New Testament | Colossians 3:5-17 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Coram Deo by Antoine Bradford

Lyrics:
Time and time again
I know that I've seen Your hands
Holy and holding me up
Again and again

And through all the ups and the downs
Thorny and golden crowns
Faithful You've always been (You've always been)

My heart sings in wonder
And I can't help but say
Lord, You are everything to me
Jesus, You are everything to me (You are, You are, You are)

In You I have my being
And Your love's a living stream
Constant and overflowing
And it satisfies all of my longings
My heart sings in wonder, oh-oh
And I can't help but say

Lord, You are everything to me
Jesus, You are everything (You are, You are, You are)
In You I have my being
All my joy is found in chasing You
And I'll chase You till I have more of You
All my joy is (You're my treasure, my being, God)
Found in chasing You (You're my portion forever)

And I'll chase You (You're my treasure, my being, God)
Till I have more of You (You're my portion forever)
All my joy is (You're my treasure, my being, God)
Found in chasing You (You're my portion forever)
And I'll chase You (You're my treasure, my being, God)
Till I have more of You (You're my portion forever)

Passage:
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 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. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
(Colossians 3:5–17 ESV)

Musical Reflection:
Harp meditation No. 1 by Gretchen Kirby

Reflection Notes:
A repetitive pattern in the left hand provides a meditative foundation while the right hand experiments with ascending lines. The tune is meant to be joyful and evoke delight.

Prayer:
Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your grace that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.