FRIDAY November 22, 2024

Faith in God’s Work of Salvation

Colossians 2:11-12

The Judaizers told the Colossian believers they had to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to become Christians and receive God’s salvation. That was not true! Circumcision no longer needed to be practiced. Symbolically, circumcision spoke of the putting off the sins of the flesh––carnal desires. God’s Spirit was now reigning in the new life of the believer. Christians are to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18).

Paul proved every philosophy, tradition, and heretical teaching to be false by pointing believers to Jesus Christ. He helped them understand water baptism by symbolism. Symbolically, going under the water speaks of death to your old life––the grave. When a person comes up out of the water, this represents the same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead. It also speaks of a person being raised up as a new spiritual man. They walk in the Spirit because Christ now dwells within them.

Some people believe you have to be water baptized to be saved. Not true! Water baptism does not save a person. Those who believe that water baptism saves a person will have a problem with one of the thieves on the cross who requested: “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:39-42). Dying, he publicly placed his trust in Jesus for salvation by faith. What was the Lord’s reply to him? “...today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). He did not say to him, “Sorry, you have to get down from the cross first and be baptized!”

Let me reassure you. If you have never been water baptized, you will go to heaven. Yet consider this: Jesus has asked you to be baptized according to Matthew 28:19. Baptism can be used as a testimony to people that your old life is dead, and you now have a new life in Christ.

Christian living means dying with Christ and rising again. That, as we saw, is part of the meaning of baptism, the starting point of the Christian pilgrimage.
~N. T. Wright~

THURSDAY November 21, 2024

Complete in Him

Colossians 2:8-10

Paul was concerned for the steadfastness of the saints––believers. Some were being influenced by many different mythologies and philosophies. These philosophical thinkers were humanists who did not believe in Jesus Christ. Paul wrote to the Colossians to warn them and correct their empty teachings.

Observing the times in which we live, people are being greatly influenced by psychology. Medical professionals often fail because they do not help people with God’s living Word. They base their entire philosophy on humanistic thinking, not on the wisdom and knowledge of God. Mankind is not seen as he should be––made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). We are a trichotomy––spirit, soul and body. Christian psychologists offer counsel to people for money, but God’s Word is completely free!

Christians are complete in Jesus Christ. He becomes their Wonderful Counselor. Do not get caught up with the philosophies of men; their words can be empty and deceitful. Jesus has all wisdom, and in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Seriously, you do not need anything else––just Jesus Christ, period!

Wisdom for life does not come by reading self-help books. People are into building self-esteem. Esteem Christ! Know who you are in Him, and you will feel loved and accepted in the Beloved––in Christ. You only need one book––the Bible.

What really matters is how God sees me. He isn’t concerned with labels: he is concerned about the state of man’s soul.
~Billy Graham~

WEDNESDAY November 20, 2024

Reach Maturity

Colossians 2:6-7

Paul gave believers an exhortation. Walk like a child of God. Walk like Christ, like you belong to Him. Your walk should follow the same pattern of Christ. Now that you are saved, walk as a saved person, in holiness, with a blameless conduct. Do not walk as a non-believer––in sin.

Christ will transform your life. There has to be a change. Pray and ask God to help you by His Spirit to overcome your inconsistencies. People do not want to hear what you have become in Christ as much as seeing who you are in Christ by your conduct. They will say, “Show me. Demonstrate your Christianity to me by the way you live your life.” Your walk has to match your talk!

What is the key to having a victorious Christian walk? After all, it is demoralizing to suffer the consequences of constant defeat. The believer must be rooted and built up in Christ, and that comes from the daily discipline of being in God’s Word. This has amazing results! Believers become established in the faith. In the Greek language, the word established means “confirmed.” It becomes evident that Christ is the foundation of their Christian faith. The fruitfulness of being well-taught in the Scriptures is an abounding faith with thanksgiving.

In the life of the believer, there is also a need for discipleship. As you are discipled and equipped by those who teach God’s Word, you are enabled to disciple others in Christ. If you do not grow in Christ, you will remain immature. Lacking maturity, you may become an easy target for false doctrine. The odds of becoming deceived increases.

This was why Paul was so adamant about warning the Colossians against Gnostics and Judaizers who were preying on the immature. In wisdom, he wanted all believers to be established in the faith, so that they could never be persuaded or moved away from Christ.

