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One Mystery Found with Abounding Riches: Christ in You, The Hope of Glory

October 31, 2021 Effie Barba Leave a comment

There were many mysteries hidden throughout the Old Testament. Although alluded to, God had not revealed all the secrets held close to His heart. As is the case still today. We, in this broken world could not fully comprehend His Will. Indeed we might try to thwart His will, believing we had a better plan. Yet, step by step, throughout the ages He revealed precisely what was needed. Deuteronomy 29:29 tells us: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” One mystery found in the gospel message, “Christ in you, the hope of Glory” (Colossians 1:27). How rich a truth that is! Abounding in riches and power to every saint—every person who bows before Him, knowing that Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth, and the life.

Colossians 1 (NET):²⁶that is, the mystery that has been kept hidden from ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. ²⁷God wanted to make known to them the glorious^[^au^] riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Many believe the hope of glory is the hope of heaven one day. That is true. But Christ in you, the hope of glory I dare say is so much more. The abounding riches found in this mystery is almost more than we can comprehend. Therefore, my hope is that as we explore this, we will find a new fortitude, strength, and abiding joy to live a life worthy of Christ. That each of us can say that with this one mystery found we have found abounding riches greater than we could ever imagine.

The need for this One mystery to be found

Infiltrating the Colossian church were many heretics. These false teachers were infiltrating with such messages as Christ wasn’t really God. Certainly, He could not be a Savior or help one live a righteous life, some would teach. Then others taught Angel worship. Some taught works as a means of salvation, as though humans had not already failed miserably at trying to keep the law. Sound familiar? Do we not face the same critics and heretics? Furthermore, we within the church even face those who try to say, Christ saves us; but this life we must live in our power. Or some would say, we cannot ever hope to display His glory until we are in heaven one day, so why try?

Yet, as we look much deeper into this mystery found in the gospel message, we discover all of that is false. How often throughout his letters, Paul reminds us that our victory lies in this mystery found: Christ in you, the hope of glory. You might say, well that is fine and good; but it is the glory of one day, far away when I stand before Him in my transformed body. Then, yes, the victory is mine. However, are we to live defeated until then? Jesus said otherwise.

One Mystery found with abounding riches now

Jesus prayed, “²⁰“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who ^[^j^]will believe in Me through their word; ²¹that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²²And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: ²³I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me (John 17 NKJV)

Did you get that? This is here and this is now. “And the glory which You gave Me, I have given them.” (Have given, not will give one day.) He goes on, “that they may be one just as We are one: I in them and You in Me: that they may be made perfect in one” What are the results of that? “And that the world may know that You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me” If that is only one day in heaven, how would the world see the results?

Perhaps, it may seem easier to focus on our imperfections and just say, “One day I will look like Christ, but not today.” I am guilty of the same; however, am coming to realize that I have underestimated the truth “Christ in me”. After all, if the power that raised Jesus from the dead empowers me, what am I doing not reckoning myself to be able to stand victoriously by allowing Him to do what I cannot do.

What is part of this mystery found in Christ?

Look further. You will discover we have more than just the power inside us. We also have all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge inside us.

“hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, ^[^b^]both of the Father and of Christ, ³in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” Colossians 2:2-3 (NKJV)

Therefore, at the point of salvation, we have the Holy Spirit enter us to fill us with all the power, wisdom, knowledge, and righteousness of Christ. Wo! Then why do we live so defeated?

Ephesians 2 (NKJV):

⁴But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Since all of this is true, how to I release that power in my life? And what stands in the way of that power being released?

Steps to Releasing the Power of Christ in You

Accept by faith this truth. Unless you believe that Jesus has the power to change your life here and now, you will fail. Jesus told the disciples, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 8:26).
Reckon yourself dead to sin. This is a step of faith, plus it requires recognizing one’s pride that stands in the way of this. “¹⁰For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. ¹¹Likewise you also, ^[^a^]reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹²Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (Romans 6:10-12 NKJV).
Take time to study God’s word day and night. Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ^[^a^]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
²But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he ^[^b^]meditates day and night (Psalm 1 NKJV).
Also, noted above, be careful who you seek counsel of. (Psalm 1)

Furthermore

Do not get sucked into agreeing with those who are angry and disgruntled. (Pray unceasingly when you need to be the light into the darkness. So that you don’t fall into the same darkness with them). (Psalm 1)
Be quick to repent from sin. (⁸If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.) I John 1:8-10
Rely on the Power of the Holy Spirit and trust His guidance. (Romans 8:4 ³For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ⁵For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit).

