Podcasts about in colossians

Most people spend their lives trying to improve themselves externally, better habits, better discipline, better routines. But Christianity is not behavior modification. In Colossians 3:1–4, Paul reminds us that the Christian life begins with a funeral and a resurrection. In this message, we explore what it means to set our minds on things above, find our identity in Christ, and live like people who have truly been raised with Him. What fills your mind shapes your life, and when Christ becomes your life, everything changes.5.31.26 - Message 12

As a Jesus Follower, the Greatest Witness for the Gospel that You Can Give Is for Others to See Jesus IN You MESSAGE SUMMARY: We live in a hurting world, but God wants more for you. You need to live as a Jesus Follower in whatever you do – at home; in your job; in the way that you drive; and in the way that you treat your friends. To achieve God's desire for your life, you must stay in fellowship and communion with God; and you must let God work in your life. In Colossians 3:17, Paul challenges us: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”. If you live your life, in all places and situations, in the name of Jesus, you will live a better life in our hurting world. As Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.". Remember, the greatest witness for the Gospel, as a follower of Jesus, that you can give is for others to see Jesus in you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Colossians 3:16-17; Matthew 21:21-22; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalms 43:1-5. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Our Awesome God -- Part 2: Trinity; Our Father” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

The Christian life flows from identity, not toward it. In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul reminds believers that they are chosen, holy, and beloved before commanding them to put on five Christ-like virtues: compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These virtues work themselves out practically through bearing with one another and forgiving each other. Love binds all these characteristics together in perfect harmony. This transformation happens in community with other believers, not in isolation, as we live out our new identity in Christ rather than trying to become better versions of ourselves.

I was teaching at a national seminar on how to communicate an unchanging Christ in our rapidly changing culture. Well, at the end of a session, a pastor from Kentucky came up to tell me his story he thought really illustrated some of what I had been saying. He said, "When I was a young man, we used to have some big tent revivals in my community. Each night an invitation was given for folks to come forward if they wanted to be, well as this country preacher would always say, 'borned again.'" The pastor went on to describe how some of the deacons would actually go out into the audience and go row-to-row, and shall we say they were "encouraging" folks to make that choice. Near the back, one of the deacons came to a young man who gave him an honest and memorable response. The deacon said, "Son, do you want to be borned again?" To which the boy said, "No." The deacon pressed the point, "Why don't you want to be borned again?" The young man answered in all seriousness, "Cause I'm afraid this time I'd come out as a girl!" I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Lost In Our Language." Okay, first we can laugh at what that boy said. Then, when we're done laughing, let's think about what we can learn from a response like that. The preacher used words that the preacher understood, but apparently not everyone who was listening understood. It's a classic example of the problem with a language called "Christianese." It's the language we church folks speak without even thinking, and the language that folks who desperately need our message don't begin to understand. Many of our "Christianese" words are good Bible words, but words that a lot of lost people around us just don't know. For just a moment, try to "think lost." Think to think like a lost person. Think what a person without the context of a Christian environment hears when we say words like "accept" or "receive Christ as your personal Savior." We receive packages today, not people, and when we accept someone, we treat them right. When you try to hear what a lost person hears, words like "salvation" and "saved" and "become a Christian" are either not understood or they're vastly misunderstood. Oh, and "born again." In a world without absolutes, the word "sin" has become a word without meaning to many people, as much as the word "believe." Most people would probably say "yes" if you asked them if they believe in Jesus. And you'll know that they don't mean what the Bible means when it says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." Even the word "Savior" is not one that people use much today. They're great words, but the people who need Jesus the most have no idea what they mean or have the wrong idea. That's what makes our word for today from the Word of God such a mission critical prayer for any of us who know people that we want to take to heaven with us. In Colossians 4:3-4, listen to Paul, "Pray for us that God may open a door for our message...Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should." It's not enough to just transmit the Good News about Jesus. No, like good missionaries, we need to ask God to help us translate it into non-religious words that lost people can understand. If a man came running into the room you're in, shouting in say Swahili, "The room is on fire! Evacuate immediately!" you'd probably go, "Well, he sounds sincere; I think he has something important to say." But you'd have no idea what he was saying, because it wasn't in words you could understand. It's not in your language, and you might die as a result. And that's no matter how important the message and no matter how sincere the messenger. The spiritually dying people around us hear us Christians announcing our all-important life-or-death message, often in words they don't understand. Yes, the gospel's life-or-death information that literally eternities depend on. So, we can't afford for them to get lost in our language, or they might be lost forever.

Once your soul tastes Heaven, Earth will never fully satisfy again. In Colossians 3, believers are called to “set your hearts on things above” because Jesus is coming again in glory, and that future reality changes how we live right now. Jesus came giving humanity a taste of the world as God intended it to be. Every miracle was Heaven leaking into Earth. Every healing was Christ declaring war against the curse. And because we belong to that coming Kingdom, Paul says sin should begin tasting bitter to us. The old self no longer fits who we are becoming. This message is about learning to put the old life to death, fixing our hearts on Jesus, and becoming people who carry the culture of Heaven into a broken world.

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

In Colossians 3:5–11, Paul calls believers to put sin to death, put away the old life, and live from their new identity in Christ.This is not a call to earn God's acceptance through better behavior. It is a call to gospel-shaped holiness: because believers have died and been raised with Christ, sin no longer has the right to rule them.In this message, Pastor Eric Echols explains how Paul confronts both the hidden sins of disordered desire and the relational sins that poison homes and churches—anger, slander, corrupt speech, and lying. The passage ultimately points us to the hope of renewal in Christ, who not only forgives sin's guilt but breaks sin's dominion and forms a new people in Himself.

What do you really believe about Jesus? In Colossians, Paul reminds the church that the gospel is Jesus plus nothing. Jesus is not simply one part of the Christian life. He is supreme over all creation, the one who rescued us, the one who defines our identity, and the one who holds all things together. Pastor Rich teaches that we often treat faith like a buffet, choosing the parts we want while leaving surrender, patience, generosity, forgiveness, and obedience behind. But if Jesus is truly enough, then every area of life belongs to Him. This message will help you ask whether Jesus is the foundation you are building on, or decoration you add to make life look better. Speaker: Rich Greene Series: Jesus + Nothing, Week 1 Message: Jesus Plus Nothing Date: May 17, 2026 Scriptures referenced: Colossians 1:3-6, Colossians 1:9-10, Colossians 1:13-23, Colossians 3:17 Next steps, prayer, and connection: https://bit.ly/m/lifechurchia Website: https://www.lifechurchnow.org/ Give: https://www.lifechurchnow.org/give

In Colossians 3:1–4, Paul shows us that the Christian life is lived from our union with the risen, reigning, and returning Christ. Before he tells believers what to put to death, he reminds them who they are in Christ: raised with Him, hidden with Him, and destined to appear with Him in glory.This sermon explores what it means to seek the things above, set our minds where Christ reigns, and stop treating earthly things as ultimate things. Work, family, comfort, control, and approval may all be good gifts, but none of them can bear the weight of our souls. Only Christ can.Because Christ is your life, Christ must govern your life.In this sermon, we consider:What it means to be raised with ChristWhy does Paul call believers to seek and set their minds on things aboveHow our life is hidden with Christ in GodWhy future glory gives strength for present faithfulnessHow Christ frees us from moralism, passivity, and misplaced identityIf you feel worn down by performance, anxious about the future, stuck in sin, discouraged by weakness, or tempted to build your identity on something that cannot last, Colossians 3:1–4 gives deep gospel comfort and a clear call to look again to Christ.

Church is a place of suffering, service, and toil. Paul doesn't downplay this reality. In Colossians 1:24-29, he leans into it, describing clearly the cost of his commitment to the church of Jesus. But he also shows us the glory. If you're a person who's getting burned out on church, or even considering giving up church altogether due to discouragement, or hurt, or whatever - this is the passage for you. Because in this passage we see the motivation to stay committed to church even when it's hard. Not because the church is so great, but because Jesus is, and he's the one who suffers, and serves, and toils for us.