I never saw a fruit-bearing Christian who was not a student of the Bible.
~D. L. Moody~

TUESDAY November 19, 2024

Always Together in Spirit

Colossians 2:5

Paul reiterated to the Colossian church that, even though he was absent in the flesh, he assured them that he was with them in spirit. How beautiful were his words. It is the same with us. When we are absent from a brother or sister in Christ, we are still with them in spirit. We are with them, and they are with us! Even though separated, we remain connected, because we have them always in our hearts.

Paul also rejoiced knowing the believers in Colossae had good order and a steadfastness in their faith in Christ. He knew about their spiritual growth. I find as a shepherd––as a pastor––there is nothing I love more than to see people progress in Christ, people who are moving forward––maturing. Some believers may trip and fall at times, but they get right back up and continue to move forward.

It is amazing to see young Christians––those just starting out in the faith––grow and, after a year down the road, they are able to quote Scripture and share their faith. Through evangelism, having a heart for the lost, they are inviting people to church. They are passionate about their faith. They become involved in a ministry in the church and begin to discover their spiritual gifts. Hungry for more of God’s Word, some of them decide to go to Bible school where they become even more equipped for ministry. Like Paul, I am rejoicing to see them––it is exciting. They are moving forward.

Are you moving forward in the Lord? Has the enemy tripped you up because you have yielded to temptation, and you feel condemned? Know this: God’s love will always draw you back to the Cross to ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Get back into the Word of God––read, pray and fellowship. Move forward. God can restore your joy.

Our faith becomes stronger as we express it; a growing faith is a sharing faith.
~Billy Graham~

MONDAY November 18, 2024

Deceptive and Persuasive Words

Colossians 2:4

It is very possible that sometime in your Christian walk a deceptive person might come along to try and convince you about other beliefs and philosophies. Some Christians may fall prey to the teachings of traditionalism that will cause them to fall back into legalism and religion instead of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

You will come across people in school or college who will say, “There is no God.” They may go ahead and present an argument for evolution, but the Bible states that God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). He spoke everything into being in six days! Again, be careful not to listen to people who are not rooted and grounded in the Word of God––in God’s truth. If you start listening to different mindsets, then pretty soon you could be a candidate to be deceived by their deceptive and persuasive words.

Be aware of the danger of deception when you invite a Jehovah’s Witnesses to come into your home. If you are not well-versed in Scripture, they can cause you to be confused about your faith in Christ. They will try to convince you by persuasive words and take you away from true Christianity. It is the same strategy with Mormons because they do not know Christ. He is God incarnate––He became flesh. Do not be moved away from the truth.

That is why it is imperative to know God. You need to understand who you are in Jesus Christ. Grow to full maturity in your relationship with Him. Do not be deceived by any other philosophy. People can be argumentative. They feel they are always right and never wrong. Some are very self-righteous, and it is best not to engage in conversation with them.

Besides, through sound teaching––line upon line, teaching through the Bible––you should already know the Word of God. You should know who you are in Jesus Christ. That is the best knowledge to have––the knowledge of the truth.

There are two ingredients to deceit; a good bit of truth and a few little lies.
~Billy Graham~

SUNDAY November 17, 2024

Hidden Treasures

Colossians 2:3

Paul spoke about hidden treasures, not of gold and silver, but of wisdom and knowledge. He spoke of riches––an unveiled mystery of Christ––giving us a full assurance and understanding of our Christian faith. This is similar to what we learned in the book of Ephesians. Our position in Christ has made us spiritually rich! We have been given an incredible understanding of the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge made manifest to us, about both the Father and of Christ.

Christ is the Eternal One. Through the power of His Spirit, we can understand the depth of the knowledge of Christ. While here on earth, we must continue to be in God’s Word. As we attend Bible studies, we will continue to develop into mature Christians, gaining a full assurance and understanding of salvation, and the revelation of who Christ is. The mystery of Christ has been revealed to us.

Do you understand that Christ dwells in us? Once we are saved, our bodies become God's holy temple––the place where He lives. His Spirit dwells in us like the Holy of Holies within your heart. The Holy of Holies was the innermost and holiest place in the Temple of Jerusalem and only accessible to the High Priest. That gives understanding to why Paul warned the Corinthian church against carnality:

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NLT).

As Christians, we are the Bride of Christ––His Church. He is our Lord and Savior. It is a holy union, a relationship.

The chief purpose of life, for any of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks.
~J. R. R. Tolkien~

SATURDAY November 16, 2024

Knit Together in Love

Colossians 2:1-3

Paul’s desire or prayer was that the believers would be knit together. He knew this was what God wanted as well. What does “knit together” mean? It speaks of unity. It is important to be fully unified in the body of Christ, not divided.

