Heart of a Movement

Jim Leffel
Colossians 1:1-8

As Paul opens his letter to the Colossians, he encourages them on their strong faith and their love for others. The love of the Colossians was displayed in their zeal to spread the gospel to nearby areas. 

Preparing the Way

Mike Sullivan
Mark 1:1-11

John the Baptist, the "voice crying in the wilderness," was prophesied to come and prepare the way of the Messiah.  He came, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  He prepared the way by preparing people's hearts, signaling something important was about to happen, by speaking of a greater successor, and  introducing a new kind of baptism, a baptism of the Holy Spirit.