Sermons – St Bart's Anglican Church (Toowoomba)

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventh sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “At Church, Home, and Work”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-4:11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What things of the old life do you need to take off? What things can you put on to help you?

WARM-UP

1. When have you been the recipient of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience? (Particularly think about an example from either church, home, or work – as relevant).

Read Colossians 3:12-17

1. What does it mean to be chosen and dearly loved by God? What does it mean to you to know that we too are chosen and dearly loved?

2. What does Paul say that the Colossians should ʻclotheʼ themselves with? Can you define them?

3. What most challenges you on this list? Is there anything that is currently particularly hard?

4. How can prayer and practice help cultivate these virtues? How does the power of the Spirit enable us?

5. When we (or others) get the virtues wrong, what should we be quick to do? Why is that the case?

6. Do you find it hard to forgive? Is there anything troubling you right now? How could the group pray?

7. How do you see verses 15 and 16 reflected in the life of our church? How do we nurture this?

Read Colossians 3:18-25

1. As Paul applies the metaphor of getting dressed, what are the frontlines that he most has in mind?

2. Who was part of a typical household in the Greco-Roman world? Do you think this would have made it easier or harder to be an authentic Christian witness?

3. Does anything stand out for you in these verses? Are you surprised by anything Paul does or doesnʼt say?

4. How is Paulʼs expectations for wives and husbands consistent with culture and also counter-cultural?

5. How radical was the concept of some form of mutuality in marriage, parenting, and slavery?

6. Why do you think Paul doesnʼt call for immediately overturning slavery? Does this mean he supports it?

7. What are the opportunities you have to demonstrate the virtues in your household and/or workplace?

8. What does Paul mean by ʻwhatever you doʼ? Whatʼs le out? Is there anything in your life that you currently find it hard to know how best to orientate it for the Lord?

APPLY: How can you more intentionally pray and practice (in the power of the Holy Spirit) compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience?

Gracious Father, thank you that our identity and future is hidden in Christ. Please help us to take off the things not of you and instead put on all that you desire for us. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: What aspect of your frontline is bringing you joy? Give thanks to God for it.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: Podcast episode: “Why is our Culture so Obsessed with Identity?” by Brian Rosner

• Listen: “Christ our New Master” from Barneys Broadway

• Listen: (Paid): Finding our Identity in Christ

• Book: “Virtue Reborn” by Tom Wright

• Read: “The 6Mʼs” by the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity

SERIES Resources:

• Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview

• Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians

• Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright

• Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)

• Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright

• Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians

• Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARG...

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sixth sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Growing in Christ”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you be on guard against taking up or promoting counterfeit forms of spirituality?

WARM-UP

1. Have you ever had to change jobs to another company in the same field? What was it like doing the same job under different ownership?

2. Whose ownership are we under? Why? How does this shape the way we live our lives?

Read Colossians 3:1-4

1. How have we been ʻraised with Christʼ? What event can give us the ultimate confirmation of our hope of our relationship with God and future?

2. Where are we to set our hearts and minds? What does this mean in practice for us? Where are we usually drawn to setting our hearts and minds?

3. Where is our life ʻhiddenʼ at the moment? How can this give us a secure hope?

4. When will this all be revealed? In what ways can you shape your life in the light of this certain expectation and hope?

Read Colossians 3:5-11

1. What things are we to put to death? What sort of things does the world tell us to ʻput to deathʼ?

2. What are some practical ways to put these things away if tempted by them?

3. How does Paul remind us of both the seriousness of these things but the hope of Jesus in these verses?

4. How can we be assured of Godʼs forgiveness if we fall into any of these lists in V5 and V8? To which life do these things belong?

5. What does it mean to take off the old self and put on the new? In what ways is the new completely different to and better than the old? What things can help remind you of the new self?

6. What next steps could you take to grow in your intimacy with and knowledge of God?

7. Are there any barriers between those who are in Jesus? What barriers may we be tempted to put up? What is the thing that unifies us?

APPLY: What things of the old life do you need to take off? What things can you put on to help you?

Lord, thanks that you have brought us from death to life in Jesus. Help us to keep our eyes, our wills, our desires, and our actions focused on you. Keep us from the things of old and help us to grow in the new. Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you pray for the politics of our country & the politics on your frontline?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “Life and Death” by Simon Manchester

• Listen: “A spirituality that works personally” by William Taylor

• Listen: “Behaving” by Alistair Begg

• Read: “Holiness” by JC Ryle

SERIES Resources:

• Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview

• Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians

• Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright

• Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)

• Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright

• Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians

• Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying meaningfully for their child, with biblical grounding.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fifth sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “The Freedom of Christ”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 2:16-23

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What could most help you be rooted and built up in Jesus?

