Open to God is the overarching theme for 2016, which we’re hoping to explore with an eye on our verse for the year: “My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you.” (Ephesians 1:18a, CEV.) During this first 3-4 months we’ll be digging deep into Colossians before a shorter series focussed around Easter.
Colossians 4:2-18. St. Paul began ‘Colossians’ by referring to his prayers for them (1.3). He now urges them to devote themselves to prayer and humbly asks them to pray for him! The Apostle is under no illusion that his work’s effectiveness depends on God ‘opening doors’ and prayer is the key. He wants to be […]
Colossians 3:12 to 4:1. Ch. 3 further describes what life as God’s chosen people looks like. These are beautiful verses, painting a picture of love, harmony, peace and thanksgiving as believers live and worship together. Again we see how practical the gospel is, resulting in transformed relationships at church, home, work, wherever. It’s easy to […]
Colossians 3: 1-11 This chapter begins: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” (NIV) Once again the Apostle sets our sights high – “on things above”. Not that we’re to become ‘so heavenly-minded we’re of no earthly use.’ […]
Colossians 2:6-23. Vs. 6-7 sum up all that’s gone before, so a good place to resume our study of Colossians. St. Paul goes on to explore further the theme of ‘dying with Christ’ in order to live for him. The implications are wide – not just for personal, moral conduct as we might assume but […]
Colossians 1:24 to 2:5. St. Paul continues to explore the mystery of the gospel and the wonder of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (1.27) He is eager for believers, young in the faith and vulnerable, to be united in their understanding of Christ. Whilst emphasizing all that Jesus has done, the apostle also […]
Colossians 1: 15-20. Surely one of the key New Testament passages for understanding who Jesus Christ is and the cosmic scope of his saving work. The image of the invisible God, in whom the fullness of God dwells, it is through Christ that God has established a new creation and is reconciling all things to […]
Colossians 1:9-14; 21-23 St. Paul celebrates what Christ has done: delivering us from the power of darkness, reconciling us to God, transferring us into the kingdom of light, bringing us into the presence of God as holy people. It’s wonderful! In the light of all this he earnestly prays that the believers will continue to […]
Colossians 1: 1-8 The Colossians had not only heard the Good News of Jesus but responded to it wholeheartedly. The faith, hope and love St. Paul highlights in 1 Corinthians 13 are also emphasized here (see vs. 4-5). Once again it is love that is the primary evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work (v. 8). […]