Podcasts about Epaphras

Some mornings I sit down to pray and the words come easily. Other mornings, my Bible is open and my prayer list is in front of me, but my mind is already moving into the day ahead. I've learned not to rush on those mornings. Sometimes I just need to pray for a while before I'm truly praying. Today I'm sharing a little encouragement for those times when our hearts are slow to settle before the Lord. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode.  Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent RELATED EPISODES: Faithful Labor in Prayer: Learning from Epaphras's example 10 Great Books on Prayer RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App  Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo 

Erick, Daniel, and Brian finish Colossians by discussing vocation, work, prayer, and gracious speech, with a close look at Paul's words to bondservants and masters. They also reflect on the faithfulness of Tychicus, Onesimus, Epaphras, Luke, and the rest of Paul's closing greetings as a picture of the church as a real family in Christ. Have a listen. More from 1517: Support the work at 1517 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith More from the hosts: Daniel Emery Price Erick Sorenson Follow 1517:  Instagram X/Twitter Facebook

Paul closes Colossians by showing that even a “goodbye” passage can disciple the church. He points to three people in the final greetings as living examples of what mature Christian life looks like. Epaphras models persevering prayer. Paul says Epaphras is “struggling” or “wrestling” in prayer for other believers, showing that prayer can be hard and requires intention, self-control, and sometimes sacrifice. The goal of his prayer is that Christians would “stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God”—not stuck in doubt or anxiety about God's direction. The sermon encourages believers to invest in disciplined prayer (planning for it, shaping habits around it), trust that God is working even when results aren't immediately visible, and look first to Scripture and wise counsel when seeking God's will—resting in the freedom God gives within biblical boundaries. Nympha models practical, courageous service and gospel community. Though only briefly mentioned, she hosts a church in her home, reminding the congregation that God uses ordinary resources—like a home, space, hospitality, and generosity—to build the church. House churches and smaller gatherings are highlighted as a New Testament pattern that helps believers truly “do life together,” deepening relationships beyond Sunday services. Archippus models faithfulness in ministry. Paul publicly urges him to “fulfill the ministry” he received from the Lord, which the sermon applies to anyone who feels discouraged, slowed down by life, or tempted to quit. Faithfulness doesn't always mean moving fast; sometimes it means slowing down without giving up and taking the next step, even if it's small. The message anchors this perseverance in God's character: even when we struggle to be faithful, God remains faithful, and he strengthens his people to keep going. Ultimately, every believer shares a core ministry in the Great Commission—making disciples—so the call is to keep obeying and serving steadily. Pastor Miguel concludes with a simple takeaway: pray like Epaphras (disciplined, persevering, seeking maturity and assurance in God's will), serve like Nympha (use what you have to build community and advance the gospel), and stay faithful like Archippus (keep fulfilling your calling, trusting God's faithfulness as you move forward).

Our Summer Series from the book of Proverbs, ”Get Smart,” ended last Sunday. I doubt any of us “arrived” or even raised our IQs, but I do think we received practical ways to apply Biblical principles in our lives and with our families. I hope you were able to be a part of those services, but if you weren't, they are archived on our website for you to go back and listen to. Tomorrow is a historic day of celebration and some sadness as we send off Pastor Brandon to a new ministry calling as a church planter in Arizona. His twelve-year tenure with SCC has impacted many people, and the Rood family will be greatly missed. I have the opportunity on Sunday to introduce our new series from Colossians. The church in the city of Colossae began in much the same way as what Brandon Rood will be doing in the near future. We'll see how the Apostle Paul ministered for a season in the city of Ephesus, and how one of the young converts there became the young minister who went to the city of Colossae to preach the Gospel to the Colossians. Epaphras was that young man's name, and his ministry led to the birth of a new church, which he served as their first pastor. Any time God starts blessing, we can count on the devil to start blasting! The new church experienced the same things our churches go through today. People begin their relationship with Jesus Christ responding to God's grace through faith in what Jesus did for us, but then move off that one secure foundation. Paul exhorted the Colossians and will exhort us not to try to add to what Jesus did for us through our own legalistic actions. Nor should we try to make Jesus fit into our lifestyles and personal syncretistic desires. Jesus Christ is Lord, the only foundation and standard of righteousness we submit to. Like the wisdom from the book of Proverbs, we will walk with Jesus as the Holy Spirit makes applications and releases His life through our lives. But how do you begin to do that? Join us this weekend as we talk about growing big faith!

To set up his corrective letter, Paul reminds the Colossians that their pastor Epaphras was a faithful minister of Christ and that he had preached to them the truth of the gospel. The gospel has been pointing to Christ since the Old Testament, and it is the only message with the transformative power from God to change us. When we focus on Christ, faith, love and hope come forth as the fruit of hearing the gospel. VF-2258 Colossians 1:3-12 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2026 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved

Today, Mike looks at the longest and shortest sentences in the Bible. He also discusses the history of chapter and verse markings, which were not in the original manuscripts and were introduced over 1200 years after the birth of Jesus.    Colossians Chapter 1 -- We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints– the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 1For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 1For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Testimony of God's Goodness / Fervent Prayer - Brother Stephen Mustard A missionary shares his personal testimony of salvation and five years of service in Africa, detailing the transition from Sierra Leone to Zimbabwe due to health challenges. He emphasizes that while financial support is vital, prayer remains the most critical yet underutilized resource for advancing the gospel. Using the example of Epaphras, he urges believers to become fervent laborers who intercede for missionaries and pastors so they can effectively fulfill their calling. The message highlights that prayer provides essential spiritual foundation and comfort, illustrated by a story of local nurses supporting a grieving mother. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to recognize prayer as a powerful, accessible way to contribute fruitfully to God's work in the world.

Testimony of God's Goodness / Fervent Prayer - Brother Stephen Mustard A missionary shares his personal testimony of salvation and five years of service in Africa, detailing the transition from Sierra Leone to Zimbabwe due to health challenges. He emphasizes that while financial support is vital, prayer remains the most critical yet underutilized resource for advancing the gospel. Using the example of Epaphras, he urges believers to become fervent laborers who intercede for missionaries and pastors so they can effectively fulfill their calling. The message highlights that prayer provides essential spiritual foundation and comfort, illustrated by a story of local nurses supporting a grieving mother. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to recognize prayer as a powerful, accessible way to contribute fruitfully to God's work in the world.