Beyond all that

I might recommend that you read regularly Psalm 1, Romans 8 and Ephesians until they penetrate your soul.

And note: one way to tell where you are at any given moment check your feelings against those that are present when fully in the spirit because the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23. When these are absent, it is time to pause a moment, pray and sing a song of praise and worship.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

How to Live Worthy through the Awesome Power of Jesus Christ

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New English Translation (NET)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Picture licensed for use from Goodsalt.com

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How to Live Worthy through the Awesome Power of Jesus Christ

October 24, 2021 Effie Barba Leave a comment

After Paul’s loving introduction to the Colossian church, he reveals his prayer for them. A prayer we might also pray for ourselves and others. In it he writes, “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way” (Colossians 1:10 NET). How can I ever do that in such a broken world with a heart so filled with humanity myself? Can any of us do this? Afterall, does not Romans 3:23 tell us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”? Knowing that my redemption is dependent on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. And recognizing that my only hope of righteousness is found in His covering me with His cloak of righteousness. Then how can I ever live worthy of the Lord?

So, as we delve into the letter to the church of Colossae, let us also keep this thought in mind. Let each of us search our own hearts to seek the answer to that question, “How can I live worthy of all that He has done for me? In the end I think we will find that we only can through the awesome power of Jesus Christ. Still, what does that look like and how do we learn to live in that power. He was victorious over sin and death. The Holy Spirit indwells us with His power, and we only must learn how to turn on the power switch. So let us begin.

Introduction

From Paul,^[^a^] an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, ²to the saints, the faithful^[^b^] brothers and sisters^[^c^] in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you^[^d^] from God our Father!^[^e^](Colossians 1:1-2 ESV)

Note the inscription. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. He was not one of the original while Christ walked on this earth; but he is one of the 12 apostles because Christ chose him to be. Christ met him on the road to Damascus. This was a proper introduction seeing that Paul had not been to Colossae. They had heard of him through Epaphras, “a^[^o^] faithful minister of Christ on our^[^p^] behalf (Galatians 1:8). Yet Paul addresses them rightly as his own family—brother and sisters in Christ, declared as saints before God.

Where does hope and love come from?

Paul goes on to commend their hope and love; then, he reminds all of us of where true hope and love begins.

³We always^[^f^] give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴since^[^g^] we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints. ⁵Your faith and love have arisen^[^h^] from the hope laid up^[i] for you in heaven, which you have heard about in the message of truth, the gospel^[^j^] ⁶that has come to you. Just as in the entire world this gospel^[^k^] is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing^[^l^] among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. ⁷You learned the gospel^[^m^] from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave^[ⁿ^]—a^[^o^] faithful minister of Christ on our^[^p^] behalf— ⁸who also told us of your love in the Spirit. Galatians 1: (ESV)

Our hope is not in this world, but heaven. Our faith and love arise from this hope, remembering all this brokenness is only momentary. We are on a long camping trip in the wilderness, heading to our final home. Realizing that we gain strength and momentum to keep on keeping on with joy in our hearts. That helps us to live worthy, keeping our focus on Jesus.

Steps on How to Live Worthy

Paul records a prayer which provides the steps on how to live worthy and what that looks like. This is a prayer we can pray for ourselves and others. So, I will put it here in its entirety, then we will break down the steps found within.

⁹For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^[^e^] ¹⁰so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, ¹²and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you^[^f^] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.¹³For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Galatians 1 NET)

3 steps Necessary To Live Worthy

“Ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives”. To turn on the switch, we must ask Him to guide us and direct us. Open our minds and heart to listen to His wisdom and understanding. RESULT: We live a life worthy and please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work.
Grow in the knowledge of God. This is both a step—in that we must study His word to grow in the knowledge of God and a result of #1. RESULT: we are strengthened with all power according to His glorious might. When we grow in His knowledge, we become aware of His Almightiness. That in turns strengthens us; because we know His power is in us which leads to endurance and patience in the face of trials
giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you^[^f^] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Sing a song of praise! Why?. ¹³For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. RESULT: Our joy overflows into a life who out of love desires more than anything to live worthy.

Furthermore, to live worthy, we must never forget

The Supremacy of Christ

^15 [^aa^] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn^[^ab^] over all creation,^[^ac^]
¹⁶for all things in heaven and on earth were created in him—all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions,^[^ad^] whether principalities or powers—all things were created through him and for him.
¹⁷He himself is before all things and all things are held together^[^ae^] in him.
¹⁸He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn^[af] from the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things.^[^ag^]
¹⁹For God^[^ah^] was pleased to have all his^[^ai^] fullness dwell^[aj] in the Son^[ak]
²⁰and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross—through him,^[^al^] whether things on earth or things in heaven.

