Today in our message our Pastor finished up the book of Colossians with Colossians 4:7-18 Paul’s final greeting to the church at Colossae. He shared with us, “As you read these verses you will be tempted to pass over the important role these sometimes strange names meant to Paul’s journey.” Names such as Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas, Nympha, and Archippus.
For instance I love what he said about Tychicus. Tychicus was the pony express before we had the pony express and UPS. Take a minute as you read through these passages to really digest the role each of the men played in the life of Paul and his journey.
Colossians 4:4-18
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. 1And 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.
Do you have such people in your life? Do you have other believers that come along side you in your journey to rejoice with you , to lament with you, to go through trials with you? Are you that person to someone else?
The Pastor left us with a challenge to ponder…I pass it on to you. From today forward till Jesus comes would it be ok for someone to model their life after yours? Would that life bring Glory to Him?
I want to change gears just a little bit. This week Friends of Pure Joy will be receiving an important email asking your prayers for a very special event that is going to take place in November of 2010. Please read this letter and pray, pray, pray. Also, if you know a pastor’s wife, a women’s ministry director, or a woman serving in a staff position that could benefit from this retreat please send them to the web site to sign up. Just follow the instructions on the home page. www.purejoyinternational.org
Have a great week in the LORD!
His,
vickie
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