How else are we to be united? Paul gave us the answer––being knit together in love. Listen, if we do not have a genuine love for each other, then how can we truly be united? Then again, how can we love one another when we all have different temperaments and personalities? How is it possible? It is only possible through Christ’s agape love––an unconditional love. When we have His love, we can love each other.

Seriously, how can we say that we are Christians without God’s love for one another? Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Love will identify us as followers of Jesus to those who do not know Him. They will know we are Christians, not by our bumper stickers on our cars or by seeing us carrying our Bibles, but by our love. Our actions will always speak louder than our words.

As believers, we have to be united in Christian doctrine––in the things we believe. We are to be united in the things we do together in ministry. There should be no self-seeking or people having their own agendas in the body of Christ. Nor should there be any pride in our hearts; only humility and servanthood toward others.

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
~1 John 4:7 NLT~

FRIDAY November 15, 2024

The Ministry of Encouragement

Colossians 2:1-3

Paul had the ministry of encouragement. He built up the saints in Christ and prayed that their hearts would be encouraged. Notice how beautiful that is.

As Christians, we are never to tear people down; we are to build them up––encourage them. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT, we read: So encourage each other and build each other up.... Our pastors’ conferences are designed with just that intent. So many pastors are ready to throw in the towel, when what they need is some encouragement, fellowship and prayer. They need to be built up!

According to a number of religious research websites, pastors think about leaving the ministry due to some of these reasons: stress 56%, loneliness or isolation 43%, political divisions 38%, or administrative duties above their pastoral obligations. Others have struggled with lack of time to rest or conflict resolution. At least 53% of pastors are concerned about their family’s financial security, while 48% feel the demands of ministry are more than they can handle. Again, ministry is not easy. Hundreds of pastors leave the ministry every month; that is why they need encouragement.

Look around you. Do you see a hurting person, a discouraged face, or a downcast soul? May God help us to be good and faithful encouragers.

All around us are people whose lives are filled with trouble and sorrow. They need our compassion and our encouragement ... you can be a real strength to others who need a word of encouragement. Look to Christ and you will find that in doing so you are pointing others to Him as well.
~Billy Graham~

THURSDAY November 14, 2024

A Great Conflict

Colossians 2:1-3

Here we see Paul's great concern for the church in Colossae––for their spiritual growth and maturity. He started to talk to them about the great conflict he had for them. He had a deep concern for them because of the heresies of Gnosticism and Judaism that had crept into the church. He did not want them to be deceived.

The Greek word for conflict translates and points again to Paul’s struggle, or his agonizing, for the believers. He had entered a spiritual battle for them with God. He struggled for them in prayer. He loved them that much. Paul had never met them face to face, but out of love, he warned them and continuously prayed for them. He wanted them to know that every believer was either his brother or sister in Christ. He loved them, even though they had never met. That is so beautiful. They were always on his heart.

What keeps me going forward in the call of God? The Spirit of God keeps me moving onward. When I watch other pastors laboring in the Gospel, and I see their tender care for their flocks, I know that I am called to encourage and equip them. As they are often isolated and on their own, I go with teams that travel to South America to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and give them the right hand of fellowship (Galatians 2:9).

We teach them the philosophy of Calvary Chapel, as taught by Chuck Smith, and how to teach the Word of God for themselves. The team of men are ready to counsel them, cry with them, and at times, rejoice with them. This is what ministry is all about.

Consider how precious a soul must be when both God and the devil are after it.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

WEDNESDAY November 13, 2024

We Preach Christ

Colossians 1:28-29

Who did Paul preach about? Jesus Christ. His preaching was simple, but powerful. He used the wisdom of God to show the futile wisdom of men. Christ crucified was the central theme of his message:

1 Corinthians 1:23-25: ...we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

1 Corinthians 2:2: For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

To this end, Paul tirelessly labored. He toiled, even though weary at times, striving to do the work of God. The word striving is the Greek word agonizo. He agonized and struggled in his labor of love for the Lord as if contending for a prize.

Interestingly, in Luke 22:41-44, Luke used the same word to help express Jesus’ struggle, as He agonized in prayer, in the Garden of Gethsemane, for the work of the Cross that He knew was before Him:

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Listen, we need God’s strength to do the work of God. It is according to His working in us mightily. The work of God is done through the Spirit of God. That's the only way we can do it.

