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Christ and the Rhythm of Partnership

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     The Preeminent Christ -16 TITLE : Christ and the Rhythm of Partnership TEXT: Colossians 4:7-18 THESIS: Paul's companions demonstrate the importance of having partners in ministry. Everyone should be included.   In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's letters, we see a variety of individuals who played vital roles in his ministry, reflecting different aspects of Christian life and community. Each of these individuals helps illustrate core principles of faith and service.   Core Principles   1.         The Church needs servants and supporters like Tychicus. Explanation: Tychicus means “fortuitous” or “fortunate.” Indeed, he was fortunate to have ministered alongside Paul for many years. He is mentioned five times in the New Testament, and although these references are brief, they paint a rich portrait of the man.   We first meet Tychicus in Acts 20:4, where he is menti...
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Christ and the Rhythm of Prayer

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     The Preeminent Christ-14 TITLE: Christ and the Rhythm of Prayer TEXT: Colossians 4:2-6 THESIS: The habit of prayer is essential for believers as it fosters steadfast communication with God, encourages vigilance in recognizing specific needs, promotes an attitude of gratitude, and facilitates opportunities for effective service, ultimately guarding both our witness and our time in alignment with God’s purpose.   Truth: John Wesley founded the Methodist movement in the 18 th century. Wesley was a passionate preacher and devoted leader who emphasized the importance of personal holiness and communal accountability. Wesley believed that prayer was vital to spiritual growth and revival. He dedicated significant time to both private and corporate prayer, often rising early in the morning to spend time in communion with God.   One of Wesley’s famous quotes highlights his commitment to prayer: “God does not do but by prayer, and everythin...
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Location: Edmond, OK, USA
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Christ and the Rhythm of Work

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     The Preeminent Christ- 13 TITLE: Christ and the Rhythm of Work TEXT: Colossians 3:22-4:1 THESIS: In Colossians 3:22-4:1, Paul emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and responsibility in the relationships between bondservants and masters, encouraging both parties to act with integrity and sincerity as they serve one another in the context of their identities in Christ.   TRUTH: In the book "The Gospel at Work" by Trager and Gilbert, the authors raise several important questions: Why am I doing this? What is the purpose of my work, and do I want to continue in this role? How does this job affect me as a person? Is it improving my life or making it worse? Ultimately, is it all worth it, and why? These are essential questions, but for Christians, there are even more critical inquiries to consider. Is my work shaping my character in a godly direction? How can I approach my work not just as a means to put food on the table, but as a ...
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Location: Edmond, OK, USA
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Christ and the Rhythm of Family

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          TITLE:     The Preeminent Christ -12   TITLE: Christ and the Rhythm of Family TEXT:   Colossians 3:20-21 THESIS: Have you ever noticed that when kids are small, it’s like trying to conduct an orchestra with a bunch of squirrels? Take a trip to the mall, and suddenly, your little ones think the clothing racks are an amusement park. “Look, Mom! I’m hiding in the middle of this shirt! Then you venture into an antique store, and it’s like releasing tiny tornadoes in a museum—it’s a “please don’t touch anything” free-for-all!   And don’t even get me started on road trips. You’d think we were auditioning for a reality show with the arguments erupting from the backseat. “He touched me!” “No, I didn’t!” “Mom, can you just drive off the road and let me walk?”   And then they hit the teenage years. Ah, sweet rebellion! Now they want to challenge your wisdom like they’re auditioning for a debate clu...
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