It certainly took grace for Paul and Silas to sing in that Philippian prison (Acts 16:22–25). Our singing must not be a display of fleshly talent; it must be a demonstration of the grace of God in our hearts. Someone has said that a successful Christian life involves attention to three books: God's Book, the Bible; the pocketbook; and the hymn book. As a believer grows in his knowledge of the Word, he will want to grow in his expression of praise. He will learn to appreciate the great hymns of the church, the Gospel songs, and the spiritual songs that teach spiritual truths. To sing only the elementary songs of the faith is to rob himself of spiritual enrichment. Before we leave this section, we should notice an important parallel with Ephesians 5:18–6:9. In his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul emphasized being filled with the Spirit; in his Letter to the Colossians, he emphasized being filled with the Word. But the evidences of this spiritual fullness are the same! How can we tell if a believer is filled with the Spirit? He is joyful, thankful, and submissive (Eph. 5:19–21); all of this shows up in his relationships in the home and on the job (Eph. 5:22–6:9). How can we tell if a believer is filled with the Word of God? He is joyful, thankful, and submissive (Col. 3:16–4:1).[1] The Spirit-filled life is daily Christlikeness or allowing the word of Christ and the mind of Christ to guide in every area, especially interpersonal relationships. The key is the heart of the worshiper, not the form of the music (cf. 3:17). Col 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. THE SERVICE OF LOVE: The work of Christ must be done in the manner of Christ. Believers are to live and act as those who bear his name and must do nothing that would make them ashamed to say that they are Christians. This is a principle to live by: ‘whatever you do' (v. 17), whether at home, at work, in the church, or out and about. This sense of duty must also be accompanied with a sense of gratitude and note of praise, ‘giving thanks to God the Father through him'. Giving thanks declares the gratitude of grace and the praise of peace. 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed” This is a major spiritual truth. Believers must relate all their motives and actions to God through Christ. Every aspect of our lives is “as unto the Lord.” Believers do not live for themselves (cf. v. 23; Rom. 14:7–9; 1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:15; Eph. 6:7; 1 Pet. 4:11). This truth could revolutionize the modern, western, individual-focused church[1] The Name of Christ (Col. 3:17) In modern society, we pay little attention to names. But the ancient world held a man's name to be of utmost importance. Often, during Old Testament days, God changed a person's name because of some important experience or some new development. As Christians, we bear the name of Christ. The word Christian is found only three times in the entire New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). The name was given originally as a term of contempt, but gradually it became a name of honor. The name of Christ, then, means identification: we belong to Jesus Christ. But His name also means authority. A man's name signed to a check authorizes the withdrawal of money from the bank. The President's name signed to a bill makes it a law. In the same way, it is in the name of Jesus Christ that we have the authority to pray (John 14:13–14; 16:23–26). Because Jesus Christ is God, and He has died for us, we have authority in His name. All that we say and do should be associated with the name of Jesus Christ. By our words and our works, we should glorify His name. If we permit anything into our lives that cannot be associated with the name of Jesus, then we are sinning. We must do and say everything on the authority of His name and for the honor of His name. Bearing the name of Jesus is a great privilege, but it is also a tremendous responsibility. We suffer persecution because we bear His name (John 15:20–21). [1] Note that Paul again mentioned thanksgiving in this Colossian letter. Whatever we do in the name of Christ ought to be joined with thanksgiving. If we cannot give thanks, then we had better not do it or say it! This is the fifth of six references in Colossians to thanksgiving (Col. 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15, 17; 4:2). When we remember that Paul was a Roman prisoner when he wrote this letter, it makes this emphasis on thanksgiving that much more wonderful. As we review these four spiritual motivations for godly living, we are impressed with the centrality of Jesus Christ. We forgive because Christ forgave us (Col. 3:13). It is the peace of Christ that should rule in our hearts (Col. 3:15). The Word of Christ should dwell in us richly (Col. 3:16). The name of Christ should be our identification and our authority. “Christ is all, and in all” (Col. 3:11). Since we are united with Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have all the resources we need for holy living. But we must be spiritually motivated. Because we have experienced the grace of Christ, we want to live for Him. Because we have enjoyed the peace of Christ, we want to obey Him. We have been enriched by the Word of Christ, and raised to the rank of nobility by the name of Christ; therefore, we want to honor and glorify Him. Can we desire any higher motivation?[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    

Do you love God more than the world. Paul had to rebuke the Colossian church because it had lost focus on Godly pursuits and wisdom. Do you know the path to the right focus of your life; the right path to joyful, fruitful living? Travis advised us in the last broadcast that the first condition is that you must be raised with… The post On Heavenly Mindedness, Part 2 | Living for the Highest Priority appeared first on Pillar of Truth Radio.

