For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Colossians 2:1-3

It’s been said, the greatest gift you can give to someone, is to pray for them. When we study the Epistles of Paul, we notice a pattern, that he honestly loved his brothers and sisters in every Church, and he prayed for them continually. This should be our example and pattern as believers in our Church and fellow Churches. We should continually be praying for brothers and sisters in Christ unceasingly.

Notice Paul said many of these Christians have not even met him in person, yet he still loved and prayed for them. We often hear the expression “they are with them in spirit” well this is an actual example of that. Even though Paul wasn’t physically at these Churches, he was a part of their community through prayer and teachings. We should use this as an example for our communities also

What was Paul’s main objective? As he says “their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love”. Being a Christian in a godless world is not easy, including the other burdens in life. The Church should be a Christ centered community to comfort and lift each other up. This is why I believe “virtual Churches” are a failure, we need human interaction, we need companionship of other believers. How do you ‘break bread” without the rest of the body of Christ? 

Another aspect of the Church as Paul points out is the teaching, as Paul says “acknowledgment of the Mystery of God” Continually learning and growing in The Lord is part of our Christian walk. We should constantly be seeking to know more about God, this is why we go to hear a sermon and read the scriptures. As Paul shared his wisdom and understanding of Christ with all the Churches , including those he never saw face to face including us!

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:4-5

One of the big issues with Christians today and what Paul warns here “Lest anyone should beguile or deceive you with enticing words or smooth rhetoric. Alot of Christians who refuse to join a Church or community are often deceived by false teachers online. It’s very easy to be persuaded when there is no accountability for the preacher or student. Make sure whoever your listening to , is not deceiving you with false doctrine. 

Find a community of believers, grow with them in Christ, be knit together in Christ, Amen!