Preach you Christ, and Christ, and Christ, and Christ, and nothing else but Christ.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

TUESDAY November 12, 2024

Christ, Our Hope of Glory

Colossians 1:26-27

Paul made an incredible statement about Jesus Christ being revealed to us. You see, a mystery is something that was hidden, but is now revealed. In the Old Testament, Christ was seen many times as a theophany prior to His incarnation. However, in the New Testament, He was revealed.

Many of the prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and Zechariah, prophesied about Jesus Christ, but they did not see what we have seen. They prophesied by faith. All those things in the Old Testament that were told as a mystery have now been unveiled to us. It used to be a mystery, but it is no longer. We now see clearly and understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that He is the Messiah. You see, the mystery that has been hidden from ages and from generations has been revealed to us––the saints.

God reveals this mystery to all those who place their trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation. Christ came out of all eternity to die for you and to die for me. He has given us salvation through faith in Him. How beautiful that our eyes have been opened to the truth. It is as if a veil has been lifted from our eyes so we can see clearly. Christ has become our hope of glory.

What does Christ becoming our hope of glory mean? Colossians 1:2 NLT helps us to understand better: For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. As Christians, we have a joyful expectation, knowing that one day we shall see Christ face to face. We will be glorified––changed into His image.

To those to whom Christ is the hope of future glory, he is also the life of present grace.
~John Owen~

MONDAY November 11, 2024

Veterans Day

Psalm 144:1

Today is Veterans Day. It was formerly called Armistice Day. On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed between Germany and the allies, ending World War 1. The word Armistice in Latin means “to stand (still) arms.” President Wilson established Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War 1. It became a national holiday in the United States to honor those who served.

Did you know that during World War 1, more than 30,000 Americans died in the fighting and were buried overseas? It is well-known that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a symbolic grave for all those whose remains have not been found or identified. However, the Tomb was first built for the remains of a service member from World War I. Since then, several other remains of service members have been buried there.

Veterans Day now celebrates the service of all U.S. Military veterans. The United States Congress passed legislation on June 4, 1926, which includes these words:

...it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations....

War is terrifying. It causes untold misery, death and destruction. It is good for nations to work toward peace, but the world is unstable. War exists still among many nations today. Hamas committed unspeakable atrocities on October 7th, 2023, and Israel declared war against them and others who seek their harm. Israel continues to strategically fight against her enemies. We must pray for Israel and all the men and women who continue to fight for freedom.

Never before have men crossed the seas to a foreign land to fight for a cause which they did not pretend was peculiarly their own, but knew was the cause of humanity and of mankind.
~President Woodrow Wilson~

SUNDAY November 10, 2024

Our Stewardship From God

Colossians 1:25

Paul knew his call. He became a minister, which translates a word from Greek language which carries the thought of being a “servant.” A minister is to serve God’s people. He was there for the people, not the other way around. They were not to serve him. As Paul ministered to the Colossian believers, he was fulfilling the Word of God by his love and care for them. This was all according to God’s plan for his life.

Paul was given stewardship of the Gospel message. The word stewardship simply means that he was as a “house manager,” accountable before the Lord for what was given to him. He not only listened to God, but he also obeyed Him. Paul was faithful to his call and became a good example for us to follow.

We are to be good stewards or house managers of everything that God has given to us. Never take for granted what you have been given spiritually and materially. We are to be responsible for our families, our homes, cars and finances. What about being a good steward of your time? How much time do you spend with the Lord in prayer and in His Word?

Have you heard the voice of God, through the Word of God, telling you what you must do? Do you know your call? What has God specifically given to you to do? Today, are you continuing to fulfill your call as spoken to you through the Word of God? Do you see that the Word of God plays a vital part in your daily Christian life? It will always guide you and give your life direction. God’s Word must be a main priority, then everything else will fall into place.

The worst sin against stewardship is to waste your life.
~R. C. Sproul~

SATURDAY November 9, 2024

Rejoicing in Sufferings

Colossians 1:24-25

Paul began to elaborate on his sufferings in his ministry to the Gentiles. His call to ministry was not easy. In fact, ministry is never easy. As a Christian, even if you are not serving in some capacity in the church, think of the sufferings you have endured in your own personal life. What trials did you face? Some people, after accepting Christ as Savior, have been ostracized by their families. They really have had to count the cost. None of us like to suffer, but suffering draws us closer to the heart of God.

