Greetings CrossTrain family! It has been such a blessing to be able to learn as families about who God has revealed himself to be as we progress through our family memory verses. I’ve personally been tremendously encouraged to see how, by God’s providence and without coordination with our leaders, many of the primary passages that have been taught in the last few Sundays are in the lineup for us to be discussing as families. We will continue this week learning another rich verse that will allow God to speak as to who He is and what He has done.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” —Colossians 1:15-17
Why this verse? This short text gives us amazing insight into God’s character and personhood. God had intention in all that he did. He chose to make exactly what he did and for an exact reason. He is the reason all things were created and the means by which it was created. Without his constant grace, all things would cease to exist.
Follow up questions that Colossians 1:15-17 can answer:
Who reigns over EVERYTHING?
Who created the earth? Puppies? Marriage? Governments? Angels and demons? Math? Science? Reasoning? ….
Who holds all of creation together?
Who controls all things?
Who has determined all things?
In case you haven’t noticed, each question has the same answer. Yet you may also notice that as you receive answers from your children, two different answers may arise: “Jesus” and “God”. This probably isn’t the best time to dive into the waters of the intricacies of the Trinity, but it is certainly a wonderful time to continue the discussion from last week. Although Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit are all God, they are all different persons with different functions, yet all equal to each other. Beyond this, the practical theology classes beginning this week would be TREMENDOUS opportunities to further our understanding.
Additional questions to consider:
Why did God create us?
How does knowing that God has done it all and continues to sustain it all change your mindset as you go through your day?
Thank you everyone for the investment that your are making in your children. As we continue to store scripture in our hearts and minds, remember that this time is just that… an investment. Jesus is King and our King has commanded us to be doing the work for His kingdom. The small moments set aside throughout the week are just that- the work for His kingdom. His spirit in you will continue to use the power of his word to bring our sweet sheep into the fold and prepare them to go out and bring yet more in. And we are promised that “he will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth: and the coastlands wait for his law”. Be continuously encouraged; we are on the winning team! Until next time, may God richly bless you by the grace and mercy won by Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Adam and Audra Griffin
Family Ministries