Daily Reflections from our Re:Verse Scripture
Re:Verse passage – Colossians 3:18-4:1 (day one)
Join us as Senior Pastor Chris Johnson, Associate Pastor Aaron Hufty and Associate Pastor Bryan Richardson walk us through Colossians 3:18-4:1 in our Fall Sermon Series: “Fullness of Christ” a study of Colossians.
Re:Verse passage – Colossians 3:10-17 (day seven) “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” Colossians 3:16a
“I love my Bible. I read it every day” Pastor Don Guthrie would say during so many of our children’s sermons. Words that were not just meant to teach our children a valuable lesson about the importance of reading their Bible, nor to subtly set an example for the congregation attentively watching along, but words that were undeniably true. Words that cause you to ask the same question of yourself; do I love my Bible?
This type of love is evident and active. When you love your Bible, you are dwelling in the Words of Christ. You are opening those pages; spending time meditating on the words He has spoken. Then His words begin to shape, mold, and change you. He helps you take off the old and put on the new. He shows you how to put on love. None of which is possible on our own. He makes these changes in you as you dwell with Him. When you love your Bible, your love becomes evident and active.
Forgiveness and peace are best friends. Peace happens because forgiveness happens. That’s true of our relationship with God. Without forgiveness, we would never be at peace with God. Peace doesn’t mean placid. What Paul means by peace is the condition where relationships can be restored without interference, nothing getting in the way, like past or even present sin.
So, peace isn’t the absence of fighting, it’s the space to reconnect. It’s the freedom to know and be known.
So Paul says, “forgive each other as Jesus has forgiven you…And let the peace of God dwell in you richly!”
So, forgive each other and give peace a chance. Or said another way, don’t take the peace forgiveness provides for granted. Don’t stand still; move towards one another. Most of all move towards God.
Re:Verse passage – Colossians 3:10-17 (day five) “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:10
What is the result of “putting on the new self” (verse 10)? It’s certainly to learn and understand who Jesus is. But, there is more. The goal is also for each believer to become more of the person he/she was created to be. Humans were created in the image of God. When sin entered the world thru Adam and Eve, mankind no longer could be completely who God had created them to be- sin tainted and marred the image. But through the life and work of Jesus, we can see that image again, and be transformed into Christ likeness- the untainted and original image. One of the many promises of the gospel is that when we put our faith and trust in Jesus, we can become more like Him, and thus become more of the person we were created by God to be. We can be authentic “ Jesus image-bearers”.
Re:Verse passage – Colossians 3:10-17 (day four)
This passage has a familiar picture in Paul’s theology…a transformed life. When we are in Christ, we are a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” We cannot have Christ in our life and stay the same. His Spirit cannot abide with our old sinful self. His presence will produce Christ-likeness in us.
What do people see in your life? Are they seeing a transformed life or are they seeing a selfish, self-centered individual? Do they see compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? If we are in Christ, the life that people see will look completely different than the life without Christ. The picture we paint to the world speaks volumes about where our life originates. To be ‘in Christ,’ will give us a whole new perspective on relationships, attitudes, and priorities. Where are you living?
Re:Verse passage – Colossians 3:10-17 (day three)
“There is no distinction between Greek and Jew.”
Okay, then how am I to know who I’m dealing with? Jock, gamer, libertarian, fundamentalist, Unitarian, Asian, woman: Give me something to go on. Paul says, “No, we’re not going to assume things about each other according to those kinds of categories anymore. This is the day of the new human.” And yet, look around at the church in today’s world—our controversies, our disagreements, our expectations of each other. If we won’t understand one another within the church apart from pre-conceived identifiers, how in the world will we ever make a claim to anyone in the wider world that Christ can transform the way a person lives? You want to be a better patriot, a better teacher, a better boyfriend? Get a mentor. But if you want to become new, start over with Christ.
Re:Verse passage – Colossians 3:10-17 (day two) Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. vs. 17
As much I love verse 16, it is this charge that Paul gives in the next verse that has helped shape me as a husband, father, pastor, friend. Don’t you find it at least more difficult to pray for someone if you have prayed for or with them? When you see someone that you disagree with and remember that they, too, are a child of God, shouldn’t it make your conversation go differently? If we are to take this at face value then we must reconcile that Jesus is near at all times. He see us when we argue needlessly and selfishly. When we lie or cheat another, he is there. We need to act like we believe this verse. All the time.
Re:Verse passage – Colossians 3:10-17 (day one)
Join us as Senior Pastor Chris Johnson, Associate Pastor Aaron Hufty and Associate Pastor Bryan Richardson walk us through Colossians 3:10-17 in our Fall Sermon Series: “Fullness of Christ” a study of Colossians.
Re:Verse passage – Colossians 3:1-9 (day seven)
Two years ago I chose Colossians 3:2 to be our Freedom Weekend theme verse. I wanted this verse to resonate with our students as they looked at the culture of their schools and peer groups. It is incredibly easy for students to look at the here and now, and submerse themselves into “the things that are on earth” while becoming consumers of the culture that is around them. The more they consume of culture, the more culture consumes them. The more culture consumes them, the less they consume of the things that are above. This is not just an issue with the younger generations is it?
There is a fine line to be walked as we are called to be in the world but not of the world. The calling in this passage is missional. This calling is for us to set our mind on things that are not of this world, so that we, being in the world, might show the world that we are meant for so much more than this world can ever offer.
Re:Verse passage – Colossians 3:1-9 (day six)
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:3-4
We live this Christian life from a position of strength. We have the high ground; it is no uphill battle. And glory is certain. Comforting truths for Christians wrangling to put on the new self. Do you feel it?
Paul desires two rock solid truths to empower you to wage war against the flesh: your hiddenness and your future glory. By hidden Paul means secure; nothing is open for debate or uncertain. Being hidden in Jesus means you are strong. By glory Paul means that your inheritance is the fullness of Jesus’ righteousness.
Put those two together, and by the Spirit you can slay any dragon (sin and temptation). So remember, you may seem weak, but in Christ you are strong. You don’t have to be timid with sin, or meek, or passive. Listen, the enemy rejoices when we have convinced ourselves that we are the underdog.
So, stop . Jesus’ glory is yours, now fight like it!