Look at Job’s life. This godly man endured, while suffering so much, but in the end, God blessed him greatly. I do not think any of us have gone through what Job experienced. He lost everything––his material wealth vanished, his sons and daughters were killed, and his health declined. He received no comfort from his wife. She told him, “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). His friends were no better. They accused him of folly. Surely, he must have done something sinful for God to allow such disasters.

Although difficult, suffering is not to be thought of as strange:

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Suffering will cause us to identify with Christ’s sufferings, and it will give us an assurance of our future salvation with Him. Think about people who will identify with us. We will become a great witness to them as they watch our lives during trials and sufferings. They will continue to see our steadfast faith and hope while suffering. We can be of great comfort to anyone who will go through times of suffering. God will use our lives for His glory.

This is God's universal purpose for all Christian suffering: more contentment in God and less satisfaction in the world.
~John Piper~

FRIDAY November 8, 2024

The Hope of the Gospel

Colossians 1:23

Paul showed theologically how Christ accomplished our salvation. He came out of eternity to die on the Cross, and, by the shedding of His blood, we can have our sins forgiven. However, there is a condition in regard to our Christian walk––if indeed you continue in the faith. Are you continuing in your Christian faith?

Listen, we are to remain or abide in Christ. We are to mature and become grounded in God’s Word. Lastly, we are to be steadfast. You see, it is not just receiving Christ at an altar call and repeating the sinner’s prayer, you have to continue your walk with Christ. This means you are to seek the Lord daily as you live your life.

What does the Bible have to say to you about these things? First, in John 15, Jesus taught the simple precept of abiding in Him: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). As we abide in Christ, there is fruitfulness––a natural growth of spiritual fruit––love, hope, goodness and gentleness, to name a few.

Second, we are to be grounded. Grounded in what? The Word of God and the love of God:

...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Finally, be steadfast: ...my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). If you do these things, you will not be moved away from the hope of the Gospel.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
~Romans 15:13~

THURSDAY November 7, 2024

Be Reconciled to God

Colossians 1:21-22

Paul explained to the Colossian believers how they were alienated and enemies of God, but then he gave them hope. Through Christ’s death, they were reconciled to God.

Notice, nobody can reconcile themselves to God; that would be an impossibility. Reconciliation cannot happen through Mary, Jesus’ mother, or angels, or any other person. We can only be reconciled to God one way––through Jesus Christ: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all... (1Timothy 2:5-6). Again, Jesus is the only One who can reconcile us to God.

Salvation through Christ has been made available to everyone––not just for the select few. The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin to those who are alienated from God. The Bible tells us: “And when He [the Holy Spirit] has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). He convicts a person and leads them to repentance.

Through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, repenting, and receiving Jesus as Savior, regeneration takes place. This is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit whereby people who are dead in sin are now given spiritual life. They are born-again. Listen, if there is no regeneration, then there is no spiritual life––no true conversion.

Jesus Christ died on the Cross, and those who now accept Him as Savior and Lord are reconciled to God as holy, blameless and sanctified. This is the work of Jesus Christ; it is all by grace.

Here we see the infinite love of God, that He has been pleased to think of us poor creatures from everlasting and make it His work to reconcile us to Himself.
~Jeremiah Burroughs~

WEDNESDAY November 6, 2024

Mindful of Your Wickedness

Colossians 1:21-22

False teachers in Colossae tried to cause doubt in the minds of the believers by saying that Paul was an illegitimate Apostle. In writing his letter, Paul realized the situation and knew that the Colossians needed to know they could trust him.

Paul understood his calling and began to speak words of his sincere intent for them. He had already exalted Jesus Christ. They perceived he loved Jesus Christ, and he wanted them to grow to love Him too. Paul explained different aspects of his ministry to the Colossians––his call to share the Gospel, his suffering for the Gentiles’ sake, and his stewardship in striving for their care and maturity in Christ.

Paul began to unfold who they were before they came to Christ. They were once enemies of God, alienated from Him because of their sinful works. The word alienated in the Greek language means “to be cut off.”

As sinners, we have all done some of the wicked things we thought about. Sin caused us to be separated from God––we were cut off from Him. In Jeremiah 17:9, we find a description of our hearts and how God knows the thoughts in our minds:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”

In the ignorance of our sinfulness, we did not know God; not until conviction came by the Holy Spirit, we believed in Jesus, repented and forsook our sin. Helpless people, addicted and enslaved to drugs and alcohol, have to admit, “Yes, I have a problem with addiction. I am a sinner. I need God’s help!” If they reach out to Jesus, just as they are, He will touch their lives and deliver them. Once born-again, they are reconciled to God though Jesus Christ, and their lives are transformed!

