First Congregational of Hamilton

Steadfast in Renewal

It was such a delight last week to gather for our first summer worship service of the year, all together in Heritage Hall. (Not to mention the fantastic burger I enjoyed at the picnic afterwards!) Glenn gave us a spectacular vision of the cosmic preeminence of Jesus Christ. As we pray for refreshing and recentering of our hearts, Jesus is the center of it all. But maybe you feel a little lost in that picture. As we take in the grand happenings of our own time, of history, and of the world, we might feel displaced and disorientated. How do we fit in the cosmic drama? This week, we’ll look closely at Colossians 1:21-23 [https://us.list-manage.com/1BwAlCQhh8F?e=d809b29a61&c2id=8be2d478bcc1e75805be66756cf6e291], as Paul moves from third-person to second-person, addressing the Colossian Church and situating their story within the cosmic story of Christ. We’ll answer the questions “Who are we? What has Christ done for us? What is our destiny? What part do we play?” May the Lord Jesus encourage and strengthen your hearts.

The Preeminence of Christ

Colossians 1:15-20 [https://us.list-manage.com/ai5wp2WiMIl?e=d809b29a61&c2id=8be2d478bcc1e75805be66756cf6e291]displays the multifaceted preeminence of Christ, but in a manner often foreign to our way of thinking. Careful attention to the text helps us to understand Christ's humility and glory in a foundational manner for salvation and Christian life. Dr. Glenn Butner

A Picture of Renewal

Colossians is a wonderful letter towards this end, as Paul encourages the church there not to be swayed by wayward philosophies (more on these later!), but to be fixated on Christ and his supremacy and sufficiency in all things. I’ve been praying for this to be a summer of spiritual renewal. This is my prayer for you this summer and a picture for us of what this renewal might look like, inspired by Paul’s introductory remarks (Colossians 1:1-14); that you will be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding - so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: - bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; - being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, - for all endurance and patience with joy; - giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light!

The Hope of the Resurrection

This week we will be concluding our series on "God's Welcome" in the Gospel of Luke. We will spend time in Luke 24 [https://us.list-manage.com/lzWIn2eJ2Hp?e=0db84cb4ea&c2id=28422a55a25bb502f64eb3e50e291047] which tells of the resurrection of Christ. We will look at the evidences of the resurrection and how this brings hope to our lives today!

The Crucifixion

We’re coming close to the end of our journey through Luke’s Gospel. I wonder, through the months of studying Luke, what has stood out to you? What are some themes or encounters that have been memorable for you? What grabs you most about Jesus? Take a moment now and reflect on how God has spoken to you through this gospel. Today, we will look at Luke 23 [https://us.list-manage.com/MDzTvdUuiXe?e=d809b29a61&c2id=8be2d478bcc1e75805be66756cf6e291] and the crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting his innocence and what that means for us. In preparation, read through the chapter and notice all the instances where Luke highlights Jesus’ innocence. May God reveal himself and give you his peace.