Northside Church of God
Rooted and Grounded in Christ - A Gospel Worth Thanking God For
In the opening lines of his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul sets a powerful tone—not with correction or urgency, but with heartfelt gratitude. He thanks God for what truly matters: their faith in Christ, their love for all the saints, and their hope anchored in heaven. These three virtues—faith, love, and hope—form the triad of gospel transformation. Paul’s prayer reveals that spiritual fruit, not outward performance, is what gives evidence of a life rooted in Christ. This message reminds us that the Christian life is not merely about doing, but about being—being grounded in the gospel and growing in grace. As we launch deeper into this new series, we’re challenged to examine our own lives. Are our prayers marked by gratitude? Is our faith centered in Christ? Does our love reflect the heart of Jesus? And is our hope truly anchored in eternity? Paul gives us a picture of a healthy church—one worth thanking God for. May we become that kind of church, both in word and in witness.
Locations & Times
Northside Church of God
3225 Cairo Rd, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
Sunday 9:45 AM
Colossians 1:3-5a
A Heart of Gratitude in Prayer
Paul begins not with rebuke or correction but thanksgiving—this sets a gospel tone.
True spiritual leaders rejoice in the spiritual fruit of others.
Are your prayers marked more by requests or thanksgiving?
“To God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Paul anchors his thanks in Trinitarian theology.
All blessings flow from the Father through the Son by the Spirit.
“We believe in one God eternally existing in three persons.”
Church of God (Cleveland, TN) Declaration of Faith
“Gratitude is the echo of grace as it reverberates through the soul.”
R.C. Sproul
“Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus…” (v. 4a)
Faith is not vague belief—it is trust rooted in the person and work of Jesus.
Church of God emphasis:
Saving faith must be active, obedient, and Christ-centered.
“Faith alone justifies, but the faith that justifies is never alone.”
John Calvin
Genuine faith produces Christlike love—not just emotional, but sacrificial and inclusive.
Wesleyan-Arminian conviction: Holiness must express itself through love.
Application:
Is our love impartial, sacrificial, and visible to the watching world?
Faith and love are energized by hope—confident assurance in what is coming.
Theological Reflection: Hope is both fuel and anchor (cf. Hebrews 6:19).
Application:
Do we live with our eyes on eternity or consumed by the temporary?
Faith in Christ
- Have you placed full trust in Christ alone for salvation?
- What area of your life needs to be surrendered anew to Him?
Love for the Saints
- Are you actively showing love to your church family, not just in word, but in deed?
- Who can you serve or encourage this week?
Hope for Heaven
- Is your life marked by eternal hope, or are you overwhelmed by earthly chaos?
- Let your hope shape your perspective, calm your fears, and ignite your witness.
Pastor Bryan Jackson
Northside Church of God