WARM-UP

1. Have you ever felt inadequate as a Christian compared to others? Whatʼs the antidote?

2. What are the types of “counterfeit spirituality” that you have experienced?

Read Colossians 2:16-17 (Freedom from the Super-Religious)

1. What does Paul mean by, “do not let anyone judge you”? How might the Colossian Christians have experienced the judgement of others?

2. What were the extra things forbidden and required of the Colossians by those judging them?

3. What does Paul mean by his description of these things being a ʻshadowʼ of the reality in Christ?

4. What are the common sort of ʻrulesʼ that people add to the Gospel today? Have you experienced this?

Read Colossians 2:18-19 (Freedom from the Super-Spiritual)

1. What does Paul mean by, “do not let anyone disqualify you”?

2. What sort of ʻsuper-spiritualʼ things could have been happening around the Colossians?

3. How can these sort of ʻsuper-spiritualʼ things both appeal to our pride and play on our insecurities?

4. What does Paul say about those who endlessly pursue such spiritual experience? What does he mean?

5. What are the common types of spiritual experiences pushed onto Christians as necessary today?

6. Why are such spiritual experiences not necessary for salvation or as a ʻmakerʼ of belonging?

Read Colossians 2:20-23 (Freedom for that which Lasts)

1. What sort of strange practices were happening at the time? How could these be both attractive and ineffective? Do you think we could ever be attracted to such practices today?

2. If we do not belong to this world, to whom do we belong?

3. If we belong to Christ, what do we have freedom from? What do we have freedom for?

4. On what basis does Paul argue that we do not need to follow human commands or traditions to be saved?

APPLY: How can you be on guard against taking up or promoting counterfeit forms of spirituality?

Gracious Father, thank you that it is because of Jesus alone that we can have confidence of eternity with you. Please guard us from taking-up or propagating counterfeit spirituality. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you pray for the politics of our country & the politics on your frontline?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “A qualified spirituality open under investigation” by William Taylor

• Listen: “Alive with Christ” by Chris Wright

• Listen: “Christ: Realities, Not Rules” by Mike Paget

SERIES Resources:

• Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview

• Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians

• Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright

• Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)

• Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright

• Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians

• Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying meaningfully for their child, with biblical grounding.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Fullness in Christ”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 2:6-15

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What next steps can you take to go deeper in your maturity in Jesus? Who can keep you accountable?

WARM-UP

1. Are there ever ways in which youʼre tempted to think, “if only I had ______” or “if only I did this ______” or “Iʼd be a more fulfilled/complete Christian, if I ______”?

Read Colossians 2:6-7 (Goal: Be Rooted and Built Up in Jesus)

1. In what way does Paul want the Colossians to continue walking with Jesus?

2. What does it mean to be both rooted and built up in Jesus? What type of images is Paul appealing to?

3. As we continue to walk with Jesus, why is it essential to be both rooted and built up in Jesus?

4. What are the rhythms or relationships that help you to hold fast and grow up in Jesus? How would you like to go deeper in your knowledge about Jesus and your relationship with Jesus?

5. How are you being: (a) strengthened in faith; and (b) cultivating an “overflowing” thankfulness?

Read Colossians 2:8 (Warning: Don’t be Taken Captive)

1. What is Paulʼs warning to the Colossians? What does he mean by being ʻtaken captiveʼ?

2. In what way were people telling the Colossians that their faith was insufficient or infantile?

3. What are the common ways that Christians are challenged (by other Christians) that they need ʻspecialʼ additional rituals, rules, knowledge, or experiences to be authentic Christians?

4. What are the hollow and deceptive philosophies of our culture that can take us captive? Is Paul against all philosophy or reasoning? How do we discern what is helpful and what is dangerous?

5. How do we ʻsee to itʼ that weʼre not taken captive by that which is shallow or deceptive?

Read Colossians 2:9-15 (Remember: Your Fullness in Christ)

1. In what way do we find all fullness in Jesus? Why is everything else therefore just a poor substitute?

2. What was the point of circumcision? How have the Colossian Christians been circumcised in Christ?

3. According to Paul, how is baptism connected to Jesusʼ death and resurrection?

4. How did Jesus disarm the powers and authorities, making a spectacle of the cross? Is this good news?

APPLY: What could most help you be rooted and built up in Jesus?

