#Colossians 1:15-16

[jesus-is-lord-and-savior]

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him.

(Colossians 1:15-16, ESV)

[disneynerdpumpkin]

~ Scriptures about forgiveness ~

Matthew 6:15 "But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Colossians 3:13 "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Daniel 9:9 "To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him."

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses."

Micah 7:18 "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love."

Mark 11:25 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Luke 17:3-4 "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him."

Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

Matthew 6:14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:"

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Isaiah 1:8 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

James 5:16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

[fardell24b]

Church notes - 5th January 2025

Church notes - January 2025 5th Acts 16:31

Hebrews 5:5 - 13

2025 What is behind that door? There is a lot of pessimism

Hope We have a hope in Jesus.

Don't let all the good ideas, themes and hope of Christmas be packed away.

The foundation for the new year is in the true meaning of Christmas

Jesus is the Redeemer, Shepherd and Friend Redeemer - He took Sin's penalty on Himself. Isaiah 53:3 Colossians 3:13, 14

All we need to do is to take up that gift.

Doubts can surface. But it is certain, because it relies on Jesus, not on us. He shepherds us through the ups and downs of life.

God is with us in our difficulties.

John 1:14

Hebrews 2:14 - 18

He became flesh and blood in order to save us.

John 15:13 - 15

[mindfulldsliving]

Steadfast Faith in Christ: Standing Tall and Moving Forward

In this critical time, we are called to elevate our faith and broaden our understanding of the grand mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Photo by Jordan Steranka on Unsplash Standing a little taller with steadfastness of faith in Christ requires a resolute commitment to His teachings and a deep trust in His divine will. As 1 Corinthians 16:13 encourages us, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” This verse calls us to be vigilant, firm, and courageous in our faith. It’s about embracing a strength that…

[weavergrovedevotional]

Give it to God and Go to Sleep

After many nights of terrible sleep with a million and one nightmares (a slight exaggeration), I was exhausted in church and absolutely desperate for a solution to my sleeping problems.

I confided in one of my friends. I told her I was struggling with bad dreams and restless nights, and she shared a few important Bible verses that she repeats before she goes to sleep:

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” - Psalm 4:8

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me.” - John 14:1

‭‭ “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” - Hebrews 4:16

‭‭ “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” - Colossians 3:15

‭‭ “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” - Isaiah 26:3

I’ve made it a habit of mine to repeat them myself when I lay down in bed, and I’ve found the bad dreams are becoming less frequent and I’m finally getting some rest.

To put it quite simply, I’ve learned the importance of giving it to God and going to sleep. Whatever is troubling me, I trust Him to help me through. He hasn’t led me wrong before, and He never will. Whether my worries are the size of an acorn, or the size of a great oak tree, I trust my problems to Him and He will help me through them whilst I’m too weary to manage myself.

[annasanthology]

20 reasons to read your Bible:

To grow in Christ (2 Peter 3:18)

To learn wisdom (Proverbs 4:5)

To be equipped (2 Timothy 3:17)

To teach others (Colossians 3:16)

To know God's will (Romans 12:2)

To find comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3)

To give praise to God (Psalm 56:4)

To hope in His promises (Titus 1:2)

To walk in His ways (Psalm 119:105)

To be sanctified in truth (John 17:17)

To turn away from sin (Psalm 119:11)

To love all the more (Philippians 1:9)

To receive instruction (Romans 15:4)

To listen to correction (2 Timothy 4:2)

To pray more effectively (Matthew 6:9)

To remember the gospel (2 Timothy 2:8)

To remain disciplined (1 Corinthians 9:27)

To look forward to heaven (Colossians 3:1)

To have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5)

To keep your eyes upon Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)

[heartsings77]

Colossians 1:15-18 NLT 15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.     He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything     in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see     and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.     Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else,     and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church,     which is his body. He is the beginning,     supreme over all who rise from the dead.     So he is first in everything.

[walkswithmyfather]

Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT). “ [15] Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, [16] for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. [17] He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”

Amen! 🙏🕊️🙌

[thespiritualencourager]

🔴 SEEK GOD'S WILL

First, we should make sure that we are ready to marry. We must have enough maturity to look beyond the here and now and be able to commit ourselves to joining with this one person for the rest of our lives. We must also recognize that marriage requires sacrifice and selflessness. Before marrying, a couple should study the roles and duties of a husband and wife (Ephesians 5:22-31; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Colossians 3:18-19; Titus 2:1-5; 1 Peter 3:1-7).

A couple should make sure they know each other for a sufficient amount of time before discussing marriage. They should watch how the other person reacts to different situations, how he behaves around his family and friends, and what kind of people she spends time with. A person's behavior is greatly influenced by those he keeps company with (1 Corinthians 15:33). They should agree on issues such as morality, finances, values, children, church attendance and involvement, relationships with in-laws, and employment. These are areas of potential conflict in marriage and should be carefully considered beforehand.

