Some in the Colossian church searched for deeper thangs, things that would make them more spiritual. They resorted to human philosophy, legalism (works of the flesh), and even mystics.
Paul reminded them that all they needed was found in the Word of God. They merely needed to follow it.
Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Friday, January 23, 2015
Jesus Our Savior--Jesus Our Lord
To try to divide Jesus our Savior from Jesus our Lord would be like trying to divide His nature. You can't have one without the other.
One of the characteristics of the true Christian is their love for others, especially other Christians.
1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren . .
Love for the brethren is our calling card. If we don't love fellow saints, we're just a "sounding brass" and a "tinkling cymbal" (1 Cor. 13:1-8).
True salvation flows from the heart of the believer out to others and produces true love in our lives.
1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
One of the characteristics of the true Christian is their love for others, especially other Christians.
1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren . .
Love for the brethren is our calling card. If we don't love fellow saints, we're just a "sounding brass" and a "tinkling cymbal" (1 Cor. 13:1-8).
True salvation flows from the heart of the believer out to others and produces true love in our lives.
1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Sublime Worship
Moses was the only fellow in camp who didn't know that his face glowed with the glory of the Lord.
Exodus 34:29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony . . . . that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
Moses was a living, visible witness to the power of being in the presence of God.
When we walk with the Lord, our face may not glow, but our walk, our talk, and our lives will bear witness that we've been in His holy presence.
God reveals Himself more to those who walk close to Him. He speaks more directly through His Word. He displays His presence more often in their hearts. He uses them more wonderfully for His glory.
Moses was brought to a place of sublime worship. Do we give God the worship He deserves?
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Exodus 34:29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony . . . . that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
Moses was a living, visible witness to the power of being in the presence of God.
When we walk with the Lord, our face may not glow, but our walk, our talk, and our lives will bear witness that we've been in His holy presence.
God reveals Himself more to those who walk close to Him. He speaks more directly through His Word. He displays His presence more often in their hearts. He uses them more wonderfully for His glory.
Moses was brought to a place of sublime worship. Do we give God the worship He deserves?
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
The Absolute Truth
In a world of many religions most people never read "all" of God's Word. They should because Bible Truths may not match what they believe.
2 Timothy 3:16,17 All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
We find these characteristics in the New Testament Epistles.
DOCTRINE: The book of Romans tell us that a man is not justified before God by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.
REPROOF: 1-2 Corinthians tells us to keep the Passover by purging the leaven of sin from our lives.
CORRECTION: Galatians helps us return to the pure gospel of Jesus.
INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS: Ephesians to Colossians instructs us to put off the old man and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let the Holy Spirit teach you truth in all scripture.
2 Timothy 3:16,17 All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
We find these characteristics in the New Testament Epistles.
DOCTRINE: The book of Romans tell us that a man is not justified before God by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.
REPROOF: 1-2 Corinthians tells us to keep the Passover by purging the leaven of sin from our lives.
CORRECTION: Galatians helps us return to the pure gospel of Jesus.
INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS: Ephesians to Colossians instructs us to put off the old man and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let the Holy Spirit teach you truth in all scripture.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
What Is That In Your Hand?
As God spoke from the burning bush, Moses gave many excuses why he couldn't deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt. He didn't feel worthy. The people wouldn't believe him. He wasn't good with words. "Send another," he said.
Exodus 4:2 And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
That rod, that stick, identified Moses as a shepherd. He used to be a prince, and now he was a washed up nobody on the back side of the desert.
Obeying the Lord, he threw the rod to the ground, and it became a snake. He picked it up by the tail and it became a rod again.
God used that rod in Moses' hand to bring forth the plagues in Egypt and to part the Red Sea. He used it to bring water from a rock in the desert and to bring victory in a battle.
If we give God what we have, He will give us the power to do great things for His glory.
Exodus 4:2 And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
That rod, that stick, identified Moses as a shepherd. He used to be a prince, and now he was a washed up nobody on the back side of the desert.
Obeying the Lord, he threw the rod to the ground, and it became a snake. He picked it up by the tail and it became a rod again.
God used that rod in Moses' hand to bring forth the plagues in Egypt and to part the Red Sea. He used it to bring water from a rock in the desert and to bring victory in a battle.
If we give God what we have, He will give us the power to do great things for His glory.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Are You Growing?
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby;
Sometimes we consume the wrong things and end up having no appetite for the right things. We need to develop an appetite for the Word of God if we are going to grow into a mature Christian.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
It's no disgrace to be at whatever level you are in Christ. The disgrace is "not growing".
Your spiritual maturity as a Christian will increase in direct proportion to the amount of study you invest in the Word." Louis a Barbien
Sometimes we consume the wrong things and end up having no appetite for the right things. We need to develop an appetite for the Word of God if we are going to grow into a mature Christian.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
It's no disgrace to be at whatever level you are in Christ. The disgrace is "not growing".
Your spiritual maturity as a Christian will increase in direct proportion to the amount of study you invest in the Word." Louis a Barbien
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Our Good -- His Glory
The highs and lows of the life of Joseph didn't diminish his faith in God. Maybe you remember from Sunday School the kid with the coat of many colors. Remember how his cruel brothers sold him to a slave caravan on its way to Egypt?
Eventually Joseph would save the known world from hunger during a drought. In every valley and across every mountain in his life one truth held true: God meant it for good.
Many years later he reunited with his brothers. Between hugs and tears he forgave them.
Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass as it is this day, to save much people alive.
God may not use the trials and tragedies we face to save nations, but we can be assured that each valley and victory are a part of His perfect plan for our lives. He will use them for our good and His glory.
Eventually Joseph would save the known world from hunger during a drought. In every valley and across every mountain in his life one truth held true: God meant it for good.
Many years later he reunited with his brothers. Between hugs and tears he forgave them.
Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass as it is this day, to save much people alive.
God may not use the trials and tragedies we face to save nations, but we can be assured that each valley and victory are a part of His perfect plan for our lives. He will use them for our good and His glory.
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