Gracious Father, thank you for the never-changing Good News of Jesus. Please help us to be rooted and built up in Jesus, not to be taken captive, and remember the fullness of Jesus. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: In what ways has God been at work on your frontline? Take some time this week to stop, pray, and give thanks!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “A Sealed Spirituality Under Threat” by William Talor

• Listen: “Alive with Christ” by Chris Wright

• Watch: “Christ and Disinformation” by Aaron Roberts (St Johnʼs Vancouver)

• Read: “Isnʼt Christianity Homophobic” (chapter in “Confronting Christianity” by Rebecca McLaughlin

• Read: “How to Find Yourself” by Brian Rosner

SERIES Resources:

• Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview

• Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians

• Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright

• Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)

• Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright

• Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians

• Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying meaningfully for their child, with biblical grounding.

Fa...

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is a one-off sermon from the book of 1 John. This sermon is “The Real Life and Light”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 John 1:1-2:2

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What next steps could you take to go deeper in your maturity in Jesus? Who could you ask to keep you accountable to this?

WARM-UP

1. Have you ever tried using virtual reality technology? How was the experience?

2. What can help us discern between what is real and what is fake?

Read 1 John 1:1-4

1. What sort of experience is John writing about in these first verses? Who is he writing about?

2. Are you confident in the physical resurrection of Jesus and the hope of eternal life? What is the source of this confidence and hope?

3. What does it mean to have fellowship with each other and with God?

4. Have you ever known someone close to you who has turned to Jesus in your lifetime? How did it make you feel seeing them come to know him?

Read 1 John 1:5-2:2

1. How does John describe God in these verses? How is God different from the people and things of this world?

2. Why is it inconsistent to claim fellowship with God and yet walk in darkness? Does this mean that we have to reach a sinless state and live perfectly? Why/why not?

3. If you were to be presented with a full record of your sin, how would you feel? What has Jesus done with all of these sins and how? How can we have this?

4. How does the world react to the concept of forgiveness? How do you react to being forgiven?

5. Is there any sin or any one who is too far from Godʼs forgiveness? How can we have this assurance? How should this shape how we proclaim the gospel to people?

6. What does it look like to live as people who have been forgiven?

APPLY: What things or patterns could help remind you of the forgiveness that we have because of Jesus?

Gracious God, we thank you for how much you love us, for how deep your mercy is for us, for how much you have forgiven us. Please help us to never lose sight of the grandior of what you have done for us. Keep us from a gospel of law but remind us of your mercy continually. We ask this in Jesusʼ name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: What is the culture on your frontlines like? Is your approach to avoid, assimilate, or transform?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “1 John 1:1-2:2” by Don Carson

• Listen: “Confident because of Jesus' death” by William Taylor

• Listen: “Three Spurious Claims” by Alistair Begg

• Read: “Suffering, Perseverance and Godʼs Infallible Plan” by Richard Chin

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying meaningfully for their child, with biblical grounding.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Gospel Ministry”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Colossians 1:24-2:5

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one way this week that you can grow in your recognition and enjoy the reality of Jesusʼ greatness?

WARM-UP

1. What are the ʻgood news storiesʼ that we can sometimes see in this world? How do these compare to the Gospel?

Read Colossians 1:24-29

1. Is there anything lacking in Jesusʼ work on the cross for our salvation? Why or why not?

2. What does Paul mean when he refers to his own suffering in V24?

3. In what ways have you personally experienced suffering or hardship for proclaiming Jesus? Who is with us even amongst these trials? How is this good news?

4. In what way is Paul presenting the word? What is the mystery that it contains?

5. How is Christ ʻin usʼ? Where in your week do you need this reminder that God is with and in you? How could you remind yourself of this?

6. What does it mean for us to be mature in Christ? What does Paul do to encourage the Colossians in maturity? How can we grow in our maturity in Christ?

Read Colossians 2:1-5

1. Who is at the centre of Paulʼs ministry? Who should be at the centre of our lives and how we live on our frontlines? How could make him the centre of all we do?

2. In what ways do you find it difficult to live for Jesus on your frontlines?

3. Are there opportunities to proclaim Jesus on your frontlines? How could you take them up in the knowledge that God is with you?

4. What were some of the ʻfine-soundingʼ arguments of the first century? What are some of the arguments of today that could distract us from Jesus?

APPLY: What next steps could you take to go deeper in your maturity in Jesus? Who could you ask to keep you accountable to this?