We're so glad you're joining us for The New Man, the New Life, and the New Home.In Colossians 3, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the supremacy of Christ is not just a doctrine to believe but a reality that renews every part of life. Because we have been raised with Christ, the old life can no longer define our desires, our words, our relationships, or our homes.This message calls us to put sin to death, put on the character of Christ, and let His lordship reshape even the hidden places of our lives. The old man has to die, the new life has to be worn, and the home has to come under Christ—because Christ is the mark. 

In Colossians 3:1–3, we're reminded that life with Jesus isn't about lowering ourselves into survival mode—it's about being raised to a higher level of living. Every verse points upward, calling us to shift our focus, our mindset, and our pursuit toward things above. Too often, we settle for what we can understand, living beneath the fullness Christ already secured for us—not just in eternity, but right here and now. If what we're following is leading us to a lower level, it's not Jesus. He didn't give His life so we could live stuck—He gave it so we could live fully alive. This message challenges you to stop bringing God's calling down to your comfort level and instead rise to the life He intended. It's time to go above and live truly Built Different.

The health of the soil a plant is rooted in can determine the fullness of life the plant lives out. Sometimes, that means uprooting a plant from bad soil, and repotting it into good soil. We, as followers of Jesus, must also be uprooted from our worldly desires and mindset, and be re-rooted in a Kingdom reality in which we are renewed, living out the work Christ has already done in us. In Colossians 3:1-11, Paul unpacks three stages of this journey.

There's one clear theme for today's section in the Colossians: the unrivaled supremacy of Jesus. In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul shows how Jesus is Lord of Creation and New Creation and everything in between. But this isn't just abstract theology. It's exultation. It's poetry. And Paul's hope is that by seeing the glory of Jesus, we'll be spurred on to deeper devotion and abiding joy as we look forward to the day when Jesus himself will make all things new.

Monday April 27, 2026IV Week After EasterToday's episode contrasts false worship with transformed living and the upside-down values of God's kingdom.In Exodus 32:1–20, while Moses is on the mountain, the people turn to a golden calf, exchanging the glory of God for something they can control. Their impatience leads to idolatry, and the result is both judgment and grief. It's a sobering reminder of how quickly hearts can drift when trust in God is replaced with the desire for visible substitutes.In Colossians 3:18–4:18, Paul brings faith into everyday life—marriages, families, and work. He calls believers to live under the lordship of Christ in every relationship, with integrity, humility, and purpose. Whatever we do, we do it for the Lord, reflecting a transformed life that flows from belonging to Him.Finally, in Matthew 5:1–10, Jesus Christ describes the kind of people who are truly blessed—the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart. These Beatitudes reveal a kingdom that values what the world often overlooks, promising that those who live this way will experience the fullness of God's favor.Together, these passages remind us: we must guard against idols that pull our hearts away, live out our faith in every area of life, and embrace the character of Christ as citizens of His kingdom.

What if the reason we're not sharing the gospel… is because we're not praying for the opportunity? In Colossians 4 and Ephesians 6, Paul—one of the boldest voices for the gospel—asks for prayer. Not for comfort, but for open doors and the ability to speak when those doors appear. In this message, we see three powerful ways we should be praying: for opportunity, for ability, and for a deeper passion for people who need Jesus. God still opens doors. The question is—will we walk through them?

What does the flourishing Christian life look like? And where does it come from? In Colossians 1:9-14, we get to hear Paul's prayer for the Christian community in Colossae. Along the way, we'll get some healthy reorientation regarding what "our best life" looks like and discover how the basis of our ongoing wellbeing is found in knowing God.

Thursday, April 23, 2026III Week After EasterToday's episode calls us to obedience, rootedness, and victory in the face of temptation.In Exodus 20:1–21, God gives the Ten Commandments, revealing His holy standard and His desire for a people who live in right relationship with Him and with one another. The scene is filled with awe and trembling, reminding us that these commands are not rules—they are a reflection of God's character and a pathway to life under His authority.In Colossians 1:24–2:7, Paul speaks of his labor and suffering to present believers mature in Christ. He urges the church to be rooted and built up in Jesus, established in the faith, and overflowing with gratitude. The Christian life isn't shallow—it's deeply grounded in the mystery of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Finally, in Matthew 4:1–11, Jesus Christ faces temptation in the wilderness and overcomes it through unwavering trust in God's Word. Where others have failed, He stands firm—showing us that victory over temptation comes through dependence on God, not self-reliance.Together, these passages remind us: God calls us to live by His truth, to be deeply rooted in Christ, and to stand firm against temptation with the strength that comes from His Word.

Wednesday April 22, 2026III Week After EasterToday's episode draws our attention to the holiness of God, the supremacy of Christ, and the affirmation of His mission. And a brief explanation of the difference between the Catholic and the Protestant Bible.In **Exodus 19:16–25**, God descends on Mount Sinai in thunder, lightning, fire, and smoke. The mountain trembles, boundaries are set, and the people are warned not to approach casually. It's a powerful reminder that God is not only near—He is holy, and His presence demands reverence and awe.In **Colossians 1:15–23**, Paul lifts our eyes to the greatness of Jesus. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and the One through whom and for whom all things were made. He holds everything together and stands as the head of the church. Through His death, He reconciles us to God, making peace and presenting us holy and blameless.Finally, in **Matthew 3:13–17**, Jesus Christ is baptized, and heaven responds. The Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father's voice declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” It is a moment of divine affirmation, launching Jesus into His public ministry.Together, these passages remind us: God is holy and worthy of reverence, Jesus is supreme over all creation and our Savior, and in Him we see the fullness of God's plan revealed and affirmed.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026III Week After EasterToday's episode centers on preparation, identity, and bearing fruit that matches a transformed life.In Exodus 19:1–16, Israel arrives at Mount Sinai, where God calls them into a covenant relationship. They are set apart as His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. But before encountering His presence, they must consecrate themselves—because approaching a holy God requires reverence, readiness, and obedience.In Colossians 1:1–14, Paul gives thanks for believers who are marked by faith, love, and hope. He prays for their continued growth—that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, and bear fruit in every good work. It's a picture of a life shaped by grace and moving steadily toward spiritual maturity.Finally, in Matthew 3:7–12, John the Baptist confronts empty religion with a sharp call to true repentance. It's not enough to claim spiritual heritage—real change is seen in the fruit of one's life. With urgency, he points ahead to the coming One who will bring both salvation and judgment.Together, these passages remind us: we are called to be set apart for God, to grow into lives that bear lasting fruit, and to respond to Him with genuine repentance that prepares us for His presence.

Because Jesus is alive, our future is not just something we wait for, but it determines our identity and launches us into a gospel-shaped community. In Colossians 3, Paul explains how our new identity shapes a new community that displays the glory of God. Today, we will consider our individual role in growing with God's people within the context of the local Church.

In Colossians 1:21-22 we are told that when we are born again God sees us as “holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Can that really be true?  Holy and blameless???

Because Jesus is alive, our future is not just something we wait for, but it determines our identityand begins to shape how we live today. In Colossians 3, we are reminded that we have been raisedwith Christ and called to live in light of that new reality. We will explore what it means to put off theold life and put on what is now true of us in Him.

How can God love rebels like us? In Colossians 1:21-23, Pastor Joe shows how we can be reconciled and transformed through the work of Jesus.

