ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 9, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:25-26I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. Prayer for the Week: Could it have been summarized any better? Could Paul have presented our purpose, our mission with anymore
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 8, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:23b-24I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel. I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. Thought for the Day: Maybe you’re fine with it, but I feel a little uncomfortable with Paul’s use of the word ‘lacking.’
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 7, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:19-23aFor in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 6, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:15-18He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 5, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:13-14He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Thought for the Day: There are moments when I am reading Paul a bit too quickly, but then a word or phrase brings me to a sudden stop. In this case, it was the phrase:
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 4, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:11-12May 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 saints in the light. Thought for the Day: Paul was preparing his audience for the challenges and discomfort that would
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 3, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:9-10For 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
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 2, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:7-8This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit. Prayer for the Week: Let us reflect on these words, specifically how the Colossians learned of the grace of God from Epaphras. Let us also ponder those who have introduced us to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 1, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:5b-6You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. Thought for the Day: I am going to make a
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 31, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:3-5aIn our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have 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. Thought for the Day: During my Sabbatical, I have been making a conscious effort to give