Lord God, how we thank you for the amazing privilege of being called to you and to be able to join in your mission to bring all things under Christ. Help us to live faithfully on our frontlines; give us words with which to proclaim your good news; and give us your strength. We pray for the glory of your name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: This is the perfect window of invitation for Alpha - starting May 9. Who are you going to invite this week?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “Buried and Made Alive with Him” by Peter Adam: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/53330/audio/

• Listen: The Suffering Servant and the hope of glory” by Simon Gillham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykjBLWYL9Pw

• Listen: “A global spirituality on offer to all” by William Taylor: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/56891/

• Listen: “Presenting Everyone Mature in Christ” by Alistair Begg: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/welcome-and-main-session/

• Read: “Suffering, Perseverance and Godʼs Infallible Plan” by Richard Chin

SERIES Resources:

• Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview

• Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians

• Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright

• Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)

• Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright

• Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians

• Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying meaningfully for their child, with biblical grounding.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook:

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “The Greatness of Jesus”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 1:15-23

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What are the challenges in your walk with God presently? How could you take another next step?

WARM-UP

1. Have you ever had an encounter with someone famous or “important”?

2. What are the ways in which the world diminishes Jesusʼ greatness? What are the ways in which you are sometimes tempted to diminish your view of Jesusʼ greatness?

Read Colossians 1:15-20

1. What does Paul mean by the “Son” being the image of the invisible God”?

2. If someone wanted to know who God is or what God is like, why do they only need to look to Jesus?

3. What are the ways in which Jesus is supreme in creation? Are there any domains le out?

4. In what way do the priorities of our church reflect that Jesus is in charge?

5. What does Paul mean by Jesus being the beginning and firstborn from among the dead? How does this fill you with expectant hope?

6. What is it about Jesusʼ greatness that fills you with wonder and awe? How is this reflected in your life?

Read Colossians 1:21-23

1. What is the way in which Paul claims that Jesus is supreme in salvation? What is meant by Jesus having reconciled the Colossians through the blood of the cross?

2. Why is it necessary to have peace with God? How can we grasp and enjoy peace with God today?

3. How has Jesusʼ death and resurrection transformed our past, present, and future?

4. In what way has Jesusʼ death and resurrection reconciled the entire cosmos to himself?

5. How were the Colossians being challenged to ʻaddʼ to the Good News? How are we sometimes challenged or tempted to ʻaddʼ to the Gospel?

6. How does Jesusʼ greatness provide you with security day-to-day? How can you practically keep growing in your recognition of how great Jesus is?

7. If Jesusʼ is comprehensively supreme in creation and salvation, what should our response be to him?

APPLY: What is one way this week that you can grow in your recognition and enjoy the reality of Jesusʼ greatness?

Lord, thank you for the supremacy of Jesus in creation and salvation. Please give us a clearer view of Jesusʼ greatness that our faith will grow in accordance with who he is and what he has done. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: This is the perfect window of invitation for Alpha - starting May 9. Who are you going to invite this week?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “An underwritten spirituality with no threat of default” by William Taylor

• Listen: “A transformational spirituality worth pursuing” by William Taylor

• Read: “Translation and Paraphrase of Colossians 1:15-20” by Michael Bird

• Read: “Why does my work matter to God?” by Charles Hippsley (LICC)

• Read: “Colossians: A Christology Worth Singing” by Josh Hayes (the Bible Project)

SERIES Resources:

• Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook) COMING SOON

• Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians

• Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright

• Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)

• Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright

• Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians

• Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying meaningfully for their child, with biblical grounding.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School:

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Following Jesus”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 1:1-14

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: In light of Jesusʼ resurrection: how can you grow more in his presence, power, or purpose?

WARM-UP

1. Together, what information can you brainstorm about the letter to the Colossians?

2. Why do you think following Jesus is often described as walking with the Lord? What does it mean to “live a life worthy of the Lord”?

Read Colossians 1:1-8

1. On writing to the Colossians, what cause was there for Paul to give thanks to God? Do you see any of these characteristics evident in our own community? (If so, donʼt forget to give thanks!)

2. What is the relationship between the Colossiansʼ ʻfaith and loveʼ and the hope stored up for them?

3. What does Paul mean by a hope that has been ʻstored upʼ for them in heaven? Why was it so important for Paul to remind the Colossians of this hope?

4. How does (or should) a certain hope of the future shape the way in which we live today?

Read Colossians 1:9:14

1. How important of a role did prayer play in Paulʼs understanding of mission? How could you more intentionally shape your prayer life missionally? (Try to think of content and rhythm.)

2. Where does ultimate wisdom and understanding come from? How do you seek wisdom from God?

3. Are you growing in your hunger for Godʼs will? Is there an area in which you are seeking or resisting it?

4. How in recent years has your life been re-prioritised by Kingdom of God priorities?

5. What are the ways that Paul suggests please God? Does our salvation depend on pleasing God?

6. As you consider what pleases God, which of these aspects do you think you need to grow in more? How might this involve a laying down of self in order to prioritise what pleases God more?

7. Do you think that patience and endurance are particularly counter-cultural today? How does trusting in Godʼs timing help grow us in patience and endurance? Do you know any personal examples of this?

8. What does it mean that we have been qualified, rescued, and redeemed? Spend some time unpacking each of these words and any implications.

APPLY: What are the challenges in your walk with God at the moment? How could you take another next step?

Gracious God, thank you for the certain hope that we have because Jesus is the Risen Lord. Please help us to order our lives – individually and as a church – in line with your Kingdom priorities. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: How do you prioritise time each week to get to know the people on your frontline? Maybe, it is eating lunch with others or slowing down during school pickup.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “Full Repatriation” by John Stott

• Listen: “Lecture: Why Colossians” by Dick Lucas

• Listen: “The Word of Truth” by William Taylor

• Read: “What! No Pearly Gates” by Rory Shiner

• Read: “Plans to Excavate Colossae”

SERIES Resources:

• Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook) COMING SOON

• Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians

• Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright

• Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)

• Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright

• Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians

• Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying mean...

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the twelfth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is from Easter Day. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 24:36-49

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: In light of Godʼs grace, what one area of your life needs some further ʻre-orderingʼ?

WARM-UP

1. Whatʼs your earliest memory of celebrating Easter? Did you do anything differently this year?

2. Has there been a significant moment when you came to understand Jesusʼ death and/or resurrection?

Read Luke 23:32-49

1. According to the people watching, who did they think Jesus had claimed to be? Why do you think they had connected the potential to be the Messiah with the necessity for him to save himself?

2. What was crucifixion like? Other than an instrument of execution, what was the purpose of it?

3. Why was the idea that the Messiah would be crucified so scandalous?

4. What was Jesusʼ promise to one of the thieves? How does this point to Jesusʼ purpose on the cross?

5. What happens at noon? What is significant about Jesusʼ words and what happens in the temple?

6. What does the centurion do? What do you think caused him to praise God at this point?

7. What is the best response we can make to Jesusʼ death? How can you praise him daily for this?

8. How does Jesusʼ death transform how you approach one of your frontlines?

Read Luke 24:36-49

1. How does Jesus greet the disciples? Why do you think they were frightened? How would you respond?

2. What are the varied ways in which Jesusʼ death and resurrection bring us peace?

3. Was Jesusʼ resurrection physical? How does our future get bundled up with Jesusʼ resurrection?

4. Who were the first witnesses to the resurrection? Why wouldnʼt some of the disciples believe them? 15. Does Jesusʼ resurrection sound like nonsense to people today? Whatʼs a helpful way to discuss it?

5. If Jesus is alive, what does that mean for the capacity for relationship with him? How do you enjoy this?

6. In what way are we also witnesses? How does Jesusʼ resurrection shape our lifeʼs purpose?

7. What is something that youʼre finding challenging? How does Jesusʼ resurrection transform this?

8. What did Jesus tell the disciples to wait for? How are we also recipients of this power?

APPLY: In light of Jesusʼ resurrection: how can you grow more in his presence, power, or purpose?

Almighty Lord, thank you for Jesusʼ death and resurrection, along with the certainty that Jesus brings. Please help me – for your glory – to live a life transformed by Jesusʼ presence, power, and purpose. Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: Who is someone you think would be unlikely to come to faith? Pray & invite them to Alpha (you might be surprised at their response!). Click here for more information.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen (Talk): “A Thief Welcomed” by William Taylor

• Listen (Talk): “A Tomb Vacated” by William Taylor

• Listen (Oratorio): “St Johnʼs Passion” by Bach

• Read (Book): “The King and the Cross” by Tim Keller

• Read (Article): “How a Cancer Diagnosis Makes Jesusʼ Death and Resurrection Mean More”

• Read (Article): “The Cry of the Cross” by Simon Camilleri

SERIES Resources:

• Resource: Series overview booklet

• Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO

• Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)

• Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright

• Resource: St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School:

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sermon from our Good Friday Service 2022.

DOWNLOAD the Sermon Transcript (PDF).