This is the heart of Paul’s spirituality – a spirituality rooted in union with Christ. Because we have been raised with Christ in the past, our lives are “hidden with Christ in God” in the present, and our true selves will one day be revealed with Christ in the future. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible” Zoom Chat at…
Because of God’s boundless grace, our lives are hidden with Christ in God. We believe what we do not completely understand or feel. Because of this, we are tempted to establish more “certain” criteria to evaluate our spiritual state. Through a preoccupation with legalism, mysticism, or ascetism, we lose focus on Christ and become proud, self-centered, and exclusive. Join us for our…
Paul urges the Colossians to be united in love, growing in understanding of God’s mystery, Christ Jesus himself. In him is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that elude humanity’s grasp. Having received Christ as Lord, the church is urged to walk in him, growing in faith, overflowing with gratitude. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible Zoom…
Paul states the reason for which God appointed him to ministry within the church – to preach Christ, teach wisdom, and present every person complete in Christ. He performs this task with great vigor, for it is in Christ that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found. He rejoices in his suffering which is for the sake of church. Like…
Paul incorporates an ancient hymn of the early church into his letter to the Colossians. From this pre-Pauline liturgical work we learn much of what the early church understood Jesus to have accomplished through the cross. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible” Zoom Chat at 7:30 p.m. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83413741790 Password is same for regulars. If you need it, contact Rich…
Paul writes from prison to a church he has never personally visited. He expresses his joy over their obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He delights in their faith, hope, and love. He reminds them that he prays continually for their spiritual welfare. He then prays for their deepening growth in faith and understanding. His prayer highlights importance aspects of spiritual…
Paul writes from prison to a church he has never personally visited. He expresses his joy over their obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He delights in their faith, hope, and love. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible Zoom Chat” at 7:30 p.m. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87042421327 Password is the same for regulars. Contact Jenny or Rich if you need it.
Chained to Roman soldier, imprisoned for his faith, the Apostle Paul uses a soldier’s equipment to describe the virtues Christ’s followers must “put on” in order to fight the good fight of faith. Christ’s followers wage a different kind of war than the world expects – a spiritual battle of truth, righteousness, and peace. All are facets of love. Paul concludes by…
Last week we covered the first three components of the “armor of God” – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of peace. In this week’s session, we consider the other three components – the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. These three components all share an outward-orientation, for we stand…
Paul begins his description of God’s subversive and counter-cultural “armor” by speaking of the importance of truth, justice, and peace-making. He is opposed to fighting the world’s powers in the world’s way. Instead he calls us to follow in the way of Christ and be a “soldier of truth, justice, and peace” in a world of deception, injustice, and division. Join us…