Colossians 2:1–5

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

!!!! – I – CAN – NOT – WAIT – FOR – SUNDAY – !!!! 

I know I say something like this every week.  But honestly, If you’re feeling anything like me, it’s hard to explain the emotions we are carrying into this weekend. Everything in me wants to SING loudly. I want to PRAY boldly. And o’ how my soul longs to PREACH. Are you with me?! Give me a thumbs up if you are. So let me just say it… I know we won’t be gathered in the same physical room, but may I suggest we all begin to prepare ourselves and embrace the thought of being connected in Spirit in the presence of the Lord under the banner of the same songs, prayers, and truth.

Friends God is at work. You’ve heard me say many times that He does not waist an experience.  As we walk this difficult path together, let us be reminded that now is the time to live out what we believe and allow our faith to be proven strong. Our calm witness shouts the loudest when we embrace His joy and peace in the midst of the storm.  And while this all sounds good, we know we cannot do it alone. That’s why we will be meeting with our small groups online as a part of the morning. Be looking for a link from your small group leader to click on once the live stream is finished.  If you are not connected with a Small Group, please click here to email Lisa Self, our Ministry Director of Hospitality & Assimilation.  She will connect you with a group for Sunday morning.

This leads us to this week’s message from Colossians 2:1-5.  As you read that passage, take a moment to stop and consider that the Apostle Paul was isolated and longing to be with the church. Please read that underlined part again! Wow! This week we will look at Christ-Centered Protection, and we learn form Paul’s example how we can encourage each other from a distance, in difficult and spiritually dangerous times.

I love you, church, and can’t wait to worship, pray, and grow with you on Sunday! Till then, stay strong in the Lord, remembering you are loved and sent!

Here are the songs we’ll be singing this Sunday to help you prepare for worship – worship set.

Longing for you,

SUNDAY RESOURCES
Everything below and more is available both on our mobile app and on our website.

Mission Kids Resources – Click Here

Sunday Online Only Worship Service at 9:00 AM

Online Giving – mission-church.com/give-now

Friendship Register – Click Here

Bulletin & Sermon Notes – Click Here

Zoom App for any device– Click Here (to connect to Small Group, Student Ministry, and Prayer Online Gatherings)

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. Can you think of a time that someone encouraged you and nailed it? And maybe also a light-hearted attempt that someone did to encourage you but bombed?

2. Why is it important to run our encouragement through the filter of love and truth?

3. What do you think about the thought that now is a time when many are susceptible to being deluded?  What portion of God’s Word has kept you most centered on the Lord and the work of Christ this week?

4. We’ve all been through a lot this week. In what ways could you use to be encouraged?  Share with your group and pray for one another.