Monthly Archives: January 2023

1 Corinthians 1- Unite in Christ

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Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:10-12

Since the beginning of time, there has been problems in the Church. Anytime you get a group of people together, there is always going to be conflicts and issues. That’s why Paul here urges the Church to “that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind” How did it work out? Well currently we have over 40,000 different denominations, including Catholicism and Orthodox.

So we know that there are alot of things that divide us, such as for example a Catholic and a Protestant, have alot of theological differences that keeps them from worshiping together. However let’s focus on what we do have in common, what do we all have in common with other Christians? Jesus Christ our Lord , Christ died for our sins, and Christ rose again on the 3rd day as according to the scriptures, and Christ will come again!

Many Christians like to keep arguing about tradition and theology, instead of sharing the gospel with non-believers. Back in the first century , there were believers saying they were followers of Paul, others said they were followers of Peter, and others followers of Apollos. Is this any different today? We have Christians today who are followers of the Pope, or followers of Luther, or followers of Wesley, but what about Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, Christ is our Lord and God, not any mortal human or faith tradition. Christ should be the foundation of our faith, and also the foundation that unites us together as brothers and sisters of God

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1 Corinthians 1:13-17

As the Apostle Paul states here “Is Christ divided?” No, there is only One Lord, One God, One Church, One Holy Spirit, One Faith, ect. There is not multiple Churches as we like to think here , when the Kingdom comes into full completion, there is only One bride of Christ, not multiple brides. If you hate your Catholic, Luthern, Baptist, brothers and sisters, then you need to repent and get over it, Christ is Lord of All, Amen!

1 Corinthians 1- Thank God

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I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 1 Corinthians 1:4-6

How are we saved? Seems like a basic and simple question, yet many seem confused about the process. The truth of the matter is, we are only saved by Christ alone. Being baptized as a baby didn’t save you, being a member of a Church didn’t save you, repeating the sinners prayer didn’t save you, it was the works of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that saved you

As the Apostle Paul says here “For the grace of God, which is given you by Jesus Christ” You didn’t receive or earn grace by any merit of your own. The fact is, if it was up to us to “earn our salvation” we would all fail. We would all be deservingly headed to Hell. Most people don’t want to admit and accept this, but when you understand this, then you can truly be thankful to God, for the salvation given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, which we never deserved but God loves us anyway

When we are “Born Again” in Christ, there should be evidence of our conversion. As Paul continues to say “The testimony of Christ was confirmed in You”, how do people know if you’re a “true” Christian, by our fruit. As Jesus said “You will be known by your fruits” (Matthew 7:16) This is not about “earning your salvation” this is about producing fruits of the Holy Spirit

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:7-9

So how do we become Born Again? How do we produce spiritual fruits? It’s by the Holy Spirit living inside of us, as Paul says here “You come behind or don’t lack any spiritual gift” We are equipped to walk in The Lord because we are equipped with the Holy Spirit. As a Born Again believer , you are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit is living inside of us

Did we choose Christ? No Christ choose us, as Paul says here “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” You were elected and chosen to be saved in Christ Jesus. 

So next time you think about being saved in Christ, Thank God! When you think about the forgiveness of your sins, Thank God! As you continue in sanctification, Thank God, and as we wait for the Kingdom of Heaven to reign fully, Thank God, Amen!

Colossians 4- We Are The Church

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Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Colossians 4:7-14

Often when we think about Paul’s Epistles and all the Churches he has helped plant, we don’t think about all the workers behind the scenes that helped make this happen. The Apostle Paul was a great teacher, preacher, and writer, however has was just a human , just like us. He wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything , of course without God, but also without the rest of the body of Christ, the Church, his brothers and sisters in The Lord

Here we see Paul list several names just for the Church of Colosse, some recognizable like Luke and Barnabas. And some other not so familiar names like Tychicus and Onesimus. However, every one of these Christians played a vital role in building Gods Kingdom, because everyone of them are part of the body of Christ.