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

—Romans 12:2 (AMP)

— Excerpt from ‘The Ten Commandments Of Dating’ by Young & Adams

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[solidrockistand]

Nothing can Separate us from Jesus

Romans 8:35-39

Romans 8:35- Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulations or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or sanger or sword?

1st Corinthians 4:11- To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless.

2nd Corinthians 11:6-7: Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made thus plain to you in all things or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge.

Romans 8:36- As it is written "For your sake we face death all day long we are considered as sheep to be slaughter."

Psalms 44:22- Yet for your sake we are killed all day; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.

In reference to Psalms 44:22:

Jeremiah 11:19- I have been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter, I did not realize that they plotted against me saying let us destroy the tree and its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.

1st Corinthians 4:9- But sometimes I think God has put his apostles display like prisoners of way at the end of a victor's parade condemned to die we have become a spectacle to the entire world to people and angels alike

2nd Corinthians 4:11- For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Romans 8:37- No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him, who loved us.

1st Corinthians 15:57- But thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:8- But God showed us his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. (THANK YOU JESUS)

Galatians 2:20- I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me and gave himself for me.

Ephesians 1:21- Far above all rule and authority, and power and dominion and above every name that is named not only in this age but also in the ones to come.

Revelation 1:5- And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness the first born of the dead and the rulers of Kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.

In reference to Revelation 1:5:

Isaiah 55:4- Behold I have made him a witness to the people a leader and commander for the peoples.

Romans 8:38- For I am convinced that neither death nor life neither angels nor demons neither the present not the future nor any powers.

1st Corinthians 3:22- Whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future all are yours.

Colossians 1:16- For by him all things were created in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authority all things were created through him and for him.

1st Peter 3:22- Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angel, authorities and powers having been subjected to him

Romans 8:39- Neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8- But God showed us his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. (THANK YOU JESUS)

Romans 16:3- Great Prisca and Aquila my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.

[vivicantstudy]

Keeping Your Faith Strong When Christians Disappoint

When navigating the Christian faith, it’s completely natural—even expected—to sometimes feel irritated or disappointed with your own community, especially when a prominent Christian acts rudely or fails to reflect the love and humility we expect. No one is perfect; the church is made up of imperfect people, including leaders. Remember, the church is not a museum of saints but a hospital for sinners (1 Corinthians 12:27; James 5:16), and all of us are in a process of sanctification (Philippians 1:6). While this doesn’t excuse rudeness, it helps us keep perspective: the failure of any individual, no matter how famous, does not nullify the truth of Christ or the gospel of love, forgiveness, and grace.

It’s important to distinguish human failure from Christian doctrine. Dwelling on others�� mistakes can divert your gaze from the true focus of your faith—Jesus Christ, the perfect model of love, humility, and service (1 Peter 2:21; John 13:34-35). The deeper you immerse yourself in His teachings and example, the less shaken you will be by the behavior of others. Instead of letting anger consume you, pray for the person who hurt or disappointed you (Matthew 5:44). Ask God to work in their heart as He works in yours, and pray for yourself, asking for discernment, patience, and a forgiving heart (Colossians 3:12-13).

If you’re new to the faith or feeling shaken by such situations, certain spiritual practices are especially helpful. Prioritize studying God’s Word, especially the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—to truly know Jesus and align your expectations with His character, not people’s (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Books like Ephesians and Philippians offer mature insights about church unity and Christian conduct (Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:1-4). Develop a consistent prayer life, seeking God’s guidance to see situations through His eyes, asking for personal growth in patience, love, and forgiveness, and praying for your community and its leaders.

Seek discipleship and mentorship from mature believers who can offer wisdom and share how they have overcome similar disappointments (Proverbs 27:17). Join small groups where authentic relationships and mutual support flourish; these can soften the blow of public failures and help you grow in community. Regularly self-reflect on how you react to others’ failings, ensuring your expectations are realistic and your judgment fair (Galatians 6:4-5).

Finally, remember forgiveness is central to Christian life. Forgiving does not mean condoning wrong behavior; it means releasing yourself from bitterness and obeying Christ’s command, which leads to your own healing (Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:31-32).

Frustrations will arise, but they are also opportunities to deepen your understanding of the gospel and grow in grace and maturity. Jesus Himself faced betrayal and denial from His closest followers and loved them nonetheless (Luke 22:54-62; John 13:1-17). Stay rooted in Him—He never fails, even when we or others do.

[kmac4him1st]

God Intervention

God Intervention... what an awesome and amazing thing when we are "growing through" life season changes.

Mid-Day Manna Munch This is a Mid-Day Manna Munch on the “Think On It” table which will nourish your soul to finish your day well. Today God is serving up some very good spiritual food. It will give us that energy boost to take us from our Mid-Day doldrum to God’s strength and energy to finish our day well. Today, our Mid-Day Manna Much is about “God Intervention” that amazing thing that happens…

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Seasoned With Salt

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. — Colossians 4:5-6 | BRG Bible (BRG) Blue Red and Gold Letter Edition™ Copyright © 2012 BRG Bible Ministries. All rights reserved. Cross References: Ezekiel 43:24; Matthew 12:35; Mark 4:11; Mark 9:50; Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 5:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; 1 Peter 3:15

Read full chapter

Why are we told to “let your words be seasoned with salt”?

