From the Pastor

“That [Your] Hearts May Be Encouraged”
(Colossians 2:2)

Ever known someone who was a great encourager? I’ve had the privilege of knowing a few over the years. One thing I’ve noted: the best encouragers don’t have a hidden agenda or need to control. The only thing they do is… encourage! Encouragement is something that I suspect we could all use a little more of, in our day-to-day lives.

The month of July marks the beginning of a new sermon series at Resurrection: a focus on St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians. How does Paul see his purpose in writing this letter? “That your hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of God’s mystery, which is in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” We don’t know the precise nature of the challenges the Colossians were facing. What we do know is that the Colossians needed encouragement — not advice. Paul seems to sense all the forces that could be at work in and among the church in Colossae to sow discord and division. He has listened carefully to what is happening there. He has much to say. Rather than give them a list of countermeasures or life hacks intended to lead them to “the best life,” St. Paul speaks at length of what GOD has done. Specifically, it is what Christ has done FOR them and how Christ at work IN them brings a hope to the Colossian Christians that Paul prays they will never abandon.

You and I, like the Colossians, are a people in need of encouragement. The words of St. Paul to the church in Colossae are God’s Word for us today, too. Where do you find yourself most in need of comfort, motivation, or inspiration? I invite you to join us this month, as we walk alongside the Colossians, not focused so much on DOING more. Rather, in this busy summer season, as a people truly needing our hearts to be encouraged, let’s rest again in who God has made it to be in Christ!

A very blessed summer… and a happy Fourth of July for everyone!

Peace and joy in Him,
Pastor Jonathan