Church hurt is real but healing is possible. Pray with us for unity, healing, and peace in the body of Christ. Type “Amen” if you're standing for restoration. Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1YMq3IFEFy4
2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV
As the year closes, remember: in Christ, every ending makes room for a new beginning. Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YdR6hQQtJcU
Wednesday: Paul and Colossae
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 31st of December 2025
We have no record of Paul ever visiting Colossae, which again tells us something about the effectiveness of his evangelistic strategy. First, it was Epaphras, a resident of Colossae (Colossians 4:12), who brought the gospel to that city (Colossians 1:7). But how was he converted? Most likely, it was in the mid-50s, when Paul was in nearby Ephesus and “all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:10; compare Acts 20:31).
Image © Jim Howard at Goodsalt.com
The book of Revelation witnesses to how widely the gospel spread throughout this area (Revelation 1:4). The most plausible explanation for this success, including its spread to Colossae, is as a result of the work of Paul’s converts, who first heard the message in Ephesus, the most important city in Asia Minor and a major port. Epaphras heard Paul’s preaching in Ephesus and, becoming one of his coworkers, he took the gospel back to his hometown of Colossae.
The city itself, about nine miles (15 kilometers) southeast of Laodicea, is only now being excavated, so we know less about it compared to more prominent cities of the region. We do know it had a sizable Jewish population with “as many as ten thousand Jews living in that area of Phrygia.”—Arthur G. Patzia, New International Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers Inc., 1990), vol. 10, p. 3. Coins minted at Colossae indicate the people there, as in many Roman cities, worshiped a variety of gods. The pagan practices and strong cultural influences obviously presented Christians there with tremendous challenges, not only in evangelizing the city but also just remaining faithful to the pure faith of the gospel. Another prominent Christian in Colossae was Philemon, who may have been converted about the same time as Epaphras.
Read Philemon 1:15-16. See also Colossians 4:9. What course did Paul gently urge Philemon to pursue with Onesimus?
Although Roman law required Paul to return Onesimus to Philemon, Paul appeals to Philemon’s heart and conscience as a fellow believer and urges him to treat Onesimus not as a slave but as a brother (Philemon 1:16).
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However much we detest the idea of slavery in any form, and wish that Paul would have condemned the practice, how do we come to terms with what Paul says here? (How fascinating that, during slavery in the United States, Ellen G. White specifically told Adventists to defy the law that ordered people to return escaped slaves.) |
When the Gospel Reaches Rebels and Soldiers Alike
Former NPA rebels in the Philippines are now preaching the gospel through their AWR Ministry of Motorcyclists, riding into villages with Godpods and The Great Controversy books. From former rebels to soldiers, God is transforming lives through broadcasting, discipleship and baptisms. Watch the entire story titled “Miracles in Motion” here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=H5TOHExq3F0&t=4s Discover how God is changing lives through AWR360° worldwide. Visit https://awr.org today. #AWR360 #BroadcastToBaptism MB01J1Y58RMAA4P Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/93CJzP9ca0g
God First: Your Daily Prayer Meeting #1231
Bible verse of the day: “Proverbs 3:5-"6—"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Welcome to our Daily Prayer Meeting! This is a safe space where you are seen, heard, and prayed for. Start your day in God's presence—every day at 8AM ET, we share a short devotional from God's Word and lift your prayer requests to Him. You're not alone! Our prayer team is here to intercede with you and for you. Whether you need prayer, celebrate a breakthrough, or start your day with Jesus, you're in the right place. Share your prayer requests or testimonies of praise here: https://wkf.ms/3DBuapQ Engage with us in the comments:
• How can we pray for you today?
• Where are you watching from?
• What are you thankful for? How has God answered your prayers?
Let’s grow together in faith, hope, and love—one prayer at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a prayer. 🔔 Share this video with someone who needs hope or tag a loved one who needs encouragement today. Today’s Message: Pr Andrew Layland The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 21 million members who hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. We are believers committed to helping people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus. Want to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Visit our website at: https://www.adventist.org/ Find us on social media by following the links below:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/theadventistchurch
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https://www.instagram.com/adventistchurch
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/adventistchurch 👉 Want more prayer moments?
Watch our full playlist of daily prayer videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-k2Gb-DBYo–V8axD7iFUL6TFEckrhxv&si=vIljgfwrSZN6iJR2 God First, Daily Prayer, Prayer Meeting, Christian Prayer, Morning Devotional, Hope In Jesus, Bible Verse Of The Day, Prayer Request, Faith Community, Seventh Day Adventist Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZwK2Hro5QA
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