Testimony of God's Goodness / Fervent Prayer - Brother Stephen Mustard A missionary shares his personal testimony of salvation and five years of service in Africa, detailing the transition from Sierra Leone to Zimbabwe due to health challenges. He emphasizes that while financial support is vital, prayer remains the most critical yet underutilized resource for advancing the gospel. Using the example of Epaphras, he urges believers to become fervent laborers who intercede for missionaries and pastors so they can effectively fulfill their calling. The message highlights that prayer provides essential spiritual foundation and comfort, illustrated by a story of local nurses supporting a grieving mother. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to recognize prayer as a powerful, accessible way to contribute fruitfully to God's work in the world.

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

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Pastor Dom brings our series on Colossians to a close. He teaches us that it really is, all about Jesus. Colossians 4:2-182 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. 7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. 16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” 18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.Philippians 4:19 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.Colossians 1:2626 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.Colossians 1:27 27 …which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.1 Peter 2:22-2422 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.1 Corinthians 11:23-2523 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

What do you think people think about when they hear your name? Some of you may not care and others of you may lose sleep thinking about that. The end of the book of Colossians is filled with names, some who are giants of the faith, and others hardly mentioned. So why is it important that we read these final sections and know these names? Why not just skip this part and end the series a week early? Who cares about Epaphras? Join us this Sunday as Pastor Brandon finishes our series with a list of names and no names who made a name for themselves by making Christ's name great.

The Book of Colossians — a 10-week verse-by-verse study from Beth Studies.Week 10 — Devoted to prayer and seasoned with salt — Colossians 4:2-18-------------------------Support us today to create more content!www.sharing-bread.com/donateEverything made up to this point has been done without donors, but now with your support we can multiply your giving to create unimaginable amounts of quality content to inspire, teach, and bring God's word into every household.------------------------Paul writes from a Roman prison to a church he had never met — the believersat Colossae, a flourishing congregation now threatened by a strange brew ofmystical philosophy, Jewish legalism, and angel worship. His pastoral burdenis clear and undivided: Christ is the head of the universe, and there isnothing missing in him. We approach the Father through Christ — not throughintermediaries, not through human philosophy, not through ascetic rules.Across ten sessions we walk the whole letter — Paul's prayer that we be filledwith the knowledge of God's will, the great titles of Christ (image of theinvisible God, firstborn over all creation, head of the church, fullness ofdeity), the warning against hollow philosophy, the call to put off the oldself and put on the new, the wardrobe of compassion–kindness–humility–gentleness–patience–love, the household codes, and Paul's closing greetingsto Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke."Christ in you, the hope of glory."----------00:00 Introduction00:11 Reading Colossians 4:2-1800:37 Devoted to prayer03:39 Pray for clarity in the gospel04:26 Be wise toward outsiders05:47 Conversation seasoned with salt07:06 Paul's faithful companions09:09 Epaphras wrestling in prayer10:44 Final greetings and farewell12:34 Closing prayer----------▸ Start with Week 1 for the introduction, or jump to any episode▸ Subscribe so you don't miss new studies▸ Share with a friend who would be encouraged#BookOfColossians #BibleStudy #BethStudies #ChristInYou #SupremacyOfChrist

The Book of Colossians — a 10-week verse-by-verse study from Beth Studies.Week 9 — Submitting, leading, serving for the Lord — Colossians 3:18–4:1-------------------------Support us today to create more content!www.sharing-bread.com/donateEverything made up to this point has been done without donors, but now with your support we can multiply your giving to create unimaginable amounts of quality content to inspire, teach, and bring God's word into every household.------------------------Paul writes from a Roman prison to a church he had never met — the believersat Colossae, a flourishing congregation now threatened by a strange brew ofmystical philosophy, Jewish legalism, and angel worship. His pastoral burdenis clear and undivided: Christ is the head of the universe, and there isnothing missing in him. We approach the Father through Christ — not throughintermediaries, not through human philosophy, not through ascetic rules.Across ten sessions we walk the whole letter — Paul's prayer that we be filledwith the knowledge of God's will, the great titles of Christ (image of theinvisible God, firstborn over all creation, head of the church, fullness ofdeity), the warning against hollow philosophy, the call to put off the oldself and put on the new, the wardrobe of compassion–kindness–humility–gentleness–patience–love, the household codes, and Paul's closing greetingsto Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke."Christ in you, the hope of glory."----------00:00 Introduction00:11 Reading the household codes01:11 God's order, not human disorder03:41 Wives in the Lord05:06 Husbands loving as Christ07:00 Children, parents, and work10:44 All for the Lord11:31 Closing prayer----------▸ Start with Week 1 for the introduction, or jump to any episode▸ Subscribe so you don't miss new studies▸ Share with a friend who would be encouraged#BookOfColossians #BibleStudy #BethStudies #ChristInYou #SupremacyOfChrist

Most of our lives aren't lived in extraordinary moments. They're lived in ordinary ones. We spend our days making meals, caring for our families, opening our homes, answering emails, paying bills, and taking care of all the responsibilities that come with everyday life. Because these are the things we do day after day, it's easy to overlook their significance. Yet Scripture reminds us that the Lord isn't only accomplishing something through the work He's given us to do. He's also accomplishing something in us. He's using the ordinary days He's given us to make us more like Christ. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode.  Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary RELATED EPISODES: When the Days are Overwhelming Faithful Labor in Prayer: Learning from Epaphras's example RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App  Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo 

The Book of Colossians — a 10-week verse-by-verse study from Beth Studies.Week 8 — The wardrobe of a child of the King — Colossians 3:12-17-------------------------Support us today to create more content!www.Sharing-Bread.com/donateEverything made up to this point has been done without donors, but now with your support we can multiply your giving to create unimaginable amounts of quality content to inspire, teach, and bring God's word into every household.------------------------Paul writes from a Roman prison to a church he had never met — the believersat Colossae, a flourishing congregation now threatened by a strange brew ofmystical philosophy, Jewish legalism, and angel worship. His pastoral burdenis clear and undivided: Christ is the head of the universe, and there isnothing missing in him. We approach the Father through Christ — not throughintermediaries, not through human philosophy, not through ascetic rules.Across ten sessions we walk the whole letter — Paul's prayer that we be filledwith the knowledge of God's will, the great titles of Christ (image of theinvisible God, firstborn over all creation, head of the church, fullness ofdeity), the warning against hollow philosophy, the call to put off the oldself and put on the new, the wardrobe of compassion–kindness–humility–gentleness–patience–love, the household codes, and Paul's closing greetingsto Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke."Christ in you, the hope of glory."----------00:00 Introduction00:11 Reading the wardrobe text01:46 Chosen, holy, dearly loved04:20 Five virtues to put on06:44 Forgive as Christ forgave07:46 Love and peace ruling10:28 The Word dwelling richly11:58 All in Jesus's name12:41 Closing prayer----------▸ Start with Week 1 for the introduction, or jump to any episode▸ Subscribe so you don't miss new studies▸ Share with a friend who would be encouraged#BookOfColossians #BibleStudy #BethStudies #ChristInYou #SupremacyOfChrist