A Sermon for Easter Day Colossians 3:1-4 & St. John 20:1-10 by William Klock On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb in the early morning darkness… John is a brilliant story-teller and he's a brilliant story-teller because he knew the story so well.  Not just the story he tells of his time with Jesus, but the whole story, the big story of God and Israel—a story that leads straight to Jesus.  But, even more, John knew that the story of God and Israel was even bigger.  It was part of a story that involves the whole human race and all of creation.  And so there are echoes here in his Gospel—deliberate echoes—that recall that big story, of Israel and Israel's God, of his beloved creation that our fallen race has corrupted, and the story of his love, his mercy, and his grace that are at work to set it to rights. So Mary went to the tomb early Sunday morning, while it was still dark.  Jesus had been crucified on Friday.  He was dead.  End of story.  Jerusalem was ready to carry on with life as usual.  If they'd had water coolers in the First Century, the events of that Passover might have been the topic of discussion that first day back to work.  Some weird things had happened: the veil in the temple torn, the dead rising from their tombs and appearing in the city.  But it was over.  Or so everyone thought.  But while Jerusalem slept, Mary went to the tomb.  John writes specifically that it was the first day of the week.  He didn't need to tell us that.  Jesus' body wasn't placed in the tomb until late on Friday.  Saturday, well, that was the sabbath.  No one would go to the tomb on the sabbath.  So we know already that it was the first day of the week, Sunday.  But John tells us anyway and he tells us in such a way to remind us of the opening words of his Gospel: “In the beginning…”  You know those words.  “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.” But when John wrote those words, he chose them very carefully, because in introducing Jesus, he wanted to remind us of another beginning.  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”.  He tells us that Mary came to the tomb while it was still dark.  Again, remember the first words of Genesis, the very beginning of the story: “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.”  As John opened his Gospel with words suggesting that the story of Jesus is going to be a story of new creation, so even as he tells us about Jesus' resurrection, he again frames it in terms of new creation, filling his story with echoes of Genesis.  John writes that the word became flesh and dwelt among us.  On the sixth day, Pilate presented Jesus to the people and announced, “Behold the man!”  Hanging on the cross, Jesus used his last gasp of breath to declare, “It is finished.”  Again, an echo of Genesis.  Any normal person who counted himself a friend of Jesus would have considered that first Good Friday a very, very bad day, but that echo from Genesis reverberates through John's account.  When God had finished the work of creation he declared that it was all very good.  Jesus was laid to rest in the tomb for the sabbath—another echo of Genesis.  Death is not the end, but the beginning of new creation.  As Mary went to the tomb that first Easter morning, the first day of the week, the word of God was poised to burst forth in an act of new creation. At the time no one understood any of this.  Mary went to the tomb expecting that, like every other person in history who has died, Jesus would still be there, stone cold and lifeless.  She went to mourn and to meet her friends to finish the work of anointing Jesus' body.  And to her surprise, she found the tomb was open, the great stone door rolled away.  It was dark, so there was no point poking inside for a look.  But that didn't matter.  The open tomb meant only one thing: Jesus' body was gone.  John doesn't reveal Mary's thoughts, but resurrection would have been the last thing on her mind.  No, the open tomb meant someone had taken the body, maybe grave robbers, maybe Roman soldiers playing a joke on some silly Jews, adding insult to injury.  So she ran.  She ran to Peter's hiding place in the city and beat on the door.  Peter went running with John to the tomb.  John's the one who describes himself as the one whom Jesus loved—his best friend. John tells us that he outran Peter and got to the tomb first.  The sun was rising and as he peered into the tomb he saw the linen strips that had wrapped Jesus' body.  That was an odd thing.  Mary, John, and Peter could think of a few reasons why someone might have taken Jesus' body, but that anyone would first unwrap him was inexplicable.  Peter arrived and headed straight into the tomb.  If Jesus' tomb was like others that have been found, his body was likely placed on a shelf to one side of the small, low entrance.  If his head had been oriented towards the door, it would have been difficult to see without at least putting head and shoulders into the tomb as Peter did.  And what a curious thing Peter found.  Not only was the body gone with the wrappings left behind, but the wrappings appeared to be undisturbed, as if Jesus had simply passed right through them.  And the cloth that had been on his head, probably a piece of linen tied around the head to keep the jaw closed, it had been moved and neatly placed nearby. For comparison, it hadn't been that long before that Jesus had raised Lazarus from death.  The disciples had watched as Lazarus stumbled awkwardly out of his tomb.  He was still tightly wrapped in linen, probably not unlike a Hollywood mummy.  His friends scrambled to tear the linen cloths away, making a mess in the process.  Lazarus was all sticky and oily from the various liquids used to anoint his dead body.  In contrast, everything about Jesus' tomb spoke of calm and order, even the face covering was neatly set aside. John tells us that at this point he squeezed into the tomb beside Peter.  He saw and believed, he writes.  But believed what?  John goes on to tell us in the next verse that “as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.”  They did not yet understand, but he believed.  Some argue that John merely believed Mary's report of the missing body, but this seems like a pretty trite detail in amongst everything else John has told us here.  Peter and Mary believed Jesus' body was really gone, too.  What would seem to make the best sense of this passage is to understand that John is saying that this was the moment when he realised that Jesus had been raised from death.  He said nothing to Peter or to Mary.  He and Peter returned home.  Mary remained at the tomb weeping.  They, the others, didn't know what to make of the missing body, because they did not yet understand the implication of either Jesus' claims or of the scriptures.  But John was beginning to put two and two together—and he believed. You can't really blame John for not saying anything.  He, himself, must have been struggling to understand and to make sense of it all.  But there it was.  The tomb was empty.  I expect John ran through the handful of reasons that the body might be gone and realised that none of them really made that much sense.  The Romans had no reason to take it.  Neither did the Jewish authorities—especially after they'd released Jesus' body to his friends for burial.  Grave robbers?  What would they want with a poor man's grave?  And the empty, but undisturbed linens?  Who in their right mind would unwrap the body?  Suddenly all the things Jesus had said, things like his statement that he would tear down the temple and rebuild it in three days, it started to come together and to make sense.  John's brain started reaching back into the scriptures that he thought he knew so well, and new connections started to form.  He started hearing those old words afresh in light of Jesus—and especially the empty tomb.  And he began to understand. I think that, again, the contrast with Lazarus must have stood out.  John had seen a sort of resurrection before, but Lazarus was resurrected to a life still subject to death and decay and emerged from the tomb still wrapped in his graveclothes.  Something different had happened to Jesus.  The undisturbed graveclothes spoke of something greater.  Resurrection—something God's people longed for—had happened, but not as anyone expected.  Resurrection was supposed to happen to everyone all at once at the end of the age, but—what if, John started to think—Jesus was raised first—raised to inaugurate and to lead the way into the age to come.  And that meant that Jesus really was the Messiah and that somehow this meant that God really was going to set everything to rights.  New creation had begun that morning, but it would take some time—and a meeting with the risen Jesus—before John would be able to sort out for himself what it all meant. But if new creation was born that morning, it also had to have implications not only for Jesus, but for his people too.  John doesn't elaborate at this point.  The wheels in his head, after all, were just starting to turn.  But that's where St. Paul and our Epistle pick up, written decades later after he and so many other had had the time to think it through and work it out—rethinking everything they'd ever known in light of the risen Jesus.  Let me read those four verses from Colossians again.  Colossians 3:1-4. [Page 1169]   So if you were raised to life with the Messiah, seek the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at God's right hand.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.  Don't you see: You have died, and your life has been hidden with the Messiah, in God!  When the Messiah is revealed (who is your life, remember), then you too will be revealed with him in glory.   What are the implications of the resurrection of Jesus for his people?  St. Paul wrote Colossians, at least in part, to address what seems to have been a common problem in the New Testament churches: legalism.  Jewish Christians struggled with the place of the law in the new covenant and many gentile believers were told that they needed first to embrace a form of Judaism before they could really be followers of Jesus.  In Colossians 2:20-23 Paul asks such people why they continue to live as if they were still enslaved by that old way of life.  Sure, the law has “an appearance of wisdom” in helping a person to attain an outward appearance of piety and holiness, but that's just it: it's an outward appearance, an outward conformity to holiness.  It's not that this is necessarily a bad thing in itself, but that true holiness is something that wells up out of the heart—or, at least, it should.  It's not hard to hear Paul's frustration in these words.  Jewish converts should know better.  This had been Israel's struggle since the beginning and Jesus, in his death and resurrection, had finally fixed it.  Jesus gives his people new life by giving us new hearts.  His perfect sacrifice purifies us so fully—also in a way the old covenant sacrifices could never do—that God himself, in the person of his Spirit, actually come to live in us.  And his Spirit then turns our hearts away from sin and self and rebellion and back to God.  But it's easy to talk about the new life Jesus and the Spirit give.  It's often a struggle to actually live it.  New life is the starting point when it comes to defeating sin, but all too often we forget and start thinking that new life is the result of first having tackled sin ourselves.  Paul knew all too well that's not how the gospel works. Brothers and Sisters, Jesus has led us in an exodus from sin and death.  In his resurrection he has given us new life.  We are no longer slaves.  This is the basic truth of the Christian life and if we don't get this right, we'll get everything else wrong.  As the Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt through the sea and freed them from their bondage to Pharaoh, Jesus sets us free from sin's bondage when we pass through the waters of baptism in faith.  It's a truth.  A fact.  A done deal.  We have been redeemed.  Even if we don't feel it, Jesus and the Spirit have transformed us: we were slaves to sin and death and now we are free; we were in bondage to the powers of this wicked old age and are now citizens of the kingdom of God.  This is what we mean when we speak of “regeneration”.  This is what Paul gets at in our Epistle.  He writes in 2:20 that we have died with the Messiah and now he writes in 3:1 that we have also been raised with the Messiah.  Again, we may not feel it, but if we have truly taken hold of Jesus in faith, he has carried us through death and out the other side into a new kind of life.  What he did for the Israelites when he delivered them from their Egyptian slavery through the waters of the Red Sea he has just as surely done for us in delivering us from sin and death through the waters of baptism.  It's a done deal.  It's a sure thing. And yet, there's more to come.  What we have today in the Spirit is the down payment of the life that awaits us the other side of resurrection.  What Paul is saying here is one of those “already-but-no-yet” truths.  Jesus has been raised to the sort of real life and true humanity that we lost through our sin.  We look forward in faith and hope to the day when we will be raised as he was, but in the meantime we have God's own Spirit living in us as an earnest, as a down payment, as a promise on that day.  We await the resurrection, but even today the Spirit makes that future resurrection a reality for us.  Maybe this is what makes life in Jesus a struggle.  If we could appear in locked rooms and never know sickness or decay again—as is true of Jesus—it would be easier to remember who and what we are.  Instead, we are called today to live by faith, not by sight.  One day the promise will be fulfilled.  One day the things of the present age will be gone for good and God's new age, his new creation will come in all its fulness, heaven will descend to earth and human beings will live with God.  But until then we have God's promise and we have his Spirit and we have the empty tomb to remind us that our hope is sure and certain. And so we begin with first principles: If we have died with the Messiah, we have been raised with the Messiah.  We need to get this truth into our heads and when we do, we'll remember that our life and everything about it that matters, is in the heavenlies where Jesus sits at the right hand of God.  Our true lives are hidden there with Jesus, Paul says.  It's a kind of mystery, this “already-but-not-yet” life we have in the Messiah.  But even though it's stored away in the heavenlies along with the rest of the age to come and God's new world, Paul wants us to understand that it's still very much who and what we are right now.  The new age dawned that first Easter morning when Jesus rose triumphant over death and if we are in him by faith, we really are part of that new age.  It may be hidden from the world around us, but it's not hidden from us, because Jesus and the Spirit have made it our reality.  We live today in faith-filled hope and in hope-filled anticipation of the day when Jesus returns to rejoin heaven and earth, God and humanity, and to bring the new age in all its fullness.  And as difficult as it may be some days to live this reality, Paul urges us to do so in faith-filled hope, knowing that Jesus, who is our life, will return to finish what he has started.  On that day we will know glory in all its fullness.  Our hope is not merely that Jesus will return, but also that when he returns he will reveal who we really are in him.  Resurrection will vindicate and reveal the faithfulness of God's people, just as Jesus was vindicated and glorified in his resurrection.  As we struggle against sin and as we labour for God's kingdom we may feel inadequate or insignificant, but the resurrection of Jesus ought to be a source of encouragement to live the truth of who we are in Jesus even as some aspects of it are still hidden with him. Now, back to our Gospel: St. John reminds us of those words “In the beginning…”  The story has begun.  Now we wait for the end.  But we await the ending in hopeful anticipation, because what our God has begun, what our God has so invested with his love and with the sacrifice of his own Son, our God will surely finish.  Brothers and Sisters, glory awaits.  Let us take our eyes off the things of this age, and set them instead on glories of Jesus' kingdom.  Let us live out God's new creation in the midst of the old.  Let us live not only to the glory of God, but to make his glory known through all the earth.   Let's pray: Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant us by your grace to set our minds on things above; that by your continual help our lives may be transformed; through the same, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Worship isn't just something we do on Sundays, it's how we live every part of our lives. In Colossians 3:18–4:6, Paul shows that when Jesus changes your heart, it shows up in your home, your work, and how you treat people in the world. Real worship looks like honoring Christ in your private life, working like you ultimately answer to Him, and being ready to share the gospel with others.Make your private life worship for JesusMake your professional life worship for Jesus (work for your boss' boss)Make your public life worship for Jesus Life Group Discussion:In what ways is it easiest for your faith to slip in your private life (home, roommates, family, dating, etc.)? Why do you think that is?What challenges make it hard to honor Christ in your workplace or school environment?Can you think of a recent moment where you felt an opportunity to talk about faith but hesitated? What held you back?

