Category: Christian Blog

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light Colossians 1:9-12

 

The power of intercessional prayer must never be underestimated. Paul began this letter to the church of Colossae praising them for their acts of love. He said that the report of their faith in Jesus Christ was even further displayed by their acts of love toward others and particularly their loving care of other Christians. Yet, Paul was well aware that the journey ahead for them as believers would be laden with obstacles, with ridicule, and with trials of their faith. There would be those who infiltrated their ranks with ideologies or philosophies which would attempt to undermine the truth of the gospel. For that reason, Paul said, we do not cease to pray for you.

Continue reading “How to Effectively Pray for People We Know”

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth. Colossians 1:3-6

 

Paul as he wrote to this young church in Colossae who were literally under attack for their faith from every side and even within spoke of hope. They were in a melting pot of societies who desired they blend their faith with other philosophies to be more tolerant of ideologies rather than to hold fast to the truth of the gospel. They faced ridicule from those around them. Often, they faced even possible imprisonment or death for their faith. Life was not easier; indeed, in many ways life’s journey became harder as they began this new found life as Christians. They sacrificed more. They gave of their time, their money and their resources to spread the truth of the gospel; often to be met with resistance anger, and ridicule. So, on what did they anchor their hope? Without hope, it is difficult or nearly impossible to press on when things get tough.

Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. It is that feeling that all is going to be ok in the end. If I hope to finish the race; then, I will press on when my legs grow weary. The greater I perceive the treasure at the end of the race to be; the higher my hope grows each step of the race. Anticipating with great joy the finish line; I press on. Continue reading “Can True Hope Really Be Found in The World?”

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:3-8

 

What distinguished the early Christian Church from all other religions and allowed it to spread? What caused the early Christians to be fruitful in their endeavors? And what seems to be the stumbling block for the present-day church? How do we uncompromisingly hold fast to truth while at the same time do so with a spirit of love?

What stood out most in the early church were the selfless acts of kindness, love and community among the believers; as well as their willingness to suffer whatever consequence of standing firm for the truth of the gospel. They also were quick to do random acts of kindness for even those who persecuted them. Humility, servitude, kindness and the willingness to suffer for the furtherance of the gospel marked the early church and drew people in. This is something we must remember and not get caught up in the “me” society of Christians who act for the sake of gaining ourselves anything.

Continue reading “How to Never Compromise Truth in a Spirit of Love”

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:10-14

 

As Christmas approaches with great joy and hope we sing of peace on earth; yet, all around us we see anger, pride, terrorism, war, and violence. How was it that over 2000 years ago, the angels sang of peace? How was it that Paul wrote to the Colossians of peace? Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:2 As I already pointed out last week, they were a church being bombarded by false doctrines who bid them be open minded. There was conflict and controversy within the church as well as the society that surrounded them. People were being tortured and killed for speaking the truth of the gospel. Paul himself was in prison. So how could Paul write of peace? Was this merely a hope for one day when Christ returns to set up reign on earth? There will be that day! But, how do we as Christians sing of peace now while living in a war-torn world ravaged with division, hate, and anger?

Continue reading “Why Songs of Peace in A War-Torn World?”

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colossae: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:1-2

 

As I pointed out in the past post, Paul was writing this letter from prison to the church of Colossae who were being bombarded by false ideologies. Such a young church who would be facing lots of hardships and those who would condemn and ostracize them for their beliefs; as they clung tight to the gospel truth. Sounds a lot like our world still today; yet, note this God’s word has held fast throughout the centuries. The gospel message is still being proclaimed today; because of those who clung fast to the truth despite so much opposition. God’s Grace has proclaimed His truth, persevered His words throughout the ages. He has used faith filled men and women to carry the torch; thus, Graciously Sharing in His Glory with each. So, let us begin this letter.

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.” Paul knew that his salvation occurred only by the express will of God. Beyond that, Paul had been chosen by God to the 12th apostle replacing Judas Iscariot. Paul certainly would not have been chosen by the other Apostles. After all, Paul had been a persecutor of the early church before he met Jesus face to face on the Damascus Road. It was God’s Will and God’s Grace that lead Paul to a saving knowledge of Christ. That truth humbled Paul. Were it not for the good pleasure of God’s Will, I would have never been saved. I know that! It was Grace Alone that reached out to me, opened my eyes that I might see, and saved me just as I had been found clothed in all my filthy rags. God saw that it would take years to reveal to me all the dark crevices in my heart; yet, He loved me just the same. He was willing to spend a lifetime transforming me with such patience and Grace; as He continues even today.

Continue reading “What Is the Depth, Height and Breadth of Grace?”