Don't be distracted by worldly pursuits, seek the kingdom of God. Do you find yourself so busy with daily chores and worldly desires that you have little or no time for reading and meditating on God's word.  Paul sent this letter to the Colossian church because they were being distracted by the world. They were putting their desires and what they thought… The post On Heavenly Mindedness, Part 1| Living for the Highest Priority appeared first on Pillar of Truth Radio.

n this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony dive into the final verses of Colossians 4, reflecting on Paul's closing words and the rich theological and practical insights they offer. The discussion begins by addressing the significance of these often-overlooked sections of scripture, emphasizing their God-breathed purpose and the enduring lessons they provide for the church today. Paul's ministry partners, including Tychicus, Onesimus, and Luke, take center stage as Jesse and Tony explore how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes in His kingdom. The conversation also highlights the theme of reconciliation, particularly through Onesimus' story, as Paul sends him back to Colossae, urging the church to embody the gospel by welcoming him with grace. This practical application of theology reminds listeners that the gospel transforms relationships and calls believers to live out Christlike love in their communities. Jesse and Tony also unpack the broader implications of Paul's instruction to share the letter with the Laodiceans, underscoring the importance of scripture's universal application across time and culture. As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the unity and encouragement found in Paul's words, reminding listeners of the value of every member of the body of Christ. They also prepare for their upcoming exploration of Philemon, which continues the story of Onesimus and offers further insight into living out faith in real-world situations. This episode is a rich blend of theology, practical wisdom, and encouragement for believers seeking to grow in their understanding of scripture and community. Key Points: The Significance of Paul's Final Words: Paul's closing remarks in Colossians 4, though seemingly mundane, reveal God's interest in the details of ministry and the importance of community within the church. God Uses Ordinary People: The episode highlights Paul's ministry partners, showing how God works through ordinary individuals like Tychicus, Onesimus, and Luke to advance His kingdom. Reconciliation in Action: The story of Onesimus demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel, as Paul encourages the Colossian church to welcome him back with grace and forgiveness. Universal Relevance of Scripture: Paul's instruction to share the letter with the Laodiceans emphasizes the broader application of scripture beyond its immediate audience, affirming its value for all believers. Practical Theology and Community: Jesse and Tony discuss the importance of living out theological truths in everyday life, particularly in fostering unity and encouragement within the church. Questions for Reflection: How does Paul's inclusion of specific names and details in his letters inspire you to see God's work in the “ordinary” aspects of ministry? What lessons can we learn from Onesimus' story about reconciliation and living out the gospel in challenging situations? How can we as believers ensure that our churches reflect the unity and diversity seen in Paul's ministry team? Why is it important to view scripture as universally applicable, and how does this perspective affect how we read and apply the Bible today? In what ways can you, like Paul's ministry partners, support and encourage others in your church or community?

In Paul's appeal to the Colossian church, he reiterates the creative and sovereign power of Jesus in a what seems to be a known song or prayer. For Paul, everything is about Jesus. It is Christ who is the agent in creation, it is Christ who reigns over all things, and it Christ who redeems and reconciles creation back to God. In Christ, our relationship with God can be restored. That is what gives us hope. That is what gives us meaning and purpose. That is what gives us life. That is true power. The invitation for everyone is to make Jesus King. Make Jesus King over all things. If you need prayer, we're here for you. Reach out at ⁠www.gatewaybaptist.com.au/prayer________________________Gateway Baptist Church meets across six locations in South-East Queensland and online.For over 90 years, we've been committed to guiding people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.Learn more about us at ⁠https://gatewaybaptist.com.au⁠ or join us on Sundays at ⁠gtwy.au/live

Sermon is in three parts speaking is Zeeshan Zafar, Natalie Fleming, Michael CrossonBefore we begin our time of teaching today, we want to make you aware that this morning's sermon will deal with a sensitive but important topic: human sexuality, including its distortion through the widespread problem of pornography. As part of this, we will also reference sexual exploitation and abuse.We believe it is vital for the church to speak honestly and biblically about these matters, offering both truth and hope in Christ. However, we also want to honour the maturity levels of children and the lived experiences of those among us.For those for whom this topic may stir past trauma or feel particularly heavy, please know that there is no pressure to Listen to sermon. If you need to step out, do so freely. Members of our pastoral team and prayer team will be available please contact our church office if you'd like to talk or receive prayer.

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony dive into Colossians 4:2–6, unpacking its rich themes of persistent prayer, evangelism, and the importance of gracious communication. They explore Paul's exhortation to the Colossian church, focusing on how prayer, wisdom, and speech are integral to a Christian's life and witness. The conversation emphasizes that prayer is not merely an action but a defining characteristic of the Christian life, reflecting the believer's intimacy with God and reliance on His grace. The hosts examine Paul's request for prayers that his proclamation of the gospel might be clear and effective, noting that clarity is essential in ensuring the message of Christ is understood fully by its hearers. They also discuss the relationship between wise conduct, gracious speech, and the ability to answer others with the truth of the gospel. The importance of integrating faith into everyday interactions is highlighted, particularly when engaging with non-believers in ways that reflect Christ's love and wisdom. The episode also delves into how Christians can faithfully live out their faith in a world of challenges, particularly on platforms like social media, where speech often lacks grace and wisdom. Jesse and Tony remind listeners of the high calling to let their words always be seasoned with salt, ensuring that every interaction serves as an opportunity to glorify God and share the gospel. Key Points: Persistent Prayer as a Lifeline: Christians are called to devote themselves to prayer, not just as an occasional act but as a continuous lifestyle that reflects intimacy with God. Clarity in Gospel Proclamation: Paul's request for prayer highlights the importance of presenting the gospel clearly and cogently, ensuring its full understanding by hearers. Gracious Speech and Wise Conduct: Walking in wisdom and letting speech be gracious and seasoned with salt are essential for effective evangelism and maintaining a Christian witness. Faith in Everyday Interactions: Integrating faith into daily life involves speaking and acting in ways that reflect Christ's love and wisdom, especially in challenging environments like social media. Questions for Reflection: How does your prayer life reflect your relationship with God, and in what ways can it become more consistent and intentional? In what areas of your life can you work to make your speech more gracious and seasoned with salt? How can you integrate faith into your daily interactions with non-believers in a way that reflects Christ's love and wisdom? Are there specific people or ministries you can commit to praying for, as Paul asks the Colossians to pray for him?

Send us a textThe Power of Intercessory PrayerMay 4, 2025  •  Eric StillmanIn the second sermon in the "Jesus is Lord" sermon series, we look at Colossians 1:9-14 and Paul's prayer for the Colossian church and what we learn about the power of intercessory prayer.

Today, Pastor Michael Acock speaks in week 2 of our series study of the book of Colossians. Our series is called "Beyond the Static" as we look to clear the noise of life and our world and listen to the voice of a loving God. The Book of Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul, addresses the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. Paul warns against false teachings and emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. He encourages the Colossian church to seek spiritual maturity by setting their minds on things above and embodying Christ-like virtues in their daily lives. You can find the full sermon notes and other resources at our website. We hope this message encourages you and helps you know Jesus in a more real way. Subscribe to us at our YouTube channel, on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. You can also visit us at Facebook or Instagram.

In Part 2 of our Colossians series—“Church Clothes” (Colossians 3:12–17)—we strip away the fluff and ask the tough questions: What does it really look like to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, and patience? Join us as we dig into Paul's challenge for the Colossian church—and for our church today—to put off old habits and put on a radically countercultural wardrobe of love. Ready to examine your spiritual wardrobe? Tune in now.

Send us a textThe Gospel Of ColossiansApr 27, 2025  •  Eric StillmanIn the first sermon in the "Jesus is Lord" sermon series, we look at Colossians 1:1-8 and Paul's greeting and thanksgiving for the Colossian church and what we learn about the gospel and the evidence of salvation.

Today, Pastor Michael Acock speaks in week 1 of our series study of the book of Colossians. Our series is called "Beyond the Static" as we look to clear the noise of life and our world and listen to the voice of a loving God. The Book of Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul, addresses the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. Paul warns against false teachings and emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. He encourages the Colossian church to seek spiritual maturity by setting their minds on things above and embodying Christ-like virtues in their daily lives. You can find the full sermon notes and other resources at our website. We hope this message encourages you and helps you know Jesus in a more real way. Subscribe to us at our YouTube channel, on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. You can also visit us at Facebook or Instagram.

Paul exhorts the Colossian believers to walk in Christ in the same way that they received Him in order to avoid falling into believing doctrinal errors.

APR. 15, 2025Become willing to change."You will grow as you learn to know God better and better." Col 1:10 NLTTo grow, you must dedicate yourself to the process. Whether it's in your career, your marriage, your ministry, or your walk with God, once you dedicate yourself to growth and development and a lifestyle of planned improvement, it becomes normal to you.  And you realize when you're not making progress. Something is missing! It's been reputed that the Polish American classical pianist Arthur Rubinstein refused to listen to recordings of his playing. Even only a few months afterward, he was unhappy with what he heard. Why? Because he had changed and improved-but his recordings had not. Stop and think about the non-negotiables in your life. What are you willing to live and die for?Write down what you want to hold on to at any cost, and fully explain why. After you have done that, everything else should be open to change. Here is how Paul prayed for the Christians in the Colossian church: "We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and...spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light" (vv. 9-12 NLT).Become willing to change To grow, you must dedicate yourself to the process.Share This DevotionalSend us a textSupport the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!

Steve Surbaugh

Do we give God the Father enough credit for spiritual success in our lives and the lives of others? In Colossians 1:3-8, the Apostle Paul writes about giving thanks to God the Father for the spiritual fruit reported among the Colossian believers.Main Passages: Colossians 1:3-8; John 13:34-35; Isaiah 55:10-11East Memorial Student Ministry | Pastor Mathew Wronski | March 19th, 2025

Bro. Danny Corprew Sunday School March 23, 2025 Colossians 3:12-16

Week 10 | Pillar #4 - DiscipleshipConcluding our series by circling back again on discipleship, we look this week at Colossians 1. In this letter written from prison, the apostle Paul addresses false teachings that have emerged within the Colossian church – false teaching who are swaying many away. In this opening chapter, Paul reminds the Colossians who he is and what he has done for the believers in the region over and over again, before lofting high the glory of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, Paul deeply loves this church, and his passion remains what italways was, namely, to see them strong and mature in Christ – to truly behold him and be renewed!SERIES DESCRIPTION:We live in a culture where what's new is what's best. We like the updates, we like the shiny, we like the brand new. We like the smell of the new car, the peel of the wrapper off the package, of knowing that what we have is the latest and the greatest.To be sure we love the new, but what if the old was actually always the best. For that matter what if the old is actually only what renews, revives, and refreshes. That to be renewed requires going back to what has always worked.In second Corinthians chapter 3 the apostle Paul says these very important words:And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.He's referencing Moses. Moses, who stood on the mountain top and talked directly to God. Moses, whose face shone when he came down and back to his people. Moses, whose life was never the same after he had met with the Lord on high. What if the pathway for our transformation, lay in the same direction. What if what has always worked works for us too.What if our renewal as a church lay in our beholding the Lord!Join us for a series where, as a church, we seek fix our eyes upon the Lord, and we seek to behold his glory and hearing from him directly what the priorities of our church should be. But get ready, because these priorities are nothing new, but they are every bit as transformative as they have always been!Join us as we behold and renew!

We continue in our Colossians series, and we look at verses 3-11, and how Paul intercedes for the Colossian church.

Today Apryl and Christy continue in Colossian 2 where they discuss our purpose. You were created for purpose, and in Christ, you have everything you need to walk boldly in that calling.

In Episode 430 of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse begin their exploration of Paul's letter to the Colossians, focusing on Colossians 1:1–12. This section introduces the key themes of the epistle, including faith, hope, love, and the transformative power of the Gospel. The hosts emphasize that the Gospel is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, both globally and within the lives of believers, demonstrating the sufficiency of Christ in all things. They also discuss the importance of spiritual wisdom and understanding, which enable believers to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. The episode highlights Paul's unique relationship with the Colossian church, which he had not personally visited, and how his prayer for the church reflects his deep concern for their growth in faith. Tony and Jesse explore the central message of Colossians: Christ is sufficient for salvation, sanctification, and the restoration of all things. They unpack how faith, hope, and love are interconnected in the Christian life, focusing on how hope in the inheritance laid up in heaven empowers believers to love others and grow in faith. Listeners are encouraged to trust in the transformative work of the Gospel, which not only redeems individuals but also restores creation. The hosts remind us of the importance of hearing, understanding, and trusting the Gospel, as well as living it out through a life worthy of the Lord. This episode is a rich dive into the theological truths and practical implications of Paul's opening words to the Colossians. Key Points: The Sufficiency of Christ: Paul's letter emphasizes that Christ is sufficient for salvation, sanctification, and the restoration of all things. There is no need for anything beyond Christ to save or transform believers. Faith, Hope, and Love: These virtues are central to the Christian life. Paul highlights the hope laid up in heaven as the foundation for the Colossians' faith and love, which are outward expressions of their relationship with Christ. The Gospel's Power to Bear Fruit: The Gospel is described as constantly bearing fruit and increasing, both in the world and in individual believers. This demonstrates the active, transformative power of God's Word. Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding: Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding, which enables them to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and to bear fruit in every good work. Questions for Reflection: How does the hope laid up in heaven impact the way you live your daily life? In what ways have you experienced the Gospel bearing fruit and increasing in your own life? How can you grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding to better walk in a manner worthy of the Lord? What does it mean to you that Christ is sufficient for all aspects of salvation and sanctification? How do faith, hope, and love work together in your relationship with God and with others?

The world tries to define you, but in Christ, your true identity is firm and secure. Join Apryl and Christy as they walk through Colossians 1.

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

Week 2 | Our Purpose Within the broader context of these two verses, Paul calls the Colossian believers to a holy life, consistent with their new identity in Jesus. They have been chosen by God and now stand before him as his beloved holy ones, and so they are to live up to what they are in Christ. Consistent with this, the Word of God plays an active role in our walk with Jesus, and ultimately our efforts to glorify God in all that we do. SERIES DESCRIPTION: We live in a culture where what's new is what's best. We like the updates, we like the shiny, we like the brand new. We like the smell of the new car, the peel of the wrapper off the package, of knowing that what we have is the latest and the greatest. To be sure we love the new, but what if the old was actually always the best. For that matter what if the old is actually only what renews, revives, and refreshes. That to be renewed requires going back to what has always worked. In second Corinthians chapter 3 the apostle Paul says these very important words: And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. He's referencing Moses. Moses, who stood on the mountain top and talked directly to God. Moses, whose face shone when he came down and back to his people. Moses, whose life was never the same after he had met with the Lord on high. What if the pathway for our transformation, lay in the same direction. What if what has always worked works for us too. What if our renewal as a church lay in our beholding the Lord! Join us for a series where, as a church, we seek fix our eyes upon the Lord, and we seek to behold his glory and hearing from him directly what the priorities of our church should be. But get ready, because these priorities are nothing new, but they are every bit as transformative as they have always been! Join us as we behold and renew!

Listen in as Pastor Matthew O'Mealey brings us a word from Paul's letter to the Colossian church about the wonder of Christ and how that affects us.

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

Worthy of the Gospel | Week 2 | Kathy Harrelson--Jesus is preeminent in creation and reconciliation. His supremacy and sufficiency are foundational for both the Colossian church and the church today.--Outline

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

Midweek Podcast: Colossian text and context Kyle Peart w/Tyler Hurst and Jim Roden January 8, 2025 Journey Church Tucson See more at: https://www.journeyefc.org/

This week Pastor Mike looks at one of Paul's prayers for the Colossian church showing how it demonstrates what growth looks like in the Christian life, that we are to be filled by knowledge of his will, and strengthened by his power for patient endurance.

January 5, 2025We begin our study of the book of Colossians with Paul and Timothy's thanksgiving prayer for the Colossian church. While imprisoned in Rome, Paul received a good report about how the Colossians were growing in faith and bearing fruit for the name of Christ. He highlights two enduring legacies of their hope, rooted in the gospel. These legacies of the Colossians remain relevant today, providing a powerful example of the kind of legacy we should strive to leave—one that God can use to strengthen and build up future generations.Colossians 1:1-8

This is a recording of a sermon I preached on Sunday, November 17, 2024. It is a part of our sermon series on the ‘Fruits of the Spirit' in Galatians 5:22-23. In this sermon, I talk about patience. I admit that I struggle to be patient, explaining why we live in a low patience society and how that affects the relationships we have with other people. I then explain how our patience is modeled after God's patience. I explore the patience of God in 2 Peter 3, showing that God is patient with us because he wants all to repent. We then look at our own patience in Colossian 3, where Paul explains that patience means we must be forgiving to others as God forgives us. I then give some concluding thoughts on how we can better develop patience, and end with James 1:19-20.  The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com.  You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod, and Youtube, @ProLibertyPod, where you will get shorts and other exclusive video content. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!  

Surrounded by a litany of beliefs about the world, the Colossian believers needed a clear understanding of God's Word. So, the apostle Paul provided it by writing an epistle filled with doctrine for them. Over the last two weeks, we've studied how Paul taught about the supremacy of Jesus Christ and the danger of false teaching. This week, in part ... Read More The post The Supremacy of Christ: A Study in Colossians, Part 3 | November 30, 2024 appeared first on The Friends of Israel Today Radio.

Send us a textToday, we look at a very sobering passage, and we camp out here for the whole study. Paul told the Colossian church to beware, which we should see as a strong warning, so what was he warning them of? He feared that some man might spoil them through philosophy and vain deceit. He pointed to the root cause as the tradition of men, and after the rudiments of the world. Paul went as far as to say that these things could pull them away from Christ. In our Q&A segment, we respond to this question: I have been in church my whole life, and I have seen a trend in recent years of many churches that are doing away with testimony services… how do you feel about this? We truly feel this episode is a must, so please listen to it today! 

The apostle Paul's message to the Colossians rings true for Christians even today: Beware of false teaching! Surrounded by a plethora of philosophies amidst a pagan world, the Colossian believers were susceptible to being led away from the pure truths of God's Word and the authority Jesus Christ deserved in their lives. In part 2 of our series on the ... Read More The post The Supremacy of Christ: A Study in Colossians, Part 2 | November 23, 2024 appeared first on The Friends of Israel Today Radio.

Welcome to Day 2504 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2504 – A Final Farewell – Daily Wisdom – Colossians 4:7-18 Putnam Church Message – 11/10/2024 Jesus Christ, Our Leader – A Friendly Farewell Colossians 4:7-18 Last week, we explored The Big Deal About “Little” Things and how important our vertical and horizontal communications are: our talk and our walk reflect our new life in Christ. This week, we will finish Paul's letter to the Colossians chapter 4:7-18 in a message titled ‘A Friendly Farewell.' It is on page 1835 of your Pew Bibles, but I will read it from the NLT  7 Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord's work. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. 9 I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that's happening here. 10 Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas's cousin.| As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. 11 Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been! 12 Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. 13 I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas. 15 Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters[b] at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. 16 After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them. 17 And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.” 18 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL. Remember my chains. May God's grace be with you. The great poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote a poem, “Friendship is a sheltering tree.” How right he was. Think about it. Friends reach out to us and offer us refuge like the branches of a tree. They give us shade, shelter, provision, and protection. They invite us to a familiar place of refreshment, retreat, and repose. In particular, true friends provide three vital...

Welcome to Day 2499 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2499 – The Big Deal About 'Little' Things – Daily Wisdom – Colossians 4:2-6 Putnam Church Message – 11/03/2024 Jesus Christ, Our Leader – The Big Deal About “Little” Things- Colossians 4:2-6 Last week, our focus was having Christ as the center and source of our lives. Today, we move on to the third and final section of the letter to the Colossians. If you remember when we started this series, the theme is: Jesus Christ is sufficient as our Lord, our Life, and our Leader. For baby Christians under attack from false teachers who were rejecting Christ's person and reducing His power, this message was the perfect defense. In the first section of Colossians, Paul underscored the sufficiency of Christ as our Lord (1:1–2:23). In the second section, he highlighted the sufficiency of Christ as our Life (3:1–4:1). Now, in the remainder of the final chapter of this short but formidable book, Paul emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ as our Leader (4:2–18). Paul ended the previous section by pointing out that we all have a “Master in heaven” (4:1). Now, he wraps up this letter by outlining several practical and personal ways that Christ's leadership is to manifest itself in our lives.| Christ directs our paths, navigating us through ministry opportunities and obstacles (4:2–6).| Next week, we will learn that when we serve Him as bond-servants, we must depend on our fellow laborers, acknowledging that we all serve one Leader and have one goal: the widespread proclamation of His message, which is to build God's Kingdom on earth (4:7–18). Only when we depend on Christ as our sufficient Leader will we be able to fulfill this goal. Today's passage is Colossians 4:2-6 on page 1835 of your Pew Bibles. We will explore The Big Deal About “Little” Things. I am reading from the NLT.  2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive[a] so that you will have the right response for everyone. In our world of information overload, where tweets, posts, pins, and texts are thrown around like empty disposable wrappers, it's easy to believe that words are unimportant, weak, meaningless, vaporous, and hollow. This notion is completely false! Contrary to the familiar expression, ‘talk is cheap,'| talk is not cheap. Words do matter —especially spiritual words. As we'll see in these five insightful verses from Paul's letter to the Colossians,...