We often skip over the closing verses of Paul's letters, but Colossians 4 reminds us that God doesn't. Behind every name is a story of faithfulness, grace, perseverance, prayer, and service. From Tychicus to Onesimus, from Mark to Epaphras, these ordinary believers show how Jesus builds His church through people who simply remain faithful. This final message in the Jesus Over Everything series is a reminder that God's Kingdom has never advanced because a few people became famous, but because ordinary people faithfully followed an extraordinary Savior.7.5.26 - Message 17

The Book of Colossians — a 10-week verse-by-verse study from Beth Studies.Week 7 — Hidden with Christ in God: put off, put on — Colossians 3:1-11-------------------------Support us today in creating more content!www.Sharing-Bread.com/donateEverything made up to this point has been done without donors, but now with your support we can multiply your giving to create unimaginable amounts of quality content to inspire, teach, and bring God's word into every household.------------------------Paul writes from a Roman prison to a church he had never met — the believersat Colossae, a flourishing congregation now threatened by a strange brew ofmystical philosophy, Jewish legalism, and angel worship. His pastoral burdenis clear and undivided: Christ is the head of the universe, and there isnothing missing in him. We approach the Father through Christ — not throughintermediaries, not through human philosophy, not through ascetic rules.Across ten sessions we walk the whole letter — Paul's prayer that we be filledwith the knowledge of God's will, the great titles of Christ (image of theinvisible God, firstborn over all creation, head of the church, fullness ofdeity), the warning against hollow philosophy, the call to put off the oldself and put on the new, the wardrobe of compassion–kindness–humility–gentleness–patience–love, the household codes, and Paul's closing greetingsto Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke."Christ in you, the hope of glory."----------00:00 Introduction00:11 Hidden with Christ in God01:17 Set your affections above03:00 Earthly things in their place04:19 Three reasons for heavenly focus06:01 Put the old nature to death08:53 Put on the new self10:32 Christ is our all11:52 Closing prayer----------▸ Start with Week 1 for the introduction, or jump to any episode▸ Subscribe so you don't miss new studies▸ Share with a friend who would be encouraged#BookOfColossians #BibleStudy #BethStudies #ChristInYou #SupremacyOfChrist

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The Book of Colossians — a 10-week verse-by-verse study from Beth Studies.Week 6 — He forgave, canceled, disarmed: living in the substance, not the shadow — Colossians 2:13-23-------------------------Support us today in creating more content!www.Sharing-Bread.com/donateEverything made up to this point has been done without donors, but now with your support we can multiply your giving to create unimaginable amounts of quality content to inspire, teach, and bring God's word into every household.------------------------Paul writes from a Roman prison to a church he had never met — the believersat Colossae, a flourishing congregation now threatened by a strange brew ofmystical philosophy, Jewish legalism, and angel worship. His pastoral burdenis clear and undivided: Christ is the head of the universe, and there isnothing missing in him. We approach the Father through Christ — not throughintermediaries, not through human philosophy, not through ascetic rules.Across ten sessions we walk the whole letter — Paul's prayer that we be filledwith the knowledge of God's will, the great titles of Christ (image of theinvisible God, firstborn over all creation, head of the church, fullness ofdeity), the warning against hollow philosophy, the call to put off the oldself and put on the new, the wardrobe of compassion–kindness–humility–gentleness–patience–love, the household codes, and Paul's closing greetingsto Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke."Christ in you, the hope of glory."----------00:00 Introduction00:11 He forgave and canceled the debt00:35 Dead in our transgressions02:10 Made alive in Christ04:19 Disarming the powers07:01 Pride dressed as humility07:30 Lost connection to the head08:18 Living in the substance, not the shadow10:53 Closing prayer----------▸ Start with Week 1 for the introduction, or jump to any episode▸ Subscribe so you don't miss new studies▸ Share with a friend who would be encouraged#BookOfColossians #BibleStudy #BethStudies #ChristInYou #SupremacyOfChrist

Caleb Drahosh Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with a traditional greeting and expresses gratitude for the church. Paul – who was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote this letter – had never visited the church in Colossae, but he wanted to send encouragement to them after receiving a report from Epaphras about potentially problematic teaching that threatened the church. The gratitude Paul communicates is grounded in the God-given faith and love of the Colossians.

June 21, 2026 - Father's Day - Spotlight on Epaphrs Erin Jamieson Download Freedom Livestream - June 21, 2026SERIES: Father's DayTITLE: Spotlight on EpaphrasSPEAKER: Erin JamiesonYouTube PlaylistFOLLOWING JESUS: freedomkw.com/life NEW TO FREEDOM? freedomkw.com/im-new GIVE: freedomkw.com/give WATER BAPTISM: freedomkw.com/baptismCARE CLOSET: freedomkw.com/careclosetGROUPS: freedomkw.com/groups ALPHA: freedomkw.com/alphaMISSIONS: freedomkw.com/missions SERVE: freedomkw.com/team-member-opportunities Facebook Groups: Connecting Point & Freedom Kids

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! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible for June 18th. Join Hunter as we continue our journey through the scriptures on day 170, exploring 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18 and 19, and Colossians 4. Today, we'll witness the steadfast light of prophets like Micaiah standing for truth in dark times, reflect on our calling to shine God's light in the world, and lift our hearts together in prayer. Whether you're starting your day or seeking some encouragement, come along as we let the Bible point us to the living Word who brings us life. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Micaiah, the truth-speaking prophet, is a light. In the face of deceit and dark kingdoms and dark prophets, he is a light. God always has his lights. Those who speak the truth. Micaiah is one of them. God always has his lights because he is the Father of lights. That's what James tells us. He has men and women who are faithful to shine their light in the darkness and to speak the truth for the Lord, regardless of the results. Paul was one of these lights too. Paul desired to shine the truth of the Gospel of Christ into the darkness. Paul knew how hard it could be. In fact, he wrote Colossians while he was in chains, and it only got worse from there. Yet he is still determined to shine the light. But he asked his friends for prayer. He says, pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. He knows it's going to be hard, but he also knows that he is a child of the light and he's called to shine in the darkness. God, the Father of lights, is not just the Father of prophets and apostles like Paul and Micaiah. He's also the Father of ordinary people like you and me. And like those mentioned at the end of today's reading—these are names of people that rarely get a second thought. But they too are born into the light of our Father. And they are being faithful to carry out the ministry that their Father God has given to them. To Archippus, Paul says, be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord has given you. There were other people's names like Demas, Epaphras, Archippus, Tycheus, Nympha, Onesimus, and people like you and me with names like Craig, Rebecca, Tom, Mary Ellen, Luz. All are lights born of the Father. All of us have a ministry to shine his bright light in this dark world. Paul asked for prayer: Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. He also exhorts others to carry out the ministry that God has given them. And the Father has shone the light of Christ into you. You have been given the light of the world. Allow him to bear light in your heart. Do what God has called you to do in his strength, reflecting back to him the glory that is only his. And let us all together learn what it is to shine our lights. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  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 tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  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  

