I know we are still in summer. Fall does not start until September 22. However, Crosswinds kicks off its fall season early with an exciting new sermon series, Touchdown in Christ: A New Game Plan. This series moves through the book of Colossians with the energy of a football team storming the field, explaining what it means to live as a new creation in Christ. Over the coming weeks, we’ll examine how Jesus’ decisive victory over sin and death sparks a transformative revolution in our hearts, rewrites our life’s playbook, and changes every aspect of our lives. Leaving behind old habits that hinder our spiritual progress, we’ll step confidently into a life of purpose, faith, and holy hustle, ready to run the plays God has planned for us.
The book of Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul, along with Timothy (Colossians 1:1), was composed around 60-62 AD during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. Colossae, an ancient city in Phrygia, was located in the Lycus River Valley of present-day Turkey, roughly 120 miles east of Ephesus, near the modern town of Honaz. Once a busy center along a major trade route, known for its distinctive dark red or purple wool (colossinus), Colossae’s importance declined in the 1st century AD due to changing trade routes favoring nearby Laodicea and destructive earthquakes, such as those in 17 AD and around 60 AD. Despite its reduced status, Colossae had a small but lively Christian community, likely gathering in the home of Philemon, a prominent member (Philemon 1:2). Founded by Epaphras, a Colossian disciple of Paul rather than Paul himself (Colossians 2:1), this house church was closely linked to neighboring churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis, forming a regional network of believers in the Lycus Valley.
At the heart of Colossians lies the powerful message of Christ’s supremacy over all things—creation, spiritual powers, and philosophies. The Colossian church faced a dangerous heresy blending early Gnosticism, which minimized Christ’s humanity, with Jewish legalism, emphasizing rituals like circumcision and dietary laws. This false teaching led some believers to incorporate unnecessary elements into their faith, thereby weakening the gospel’s power. Paul, informed by Epaphras, wrote to address these distortions, warning, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). He confidently declares Jesus as “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Colossians 1:15), affirming His divine authority and sufficiency. Paul’s letter guides the Colossians back to the truth that Christ alone is enough—no extra rituals or hidden knowledge are necessary for salvation.
Through Touchdown in Christ, we will explore Colossians to find practical ways to live out this truth daily. Each week, we will build momentum by showing how Christ’s supremacy lifts the burden of past mistakes and empowers us to share His grace in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. We will learn how to let go of old habits—those fumbles that hold us back—and embrace a lively, meaningful life as part of God’s team. Whether you’re battling regrets, seeking a new beginning, or eager to see God work powerfully in your daily life, this series will challenge and energize you. The gospel doesn’t just transform us; it changes the entire game, equipping us to run with hope and purpose. Join us at Crosswinds this weekend as we kick off Touchdown in Christ and discover the new game plan God has for your life. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to Christ Alone)!