This is the first message in our series in Colossians, a study that aims to deepen our roots of faith and produce fruit in our lives… for our good and for God’s glory.

In his introduction, Paul applauds the church and prays for them. What he celebrates and what he prays for give us a picture of what the church is supposed to be. The predominant thought (vs. 9-14) is that the church most pleases God when its people live lives worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit, growing in knowledge, being strengthened and giving thanks for what He's done for us.

Because of what Jesus has done for us, we continually want to be part of helping others find life and hope in Him. We all have unique circles of influence and sometimes it's overwhelming to know where to start. The best place to start is asking God to give one person to share His love with.

We need other people to help us follow Jesus. Worship gatherings are a great place for relationships to start, but small groups are where relationships can grow. By connecting consistently with a group, people have a safe and loving environment to wrestle with faith, receive care, and be challenged to walk more closely with Jesus.

In response to what God has done for us, Partners joyfully and sacrificially give to the church to make sure that the mission has adequate resources to keep moving forward. God has always expected His people to give generously for His glory and purpose. When we create a rhythm of generosity toward Jesus and His mission, it increases our trust in God and moves our heart toward him. Often, generosity becomes the catalyst for spiritual growth in other areas.

God intends for every person who believes in Jesus and is filled with His Spirit to serve the church for the advance of His mission. The individuals experience joy and purpose through serving. And the church has everything it needs to bring people to maturity in faith.

Since the beginning of the church, Christians have gathered weekly as a sign of their unity and their commitment to Jesus. It is still the best representation of the values that define the Christian community. It is also the best way for someone to be introduced to the church. The weekly gathering best accomplishes its purpose when partners are committed to it.

Jesus renamed Simon as Peter, meaning rock, after he declared that Jesus was the Messiah the Son of God. On this declaration, Jesus said He would build church His church. In this opening message of the series, we understand what the church is and God's design for our part in His mission.

There is a second layer in Paul's letter to Philemon: the Gospel changes the way we think and live. Paul could have commanded Philemon to do what is right but, instead, he appeals to a new way of thinking because of Jesus. This message identifies many practical responses to the freeing work of Jesus.

The story of Philemon (homeowner) and Onesimus (runaway slave) depicts the story of the Gospel--we run away from God who cares for us and provides for us. Paul offers to pay for the cost of the offense, demonstrating the selfless, sacrificial atonement of Jesus which saves us from the punishment we deserve.

Proverbs reveals the way to deal with our sin that is wise and leads to life. Sometimes we find ourselves on the wrong path leading to death, what do we do then? These passages in Proverbs show us the mind and heart of God showing the way to deal with our sin and find our way back to Him.