The Shape of the Gospel (7/6/2026)

Today, Jason shared with us about the pre-eminence of Jesus—that Christ isn’t just important, but supreme, and that this is the foundation for a healthy church.

Jason Fletcher (from First Woodway Youth) visited Redcar for the third year, and we prayed for God’s blessing and clarity as he spoke from Colossians 1. He explained that Paul wrote to the church in Colossae to strengthen them against false teaching and to lift up the true gospel: Jesus is not merely one voice among many—he is Lord over all.

Jason then drew out three gospel-shaped movements in the passage:

Encouragement (Colossians 1:3–8): Paul gives thanks for the Colossians’ faith, love, and hope, and for the gospel bearing fruit among them—reminding us to notice and speak encouragement where God is at work.

Edification (Colossians 1:9–14): Paul prays they would grow in spiritual wisdom, live in a way that pleases the Lord, and be strengthened with power—because God has rescued us from darkness and brought us into Christ’s kingdom.

Exhortation (Colossians 1:24–29): Paul keeps going in ministry even through suffering, because Christ is the hope of glory and the message worth proclaiming.

Using an “advantage” illustration from football, Jason encouraged us that even when life feels unfair or painful, weakness can become an advantage if it leads us into deeper dependence on Jesus. The call was simple: play on—keep going—come further up and further in with Christ at the centre.