Greetings, Bridgeway!
We are embarking on a new ministry year where we will all experience God’s love, mercy and grace in many ways. I am so excited about all we will see God do and how he uses each of us for his plans and purposes.
I want you to know that as one of your pastors at Bridgeway, my constant prayer for you is “that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” This prayer comes specifically from Colossians 1:9–10. When the Apostle Paul wrote this letter while in prison in 60 A.D. to the believers living in Colossae, there were many things happening in this small city. Namely, there were factions who attempted to undermine the tenets of the Christian faith and the deity and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s break down Colossians 1:9–10 a bit. First, let’s look at where it says in verse 9 “that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.” As God is the source of all knowledge, this intercessory prayer is asking that Christ followers will seek God as the source of knowledge through the study of the Scriptures. Through seeking him, Christ followers will be filled with the knowledge of God and understand his will for their lives. Where it says, “in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” this spiritual wisdom and understanding is referring to the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads Christ followers into all truth.
Next, in verse 10 it says, “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work.” This is the application of the Word of God in our lives as Christ followers and our obedience to do all that God commands. Some of the fruit that we bear is our love for God, which is shown to others and as a result reflecting his image to the world around us. Lastly, verse 10 says, “and increasing in the knowledge of God.” This is not only knowledge of what the Scriptures say, but insight into the importance of studying the scriptures, becoming more acquainted with God himself, and being conformed to the image of Christ.
As we kick off the ministry year, I want you to deeply think about where you are in your Christian growth and discipleship. In the new ministry year, starting on September 15, 2021, we will kick off Wednesday Night eLive. Are you ready to go deeper in your walk with God? We have updated the structure of Wednesday Night eLive to help guide you in where you are in your discipleship. Registration is now open with some amazing facilitators. There are six discipleship tracks that will cover the entire upcoming ministry year. You have the flexibility to take all classes within a single discipleship track or take classes that cover a variety of discipleship tracks. Consider staying within a track as it will greatly deepen your learning in that subject area. We’ve also provided information to guide you on what you should take based on your level of spiritual maturity.
Let this be the year where you commit or recommit to increasing in the knowledge of God.
Peace & Blessings,
Pastor Sandy
Editors Note: Pastor Sandy Pope recently joined the Bridgeway Employee Team! Welcome Pastor Sandy