Knowing God

Finally, the end. Check out this episode as we consider Paul's final words to the Colossian church. These words can be a great challenge and point of emphasis. In this episode, we end our study of Colossians by looking at Colossians 4:18.

If I have time in the Word by myself, is that enough? Why do I need a community built on the Word if I have quiet time and personal time in the Word? Paul's words in Colossians 4:15-17 point us to the reality that we need communities, and specifically community that is built on the Word.

God's design for us to live in community is written throughout all the Scriptures. And many times, it is our community that is an immense blessing and help in our lives. But community can also cause heartbreak. We consider both the help and heartbreak in God's community. Also, in this episode I give an update on the future of the podcast.

We once more read about the Colossian church planter, Epaphras. Paul highlights him and his love and work for the Colossians. But he also notes one of the more powerful images he gives in this section. We examine what it means and how that might change how we pray.

Where do we turn in our lowest moments? Specifically, where do we believe we can find comfort? In this episode, we look at how Paul shows that the community of God brings the comfort of God to the people of God.

Conviction. Belief. Prayer. Core elements to any genuine relational reconciliation. In this episode, we continue with 4 more aspects needed for working toward reconciliation.

Last episode we saw the example of Paul and Mark's reconciled relationship. But does God really do that now? And how does that happen. Today's episode is part 1 of looking at steps we can take toward reconciliation in our faith community.

This relationship is complicated! Of all Paul's relationships, Mark is probably his most confusing/complicated relationship. But from anger and division, Paul gets to a place of appreciating his presence. Check out this episode as we explore an example of a reconciled community.

Our friendships are no accident. The people in your faith community are not by coincidence. In this episode, we consider God's providence in all our relationships.

A slave turned brother? How does the power of relational and identity transformation shape our communities? Do I even have transformation stories in my community? We explore these questions through examining Onesimus's story.

One of the great gifts in any community is a generosity of encouragement. In this episode we look at what encouragement is, and how to grow being a community of encouragement.

As we near the end of Paul's letter, we see the value and beauty of his community. In order for Paul to do what God called him to do, many others needed to also do what God called them to do. In this episode we consider the beauty of simply being faithful in who we are, and what God has called us to.

Paul ends this section by encouraging us in the type of speech we should have as followers of Jesus. What does it look like to have words and tones that are gracious? And why is that important to grow in as Christians? Check out this episode as we explore.

How we live impacts how people will listen to us talk about Jesus. If we want to be a people who are boldly sharing the gospel, we must also be a people who are living out our union with Jesus day after day. In this episode we look at the reality of how walking in wisdom will impact our witness as Christ followers.

The clear call from Scripture is to share the gospel. But how do we do it in a way that isn't forced or awkward? In this episode we look at one of the best traits you can have if you want to be an evangelist : be a question asker!

If prayer is our first step in evangelism, it makes God the primary worker in evangelism. But, what is our responsibility then? If God is the one who does the work, what am I to do? In this episode we address what our role is in evangelism.

Throughout the Scriptures we are called to evangelize, or tell people about the goodness and truth of God. But is it possible we often miss the first step? What is Paul's first step to effective evangelism, and how might that impact how we view and practice evangelism?

Once more, Paul encourages the church in Colossae to pray. Multiple times he has given this encouragement. But why is it important to continue in prayer in the Christian life? And what is a primary aspect of continuing in prayer?