Tag Archives: God

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- 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!

Colossians 3-Bear One Another

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Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Colossians 3:12-14

The book of Colossians should be a manual for every Church, there is so much practical instruction and wisdom here. First notice Paul addresses the Church as the “Elect of God”, yes, if you are a Born Again Christian then you are the elect of God, you are a Child of the King, you are part of the Body of Christ. And that’s why this letter applies to all of us Christians, nobody is exempt from these teachings

The next part is Paul describes the fruits or characteristics we should be demonstrating or producing as Born Again Christians. Compassion, mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, and patience, does this describe you or your Church? If not, maybe you need to work on that, or maybe your Church does also. The Church is always an interesting entity, so many different people coming together for the same common goal, Jesus Christ. When we bring together all these different people, we have conflicts, however we need to learn to love one another as Christ loves us

As Paul instructs here “Bear and forgive with one another” There are going to be times when your Church family hurts your feelings or does something wrong against you, we are called to forgive them because Christ has forgiven us. Now this should be going both ways, we should forgive any quarrels or fights we may have with one another in the Church. I know this sounds easier then what it really is, but remember the battle doesn’t belong to you, it belongs to The Lord. The Church is the body of Christ, Jesus is the Head of the Church, those Christians who don’t act appropriately will have to answer to Christ himself, not just us

What is the bond of perfectness or unity? It’s love, as Peter said “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8) Remember even when we didn’t deserve mercy or grace, Christ gave it to us anyway, why? Because Christ loves us, our fellow Church family might not deserve to be forgiven however we forgive anyway, why? Because Christ loves us and demonstrated that love for us all on the cross

There is no perfect Church because there are no perfect people. So let’s stop making excuses why we hate everyone at our local Church, there are a million reasons why God could hate us, be God chooses to love us anyway, because God is full of grace and mercy. We need to be more like Christ , and love the Church as Christ loves the Church

Therefor , elect of God, the Church, bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and love and forgive one another, in Jesus name Amen!

Colossians 3- One In Christ

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Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:11

One of the big mistakes I see made in Christianity, is the alignment with social groups and issues. Now you might wonder what is wrong with this? First of all, we need to understand our identity comes from Christ and not ourselves. When you have become truly Born Again in Jesus, your old self died and your new self was risen with Christ. At this point, I’m sure there are alot of Carnal Christians I lost with this statement, and that is total the point

As the Apostle Paul says here “There is no Greek or Jew, no circumcised or uncircumcised, Barbarian or Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all” Now let me paraphrase this for modern understanding, “there is no black and white, there is no different nationalities, there is no rich and poor , in the body of Christ, we are all one in Jesus Christ. As Christians we are all part of the Body of Christ, the Church , there is no one greater than the other, there is no separation based on race or social status. If you don’t understand this, then you totally missed the root of the gospel

When I see Churches that cater to one particular race or caters to a particular group, this is a complete heresy. There is no Biblical foundation to support this practice whatsoever. Temporarily it might be easier to only associate with “Christians” who look and think only like you, but this isn’t the Kingdom of God. The body of Christ is composed of  “The Great Multitude” (Revelation 7:9) There isn’t only one race in Heaven, or one group in Paradise, it’s the elect from God brought together by one common denominator, Jesus Christ

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13

Paul goes on to teach, there is only One Holy Spirit, and we are baptized in only One Church, the Body of Christ, doesn’t matter who you are , we are Born Again by the same Holy Spirit, by the One and only Lord Jesus Christ, and the only God the Father

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Paul even takes it a step further here, spiritually it doesn’t even matter if you’re male or female , we are all One in Jesus Christ! While we can argue exactly what Paul was referring to here, the point is there is only One God, One Lord, One Holy Spirit, and One Church! (Ephesians 4:5-7)We are all brothers and sisters through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!

Colossians 3- New Man

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Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Colossians 3:5-8

How do we know if someone is truly Born Again? Jesus said “You will be known by your fruit” (Matthew 7) If someone has truly become transformed by the Holy Spirit, we should see some evidence of spiritual fruit. If someone continues to live in the same sinful lifestyle as before they came to Christ, then they have never been reborn to begin with. As Peter said “It’s like a dog returning to his own vomit” (2 Peter 2:22) Meaning someone who continues to live in habitual sin

The Apostle Paul said “Mortify therefore your members, which are upon the Earth or Put to death, the components of your earthly nature” As Jesus said to the women caught in adultery ,your sins are forgiven go and sin no more” (John 8:11) Jesus didn’t say, your forgive so keep on sinning. There is an expectation of your transformation when you come to Christ, God is not going to leave you where He found you

Going back to what Paul was saying here, notice he lists all the carnal and fleshly sins that we commit, he said Put them to death or in layman’s terms “stop sinning”! This is a message that today’s Church doesn’t even want to hear, we love hearing about eternal life and God’s Kingdom, but sanctification that’s a forbidden word in today’s Carnal Christianity.

