Gateway Fellowship

This chat explores the significance of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. I consider this truth one of the most important biblical truths I have learned.

Some of us just want God to tell us what to do. But he's not interested in that sort of relationship.

We can easily forget that we always represent Jesus in all we say and do. This chat is a reminder to remember the mystery that what we're doing is impossible -- therefore pray! And to remember the mission. We are here for the kingdom. The text of the day is Colossians 4:3-6. 3 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. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Everything in your spiritual life will either thrive by prayer or wither without it. This talk is rooted in Colossians 4:2. "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful and thankful."

Tim's sister, son, daughter, and pastor share poems, memories, and some meditations as a tribute.

The centerpiece of Christian spirituality is a surrender to love. We cannot rise above our level of faith in God's love for us. It doesn't happen. We MUST learn to spend time listening to Jesus, and allowing his perspective to wash ours, changing us at the deepest level. It's time to get fed up. It's time to dig our own well. We were made for more. We were made to be the beloved of God.

The issue of slavery is important and challenging! It would be so easy to read the New Testament anachronistically, through our modern lenses. It would be easy to take the instructions to slaves and masters in Colossians 3:22-4:1 out of context and thus miss how the gospel moves the ball forward. Placing these instructions in their time and place, and understanding our time and place, may enable us to see their true spirit.

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." (Colossians 3:20-21)

Stanley Snyder shares a message the Lord placed on his heart.

In this talk about marriage and the Bible's instructions for husbands and wives (based on Col 3:18-19) we talk about a lot! -Methods of biblical interpretation -Roman Patriarchal Culture at the time of the New Testament -17th century New England Puritan Patriarchal culture -Four major views on gender relationships -some of my own personal experiences

What is sacred? What is secular? Is the world evil? Is the world good? What counts as spiritual? This chat is based on Colossians 3:17.

Finally we describe Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Col 3:16) in more detail. Here's the quiz from the end: 1.) T/F The Psalms were originally chanted in unison a capella by priests. 2.) This biblical King is credited with bringing about Israel’s “golden age” of musical worship…      a. King Josiah      b. King Louie from Disney’s The Jungle Book      c. B.B. King      d. King David 3.) What local grassroots organization has helped produce more singers than anyone else? 4.) T/F A hymn is an old song with four verses, and the fourth one is usually about heaven. 5.) Your friend says: “It’s too bad that no early church hymns survived. It would’ve been cool to see what the very first Christians sang.” Respond. 6.) T/F When king Saul was tormented in spirit, David would pour oil on his head and shout loudly in order to scare away the devils. 7.) Finish this quote from St. Augustine, “The person who has sung well

Why is music so contentious, how did we get here, and what are some better ways forward?

God's people sing, always have, always will. Our songs express the unity of the faith. Our songs are active worship, not passive consumer goods. Our songs are for God. Our songs glorify God AND edify the church. Our songs both express and form our faith. Our songs give us borrowed words. Our songs are our travelling songs.

I asked Carl some questions, like, "How did you come to see God the Father as so loving and gracious?"

This talk is from Colossians 3:16

This chat is about our calling and name. And it's every believer's calling, honestly.

This talk is from Matthew 5.

This talk is based on Colossians 3, mostly verses 14 and 15.

This talk is based on Colossians 3:13