This weekend, we get back into Colossians, looking at Colossians 1:11-12. In a sermon I’m entitling Pleasing Him, we see two pathways to pleasing God…
1) We receive enablement, which is really the thrust of v.11. God is the One who strengthens us for life.
2) We give thanks (emerging out of v.12).
This is where we’re headed. I hope you come and see in new ways how a reliance on God and a spirit of gratitude help bring delight to our Heavenly Father.
Today’s sermon from Colossians 1:10 entitled “Walking in the Will of God” is up and online. Continuing the thought he began in 1:9, Paul elaborates and unpacks what walking in God’s will looks like. This morning, specifically, the characteristics of those walking in God’s will are:
1) They live to please the Lord
2) They are blossoming in good deeds
3) They are growing in their knowledge of God
I thought these principles can be applied in many ways…
These are great things to pray for another believer.
They are great characteristics to pursue.
We can have confidence that, as we practice them, we are “walking in God’s will.”
Any thoughts?
Today’s sermons are now online.
In the AM, we looked at Colossians 1:9. The title of the sermon was Prayer. This sermon helped us to see that we are to pray consistently, for others, and for God’s will. In the section on God’s will, we saw that what Paul was primarily thinking about wasn’t some decision help, but specifically that they would know God’s will as seen in Jesus Christ.
In the PM, we looked at Hosea 11:1-13:3, in a sermon entitled God’s Gracious Love. I was utterly amazed at this picture of God’s love and really received benefit from seeing it.
I hope you were encouraged this past Lord’s Day and were able to apply God’s Word to your life.
Sunday AM’s sermon (10/25), entitled Helpful People, is now online. We looked at the amazing example of Epaphras from Colossians 1:7-8 and saw how we can use our talents and abilities to benefit the body of Christ. Specifically, we can help others by: centering our lives on the Gospel, serving, being faithful, and being in step with the Spirit.
I thought Sunday nights small group material on “the Church and the Yo-Yo” really tied in nicely to the morning emphasis. We had a great small group and I’m really encouraged with all that God is doing in the life of our body.
One more thing: Have you checked out the women’s ministry page?
This Sunday, Lord willing, we will be exploring Colossians 1:7-8 and seeing how we can be helpful people in the body of Christ. Again, I quote Spurgeon:
“I like to read of godly men speaking well of one another. Nowadays, it is thought to be a distinguishing work of faithfulness to be able to pick holes in the coats of our fellow Christians. Now we cannot help perceiving some of their defects and sometimes it is our duty to speak of them – and to speak of them faithfully – but let us also observe all the virtues that are to be found in them, otherwise we may despise the work of the Holy Spirit and rob Him of His glory! How kindly Paul speaks of Epaphras, and how kindly Epaphras speaks of the church at Colossae!”
I was struck by these words because we are such a negative culture. We are always quick to voice our disagreements. Paul sets a great tone for encouraging body life. I hope we can take a cue from him and be encouraging people in the body of Christ.
Today’s sermon from Colossians 1:5-6, entitled The Gospel, is now online. This sermon highlighted God’s Word speaking of the Gospel as truth, universal, effective, and grace. It was really enjoyable to see what God’s Word clearly has to communicate to us about what the Gospel is and what it produces in us.
I hope it encouraged you and, deeper still, hope God takes it and works repentance and belief in the lives of others.
This Sunday, we plan to look at Colossians 1:5-6. Here’s a quote from Spurgeon on this section:
We do not know the grace of God in truth unless it brings forth fruit in us! We may know it with the head very correctly, but we do not truly know it unless it is knowledge in the heart, knowledge in the innner man.
Well said! As always, be meditating on where we’re headed this week and pray that I will have words from God to speak in a way that builds up the body.
Yesterday’s sermon is now up and online (Faith, Love and Hope – Colossians 1:4-5a). I thought we had a great time exploring what should inspire gratitude in our hearts for one another. God has done amazing things to knit us together in His body. Therefore, gratefulness to Him should characterize us as a church. Any thoughts on how this influenced anyone?
This Sunday AM, we will be looking at Colossians 1:4-5a. Here’s what vv.3-5a say:
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.
This text will show us the grounds for Paul’s thanksgiving to God, specifically, faith and love, springing from the hope.
As we prep for the weekend, think about your heart and how gratitude is seen in your life, or, specifically, your prayer life?
Spurgeon preached a sermon, The Hope Laid Up In Heaven, back on October 13, 1878. This Sunday, I will be preaching on faith, love and hope in Colossians 1:4-5a: “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.” I thought this might be something you could read to get you ready for the weekend.