The Book of Colossians — a 10-week verse-by-verse study from Beth Studies.Week 5 — Receiving Christ and rejecting hollow philosophy — Colossians 2:6-12-------------------------Support us today in creating more content!www.Sharing-Bread.com/donateEverything made up to this point has been done without donors, but now with your support we can multiply your giving to create unimaginable amounts of quality content to inspire, teach, and bring God's word into every household.------------------------Paul writes from a Roman prison to a church he had never met — the believersat Colossae, a flourishing congregation now threatened by a strange brew ofmystical philosophy, Jewish legalism, and angel worship. His pastoral burdenis clear and undivided: Christ is the head of the universe, and there isnothing missing in him. We approach the Father through Christ — not throughintermediaries, not through human philosophy, not through ascetic rules.Across ten sessions we walk the whole letter — Paul's prayer that we be filledwith the knowledge of God's will, the great titles of Christ (image of theinvisible God, firstborn over all creation, head of the church, fullness ofdeity), the warning against hollow philosophy, the call to put off the oldself and put on the new, the wardrobe of compassion–kindness–humility–gentleness–patience–love, the household codes, and Paul's closing greetingsto Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke."Christ in you, the hope of glory."----------00:00 Introduction00:11 Receiving Christ as Lord02:01 Walking in him daily04:14 The hollow philosophy warning05:54 Christ alone, not philosophy07:04 The fullness of God in bodily form08:05 Christ fully God and fully man09:24 Spiritual circumcision and baptism11:14 Closing prayer----------▸ Start with Week 1 for the introduction, or jump to any episode▸ Subscribe so you don't miss new studies▸ Share with a friend who would be encouraged#BookOfColossians #BibleStudy #BethStudies #ChristInYou #SupremacyOfChrist

Colossians 1:1-14 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. 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 Gospel Changes Everything Colossians 1:3-5a Colossians 1:5b-6 Knowing and Growing in the Will of God Colossians 1:9 Colossians 1:10-12 Colossians 1:13-14   • • • Application: In Christ, we have a new identity and a new life through the Spirit in which we have all we need to live a life pleasing to God.

The Book of Colossians — a 10-week verse-by-verse study from Beth Studies.Week 4 — Christ in you, the hope of glory — Colossians 1:24–2:5------------------------Support us today in creating more content!www.Sharing-Bread.com/donateEverything made up to this point has been done without donors, but now with your support we can multiply your giving to create unimaginable amounts of quality content to inspire, teach, and bring Gods word into every household.------------------------Paul writes from a Roman prison to a church he had never met — the believersat Colossae, a flourishing congregation now threatened by a strange brew ofmystical philosophy, Jewish legalism, and angel worship. His pastoral burdenis clear and undivided: Christ is the head of the universe, and there isnothing missing in him. We approach the Father through Christ — not throughintermediaries, not through human philosophy, not through ascetic rules.Across ten sessions we walk the whole letter — Paul's prayer that we be filledwith the knowledge of God's will, the great titles of Christ (image of theinvisible God, firstborn over all creation, head of the church, fullness ofdeity), the warning against hollow philosophy, the call to put off the oldself and put on the new, the wardrobe of compassion–kindness–humility–gentleness–patience–love, the household codes, and Paul's closing greetingsto Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke."Christ in you, the hope of glory."----------00:00 Introduction00:11 Paul, the suffering preacher01:14 Sufferings shape us into Christ03:43 Warning and teaching together04:43 The mystery now revealed06:01 Christ in you, the hope of glory07:48 Don't be deceived09:15 Knowledge and wisdom in Christ11:34 Closing prayer----------▸ Start with Week 1 for the introduction, or jump to any episode▸ Subscribe so you don't miss new studies▸ Share with a friend who would be encouraged#BookOfColossians #BibleStudy #BethStudies #ChristInYou #SupremacyOfChrist

Every Christian is called to ministry, not just pastors and church staff. God has given each believer a unique role in His kingdom, whether serving in children's ministry, greeting visitors, or working behind the scenes. The key to powerful ministry lies in developing a steadfast prayer life that creates spiritual awareness and influences how we interact with others. Our words should be gracious and life-giving, building up rather than tearing down. Through kingdom networking and discipleship, we connect with other believers to encourage and equip one another for service. Churches must prioritize developing young adults and interns who have the energy and time to impact the world for Christ. ----------------------- ' Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 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. 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), 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. 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. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 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. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.' Colossians 4:2-18

Alongside all the other ways Paul encourages Philemon to love, he also adds greetings from Epaphras, a man Philemon would have deeply respected.

The Book of Colossians — a 10-week verse-by-verse study from Beth Studies.Week 3 — The seven characteristics of Christ — Colossians 1:15-23-------------------------Support us today in creating more content!www.Sharing-Bread.com/donateEverything made up to this point has been done without donors, but now with your support we can multiply your giving to create unimaginable amounts of quality content to inspire, teach, and bring Gods word into every household.------------------------Paul writes from a Roman prison to a church he had never met — the believersat Colossae, a flourishing congregation now threatened by a strange brew ofmystical philosophy, Jewish legalism, and angel worship. His pastoral burdenis clear and undivided: Christ is the head of the universe, and there isnothing missing in him. We approach the Father through Christ — not throughintermediaries, not through human philosophy, not through ascetic rules.Across ten sessions we walk the whole letter — Paul's prayer that we be filledwith the knowledge of God's will, the great titles of Christ (image of theinvisible God, firstborn over all creation, head of the church, fullness ofdeity), the warning against hollow philosophy, the call to put off the oldself and put on the new, the wardrobe of compassion–kindness–humility–gentleness–patience–love, the household codes, and Paul's closing greetingsto Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke."Christ in you, the hope of glory."----------00:00 Introduction00:17 Seven characteristics of Christ00:41 Image of God; firstborn over creation02:00 Creator and head of the church04:10 Firstborn from the dead05:55 Reconciliation through his blood08:23 Continuing in faith10:39 Closing prayer----------▸ Start with Week 1 for the introduction, or jump to any episode▸ Subscribe so you don't miss new studies▸ Share with a friend who would be encouraged#BookOfColossians #BibleStudy #BethStudies #ChristInYou #SupremacyOfChrist