Now I know it’s easier said than done, I know there are many of us who struggle with addictions and bad influences, but the Holy Spirit is living inside of you. As Paul said “The same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead” (Romans 8:11) Think about that, the Holy Spirit is living inside of You as a Born Again believer in Christ. Greater is He living inside of me, than He that is living in the world (1 John 4:4) 

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Colossians 3:9-10

Notice the language here by Paul, put off the old man and his deeds (sins) and put on the New Man. Your old man was crucified and buried with Christ, your New Man was risen to eternal life with Christ, put on your New Man and walk by the Holy Spirit and not by the flesh

When you understand this concept, you understand what Jesus was saying “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) Put on the New Man in Christ, Amen!

Colossians 3- Risen With Christ

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If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

The worst thing someone could say to you is “I never knew you were a Christian”, because Jesus will probably say the same thing to you in the end, “Depart from me, I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23) So many Christians are trying to still fit into the world, while still abide in Christ. This is not possible, if you are a Born Again Christian, then the evidence should be clearly seen. 

Look at the words from Paul here “If you are then Risen with Christ, seek those things which are above” Notice Paul doesn’t use a watered down explanation of someone’s faith, like many Christians today would just say they identify as a Christian. No, if your truly saved, your old self died with Christ, and your new self has been risen with Christ, hence Born Again

Paul is not talking about a Sunday Christian, that checks off the box for the week and then goes back to their normal living. Paul is talking about those who truly became Born Again in Christ by the Holy Spirit, that died to their old self and are walking in the newness of life. Seek those things which are above! Don’t concern yourself with carnal and temporal things, seek the Kingdom of God which is eternal

The Apostle Paul goes on to say “Set your affection on the things above, not on things on the earth” Well Paul just destroyed every prosperity preacher and false religion out there, why? Because of all them are motivated by carnal things. If you look to the root of every false teacher and religion, they all have one common denominator, they are motivated by worldly things, money, sex, and power.

When Christ died on the cross for your sins, your old self died with him also. If your old self hasn’t been crucified to that cross, then you are still dead in your sins. Most people don’t want to accept this truth, that’s why the real gospel of Jesus Christ is offensive to the world. That’s why the real Jesus Christ is so offensive to the world, because Christ is the Light exposing the darkness.

Think about this statement Paul makes, “when Christ , who is our life” , Is Jesus Christ your whole life? Does everything you do in life revolve around Christ? If not, then you need to do some self examination, because for those who are Born Again in Christ, have been Risen with Christ, Jesus Christ is our whole life, Amen!

Colossians 2- Set Apart

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And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Colossians 2:19-22

Continually we see the Church referred to as the Body of Christ (Romans 12, 1 Cor. 12) here Paul is using this example as, saying “not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered”. As we talked about previously, Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, and everything is built upon his authority and teachings within the Church, or at least it should be. When we see false teachers and false teachings enter the Church, it poisons the entire Body. That’s why we cling to Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) , and Sola Christus (Christ Alone)

Many outside influences invade the Church and cause it to move away from God and from the authority of The Bible. That’s why Paul says here “If you are dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why as though you’re living in the world” If you are Born Again through Jesus Christ, then why would you follow the practices of the fallen world? You have been set apart by the Holy Spirit, as the Apostle James said “Those who love the world, is an enemy of God” (James 4:4)

The Apostle Paul dealt with a large issue of Christians falling back into their previous religions when joining the Church. This is why there was so much discussion about Circumcision and The Sabbath, Jewish Christians wanted to remain in Judaism while following Jesus Christ. As the author of Hebrews stated “in that He(God) says a New Covenant, He (God) made the first obsolete” (Hebrews 8:13)

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Colossians 2:23

As Paul said to the Church of Corinth, “You are not your own, you were bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20) You belong to Christ, you are part of the Church, everything you do and say affects the Kingdom of God. While the false religions and ideology appear to contain some sort of wisdom, they are in opposition to Christ. They don’t honor God or the Body of Christ, instead they satisfy the carnal flesh with worldly lusts

If Jesus is your Lord, then Christ is your Master, you belong to Him. Set yourself apart from your old self and become transformed by the Holy Spirit, Amen