Welcome to New Covenant Church!

We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week we will hear a lesson from Fr. Christopher Caudle called "A Gospel That Grows."  Here are the scriptures for this week:

Scriptures
Acts 5:27-32
Psalm 150
Colossians 1:1-14
John 20:19-31

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now, "A Gospel That Grows - Part 1" - Fr. Christopher Caudle

Summary

Fr. Christopher focuses on the New Testament letters to the Colossians and Philemon, particularly emphasizing the theme of a growing gospel. He outlines the journey of Epaphras, a key figure in the early church, and his role in spreading the gospel and shaping the community in Colossae.

Introduction to Colossians

 Fr. Christopher introduces the letter to the Colossians, noting its significance and how it fits into the church's teachings. He mentions that the sermon series theme will be "a gospel that grows," reflecting Paul's desire for the Colossians to see the gospel flourish in their lives and communities.

The Character of Epaphras

 Epaphras, whose name means "lovely," is highlighted as a pivotal character in the narrative. He is described as someone who embarked on a search, ultimately leading him to encounter St. Paul during his ministry in Ephesus. The nature of his search remains unclear, but it resulted in a transformative meeting with the gospel.

Epaphras's Search

 Epaphras’ journey is depicted as a quest that brought him face-to-face with the teachings of Jesus Christ. This encounter profoundly changed his life, illustrating that one's search for meaning can lead to spiritual awakening.

Sharing the Gospel

 After his transformation, Epaphras returned to Colossae to share the gospel with others. Fr. Christopher emphasizes that sharing the good news is a natural response to experiencing its impact. Epaphras’ efforts contributed to the establishment of faith communities in Colossae, Hierapolis, and Laodicea.

Shaping the Community

 Epaphras did not stop at sharing the gospel; he actively worked to shape and nurture the community's faith growth. He sought guidance from Paul to ensure that the Colossians remained rooted in their beliefs amidst emerging challenges and potential heresies.

The Role of Prayer

The sermon highlights the importance of prayer in shaping the community. Epaphras is described as praying for the Colossians, seeking God's guidance for their maturity and faithfulness. Paul also emphasizes this in his letter, expressing gratitude to the Colossians in his prayers.

Conclusion

 Fr. Christopher encourages the congregation to reflect on their spiritual searches and actively share their experiences with others. He emphasizes the need for intentional prayer and community engagement to foster a growing faith, urging everyone to seek opportunities to connect with those searching for meaning.

He presents a compelling narrative of Epaphras’ journey from search to sharing and shaping a vibrant community of faith, underscoring the ongoing relevance of these themes in believers' lives today. The ultimate message is one of hope and encouragement for individuals and communities to grow in their understanding and practice of the gospel.

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