Worship isn't just something we do on Sundays, it's how we live every part of our lives. In Colossians 3:18–4:6, Paul shows that when Jesus changes your heart, it shows up in your home, your work, and how you treat people in the world. Real worship looks like honoring Christ in your private life, working like you ultimately answer to Him, and being ready to share the gospel with others.Make your private life worship for JesusMake your professional life worship for Jesus (work for your boss' boss)Make your public life worship for Jesus Life Group Discussion:In what ways is it easiest for your faith to slip in your private life (home, roommates, family, dating, etc.)? Why do you think that is?What challenges make it hard to honor Christ in your workplace or school environment?Can you think of a recent moment where you felt an opportunity to talk about faith but hesitated? What held you back?

You can be close to Jesus—and still miss Him. On Palm Sunday, the crowd praised a King they didn't fully understand. In Colossians, Paul shows us who Jesus really is: supreme, sufficient, and worthy of everything. This message explores what happens when Christ is truly preeminent in your life—and challenges you to answer the question Jesus still asks today: Who do you say that I am?

It's Thursday, March 26th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Christian ministries to send millions of Bibles into Iran Christian ministries are gearing up to send millions of Bibles into Iran.  The country's Islamic regime persecutes Christians for sharing their faith or even privately owning a Bible. However, Bible smuggling teams are praying for new doors to open despite the war. Dirk Smith, Vice President at Eastern European Mission, spoke to CBN News. He compared this moment in Iran to the opportunity right before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989. Listen. SMITH: “Our prayer is that we're prepared. We're ready to go. And that was what happened when the wall came down in 89 the opportunity came, and when we pray, God will open those doors. That's what happened when the wall came down with the Soviet Union, we were able to walk in and distribute hundreds of thousands  of Bibles.” In Colossians 4:2-3, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.” Iran rejected peace deal with America Iran rejected a peace plan from the United States yesterday to pause the war in the Middle East. The conflict began nearly a month ago when the U.S. and Israel carried out strikes on the country. The Associated Press reports the death toll has reached over 1,500 people in Iran, over 1,000 in Lebanon, 16 in Israel, and 13 U.S. military members.  The U.S. is sending more troops to the region in what could become a ground assault.  U.S. Supreme Court rules for Mississippi street preacher In the United States, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a street preacher last Friday. Gabriel Olivier is an evangelical Christian who desires to share his faith with others. OLIVIER: “I was arrested outside of a concert amphitheater arena for preaching the Gospel on a public sidewalk.” However, the City of Brandon, Mississippi passed an ordinance to effectively silence his evangelism. Sadly, lower courts sided with the city. He even faced arrest under the ordinance.  The Supreme Court's ruling now allows Olivier to go back to trial in the lower courts to challenge the city ordinance.  He celebrated the ruling. OLIVIER: “The Supreme Court has ruled unanimously, 9-0 in our favor. And I just wanted to say thank you to first and foremost, the Lord, for answering our prayers. I also thank you for First Liberty, for representing me, helping me along the way, and doing such a great job. Thank you to all those who support First Liberty with your donations. That is a wonderful contribution to help the case of religious freedom here in our nation.” He added, "Now all people with deeply held Christian religious beliefs who are called to share the Good News can do so in the public arena.” Psalm 119:46 says, “I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.” Late-term abortionist Kermit Gosnell, who killed born babies, died The infamous abortionist Kermit Gosnell  died at a hospital earlier this month, according to prison officials in Pennsylvania. He was 85. Gosnell was serving three life sentences for killing three babies -- after they were born alive. Shockingly, after complete delivery, Gosnell would jab scissors into the back of a baby's neck and then cut the baby's spinal cord. Gosnell called the killing of these children “snipping.”  Steven Massof, a former Gosnell employee, said the so-called “snipping” is really “like a beheading,” reported the Baptist Press. Gosnell likely killed thousands of babies in this manner. Not surprisingly, his abortion mill became known as the “House of Horrors.” Listen to a portion of the trailer to the 2018 movie called “Gosnell: The Trial of America's Biggest Serial Killer.” POLICEMAN 1: “Philadelphia Police Department: We have a search warrant.” POLICEMAN 2: “What is that smell?” POLICEMAN 3: “Man, you got to see this.” DETECTIVE JAMES WOOD:  “I've never been in an abortion clinic before. So far, we've found over 30 of them. [aborted babies in the abortion mill]. A healthy woman goes into a clinic, comes out dead, and there's no police report?” COURT OFFICIAL: “Prosecution has offered you a plea bargain, Dr Gosnell.” GOSNELL: “Then I would have to admit I was guilty. I'm not guilty!” PROESECUTOR: “When was the last time your division inspected Dr. Gosnell's [abortion] clinic?” INSPECTOR: “We had instructions, directly from [Republican] Governor [Tom] Ridge's office, not to inspect.” NURSE LEXY McGUIRE: “Nothing that man did protects women or children. And you don't have to be a pro-life activist to see that.” DISTRICT ATTORNEY DAN MOLINARI: “Kermit Gosnell is perhaps the most prolific serial killer in American history. You better win!” Watch the trailer for the movie “Gosnell.” Proverbs 6:16-19 describes the seven things that God hates, including “hands that shed innocent blood.” Maria Gallagher, executive director of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, told LifeNews, “We continue to grieve the loss of the babies and women who fell victim to Gosnell's violent crime spree. And we hold out hope that the lessons learned from Gosnell's reign of terror will not be forgotten.” Democrats won special election in Florida Democrats won a special election on Tuesday in South Florida. Democrat Emily Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples to win the state House District 87 seat. She won by only 800 votes or about two percentage points.  The district is home to President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence.  The Associated Press reports, “Gregory's victory is the latest example of how Democrats have flipped seats in a series of special elections that could be a sign of momentum in a midterm election year that will provide a political verdict on Trump's second term.” Christians are weak on abortion, marriage and family And finally, Dr. George Barna released his latest report on the worldview of Americans. Notably, the majority of U.S. adults—ranging from 68% to 82%—lack Biblical alignment in essential areas of worldview beliefs and behaviors. This is even more common among younger generations.  The weakest worldview category for Americans, even committed Christians, is social issues such as marriage, family, and the sanctity of life. Dr. Barna noted, “Very few adults presently own a biblical worldview. But the survey also shows that with some commitment and very focused mentoring, millions of Americans could certainly develop a Biblical worldview.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, March 26th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In Colossians 3:12–17, we are reminded that Christ shapes not only what we believe but how we worship and live together. As the peace of Christ rules our hearts, the word of Christ fills our lives, and the song of Christ rises from grateful hearts, our worship becomes a powerful encouragement to one another. Join us as pastor Jared asks the question, “Who taught you to worship?”

Thank you for listening. 7 new countries added, new, thank you, returning, brave, and patient. I am humbled by that, too; I've got to figure out how to mention you without adding too much time to the podcast. We will, with God's help, figure it out. But for now:We begin each new season with brief reviews of our purpose. Today, we kick off our review with a modified quote, the quote that, it turns out, nobody said. “The price of knowledge is eternal review.” That is an accurate and helpful quote, I know, because I heard it! Our tagline. Growing, Biblical, Dynamic, Sincere, Soul-Satisfying, God-Glorifying Prayer Life.Growing, as in spiritual growth, all the writers of Scripture, John 15, Jesus calling the disciples His friends, is an example of their relationship growth, 1 Peter 2, he says grow, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 growth, is what the scriptures bring, the Hebrews talks of maturity, James 1, 1 John, children, young men, Fathers. We have grown in our conversation. Biblical, the family language, we'll talk about that soon. But we grow in vocabulary and content in our communication with God. Dynamic, real conversation is dynamic. The “Ultimate Lexicon” defines dynamic this way (anything that) “pertaining to processes, forces, or properties characterized by constant change, activity, or progress,” it added energetic.Jesus says, "Each day has enough trouble of its own; that alone will make our prayers dynamic."Sincere, God wants truth from us. Psalm 51:6 “Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom.” He wants us - not necessarily a script - unless it reveals our innermost being. Soul-satisfying, when I started the podcast, this was the one I spoke of least, thinking it too selfish or self-centered to be valid, but: Luther, Calvin, Knox, Perkins, a guy named Anthony Burgess, stuffy, exacting theologians one and all. Yet all raise the question of the validity of our affections or emotions fostered in prayer. How we are satisfied as we grow in intimacy with our God, through prayer, just remember, you, yes, you are called to pour out your heart to Him, and that is satisfying to our souls.Lastly, our communion: a growing, Biblical, dynamic, sincere, supernaturally soul-satisfying prayer life will be:God-glorifying, he is our adoptive dad who resides in heaven, the creation of which we are a part. We call out “abba Father,” He is the majestic I AM, the only one. He shares His glory with no one else. Our so What?And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. In Colossians 3:17, Paul adds, "Give glory to God” even as we eat or drink, in 1 Corinthians 10. How much more will our prayers result in, and give Him the glory due His name.“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen”1 Timothy 1:17Brethren, let's pray for one another."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more." Robert Murray M'Cheynee Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard.www.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008Episode 011

In Colossians 2, Paul confronts one of the most subtle dangers facing the church: the temptation to add something to Christ. Not blatant unbelief. Not outright denial. But supplementation. In this session of our Colossians: Rooted & Renewed study, we walk carefully through Colossians chapter 2 and uncover Paul's four urgent warnings: • Don't be deluded by persuasive speech • Don't be taken captive by hollow philosophy • Don't let anyone judge you by shadows • Don't be disqualified by false humility At the heart of Paul's argument is this unshakable truth: “For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him.” (Colossians 2:9–10) Christ is not one spiritual option among many. He is the fullness. And in Him, we are complete. In this message, we explore: What it means to be rooted and built up in Christ Why “Christ Jesus the Lord” is a strategically ordered title The connection between gratitude and spiritual stability The difference between maturity and religious “extras” Why self-made religion has no power against the flesh How Old Testament shadows point to Christ as the substance What it means that our record of debt was nailed to the cross How Christ triumphed over rulers and authorities Paul's concern was not that believers would abandon Jesus. It was that they would drift toward something that looked spiritual yet quietly relocated trust. That warning still matters today. We live in a world filled with persuasive voices, self-improvement systems, spiritual influencers, and religious performance. But fullness is not found in philosophy, discipline, experiences, or rules. If you have ever wondered: Am I missing something deeper? Do I need more than Christ to grow? Why do religious rules fail to transform the heart? How do I guard my faith in a culture of endless spiritual options?

The suffering we see, or personally experience, in this world can lead to numerous questions about God and our lives. In Colossians 1:24-25, Paul makes a statement that some have taken out of context, where they believe our sufferings are added to the work of Jesus; that is blatantly false. Jesus' work is complete, but that doesn't mean all suffering is removed from the world. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

In Colossians 4:2–6, Paul calls believers to devote themselves to prayer, live wisely, and let their conversations be full of grace. Even while in prison, Paul doesn't ask for relief—he asks for open doors to share the good news of Jesus.In this message from our Freely Given series, we explore:• How our identity in Christ shapes our words• Why generosity includes what we say• The difference between correction and curiosity• How to live as good news wherever we work, live, and playThe gospel changes more than our future, it transforms our present. When we remember who we are in Jesus, we begin to speak life instead of death and become witnesses of His grace in everyday moments.

