A Bullet Journal Bible Study

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From Pit stop to Dwell

Without my intention I became drawn into the books of the Apostle Paul and what I love most about his letters is the faith ,hope ,grace and love that are reflected in all his letters.In my 2021 journal(Chasing my rainbow),I started with Phillipians, found my theme and finished with Phillipians 4.

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to a group of believers in Colosse, whom he only heard about from one of His disciples, Epaphras. During this time Paul was put in jail and had to hold on to the joy of salvation.He also had to be patient in enduring for the sake of Christ and spreading the gospel to gentiles.

The greeting

I honestly thought that I would just make a pit stop in this section of Colossians 1 , just read it and then move on to the rest of the chapter.To my surprise, I spend more time than I expected.

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: and Timothy our brother,Grace and peace to you from God our Father.”

Colossians 1:1-2

Things that caught my attention

“An apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God”

• Apostolos -: a sent one
• By God’s will -: not chosen by man or a church
• Holy people-: a selection(set apart)
• Sisters -: recognizing the role of women in the church
• The mentioning of Timothy -: recognition of His co-worker.

The greeting consist of two verses commencing with the introduction of himself to both male and female members .One of the keys in apostle Paul’s success in ministry , was his ability to build good relationships .He even give recognition to his co-worker, Timothy,in his letters.

• Grace and peace

When I look at the letters of Paul, he included Grace and peace in each of his letters .

• Grace forms the foundation of Christianity
• Grace and peace strengthens relationships/partnerships in the ministry.
• It made the congregation flourish and growing in strength.
• It is a constant reminder of the sacrifice of Christ

Paul’s list of gratitude

• The faith of the Colossae believers
• Their love for the saints
• The hope stored up for them in heaven
• For eternal destiny
• The fruit of the gospel

Paul’s prayer list

The apostolic prayer of the Apostle Paul

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will”

Colossians 1:9

Characteristics of apostolic prayer

• Apostolic prayer is informed

Epaphras visited Paul in prison and informed him about the strengths,but also the difficulties and threats the Colossian church experienced.It also reflects the reports to the Apostle and the counsel and advice he gave.

Apostolic prayer supports the gospel and brings the church into a cycle of maintenance and restoration.

It gives me the idea of an built in radar the Holy Spirit put in the spirit of the apostles to scan over the church, highlight the strengths and threats.

• Concerned and Caring

• Consistent

• It addresses the need of the church

• It’s emphasis is on fruit bearing believers

• Apostolic prayer is an ingredient for the growing and stretching of the gospel of Christ throughout the world.

Colossians 1 :Scriptural doodle

“the gospel is bearing fruit  and growing throughout the whole world…”

Colossians 1:6

I started prayer journaling with this prophetic image and my first journal’s name was Dandelion.The dandelion makes me think of the following scriptures:

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

“Isaiah 55:11

One of the Colossians 1 billboards is about spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout all the corners of the world and even to the hard-to-reach areas; just like the seeds of the dandelion.

Keyverses

“All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.” 

(Colossians 1:6)

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

1 Colossians 1:13-14

Application

Power Punch Declarations

Conclusion

Pauls love for the gospel inspires me as he never met the Colossian believers personally nor did he ministered to them.He gently approached an issue that came to his attention,and reminded the believers in Colosse of the hope that is stored up for them in heaven.

Last note:

Every time I’ve wanted to post this, I felt like something is missing and I kept praying , asking Holy Spirit to reveal what needs to be added.

I came across the apostolic prayer and I notice the similarities in the prayers of Jesus Christ for the church.

The church today needs apostolic prayer and intervention!