Today's readings.. (Joshua 15), (Isaiah 20,21), (Philemon)The short letter of Paul to Philemon has some valuable lessons for us in the area of spiritual relationships of believers with one another.  Paul is writing as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus” [v.1] and Timothy is with him – and other visitors support him, “Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke” [v.24]. He tells Philemon, “I remember you in my prayers.” (v.4)We meditate on what filled Paul's hours and days in his imprisonment, his mind was very much occupied with thoughts about the believers he knew and the news he hears about them. We  remember the dramatic night when he and Silas sang hymns while in prison, and we surely imagine him singing hymns with “Epaphras my fellow prisoner” [v.23]. How do we compare, we who are free to do as we please – does how we spend our time help or hinder our spiritual life?  We have to admit that, unless we are at some spiritual gathering, the events of our daily lives rarely help us spiritually; it is vital that we ask ourselves – do they hinder, do they undermine?  Paul is pleased with Philemon “because I hear of your love and the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints (fellow believers), and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective …” [v.5,6]Would others hear the same sort of thing about us?  If not, what would they hear?  Would it have any effect on them in the sense of a good (or bad) example we set them? Paul is able to say to Philemon, “I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” [v.7]   Do we shed abroad a spirit that refreshes the hearts of other believers – so that we are a light that really shines in the increasing spiritual darkness of this world – the effect of that light being so good that even some unbelievers will notice?    Let us live so that we do this, it maybe that we do it unconsciously, only realizing the effect we have had as we look back on events.  And in communicating with fellow believers – and those who do not yet believe, which may include some of our children, we can state, “I remember you in my prayers.” 

Colossians 4:10-18 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss some lessons from Epaphras.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=25663The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

The Book of Colossians — a 10-week verse-by-verse study from Beth Studies.Week 2 — Faith, hope, and love: Paul's prayer for the Colossians — Colossians 1:1-14-------------------------Support us today in creating more content!www.Sharing-Bread.com/donateEverything made up to this point has been done without donors, but now with your support we can multiply your giving to create unimaginable amounts of quality content to inspire, teach, and bring Gods word into every household.------------------------Paul writes from a Roman prison to a church he had never met — the believersat Colossae, a flourishing congregation now threatened by a strange brew ofmystical philosophy, Jewish legalism, and angel worship. His pastoral burdenis clear and undivided: Christ is the head of the universe, and there isnothing missing in him. We approach the Father through Christ — not throughintermediaries, not through human philosophy, not through ascetic rules.Across ten sessions we walk the whole letter — Paul's prayer that we be filledwith the knowledge of God's will, the great titles of Christ (image of theinvisible God, firstborn over all creation, head of the church, fullness ofdeity), the warning against hollow philosophy, the call to put off the oldself and put on the new, the wardrobe of compassion–kindness–humility–gentleness–patience–love, the household codes, and Paul's closing greetingsto Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke."Christ in you, the hope of glory."----------00:00 Introduction00:13 Reading Colossians 1:1-1401:14 Holy, faithful, and graced02:06 Faith, hope, and love03:46 Paul's prayer for the Colossians06:32 Strengthened to endure09:11 Qualified for the kingdom of light10:31 Closing prayer----------▸ Start with Week 1 for the introduction, or jump to any episode▸ Subscribe so you don't miss new studies▸ Share with a friend who would be encouraged#BookOfColossians #BibleStudy #BethStudies #ChristInYou #SupremacyOfChrist

Prayer is essential for spiritual strength, yet many struggle with consistency. Through the examples of Paul and Silas praying with joy in prison, Anna's sacrificial devotion to prayer and fasting, and Epaphras wrestling in prayer for others, we learn three powerful approaches to prayer. Paul shows us how to maintain hope through prayer even in impossible circumstances. Anna demonstrates the discipline of consistent prayer and fasting over decades. Epaphras teaches us to intercede with strength for others, making common people uncommonly powerful through prayer.

Every great story has closing credits — and so does the book of Colossians.In Colossians 4:7-18, Paul doesn't close with a grand theological statement. He closes with names — ordinary people who carried letters, opened their homes, prayed through the night, and showed up when it wasn't easy.Tychicus, the reliable messenger. Onesimus, the runaway servant turned beloved brother. Mark, the one who failed and came back. Epaphras, who agonized in prayer for a church he loved deeply. Nympha, who opened her home so the church could gather.None of them were famous. Most of them we know almost nothing about. But together, they changed the world.The extraordinary work of the church comes from ordinary people.This is the miracle of the Gospel — it takes the useless and makes them useful. It takes the broken and makes them whole. It takes the ordinary and accomplishes the extraordinary.What role has God placed in your hands? What ministry is waiting for your full attention and effort?"Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it." — Colossians 4:17

The Book of Colossians — a 10-week verse-by-verse study from Beth Studies.An introduction to Colossians — Paul writes from prison to a church he never met, with one undivided message: Christ is the head of the universe.-------------------------Support us today in creating more content!www.Sharing-Bread.com/donateEverything made up to this point has been done without donors, but now with your support we can multiply your giving to create unimaginable amounts of quality content to inspire, teach, and bring Gods word into every household.------------------------Paul writes from a Roman prison to a church he had never met — the believersat Colossae, a flourishing congregation now threatened by a strange brew ofmystical philosophy, Jewish legalism, and angel worship. His pastoral burdenis clear and undivided: Christ is the head of the universe, and there isnothing missing in him. We approach the Father through Christ — not throughintermediaries, not through human philosophy, not through ascetic rules.Across ten sessions we walk the whole letter — Paul's prayer that we be filledwith the knowledge of God's will, the great titles of Christ (image of theinvisible God, firstborn over all creation, head of the church, fullness ofdeity), the warning against hollow philosophy, the call to put off the oldself and put on the new, the wardrobe of compassion–kindness–humility–gentleness–patience–love, the household codes, and Paul's closing greetingsto Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke."Christ in you, the hope of glory."----------00:00 Welcome00:11 The Colossian heresy and the church02:10 Paul writes from prison03:10 Christ is the head of all04:30 Faith, hope, and love05:19 Closing prayer----------▸ Start with Week 1 for the introduction, or jump to any episode▸ Subscribe so you don't miss new studies▸ Share with a friend who would be encouraged#BookOfColossians #BibleStudy #BethStudies #ChristInYou #SupremacyOfChrist