[nerdygaymormon]

Mormon thoughts on circumcision?

Many Latter-day Saints are circumcised because it is a social norm in the United States, but it is not medically necessary or even recommended, it is merely a social tradition.

The Book of Mormon specifically states that the law of circumcision "is done away" in Christ (Moroni 8:8).

The Doctrine & Covenants explains that in the early church (meaning the time of the apostles Paul, Peter, and so on) there was "contention" over the practice of circumcision, and it was done away with so that people knew to put their faith in Christ and not in the Law of Moses (D&C 74:2-7).

In the Bible, the Apostles and Elders at the Council of Jerusalem decided to stop circumcision as a requirement for Gentile converts to Christianity (Acts 15:1–35).

Some other New Testament passages that say circumcision is no longer required include: Galatians 2:1–3; 5:1–11; 6:11–16 1 Corinthians 7:17–20 Colossians 2:8–12 Philippians 3:1–3

There is no religious reason for Mormons to be circumcised.

[talonabraxas]

The Ophanim Angels (Thrones) Talon Abraxas

“Wheels within Wheels”

“Be Not Afraid”

“Ophanim,” rooted in ancient Hebrew, translates to “wheels.” While the Old Testament mentions wheels on carts, it gains particular significance in Ezekiel’s vision of God’s throne.

Ezekiel 1:15–21: “As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like topaz, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel. As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not change direction as the creatures went. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around.”

Ezekiel’s symbolism emphasizes God’s sovereignty, transcending earthly limitations. The wheels within wheels signify unrestricted movement, mirroring the cherubim’s ability to travel without turning. This portrayal, though not literal, underscores God’s omnipotence and omnipresence.

Ezekiel 10:9–13: “And then I saw four wheels beside the cherubim, one beside each cherub. The wheels radiating were sparkling like diamonds in the sun. All four wheels looked alike, each like a wheel within a wheel. When they moved, they went in any of the four directions but in a perfectly straight line. Where the cherubim went, the wheels went straight ahead. The cherubim were full of eyes in their backs, hands, and wings. The wheels likewise were full of eyes. I heard the wheels called ‘wheels within wheels.”

The “eyes” adorning the wheels and angels highlight divine omniscience. Ophanim, a focus of fascination, sparked later interpretations as a distinct class of angels. Colossians 1:16 adds to this discourse, mentioning “thrones,” potentially associated with ophanim, as spiritual beings.

However, interpreting said versicle as specific spiritual beings poses challenges. A more natural interpretation sees it referencing various authorities subject to Christ. Additionally, the metonymical representation of thrones in rivalry contrasts with the ophanim’s presumed submission to God.

Rather than establishing ophanim as a separate angelic class, viewing them as symbolic wheels on God’s throne is prudent. These wheels, not literal or guardian creatures, amplify Ezekiel’s vision’s core message — God reigns universally, responding with unparalleled sovereignty and power in every direction and location. The fascination with ophanim lies in their capacity to symbolize divine attributes and the profound nature of God’s reign.

They are described in one of the Dead Sea scrolls as angels; later sections of the Book of Enoch (61:10, 71:7) portray them as an order of celestial beings that (along with the Cherubim and Seraphim) never sleep, but occupy the position of guardians to ensure that the throne of God is protected. Christian angelology refers to them as one of the choirs (classes) of angels, and they are sometimes referred to as Thrones as well.

There are four eye-covered wheels (each wheel consists of two nested wheels), which move beside the winged Cherubim, beneath God’s throne, and are associated with the verse from Daniel 7:9 (the wheels of galgal are often called the wheels of galgallin, in “fiery flame” and “burning fire”). The four wheels move with the Cherubim because the spirit of the Cherubim is in them. The late Second Book of Enoch (20:1, 21:1) also referred to them as the “many-eyed ones”.

The Book of Enoch implies that the Ophanim are equated with the “Thrones” in Christianity when it lists them together, in order, as follows: “…round about were Seraphim, Cherubim, and Ophanim”.

Where does Metatron (Enoch) fit in? As with many angels, Metatron has multiple wings and eyes. In some imagery, the archangel is depicted as the “second God” who sits behind the throne, with the eyes representing his role as a celestial scribe and recorder of divine acts. In addition to his “twin brother”, Sandalphone, they are often depicted as akin to the Ophanim, however, they are the highest-rank angels (I will leave this statement open).

To conclude, the depiction of God with the four eye-covered wheels, associated with Ophanim, gives a sense of vulnerability, in my opinion, and challenges the traditional notion that God’s omnipotence is unquestionable. These beings are portrayed as having a regal quality, which differs from conventional perceptions of divine majesty, as seen in the Book of Enoch.