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? →

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:29-32

 

Paul had heard the Holy Spirit whispering to him to return to Jerusalem. Everyone told him that he would meet his death if he did; yet, his concern was not his own life. He would willingly go to his death if that was what God commanded. Yet, his concern was the young disciples, the early church. He feared for them more than for himself. He knew how quickly false doctrines and ideas could penetrate the church; drawing them away from the gospel truth. So, he did the only thing that he could–he commended them into God’s hand; knowing God is able to keep that which he committed unto Him.

I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

After visiting the church of Ephesus, Paul went on to Jerusalem where he was imprisoned.

Continue reading How to Hold onto Truth in A World Of Ideas →

John 15 ^“1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. ²Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ³Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ⁴Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. ⁵I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. ⁶If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ⁸Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. ⁹As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. ¹⁰If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.¹¹These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

If one looks at the definition of abiding you will find it to be: enduring, surviving, standing, durable, everlasting, eternal, unending, unchanging, and steadfast.  Does that describe your relationship with Christ?  Does it describe mine?  It certainly does describe how Christ’s abiding love has been for me; but does it describe mine?  How do we lean on Him, unchanging, unwavering in our faith, enduring all hardship or trials, eternally, everlastingly seeing Him as our greatest treasure and then abiding in His love for each step of this journey-trusting Him to guide each step and never struggling to do it our way?  How do we wait patiently for His answer, resting our heads upon His chest in silence?

Let me share with you this chapter from Ultimate Inspiration God’s Plan of Love

Continue reading How to Abide in Christ for Joy and Strength →