Families of Faith

This is a dramatized Message audio bible version of the epistle to the ColossiansAuthor: PaulDate Written : 60 A.D.Written To: The church at Colossae, a city in Asia MinorPurpose: To combat errors in the church and to show that believers have everything they need in ChristSetting: Paul had never visited Colossae. Evidently the church had been founded by Epaphras and other converts from Paul's missionary travels. The church, however, had been infiltrated by religious relativism, with some believers attempting to combine elements of paganism and secular philosophy with Christian doctrine. Paul confronts these false teachings and affirms the sufficiency of Christ. Main Themes: *CHRIST IS GOD* , Christ is Head of the Church, Union with Christ, Man-made Religion

The Message Audio Bible dramatized version of the epistle to the Philippians.Author: PaulDate Written : 61 A.D.Written To: The Christians in PhilippiPurpose: To thank the Philippians for the gift they sent Paul and to strengthen them by showing them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone.Setting: Paul and his fellow believers in Christ began the church at Philippi on his 2nd missionary journey. This was the 1st Church established in Europe. The Philippian Church had sent a gift with Epaphroditus for Paul while he was in the Roman prison. He wrote this letter to thank them and encourage them in the faith. Main Themes: Humility, Self-Sacrifice, Unity, Christian Living, Joy

This is a dramatized Message Audio Bible version of the Epistle to Titus.Author: PaulDate Written : 64 A.D.Written To: Titus, a Greek, possibly converted to Christ through Paul's ministry.Purpose: To Advise Titus in his responsibility of supervising the churches on the island of Crete.Setting: Paul sent Titus to organize and oversee the churches on Crete. This letter tells him how to do just that. Main Themes: A Good Life, Character, Church Relationships, Citizenship

This is a dramatized Message Audio Bible version of the Epistle of 3rd John.Author: JohnDate Written : 90 A.DWritten To: Gaius, a Christian in the ChurchPurpose: To commend Gaius for his hospitality and encourage him in his walk.Setting: Church leaders traveled from town to town. They depended on hospitality from fellow believers. Gaius was one who welcomed them. Main Themes: Hospitality, Pride, Faithfulness

This is a dramatized Message Audio Bible version of the Epistle of 2nd John.Author: JohnDate: 90 A.D.Written to: "The lady chosen by God" and her children - or possibly a local churchWritten from: EphesusPurpose: To emphasize the basics of following Christ-Truth & Love - and to warn against false teachers. Setting: Apparently this "lady chosen by God" and her family were involved in one of the churches that John was overseeing. They had developed a strong relationship with John. He was warning her of the false teachers who were becoming prevalent in some of the churches.Main Themes: Truth, Love, False Teachers

The Message Audio Bible dramatized version of the Epistle of 1 John. Author: JohnDate Written : 85-90 A.DWritten To: Untitled. Sent as a pastoral letter to several Gentile congregationsPurpose: To reassure Christians in their faith and counter false teachingsSetting: John was an old man at this point. Perhaps the only of the original Apostles still alive. He had not yet be banished to the island of Patmos, where he would live in exile. As an eyewitness to the realness of Jesus, he wrote to give the new generation of followers assurance and confidence in God and their faith. Main Themes: Sin, Love, Family of God, Truth and Error, Assurance

This is a dramatized Message Audio Bible version of the Epistle of Jude.Author: Jude - brother of Jesus and JamesDate: 65 A.D.Written To: Jewish Christians Purpose: To remind the Church of the need for constant vigilance, to keep strong in the faith, and to oppose heresy (belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine).Setting: From the 1st century and on, the Church has been infiltrated and threatened by heresy and false teaching. We must always be on guard and discerning. Main Themes: False Teachers, Apostasy (the abandonment or renunciation of a religious belief)

This is a dramatized Message Audio Bible version of epistle to Philemon.Author: PaulDate: 60 A.D.Written To: Philemon - possibly a wealthy member of the Colossian ChurchWritten From: PrisonPurpose: To convince Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, and to accept him as his brother in the faithSetting: Slavery was common in the Roman Empire. Paul calls Onesimus, who was a slave, Philemon's brother in ChristMain Themes: Forgiveness, Barriers, Respect

This is a Message Audio Bible dramatized version of the epistle to the Ephesians.Author: PaulDate: 60 A.D.Written To: The church at Ephesus, then circulated to neighboring churchesWritten From: Rome - during Paul's imprisonmentPurpose: To strengthen the believers of Ephesus in their faith by explaining the nature and purpose of the Church.Setting: This letter was not written to confront any heresy or problems in the churches. It was sent to strengthen and encourage the churches in the area. Paul spent over three years with the Ephesian church. He was very close to them (See Acts 20:17-38).

Main Themes: God's Purpose, Christ the Center, Living Church, New Family, Christian Conduct