Sunday, June 1, 2025

Rick Stuhmer

COLOSSIANS 1:15-20 (NRSV)
Who is this Jesus we praise?

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been

created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first

place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

Acts 1:1-11 (NRSV)

The Promise of the Holy Spirit 1 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2  until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3  After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4  While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; 5  for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

The Ascension of Jesus

(Mk 16:19–20; Lk 24:50–53)

6  So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7  He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9  When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10  While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11  They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Colossians 4:29 (NRSV)

Further Instructions

2  Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. 3  At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, 4  so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should. 5  Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Final Greetings and Benediction

(Cp Eph 6:21–22)

7  Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. 8  I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts; 9  he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.