The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 20!

With this post we end our time in Colossians!  I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have.  I hadn't spent a lot of time in Colossians before except to quote a few verses here and there, and I was delighted to find so much passion and love there from Paul to a congregation he had never even visited!  He didn't even start it and yet he loved them as his own - a granddaughter church as we talked about early on.

In the closing verses Paul greets people as was customary in these letters in Paul's day.  And now we can see who they are and understand Paul's love for them!

With this we take a break for a couple weeks until Lent begins.  You'll receive a Prayer Journal before Ash Wednesday to guide us through the Season of Lent.

And again, if you have Amazon Prime, check out Paul:  Apostle of Christ for a great 90 minute movie about Paul's last days in prison.  I think you'll enjoy it!

If you want to go back to the Ephesians study and look through those, here's a link to Day 1 of Ephesians:  https://zionephesians.blogspot.com/2020/10/ephesians-study-day-1-today-we-begin.html

THANKS so much for joining on this journey through Colossians.  I look forward to our next time together.  And with that, here's the video:

It seems appropriate to end this time together with Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone!  It's a great version by Pentatonix - so sing along!

The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 19!

Today we are on our second to the last day of the Cosmic Christ of Colossians!  We're dealing with just a couple verses:  4:7-9:

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.  I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts; he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.  They will tell you about everything here.

How wondeful!  Paul is concerned not about his own well being but about others before himself.  He gets even more passionate about giving others credit in our final sessions for tomorrow as we conclude our time in Colossians!

So what's next?  Lent - and a focus on Powerful Prayers of the Bible, which will be our sermon series for Lent.  As a part of that emphasis you'll be receiving a Prayer Journal in the mail before Ash Wednesday, which is February 17.  It will be a daily prayer journal for the whole of Lent.  One is being mailed to each household - if you'd like two, just email me and we'll send you a second one.  OR if you're not on our mailing list, email me and we'll make sure you get one.

Also, our Health Ministry Team asked if I would send out the information about vaccines which are now available for those over the age of 75.  This is the latest information:

 

The vaccine is available by appointment only. Please bring proof of your age to the appointment.

Appointments can be scheduled online by visiting www.stcharleshealthcare.org.

Visit www.stcharleshealthcare.org
Select "Sign up!" under COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Select Oregon Residents 75+
Complete registration

And here's the video for Day 19!

And here's a wonderful song with beautiful scenery entitled, I Will.  Enjoy!

The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 18!

Today we're looking at just 4 wonderful words of closing encouragement: 4:2-6:

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.

Wonderful words!  Listen in to some thoughts on this as we begin to close out our time on Colossians!

Here's a great and spirited version of How Great Thou Art by the Celtic Worship team.  Enjoy!

 The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 17!

Well, I couldn't wait until Wednesday to look at Paul's letter to Philemon, especially after the admonition to treat slaves fairly and justly yesterday.  Find Philemon in your Bible - it's just one page, 25 verses, and it's right before Hebrews.

Paul is writing to Philemon, a wealthy Christian business man in Colossae.  Onesimus, one of Philemon's slaves, had somehow escaped from Philemon and traveled to Rome, where he met Paul, and Paul ministered to him as a brother in Christ, and Onesimus became a Christian and ministered to Paul in his imprisonment.  Paul would have loved to have kept Onesimus there in Rome, but instead, chose to do the right thing and sent Onesimus back to Colossae to reconcile with Philemon as a brother in Christ.

SO - this little letter is one of encouragement from Paul to Philemon, to take Onesimus back as a brother and not just as a slave.  It's a wonderful testament to the power of the Gospel to change lives!

I'll read the letter to Philemon in the study, so just have your Bible handy and listen in!

And a couple months ago I posted this song, No Longer Slaves, but I think it ties in here, so listen in and sing along!

 The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 16!

Today we have just one verse, chapter 4 verse 1:  "Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you now that you also have a Master in heaven."

Looking at this verse is challenging, though I think if we look at it contextually in terms of what was happening in Paul's day, and think of it in terms of the fragile situation of the struggling small church in Colossae, we can find some respect and fairness and justice there.  Paul says in other places that there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free because we are all one in Christ Jesus.  

So I think if it's seen in the proper context it's easier to understand.  See what you think!

And here's a familiar song, Be Thou My Vision with beautiful scenery and words so you can sing along!

 The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 15!

Today we end chapter 3 with Paul's admonition to treat others with love and respect!  Husbands, wives, children, slaves/servants - all should be renewed by putting off falsehood, anger, bitterness, or slander.  Do not make room for those things in your heart, rather, live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.

