We live in a world where belonging is both deeply longed for and painfully difficult. Political divides, cultural differences, personal wounds, and busy schedules all work against community. And yet, research and Scripture agree: we flourish when we belong.

Paul writes to the Ephesian church, a community divided by culture, tradition, and class, to remind them that God’s story has always been about creating a family of blessing. Through Christ, Jew and Gentile are united into one household of faith—a place where rhythms, resources, and responsibilities are shared.

Households of faith are not perfect, but they are where we practice belonging, learn forgiveness, and display God’s wisdom to the world.

In the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul gives us a cosmic vision of Christ—Creator, Sustainer, and Reconciler of everything. Colossians is filled with big ideas and wondrous descriptions. But Paul’s theology isn’t just big ideas or idle theories, it's also deeply practical, both cosmic and grounded––expanding our imaginations and at the same time offering practical direction for our daily life. How can it be both? Because for Paul, Christ is at the center of it all holding the universe and everything within it, even our daily lives, together.

Paul and Timothy’s letter to the Colossians moves between the biggest, boldest thoughts about God and the very ordinary realities of daily life. This week, we explore how cosmic truths—Christ’s victory, reconciliation, and kingdom—crash into everyday spaces like relationships, households, and work.

The theme for this week is tension:

• The tension of the already and not yet kingdom.
• The tension of cultural codes vs. kingdom ethics.
• The tension of difficult passages (slavery, submission, authority).

Rather than resolving all tensions, Paul invites us to live faithfully within them, letting the future kingdom of Jesus shape our present lives.