7/28/2024 0 Comments Pastor's PenBeloved, at this point in the book of Colossians, Paul is concerned that the believers are not led astray from Christ. The danger in Colossi was real; false teachers had come into the church and were trying to substitute Paul’s teaching with human reasoning, Greek philosophy, Jewish legalism and eastern mysticism. That teaching was pulling the believers away from Christ so that they were looking to other things to meet their spiritual needs. So in Colossians, Paul sets forth the sufficiency and adequacy of Christ in the life of the believer.
Colossians 2:10 says, “And you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.” Another word for filled in him is complete. You are complete in Christ! Hence, when you become a Christian, you have everything you need. Now you grow and you don’t grow by addition. You grow by appropriation by knowing Him, loving Him and walking in Him. You don’t need human philosophy, psychology, Greek mysticism, Jewish legalism or what the cults have to offer. You have Christ. But all you need to do is discover who Christ is, what Christ has done, what He has made available to you and what you have “in Christ.” Then start to appropriate what is yours “in Christ.” Beloved, you are complete in Christ! Blessings- Pastor Joe
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7/21/2024 0 Comments Pastor’s PenBeloved, For Paul, real riches were found in the believer’s full assurance of God’s character and their personal salvation. Many lack full assurance about the character of God and are unconvinced that He is really good and loving. Others lack full assurance of their salvation and wonder if their Christian life is for real. Great freedom and confidence comes when we come to this full assurance.
Years ago before I became a True Believer I went to confession and asked the Priest if I was going to heaven. His reply left me searching. He said, “I don’t know, nobody knows.” Wow! That certainly was a lack of assurance. But Scripture says in 1 John 5:13, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” Beloved, we can have the full assurance of our salvation and of God’s goodness. I pray that you and I will rest in this full assurance! Blessings- Pastor Joe 7/14/2024 0 Comments Pastor’s PenBeloved, today’s study contains what I consider to be the key verse for the Book of Colossians. Colossians 1:27 says, “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Yes, because Jesus resides in us, we have an incredible hope of glory.
Therefore, whatever trial or difficult circumstance you may be facing today, remember that Christ is in you to help you through this trial and furthermore we have waiting for us a hope of glory! I would also like to thank all of you who participated and helped with this year’s VBS. The kids had a great time learning what Psalm 56:3 says and means in their lives. Psalm 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” This very simple truth applied to our lives will bring peace and comfort even during the most difficult of circumstances. Commit it to memory and use it frequently! Blessings- Pastor Joe 7/7/2024 0 Comments Pastor’s PenBeloved, as continue in the Book of Colossians we remember the theme of the Supremacy of Christ. Two weeks ago we learned that Jesus is the Creator and that we were made through Him and for him! Jesus gives our lives purpose and direction.
This week we look at who we were, which was lost; who we are, which is in Christ; and how we continue which is in the faith. The enemy wanted to confuse the Colossians and lead them astray through false teaching. Thankfully, Paul, through the Holy Spirit helped set them back on track. Beloved, if you have gone “off track” then get back on the road with Jesus! One last thing. VBS decorating starts after second service. Please pray for a fruitful week of ministry with the kids and strength to serve with a joyful heart! In Him, Pastor Joe |
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