In Colossians 3:17–4:9, we see that following Jesus is not just personal — it's relational. God uses our marriages, parenting, work, leadership, and everyday interactions to draw us into deeper union with Christ.When we crave “more of the world,” we drift toward pride, entitlement, and self-centered living. But when we pursue “more of Christ,” our homes, workplaces, and conversations are transformed. Biblical submission, leadership, obedience, and authority are not about control — they are about honoring Jesus.Because we belong to Christ, we live differently. We work as unto Him. We lead with love. We speak with grace. We pray with expectation. And we share the hope we have in Him.Union with Christ changes everything.

At the halfway point of the year, it's easy to feel like we're just trying to make it to the finish line. But this message is an invitation to do more than survive—to recenter. In Colossians 1:15–23, we're reminded of who Jesus really is: the One who created all things, the One who holds all things together, and the One who leads His church. If Jesus is truly the center, everything else—our stress, our opinions, our fears, our responsibilities—finds a better place. Pastor Tim speaks honestly about the emotional weight of our cultural moment, and how easy it is for Christians to get pulled into anxiety, outrage, and division. But the church is called to something different: unity in Christ, a deeper story, and a kingdom mission that doesn't rise and fall with the news cycle. This message also prepares us for Lent and the practices that form us: Sabbath, fasting, and prayer. Not as a way to earn God's love—but as a way to become more aware of it, and more grounded in it. If you feel off-center right now, this message is for you. May Jesus become central again—steady, present, and supreme.

In Colossians 3:1–17, Paul shows us what it looks like to live in union with Christ.Because we have been raised with Him, our lives are no longer rooted in earthly identity but hidden with Christ in God. We are called to actively mortify sin, recognize the idols of the heart, and put on the new self that reflects the image of Christ.Salvation reveals Christ in us. Sanctification reveals Christ through us. And one day, Christ will be revealed to all in glory.This message walks through what it means to: • Set your mind on things above • Kill what belongs to your earthly nature • Put on compassion, humility, and love • Let the peace and Word of Christ rule your life • Represent Jesus in everything you doChrist is all, and in all.

It's fascinating: In Colossians 3, Paul commands God's people to use poetry (psalms, hymns and spiritual…

It's Monday, February 9th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus U.S. sends troops to Nigeria amid ISIS fight The U.S. has deployed a military team to Nigeria as part of a growing effort to assist in counterterrorism operations against Islamic State-linked terrorists. The move marks the first publicly acknowledged presence of American forces on the ground following U.S. airstrikes in Nigeria on Christmas Day, reports The Christian Post. A senior U.S. military commander told Reuters the deployment was carried out in agreement with the Nigerian government. Nigerian Defense Minister Christopher Musa confirmed that U.S. personnel were active in the country. Team USA skiers not proud of America because of Trump (Audio: Olympic theme song) American freestyle skiers are facing intense backlash on social media after comments made about representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy amid the Trump administration's recent immigration enforcement operations in the U.S., reports Fox News. Speaking to the media ahead of Friday's opening ceremony, two-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist Chris Lillis, who's competing in the men's aerials, said, "I feel heartbroken about what's happening in the United States. I'm pretty sure you're referencing I.C.E. and some of the protests and things like that. I think that, as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights." And first-time Olympian Hunter Hess, who's competing in the men's free ski halfpipe, said, “It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. … There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't. "I'm representing my friends and family back home … all the things that I believe are good about the U.S. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I'm representing it. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S.” The remarks elicited a strong response from Team USA supporters on social media. One wrote, "The anti-ICE, liberal athletes are already insufferable at the Olympics. If you're not proud to represent the red, white, & blue, stay home." Another wrote, "Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess should be sent back home immediately. They have insulted our entire nation on the world stage and should no longer be allowed to represent us." House Speaker Johnson: “Borders and walls are Biblical.” In response to Pope Leo's claim that Trump's deportation efforts are unbiblical, House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana was asked to defend President Trump's deportation of illegal immigrants Biblically. REPORTER: “Pope Leo has cited Matthew 25:35 to critique Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda. How would you respond to Pope Leo in Scripture?” JOHNSON: “Borders and walls are Biblical. From the Old Testament to the New [Testament], God has allowed us to set up our civil societies and have separate nations. Immigration is not something that's frowned upon in Scripture. In fact, it's welcome. We're to welcome the sojourner and love our neighbor as ourself. “When people cite passages out of the Old Testament, they say, well, you're supposed to take care of the sojourner and the neighbor, treat them as yourself, welcome then in. Yes, but that is an admonition to individuals, not to the civil authorities.” Speaker Johnson cited the book of Romans to bolster his point Biblically. JOHNSON: “The civil authorities are given authority under Scripture to maintain order. Romans 13 says that the ‘civil authorities are God's agents of wrath to bring punishment upon the wrongdoer.' And it says, ‘If you do right, you have no fear of the civil authorities.' “But those civil authorities are necessary. It's a calling. It's a calling to maintain order in society. And we have not had that. “When Biden and Harris opened the borders wide for four years, we had as many as 20 million illegals come across the country. And we all know many dangerous people -- hardened criminals, child molesters, rapists, murderers, all the rest, terrorists -- who came into the country. We did not take care of our borders. “Sovereign borders are Biblical and good and right and they're just. It's not because we hate the people on the outside. It's because we love the people on the inside.” Planned Parenthood drops lawsuit trying to get federal funding back Planned Parenthood has thrown in the towel on its efforts to preserve its primary federal funding, voluntarily dismissing its lawsuit against the defunding provision of the Trump administration's signature legislation, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Last July, President Donald Trump signed into law his “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, a wide-ranging policy package that includes a one-year ban on federal tax dollars going through Medicaid to any that provides abortions for reasons other than rape, incest, or supposed threats to the mother's life.  According to Operation Rescue, 54 abortion mills shut their doors in 2025, 36 of which were Planned Parenthood abortuaries. Planned Parenthood sued, alleging that even though it was not specifically named in the Trump defunding bill, it was effectively the only organization that qualified under the bill's language and that losing that money would cause “devastating” layoffs and location closures. Erik Baptist, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom, said, “The American people do not want their tax dollars propping up the abortion industry. … We will continue to stand against any attempts by the abortion giant to force Americans to fund dangerous procedures.” Actor Tim Allen ‘amazed' after reading entire Bible And finally, actor Tim Allen recently finished reading through the entire Bible word for word, reports FaithWire.com. On X, he wrote, “Finished the entire Bible. It's been a 13-month, word-by-word, page-by-page, no-skimming journey. Humbled, enlightened and amazed at what I read and what I learned. I will rest and meditate on so much.” Allen has recently been increasingly vocal about his Christian faith journey. He also sat down with fellow comedian Bill Maher for a conversation on Maher's “Club Random.” The “Home Improvement” star had quite a bit to say about the Apostle Paul and the downside of empty philosophy. ALLEN: “Without law, you don't know what sinful is. So, law was basically just to give you guardrails of what the world is. What you're going to find is the cycle of ignorance with philosophy. And that's where I've been in the last 20 years. Philosophy gets run in these circles. It can't explain anything really.” In Colossians 2:8, the Apostle Paul warns, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, February 9th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In Colossians 1:15–23, Pastor Jared Proctor lifts our eyes to the supremacy of Christ, over creation, over the church, and over our lives. This passage reveals Jesus as Creator, Sustainer, Ruler, and Reconciler, reminding us that everything holds together in Him. As we reflect on who we once were and who we are now because of Christ, we are challenged to continue steadfastly in faith. This sermon invites us to ask an honest question: Who do you say Jesus is, and is He truly supreme in your life?

Paul's address of concerns in the book of Colossians reveals a view of Jesus' preeminence. In Colossians you see one of the highest portrayals of Christ. This high view of Jesus comes from what we call the Gospel. Gospel means a joyful announcement of something that is impacting those who hear it in a positive way. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

You have more options, more information, and more voices telling you who to be than any generation in history… and yet anxiety is up, stress is up, and people are exhausted trying to hold life together. In Colossians 1:15–17, we find a better word—and it starts not with you, but with Jesus. Because when you're clear on who Jesus is, you become clear on who you are and why you're here.

