Paul’s still in prison. This time, however he is writing to the Colossians. Christ centered theology allows Paul to affirm what salvation truly is in Christ. Read and be blessed.
Colossians 1: Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,
5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,
6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing---as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,
7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf
8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
The Preeminence of Christ
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
16 For by him 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.
17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Paul's Ministry to the Church
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,
25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
Things to think about…
1. We can find almost anything to gripe about if we want to. Wouldn’t you agree? We seem to make up any excuse possible to whine about our life or circumstances. But have a look at Paul. Here he is in prison, yet the guy exudes joy and thankfulness Col 1:1-12. He gives thanks to the church at Colossae for their love for the truth and each other. I give thanks that we have a good measure of these things at CBC. But let’s never take it for granted.
2. All the theology you ever need to know to be saved is found in Col 1:13-23. Here we have a rich body of what we are, who Christ is and what needs to happen as a result. Have a look at Col 1:19. Deity in humanity. This is another good verse to show our Jehovah’s Witness friends. Salvation must bear fruit and display evidence of salvation, Col 1:23 says we must continue in “the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard”. If these things are not on display, maybe there is no salvation of the soul to begin with.
3. Paul wants everyone to be mature in Christ, Col 1:28, hence our need to engage our brains. I hope you don’t mind having your minds stretched on a Sunday. Let’s never allow ourselves to be lazy in our theology or our practise. The goal is to gain more wisdom, both of ourselves and Christ as we continue our journey together. What areas within your theology or witness could do with a tune up?
4. As we strive in our efforts in the gospel, Paul’s testimony is that “he powerfully works within me”, Col 1:28. If we want to see Christ bless us with a harvest, we must work in His field.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Cell Groups on break over the Easter holidays.
Prayer Points
1. Wedding and baptisms this Sunday.
2. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
3. New families as they settle into church.
4. Church finances to meet our new staff and to put a roof over our café.
5. Getting drawings into council.
6. Sunday’s message – Pastor Jay.
Praise Points.
1. Preparation for next terms ministries.
2. More visitors to church on Sunday.
3. We praise God for the rain but pray for those travelling over the Easter break.
4. Praise the Lord for the Kids@church ministry. Thankyou Maddison.
5. Praise and worship – pray for continued growth and blessing.
6. Unity, peace and grace at CBC.
Announcements
1. Wedding and baptisms coming up 18th April at Church and Colleges Crossing. See Jay if you haven’t been baptized, but would like to be.
2. Gel blaster morning – RSVP 18th April. 8-12pm Sat 24th April – Wacol reserve. Contact Tim Freeman for more details 0403 682 909.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