“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.” (Philemon 1:23–24 NLT) It’s been said that everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes. For a select few people, however, those fifteen minutes of fame stretched into centuries and millennia. Such is the case with the people mentioned in one of the apostle Paul’s epistles. Imagine what an honor that would be! For example, in his letter to Philemon, the apostle wrote, “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers” (Philemon 1:23–24 NLT). I imagine it must have been tempting to bring up those name-checks in casual conversation: “Hi, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Aristarchus. You may have heard of me from one of Paul’s epistles.” One of the people Paul mentioned was Demas, whose name appeared not only in one epistle, but two. In Philemon, Demas is identified as a coworker of Paul. The bad news is that his second mention involved his apostasy. Something had happened to Demas in the time between Paul’s letter to Philemon and his second letter to Timothy, because we read, “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica” (2 Timothy 4:10 NLT). In other words, “Hey, remember Demas? Yeah, well, he’s not with me anymore.” The reason? Demas loved “the things of this life.” Demas serves as a prime example of why the apostle John warned, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever” (1 John 2:15–17 NLT). There is nothing wrong with being blessed by God with things like a nice home or a good career. In fact, the Bible tells us that God “richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17 NLT). But if those things have become the most important to you, more important than God Himself, then that is a problem, my friend. We must recognize the things of this life for the temporary blessings they are. We must be prepared to step away from them if the Lord instructs us to. Traveling light in this world means being prepared to sacrifice anything that gets in the way of our relationship with the Lord. The Christian walk is challenging enough on its own. The last thing we need is to stumble over misplaced priorities. Reflection question: How can you keep a godly perspective on the things of this life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sermon Notes Date: 05/10/2026 Preacher: Josh Peglow, pastor Series: Colossians Key Text: Colossians 4:10-14 Description: Aristarchus. Mark. Justus. Epaphras. Luke. Demas. Names we might pass over. Greetings we might rush through. But tucked inside these final lines is a picture of the church Christ is building. Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Josh Peglow […]

Audio Recording Gospel People Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 4:7-18 (ESV)7 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.”18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.Sermon OutlineThe good news draws you in to the life of Christ where ordinary people are transformed by the extraordinary grace of Christ.1. Gospel Messagev12 …struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 2. Gospel Workersv10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabasv14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 3. Gospel Peoplev16 … also read the letter from Laodicea.vv7-9 Tychicus… that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your heartsvv12 Epaphras… a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you…v9 …with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother; v18 remember my chainsPrayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, full of glory and abounding with grace: thank you that you are so patient and merciful with us. We continue to try to make you more like us, yet resist your work to make us more like you. We are slow to believe and understand. Forgive us for not treating others consistently with the grace we have received. Forgive us for when we have strayed from faithfulness because we dreaded hardship or have been lured by what seemed instantly rewarding. We have lacked the humility and wisdom to embrace the call to be servants of Christ. Forgive every sin. Please continue the work of sanctification by the grace of Jesus Christ until we are brought to maturity and completion. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat value could there be in a book of the Bible ending with greetings between people we know little about? Why is that part of the Bible?If part of the work of the early Christians was to show how God's will is made known in Jesus, what are we supposed to know? How does our understanding of life expand as we look to Jesus? What are some implications of our need to mature in Christ? What expectations or understandings follow from it?What value is there that the book of Colossians was written by someone who was in prison? What does it tell us about the one writing and the world in which he lives? How can we understand that Paul, John Mark and Barnabas had a strong disagreement even though they were leaders in the church? What are reasonable expectations for church leaders?What is the difference between the letters Paul wrote which became part of the New Testament and other letters he wrote (which we don't have access to)?What value is there in Paul referring to himself and Tychicus as servants (slaves) of Christ? Why does Paul call Tychicus a fellow servant, Aristarchus a fellow prisoner, and Onesimus a beloved brother?Why is it important to see that the story of Jesus is not just about a man born in poverty who faced hardship and yet attained to being a king, but that he was a prince who willingly gave up everything and became a servant before these things? What does this imply about the identity, attitude and expectations of those who answer the call to follow him?

Audio Recording Gospel People Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 4:7-18 (ESV)7 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.”18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.Sermon OutlineThe good news draws you in to the life of Christ where ordinary people are transformed by the extraordinary grace of Christ.1. Gospel Messagev12 …struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 2. Gospel Workersv10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabasv14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 3. Gospel Peoplev16 … also read the letter from Laodicea.vv7-9 Tychicus… that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your heartsvv12 Epaphras… a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you…v9 …with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother; v18 remember my chainsPrayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, full of glory and abounding with grace: thank you that you are so patient and merciful with us. We continue to try to make you more like us, yet resist your work to make us more like you. We are slow to believe and understand. Forgive us for not treating others consistently with the grace we have received. Forgive us for when we have strayed from faithfulness because we dreaded hardship or have been lured by what seemed instantly rewarding. We have lacked the humility and wisdom to embrace the call to be servants of Christ. Forgive every sin. Please continue the work of sanctification by the grace of Jesus Christ until we are brought to maturity and completion. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat value could there be in a book of the Bible ending with greetings between people we know little about? Why is that part of the Bible?If part of the work of the early Christians was to show how God's will is made known in Jesus, what are we supposed to know? How does our understanding of life expand as we look to Jesus? What are some implications of our need to mature in Christ? What expectations or understandings follow from it?What value is there that the book of Colossians was written by someone who was in prison? What does it tell us about the one writing and the world in which he lives? How can we understand that Paul, John Mark and Barnabas had a strong disagreement even though they were leaders in the church? What are reasonable expectations for church leaders?What is the difference between the letters Paul wrote which became part of the New Testament and other letters he wrote (which we don't have access to)?What value is there in Paul referring to himself and Tychicus as servants (slaves) of Christ? Why does Paul call Tychicus a fellow servant, Aristarchus a fellow prisoner, and Onesimus a beloved brother?Why is it important to see that the story of Jesus is not just about a man born in poverty who faced hardship and yet attained to being a king, but that he was a prince who willingly gave up everything and became a servant before these things? What does this imply about the identity, attitude and expectations of those who answer the call to follow him?