We can live worthy only because He IS WORTHY OF ALL HONOR AND PRAISE AND GLORY FOREVER.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

How To Have Joy That Supersedes Every Circumstance of Life

Disclosures

New English Translation (NET)

New King James Version (NKJV)

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How To Have Joy That Supersedes Every Circumstance of Life

October 16, 2021 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Life is filled with surprises, changes, and moments of trials. It is a part of life in this broken world we live in. Yet there are those moments of surprising joy which fill us with glimpses of glory. For those who do not even know God, He provides so much common grace so all can see His glory displayed. How wonderful to see the majestic beauty of God’s creation! The experiences of feeling loved or being able to love. When we realize the complexity of each human heart, body, and mind, the wonders of every part of nature: How can anyone deny God’s existence and presence. Only through Jesus might we have such joy that supersedes all else.

¹⁵He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or ^[^e^]principalities or ^[^f^]powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. ¹⁸And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. ¹⁹For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, ²⁰and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:15-20 NKJV

Joy that Supersedes Difficulties

Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹²I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 ESV.

Have we learned that? How does my heart remain filled with joy. When work becomes hard. When finances take an upside downturn. Do we turn to Government? Or Friends? What about family? Where and how can we find joy that supersedes every difficulty of life? Can we see every circumstance as an opportunity rather than an upset? Essentially that is what Paul explains. If we recognize that every gift is from God and is an undeserved blessing. Amid even the most difficult things, we can look forward to His blessing and lean into His strength. How?

Philippians 4: (ESV)

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵Let your reasonableness^[^d^] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹What you have learned^[^e^] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

What does that look like?

Notice that Paul rejoices over the gift from the church of Philippi as so special. Whatever they were able to send Paul saw their sacrifice and their love in it. There had been a time in which they could not send anything. He understood that and wanted them to know he saw their hearts of love throughout. Furthermore, He recognized that their sacrificial giving would bring with it God’s blessings on them.

Particularly, their gift revealed to Paul that they had not abandoned him nor God during this time of imprisonment. He may have had moments of wonder over the months he had not heard from them. But now, God had renewed his hope and his joy.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your^[^c^] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Philippians 4:10 NKJV

How do we accomplish this in a busy world?

Focus on Jesus. Sometimes I have found that the more I keep my eyes on Him whether by listening to worship music while I do things in the house or sermons playing in the background as I go to sleep.
Morning and night take at least a moment to read one scripture and pray
Pray as you drive, as you go to bed and when you get up. Continue to cultivate your prayer life until it becomes a part of your life. Talking with God throughout the day.
Repent of sin as soon as it surfaces, so that you might remain always in the Spirit.
Never forget the Holy Spirit is with you, inside you.
God sometimes allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves.
Remember the love He has already bestowed on you. When you would start to feel frustration or anger, know He loves you and think of all the good things He has blessed you with.

Conclusion:

God has the best plan for each of us and He is Sovereign. He wants us to have His joy inside us always. For He is joy everlasting. That is Joy that supersedes any trial we might face momentarily. Then, finally just sing. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.” Helen Howarth Lemmel

It is hard to feel depressed, frustrated, or sad when singing praises to God.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

Having One Purpose in Jesus Unites us into Joy, Peace and Harmony. How?

Disclosures

New English Translation (NET)

New King James Version (NKJV)

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Having One Purpose in Jesus Unites us into Joy, Peace and Harmony. How?

October 14, 2021 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Having one purpose, one heart, and one life focused on Jesus Christ, our Lord unites us into Joy, Peace and Harmony. But why then do we so struggle, even within the body of Christ? How can it be that we separate, avoid, and even fight with our brothers and sisters in Christ? We struggle with our emotions, or how they make us feel. Perhaps it was an insult or a disagreement on politics, the masked versus the unmasked, or even the vaccinated versus the unvaccinated. Certainly, there can be moments in which we disagree regarding doctrine and that is when we must come to the table humbly presenting the gospel truth. Sometimes we may have misunderstood the scripture and the other helps us see clearer.

Yet, Paul made it very clear earlier in his letter that he was more concerned about their teaching the truth regarding the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Not that we should compromise on His Word; but, rather we should focus mostly on the spreading of His Name as Savior and Lord.

Philippians 1;¹⁵Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: ^16 [^c^]The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; ¹⁷but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁸What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Stand Firm in Truth and Love

As Paul points out, there are divisions which come over trivialities that do not even matter. Paul displays this also in many of his letters as he did in Romans 14.