Paul does some extensive teaching on the roles in the Church , such as 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, ect. As Paul has stated, the hand is not greater than the foot, and vice versa. Everyone in the body of Christ, the Church, has a role and purpose. Nobody is greater than anyone else.

As Jesus said “Whoever desires to be great, must become your servant” (Matthew 20:26) This should be the attitude of the Church, its not about me , its all about we. Even in my own life, I noticed when I collaborate with other Christians, the Holy Spirit seems to be working more effectively. When we break off and try to accomplish things on our own, we struggle and usually fail. The body of Christ was meant to live and work together, not to separate and compete.

I love reading this acknowledgement from Paul of every brother and sister’s hard work and dedication to the Kingdom of God. As the Bible says “a three strand cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) We are the Body of Christ, We are the Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it in Jesus name , Amen!

Colossians 4- Continue in Prayer

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Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.   Colossians 4:1-4

The late Leonard Ravenhill once said “No man is greater than their prayer life” Prayer needs to be central to our existence. Typically people who are uncomfortable praying in public or for others, is because they have a weak prayer life. How can you expect to have a relationship with God, if you never pour your heart out to him? Prayer should be like oxygen for our soul, it’s not an option whether to pray , it’s vital to our spiritual health

The Apostle Paul says here “Continue in prayer or devote yourselves to prayer” Prayer is foundational for our daily life. Before we do anything we should pray about it. Before we leave the house we should pray, before we begin our work we should pray, before we got to sleep , we should pray. Prayer should be central to our daily lives. How do we know the will of God without prayer? 

Paul also asks the Church to pray for them “Praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door” Before we read our Bible, we should pray that the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and understanding. Before we interact with others, we should pray the Holy Spirit gives us the words to speak. The Lord should be leading and guiding our lives, as Christ is our Good Shepherd

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:5-6

Paul instructs the Church, when you share the gospel with others, make sure your speech is “seasoned with salt”, what does he mean by this? If you’re going to be a street preacher, then you need to know what you’re talking about. You need to be able to effectively convey the gospel of Christ, without hostility or rudeness. How do we go about being prepared? Have a strong prayer life, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the words to speak, and the ability to understand God’s wisdom. Read your Bible daily with the Helper, the Holy Spirit

If you want to know why God feels so distant or you don’t understand the will of God, ask yourself “How strong is my prayer life”? Time spent with God in prayer and reading of his word, is never time wasted. Everything we do, continue in prayer daily, without ceasing , in Jesus name Amen!

Colossians 3- Servants of Christ

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Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Colossians 3:22-25

Slavery or bondservants was a popular practice in the 1rst Century Roman-Greco era. Jesus and the Apostles addressed this group many times, because the gospel will set us free spiritually. Groups that were being opposed now had hope because of Jesus Christ. This is the message Paul wanted to convey to the people, because Christ is Risen, we have the final victory

The Master/Slave relationship in the 1rst century world was more viewed as an Employer/Employee relationship. That’s why Paul says “obey in all things your masters according to the flesh” As servants of Jesus Christ, we are to live Godly lives. That means we are honorable and hard working. We don’t try to cheat our employer or Master, out of time or steal from them. We are the hands and feet of Christ, we are to show respect to our authorities, even when they might not deserve it

However, notice this statement also , “according to the flesh” Regardless of who is our governing authority or boss, Jesus Christ is our Lord and King. We will be obedient and respectful to our authorities, but our allegiance belongs to God. We will not do anything that will go against our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Peter said “ We obey God rather than Men” (Acts 5:29)

Whatever we do, we do it for The Lord, so if your boss is telling you to sweep the floor or clean the toilet, we will do this in obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord is our Master, our big boss, everyone else is second. When we do things , big or small, we are doing it to please Christ. If you hate your job, still do the best work you can, why? Because this will bring honor to Christ. Be respectful to people even when they are rude, be dependable and reliable, all these things bring honor to our King

This same concept is then applied to our spiritual lives. We are not just Christians in name and title, we are servants of our Master Jesus Christ. That’s a true disciple of Jesus, it’s not someone who says “I’ll do what I want, when I want”, no our attitude is “Lord your will be done”

As Paul also says “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) In everything we do in life, live to bring honor to our Lord and King Jesus Christ, Amen!

