Genesis 1:24-31, Colossians 1:1-20.

This passage is such a highpoint of Paul’s writing. It has a majestic view of Jesus, the church and God’s plans for the whole world. It is a definite mountain top moment in the letter. Paul begins by reminding them that they have been brought out of one way of life into a new way of life (1:13-14), and then moves into the big picture of Colossians 1:15-20.

If we are to live whole lives, we need to see that God’s mission is about all things – not just some things. God has a desire to transform all things. The cross and resurrection are the realities that enable us to see that Jesus created all things in the beginning; He holds all things as the ruler of the universe, and God will reconcile all things through Christ at the end of time.