COLOSSIANS REMIXED - RECONCILIATION REMIXED / ADVENT LOVE

December 22, 2013

Paul closes his epic letter with a long list of names that means nothing to us at first glance. Once you find out who these people are, it begins to come together!

The text:

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts; he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him. And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills. For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.

Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.”

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Targum written and read by Chrissy Hurn

COLOSSIANS REMIXED - SLAVERY REMIXED / ADVENT PEACE

December 15, 2013

2013.12.15 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Cindy Stover

EVANGELISM REMIXED / ADVENT JOY

Click here to listen (right click and “save link as…” to download)

Colossians 4:2-4:6

Cindy talks about one of the most important, and potentially uncomfortable, aspects of the Christian faith: talking about it.

The text:

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Targum written and read by Katherine McLean

COLOSSIANS REMIXED - SLAVERY REMIXED / JOY

December 8, 2013

2013.12.08 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Kevin Makins

SLAVERY REMIXED / ADVENT JOY

Click here to listen (right click and “save link as…” to download)

Colossians 3:22-4:1, Romans 8, 1 John 1

Now that we’ve tackled women and children’s submission we can move on to a simpler, more Christmas-like topic… slavery. …

Awkward…

Let’s be honest: lots of people want to put the bible on trial for what it does and does not say when it comes to slavery. But the same bible that was used to defend human slavery was also used to give hope to the enslaved!

What exactly was Paul saying to these slaves and slave owners in Colossae, and perhaps the more frightening question, what is the text saying to us two-thousand years later?

The text:

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Targum written and read by Aaron Craig

COLOSSIANS REMIXED - SUBMISSION REMIXED / ADVENT 1

December 1, 2013

2013.12.01 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Kevin Makins

SUBMISSION REMIXED / ADVENT HOPE

Click here to listen (right click and “save link as…” to download)

Colossians 3: 18-21

Nothing says “the road to Christmas” like women submitting to their husbands and children doing what their fathers say. Well, ok, so it’s a bit of a weird text for for the first week of Advent. But what if the problem isn’t what the text is saying.

What if the problem is that we don’t have the same ears as the original recipients. What sounds like bad (or repressive) news to us was filled with hope to them.

And that hope is what the Kingdom of God is all about.

The text:

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Targum written and read by Scott Fairley