What if you stopped guessing God's will like a blindfolded dart throw and started walking in it every day? In Colossians 1:9–14, we unpack Paul's prayer and discover that guidance isn't reserved for crises or special moments. It's the steady result of being filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so we can walk worthy of the Lord and live a life that fully pleases Him.We start by reframing what a “good week” looks like under the supremacy of Christ. Then we lay out God's general will that applies to every believer: care about souls, pursue sanctification, be filled with the Spirit, silence fools by doing good, and expect suffering to become a platform for the gospel. From there, we move to practical discernment for the 10,000 decisions Scripture doesn't list—relationships, jobs, school, care for aging parents—using a clear four-step framework: pray to be Spirit-filled, confirm through the Word, evaluate the fruit over time, and invite faithful believers into your process.This approach replaces anxiety with purpose. As we walk this way, Colossians promises real outcomes: we bear fruit in every good work, grow in the knowledge of God, and receive strength according to His glorious might for endurance, patience, and joy. Gratitude rises because the Father has delivered us from darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, where redemption and forgiveness define our identity. If you're ready to trade guessing for guidance and activity for fruitfulness, press play, take notes, and let's walk worthy together. 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.

In Colossians 4:2–6, we explore how devoted prayer is a shared calling that fuels Gospel opportunities and prepares us to speak with clarity. As we pray, live wisely, and speak graciously, God uses our everyday lives to open doors for others to encounter Jesus.

John 1:1-3 - Christ: The Logos of God Our sermon text this morning is John 1:1-3. If you read our weekly email, you may have seen that originally, I was planning to cover verses 1-5. I backed off a little because there is so much packed into the first 3 verses. That probably scares some of you because you're thinking, “is this going to happen every week? And if so, are we going to be in the Gospel of John for years?” Well, I can't say that this will be the last time that I narrow our focus to just a couple of verses. However, I will note that Jim Boice, the late pastor of Tenth Presbyterian church, preached 270 sermons in the book of John. Doing the math, that's over 5 years. I've planned about 70. Ok, turning our attention to these verses, you'll hear the word “word” three times. That is referring to Jesus Christ. We know that from verse 14 where John writes that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” So, as I read, be sure to make the mental connection between the Word and Christ. Reading of John 1:1-3 Prayer “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal…” Those legendary words bring us back to the very founding of our nation. Or how about this on: “I have a dream” Those words take us back to Martin Luther King and the struggle of segregation in the 1950s and 60s. Or perhaps you recognize this: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Those are the opening words of Charles Dickens's book The Tale of Two Cities. It takes us back to the French Revolution and the stark contrast between London and Paris. Each of those opening phrases is packed with meaning and significance. They each capture our minds and our hearts. In some ways, they transport us through time and space and turn our attention to lofty ideas or significant events. Well, the opening words of John's Gospel do something very similar. For one, they are renowned. But also, their poetic language and expressive words raise the significance and consequence for the reader… and really for the whole world. Perhaps these words don't bring us back to a specific place, but they transport us to the very creation of the world. “In the beginning.” In the very beginning of all time and space “was the Word.” Does that not raise our senses and our curiosity and even our wonder at what is being communicated? As far as familiar opening words in the Bible, John 1 is only second to Genesis 1. And those are iconic words. Genesis 1 certainly ranks up there among the most famous in the world. Genesis 1:1 says “In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth.” Those 10 words reveal several things about God. ·      First, that he is one God. It doesn't say, “in the beginning, the gods (plural)...” No, rather it's a definitive statement. “In the beginning, God…” There is one God. ·      Second, Genesis 1:1 posits God as existing before the beginning of time itself – he is eternal. ·      And third those 10 opening words of Genesis speak about God's nature and work. He is the creator God of all things - things in heaven and things on earth. And I think you have probably already made the connection in your minds. The opening words of the Gospel of John are very similar to Genesis 1. They start with the same three words. Of course, one was penned in Hebrew – that would be Genesis – and the other was penned in Greek. But the connection is unmistakable. Really, the connection between the opening of Genesis and the opening of John's Gospel even further expand our understanding of God's nature and the ministry and work of Christ - God the Son. In Genesis 1, we're told of God's creative work and in John 1, God reveals who accomplished that work and how. So, let's jump into these opening three verses of John. As far as an outline, I want to highlight 3 things about Christ: 1. Christ's Identity as the Eternal Logos 2. Christ's Deity as One with the True God 3. Christ's Work as the Agent of Creation Let me say those again if you are taking notes. We didn't have room in the bulletin this week for an outline. 1. Christ's Identity as the Eternal Logos – I'll explain the word Logos in a minute. 2. Christ's Deity as One with the True God – Deity meaning his nature as God. And 3. His Work as the Agent of Creation. It is through the agency of Christ that God created all things. So, let's work through those. 1. Christ's Identity as the Eternal Logos And the first thing to understand is the word “word.” In the original Greek, it's the word Logos. Maybe you've heard that word before. Logos is one of two words that are often translated “word.” The other is the more common word, rhema in Greek, merely referring to words on a page or spoken words. But the word logos, on the other hand, is packed with meaning. Yes, it's basic meaning is a statement or speech – you know, a “word” spoken. But the word logos also includes the idea of a charge like I'm charging you with something… and the idea of cause like speech that causes something to happen. It's a word spoken that is effective. It accomplished something. Now, the Greek culture of the time used the word Logos as well. But their use was more of an abstract idea. Their logos was the rational order of the cosmos. It was used in an impersonal way. There was no being behind a Greek use of the word logos. Nonetheless it was still a powerful word. By the way, the Greek word logos is directly related to our English word “logic”… you know, a reasoned explanation. And sometimes you'll hear pastors try to apply that philosophical and rational meaning to the Logos of John 1. But remember from last week that John is writing to a Jewish context. He was Jewish himself. And the word logos in the Jewish community had been used for centuries. The Greek translation of the Old Testament uses the word logos hundreds of times. Our call to worship this morning was from Psalm 33. It says in verse 6 “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.” Logos to the Jewish community was understood to be personal and declarative and often associated with God himself. That is very different from the Greco-Roman understanding. What I am arguing is that John is not borrowing the word Logos from the Greek culture. Rather, he is contrasting that impersonal understanding with the divine and personal understanding of Logos. He's revealing that the Logos of God is far superior to the Greek's rational concept of logos. We see that right there in verse 1. It says, “In the beginning was the Word.” From eternity past, the Logos existed – Christ existed. The verb is very important here. It's the English word “was” …you know, a form of “to be..” In the beginning “was” the word. And it's verb tense is the imperfect active. It means not only did Christ already exist in the beginning, but also that his existence continues. English does not have a good equivalent. The word “was” in English is past tense. But the Greek has a much broader meaning. “already was and continues to be” What we learn in these verses is that the Logos of God is eternal. He existed before the beginning of time and space and he continues to exist. Furthermore, he is not some impersonal rational concept about the ordering of the universe, but rather his eternal existence is personal. He has being, as the verb reveals. He is none other the person of Christ, again as verse 14 tells us. The eternal Logos of God. Now, in a few minutes we are going to further see how the word logos relates to Christ's work. That will be point 3, But let's move on to point 2 - the rest of verse 1 and verse 2. 