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. ²For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. ³Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. ⁴Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Do not get me wrong, he does not want us to compromise on truth as he advised Timothy.

2 Timothy 2:¹⁴Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to ^[^a^]strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. ¹⁵Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶But shun profane and ^[^b^]idle babblings, for they will ^[^c^]increase to more ungodliness.

But if we recognize that we are salt and light in a world that is perishing, then we must focus on that which is our mission to spread the gospel. Is not that the one purpose in Jesus for which we must focus. How can we do that if we a bickering, angry and showing everything but love to those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ? And don’t think I am not pointing my thumb directly back at myself here.

One Purpose in Jesus

Throughout the letter to Philippi, Paul has presented the core truths that lead to peace and joy.

God is Sovereign. (1:6)
He also presented the supreme worth of Jesus Christ in life and death. (3:8)
As we embrace Christ with all that He is 6. To see the Law by Christ fulfilled,
And hear His pardoning voice;
Changes a slave into a child,
And duty into choice. in us (through the work of the holy spirit) we merely glimpse at His Glory as He transforms us. As we humbly surrender our heart to Him (recognizing as did Isaiah that we are persons with unclean lips in a world of unclean lips)

William Cowper wrote in his hymn “No strength of nature can Suffice”

To see the Law by Christ fulfilled,
And hear His pardoning voice;
Changes a slave into a child,
And duty into choice.

As we are freed from the clutches of sin, so as to be free to humbly love others, counting them as better than ourselves
The joy and peace will free us to be fearless before the adversaries and the trials
Both in unity, love, joy, peace, and strength we present Christ to the world in a manner that they should desire Him because they see His glory shine through our lives.
Thereby, He graciously allows us to be a part of accomplishing the final ultimate aim of everything—As Fanny Crosby wrote:

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.

But you might ask, how does that relate to unity in the church body? It is everything. So with such a lengthy introduction, let me briefly write about Philippians 4.

Philippians 4:

Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

With gentleness of spirit, reaching out to those fellow worshippers of Christ in Philippi. A church Paul had planted when the Holy Spirit drove him there. It was begun with a handful of praying women and the jailer amazed by Paul singing praises to God from the jail cell. He loved each individual believer. . Therefore, when he had to talk about a division in that church; he did it with such gentleness of spirit. Note the next verse.

Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer

²I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ^3 [^a^]And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Note how he began with I implore. He was coming alongside these two women who for some reason had split into two groups. Paul urged them to be of one mind, one purpose in Christ Jesus. He also asked the “true companion” to help them resolve the dispute. He recognized all the good that each had done and their labor of love for Jesus. Then he provides to them the means of how to do this with the following admonitions.

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice! (Rejoicing does refocus us off the petty things of this world and place our eyes on Jesus.)

⁵Let your ^[^b^]gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Don’t be afraid. God will guide you as you take that first step toward forgiveness, love, understanding, and peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Meditate on These Things

⁸Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

This is true whether referring to your life or when you are referring to another Christian. If only we could see their good rather than focusing on the thing that hurt us.

But above all else we focus upon having one purpose in Jesus Christ. If we see this journey as a team then we will find joy, peace and harmony. It is like the veterans I work with. They say that when you go out onto that battleground, you must become ONE unit with ONE purpose. Nothing else matters as much as this for obtaining victory, Unity of purpose is the only way to victory. It is also true as warriors for Jesus Christ.

The only thing that will unite us with joy, peace, and harmony is having one purpose in Jesus Christ. He is our victory.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

In Christ Alone Our Joy is Found! How Can it Be?

Disclosures

New English Translation (NET)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Photo by Chichi Onyekanne on Unsplash

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In Christ Alone Our Joy is Found! How Can it Be?

October 3, 2021 Effie Barba Leave a comment

In a world so broken, pictured so well in the book of Ecclesiastes, where is Joy found? We have a brain that can reason, feel emotions, and desires. Yet we live in a world where no lasting joy can be found by our own futile attempts. Made with all this ability to feel and think. Made in the image of God. Our capacity to love comes from His perfect love. Love existing eternally between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Thus, the triune God said, “Let us make man in our image.” Endowed with the ability to reason, to choose, and to feel, we are keenly aware in this broken world that something is missing. Joy is found only when we realize that we are incomplete until restored fully with our creator.

Distractions abounding around us, how can it be our joy is found in Christ Alone? We search after everything else to fulfill. Money, position, love, things, family and philanthropic adventures never fill us. Despair abides still. Paul said all these things were like dung (manure) compared to knowing Jesus Christ. Why?

