Arise and Abide

Reading from Colossians 3:1-17 (NLT) ~Living the New Life~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking following the practical instructions on how to follow Christ and begin walking in the New Life Christ has given us.

Reading from Colossians 2:6-23 (NLT) ~Freedom from Rules and New Life in Christ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking following Jesus, growing spiritual roots, Christ nailing our sins to the Cross, separating us form our sins, God cutting away our sinful nature, learning new habits and routines.

Reading from Colossians 1:24-2:5 (NLT) ~Paul’s Work of the Church~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking Christ living in those whose faith is in Jesus. 2 Kings 13:20 The Tomb of Elisha.

Reading from Colossians 1:1-23 (NLT) ~Greetings form Paul, Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer, Christ is Supreme~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at how Paul opens his letters, anxiety, growth, God’s wisdom and understanding.

Reading The Book of Philemon (NLT) ~Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer, Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus, Paul’s Final Greetings~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at how the book of Philemon is a picture of the Ministry of Reconciliation Paul wrote about earlier in 2 Corinthians.

Reading from Acts 28:1-31 NLT ~Paul on the Island of Malta, Paul Arrives in Rome, Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Paul and the Holy Spirit’s engagement with the people on the island of Malta. The protection God gave Paul to continue to preach the good news without fear of being murdered.

Reading from Acts 27:1-44 NLT ~Paul Sails for Rome, The Storm at Sea, The Shipwreck~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the storm and subsequent shipwreck that left everyone on the island of Malta. It is hard for us to change direction when we are set on our path. The metaphor of our lives in the story.

Reading from Acts 26:1-32 NLT ~Paul Speaks to Agrippa Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at purity of Paul’s defense. How Festus keeps missing the opportunity, how the Holy Spirit will give us the right words, and how our testimony can be an encouragement and bring comfort when there are storms outside.

Reading from Acts 25:1-27 NLT ~Paul before Appears Before Festus, Paul Speaks to Agrippa~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the heart of Fesuts and the opportunity he missed.

Reading from Acts 24:1-27 NLT ~Paul before Appears Before Felix~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the corruption in Paul’s case and the inconvenience of the Holy Spirit’s call.