John 20:19-22 On Resurrection Sunday morning, angels rolled back the stone from the door of Jesus’ tomb to reveal that it was empty!  They shared with the faithful women that He was alive, and Jesus proved it by appearing to Mary Magdalene and others during the day.  But in the evening, most of Jesus’ disciples were still so afraid of the Jewish authorities that they gathered together behind locked doors.  Jesus appeared in their midst and gave to them peace, joy, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

• The living Lord comes to those who are locked behind doors of fear.
• The living Lord comes to those who are locked behind doors of sorrow.
• The living Lord comes to those who are locked behind doors of doubt.

The living Lord can overcome whatever is locking out the peace and joy of God from your life!

Colossians 4:7-18 In the closing verses of his letter to the Colossian believers, Paul mentioned ten individuals whom he considered important to his ministry.  Commending the Messengers Sent to Colossae:

• Tychicus
• Onesimus

Sharing Greetings of Co-Workers in Rome:

• Aristarchus
• John Mark
• Jesus Justus
• Epaphras
• Luke
• Demas

Sending Greetings to Church Leaders Receiving His Letter:

• Nympha (or Nymphas)
• Archippus

Paul’s closing comments remind us that we do not travel the journey of faith alone.  We are “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12:1). Who are the people that have left their “spiritual fingerprint” upon our lives and church?  They deserve to be remembered and appreciated.  We should learn from their example as they lead us to follow Jesus more closely. What impact are we making on other people’s spiritual walk?

Colossians 3:18-4:1 In the early part of chapter 3, the Apostle Paul helped the believers in Colossae understand the importance of letting the character of Jesus Christ grow in their own lives while separating themselves from the ways of the world.  Knowing that a person’s character is developed and revealed through relationships, he gave them practical instructions for how to conduct themselves with those closest to them, those in their own households.

• Wives & Husbands  (3:18-19)
• Children & Parents  (3:20-21)
• Slaves & Masters (3:22-4:1)

In the third chapter of Colossians, the Apostle Paul gives instructions for successful Christian living—meaning a life that pleases and brings glory to God.  Using the illustration of clothing, he gives examples of what we need to “take off” and what we need to “put on.”  We will first give attention to the evil desires, attitudes and actions that need to be removed from our lives.

• Immorality & Impurity
• Lust & Evil Desires
• Greed
• Anger & Rage
• Malice
• Slander
• Filthy Language
• Lying
• Prejudice

The Apostle Paul had great faith that his letter recipients in Colossae were true believers, having “received Jesus Christ as Lord.”  But then he went on to tell them how important it was for them to “continue to live in him,” descriptive of the discipleship process that brings a Christian to maturity.  Here’s how Paul defined Christian growth:

• “Rooted” in Christ to grow deeper.
• “Built Up” in Christ to grow higher.
• “Strengthened” in the faith to be more effective.
• “Overflowing” in thankfulness to grow wider.