The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.
~D.L. Moody~

TUESDAY November 5, 2024

Peace Through the Cross

Colossians 1:19-20

God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are One––the Trinity. They have the same attributes and characteristics. In the plan of God for our salvation, the Father was pleased that Jesus Christ would willingly come to earth to die for our sins.

As enemies of God, we were in danger of spending eternity apart from Him. God’s judgment was hanging over our heads when Jesus Christ, out of eternity, stepped down rescue us. As sinners, we could never deliver ourselves from the guilt and penalty of sin, but Jesus did that for us on the Cross. When we repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ by faith, we are reconciled to God through Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. This is the only way we can have peace with God.

Jesus was born of a virgin, Mary, and laid in a manger (Luke 2:6-7). He grew into manhood and, at the age of 30, He began His earthly ministry. He preached repentance, and the Gospel, and He healed people. Later, Jesus was arrested and crucified, and then He resurrected from the dead on the third day. He is our Redeemer. He came to deliver us from the authority of Satan, from the darkness, and from the fear of death.

Many people are trying to save themselves through their own good works. Some seek salvation through the worship of false idols. It hurts me to see young, sincere men on their bikes, trying to witness to others about their Mormon faith. The Jehovah’s Witnesses diligently walk the streets, going door to door with their magazines, trying to convince people of their false doctrine. It is all of works and not by faith in Jesus Christ. When you talk to any one of these people, you will find that they are not talking about the same Jesus in the Bible who we know. Jesus the Son of God, came in human flesh.

If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.
~Charles Studd~

MONDAY November 4, 2024

The Preeminence of Christ

Colossians 1:18

Jesus is the Head of the Church––the entire body of believers in Christ. The pope or any other person is not the head. Christ is the Head of the Church, and He unifies Christians together: And He [God the Father] put all things under His [Christ’s] feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:22-23).

It is important to understand that each believer has their own unique function within the body of Christ. There are actually 21 gifts that are to be used through the power of the Holy Spirit. These are some of them:

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues... (1 Corinthians 12:27-28).

Ephesians 4:11-12 informs us that Christ is the giver of such gifts, and they are to be used to edify the body of Christ. When Jesus died and resurrected, He conquered death and gave gifts to men:

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” (Ephesians 4:7-8).

Jesus became the firstborn from the dead. The word firstborn means “first in order.” J. Vernon McGee gives us this insight: “He is preeminent in creation because He is the Creator. He is preeminent in redemption for He is the Redeemer. He is preeminent in the church because He is the One who gave Himself for the church.”

Know this: Christ has to have Lordship over your life––preeminence––first place. Is He? Our lives are truly blessed when Jesus is.

Seek not happiness first; seek Christ first, and happiness shall come after.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

SUNDAY November 3, 2024

Christ Holds Everything Together

Colossians 1:17

In the church of Colossae, Christ’s deity was repeatedly challenged. Jesus Christ is God, but Gnostics and Judaizers attacked the Gospel and the truth of His deity. This subject has become, all too often, the battleground of New Testament theology.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, and we need to study it to know sound theology. Theos is the Greek word used for “God.” Theology is the study of God, His nature, character and holiness. This is how we come to know God.

Consider what the Apostle Paul revealed about Jesus. He is Creator of heaven and earth, having all the powers of creative activity. In the Greek language, the phrase and in Him all things consist become much clearer to us as it translates to “everything is held together.” All protons and neutrons in the atom, cells, planets, stars and the entire universe are held together by Jesus Christ our Sustainer. The moment He lets go, everything will fly apart.

Jesus sustains everything; He is in control of every system. Without Him, it would be impossible to exist. Look at your life. You may feel many times like you are falling apart, especially when catastrophic circumstances

hit––a death of a child, a divorce, or surmounting financial difficulties. Yet Jesus is the One who holds us together.