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Thanksgiving and Prayer 3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasingas it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8and has made known to us your love in the Spirit. 9And 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,10so 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; 11being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Preeminence of Christ 15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authoritiesall things were created through him and for him.17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creationunder heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Prayer serves as the foundation for every significant work God accomplishes through His people. When believers gather for focused intercession, God responds powerfully, creating spiritual atmospheres where divine intervention replaces human effort. However, spiritual warfare intensifies when God moves, requiring personal holiness and vigilance against Satan's attempts to divide the church. Paul's letter to the Colossians demonstrates how reputation and intercession work together - he prayed for people he had never met because their faith and love were known throughout the region. Living with an eternal perspective changes everything, focusing on souls and kingdom impact rather than temporary possessions. Paul's prayer model includes specific requests for knowledge of God's will, spiritual wisdom, righteous living, increased knowledge of God, and strength for endurance. Gratitude forms the foundation of powerful prayer, recognizing that God has qualified us, delivered us from darkness, and transferred us to His kingdom. ------------------------- ' From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father! We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints. Your faith and love have arisen from the hope laid up for you in heaven, which you have heard about in the message of truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as in the entire world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. You learned the gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave – a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf – who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects – bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints' inheritance in the light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.' Colossians 1:1-14

The last lines of Colossians look like a throwaway list of names until you realize Paul is doing something intentional: he's putting faces to the gospel. We walk through Colossians 4:7–18 like end credits, showing how Christian doctrine becomes a lived, shared reality through people who serve, encourage, pray, forgive, and keep going when it costs them.We talk about Onesimus, a runaway slave who meets Jesus and then walks straight back into the hardest conversation of his life as a “beloved brother.” We trace Mark's arc from quitting and causing a painful split to being welcomed again as “useful,” a concrete picture of forgiveness without an asterisk. We don't skip the quiet hero, Nympha, who hosts a church in her home, reminding us that faithfulness in ordinary work is still worship.The tone sharpens with Demas, who starts near Paul and later deserts him “in love with this present world.” That warning leads into Epaphras' prayer for spiritual maturity and full assurance in the will of God, plus a clear, grounding answer to the question “What is the chief end of man?” To glorify God and enjoy Him forever, learning to delight in Him instead of using Him. If you want to grow, encourage others, and finish well, this one is for you. If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

Ephesians 4:10-13 God speaks thru prophets and apostles. Jesus loves you so much that he gave the church gifts. “The One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.” – Ephesians 4:10-13  The Message by Eugene Peterson “And he (Jesus) himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ's fullness.” – Ephesians 4:11-13  CSB 1. Prophets God speaks. Prophecy – speak on behalf of God before others Prophet – one who speaks inspired utterances on behalf of God “The name ‘prophets' (in Eph. 4:11) is given to those who, having received the Spirit of God, spoke beforehand of Christ and his advent. These were the prophets who “were until Christ.” But after he arrived, was there no reason for any further prophecy? What prophets does Paul speak of here? It is obviously those who being full of the Spirit spoke of God after his coming, continuing to expound the divine teaching.” – Marius Victorinus 280-363 Old Testament prophets spoke the message God gave them, and many pointed to Jesus Christ. “Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet.” – Matthew 1:22  CSB Some New Testament prophets: John the Baptist, Anna in Luke 2:36, Agabus in Acts 11:29, 21:10,  Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen in Acts 13:1-2, Silas & Judas Barsabbas in Acts 15:32, 4 daughters of Phillip in Acts 21:8-9,  John in Revelation “the spirit of prophecy” – Revelation 19:10 “This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – John Walvoord Training, Discernment, and Accountability:  “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate. But if something has been revealed to another person sitting there, the first prophet should be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged. And the prophets' spirits are subject to the prophets, 33 since God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:29–33   CSB  “many false prophets will appear and fool many people,” – Matthew 24:11    Elijah school of the prophets in 1 Kings 19:18, training people in understanding the Scripture, discerning God's voice, and speaking it. In 2 Kings 2 we see groups of prophets interacting with Elijah and Elisha. Paul & Barnabas – described as “prophets and teachers” then commissioned, sent in apostolic ministry “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.” – Acts 13:1-3  CSB 2. Apostle – an envoy of Jesus, a representative messenger sent, a “special” messenger (having been commissioned by Jesus Christ for a particular task or role, invested with the authority to speak on his behalf)   …borrowing and changing a Greek term for, emissaries, one who is to carry a message and is commissioned to extend the kingdom (military or naval) a commander of a naval expedition (generally restricted to the immediate followers of Jesus Christ, but also extended, as in the case of Paul, to other early Christians active in proclaiming the message of the gospel) – Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament “Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.” – Romans 1:1  (possible reference to a Jewish embassy in Rome that required travel by sea) Denotes God-given spiritual authority, mission and message, to be recognized by others (including leaders) Influence in more than one local church Alignment > Heirarchy  God speaks. God had spoken. God is speaking. God will speak. “This is a house set up and ordered by Jesus.… He does not do this in a casual manner. It is with the utmost discrimination and discretion: One is assigned to the rank of an apostle, one to the place of a prophet, others to look after the flock of Christ and to work at the divine instruction of others for those saints who are prepared to learn.” – Didymus the Blind a Biblical scholar 313-398 What are prophets & apostles? Gifts from Jesus to his church. Representatives and messengers. They speak when God has given them something to say. The church leaders recognize it and the church receives it. Each of the 4 Gifts function when recognized and received. What are prophets & apostles NOT? Free to do what they want, however they want. Not dictators. Not celebrities. Not gurus. What is the purpose of our interactions with the 4 Gifts? Sent to equip the church for ministry. Sent to build up the church. Sent to help the church learn about Jesus and become more like Jesus. Sent to help the church grow stronger spiritually, able to refute wrong thinking. Equipping – making, preparing, training, perfecting, making fully qualified for service, (in classical language the word was used to describe setting a bone during surgery – The Great Physician is now making all the necessary adjustments so the church will not be “out of joint”) What should we do? 1.       Read Ephesians 3:14-21 and 4:1-16. 2.       Pray, asking God for guidance. 3.       Think about what we are reading. 4.       Write down elements of God's purpose for us. 5.       Write down ways in which we should interact with the 4 Gifts. Extra notes: “the spirit of prophecy” – Revelation 19:10 Worship God, because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” – Revelation 19:10  CSB The word “testimony,” or witness, references someone who has seen or experienced something to be the case. John and his brothers are therefore witnesses and the bearers of testimony to the plan and purpose of God for redemption in Jesus. Consequently, God is the only appropriate object of worship. This is explained by the somewhat enigmatic statement, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Here the word “prophecy” (proph?teia), which arises from a combination of “speak” (ph?mi) and “before” (pro), an important use of the word essentially meaning “speak for God before.” Before what? is an appropriate question. One sense of the preposition (pro) would be to speak about an event before it happens. Another sense would be to speak before listeners of the purpose and acts of God. Likely in this case both of these senses are paramount. In any event, the meaning is actually reasonably clear: The spirit of both the proclamation and the telling of the future is bound up in the testimony of Jesus. Jesus the Lamb—and not just a chronology of last things—is the theme of the Revelation. As Walvoord succinctly declares, “This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – Patterson, P. (2012). Revelation (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.; Vol. 39, pp. 345–346). B&H. Evangelist – one who announces the Good News of Jesus (in particular a function rather than an office) …such as Philip in Acts 8:4, 12, 35, 40, 21:8 and Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5  1 Thessalonians 3:2  Philippians 2:22  and two women in Philippians 4:3  Titus in 2 Corinthians 8:18  Epaphras in Colossians 1:7  NT Evangelists – Paul/Phillip NT Church – 1 Tim 3:15, 5:1-2  1 Cor. 12:16-17 Note: not all evangelists were apostles, but all apostles were evangelists “Then he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'” – Jesus in Mark 16:15-16  CSB All disciples – “Make disciples,” – Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20  “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” – Romans 10:14-15  CSB Preachers: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors/Teachers will preach. Greek definition of the word “preach” ·       To publicly proclaim or announce news. ·       To proclaim as a herald.  Matthew 4:17; 10:7; 24:14; Acts 8:5; Acts 28:31  A person who had particular responsibilities. Someone sent to say something specific. ·       To announce good tidings or good news.  Luke 3:18; Luke 4:43; Luke 9:6; Acts 8:4; Rev 14:6  Euaggelizo – good news of the gospel ·       To teach or instruct.  Matthew 4:23; 13:36; John 6:59; I Cor 4:17; 1 Tim 2:12; Rom 2:20; Acts 13:1; Rom 12:7; 1 Cor 12:28; Mt 28:19;  Mk 16:15; Eph 4:1 ·       To cause people to learn.  Mt 11:29; 28:19; Acts 14:21  ·       To place beside, as in clear presentation.  Mt 13:24; Mk 8:6 ; Acts 16:34; 1 Cor 10:27; 2 Tim 4:3; Heb 5:12-14  Paratithemi – to place beside so you can pick up again ·       To interpret and make clear and simple.  Lk 24:27; 1 Cor 12;30; 14:5,13,27 ·       To bring out the hidden meanings.  Acts 11:4; 18:26; 28:23  Scripture has obvious and non-obvious meaning. Matthew 10:7              And as you go preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 24:14            And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, Colossians 1:28         Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4:5         For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Timothy 2:15            Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Romans 10:14             How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Send a textThis episode is the first in our series on the book of Colossians. IN this episode, Pastor Dom teaches us about Pauls conversion and entrance into the faith.Colossians 4:33“…for which I am in prison.”Colossians 4:18“Remember my chains.”Colossians 1:1-121 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit. 9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.Acts 9:1-61 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”Ephesians 2:8-98 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.Psalm 119:105105 Your word is a lamp to my feetAnd a light to my path.Colossians 3:1515 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.Philippians 4:6-76 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