2. Christ's Deity as One with the True God So, #2. Christ's Deity as One with the True God. – I'm saying it that way for a reason. He is God and he is One with God. The Logos mentioned here is not some force that God is harnessing. No, this Logos, Christ, is God himself. Look at the end of verse 1. It says, “the word was God.” It's the same imperfect active tense. The Logos already was and continues to be God. Now, that seems super clear, doesn't it? “The Logos was God.” Some of you know this, but about twice a week, you will see two of Jehovah Witnesses just outside of our church office. They are just standing there on the corner of Main Street. And if you ask them about John 1:1, they will say that it should be translated differently. They translate it as “the word was a god.” They say that Christ was like a god but not God himself. They argue that because there is no definite article before the word “God” (Theos), therefore Jesus is not being described here as God himself. However, they are wrong for two reasons. ·      Number 1, Greek scholarship is fairly unified on the translation. For those of you who are grammarians (you like grammar), the phrase is a predicate nominative. Greek predicate nominatives establish a shared essence between the subject and the predicate – especially when the predicate is placed before the verb as is here. In fact, predicate nominatives in the Greek usually do not use a definite article for the predicate. So, Christ is not being described here as a god, he is being identified as the God - fully and completely God. ·      And number 2. This identification of Jesus Christ being God himself is all throughout the Gospel of John. We considered that last week. Several times Jesus identified himself as one with God the Father. He said as much: “I and the Father are One.” We also considered all the I AM statements where Jesus identified himself as Yahweh. Furthermore, look at the phrase in the middle of verse 1 and in verse 2. They are very similar. It says, “And the Logos was with God… He was in the beginning with God.” This is one of the beautiful truths about the God of the Bible. God is personal and relational. Within the Godhead, as we say, there is a relationship between the three persons of God. The Father, the Son (who is the Logos), and the Spirit. This is something that the Gospel of John makes clear throughout. I also mentioned that last week. By the way, one of the things I plan to do as we work through this book, is to connect each section and paragraph to the broader themes. And this is one of them. Jesus teaches not only about his equality with God the Father but also his role as God the Son and the role of God the Spirit whom he and the Father will send. As I put it last week, this book is full of theology – the doctrine of God – Theos. And it begins with these profound words. You see, these opening words, especially verse 2 are not teaching that there are multiple gods. No. These verses are quite clear about that. Rather when they say that the Logos was with God from the beginning, they are revealing that God himself has relationships within himself. It's an amazing thing to consider. As humans created in God's image, we have been given the capacity and desire for relationships. That relational characteristic that every human being shares… comes from the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Spirit. One with each other. All eternal and all God. So, the Logos, who is Christ, is one with and in relationship with the eternal God. He is God. 3. Christ's Work as the Agent of Creation That being us to point 3: Christ's work as the agent of creation. This third point is very much related to the word Logos. Christ is creator. He is the one through whom the universe has come into existence. God's act of speaking his Word (his Logos) comes through the work of Christ. Going back to Genesis 1, the phrase that is used over and over is “God said.” “God said ‘let there be light' and there was light.” Every act of creation happens through God's word. God spoke, and it was so. Back to John 1. In verse 3 it says, “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” All things in the entire universe were made through Christ. Every galaxy, every star, every planet; every cell and molecule and atom and proton and neutron and quark. All things came into being through him. That may be something new to you. We don't often think of or speak of Christ's role as God's agent of creation. That's because we most often think and speak of his role as redeemer. And there is plenty of that in the Gospel of John. But just like in verse 3, several Scriptures passages speak of Christ's role as creator. Besides John 1, we read from both Colossians 1 and Hebrews 1 this morning. In Colossians, “…by [Christ] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” In Hebrews 1. “In these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Or consider 1 Corinthians 8:6, which says, “there is… one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” God spoke through his Word, through his Logos, who is Christ, to bring everything into existence. I remember when I learned this for the first time. I was amazed at the glory of God in his work of creation through Christ. Our Savior is not only our Lord, but he is our creator. One thing is very very clear in these verses. Christ was not created. No, he existed before creation and he is the one through whom God created all things. Conclusion He is (1) the eternal Word of God, (2) As God, he is one with the true God, and (3) the creator of all things… visible and invisible. That is what we learn in these verses. Now, I want you to imagine something. Imagine that you grew up in a Jewish community in the western part of Asia Minor (maybe Ephesus or Smyrna).  Imagine it's the later half of the first century. You studied the Torah in school and your knew the history of Israel. Your family was a devout Jewish family. Besides your Jewish education, you had always been intrigued by influences from the neighboring culture to the west - Greece. People from Athens often travelled through your city. They not only brought their wares, but they also brought their philosophy and gods. They loved to talk about the latest philosophical theories and ideas. They used the word logos often. When they did, they spoke of the ordering principle of the universe, you know, the force that structures all of nature, as they described it. So, you have that in the back of your mind, but you also know what you have been taught from the Hebrew Scriptures. God speaks into existence all of creation, like it says in Genesis and Isaiah and the Psalms. Now, imagine that you are reading John's Gospel account for the first time. One of your neighbors had a parchment and he let you borrow it to read. And so you read these opening words for the first time. “In the beginning was the Logos and the Logos was with God… and the Logos was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” And you are enraptured. These ideas are coming alive. You had been intrigued by the travelling philosophers of Athens, but this concept of a personal Logos who has eternally existed from all time and who is God is gripping your mind. And then you get down to verse 14… and you read “and the Logos became flesh and dwelt among us.” As you had been reading the first couple of paragraphs, you had been asking, “who is this Logos?” And then you find out from these words that the Logos has dwelt among us. He has lived among us. You had heard of a man named Jesus. But up until this point you had never understood why he was so significant or controversial. But now you knew. And your heart was leaping because not only are you reading here that he is and has always been the eternal Logos… but all of a sudden your mind is being flooded with all the things you had learned in your Jewish education. You begin recalling all of the promises and prophecies of Christ - the Messiah of God. Light bulbs are going off all over the place in your mind and heart. This personal, eternal Logos being written about is the Christ, the eternal promised one, and he has come to us in the person of Jesus. It's a life-transforming realization. You can't put the parchment down because every word and sentence and paragraph is speaking to your mind and heart. The Word of God, Christ, is becoming real to you in a way that you had never experienced before. He is changing your heart. I know that is just a thought experiment, but as we work our way through John, I want us to enter in to the lives of the first readers and hearers and those whom Jesus encountered. I want us to enter in to their situation. Through that lens, I believe these words will become living words for us. Maybe this is all new for you. And as you hear it, maybe your mind and heart are being drawn in with intrigue and wonder as you come to the understanding of who Christ is…. in his eternal nature as God and as the one through whom all things have been created. If that is you, as we go through this book, may you hear and grasp not only who Christ is, but what he has done for you. But maybe you've been a Christian for years… and these words are very familiar to you as they are to me. If that's you, may your heart and mind be re-ignited by the depth and clarity and wonder of God in the person and work of Christ, who became flesh and dwelt among us. As we go through this Gospel, may we all see him, our creator and Savior and Lord, the eternal Logos of God.