When life becomes overwhelming, stand still and take a glance at the moon. Look at the stars. The Lord has a name for each of them:

Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing (Isaiah 40:26 NLT)

View your problems in the power and vastness of God’s creation, and you shall not be moved. Everything in space is held there by Him. Reassure yourself, if Jesus holds everything together, then He will not let you go.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
~Isaiah 41:10~

SATURDAY November 2, 2024

Our Creator God

Colossians 1:15-17

When read in context using the Greek language, Paul had written one of the most beautiful, eloquent poems of praise in the entire New Testament concerning Christ’s preeminence. He is first place over all created things. These verses celebrate His sovereignty over all creation and His preeminence over all powers––angelic powers in heaven and earth––as Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth. What powerful Scriptures!

The Colossians were very confused about creation because of the Gnostics who did not believe Jesus was God. False doctrines always attack the preeminence of Christ. Jesus is God! Who created God? Nobody! He has always been, and He will always be. This is a very important doctrine of Christianity. Christians must know their theology, because error is best defeated by standing in the truth of God’s Word.

Paul educated Christians as if they were in seminary. He gave them the precise, doctrinal terms of who Christ is and who Christ should be in their own personal lives. Jesus was not just one among many prophets. Christ is the Son of the Living God! He is God incarnate in the flesh––100% man and 100% God.

Who is Jesus Christ to you? Read through the Gospels and look for the answers to these questions: Who did Jesus declare Himself to be? Why did the Pharisees and Sadducees want Him dead? As Creator, how did He use His authority? Jesus asked His Disciples one important question: “...who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29). What did one of His disciples reply?

Paul did not begin by attacking the false teachers and their doctrines. He began by exalting Jesus Christ and showing His preeminence in five areas: the gospel message, redemption, creation, the church, and Paul’s own ministry.
~Warren W. Wiersbe~

FRIDAY November 1, 2024

The Kingdom of Light

Colossians 1:13

I wanted to go back to this important point. God has conveyed or translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love. Paul used the word conveyed which described the deportation of a population from one country into another country. History records the fact that Antiochus Epiphanes the Great transported at least 2,000 Jews from Babylon to Colossae. So here in this verse, we can say that Jesus transported us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of His love.

The moment you gave your life completely to Jesus Christ, you became born again of the Holy Spirit just like Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3. It is the work of regeneration. Paul explained: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Everything in your life becomes brand new.

Jesus did not release you from sin and bondage to have you wander aimlessly in life. He delivered you and moved you into his own Kingdom of light. He enables you to be victorious over Satan's kingdom of darkness. You do not have to yield, listen, or be controlled by Satan anymore because you can overcome through the Holy Spirit’s power.

When you are disobedient to God and fall back into sin, you open the door for Satan and his demons to attack. As a child of the light, you can suffer oppression, depression, and harassment from him, but Satan cannot possess you. The light is greater than the darkness: You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Since Christ has delivered you from Satan and the power of darkness, you do not have to be afraid anymore. You are a child of the light, walking in the light by obeying God's commands: Your [God’s] word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

The light of God’s presence in our lives is a purifying flame that will draw us near to Him.
~Billy Graham~

THURSDAY October 31, 2024

This is the Lord’s Day

Psalm 118:24

Today, at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, we celebrate Camp Jubilee! The vision for Camp Jubilee began in the heart of my wife Sharon, as she was listening to Chuck Smith and Don Stewart speaking on a radio program, Answers for Today. They happened to be discussing Halloween. Historically, in Europe, Halloween was wiped out because of all the pagan and satanic activities. Chuck and Don discussed how November 1st was actually a day to celebrate the Biblical Saints, such as Samson, Gideon, Barak, and David.

It instantly came to Sharon’s mind to wipe out Halloween! At the same time, she quickly wrote down on a piece of paper the name: Camp Jubilee, the War Camp of the Armies of the Hosts of the Lord. God instructed her to take back His day and celebrate the victories of the LORD of Hosts. She knew Camp Jubilee would celebrate the Saints of Old. Sharon also received from the Lord a flood of ideas for the biblical titles of food booths and games booths. The Lord gave her an amazing vision which we shall continue.

Interestingly, the word Jubilee is a biblical word stemming from Jewish culture. There is some debate whether the celebration happened every forty-nine years or fifty years. The year of Jubilee followed the last year of seven Sabbatical cycles and was announced by a blast from a shofar––an instrument made from a ram’s horn––on the Day of Atonement. Men who had become poor or in debt were able to sell their land or become slaves themselves. In the year of Jubilee, their land or freedom would be returned, and any debt would be cancelled. It became a time of great emancipation in Israel. Then God would be remembered as a God of mercy (Leviticus 25:8-13; 47, 55).