Colossians 3- Foundation of the Family

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Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Colossians 3:18-21

Paul here gives some more practical and good advice for the Christian family, similar to his teaching to the Church of Ephesus on the foundation of the family. God is a God of law and order, people were made and born with roles and purposes. The image above shows the Christian structure of a family, Christ is the head of the Church and family, then the husband , then the wife, and then the Children. 

This seems very simple and straightforward to understand, however we live in a world today that is so depraved, that the thought of a Godly family is offensive. The world can’t accept the biological reality that God created us male and female.(Mark 10:6) God created and sanctified marriage between one man and one woman.(Genesis 2:24) The world today can’t simply accept these basic truths, because then they would have to accept the fact there is a God, and salvation can only be found in Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6)

So in order for the world to eliminate God, the world will eliminate reality, they will make believe a man can believe they are a woman, they will believe the scientific impossibility that a man can naturally reproduce with another man. Anyone with any basic common sense knows these are illusions, however the world will agree with these lies in fear of being persecuted by the world. 

Even the Church today has become so worldly and broken, that the Church is trying to incorporate these illusions into the Church and reject the authority of the Bible. However Christians who deny the foundations of a family, One Man and One Woman, would have to deny the Triunity of God, Father , Son and Holy Spirit. 

The Son of God, Jesus Christ, humbled himself and became obedient to God the Father, to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2) Does that mean Christ is no more God than the Father or Holy Spirit? No, Jesus is truly God as He is also truly man, but fulfilled his role to the salvation of the world

Marriage can be viewed as the Triunity of God, even though we have different roles doesn’t mean one is greater than the other. As the Bible says “The two become One flesh” (Mark 10:18) The husband and wife are One, yet compliment each other with different roles. It’s the same with the Triunity of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all fully God, yet compliment each other with different roles

The family is the foundation of creation. The reason Satan continually attacked the family is because he knows it will destroy the foundation of society and the Church, which we are seeing today. Amen!

Colossians 3- Peace of God

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And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:15-17

Peace is a very valuable thing, it’s something that can’t be purchased or prescribed, even though many look for peace in various different ways. How can we truly find inner peace? And why can’t we ever seem to obtain peace? The only way to obtain the Peace of God is through Jesus Christ, period. Jesus will calm the storm in our hearts and minds, because Christ is in complete control of all things

I find it interesting if you look at all the different English translations, some will say “the Peace of God” while others will say “the peace of Christ” , Christ and God are used interchangeably here, and it doesn’t come as a surprise. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh (John 1:14, Isaiah 9:6), the Son of God part of the Trinity (Matthew 28:19) Jesus Christ is your Lord and God (John 20:28) If Christ is not your Lord and God, then this is probably where your issues begin, to deny the true deity of Christ, is to deny Gods redemptive power

The reason you can’t obtain peace outside of Christ is because of our sins. Most people believe they are a “good person” and don’t want to acknowledge their sin, however sin makes us enemies of God (Romans 5:10) You will never inherit peace because you are at war with your Creator, and whether you acknowledge God or not, your soul longs to be reconciled back to our Heavenly Father

Jesus Christ is the only way to be reconciled back to God from your sins (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) There is no other way to be forgiven for your sins, there is no other way to be reconciled back to God the Father, there is no other way except through Christ alone. No other religion or philosophy can provide atonement for your sins. How do we know we are sinners? By the Law of God, hence the Ten Commandments. The moral law of God reveals to us our sinful nature and need for a Savior, Jesus Christ

Paul says “Let the word of Christ dwell in you” hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and let it dwell in you, allow the Holy Spirit to open your heart to plant the seeds of God’s words and promises. Meditate on the Word of God (The Bible) daily and allow it to dwell in you, because the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than a two edge sword (Hebrews 4:12)

If you want peace, seek Jesus Christ, allow the Peace of God to rule in your hearts by the Holy Spirit, Amen!