Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The fullness that we have in Christ

a. It may be understood individually

b. It may also be understood together as a community

2. The impact of the Word of Christ

a. Not just on the individual

b. But also on the community of believers

3. What the Word of Christ can do to a community

a. Encourage

b. Strengthen

c. Uplift the entire community

PAUL’S ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS

1. Paul was writing to a community of believers   (Colossians 2: 1)

a. The Colossians

b. Those in Laodicea

c. Others who have not seen him

2. His goal   (Colossians 2: 2)

a. That their hearts may be encouraged

b. Being knit together

3. What would bring them together   (Colossians 2: 2)

a. Love

b. Attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding

IMPACT OF THE WORD OF CHRIST ON THE COMMUNITY

1. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you   (Colossians 3: 16)

a. This is an individual challenge

b. Each one must allow the Word of Christ to indwell them

i. Richly

ii. In all wisdom

2. The impact will be seen on the entire community

a. Teaching one another

b. Admonishing one another

c. Singing

i. Psalms

ii. Hymns

iii. Spiritual songs

APPLYING THIS UNDERSTANDING TO THE EVENING BILINGUAL SERVICE

1. We are part of a community of believers called Bethany

2. What we experience at EWS/BWS this week

a. Encouragement

b. Hearts that are knitted together

3. What brings us together

a. Love

b. But even more significantly…an understanding of the Word of God

4. The impact that the Word of Christ can make on us is significant

a. If we allow the Word of Christ to dwell in us

i. Richly

ii. In all wisdom

b. We would be able to encourage one another greatly

c. Our hearts would be knitted together even more strongly

i. In love

ii. In the Word of God

5. Challenge: To let the Word of Christ dwell in us

a. Richly

b. In all wisdom!