In this second and "final" teaching of the Letter to the Romans we explore what Paul was arguing throughout the beginning and middle by understanding the end game. As we progress through the series we hope that some of the key verses, themes, and even "hard" passages become better understood in light of the "end," the grand vision of "peace."

This letter, the most quoted of Paul's letters within evangelicalism, is much more beautiful than a simple four step road to heaven. Over the coming weeks, we'll explore the cultural context of Paul's letter, the beautiful complexity of this Christian faith, and the joyful invitation to follow Jesus and his Way in this world today.

We celebrate all God has done for us and look with hope towards the new year to come!

Some of us might have no experience or negative experiences with liturgical worship. At their best, however, liturgies require the whole congregation to participate in the prayers, in the rites, and in the music. Liturgy in Greek means “work of the people”, so this Sunday evening Sparkers participate in singing, call-and-response, communal prayers, and scripture readings. The focus is our liturgy, our collective work that serves as our offering to God.

Colossians has no shortage of mysteries that we’ve covered over the last few weeks (God in Christ in you, being thankful amidst suffering). But when Paul talks about “the mystery of Christ”, he has a specific truth in mind—a truth that’s easier said than done.

Thanksgiving was a wonderful day being with friends and family and sharing a meal as we reflected on the blessings we have received. And for many, having the 49ers play on Thanksgiving day was a blessing too. The bible has a lot to say about being grateful and thankful, with a focus on being thankful for a good and gracious God. We are so lucky!

If a principle teaching of Colossians is that our identity is “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” the goal of that teaching is “maturity.” That aim requires not only a transformation of understanding but a transformation of actual behavior. The brilliant analogy that Paul uses is clothing because what we wear on the outside is profoundly connected to who we are on the inside.

In introducing the Letter to the Colossians, we will draw our attention to a theme of Paul's letters—and of the Biblical narrative—that begins, not with behavioral modification, but a completely radical and transformative view of the new humanity that emerges in Christ.