Jesus Changes People

It can feel like there isn’t much to learn from the closing of a letter where everyone wants to say hi. However, when you know the stories of the individuals saying hi, you discover these people are testimonies of Jesus’ work in a person’s life. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the 5 people listed in these 4 verses, and what we can learn for ourselves from their stories. Also, how do the guys end up talking about wrestling again, biblical measurements of weight, and greeting cards?Passage: Colossians 4:10-13

We may think the end of a letter doesn’t have much to teach, but that’s not the case with Paul’s closing words to the Colossians. There’s a lot to be learned from Tychicus and Onesimus, the first two names Paul mentions. These two are dear brothers and faithful. Join Ken and Mike, as they discuss the back stories of Tychicus and Onesimus. They also ponder why some biblical names are used for children and others are not. And how was Ken’s first year as a prof?Passage: Colossians 4:7-9

Paul encourages the Colossians to be ready at all times in prayer. And He invites them to pray so that the message of Jesus will be shared by him in a way that will be clearly understood and received. He also spurs them on to live lives that cause others to want to know more about Jesus. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss devotions that border on obsession, salty speech, and how we’re able to pray at all times. Also, what’s one of the most stolen items of all time, and does anyone know what an Ebenezer is?Passage: Colossians 4:2-6

What can we learn from a passage in a letter addressing slaves and masters? We don’t have those conditions today. Well, actually a lot. We must contextualize Paul’s writing and then bring it forward to the present. When we do, we see there’s much that can be applied to our work environments. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss work relationships and how people changed by Jesus can change society. Also, the Holy Land Experience is back in the Did You Know segment. What could have landed it a second appearance?Passage: Colossians 3:22-4:1

Four sentences, four verses, no problem, right? Not so fast. These verses are not as easy as they look. And one of them has been hotly contested in many church circles time and time again. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the roles of husbands, wives, parents, fathers, and children. Also, there’s a big reveal, and lots of talk about Star Wars. What does any of that have to do with family relationships? You’ll just have to listen to find out. Passage: Colossians 3:18-21

In these three verses, Paul will mention three different elements that are of Christ. The peace of Christ, the message of Christ, and the name of Christ. These elements help define what Christian relationships within the Church should look like. Paul also says that singing psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit are actually forms of teaching, warning, and offer wisdom. What does he mean exactly? Join Ken and Mike as they talk about how whatever we do comes from our relationship with Jesus. They also veer into times they lost their cool, dynamic duos, and pondering why worship leaders stay away from writing worship songs from certain passages in scripture.Passage: Colossians 3:15-17

Paul moves from listing vices to now listing virtues. His plea to live these positive virtues will be difficult without a distinction between the old and new life. These positive admonitions are not to be lived out by the old life or from the flesh, those are put away. Join Mike and Ken as they work their way through this passage, which deals with topics, like does God pick some and not pick others; what is forgiveness and reconciliation; and what does it mean to be holy and dearly loved. Also, if biblical measurements of length confuse you, you’re not the only one. The guys tackle them in this week’s question from a listener.Passage: Colossians 3:12-14

Barbarians, Scythians, and a wardrobe change. Oh, my! Paul begins a transition from a list of vices to virtues. In this transitional section, he encourages the Colossians to take off the vices because they hide the image of God in them, and to put on the virtues which make that image visible to those around them. This encouragement has just as much power and meaning for us today. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss old selves, new selves, religious and cultural distinctions, wardrobe changes, true unity in Christ, field day, and buffets.Passage: Colossians 3:9-11

How do you deal with lists of things you shouldn’t do? Paul in this passage gives two lists of things that those who’ve given themselves to Jesus shouldn’t do. How we tackle these lists will tell us a lot about what we believe our identity to be. If Paul is encouraging us to clean house in our personal lives, how does he suggest we go about it? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss Paul’s transition to practical actions that are important for those who’ve been changed by Jesus. Also, this episode drops the week before Easter, so what will be the Did You Know? And the guys tackle another challenging Easter Question from a Listener.Passage: Colossians 3:5-8

In this portion of His letter, Paul reminds the Colossians of what they once were, but no longer are. Then tells them what they now are and finishes by sharing with them what they will be. And all of this depends on their union with Jesus. From this, we learn that Christians have a new dimension to their life. This dimension isn’t some secret skill or knowledge, but is actually a person, Jesus. Paul is very clear that Jesus isn’t just a part of someone’s life, but is their life. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss where our minds and hearts should be focused and why; what it means to be hidden with Jesus; and for us to appear with Him in glory. Also, hear the guys help a listener who would like to know where to find their video podcast.Passage: Colossians 3:1-4

Don’t listen to this episode. Gotcha! We see things like don’t do this or don’t do that, and we’re immediately drawn in. Are they trying to keep me from having fun? Is it really that dangerous? In this portion of Paul’s letter, he encourages the Colossians to not be drawn back in by the don’ts, the rules, and the commands that seem wise, but really lack any value in helping them live a better life. Actually, he’s concerned that in living a life under these systems will cause the Colossians to lose the experience of their connection to Jesus. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss religion, legalism, our death with Jesus, the temptation of the don’ts, and an enormous Bible.Passage: Colossians 2:20-23

