He never had a chance to visit, yet Epaphras returned from his travels to tell Paul about this little church inland from Ephesus. I imagine that their conversation compelled Paul to write this letter. He wanted to call them to a deeper wisdom—so rich that they would never forget Jesus. All. He is sufficient for now and forevermore. This series, Jesus Manifesto, will teach us about the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Read these five verses every time you begin to study any portion of the book of Colossians and you will remind yourself that this is what completion in Jesus looks like:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And 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, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:15-20, ESV)
I invite you to join us each week of the series and rediscover Jesus. The schedule is as follows:
Week 1: Getting Word to the Saints and the Faithful (Colossians 1:1-10)
Week 2: Getting Out of the Darkness (Colossians 1:11-14)
Week 3: Getting Clear about Christ (Colossians 1:15-23)
Week 4: Getting the Mystery Revealed (Colossians 1:24-2:3)
Week 5: Getting from Captivity to the Cross (Colossians 2:4-15)
Week 6: Getting Free from the World to Make a Difference (Colossians 2:16-3-4)
Week 7: Getting Dressed for Abundant Living (Colossians 3:5-17)
Week 8: Getting Relationships in Order (Colossians 3:18-4:1)
Week 9: Getting a Little Help from My Friends (Colossians 4:2-4:18)
Pastor Japhet De Oliveira
Administrative Director for the Center for Mission & Culture
Adventist Health