Paul continues his instructions and encouragement for us to live lives that are in-line with our reconciliation with Jesus. He begins the section: “let Jesus Rule…” Then he seems to describe a worship service; teach each other, sing together, and show gratitude to each other. We understand that worshipping God is our whole lives (and… Read More »Grow Together (March 22, 2026)
Last week we looked into the practices, attitudes and behaviours that tear a community apart — through idolatry and, finally, rage which leads to division. This Sunday, we’ll focus on our new ways of living — our new clothing. Paul describes and names ways of living that breathe life into community and places the church… Read More »A New Suit (March 15, 2026)
Paul’s purpose for writing Colossians is to build up the community of Christ — the church — to live a life that is growing in knowledge of God, that is growing in fruit of the gospel to our communities, that is standing in contrast to the idols and empires of the world around us. In… Read More »Put Off…the Old (March 8, 2026)
We are in the time often called Lent. Traditionally it is a time for us to give-up or sacrifice something we value to help us remember Jesus’s sacrifice for us. What Paul tells us to do — set our heartson things above, where Christ is seated — is exactly what Lent is intended to help… Read More »Set Our Minds Above (March 1, 2026)
Jesus said, “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Paul wrote, “For freedom you have been set free.” People (or churches) add rules for you to follow, then judge your spiritual maturity by those rules, have puffed up minds and teach idle notions. They have, in Paul’s words in today’s verses (Colossians 2:16-23)… Read More »Stay Connected! (February 22, 2026)
It is true that the gospel of Jesus promises eternal life — life forever in God’s presence. It is equally true that the gospel of Jesus promises a life of purpose here and now. That purpose includes standing up against tyranny and oppression in society. This does not mean that we live as negative, contrarian,… Read More »Discipleship…Against the Tide (February 15, 2026)
Paul says in Sunday’s verse, we are in danger of being kidnapped by empty and deceptive ideas of the world around us (my re-wording of Colossians 2:8). The noise of the media that saturates our lives promises all the good things: individual flourishing, independence, strength, authenticity, satisfaction. However, they are all baseless, empty and lead… Read More »We (Still) Need God! (February 8, 2026)
In the middle of what some think was one of the original praise and worship songs, Colossians 1:15-21, we read “in everything he might have the supremacy.” The words before and after that declaration talks about all of creation, all natural (and supernatural) powers, all the church and all people are reconciled in and because… Read More »…in all things… (November 16, 2025)
The church’s purpose, ultimately, is to usher in the Kingdom of God; share God’s love in action, and preach God’s gospel in teaching. This is to “bear fruit.” To accomplish this, we, individual Christ-followers, need to be filled with three things: knowledge of his will, spiritual wisdom and understanding. These produce a life that pleases… Read More »Live a Life Worthy (November 9, 2025)
There is a fullness of Christ that is available but sometimes feels unattainable. Yet in Colossians 2, the Apostle Paul encourages us with the complete sufficiency of Christ for every believer through three key movements—Knowing, Doing, and Overcoming. In Christ, we find our fullness, direction, and victory. He is the center and source of the… Read More »Triumph in Christ (November 2, 2025)