No blog for tomorrow - Saturday - and Sunday will be our worship service, and then we'll resume on Monday with chapter 4!  

Here's the link to the video:

Here's a nice song of encouragement called "I Will."  Enjoy!

The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 14!

Today let's spend another time on those wonderful verses we looked at yesterday, Colossians 3:12-17. I just think they were such an important admonition to "live as Christ" from Paul to the divisive city of Colossae, and they're equally important for us today.

Paul wants the Colossian Christians to let an unbelieving world to see Jesus in them - in the way they live and relate and witness to an unbelieving culture. How applicable for us today! Think of how you are representing Christ in all you day, day by day. Even by the way in which we live our lives and relate to others, we are witnessing to what we believe about Jesus. Think today about how you are doing with that. It's a real challenge for us, just like it was during Paul's time.

Keep reading these words from Colossians 3:12-17. Maybe even memorize them! But certainly, all of us should try to live by them!

Here's a wonderful way to sing "Down by the River to Pray." Enjoy!

The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 13!

Today we have some of the most loving and caring words in the New Testament, in my most humble opinion! Colossians 3:12-17 reads in this way:

As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 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.

Oh what marvelous words to memorize, to use before or after dinner, to put on your bathroom mirror, or just simply to follow! Paul is a theologian and also a poet! Wonderful words!

Listen in to the video:

Sing!  Just because you need to sing.  Sing a song.  Sing along - I think you already know the words and it'll warm your heart!

The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 12!

Today we are on Colossians 3:5-11 in which Paul talks about Christian identity. Because of what God has done for us in Christ, there are some things we should definitely do, which comes in verses 12-17 which we'll talk about in days 13 and 14.

But for now, Paul lists first things that we shouldn't do, and at the core it has to do with idolatry - looking out for ourselves rather than looking TO Jesus.

Read 3:5-11 before listening to the video and it'll make a whole lot more sense!

Here's a wonderful Hillsong song, I Am Who You Say I Am!  Don't let anyone tell you different!

The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 11!

Today we focus on Chapter 3:1-4:

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

After spending time in the first two chapters refuting the false Gnostic teaching, Paul now turns to the practical application of the doctrines he had been teaching. What, then, does this mean for daily living is now Paul's focus. And one of the points that he wants to get across is that the Colossians are not what they used to be!

Here's the video:

And it's normally kind of a Christmas song or cantata, but this fits with our theme today. It's Agnus Dei/King of Kings - beautifully done!

 The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 10!

We finish chapter 2 today with verses 16-23.  This time in particular Paul confronts traditions that can be good in themselves, but only as a path toward Jesus, and not a substitute or requirement to get to him.  He's pretty specific and kind of harsh as he uses the very words of the Gnostic teachers against them!

We don't have a posting for Saturday, so it gives you a chance to catch up.  And starting late Saturday night, log in to participate in worship for Sunday morning!  And think about sharing the worship link with a friend or on your Facebook page!  I think they'll thank you for it!

Here's the video:

And here's a song called Build My Life that we sing at church - building your life on Jesus, the sure foundation!

 The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 9!

Today we continue through chapter 2 verses 6-15.  I didn't take the time to read through those verses, so if you can read them before listening to the video, that would be great!

It's in these verses that Paul continues to encourage the Colossian believers to make spiritual progress toward what they know they should be doing so as not to be led astray.  He uses the analogy, or comparison, to a tree, a building, a school, and a river in verse 7 to show what kind of progress and maturity he's encouraging them to grow into.

And don't give in to the temptation to be led astray!  Temptations are all over - in the time of Paul, in our time, and in the sermon on Sunday, so be sure to tune in on Sunday, too!

Here's the video, so listen in!

And this is a great song that is very popular on Christian radio these days, called Way Maker.  Just let the words roll over you and enjoy!

The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 8!

Today let's think of the marks of Christian maturity - that's Paul's mission statement for what he wants for them - to present everyone mature in Christ.

Think of that for a moment - what would your "marks of Christian maturity" be? Paul does go on to say that encouragement, enrichment, and enlightenment are marks of maturity in Christ - the same kind of marks that the false teachers were peddling!

I'm finding that Paul's letter to the Colossians is so contextual to what was happening at Colossians, and yet it's so very relevant for us today!

So - listen in!

And here's a song we know well at Zion - Wonderful, Merciful Savior! Enjoy!

 

 The Cosmic Christ of Colossians Day 7!

