A note from our Pastor’s desk:

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:”

Colossians 2:6

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Consistently in his writing, the Apostle Paul moves between lessons on eternal salvation and day-to-day discipleship. The two concepts are always connected with discipleship rooted in the work of eternal salvation. In our study verse this week, the Apostle begins a lesson centered on the faith walk of a disciple.

The initial premise of the lesson is that the saints at Colossae, along with others who would read this verse, have received Jesus Christ. Receiving Christ is done by faith. It requires believing in Christ himself, believing in his doctrine, and repenting so as to be reconciled with the truth. While it is a matter of faith, it impacts the heart and soul.

The instruction from the Apostle is to move from belief to action. First, the follower of Jesus Christ should be obedient to him and his commandments. The disciple should make the natural and spiritual offerings that are called for in scripture along with offering praise and thanksgiving unto God. This level of action is purely mechanical and does not represent a belief in spirit, but it is moving the child of God closer to walking with Christ.

Second, the believer should attempt to imitate the walk of Christ. Not in a literal, natural, sense but rather in a spiritual way. To walk with grace for others. To exercise patience, meekness, and humility not just with fellow believers but also with one’s enemies. To show love, founded in a willingness for self-sacrifice, for both God and neighbor. This imitation is just a meager step towards walking in Christ Jesus but it is a noble spirit-based step.

Finally, truly walking in Christ means depending on him. It means always looking to Christ in every situation. It is a way of walking where the believer turns to God for both strength and wisdom in the situations they face. This way of walking in Christ is difficult. The disciple should not expect to accomplish it but rather strive for it every day. Some days will be more successful than others in seeking to walk in Christ, but Christ is always present for the believer who turns to him.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah