Podcasts about Epaphras

Chris brings our series in Colossians to a close with a short summary of the whole series, and then by preaching from the last few verses of the book. In this passage Paul ends his letter by addressing the specific people the letter is addressed to and signing it off. Chris goes over all the people that are named in the passage, and teaches us what we can learn form it about church community and connection. Our 'Colossians: Christ in You' series will be going through Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, a letter sent whilst he was in prison. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and also address the issues that Epaphras, their leader, had raised and to challenge them to a greater devotion to Jesus. Throughout this series we will learn about the difference that Christ makes living in you, the hope of glory (1:27). If you would like to know more about us, you can visit our website at HopeChurchGuildford.com and contact us via email at Hello@HopeChurchGuildford.com Or why not subscribe and check out our Social Media pages: Facebook - facebook.com/HopeChurchGFD Instagram - instagram.com/hopechurchguildford

In the final segment of our Bible readings, we are introduced a picture of ourself - Onesimus, a profligate runaway slave, who in Rome is liberated from his wasteful state to become a brother in Christ. Theo key words in this letter are related to BOWELS. Paul is demonstrating his love for God, His Son, His Word, His truth, and for Philemon and his family and the ecclesia, as well as for Onesimus. The Apostle is demonstrating to Philemon that, we must not only know and live the truth, but we must also love it, and God and His Son and His Word, His truth, His ecclesia, His familyverses we must be emotionally involved and committed. K Paul sends Onesimus back to his master, as a fellow believer in Christ carrying this letter and the epistle to the Colossians. Onesimus is formerly described as being "unprofitable", which is our condition before we believed the gospel and received forgiveness. But now he has learnt to abound in his grateful realisation of his elevated status see Ephesians 2verses1-12. The Apostle Paul had taught Philemon the truth of the gospel. He speaks of Philemon's debt to God in the forgiveness which he has been given. Therefore, Philemon ought to show the same forgiveness to his fellow believer - even though Onesimus was his slave. The Apostle Paul is confident that Philemon will comply with the Apostle's request. Final greetings are conveyed through Epaphras, who carries the letter to Philemon.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Be like Epaphras and Tychicus A beloved believer pursues intimate community in the body of Christ.Colossians 1:7, Colossians 4:7, Mark 1:11 A faithful minister responsibly and humbly serves Christ's Church.Colossians 1:7, Colossians 4:7, Mark 9:35, 1 Peter 4:10, Colossians 4:12-13 A fellow servant of Christ daily dies to self and lives for Christ.Colossians 1:7, Colossians 4:7, Luke 9:23, Galatians 2:20 --------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.GROWTH TRACKWe all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, biblechapel.org/connect.

In this remastered episode, we examine Colossians 1:5–10, showing how the gospel is both personal and universal: it spreads worldwide, produces spiritual fruit, and is rooted in God's grace. This passage highlights Epaphras's faithful witness, the priority of unceasing prayer, and the call for every believer to minister and pray for others. The heart of the message is Paul's prayer that Christians be filled with the knowledge of God's will, gaining wisdom and spiritual understanding so Scripture controls their minds and leads to obedient, Spirit-filled living.

Malcolm continues our series in Colossians by preaching from Colossians Chapter 4. In this passage Paul gives pointers to the Colossians about how prayer and our tongue (your speech and language) are powerful parts of our lives that can be a real outward reflection of our heart posture. Our 'Colossians: Christ in You' series will be going through Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, a letter sent whilst he was in prison. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and also address the issues that Epaphras, their leader, had raised and to challenge them to a greater devotion to Jesus. Throughout this series we will learn about the difference that Christ makes living in you, the hope of glory (1:27). If you would like to know more about us, you can visit our website at HopeChurchGuildford.com and contact us via email at Hello@HopeChurchGuildford.com Or why not subscribe and check out our Social Media pages: Facebook - facebook.com/HopeChurchGFD Instagram - instagram.com/hopechurchguildford

The Apostle Paul opens Colossians by thanking God for the Colossians' faith in Christ, their love for fellow believers, and the living hope reserved for them in heaven. The episode explores how the gospel is received by faith, produces self‑giving love, and anchors believers' hope in Christ's return. Using examples from Scripture and the ministry of Epaphras, the lesson emphasizes that true Christian life combines sound doctrine with practical love and confident hope, calling listeners to live out their faith daily. (Remastered)

Chris continues our series in Colossians by preaching from chapter 3 and the first verse of chapter 4. In this short passage of his letter to the Colossians, Paul addresses the roles of a husband and wife in marriage, father's responsibilities to their children and slaves attitudes towards their masters and work (which Chris equates to our modern lives). Seminar referenced by Chris during the sermon: https://soundcloud.com/commissionglobal/20s-30s-remaining-faithful-in/s-WMKJgTH6AC1?in=commissionglobal/sets/20s-30s-2024//s-nP8ANTc91qZ Our 'Colossians: Christ in You' series will be going through Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, a letter sent whilst he was in prison. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and also address the issues that Epaphras, their leader, had raised and to challenge them to a greater devotion to Jesus. Throughout this series we will learn about the difference that Christ makes living in you, the hope of glory (1:27). If you would like to know more about us, you can visit our website at HopeChurchGuildford.com and contact us via email at Hello@HopeChurchGuildford.com Or why not subscribe and check out our Social Media pages: Facebook - facebook.com/HopeChurchGFD Instagram - instagram.com/hopechurchguildford

Week 3: New Life in Christ, Colossians 3:1-17 While imprisoned in Rome awaiting trial before Caesar, Paul wrote to the believers in Colossae, a group he had never met but who respected his authority. His coworker Epaphras, a native of Colossae, had brought the gospel there and to nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis after working with Paul in Ephesus. When Epaphras was later imprisoned in Rome, he told Paul about the situation in those cities. The mostly Gentile Colossians were being pressured to follow Jewish laws and drawn into false teachings that emphasized visions and secret knowledge. In response, Paul reminded them that Jesus is all they need: all creation was made through Him, and through His death all things are reconciled to God. Christ fully embodies God's nature, and believers, now part of His kingdom of light, are called to live out their new life and await His glorious return. November 16, 2025 Guest Speaker: Sara Reimer Used with permission. CCLI Streaming License: 20979318

Paul writes from prison with Timothy nearby, greeting the saints in Colossae and responding to Epaphras's concern about a creeping mix of paganism, speculative philosophy, and legalism threatening the church. His central message is concise and pastoral: Christ is fully sufficient, the fullness of God dwells in Him, and believers are complete in Christ — so remain grounded in faith and don't be led astray by false teachings.

Today we began reading Paul's letter to the Colossians.  It is a passionate letter full of his love for them.  We sense that the results of genuine love is a greatly heightened concern for the spiritual well-being of the objects of that love.  This concern is reflected in Paul's prayers; “we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints.”Epaphras has brought news of their progress (v.7), “and so, from the day we heard it,” writes Paul, “we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”  [v.8-10]What a stirring message!  What a challenging message!  What if Paul were alive today and wrote to you/us like that?  How wonderful to be “fully pleasing” to the Lord!  He is not writing this way from past experience of them, it seems he is yet to visit them; Paul did not establish this ecclesia.The challenge of a message of this nature is even greater today because of the increasing darkness of the world in which we live. Now note how Paul then makes an even more challenging point, “He (God) has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” [v.13]  The kingdom exists now – in our hearts..  True faith results in a clear sense of the reality of our spiritual perceptions!Paul reminds them that they “once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, (but) he (Christ) has now reconciled (you) in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him …”  [v.22]  Then Paul uses that significant 2 letter word ‘if' – don't let us glide over it!  “IF indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the gospel …” [v.23]May it be true of all of us that “we have not ceased to pray for” others and ourselves “asking that we may be filled with these things to such an extent that the appealing distractions of our godless world find no lodgement at all in our minds.

Ezra 9 tells of the problems of those who had married nonbelievers. Verse 4 tells that the rulers and officials had been at the forefront of those who had disobeyed God's command about this. The reader should look at Malachi 2verses10-16 and Nehemiah 13verses23-27 to understand Yahweh's views on this subject; and why His prophets were so strong in denouncing this practice. From verse 10-15 Ezra seeks God's forgiveness of His people for their wrongful ways in marrying out of the Truth and counsels all of God's people to forsake that dangerous and evil course.Hosea 10 tells of a vine that produced no fruit for God. How often do the prophets and the Lord Jesus Christ take up this theme cp Isaiah 5 and consider the number of references in the last week of our Lord to the barrenness of the fruitless, but showy fig tree. Also see John 15 where our Lord comments on himself being the vine. Without fruit a vine is useless - its wood is poor fuel; its wood cannot be used to make anything. We are useless unless we are producing the fruit of the spirit for God in our lives (see Galatians 5verses22-25; and Ephesians 5verses8-16). But for Israel when the LORD looked at their actions, instead of fruit, He saw poisonous weeds. Instead of sincere worship of Yahweh He saw the idolatrous calf worship. Bethel (meaning "the house of God") becomes Bethaven ("the house of vanity" - or "nothingness"). The result of this would be the delivering up to captivity of Israel to nations who were themselves ruled by idolatry. Israel's sinfulness was evident from earliest times, even when the Tabernacle was at Gibeah. The Lord God would again bring them under the yoke, when they will finally learn righteousness and will open their hearts to God as the poetic symbol of breaking open the fallow ground of their hearts suggests. By doing this God would be able to rain blessings on them. But the coming judgment would be a necessary part of helping Israel to learn this.Paul sent the letter to the Colossians in about 62 AD. He never personally visited the region where there were two groups of believers - one in Colossae and the other in Laodicea. The one letter was read by both at this time and about 34 years' time when another letter was sent in 96 AD by the Lord Jesus Christ. The area was exceptionally fertile and lay in a very rich valley. The epistle commenced with the greeting "Grace ('charis' the Greek greeting) and peace ('shalom' the Jewish greeting) coming to the believers from God our Father. This is followed by thanksgiving and prayer for their faithfulness in the gospel as reported to the Apostle from Epaphras. The believers were increasing in knowledge and love. But the greatest of all thanks was to be expressed to God, our Father, who had "qualified us to share the inheritance of the saints in light ... and has transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son" (verses 12-13 ESV). Then from verses 14-23 Paul tells us of the pre-eminence of the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Father. Our Lord Jesus is the beginning (Gk 'archegos') and head of God's new creation and is the firstborn (Jesus firstborn by birth, death and resurrection) of that creation; the firstborn from the dead to be raised to eternal life. Verses 24-29 tell of Paul's suffering for all Gentile believers, that he might share and participate in the sufferings of Christ (as part of his body, which we, the ecclesia are). In verse 27 we have the key verse and theme of the book, "Christ in you (i.e. each of us) the hope of glory".Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Message by Pastor Doug Bunnell, recorded live November 9, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Kristen Frankland.Created and Treated EquallyIn the Kingdom all people are equal so we live out the subversive resistance by treating all people with equality.What transformation happened in Onesimus's life? How does this change things?How does verse 16 challenge cultural norms of the time (i.e., slavery)? "No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother..."How can you apply Paul's appeal for reconciliation in your own relationships?What does Paul's willingness to pay Onesimus's debt reveal about his character?How does this letter speak to issues of human dignity, equality, and Christian fellowship—especially across social or economic divides?Philemon1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,To our beloved coworker Philemon, 2 to our sister Apphia, to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church in your house:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.4 I thank my God always when I mention you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that the partnership of your faith may become effective as you comprehend all the good that we share in Christ. 7 I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.8 For this reason, though I am more than bold enough in Christ to command you to do the right thing, 9 yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. 10 I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me. 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I wanted to keep him with me so that he might minister to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. 15 Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for the long term, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.22 One thing more: prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be restored to you.23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Ezra 9 tells of the problems of those who had married nonbelievers. Verse 4 tells that the rulers and officials had been at the forefront of those who had disobeyed God's command about this. The reader should look at Malachi 2verses10-16 and Nehemiah 13verses23-27 to understand Yahweh's views on this subject; and why His prophets were so strong in denouncing this practice. From verse 10-15 Ezra seeks God's forgiveness of His people for their wrongful ways in marrying out of the Truth and counsels all of God's people to forsake that dangerous and evil course. Hosea 10 tells of a vine that produced no fruit for God. How often do the prophets and the Lord Jesus Christ take up this theme cp Isaiah 5 and consider the number of references in the last week of our Lord to the barrenness of the fruitless, but showy fig tree. Also see John 15 where our Lord comments on himself being the vine. Without fruit a vine is useless - its wood is poor fuel; its wood cannot be used to make anything. We are useless unless we are producing the fruit of the spirit for God in our lives (see Galatians 5verses22-25; and Ephesians 5verses8-16). But for Israel when the LORD looked at their actions, instead of fruit, He saw poisonous weeds. Instead of sincere worship of Yahweh He saw the idolatrous calf worship. Bethel (meaning "the house of God") becomes Bethaven ("the house of vanity" - or "nothingness"). The result of this would be the delivering up to captivity of Israel to nations who were themselves ruled by idolatry. Israel's sinfulness was evident from earliest times, even when the Tabernacle was at Gibeah. The Lord God would again bring them under the yoke, when they will finally learn righteousness and will open their hearts to God as the poetic symbol of breaking open the fallow ground of their hearts suggests. By doing this God would be able to rain blessings on them. But the coming judgment would be a necessary part of helping Israel to learn this. Paul sent the letter to the Colossians in about 62 AD. He never personally visited the region where there were two groups of believers - one in Colossae and the other in Laodicea. The one letter was read by both at this time and about 34 years' time when another letter was sent in 96 AD by the Lord Jesus Christ. The area was exceptionally fertile and lay in a very rich valley. The epistle commenced with the greeting "Grace ('charis' the Greek greeting) and peace ('shalom' the Jewish greeting) coming to the believers from God our Father. This is followed by thanksgiving and prayer for their faithfulness in the gospel as reported to the Apostle from Epaphras. The believers were increasing in knowledge and love. But the greatest of all thanks was to be expressed to God, our Father, who had "qualified us to share the inheritance of the saints in light ... and has transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son" (verses 12-13 ESV). Then from verses 14-23 Paul tells us of the pre-eminence of the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Father. Our Lord Jesus is the beginning (Gk 'archegos') and head of God's new creation and is the firstborn (Jesus firstborn by birth, death and resurrection) of that creation; the firstborn from the dead to be raised to eternal life. Verses 24-29 tell of Paul's suffering for all Gentile believers, that he might share and participate in the sufferings of Christ (as part of his body, which we, the ecclesia are). In verse 27 we have the key verse and theme of the book, "Christ in you (i.e. each of us) the hope of glory". Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

Week 2: Rooted in Christ, Colossians 2:6-23 While imprisoned in Rome awaiting trial before Caesar, Paul wrote to the believers in Colossae, a group he had never met but who respected his authority. His coworker Epaphras, a native of Colossae, had brought the gospel there and to nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis after working with Paul in Ephesus. When Epaphras was later imprisoned in Rome, he told Paul about the situation in those cities. The mostly Gentile Colossians were being pressured to follow Jewish laws and drawn into false teachings that emphasized visions and secret knowledge. In response, Paul reminded them that Jesus is all they need: all creation was made through Him, and through His death all things are reconciled to God. Christ fully embodies God's nature, and believers, now part of His kingdom of light, are called to live out their new life and await His glorious return. November 9, 2025 Speaker: Lead Pastor Steve Atkins and Guest Speakers: Village of Hope

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:3-8 (ESV)3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.Sermon OutlineThe gospel message of grace produces life that evidences itself in hope, faith and love.1. Hopevv3-4 “We always thank God… since we heard…”v5 “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven”2. Faithv4 “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus”v6 “you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth”3. Lovev4 “and of the love that you have for all the saints”v8 “has made known to us your love in the Spirit.”Prayer of ConfessionOur God and Father, we need your grace. Forgive our misplaced hopes. We have deep longings, yet we seek satisfaction apart from you. We have many firm convictions and opinions, yet insufficient faith in you. Our love always falls short. Our actions evidence corruption, and fail to evidence being alive in your Spirit. True grace has come in Christ, so in him we appeal for forgiveness and mercy. Revive us as we look to the hope laid up for us in heaven. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat is the gospel? What are the key components of this message, that is described as “the grace of God in truth.”What are your deepest desires? What, most basically, do you really want? What do you absolutely need?What are your hopes? What things do you look to in order to realize those hopes? What are the top 3 things where you think “if I had that, I would be satisfied”?How is Christian hope “laid up in heaven”? What does that mean? How is faith the “instrument” of salvation? What saves us? How does one connect with what saves?What happens when faith is weak? How can your faith be strengthened?How are faith and love connected to hope? What are some ways hope feeds faith and love?What changes when you truly believe that God loves you?Why does the work of the Spirit in a person have to manifest itself in love?Which of the three – faith, hope, love – do you need to give particular attention to in this season of life?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:3-8 (ESV)3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.Sermon OutlineThe gospel message of grace produces life that evidences itself in hope, faith and love.1. Hopevv3-4 “We always thank God… since we heard…”v5 “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven”2. Faithv4 “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus”v6 “you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth”3. Lovev4 “and of the love that you have for all the saints”v8 “has made known to us your love in the Spirit.”Prayer of ConfessionOur God and Father, we need your grace. Forgive our misplaced hopes. We have deep longings, yet we seek satisfaction apart from you. We have many firm convictions and opinions, yet insufficient faith in you. Our love always falls short. Our actions evidence corruption, and fail to evidence being alive in your Spirit. True grace has come in Christ, so in him we appeal for forgiveness and mercy. Revive us as we look to the hope laid up for us in heaven. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat is the gospel? What are the key components of this message, that is described as “the grace of God in truth.”What are your deepest desires? What, most basically, do you really want? What do you absolutely need?What are your hopes? What things do you look to in order to realize those hopes? What are the top 3 things where you think “if I had that, I would be satisfied”?How is Christian hope “laid up in heaven”? What does that mean? How is faith the “instrument” of salvation? What saves us? How does one connect with what saves?What happens when faith is weak? How can your faith be strengthened?How are faith and love connected to hope? What are some ways hope feeds faith and love?What changes when you truly believe that God loves you?Why does the work of the Spirit in a person have to manifest itself in love?Which of the three – faith, hope, love – do you need to give particular attention to in this season of life?

Although St. Paul may have never visited the saints in Colossae, he writes to them with joy and thanksgiving for their faith, love, and hope. They are bearing fruit in the same Gospel that is preached throughout the world, as Epaphras has reported. Paul therefore prays that the Colossians would continue to walk in this faith as they are strengthened by God, who has transferred them from the domain of darkness and brought them into Jesus' kingdom of light and life.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Colossians 1:1-14.  To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.org. “Letters from Prison” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Even when Paul was imprisoned for the sake of Christ, the Word of God remained unbound. The apostle's letters from prison still fill us with the same joy that his chains could never silence. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Week 1: The Supremacy of Christ, Colossians 1:1–2:5 While imprisoned in Rome awaiting trial before Caesar, Paul wrote to the believers in Colossae, a group he had never met but who respected his authority. His coworker Epaphras, a native of Colossae, had brought the gospel there and to nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis after working with Paul in Ephesus. When Epaphras was later imprisoned in Rome, he told Paul about the situation in those cities. The mostly Gentile Colossians were being pressured to follow Jewish laws and drawn into false teachings that emphasized visions and secret knowledge. In response, Paul reminded them that Jesus is all they need: all creation was made through Him, and through His death all things are reconciled to God. Christ fully embodies God's nature, and believers, now part of His kingdom of light, are called to live out their new life and await His glorious return. November 2, 2025 Speaker: Lead Pastor Steve Atkins

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:1-8 (ESV)1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:Grace to you and peace from God our Father.3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.Sermon OutlineWith Christ as our guide we can enter Colossians with expectations of maturing and fruitfulness.1. Who is this letter from?vv5-6 “the truth, the gospel, which… is bearing fruit”v1 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God”2. Who is this letter for?v2 “To the saints and faithful brothers” v2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father”v2 “in Christ at Colossae”Prayer of ConfessionOur Father, forgive us. We have squandered the grace and peace you have granted to us. We have not lived holy lives. Forgive every corrupt thought, word or action. Forgive us for how we have not honored you or our neighbors. We thank you for eternal life that is ours in Christ, for the forgiveness of all that is past, and our hope for all that is ahead. Sanctify us by your grace. Amen.Questions for ReflectionAs we enter the book of Colossians, what do you hope you can gain from the book? How might time in this particular book help you grow?What power does the Gospel message have? How is it that the “good news” about Jesus can be transformative? Can you think of any examples of the gospel “bearing fruit”?What can you infer about Colossians from Paul identifying himself as a messenger of Christ? Are these simply his thoughts? How can you learn from Christ as you read the book?What practices could enhance what you get from a sermon? What things can you do prior to church? What can you do during the sermon? What might you do after the sermon?How do your own attitudes and expectations shape how you engage reading the Bible? What changes if the reader understands themselves to be a saint, set apart and part of the family of God?What does the greeting “grace and peace from God our Father” convey?What does it mean to be “in Christ”? How are Christians “in Christ” while also being in a particular physical location? What are some implications of being “in Christ” wherever you are?How can you experience eternal life today? How is the gospel enough for today's needs, and how can you be more present, with God, in each moment?Are there ways you are stuck in the past? How can the gospel free you? Are you anxious about the future? How does Christ provide strength for today? How can you live wisely in the moment without be overwhelmed with trying to control the future?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 1:1-8 (ESV)1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:Grace to you and peace from God our Father.3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.Sermon OutlineWith Christ as our guide we can enter Colossians with expectations of maturing and fruitfulness.1. Who is this letter from?vv5-6 “the truth, the gospel, which… is bearing fruit”v1 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God”2. Who is this letter for?v2 “To the saints and faithful brothers” v2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father”v2 “in Christ at Colossae”Prayer of ConfessionOur Father, forgive us. We have squandered the grace and peace you have granted to us. We have not lived holy lives. Forgive every corrupt thought, word or action. Forgive us for how we have not honored you or our neighbors. We thank you for eternal life that is ours in Christ, for the forgiveness of all that is past, and our hope for all that is ahead. Sanctify us by your grace. Amen.Questions for ReflectionAs we enter the book of Colossians, what do you hope you can gain from the book? How might time in this particular book help you grow?What power does the Gospel message have? How is it that the “good news” about Jesus can be transformative? Can you think of any examples of the gospel “bearing fruit”?What can you infer about Colossians from Paul identifying himself as a messenger of Christ? Are these simply his thoughts? How can you learn from Christ as you read the book?What practices could enhance what you get from a sermon? What things can you do prior to church? What can you do during the sermon? What might you do after the sermon?How do your own attitudes and expectations shape how you engage reading the Bible? What changes if the reader understands themselves to be a saint, set apart and part of the family of God?What does the greeting “grace and peace from God our Father” convey?What does it mean to be “in Christ”? How are Christians “in Christ” while also being in a particular physical location? What are some implications of being “in Christ” wherever you are?How can you experience eternal life today? How is the gospel enough for today's needs, and how can you be more present, with God, in each moment?Are there ways you are stuck in the past? How can the gospel free you? Are you anxious about the future? How does Christ provide strength for today? How can you live wisely in the moment without be overwhelmed with trying to control the future?

Picture a community so vibrant with love that it radiates like a beacon. Pastor Dion highlights today the impact of a church transformed by the Holy Spirit, as seen through Epaphras' report. This faithful servant shared how God's good news sparked a deep love for others. It's not just words; it's a living faith that shines brightly. When you fall in love with Jesus and walk in that love, your life becomes a reflection of His light. Does your love for others reflect the light of Christ?

Stuart continues our series in Colossians by preaching from chapter 3. In this part of the letter Paul talks about how through our new lives in Christ we can put to death our old ways and clothe ourselves with Godly virtues. Our 'Colossians: Christ in You' series will be going through Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, a letter sent whilst he was in prison. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and also address the issues that Epaphras, their leader, had raised and to challenge them to a greater devotion to Jesus. Throughout this series we will learn about the difference that Christ makes living in you, the hope of glory (1:27). If you would like to know more about us, you can visit our website at HopeChurchGuildford.com and contact us via email at Hello@HopeChurchGuildford.com Or why not subscribe and check out our Social Media pages: Facebook - facebook.com/HopeChurchGFD Instagram - instagram.com/hopechurchguildford

Welcome to the Grace Coach Podcast! Mike and Kevin share their insights from the Book of Colossians as they dive into Chapter 4.  Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.  

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1:3-4, 9-14 SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to enrich your Walk with God. In this lesson, we explore the book of Colossians and review another prayer written by Paul. Once again, he writes this letter from prison in Rome. One unique aspect of his prayer for the believers in Colossae is that he did not establish the church there. Instead, a man named Epaphras likely visited Ephesus, where he heard the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and received the gift of salvation. Epaphras then returned to his hometown, Colossae, and started sharing the good news with his friends and fellow citizens. Later, Epaphras visited Rome and reported to Paul about the believers' growth in Colossae. This letter serves as an example for believers to pray for one another. "For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people … So, we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you." Colossians 1:4, 9 Two essential ingredients for knowledge are a divine measure of wisdom and understanding. How you live will honor the Lord's name and please Him. God's Word transforms lives. "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." Colossians 1:10 As believers, we can pray for one another to grow in the knowledge of God and to be filled with the strength of the Lord. It is divine power and strength that enable us to stand against the powers of the dark world (Eph. 6:12). SONG: "Because of Jesus" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfVEQJjbNXQ&list=RDNfVEQJjbNXQ&start_radio=1

This sermon establishes the foundational truth of the gospel as the sole source of salvation and spiritual maturity, emphasizing that the church in Colossae, though never personally visited by Paul, was built on the authentic, unchanging message of Christ's sufficiency. Paul, writing from imprisonment, expresses deep gratitude for the believers' past faith, present love, and future hope, anchoring their identity in the eternal gospel that bears fruit universally and personally. He warns against the danger of spiritual deception through syncretism—mixing pagan philosophy, legalism, and human traditions with the gospel—highlighting how such errors, though appealing, lead to spiritual instability and distraction from Christ's supremacy. By affirming Epaphras as a faithful, loving, and devoted pastor who has faithfully taught the truth, Paul reinforces the importance of remaining rooted in sound doctrine and loyal to those who have nurtured the church in truth. The message calls for the church to reject novelty and superficial religiosity, instead clinging to the unshakable foundation of Christ alone, whose preeminence and fullness are sufficient for every aspect of the Christian life.

PhilemonNew King James VersionGreeting1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, 11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.12 I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. 14 But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9-10) Paul didn't just thank God for the Colossian believers—he prayed for their growth. After hearing from Epaphras about their love in the Spirit, Paul's response wasn't to simply celebrate what was already there. He prayed that they would grow even deeper—into spiritual wisdom, understanding, and a life that fully pleased the Lord. Do you pray like that for other Christians? If we're honest, it's often easier to critique or complain about fellow believers than to intercede for their maturity. But what does complaining profit anyone? Nothing. James 5:16 reminds us that the fervent prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Imagine how the Church would flourish if our first instinct wasn't criticism but was instead prayer—asking God to mature each other in wisdom, fruitfulness, and knowledge of Him. If that kind of prayer doesn't stir us, maybe it's time for a heart check. Pride and self-focus can dull our love for others. But when we genuinely want others to grow in Christ, we reflect the very heart of Jesus—who never stops interceding for us. So today, who can you pray for? Ask God to deepen their walk. And as you do, you might just find your own heart growing, too.

Malcolm continues our series in Colossians starting off with an overview of the main sections of Colossians to give us an understanding of the letter. He then goes over Paul's warnings to the Church regarding spiritual warfare, legalism, mysticism and asceticism. Our 'Colossians: Christ in You' series will be going through Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, a letter sent whilst he was in prison. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and also address the issues that Epaphras, their leader, had raised and to challenge them to a greater devotion to Jesus. Throughout this series we will learn about the difference that Christ makes living in you, the hope of glory (1:27). If you would like to know more about us, you can visit our website at HopeChurchGuildford.com and contact us via email at Hello@HopeChurchGuildford.com Or why not subscribe and check out our Social Media pages: Facebook - facebook.com/HopeChurchGFD Instagram - instagram.com/hopechurchguildford

“The True Gospel” Colossians 1:3-8                                                               October 12, 2025 Pastor Nathan Currey  Sermon Application [file]    ----more---- Colossians 1:3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.   When we hear and understand the gospel of true grace God turns our world upside down.           I.  What exactly is the true gospel?       II.  How does it change us?      III.  How does it impact the world?

Chris Continues our series in Colossians, starting with a brief explanation of our vision as a Church and our place in the wider Commission movement. In Colossians chapter 2 Chris talks about how once we know and have a relationship with Jesus we can find fullness of life, and what that can look like for us. Our 'Colossians: Christ in You' series will be going through Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, a letter sent whilst he was in prison. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and also address the issues that Epaphras, their leader, had raised and to challenge them to a greater devotion to Jesus. Throughout this series we will learn about the difference that Christ makes living in you, the hope of glory (1:27). If you would like to know more about us, you can visit our website at HopeChurchGuildford.com and contact us via email at Hello@HopeChurchGuildford.com Or why not subscribe and check out our Social Media pages: Facebook - facebook.com/HopeChurchGFD Instagram - instagram.com/hopechurchguildford

Aristarchus. Mark. Justin. Epaphras.

This is another study of a faithful man that Paul mentions in his letter to the Colossians. This is from Thursday, 08/21/25.

A letter to the church of Colossae: The church was not founded by Paul, and Paul likely had never been to Colossae A man named Epaphras is credited as founding the church The reason Paul needs to write to the Colossians A prayer for the Colossians, and for all Christians   Here's other amazing content from P40! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

Paul pray forthe church at Ephesus during their time of tremendous persecution they wouldknow how blessed they were in Christ. Today we want to give a little backgroundhistorically of this church and the reason Paul wrote this letter.  Nowas you read these first verses of this chapter, you find verse number one, Paulis the writer of this epistle. And we need to remember that the Apostle Paulwrote at least 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament. And he wrote them asletters, as epistles to churches or to individuals that he knew. Nine of theseletters were written to churches. Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians,Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Four of theseletters were written to individuals. First and Second Timothy and Titus andPhilemon.  Weknow that Paul wrote most of his writings over a period of about 15 years. Fourof Paul's letters are what are called the Prison Epistles. They were writtenbetween AD 60 and AD 62 when he was in prison in Rome under house arrest (Acts28:30-31). He sent these letters from prison by four different men to thesechurches and one individual. Tychicus took the letter to Ephesus (Ephesians6:21). Epaphroditus from Philippi took the letter to the Philippians (Philippians4:18). Epaphras was from Colossae and he took the epistle to the Colossians.And then Onesimus who was a slave that Paul led to the Lord while he was in prison,was the one who took the letter back to Colossae where Philemon lived and deliveredhis letter to him. Nowas you read these letters and you read what Paul was going through during thistime, Paul was in prison. He was suffering. He was maybe facing immediatedeath. But we know that basically Paul was released for a period of time and laterwas sent went back to Rome under Nero's rule and there he was executed around AD67.  Thebook of Acts records at least three missionary journeys that Paul tookthroughout the Roman Empire. It was on the second missionary journey that hewas on that he went through Ephesus (Acts 18:19). He stayed only a short timebut two years later while he was on his third missionary journey he stayed inEphesus for at least two years and during that period of time it tells us thatall of Asia heard the gospel (Acts19:1-20) Later when Paul was on his way toJerusalem in Acts 20, he met with the elders of the church there at Ephesus andencouraged them to stand strong in the midst of persecution.  Later,when Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and then sent to Rome a prisoner is when hewrote this letter to the church at Ephesus. They were going through a difficulttime of persecution that was happening throughout the Roman empire and Paul waswriting a letter to help them. There's three words that stand out in this firstchapter I think are so important. Faith, Hope and Love.  Inverse one Paul talked about they were faithful in Christ Jesus. In verse15, Paul said, “he heard of their faith”, and “their love for allthe saints”. Obviously despite the hard time they were still exercising theirfaith and their love but then Paul said that he was praying “that they wouldknow the hope of their calling (v. 18). Faith, hope and love, three greatwords. Paul later to the Corinthians would say, "Now abide these three,faith, hope, love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). You can gage the strength ofyour Christian life on the amount that you have of these three spiritual connectionsto the Lord. When everything falls apart around you these three things will keepyou going! Myfriend, that's what you need when you're going through difficult, terribletimes. You need to know your position in Christ, the riches of His glory thatyou have in Him despite the circumstances around you. Keep your eyes on Jesus.He is the only hope that you can have that will bring you real security.  Today,how strong are your faith, hope and love? Godbless!

Paul's letter to the church at Colossae concludes with admonition to speak with God regularly in prayer, and to speak graciously with others, acting wisely toward outsiders who do not yet know the mystery of Christ revealed through his gospel. After this, he includes a summary about the ministry of the gospel being performed through other faithful men. These include Tychicus and Onesimus who are delivering the letter, Aristarchus, who is also in prison with Paul, as well as Mark, Barnabas, Justus, Epaphras, Luke the physician who wrote the gospel of Luke and Acts. On a technical note, we'll actually be picking up at verse 2 since chapter 4:1 was covered in our last episode. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Have you ever waited eagerly for a letter, wondering if it would finally arrive? Imagine the suspense of a young soldier's letter arriving 76 years late, finally delivered to his widow, now 90 years old. In the same vein, Pastor Phil Ayres shares the profound implications of Paul's letter to the Colossians, written 2,000 years ago but still relevant today. This letter, crafted in love and purpose, speaks to a community yearning to grow in faith and understanding. Pastor invites us to see ourselves as saints—set apart and valued by God—not defined by our imperfections but by our identity in Christ. As Paul encourages the Colossians to embrace faith and love for one another, he emphasizes that true Christian growth flourishes in a context of hope. This hope is not just wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation anchored in Jesus. Pastor challenges us to reflect on where we place our hope and to actively live out the gospel in our lives, just as faithful servants like Epaphras did. Join us in this journey through Colossians, investing fully in your spiritual growth, and discovering that Jesus isn't just part of our lives—He is our life. Don't miss this opportunity; lean in, take notes, and engage with the message to find out what true discipleship entails!

I. THE GRATITUDE OF PAUL'S PRAYER LIFE (vv. 3-8)     1) Paul thanks God and prays ... for a church, most of whose members he has never met Colossians 1:3, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you," Colossians 2:1-2, "For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face..." Carson, "We must ask ourselves how extensive our own praying is. Do all our petitions revolve around our own families and churches, our own cherished but rather small circle of friends? Of course, we are primarily responsible for praying for our own circle... But if that is the furthest reach of our prayers, we become parochial [narrow in outlook or scope]... Our prayers may be an index of how small and self-centered our world is."     2) Paul's gratitude results from paying attention. Paul says to Philemon: "[4] I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, [5] because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus" (Philemon 4-5) Paul says to the Colossian church (that Philemon hosted in his house): "[3] We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, [4] since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints," (Colossians 1:3-4) Paul is listening! He is paying attention to others. Acts 15:36, "Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.'" Paul cares greatly about their spiritual state! Carson, "[I]t will do us good to fasten on reports of Christians in several parts of the world we have never visited, find out what we can about them, and learn to intercede with God on their behalf. Not only is this an important expression of the fellowship of the church, but it is also a critical discipline that will enlarge our horizons, increase our ministry, and help us to become world Christians." When a fellow believer comes to your mind, what is your first thought? Irritation? Annoyance? Jealousy? Bitterness? What is Paul's first thought? Gratitude! Philemon 4 "I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers," Colossians 1:3-4, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, [4] since we heard of your faith..." Gratitude for what? Their faith, love, and heavenly hope. Paul credits God with their own faith and love. Philippians 1:29, "For it has been granted [Dictionary: to give graciously] to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…” Colossians 3:12, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,"     3) Paul thanks God for the gospel's fruit as it comes through human means (vv. 5b-8) Epaphras, after being converted under Paul, brings the good news to Colossea! (Last week's sermon)   II. THE FOCUS OF PAUL'S PRAYER LIFE (vv. 9-12) Spiritual growth is always the dominant concern, over the physical! Carson, "Suppose, for example, that 80 or 90 percent of our petitions ask God for good health, recovery from illness, safety on the road, a good job, success in exams, the emotional needs of our children, success in our mortgage application, and much more of the same. How much of Paul's praying revolves around equivalent items? If the center of our praying is far removed from the center of Paul's praying, then even our very praying may serve as a wretched testimony to the remarkable success of the processes of paganization in our life and thought. That is why we need to study the prayers of Paul." See Matthew 6:31-33, "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles [the pagans] seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." So what does Paul focus on in his prayer?     1) Paul asks God to fill believers with the knowledge of his will (v. 9) "[9] And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding," This may seem simple, yet it takes "all spiritual wisdom and understanding" in the complicated nature of life to know what is best. Doug Moo, "[This] suggests the ability to discern the truth and to make good decisions based on that truth." "spiritual wisdom" means wisdom from the Holy Spirit. (Not how many use the word "spiritual" today) EXAMPLE: Colossians 4:5-6, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of [= redeeming] the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." How do I best love a fellow Christian who is in sin? How do I best evangelize a co-worker or family member? I only have limited money, how much do I spend, save, and give away? to whom? how often? How do I honor my parents if they are unbelievers and disagree with my faith? What does it look like to "speak the truth in love" when dealing with a rebellious student? or hostile unebeliver? or a timid Christian friend? When does hard work become sinful preoccupation with your career? When does rest become laziness?  You are posting something *true* on social media, but unsure if it will be edifying or needlessly distracting or contentious     2) Paul's purpose in prayer is that believers might be truly pleasing to the Lord (v. 10a)   v. 10 "so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him:" Knowledge must lead to action! "Knowing" God's will (with all spiritual wisdom and understanding) must lead to "walking/living out" God's will. We must walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. (Not earning, not perfection; but rather living "in accord with" the Lord, fully pleasing to Him)     3) Paul prays for four characteristics of a life that is pleasing to the Lord (v. 10b-12)   This will produce, among others, these four characteristics... "BEARING FRUIT in every good work" (v. 10b): Fruit is about character transformation and faithfulness, not mere "results." "INCREASING in the knowledge of God;" (v. 10c): it will lead to a fully experiential knowledge of God, as we walk with Him "BEING STRENGTHENED with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;" (v. 11) "[Endurance] is what faith, hope, and love bring to an apparently impossible situation, [patience] what they show to an apparently impossible person." To endure ... takes power; to endure patiently with joy takes tremendous power "according to his glorious might." "GIVING THANKS to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." (v. 12) Paul further reminds them why they should be thankful: (vv. 13-14) vv. 13-14 "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." All of this should be seasoned by thankfulness to the Father for our share in the "inheritance of the saints of light."   III. THE DEVOTION OF PAUL'S PRAYER LIFE     1) WHY does Paul pray so often for so many? Colossians 1:3, 9, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, .... [9] And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you," Carson, "In short, Paul is telling the Colossians that since hearing about them he has made it a point to intercede with God on their behalf in his disciplined, regular prayer times; he has 'not stopped praying' for them."  Carson, "Paul again and again prays for ... the Colossian believers, as if the supply must be constantly renewed." Think of it like watering the grass or flowers. It must be done continually! Colossians 4:12-13, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God."     2) HOW does Paul pray so often for so many? Philemon 4-5, "I thank my God always when I remember you [singular] in my prayers," G.K. Beale, "Paul is praying specifically for Philemon [the 'you' is singular], which implies that his daily prayer list must have been extensive." Richard Phillips, "When we consider the large number of people for whom Paul says that he is praying, he must have had not only a devoted prayer life, but also a highly organized one." APPLICATION: Don't turn these points from Carson into legalisms, but take them as practical suggestions to help you pray in a more regular, organized, and focused way. I. PLAN TO PRAY Don Carson, "Much praying is not done because we do not plan to pray. We do not drift into spiritual life; we do not drift into disciplined prayer. We will not grow in prayer unless we plan to pray. That means we must self-consciously set aside time to do nothing but pray. What we actually do reflects out highest priorities. That means we can proclaim our commitment to prayer until the cows come home, but unless we actually pray, our actions disown our words. This is the fundamental reason why set times for prayer are important: they ensure that vague desires for prayer are concretized in regular practice. Paul's many references to his 'prayers' suggest that he set aside specific times for prayer -- as apparently Jesus himself did (Luke 5:16)... Unless we plan to pray we will not pray." ('Praying with Paul,' p. 1-2). II. ADOPT PRACTICAL WAYS TO FIGHT MENTAL DRIFT Don Carson, "Adopt practical ways to impede mental drift.... [Perhaps] articulate your prayers, moving your lips...to...help deter meandering.... A great way to begin to overcome this problem is to pray through various biblical passages. In other words, it is entirely appropriate to tie your praying to your Bible reading... [The] truths and entailments [in your daily Scripture reading] can be the basis of a great deal of reflective praying. [Another option is] journaling [your prayers.] III. DEVELOP A SYSTEM FOR YOUR PRAYER LISTS Carson, "Develop a system for your prayer lists. It is difficult to pray faithfully for a large spread of people and concerns without developing prayer lists that help you remember them." Carson's personal "system": "I kept a manila folder in my study, where I pray... The first sheet ... was a list of people for whom I ought to pray regularly: ... My wife..., my children and a number of relatives, followed by a number of close friends... [Then] institutional names on that sheed [which] included [my] local church ... and the seminary where I now teach. The second sheet ... listed short-range ... concerns that would not remain indefinitely... In other words, the first sheet focused on people for whom I prayed constantly; the second included people and situations for whom I might pray for a short[er] ... time, but probably not indefinitely. The next item ... was the list of the students ... for whom I was particularly responsible....and of course this list changed from year to year." IV. KEEP YOUR PRAYERS TIED TO SCRIPTURE V. PRAY UNTIL YOU PRAY VI. FIND MODELS WORTHY OF IMITATION Don Casron's book, which Mark used to help with the message and numerous subpoints, can be purchased here. You can watch this message here.

Colossians 4:7-187 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 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. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

Colossians 4:7-187 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 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. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

Origin stories are popular these days. Today, we look at the origin story of the church that met in Philemon's home, which is better known as the Colossian church. We will focus on the two main human means God used for the birth of this church: Paul (Acts 19:8-10) Epraphras (Colossians 1:6-8; 4:12-13) We can be encouraged by how God uses our lives and His word through us in ways that go beyond what we often are aware of. Small things can lead to significant results! Let us be faithful in the days of seemingly small things. You can watch this message here.

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Bible Readings Genesis 18:1-14, Luke 10:38-42 Worship Folder Pastor Paul A. Tullberg Sermon text: Colossians 1:1-14 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Paul's Prayer for the Colossians 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 the love that you have for all the saints 5 because of the hope that is stored up for you in heaven. You have already heard about this in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that is present with you now. The gospel is bearing fruit and growing in the entire world, just as it also has been doing among you from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth. 7 You learned this from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. 8 He is the one who told us about your love in the Spirit. 9 For this reason, from the day we heard about your love, we also have not stopped praying for you. We keep asking that you would be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10 so that you might live in a way that is worthy of the Lord. Our goal is that you please him by bearing fruit in every kind of good work and by growing in the knowledge of God, 11 as you are being strengthened with all power because of his glorious might working in you. Then you will have complete endurance and patience, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. What the Father Did Through Christ 13 The Father rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Take a Moment to recall something from today's message. Ask Jesus to create for you opportunities to use your words, activities and thoughts to glorify Him this week. We value your friendship and the opportunity to share the love of Jesus together with you!

Paul's letter to the church in Colossae is a letter to a people he doesn't know, except by reputation and the ministry of their beloved pastor Epaphras. This Sunday, we'll see how Paul explains that even though he has not been with them in person, he struggles on their behalf to fulfill the work God has given him so that they might benefit from it. Paul's explanation of his ministry is a helpful reminder of the purpose of the church: why do we gather week-in and week-out? How should we evaluate our effectiveness? What is the point of it all? Join us this Sunday as we take up Paul's apostolic ministry and apply it to our life together as a church today.

Pastor David Cripps Sr // Colossians 4:12-13 // May 18, 2025

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Old Testament Deuteronomy 30:9-14 Moses said to the people of Israel, "The Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?' Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?' No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe." The Psalm Psalm 25:1-9 Ad te, Domine, levavi 1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; * let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; * let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. 3 Show me your ways, O Lord, * and teach me your paths. 4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, * for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long. 5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, * for they are from everlasting. 6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; * remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. 7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; * therefore he teaches sinners in his way. 8 He guides the humble in doing right * and teaches his way to the lowly. 9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness * to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. The Epistle Colossians 1:1-14 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Gospel Luke 10:25-37 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live." But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, `Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."  

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18-19; Colossians 4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Host Hunter welcomes us to the 18th of June, guiding us through powerful passages from 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18 and 19, and Colossians 4. We'll hear the dramatic story of King Ahab, the courageous prophet Micaiah who stands for truth amidst a sea of deceit, and the steadfast leadership of Jehoshaphat. Turning to the New Testament, Paul's heartfelt words from prison in Colossians inspire us to let our conversations be gracious, to carry out our unique ministry, and to shine as children of light in a dark world. As we reflect together, Hunter draws a practical connection between the ancient stories and our lives today—reminding us that God calls not just prophets and apostles, but each of us, to be faithful lights wherever we are. The episode includes thoughtful prayers, encouragement to live with integrity and faithfulness, and a gentle reminder that, above all else, you are deeply loved. Join us as we journey through scripture and prayer, growing together in hope, purpose, and God's abundant grace. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Micaiah, the truth-speaking prophet, is a light. In the face of deceit, of dark kingdoms and dark prophets, he stands out. God always has his lights—those who are willing to speak the truth no matter the cost. Micaiah is one of them, refusing to be silenced, refusing to speak anything but what the Lord tells him. Even when the pressure mounted, when the crowds and the king himself wanted him to just go along, Micaiah remained faithful. He shone. God always has his lights because he is the Father of lights. That's what James tells us. In seasons of darkness and confusion, God's people—faithful men and women—shine with his light, reflecting truth, refusing to surrender, even if their voices tremble. Paul was one of those lights, too. Paul deeply desired to shine the truth of the Gospel in the darkness. He understood how difficult it could be—he wrote Colossians while in chains, and it would only get harder. But he kept shining and didn't do it alone; he asked for prayer. “Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.” Paul knew how hard it would be, but he also knew who he was—a child of the light, called to be a light-bearer in a world that desperately needed it. But God, the Father of lights, isn't just the Father of prophets like Micaiah, or apostles like Paul. He is the Father of ordinary people as well. People whose names are often overlooked, whispered among the closing greetings of Paul's letters—faithful people like Aristarchus, Demas, Epaphras, Archippus, Tychicus, Nympha, Onesimus, and countless others through the age. People like you and me—Craig, Rebecca, Tom, Mary Ellen, Luz. All lights, born of the Father. We each have a ministry, a purpose to shine the Father's bright light in this dark world. Paul asked for prayer, for help to proclaim the truth. He exhorted others to carry out the ministry God had given them. You, too, have been given the light of the world—Jesus himself shining in your heart. Reflect that light. Do what God has called you to do, in his strength, bringing glory back to him. Let us all learn—together—what it means to shine our lights. That's my prayer for my soul, for my family, for my wife and daughters and son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Merciful God, you have brought us through the night. Into this new day we offer you our lives again. Our hopes, our fears, our work, our rest. Keep us faithful in the little things. And mindful of your presence in every moment. Let us not be led by anxiety or pride, but by your peace that passes all understanding through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Lord Jesus, you stretched wide your arms on the cross to draw all people to yourself. Draw the hurting, the hungry, the weary. Break down every wall of hostility and build us into one family by your spirit. Amen. And now, Lord, teach me to walk not with fear, but with faith. Where there is noise, let me be still. Where there is boasting, let me be quiet. Where there is suffering, let me kneel. Let me not crave recognition, but righteousness. Not applause, but communion. For in you I have life, and in dying with you I rise. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Pastor Jacob Bell encourages everyone on Father's Day to be faithful like Epaphras was to the church of the New Testament.

Stable and SteadfastJune 1, 2025 • Devon Accardi • Colossians 1:3–14, Colossians 1:21–23This Sunday, Devon continues our summer series on Colossians. In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he meant to center the early church on the unchanging truth of Christ. Using the example of Epaphras, who heard the gospel and brought it home, he reminds us that ordinary people can carry extraordinary truth. Paul prays for the believers to be filled with wisdom, to live lives that reflect Jesus, to bear fruit, endure trials with joy, and grow in gratitude, offering a spiritual guide for a gospel-shaped life. We were once alienated from God but have been rescued and transferred into Christ's kingdom through His death and resurrection.WEBSITE: https://fellowshipknox.org/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fellowshipknox/

patreon.com/commonprayerdaily------Opening Words:Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 (ESV)------Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.------The Invitatory & Psalter:Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.Pascha Nostrum (Christ our Passover)Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed: Come let us adore him.Alleluia.Alleluia. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast,Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So also consider yourselves dead to sin, * and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, * so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed: Come let us adore him.Alleluia.------The Psalms & LessonsPsalm 41Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! *the Lord will deliver them in the time of trouble.The Lord preserves them and keeps them alive,so that they may be happy in the land; *he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.The Lord sustains them on their sickbed *and ministers to them in their illness.I said, “Lord, be merciful to me; *heal me, for I have sinned against you.”My enemies are saying wicked things about me: *“When will he die, and his name perish?”Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; *their heart collects false rumors;they go outside and spread them.All my enemies whisper together about me *and devise evil against me.“A deadly thing,” they say, “has fastened on him; *he has taken to his bed and will never get up again.”Even my best friend, whom I trusted,who broke bread with me, *has lifted up his heel and turned against me.But you, O Lord, be merciful to me and raise me up, *and I shall repay them.By this I know you are pleased with me, *that my enemy does not triumph over me.In my integrity you hold me fast, *and shall set me before your face for ever.Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, *from age to age. Amen. Amen.Psalm 52You tyrant, why do you boast of wickedness *against the godly all day long?You plot ruin;your tongue is like a sharpened razor, *O worker of deception.You love evil more than good *and lying more than speaking the truth.You love all words that hurt, *O you deceitful tongue.Oh, that God would demolish you utterly, *topple you, and snatch you from your dwelling,and root you out of the land of the living!The righteous shall see and tremble, *and they shall laugh at him, saying,“This is the one who did not take God for a refuge, *but trusted in great wealthand relied upon wickedness.”But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; *I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.I will give you thanks for what you have done *and declare the goodness of your Name in the presence of the godly.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.------Wisdom 1:16-2:11,21-24But the ungodly by their words and deeds summoned death; considering him a friend, they pined away and made a covenant with him, because they are fit to belong to his company. For they reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, "Short and sorrowful is our life, and there is no remedy when a life comes to its end, and no one has been known to return from Hades. For we were born by mere chance, and hereafter we shall be as though we had never been, for the breath in our nostrils is smoke, and reason is a spark kindled by the beating of our hearts; when it is extinguished, the body will turn to ashes, and the spirit will dissolve like empty air. Our name will be forgotten in time, and no one will remember our works; our life will pass away like the traces of a cloud, and be scattered like mist that is chased by the rays of the sun and overcome by its heat. For our allotted time is the passing of a shadow, and there is no return from our death, because it is sealed up and no one turns back. "Come, therefore, let us enjoy the good things that exist, and make use of the creation to the full as in youth. Let us take our fill of costly wine and perfumes, and let no flower of spring pass us by. Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds before they wither. Let none of us fail to share in our revelry; everywhere let us leave signs of enjoyment, because this is our portion, and this our lot. Let us oppress the righteous poor man; let us not spare the widow or regard the gray hairs of the aged. But let our might be our law of right, for what is weak proves itself to be useless. Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them, and they did not know the secret purposes of God, nor hoped for the wages of holiness, nor discerned the prize for blameless souls; for God created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil's envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it. ------Colossians 1:1-14English Standard Version1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:Grace to you and peace from God our Father.3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.------Luke 6:1-11English Standard Version6 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”6 On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.------Cantemus Domino (The Song of Moses)Exodus 15:1-6, 11-13, 17-18I will sing to the Lord, for he is lofty and uplifted;  the horse and its rider has he hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my refuge;  the Lord has become my Savior. This is my God and I will praise him,  the God of my people and I will exalt him. The Lord is a mighty warrior;  Yahweh is his Name. The chariots of Pharaoh and his army has he hurled into the sea; * the finest of those who bear armor have been drowned in the Red Sea.The fathomless deep has overwhelmed them;  they sank into the depths like a stone. Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in might;  your right hand, O Lord, has overthrown the enemy. Who can be compared with you, O Lord, among the gods?  who is like you, glorious in holiness, awesome in renown, and worker of wonders? You stretched forth your right hand;  the earth swallowed them up. With your constant love you led the people you redeemed;  with your might you brought them in safety to your holy dwelling. You will bring them in and plant them  on the mount of your possession, The resting-place you have made for yourself, O Lord,  the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hand has established. The Lord shall reign  for ever and for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.------The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.------The PrayersLord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercyOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.The SuffragesO Lord, show your mercy upon us; And grant us your salvation.O Lord, guide those who govern us And lead us in the way of justice and truth.Clothe your ministers with righteousness And let your people sing with joy.O Lord, save your people And bless your inheritance.Give peace in our time, O Lord And defend us by your mighty power.Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.Create in us clean hearts, O God And take not your Holy Spirit from us.Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others.------The CollectsSpecial Collects:The Fourth Week of EasterO God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for Grace O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Prayer for Mission Almighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our clergy and the congregations committed to their charge the life-giving Spirit of your grace, shower them with the continual dew of your blessing, and ignite in them a zealous love of your Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.------General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.------DismissalLet us bless the Lord Thanks be to God!BenedictionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.