Thursday January 8, 2026Epiphany Today's readings draw our attention to God's provision, Christ's supremacy, and the invitation to come and receive true life.In Exodus 17:1–7, Israel finds itself thirsty in the wilderness, grumbling and afraid. Yet God meets their testing with mercy, bringing water from the rock and proving once again that He is present even when His people doubt. The place of complaint becomes a place of provision.In Colossians 1:15–23, Paul proclaims the supremacy of Christ—the image of the invisible God, the One through whom all things were created and the One who reconciles all things through the cross. Our hope is secured not by circumstances, but by remaining grounded in Him.And in John 7:37–52, Jesus stands and cries out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” He offers living water to all who seek him.

Wednesday January 7, 2026Epiphany Week

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you worked for the Lord? In Colossians, Paul says we should work as if we're working for the Lord because ultimately, we are! It isn't just pastors and ministry leaders who have a calling from God. The Bible says that everyone has a calling! But how do you serve God as a plumber, barista, or architect? We break it down in this week's podcast!

As a Jesus Follower, the Greatest Witness for the Gospel that You Can Give Is for Others to See Jesus IN You MESSAGE SUMMARY: We live in a hurting world, but God wants more for you. You need to live as a Jesus Follower in whatever you do – at home; in your job; in the way that you drive; and in the way that you treat your friends. To achieve God's desire for your life, you must stay in fellowship and communion with God; and you must let God work in your life. In Colossians 3:17, Paul challenges us: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”. If you live your life, in all places and situations, in the name of Jesus, you will live a better life in our hurting world. As Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.". Remember, the greatest witness for the Gospel, as a follower of Jesus, that you can give is for others to see Jesus in you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Colossians 3:16-17; Matthew 21:21-22; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalms 43:1-5. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

"In Colossians 1:15–20, Paul gives this sweeping picture of Christ as the image of the invisible God and the one in whom all things hold together. How would Paul's original audience have heard that, and why is it so important for us to grasp today? What do we know about the false teaching in Colossae—and how do we discern the difference between helpful wisdom and deceptive philosophy today? What does Paul mean by ""put off the old self"", and how does it practically shape the way Christians live in community? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Amber Hapka about the book of Colossians. Amber gives us the context of Colossians and unpacks how we can be discerners of wisdom, living in ways that honor the Lord. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"