February 8, 2026 | Chris Cook

Many people are searching for answers to questions like:How do I heal a broken relationship?How do I forgive someone who hurt me?What does the Bible say about reconciliation?How do I trust again after betrayal?In this message, Pastor Jason teaches from the book of Philemon how God restores broken relationships through forgiveness, grace, and love. This sermon shows how the gospel heals emotional wounds, rebuilds trust, and brings reconciliation even after deep betrayal.The Bible teaches that relationships are not healed by pretending nothing happened — they are healed when someone is willing to absorb the cost of forgiveness. In Philemon 18, Paul offers to pay Onesimus' debt so reconciliation can happen. This is a picture of what Jesus did for us and how healing begins in every relationship.This sermon explains how God works through different types of people in our lives:Those who hurt usThose who walk awayThose who stay faithfulAnd those who help bring healing through prayerYou will learn how to let go of bitterness, open your heart again, and allow God to mend what has been broken by people.If you are dealing with broken friendships, marriage conflict, church hurt, or emotional pain from betrayal, this message will help you understand what the Bible says about forgiveness, reconciliation, and healthy relationships.Scripture ReferencesPhilemon 8–9 – Authority that appeals in lovePhilemon 16–18 – Reconciliation and substitutionActs 13:13; 15:38 – Mark's failure2 Timothy 4:11 – Mark's restoration & Luke's faithfulnessActs 19:29; 27:2 – Aristarchus' loyaltyColossians 4:10–14 – Kingdom friendships2 Timothy 4:10 – Demas' departureColossians 4:12 – Epaphras' intercessionWhat You'll LearnWhy reconciliation always costs someone somethingHow grace makes room for restored relationshipsHow to recognize covenant friendships vs. seasonal onesHow to heal after betrayal without closing your heartWhy prayer-warriors matter more than you thinkABOUT GTWY CHURCH:Wherever you are in life, God has a purpose and a good plan for you. GTWY Church wants to help you steward your relationship with God and our hope is that your journey will include being a part of what God is doing here by attending locally or visiting us globally online at https://gtwychurch.com. GTWY Church, founded in 1939 and near the heart of Middle-Tennessee, has experienced revival in the last 11 years which has fueled explosive growth taking their church from around 50 members to over 1200 weekly attendees. GTWY Church is home to Madison Street Worship, a worship ministry that is making a spiritual impact in souls all around the world. Learn more about Madison Street Worship at https://bio.site/madisonstreetworship.CONNECT WITH GTWY CHURCH:

Colossians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to a church he had never visited. The church in Colossae was planted by a disciple of Paul named Epaphras. Paul is writing this letter to introduce himself and correct a problem(s) in the church at Colossae. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

A man in chains asks for one thing: an open door for the word. From that surprising request, we follow Paul's greeting to the Colossians into a sweeping vision that can reframe a whole week. We talk candidly about why trying to “be more patient” on a Tuesday often runs on fumes, how starting with the supremacy of Christ changes our reserves, and why hope laid up in heaven becomes fuel for faith and love on the ground.We set the scene in Colossae: a church likely planted through Epaphras, growing but pressured by Gnostic whispers of “secret knowledge” and the lure of legalism. Those old currents have modern twins—spiritual shortcuts and algorithmic certainties that promise answers without wisdom. Against that, Paul centers us on Jesus: supreme over all, sufficient for us, and the true head of the church. From there, we explore calling beyond church walls. Whether you're a teacher, engineer, parent, or retiree, your daily work can be received as God's assignment to serve. Scripture threads this theme—from Joseph and Moses to Esther and Jeremiah—reminding us our placement isn't momentum or accident, but sovereign timing.Grace runs through everything. We unpack five streams—common, special, justifying, sanctifying, and persevering—and how they reshape ordinary choices. We also get practical: praying with coworkers, interceding for churches we pass, and remembering persecuted believers by name even when we can't pronounce them. Finally, we linger over Paul's triad: faith grows as we look back at God's works, hope grows as we look forward to Christ's future, and love grows as we look around at what God is doing today. The simple question remains: where do you forget to look—and how might hope refuel your faith and love this week? If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.