The guys are back in the saddle, and ready to keep trekking through the letter to the Colossians. Paul’s been talking about all that Christians have because of their union with Jesus, and now he gives some practical action that should flow from this understanding. Paul also gets a little sarcastic and snarky, talking about the people who delight in judging, false humility, worship of angels, and disqualifying people who don’t do things as they prescribe. He reminds us that we grow because of our connection to Jesus and being in His body, the Church. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss these four verses and why it’s so important for imitations to not distract us when we can have the real thing, Jesus. Uh oh, it’s also the week of Saint Patrick’s Day, so who knows where things will end up?Passage: Colossians 2:16-19

The guys have been cranking through Colossians, and thought it would be a good week to take a pause. What better way to pause, then by reliving some of the past Listener Questions? Join Ken and Mike, as they answer for us again questions from these 5 episodes:Season 1 - Episode 12 - March 21, 2022 - Finding JesusSeason 1 - Episode 16 - April 18, 2022 - Feeding on JesusSeason 1 - Episode 24 - June 13, 2022 - The Sheep Know His VoiceSeason 1 - Episode 34 - August 22, 2022 - Bearing Fruit That Will LastSeason 1 - Episode 36 - September 5, 2002 - Life Enabled by the Holy Spirit

Following the statements that all fullness was in Jesus, and that those in Christ also have been brought to fullness, Paul now lays out how that is possible. It’s through the spiritual change that comes from union with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. Paul also shares just how forgiven and secure Christians are because of what Jesus has done. Join Mike and Ken as they seek to clarify the illustrations used, and why these verses are meaningful for us today. Along the way, you might learn something new about Mike, and discover why Ken might be on the verge of inventing flubber.Passage: Colossians 2:11-15

Paul warns the Colossians about hollow and deceptive philosophy, but instead of describing what to look out for, he says their best defense is to understand the fullness that exists in Jesus and in them. The words surely encouraged the Colossians and empowered them to live confidently. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss how these powerful and encouraging words are words we need to hear today. They may also stumble in to conversation about Chocolate Easter Bunnies, Valentines, and Adam Ant.Passage: Colossians 2:8-10

Paul loves the Colossians, and even 1,000 miles between them wasn’t going to keep him from ministering to them. With a true shepherd’s heart, he wants to make sure they know who they are, so that they won’t be deceived by smooth talkers who wish to lead them away from Jesus. With praise for their disciplined and firm faith in Jesus, Paul layouts one of the shortest and clearest descriptions of what it means to become a Christian and to live as one. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the start of Colossians 2, Infomercials, Star Trek, and Valentine’s Day.Passage: Colossians 2:1-7

Paul shares that he rejoices in the suffering he has endured for the sake of sharing the word of God in its fullness with the church. The message he shares was a mystery, hidden for ages, but now he’s freely sharing it with God’s people, and this includes not just the Jews but also the Gentiles. How does he do all of this? In his words, strenuously, but not by his might but by the energy of Jesus working inside him. Mike and Ken discuss how what Paul talks about in these verses shows how Jesus changes people and that we’re never alone if we’ve given ourselves to Jesus. Passage: Colossians 1:24-29Booklet: My Heart-Christ’s Home https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Christs-Home-Robert-Boyd-Munger/dp/087784075X

Following his explanation that Jesus has supremacy over all creation, Paul next lets the Colossians know Jesus is superior to all others when it comes to re-creation, the redemption of humankind. In this, Jesus is rightfully the head of the church, the firstborn from among the dead, has reconciled all things to himself, having the fullness of God dwelling in Him, so that in everything He might be superior. If the Colossians have given themselves to Jesus, they have nothing to fear. Join Ken and Mike as they break down these verses, with the hope of helping us find the same confidence in Jesus as the Colossians.Passage: Colossians 1:18-23

In just 3 verses, Paul lets us know Jesus is the image of God, the firstborn of creation, that in, through, and for Him all things were created, that He is before all things, and that He holds all things together. In saying this, Paul’s thrown down the gauntlet, stating without reservation that Jesus is superior to all others! This is something the Colossians needed to hear, and it’s something we need to hear as well. Ken and Mike discuss the preeminence of Jesus, particularly in relation to creation, and how knowing this has influence in how we live our lives today. Passage: Colossians 1:15-17

In verse 3, Paul moves to his opening prayer and thanksgiving for the Colossians. In this prayer, he’s thankful for their progress and shares his hopes for them. His prayer lays the groundwork for what’s coming in his letter, the themes, and it sets the tone. Faith, hope, love, the full gospel message, and the fruit of the Spirit are just a few things Paul touches on. Most importantly, he describes that God is the initiator of change and how that change forms us in to who He desires us to be. Join Ken and Mike as they talk about all these topics and how they fit into our lives today.Passage: Colossians 1:3-14