Read pp. 423-424 in your textbook. Answer the following questions and post to your blog:
a. Why are Bible experts having a tough time figuring out what Colosse's problem is?
Its like listening to one side of a phone conversation and trying o interpret whats happening on the other end.
b. Who was Epaphras?
A minster
c. What's heresy? What kind of heresy is Paul talking about?
A wraped teacheing that the Colossians are starting to warm up to.
Mind-over matter religion
~theological seeds that grow into a movement called Gnosticism a century later. Adcocates teach the secret knowledge is the key to salvation.
Jewish Christianty
~Arguing that non-Jewish believers have to obey Jewish laws to get saved.
d. What's Paul's "Main Point"?
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
e. Where is Colosse?
a Small town about 120 miles east of Ephesus in what is now Turkey.

Read "For Those Tempted to Demote Jesus" page 425. Answer the following questions and post them to your blog.
a. What does Col 1:15 say?
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creations.
b. Why can't Paul visit Colosse?
Because he is in prison.
c. How does Paul begin this letter?
with a greeting thats typical of Greek letters.
d. What does Col. 1:16 say?
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
e. Who was Jupiter? Mithra? Local spirits? How does this fit into Colossians?\
Jupiter:Called Zeus among the Greeks, hes the top Roman god and chief of all the Roman gods.
Mithra: Worshipped as a good spirt and ruler of the world, Mirtha is popular among Roman oliders and freed slaves--and widespread throughtout urkey. This faith has a lot in common with Christianity: honoring truth and courage and adopting Sundays as a holy day and December 25 as Mitha's birthday. It also teaches that there's a resurrection, judgement and enturnal life. On the other hand, it promotes astrology--the idea that the movement of planets and stars affected human destiny.
Local spirts: Like some African tribes, many Romans believe that sports live in trees, rivers fields and mountains. Romans give offerings to keep these spirts happy and wear amulets to protect themselves when spirts get upset.

f. Each person in your group should read Colossians 3, and post a 1-paragraph summary about this book to your blog
Rachael: This chapter basically tells you how to live your life.

Crystal and Rachael's test! :)

Galatians:
1.Who wrote Galatians? Paul did.

2.Who was it written to? Church of Galatia.

3.When was it written? Circa 50 AD

4.Why does the author write Galatians?To cleat up confusion about christianity.

5.Where is Galatia? Mordern Day Turkey.


Ephesians:
1.Who wrote Ephesians?Paul did.

2.When was it written? Circa 60 AD

3.Who was it written to? The church at Ephesus.

4.Where is Ephesus? Modern day Turkey.

5.What does he write (2 main points)?1. Praises them for their solid christian reputation.
2. Reminds them taht Jesus is the source of their salvation.

Philippians:

1.Who wrote Philippians? Paul did!! (BIG SHOCKER.)

2.When was it written? Circa 60 AD

3.Who was it written to?Chruch at Philippi.

4.Where is Philippi? Greece.

5.What kind of letter is this? A fatherly letter to the church!

Ephesians & Philippians Book Assignment

a. What kind of letter is Ephesians?
~three fiery letter.
b. What is Paul's "Main Point"?
~He i praising his readers for their solid christian reputation.
c. Who is this letter from?
They say its Paul.

Read page 412 "To Do List for the Mature". Answer the following questions and post your answers to your blog:
a. How does Paul say we can gauge the maturity of our faith?
He doesnt give us a scale to know, because most of us dont get there in this life time to know.
b. What's on Paul's List for "keeping us on track"? List them out.
Stop telling lies
Dont let anger control you
Give generously to others
Dont use foul or abusive language
Be kind to each other, tender hearted and forgiving
Stay away from sexual immorality and obscene jokes
Dont get drunk
Instead, fill yourself with God's Spirt, and sing his praises.


Read page 415 "Suit Up for Spiritual Battle". Answer the following questions and post your answers to your blog:
a. If Christians aren't fighting against Romans, who are they fighting against?
Evil rulers of the unseen world.
b. What are the pieces of physical armor Paul is talking about and what is its spiritual equal?
Belt-Truth
Body armor-God rightousness
Shoes-Peace from the good news
Shield-Faith
Helemt-Salvation
Sword-Word of God

Read "The Race of Our Lives" on page 421. Write a 1 paragraph summary about this passage and post it to your blog. What stuck out to you? Why is this verse so important to us as believers?
Rachael: Forgetting the past forward to what lies ahead! This stuck out to me the most. Because I cant let my past hold me back from the future! If i always do that i will be living in the past.

Crystal: What I got out it was that when we start a race (spiritually) we should have a set goal. We should never start anything without a set goal. It helps you to more succesfull. I think that Paul made an awesome illustration with that.