“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” Colossians 1:15-23 NIV
Eternal and almighty God,
What a revelation Paul had. Of the relationship between You God and Jesus. Not a big God and a little Son Jesus, but an equal. He was there at the beginning creating with You God when You created the universe and our galaxy and our odd little world and life.
And in Jesus we see what You are like. Your character, Your nature. Your willingness to be part of our lives, to love, to be righteous and to point out hypocrisy and sin. Not to condemn but to give opportunity to repent and be forgiven. Jesus showed us Your compassion and generosity to the point of giving all that He had even His life.
If. I always read carefully the ifs. They are the small print of the contract. Paul clearly outlines them to the Colossians. “If you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.” Its not about being the best rule keeper, the most generous giver, a nice person. It is about not moving from Christ, our hope. Only he can keep us forgiven. Only He knows what is best for our lives and has secured our future. Because in knowing Him we know You. Hope does not disappoint us, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5 KJV). Thank You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 16th December 2025
A go to positive song of hope and faith. Based on scripture from Pauls writings in Hebrews, Romans, 1 Peter, Colossians . . . and of course Isaiah 49:16, ” I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.”
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea:
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart.
I know that while in Heav’n he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free,
For God the just is satisfied
To look on him and pardon me,
To look on him and pardon me.
Behold him there, the risen Lamb,
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace.
One with himself I cannot die;
My soul is purchased by his blood.
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God,
With Christ, my Savior and my God.
Lyrics: Charitie Lees Smith