Welcome to Day 2494 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2494 – Wherever, Whatever, Whenever, However...Christ – Daily Wisdom – Colossians 3:15-4:1 Putnam Church Message – 10/27/2024 Jesus Christ, Our Life – Wherever, Whatever, Whenever, However…Christ - Colossians 3:15-4:1 Last week, we learned that guided experience is the best teacher, as our mentor, the Apostle Paul, taught us to take off our old, dirty, stinking habits and put on the new, fresh habits of a new life in Christ. Today's passage is Colossians 3:15-4:1 on page 1835 of your Pew Bibles. Our focus today is having Christ as the center and source of our lives. I am reading from the NLT. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.[e] 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites. 4:1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven. In English, a brief but meaningful expression helps us characterize a person's values, loves, priorities, and passions, telling us what that person is all about. If a person dearly loves music, we say, “Music is his life.” If someone finds fulfillment in training and motivating athletes, we say, “Coaching is her life.” For a woman whose work means everything to her, who finds great joy in her career, we might say, “Her job is her life.” Of a prolific author who cranks out one book after another, we might say, “Writing is his life.” Since I enjoy almost everything I do, I would say that life is my life! This idiom is clearly a hyperbole—an exaggerated claim not intended to be taken...

Welcome to Day 2489 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2489 – Spot-On Advice From a Seasoned Mentor – Daily Wisdom - Colossians 3:1-14 Putnam Church Message – 10/20/2024 Jesus Christ, Our Life – Spot-On Advice From a Seasoned Mentor - Colossians 3:1-14 Last week, we continued in the letter of Colossians and learned we can live forgiven and forever free. The overarching theme of Paul's letter to the Colossians is that Jesus Christ is sufficient as our Lord, our Life, and our Leader. In chapters 1 and 2, Paul developed the principle that Jesus Christ is sufficient as our Lord. In the second major section (3:1–4:1), Paul emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ as our Life. Today's passage is Colossians 3:1-14 on page 1834 of your Pew Bibles. We will gain spiritual insight from our seasoned mentor, Paul. I am reading from the NLT. 1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your[a] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile,[c] circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized,[d] slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you....

As the “voice of the Denver Nuggets,” team chaplain Kyle Speller is most known for his rip-roaring, public address announcing during the championship basketball club’s games. “Let’s go!” he thunders into the mic, and thousands of onsite NBA fans, as well as millions more watching or listening to the action, react to the voice that earned Speller nomination as the 2022 All-Star Game PA Announcer. “I know how to feel the crowd and kind of set that home court atmosphere,” he says. Still, every word of his voice artistry—featured also in TV and radio commercials—is to glorify God. His work, Speller adds, is “just doing everything for an audience of One.” The apostle Paul stressed a similar ethic to the Colossian church, whose members let doubts about Christ’s divinity and sovereignty seep into even their practical lives. Instead, wrote Paul, in “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). Paul added, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (v. 23). For Kyle Speller, that includes his role as a chaplain, of which he says, “That’s kind of my purpose here . . . and the announcing is the icing on the cake.” Our own work for God can be just as sweet for our audience of One.

Joey is my brotha from another motha. He also has a Ph.D. in New Testament from Aberdeen University, is the Dr. Craig L. Blomberg Endowed Chair of New Testament at Denver Seminary, and is the author of several scholarly books and peer reviewed articles. His latest book is excellent: Conquerers Not Captives: Reframing Romans 7 for the Christian Life. In this conversation, we go all over the place. If you like New Testament scholarly stuff, especially the Jewish and Greco-Roman context of the NT, you'll enjoy our nerdy banter. Oh, and we do talk quite a bit about Colossians in the last half of the episode.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices