Today we wrap up our series on Paul's epistle to the Colossians. Through this series we have seen that Christ reigns supreme. He is preeminent. Christ is all! We've seen what it means to be a child of God and to have a personal relationship with Him. We have discussed how we are to relate with one another within our families, in our communities and workplaces, and within His Church. And we have seen how important it is to be people of prayer. As Paul closes out this letter, he sends his final greetings to the church at Colossae. Within these words, we see the heart of an apostle who loves the Church and recognizes how we need one another as members of the Body of Christ.

In his epistle to the church at Colossae, the Apostle Paul specifically asks the church to pray for him. This morning, we’re going to see if we can figure out why Paul, an educated man and a captivating speaker, would believe it was so important to have the church praying for him; and why it’s important for us, too.

The way mothers view their children is unlike anything else in the world. Moms see the best in their kids. They see the potential. They see through eyes of unconditional love. Moms give us a glimpse of God’s great love for us. Today may we give thanks to God for blessing us with moms, who help us see God a little more clearly.

Are you in need of healing? Have you been struggling with an addiction? Do you need a breakthrough in your life, your marriage, or your family? Jesus still heals. He still delivers. He is still mending broken hearts and setting captives free. He is still the One Who moves mountains. Trust Him. Surrender to Him. Devote yourself to prayer, and be ready for God to do what only He can do.

Today’s culture is filled with examples of rebellion. People who refuse to submit to any authority but their own. The human heart is rebellious and sinful to the core and lawlessness appears to abound. What is the remedy for this?

God’s word is clear, the way to overcome rebellion and sin is found in Christ alone. Jesus has made a way for us to be forgiven, reconciled to God. Our rebellion ends when we wave the white flag of surrender. When we submit to Jesus, confessing Him as Lord, His mercy and grace bring forgiveness to our rebel hearts replacing them with forgiven hearts, able to walk in obedience to Him. Surrendering to Christ is where victorious living begins.

Family matters. God instituted the family as the building block of society. Family is precious, and God has spoken clearly in His word about how our families are to function. Unfortunately, in today's world, an assault on families is under way. How are we to respond? How are we to make our families stronger? As we continue our series in Colossians, may we not only listen but apply the word to our lives so that our families may be transformed into what God wants them to be.

This morning, we’re going to look into the owner’s manual and see how the One who created us expects us to treat one another - specifically, husbands and wives. After all, He designed and made us, and He brought the first man and woman together to become husband and wife. Certainly, He knows what is best for us, right? And this even when declaring that wives are to submit to their husbands?

What am I going to do? Ever ask yourself that question? Of course, you have. Sometimes it’s asked about the most mundane of things, and other times, it is asked in our moments of deepest crisis. Today, may we ask it ourselves as believers, “What are we going to do?” Will we trust and obey the word of God, listening to its wisdom? Will we be the encouragers to one another that we are called to be? Will we do everything for Him?

What a beautiful Easter morning! Yet, on the backside of this beautiful day, there are those who are broken, grieving and feel little hope. So where do we turn when heartbreak comes our way? Where do we find peace when we’re feeling none? Where do we find hope when it feels as if the bottom has dropped out of our lives? The answer is found in the real meaning of Easter.