Harvest Church of Minden

1:24-2:5

Today we looked at how Jesus is the fullness of God in different parts for the church. Paul emphasizes Christ above all things and he is more than enough for all our sufferings and afflictions.

Col. 1:18-23. Today we break down how Jesus is the fullness of God in redemption and how the Christ Hymn battles against the false teachers who are trying to sway the church. Paul reaffirms the gospel message to the people so that they can keep Christ central in their faith and walks. 

1:15-17 We begin to break down Paul's explanation of the preeminence of Christ by looking at him being the firstborn of all creation and how that phrase has been twisted by false teachers to mean that Jesus was a created being.

Col. 1:9-14 Today we look at Paul's prayer for the believers to know the will of God fully in order to walk worthily in thankfulness and joy.

1:1-8. Looking at the beginning of Colossians we discover the purpose of identity, prayer and the gospel in a believer's life. How that impacts their spiritual wisdom, knowledge and understanding, and walking in a way worthy of the Lord.

We will begin to walk through the book of Colossians over the next few months. Today gave a little background and a read through as we focused on the heart of Paul being communicated to the early church. 

Finishing up the book of Zephaniah sees the movement go from judgement to blessing for those in Judah. The plea for them to seek him still stands, but judgement is coming, followed by a period of restoration and blessing.

Today we look at Zephaniah 2 in order to see the response to the indifference, the idolatry, and the paganism that was plaguing the Judeans. With a sense of urgency before the coming judgements, he pleads with the people to seek the Lord, righteousness and humility.

Looking at the coming judgment and the day of the Lord upon Judah showed similarities to our own cultures that we need to be mindful about. 

What does it mean to fear God and have a perspective that lives by faith? Habakkuk gives us a framework of worship amid struggle and pain.