Bible Study: Colossians Part I

Colossians 1:1-23

Join us as we review how Paul introduces himself in all of his greetings, and how they both designate his ministry as new and unique, and communicate the authenticity of love unfeigned. We'll also explain where Colosse was, who established the church there, and who the bible says lived there at the time of this epistle.

We'll discuss the difference between the fruit John the Baptist demanded of the Pharisees versus the fruit of the Spirit produced in the Colossians, (and hopefully in us too). We'll look at what in means to "translated", especially into "the kingdom of his dear Son."

Hear Paul's description of Jesus as the "image" of the invisible God and the "firstborn" of every creature. Does this imply Jesus may have been created by God? And we'll address whether or not Melchizedek was a Christophany or not.

What are the “thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers” referred to in Col 1:16? Is it proper to call believers today members of "The Church, The Body of Christ"? Ans what does it mean that Christ is "the beginning” and “firstborn from the dead.”

Hear about the difference between the "fulfillment" of prophecy by Christ in the gospels and early Acts, and the "fullness" of Christ described by Paul. When John contrasts the coming of grace by Christ with the coming of the Law by Moses, is he preaching salvation by grace alone in the gospels? We'll examine how only Paul teaches us that God made peace through the blood of Jesus' cross, and how even though God has taken care of man's sin problem, men can remain his enemies in their own minds.

Finally, is believing the gospel and repenting toward God a work? If you think that shame and repentance is a work, then we fear you’ve never experienced it. We also discuss the knowledge of God's, all wisdom, spiritual understanding, patience, longsuffering, joyfulness, thankfulness. And how we are free to do good works after God saves us!