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COLOSSIANS 1:3-8; A Disney Arborist

What are you doing, and what can you do, to help God’s kingdom grow? Have you ever felt the pressure to "make" things happen in your spiritual life or your ministry? In this third installment of our Colossians 1 study, we look at the beautiful economy of spiritual growth. Using the analogy of a leaning tree in a backyard, we explore our role as "co-workers" with God.  We dive into the "Word of Truth"—the Gospel—and discover that its power doesn't depend on our perfection or professional training. Just like Epaphras, an ordinary guy who changed his community by simply sharing what he heard, we are all called to be "preachers" in our own mission fields.  Key Takeaways: The Role of the Arborist: Why we are called to plant and water, but must leave the growth to God.  The Gospel Defined: A clear look at the "Good News"—that Jesus lived, died, and rose again to make us right with God.  Ordinary People, Extraordinary Message: How "unschooled" fishermen and ordinary servants like Epaphras became the catalysts for the Gospel flourishing.  Your Daily Mission Field: Identifying the "captive audiences" in your workplace, school, and home that are waiting for a message of hope.  Scripture: Colossians 1:3-9, 1 Corinthians 3:3-9, Matthew 24:14

COLOSSIANS 1:3-9, Heard That

We live in a world driven by "word of mouth." From Netflix shows to 90s fads like Furbies, we trust the recommendations of people we know far more than paid advertisements. But how does this translate to our faith?  In this second part of our journey through Colossians 1, we explore the power of "hearing" the gospel. Paul celebrates the church in Colossae not because of a marketing campaign, but because their faith and love were so evident that people couldn't stop talking about them. Join us as we discuss our shared calling to be "preachers"—not just from a pulpit, but through our lives, attitudes, and love for one another.  Key Takeaways: The Power of Invitation: Why 88% of people would attend a gathering if simply invited by a friend, yet so few of us make the ask.  Identity Beyond the Slur: How the term "Christian" started as a slang insult and what it means to truly live as a "Little Christ" today.  Beautiful Feet: Moving beyond physical appearances to see the beauty of those who carry hope, peace, and grace into broken places.  Mining the Depths: Why "cherry-picking" verses isn't enough and why we are committed to diving deep into the full context of Scripture.  Scripture: Colossians 1:3-9, Romans 10:14-15

COLOSSIANS 1:1-2

Does God only use "perfect" people, or is there room for the rest of us? In this episode, we begin a new eight-week journey through the book of Colossians, starting with the powerful greeting in chapter one. We dive into what it truly means to be a "holy one" (a saint) and a "faithful" brother or sister in Christ. Even in a city like Colossae—which was shrinking in importance and size compared to its neighbors—God was doing something eternal. Join us as we explore how the grace and peace of Jesus can transform your identity and your daily walk. Key Takeaways: The Identity of a Saint: Discover why "holy" doesn't mean "sinless," but rather "set apart" for God’s specific purposes. Faithfulness in the Quiet Places: Why the small, often-overlooked church in Colossae serves as a powerful reminder that God works in the mundane and the "shrinking" areas of our lives. Grace vs. Mercy: A breakdown of why grace is the gift we don't deserve, while mercy is the judgment God withholds.

VENI, VEDI, GRATIAS EGI: A Simple Thanks

It doesn't have to sound like the King James Bible when you pray, and you don't need a degree in public speaking—sometimes, a simple 'Thank you' is exactly what God is looking for. We often feel the pressure to use "flowery" language when we talk to God, thinking He will hear us better if we use more words. But does God really require a complex vocabulary? In this message, we take an "engineer's look" at the economy of prayer. By examining key moments in Scripture—from the feeding of the 5,000 to the Last Supper—we discover that often, the most powerful prayers are the simplest ones.

VENI, VEDI, GRATIAS EGI: Saints & Samaritans

We often expect God to show up in huge miracles, but sometimes He's waiting for us in the simple, quiet act of returning to say 'Thank You.' It should come easy to give Him glory, but for some reason, we often get distracted. In this episode of The Church at 112, we continue our series Veni, Vidi, Gratias Egi ("I Came, I Saw, I Gave Thanks") by looking at how to make gratitude the foundation of our lives. We explore Luke 17, where Jesus heals ten men of leprosy, yet only one returns—a foreigner who broke social norms just to fall at Jesus’ feet.