The only message worthy of proclamation is a message that begins and ends with “grace.”

In preparation for my part of the “Colossian Experience” this weekend at Heritage Bible Church, I have been immersing myself in the final chapter of Paul’s great letter of clarification, correction and encouragement. I have jokingly said that I get the honor of preaching the last sermon in this great weekend series and cleaning up the mess my brothers have made. Tonight, Pastor Brian Clark (Lincoln Berean Church). Tomorrow, Pastor Jason Thacker (Faith Bible Church,) Pastor Robb Rexilius, (First Street Bible Church) and Pastor Dean Delfosse (Country Bible Church). Then Sunday morning, Pastor Pat Abendroth (Omaha Bible Church).

But the reality is that I have been blessed to unpack some of the richest text in the entire letter. As Paul hits the “exit ramp” on his letter, he highlights ten (9) men and one (1) lady for whom he has deep gratitude and appreciation for partnership in his life and mission.

• Tychicus: The beloved brother, faithful minister, fellow servant
• Onesimus: Faithful and beloved brother (now THERE’s a story to tell!)
• Aristarchus: Fellow prisoner
• Mark: A former drop-out, now to be embraced and encouraged
• Justus: A fellow worker and encourager
• Epaphras: Beloved fellow servant, faithful minister, prayer warrior
• Luke: The doc who exchanged a lucrative career for missional partnership
• Demas: Still present, but his heart is already heading toward the door
• Nympha: Cleaned her house and opened her door to the church assembly

I have been reminded all week long that the real heart of Christian ministry is the people with whom we are blessed to minister. I have taken time to reflect back on the lives that God has intertwined into my own so that we are all better equipped for serving Him, for the increase of His fame. While I am unpacking the rich gems of Colossians 4 at Heritage on Sunday, two such brothers will be feeding our souls here at Faith.

I have deep gratitude for the footprint of his commitment to the Lord that he has left on the lives of two of my grandchildren. As their youth pastor he modeled godly living and the value of the Word and the power of prayer for them, an impression that remains in them even as they follow the Lord in their college pursuits. James loves the Lord, loves His Word and is gifted to proclaim it with clarity and conviction. Please, come at 9:00am on Sunday to let him encourage your heart.

I have over 25 years of great relationship with Pastor Jason who shepherds our Senior High young people and leads our Adult Bible ministries. He is a lover of the Word and a gifted communicator of its truths. Come, let him encourage your heart in our 10:30am gathering this Sunday.

So that you don’t miss the key point of the message that I will, by God’s enabling, be delivering to the Heritage Family, I summarize it here for your consideration: “The pre-eminence of Christ Jesus who is Lord of all is most gloriously proclaimed when every message begins and ends with ‘GRACE’!”

How Paul begins: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Colossians 1:2

How Paul concludes: “Grace be with you!”—Colossians 4:18

Pastor Tom