The Conclusion of Ecclesiastes?

Solomon had it all-Fame, wealth, human wisdom, and a list of accomplishment beyond other men. Yet, nothing brought him joy. It was all like a vapor of smoke, an illusion. Thus, he concluded that the only thing that matters is to “Fear God (with a reverent loving fear) and follow His commandments. Therein Joy is found. A joy that supersedes all our trials and difficulties. Joy is found with overflowing peace regardless of the circumstances only in Christ Alone. He can satisfy all the needs of our heart, heal all the broken places, and give us strength to stand against every evil dart that comes our way.

Jesus Christ Alone Surpasses Everything

3 ¹Finally, my brothers and sisters,^[^a^] rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.²Beware of the dogs,^[^b^] beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh!^[^c^] ³For we are the circumcision,^[^d^] the ones who worship by the Spirit of God,^[^e^] exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials^[^f^] ⁴—though mine too are significant.^[^g^] If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials,^[^h^] I have more: Philippians 3:1-4 (NET)

So, why did Paul say we are the circumcision? Not all of us are Jews. Yet, we are those who have had our hearts circumcised for the name of God through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He has bought us with a price. Outward circumcision means nothing, unless ones heart is circumcised. God said, “ ¹⁶Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked^[^b^] no longer. ¹⁷For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.” Deuteronomy 10: 17 (NKJV)

To Count All Human Accomplishments as Nothing

Paul was a Pharisee of the Pharisees. His credentials were high but meant nothing. If anything, they were a liability that caused him to persecute the Christians until one day he met Jesus Christ. That day he lost his prestigious position, his political power, and threw aside his worldly lustrous position to suffer pain, persecution, and great trials. Yet, he discovered that joy, true joy is found in Christ alone.

Joy is Found in Loss

How can it be that Joy is found in Loss? It certainly is not what we would normally think of? Listen to how Paul describes it.

⁷But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. ⁸Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ¹⁰that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, ¹¹if, by any means, I may attain^[^b^] to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:3-11 (NKJV).

Whatever we must lose here on this earth is nothing compared with knowing Jesus Christ, for Christ alone can fill the empty longing within our heart. We all long for eternity. That longing did not come by chance—it came because we were created for eternity. Death is a result of sin; but our souls live on into eternity. We will live in eternity spiritually alive in Christ alone or eternally continue in spiritual death separated from God Himself. That is according to your choice here. Afterall if you want nothing to do with Jesus here, God will respect that wish throughout eternity. He gives you freedom to choose.

Joy Is Found in Suffering.

Suffering? Joy? The two do not sound as if they go together. Read verses 9-11 again.

To “be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ¹⁰that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, ¹¹if, by any means, I may attain^[^b^] to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:9-11 (NKJV).

Often, I hear veterans say it is their honor to have served defending freedom, even when they have lost so much. Many have scars that run deep. Limbs that don’t work and chronic pain. Yet, because they love this country and the concepts of freedom on which our constitution stands, they would do it all again.

And What About Us?

How much more should we as Christians be willing to suffer loss here on earth because of love and gratitude to the one who gave all to give us life. He took all the penalty of my sin on His shoulders. The older I get, the more I recognized how much He bore for me.

Therefore, Paul continues to say that he would rather choose to know and gain Christ than anything else. Even if that means sharing the suffering that Jesus endured. Having gained righteousness not his own. Rather the righteousness of Christ to cloak him forever because he believed in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation. Because of the sacrifice that Christ Alone faced for Paul, he was willing to suffer with Him. Thus to know Him and the power of His resurrection to life eternal. To be alive spiritually forever in the presence of his joy.

Pressing toward the mark

¹²Not that I have already attained,^[^c^] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. ¹³Brethren, I do not count myself to have ^[^d^]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. ¹⁶Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already ^[^e^]attained, let us walk by the same ^[^f^]rule, let us be of the same mind.

I don’t know about you, but I am not yet perfected. My righteous would be like filthy rags were it not for Jesus Christ cloaking me in His righteousness. One day when I stand before Him, I will look like Him. Until that day, I must learn to surrender my petty wishes and desires. Thereby allowing the Holy Spirit to transform my heart daily. Whatever it takes let me look to Him for my only hope. For in Christ alone my joy is found.

Let Us Also Press to the mark where Joy is Found in Christ alone

¹⁷Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. ¹⁸For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: ¹⁹whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. ²⁰For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 3:17-21

Amen and let my praises be to Christ Alone where Joy is found eternally in His presence.