This is the wonderful, biblical backdrop for the vision of Camp Jubilee. People have received Christ on this very evening. They come to know the grace and mercy of God for themselves and are set free from their sin.

Jesus is our Jubilee, for He died to pay for our debt of sin. May you turn to Jesus for true freedom and forgiveness of sin.
~Gospel Light Christian Church~

WEDNESDAY October 30, 2024

Can You Save Yourself?

Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT

Paul the Apostle taught healthy doctrine to the Ephesians and the Colossians. Yet the Colossians were continuing to fight Gnosticism. Gnostics believed in an organization of evil spirits that controlled the world, but they did not believe that Jesus was God.

Jesus is the Redeemer of the world––the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He came to deliver us from the darkness, from the authority of Satan. Still people do not believe Jesus is God. Many believe they can save themselves and go to heaven because of their good works. I see Mormons, young men riding their bicycles, witnessing to people about their faith––but what of Christ?

Jehovah's Witnesses walk from house to house or on the streets with their magazines, trying to convince people about a hope of salvation through works––not by faith in Jesus Christ. When you talk to Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons, you will find that they are not talking about the same Jesus of the Bible. Salvation is a work of God, not of men. The Word of God tells us we are sinners, at enmity with God. Judgment is hanging over our heads: For the wages of sin is death... (Romans 6:23).

Out of eternity, Jesus Christ stepped down. He came to earth. He was born as a baby and placed in a manger. It was a miracle––a virgin birth. Then He grew to manhood, and at the age of 30, he began His ministry. Jesus chose 12 men––His Disciples. He preached, taught and healed people. For three and a half years, He served mankind.

Then Jesus was arrested and killed. On the third day, He resurrected from the dead. You see, even though the wages of sin is death, the second part of this verse gives us good news: ...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Christians can answer this question, “Can you save yourself?” The answer is, “No.” Only Jesus can.

We can receive Jesus Christ when we believe in His message and trust in Him alone to save us.
~Billy Graham~

TUESDAY October 29, 2024

Our Deliverance From Darkness

Colossians 1:13

Interestingly, when Paul used the word delivered, it literally meant in the Greek language “to rescue from danger.” We were all in danger––on our way to an eternity without God––in utter darkness. Yet in Matthew 25:41, we are told that hell was not made for men; it was made for the devil and his demons. God never intended for anyone to perish there; but when sin entered the world, He put in place a rescue mission. Because of His great love, He rescued me, and He rescued your soul from eternal destruction.

How did God step in and rescue us? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). This is a verse that we must know and memorize. It tells us of God’s plan of salvation before the foundation of the world came into existence.

However, Satan is like a lion, seeking whom he may devour. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8 NLT). He still rules the principalities and the powers of the air. Satan and his demons are real, and he tries to undo God's work. He has control over those who do not know Christ, those walking in darkness. He blinds them from coming to know the Gospel message:

Satan, who is the god of this evil world, has made him blind, unable to see the glorious light of the Gospel that is shining upon him or to understand the amazing message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is God (2 Corinthians 4:4 TLB).

Those who believe in Jesus Christ have seen the glorious light of the Gospel. We know Jesus has delivered us from the guilt and penalty of sin. It cost Him His life to rescue us from the power of darkness. As a Christian, will you let your light shine and share the Gospel with those who are perishing?

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
~2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV~

MONDAY October 28, 2024

The Light of the World

John 8:12

Jesus made an incredible declaration to the people––“I am the light of the world.” Spiritual darkness consumed humanity. Sin is a deadly disease that affects us all. We were all sinners without hope and without God. Helpless and destitute, we would have been lost for all eternity if Jesus had not obediently come to die for the sins of the whole world.

As God, preexisting with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, Jesus left eternity. He came and walked among us as the Living Word:

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone (John 1:1-4 NLT).

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son (John 1:14 NLT).

What was Jesus’ mission? He told us: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Luke 5:32). He also said: “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The Apostle Paul knew the same thing: This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners... (1 Timothy 1:15). Christ saves lost sinners!

Jesus became the light of life to a woman caught in the sin of adultery. Her penalty due was death by stoning, but Jesus intervened. He delivered her, forgave her of her sin, and said this: “...go and sin no more” (John 8:11). What a wonderful example of what Jesus can do!

How about yourself? Are you caught up in some kind of sinful behavior that will destroy your life? Look to Christ. He can deliver you.

The center of salvation is the Cross of Jesus, and the reason it is so easy to obtain salvation is because it cost God so much.
~Oswald Chambers~