Week 1: A Letter to Those in Christ
- What stood out to you from the message this past Sunday? Was there anything that seemed timely or relevant to you? Was there anything which surprised you, or with which you disagreed?
- Imagine you were a follower of Jesus in 60 CE in a cosmopolitan city like Colossae. What would you want to see in your church community? How is that similar or different to what you want from our church community today?
- If the apostle Paul wrote a letter to Cedar Ridge Community Church, what do you think he would say?
- Read Colossians 1:1-8. What is Paul thankful for, and what does this tell us about what he considers important?
- How do you see faith, hope, and love related in your own life?
- Read Colossians 1:9-14. Paul prays for many different things for the followers of Jesus in Colossae. Which of these do you most want to pray for yourself, and why? If you are meeting in a group, take some time to share your answer and then pray for one another. If you are reflecting alone, talk to God about this.
Practice for the week: Grace and Peace
Grace and peace to you from God our Father. (Colossians 1:2b, NIV)
Receive this blessing at the beginning of each day this week.
- Take a moment to repeat this short verse to yourself a couple of times.
- Think about the grace you have received: the people who have been patient with you when you were not at your best, and those who have forgiven you when you let them down.
- Think about the grace you can extend to others: those you will interact with today who need an extra dose of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and encouragement.
- Sit quietly, allowing your heart to open to God’s presence.
- Whether or not you feel it, God is with you and for you. Like a perfect mother or father, God’s love is unconditional and endless.
- Receive God’s grace and peace.