Paul says that Jesus is the firstborn over all creation. What does Paul mean? It is a bit of a strange statement. Firstborn over all creation? Turn to Colossians 1:15-20, which we have been studying in a five-part series this week, starting here. If the statement “firstborn over creation” isn’t already strange enough, based onContinue reading “Is Jesus creator or created? – Colossians 1:15-20”
Tag Archives: christianity
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”
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”
Finding grace and peace – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 3
What are so many people in the world looking for, deep down inside? They are looking for things to be right. They want their lives to feel right. They want to feel wholeness. But where do we find it? I would suggest Paul gives us a clue in the greeting he writes in his letterContinue reading “Finding grace and peace – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 3”
Creativity can set you free – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 1
I heard from some in my congregation, after the events of this past Wednesday January 6, 2021, the breaching of the US Capitol building by Trump-supporting extremists, that they were really struggling. What is going on in our country? How do we Christians respond? We can feel trapped in our uncertainty about how to respond.Continue reading “Creativity can set you free – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 1”
A caution for Christians, in light of the breaching of the US Capitol Building, January 6, 2021
In light of the unsettling events in our nation’s capital this past week, it is important that we take a few minutes to reflect on the news theologically and biblically. We saw images and actions, especially at the US Capitol building, which were difficult and disturbing, not just as Americans, but also as Christians. I’dContinue reading “A caution for Christians, in light of the breaching of the US Capitol Building, January 6, 2021”
Revival happens when the bottom rots out – Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, Part 4
I grew up in a Christian home, and I am so grateful for the way my parents raised me and my siblings. Throughout high school and in my first year of college, though, I really had allowed myself to become selfish. I was terribly unkind to my brother for years, I was selfish in datingContinue reading “Revival happens when the bottom rots out – Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, Part 4”
How the aging process can help us evaluate the past year – Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8, Part 3
Years ago, one of the home-bound members of my church family, who has since passed away, described for the me the process of her ever-decreasing eyesight. She said that it was only during the bright sunlight of the day that she could see around her room. As the months and years went by, the darknessContinue reading “How the aging process can help us evaluate the past year – Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 