Today we end chapter 1 with Paul starting to talk about the "mystery."  His ministry was to the Gentiles after centuries of God working in and through the people of Israel.  The "mystery" was that God's plan all along was to include the Gentiles in the plan of salvation!  Yet Paul uses words like mystery, hidden, mature, and glory to recapture them from what the Gnostic teachers were teaching on Colossae!  He uses their language but turns around the focus to say that Jesus is the hidden mystery that will bring you to maturity, not the "secret knowledge" that the false teachers claimed to have.

So, listen in to the video!

And here's a wonderful song that I think you'll love called Confidence - it has the words, so try to sing along!

 Day 6 - The Cosmic Christ of Colossians!

Today we continue on some more introductory verses in 1:21-27 where Paul takes some time to "introduce" himself to the Colossians!  Remember, he hadn't been there and hadn't started the church so he spends some time rejoicing that he was blessed with this ministry to the Gentiles and was honored to suffer on their behalf!  It's an insight into Paul's compassion for them, and how he sees them as a blessing to him.  

Listen in!

And here's a wonderful pandemic version of the Hallelujah Chorus that one of our readers sent!  Enjoy!  

 Day 5 - The Cosmic Christ of Colossians!

Today we're looking at Colossians 1:13-20 which is probably the most concentrated doctrine about who Jesus is in the entire New Testament!  It's an amazing testimony to the person and work of Jesus and is in direct contrast to the false teachers in Colossae who wanted to give Jesus prominence, but not preeminence.  They taught that Jesus was one of many "emanations" from God, but not the only one.  Paul would have none of that!

Read through Colossians 1:13-20 slowly and then listen to the video!

And it's an old, old song, but Jesus, Name Above All Names seems like a good one for us to sing today!

 Day 4 - The Cosmic Christ of Colossians!

Today's verses could be called a Prisoner's Prayer from Paul for the people of Colossae, though he had never met them!  It's Colossians 1:9-12:

For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.  May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the sayings in the light. 

What a wonderful prayer!  Goodness - it's filled with praying for knowledge, wisdom, belief, behavior, and walking and working out in our lives what we believe!

Listen in, especially the ending about praying for ourselves, our country, our democracy, and our future.  Though we can't change everything, we can change ourselves, so the closing part will encourage you to just pray several times a day, "God, what do you want me to do?"  Pray that, and then listen.  And then listen some more.  We need to be on our knees in prayer, especially right now, asking God, "God, what do you want me to do?"

Here's the video:

And here's a great song that tells us what we need to do right now - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.  We sing this at church, so join in and sing along!

Day 3 - The Cosmic Christ of Colossians!

As we get into the background of Colossians a little more, we'll look at the first 14 verses of Colossians which again gives a good introduction to the reason for Paul writing this important letter. I'll read those verses, but if you have a Bible open while you listen to the video it will be helpful!

Again, put yourself in Paul's place in writing one of his last letters to a granddaughter church. Think of what you might say to a grandchild if you knew you were living in the last days of your life. You might just say, "Don't forget about Jesus! Keep him number one in your life!" That's what Paul is saying to these beloved people at Colossae, whom Paul feared were in danger of being led astray.

Here's the video:

And here's a great song by Hillsong Worship entitled, King of Kings. Sing along!

 Day 2 - The Cosmic Christ of Colossians!

We're just going to get into the background of this wonderful letter a little more today.  Colossae  is a town about 100 miles east of Ephesus, and is one of the Tri-Cities on Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis.  What's interesting is that Paul didn't start the church at Colossae, nor did he ever visit there!  It was started by a guy whose name was Epaphras, who was one of the leaders of the church of Ephesus, who went on to start the church at Colossae!  So it was not a "daughter" church for Paul, it was a granddaughter!  And you know how grandfathers LOVE their granddaughters - that's how Paul loved the Colossians!

We'll talk today about some of the heresies there abounded at the church at Colossae as we dig into this wonderful letter.  Here's the video:

And here's another song we sing at church, O Praise the Name of the Lord our God. Sing along!

Day 1 - The Cosmic Christ of Colossians!

Welcome to Day 1! We're going to work our way through this wonderful letter of the New Testament which has incredible richness in theological depth and is likely the loftiest description of Jesus in the New Testament! It will take a couple days to introduce the context of this letter and the date and reason for its writing, so today we're just focusing on a broad introduction and on several verses from chapter 1:

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by him all things were created:

things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,

whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;

all things were created by him and for him.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:15-17

Read through those verses several times and let their witness to Jesus roll around in your mind and heart. And then here's the video:

And here's a great song that we sing at church which is a great way to start 2021 - What a Beautiful Name.