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- Apr 25, 2006
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28 August 2008
Word on the Web
Pray First
There is no conspiracy theory bigger than the mystery revealed almost 2,000 years ago. Ask God to reveal Christ anew to you today.
Colossians 1:24-29
I am glad that I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue the suffering of Christ for his body, the church.
God's plan was to make me a servant of his church and to send me to preach his complete message to you. For ages and ages this message was kept secret from everyone, but now it has been explained to God's people.
God did this because he wanted you Gentiles to understand his wonderful and glorious mystery. And the mystery is that Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God's glory.
We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so that all of Christ's followers will grow and become mature. That's why I work so hard and use the mighty power he gives me.
Main Point
One significant influence in the world of the first century AD was 'Gnosticism'. This was a belief in the possession of secrets by a few who were 'in the know'. A bit of a mystery cult, they embraced aspects of contemporary philosophy, mythology and astrology. Their influence was being felt in the church at Colossae.
But the mystery Paul speaks of here is not one that is hidden, revealed only to the 'initiated', it is one that is now fully disclosed to all Christians everywhere. And the mystery is: 'Christ in you, the hope of glory'. No matter what our present circumstances, with Christ in us, we always have a glorious hope.
Paul also writes that the particular calling he has received from God is threefold: to present the word of God in its fullness; to present everyone mature in Christ; and to do this powerfully and purposefully with the energy supplied by Christ himself.
Dynamic teaching indeed!
What has God called you to do? One thing's for sure, we don't have to be teachers of theology in order to tap into this ongoing supply of hope and energy! Christ and his resources are available to all whom he has called.
Reflect
Do you ever stop and consider how amazing it is that the eternal mystery of God has been disclosed to us, his people, through Jesus whose Spirit lives and works in you? Wait on the Spirit now.
Word on the Web is provided free of charge as part of the ministry of Church Army.
Word on the Web
Pray First
There is no conspiracy theory bigger than the mystery revealed almost 2,000 years ago. Ask God to reveal Christ anew to you today.
Colossians 1:24-29
I am glad that I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue the suffering of Christ for his body, the church.
God's plan was to make me a servant of his church and to send me to preach his complete message to you. For ages and ages this message was kept secret from everyone, but now it has been explained to God's people.
God did this because he wanted you Gentiles to understand his wonderful and glorious mystery. And the mystery is that Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God's glory.
We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so that all of Christ's followers will grow and become mature. That's why I work so hard and use the mighty power he gives me.
Main Point
One significant influence in the world of the first century AD was 'Gnosticism'. This was a belief in the possession of secrets by a few who were 'in the know'. A bit of a mystery cult, they embraced aspects of contemporary philosophy, mythology and astrology. Their influence was being felt in the church at Colossae.
But the mystery Paul speaks of here is not one that is hidden, revealed only to the 'initiated', it is one that is now fully disclosed to all Christians everywhere. And the mystery is: 'Christ in you, the hope of glory'. No matter what our present circumstances, with Christ in us, we always have a glorious hope.
Paul also writes that the particular calling he has received from God is threefold: to present the word of God in its fullness; to present everyone mature in Christ; and to do this powerfully and purposefully with the energy supplied by Christ himself.
Dynamic teaching indeed!
What has God called you to do? One thing's for sure, we don't have to be teachers of theology in order to tap into this ongoing supply of hope and energy! Christ and his resources are available to all whom he has called.
Reflect
Do you ever stop and consider how amazing it is that the eternal mystery of God has been disclosed to us, his people, through Jesus whose Spirit lives and works in you? Wait on the Spirit now.
Word on the Web is provided free of charge as part of the ministry of Church Army.
