042824...“Beloved Brothers & Faithful Ministers” Part I...Colossians 4:7-18

Colossians 4:7-18...“Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions— if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow 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, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.’ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.”

Sermon In A Sentence: We all need Gospel-centered friendships that encourage us to be faithful in our callings and build us up in Christ when we stumble.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10...“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” ...Proverbs 13:20

“Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of
his friend” ...Proverbs 27:17

Seek Out Gospel-Centered Friendships:
-For faithful people ministering next to you
-For faithful people who encourage you
-For faithful folk who once were prodigals
-For faithful people in churches of like mind
-For faithful women ministering hospitality
-For faithful people who are praying for you
-For faithful people who bring you comfort
-For faithful members who finish strong

Proverbs 27:6...“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”

Seek Out Gospel-Centered Friendships:
-For faithful people ministering next to you
-For faithful people who encourage you

Your Identity In Christ:
-Our English word “church” is “ekklēsia” (ἐκκλησία) in the original Greek language
-Literally means: “To call out”
-Referring to the New Testament church: “a called-out assembly or congregation”

Seek Out Gospel-Centered Friendships:
-For faithful people ministering next to you
-For faithful people who encourage you
-For faithful folk who once were prodigals
-For faithful people in churches of like mind

Sermon In A Sentence: We all need Gospel-centered friendships that encourage us to be faithful in our callings and build us up in Christ when we stumble.