In the midst of his letter to the Colossians Paul breaks into song, singing the praises of the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things. Jesus is supreme over all things because of His Identity, His Authority, and His Glory. He is the exact imprint and image of the invisible God, is the Creator of the Universe, and all things exist for His glory.

Application Questions:

1. What does it mean for Jesus to be "preeminent" over all things?
2. Why is it important that Jesus is the "image of the invisible God"?
3. What does "firstborn" mean and why does it matter?
4. How does Jesus's authority as Creator impact who is in charge of your life?
5. If the fundamental purpose of all creation is to bring honor and glory to Jesus, what are you living your life for, and what needs to change to live your life for Jesus?

In the book of Colossians God directs our gaze to look closely and intently on his Son. And when our eyes are fixed on Jesus we come to realize that, even in this season of difficulty, God is inviting us into a season of gratitude. In Christ God has given us more than we could ever imagine, but the incredible thing is, he's not done yet! As we look forward to this new series we await with eager expectation the transformation and multiplication God is going to do in us and through us.

Application Questions:

1. As you look back over the last 9 months, what are some of the ways you seen the gospel grow and transform your heart? If you're having trouble identifying any, pray for God's help seeing them, and ask those close to you.
2. As you look back over the last 9 months, what are some ways that you have seen the gospel spread and transform?
3. How would the coming months be different if you were focussed not on what you can't do or what has been taken from you and instead on what God is doing and how he's working?
4. What is one practical way you can make the coming months a season of increased and focussed prayer? Tell someone close to you what you intend to do so you can encourage one another and keep one another accountable.

As we wrap up our series on politics (and this entire political season) we ask the question: "Where do we go from here?" As always God's word gives us clear direction, teaching us that we go forward from here together. God has created the church to stand out in a divided world as a light of unity and hope. And the more we are captivated by the grace of his gospel, the more we can extend that grace to those around us. And as we do, we will fulfill his prayer that we would be united in a way that makes the world stop and take notice of just how magnificent and powerful the God we worship is.

Application Questions:

1. What other identities do you find creating unity in your life, other than your identity in Christ?
2. How does the gospel remind you of how much smaller (and less weighty) these identities are than your identity in Christ?
3. Who could you reach out to this week in order to cross a divide for the sake of the unity of the church? When will you reach out to them?
4. How could you pursue people this month in order to listen more and understand those in our church family who live or think differently than you?
5. Is there anyone in our church family you need to ask forgiveness for how you have allowed the divisions in the world to seep into our church family?

Elections, nations, and world powers come and go. But the reign of King Jesus and his eternal kingdom are forever. Nothing gives us greater perspective and hope than catching the vision of our one true King and of his everlasting kingdom. In a world filled with political prophecies, few of which ever come completely true, God calls our eyes up to-his- prophecies - his promises - and the confidence and hope they bring us regardless of what is happening on earth.

Application Questions:

1. How often do you think about eternity? How often have you thought about eternity this last week?
2. What about the description of eternity in Revelation stands out to you the most?
3. What would it look like for you to "keep the words" of Revelation in your life?

Politics is about who is in charge and who can make change in the world—and it's often connected to status, significance, and victory. But following Jesus gives you a different perspective on power. Jesus asks us to follow him by taking up our cross, which means embracing the humility and struggle that come along with loving our neighbor. Instead of constantly trying to amass power for ourselves, whether individually or politically, we take the posture of servants and know that our hope is in God.

Application Questions:

1. How have you pursued the way of glory—increasing greatness, success, and significance—in your own life?
2. Are there any ways God is calling you to take up your cross, serve others in obscurity, and humble yourself?
3. How does this affect the way you think about political change in general, and the election this week?

Loving God requires using our minds. God loves truth. He is the Ultimate Truth. And He calls on Christians to engage their minds to seek truth, even in the world of politics where truth is often obscure. We love God with our thinking by thinking: Humbly, Spiritually, Deeply, and Graciously.

Application Questions:

1. What does it look like to love God with your mind?
2. What are ways that youavoidtrue thinking?
3. How can you grow in thinkinghumbly?
4. What would it look like to view the world of politics through a spiritual lens?
5. How can you avoid shallow thinking? And what would it look like to practicecommunalthinking in your church community?
6. Have you rested in God's grace in this difficult season? If not, it's available for you now!

Politics isn't known for its love. Whether it's online discussions, in person debates, or even our own internal reactions, the political climate is often more about condemning our enemies than loving them. But love is the thing that all Christians are to be known for, in politics and everywhere else. 1 Corinthians 13 gives us a picture of love, showcased in Jesus' love towards us, that teaches us how to be loving, even towards our political enemies.

Application Questions:

1. How have you seen a lack of love in politics? How have you found yourself being unloving towards others?
2. What about the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 stood out to you the most? How can you practically apply it in your own life this week?
3. What would it look like to meditate on God's love more? How can you connect that to the way you think about and treat others?

Plenty of people are ready to tell you what the "Christian" political platform is. But how do we know what policies, propositions, and candidates are the ones that Christians should vote for? The Bible does provide us with biblical principles that matter for politics. But we also need to know the difference between biblical principles and political policies, which takes wisdom, humility, and grace.

Application Questions:

1. Do you think a follower of Jesus could fit perfectly into one political party in America? Why or why not?
2. What makes biblical principles different from political policies? How does that difference force us to seek wisdom and embrace humility?
3. How can you show grace to yourself and to others when it comes to what Christians should vote for or against?

The question of why politics are important really begins with the question of why the government is important. Some see government as a savior. Some see the government as a necessary evil. But, how are we, as Christians, to understand the nature of government from a God-centered worldview? And once we understand the nature of government, how does God call us to relate to the government that is over us in our daily lives. Thankfully, God has clearly given us the answer to these questions, and so much more, in his Word.

Application Questions:

1. How does a God-centered understanding of the role of government challenge how you tend to view the government?
2. How would you think of and talk about the governing authorities different if you remembered that they were instituted by God?
3. What are some ways that you see the government restraining evil and instituting partial justice,even if imperfectly?
4. In what ways is God calling you to obey the governing authorities that you have not been and need to repent of?
5. How should you think through questions of civil disobedience? How can you be increasingly careful, wise, and thoughtful as you consider instances where that may be required?

How should a Christian think about their country if they don't want to worship politics? People talk—and argue—a lot about patriotism, and how it fits into our current political landscape and the Christian faith. In Daniel 3 we get a good look at the ways patriotism can go wrong, and a model for how it can go right. What's more, we get pointed to our heavenly citizenship, which, far from removing us, sends us into our city and nation with love.

Application Questions:

1. How have you seen people (or yourself) confuse a political party or tribe with the kingdom of God? What have the results been like?
2. What would it look like for you to love our country and worship only God? What are some practical steps you can take?
3. How does Jesus give you the power to live this out? What can you meditate on this week to help you?