In the previous post Paul reminded us that we can learn to rejoice in the Lord, even amid difficult circumstances. But as we continue to trace his teaching in Colossians 1:24-2:5, Paul writes something that seems bizarre to me. In fact, it seems wrong. Paul writes that he fills up in his body what isContinue reading “Should we “fill our body with affliction”? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 2″
Tag Archives: Apostle Paul
Is rejoicing in suffering a bad idea? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 1
How should we respond to suffering? Maybe you’re suffering somehow, and you’re sick of it. I’ve had heel pain for the last few months, and though I will admit to being very inconsistent in treating it, I’m frustrated with it. I want it to be healed. I am not rejoicing in this suffering. Rejoicing? IfContinue reading “Is rejoicing in suffering a bad idea? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 1”
Worship services are not enough – Colossians 1:20-23, Part 5
I recently saw a conversation between two people on social media. One is often outspoken about their Christian beliefs. That person began the conversation by writing a post angrily condemning people who are of a different political persuasion. Many people responded with supportive comments, but one person disagreed, confronting the Christian writer. I don’t knowContinue reading “Worship services are not enough – Colossians 1:20-23, Part 5”
Is it possible to be an enemy of God and not know it? – Colossians 1:20-23, Part 3
Are you an enemy of God? Are you and God strangers? Neither of those? How are you and God doing? How would your friends and family answer that question about you? About themselves and their relationship with God? Do people think of themselves as Paul put it in Colossians 1:21, that they are alienated fromContinue reading “Is it possible to be an enemy of God and not know it? – Colossians 1:20-23, Part 3”
How God wants to fix our broken world – Colossians 1:15-20
All things are in need of reconciliation. True or False? Just for the sake of argument, assume that statement is true. Why do all things need reconciliation? Because things are broken. You reconcile when you have a broken relationship. Something happened. Relationships break apart in all sorts of ways, right? From small slights to massiveContinue reading “How God wants to fix our broken world – Colossians 1:15-20”
Christians were the first atheists? – Colossians 1:15-20, Part 2
In the first post in this series, we talked about what Jesus might have looked like. Paul in Colossians 1:15-20 says that Jesus is the image or icon of the invisible God. There are many ways that we English-speakers use the word “icon,” and one way is found in the Orthodox church paintings called icons.Continue reading “Christians were the first atheists? – Colossians 1:15-20, Part 2”
What did Jesus look like? – Colossians 1:15-20, Part 1
What image comes to mind when you think about what Jesus might look like? Through the centuries, artists have created thousands and thousands of possibilities. For many Americans, the classic image is what might be called the White Jesus. Some of you might have a picture of the White Jesus hanging in your homes. ItContinue reading “What did Jesus look like? – Colossians 1:15-20, Part 1”
What God requires of you to enter his Kingdom – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 5
I love traveling internationally, collecting immigration stamps from other countries in my passport. Maybe you’ve caught that bug too, or you dream about it. I know this is a distinctly first-world privilege, as so many around the world have little realistic opportunity for such travel. But permit me to describe it. For citizens of theContinue reading “What God requires of you to enter his Kingdom – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 5”
How to measure if God’s power is at work in your life – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 4
If you are a Christian, have you ever wondered if the Holy Spirit was working in your life? I wish I could pull out the church’s Holy Spirit power meter, strap it to your head, and measure how much of the Spirit’s power is at work in you. But I can’t. Such a thing doesn’tContinue reading “How to measure if God’s power is at work in your life – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 4”
Genuine Christianity – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 3
As I mentioned in this post, it was deeply discouraging to see rioters at the US Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021 holding Christian flags and banners that said “Jesus Saves.” I will admit that I don’t know for sure what each and every one of those people were attempting. It could be that someContinue reading “Genuine Christianity – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 