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 "All For You."  Here are the scriptures for this week:

Scriptures
Acts 9:1-6
Psalm 30
Colossians 1:15-29
John 21:1-19

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now, "A Gospel That Grows - Part 2" - Fr. Christopher Caudle

Summary

Fr. Christopher focuses on St. Paul's teachings in his letter to the Colossians, emphasizing the significance of understanding Jesus Christ correctly.

Introduction to Colossians

Fr. Christopher begins by introducing the city of Colossae and the church there, which was established through the efforts of Epaphras, a disciple of St. Paul. Although St. Paul had never visited Colossae, he addresses the church to respond to emerging teachings drifting from the gospel's core message.

Understanding Jesus Christ

A central theme of the sermon is the assertion that if one misunderstands Jesus, one will struggle to comprehend anything else correctly. Fr. Christopher shares a personal anecdote about a friend who views Jesus merely as an important figure rather than the Son of God, illustrating the confusion that arises from such a misunderstanding.

Paul's Presentation of Christ

Fr. Christopher highlights two key aspects of Jesus as presented by St. Paul: Jesus is the "image of the invisible God" and the "head of the body, the church". He emphasizes that this high language about Jesus is unique in the New Testament, suggesting that understanding Jesus is foundational to grasping the entirety of creation and the new creation.

• Image of God: St. Paul describes Jesus as God's image, challenging the Old Testament's prohibition against creating images of God. Jesus perfectly represents God's nature, bridging the gap between the invisible God and humanity.
  
  
• Cosmic Importance: The sermon underscores that all things were created through Jesus and for Him, highlighting His cosmic significance.

The Role of the Church

Fr. Christopher explains that Jesus is not only the creator but also the head of the church, which serves as God's solution to the world's brokenness. The church embodies the new creation, with Jesus as the firstborn among the dead, indicating His role in resurrection and renewal.

Reconciliation through Christ

He discusses how God reconciles all things to Himself through Jesus Christ. Fr. Christopher emphasizes that God delights in having His fullness dwell in Christ, facilitating the reconciliation of all creation. This reconciliation is not limited to creation but extends to individuals, offering them a chance to be presented unblemished before God.

The Mystery of Christ

Fr. Christopher highlights the mystery of Christ as the hope of glory, which has been revealed not just to a select few but to all believers. This mystery is that Christ dwells within believers, providing them with the assurance of glory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fr. Christopher encourages the congregation to hold firmly to their faith and recognize Jesus's importance in their lives. He stresses that drifting away from Jesus leads to disconnection from the truth, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to grow in their understanding of the gospel. The sermon closes with a prayer, inviting the congregation to bring their praises and struggles to the communion table, where they can experience Christ's fullness.

Prayer
Kids

Youth

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