Paul’s ministry in the congregation

Colossians 1:24-29

Leadership is a quality all men were created with, because everyone was made in the image of, and after the likeness of the almighty God. While some embrace taking charge of matters or situations in life, others shy away from hefty responsibilities, and assume a more reserved role. There’s nothing wrong with being a follower, as others lead, but it’s important to know for certain, you’re following the right leader. Good leadership can only take their followers so far, but the right leader gets their people precisely where they’re supposed to be.

In our text, the apostle Paul felt it necessary to reveal a more transparent message to the Colossian congregation. Notice now, that we weren’t commanded to use transparency to win souls, nor build the kingdom through our feelings and emotions, but if being transparent affects others in a positive way, then go for it! There’s more than one way to catch a fish, so be sure your bait is suitable for the audience you minister to. In his former life, Paul had a reputation for persecuting the church, and his popularity was spread across the lands. His passion and desire for seeing the people of God suffer had no equal. After his conversion, not only did he keep his passion and desire, but he amplified, then redirected it to make the kingdom of God better.

Paul often repeated how he was “made” a minister to the church, and not hired as they are today. He not only cared deeply for those under his watch, but he made known that he rejoiced in many sufferings on behalf of those he loved. That’s the first quality of the right leader; one who doesn’t hesitate to endure pain, so that his people can prosper. There’s a song performed by Bruno Mars titled, Grenade, where he lists all the things he would do to prove his love for some girl, including catching a live grenade, throwing his head on a blade, jumping in front of a train, or anything else that would guarantee instant death. Although he claims this to be love, I think it’s stupid. I get what he’s attempting to make the girl understand, but real love isn’t proven by foolish acts, but by acts of goodness, kindness, and reasonable sacrifices. Paul’s motivation came from the proven love of Jesus Christ, when he gave his body to be persecuted, abused, and ultimately sacrificed. The motive and intent of Christ’s sacrifice was so that all men could be saved, not to win a girl’s heart, as in the previous song.

The apostle Paul furthered his explanation of being made a minister according to the dispensation of God, which was given to him for the church, to fulfill the word of God. All who are ministers for God should read this over and over again, then allow it to marinate in their souls, so that they’ll forever be reminded that ministry is only to fulfill God’s will, and not our own. I could write for hours on how the church has become a lucrative business, but I’ll stick to the title of the lesson, for the sake of time. A real leader leads by example, does what’s required to keep unity, encourages those he leads, directs all attention to God, and motivates others to become better. One of Paul’s most powerful bits of advice to the Colossian church was, “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister…” then they would be certain to receive the blessings God promised to bestow upon them.

Ministry is less about us, and more about promoting God’s agenda. As Paul preached, he never allowed pride or haughtiness to go before him. He was adamant about putting God first in all things, and allowing His name to receive all glory. People watch more of what we do, than what we say. As leaders, our works must match what we profess. Paul’s life was a great example of how leaders should carry themselves today. Ministers of God are to walk in humility, preach the full unadulterated word of God, and not pick and choose what will keep a large audience, and follow the leading of the Holy Ghost, rather than their own selfish motivations. For those willing to teach the word of God, be mindful of the fact that you will receive greater condemnation. If you teach anything falsely, or alter the Scriptures to the point where men and women are led astray, God will be sure to judge you accordingly. To avoid falling into the snare of false teaching and turning men away from God, ask Him to give you His wisdom, not of the world, but from above. God’s wisdom is first pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruit, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Walk in love,

Ell

Christ, the image of God

Colossians 1:15-20

Who was Jesus before He left Heaven to fulfill His mission on the earth. Men have only seen Him in the flesh, but have never truly known Him, except from His life, words, and deeds on earth. John tells us that in the beginning, Jesus was with God. Not only was He with God, He was God, and was always as much divine as God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Christ created all things with God, and allowed for the redemption of that creation through the power of His blood, and the Holy Spirit. In Heaven, all knowledge, life, and the light of men was in Him. Jesus being the image of the invisible God, references the fact that God has a body; a spirit body like the angels and other spirit beings. From all eternity, the person we know as Jesus Christ, existed as an equal member of the Godhead, and reigned in the same wisdom, knowledge, and power as well. Before He became God’s Son (humanity, not deity), He was a spirit being who carried out the divine plan of creation, and was the direct agent of God the Father who created all things by Him. In other words, God ordered and commanded, and Christ carried out the plan. That’s pretty cool, don’t you think?

Just like on earth where we enjoy the fullness of creation, Heaven isn’t full of clouds of marshmallows and angels floating around doing nothing, but it’s full of God’s beautiful creation as well, just on an upgraded level. Invisible things are made up of material substances which are visible in its own realm. Angels and all other Heavenly beings are of material substance as well. Although all are visible in their own realm, some may not be visible to others of lower realms. Knowing this, I am eager to explore all of God’s wonders in the new Heaven and earth. Men have constructed some amazing things on the earth, but I can only fathom what the Heavenly handiwork looks like in person.

Christ reigned and ruled in all of Heaven’s glory, and His authority was equal in the trinity. He is before all things, and by Him all things consist (vs. 17). Today, Christ reigns again with God the Father, but has become the head of the church as well. The church is the body of Christ, and is a direct representation of His essence in all things. This is why the world needs to see a difference between themselves, and the body of Christ, so that they’ll be convicted by the sin that plagues their lives, and willingly surrender their lives to the Father. Christ is holy all the time, so we should live in holiness all the time as well. God’s image is in the body, represented through the Holy Spirit, so our works should only be done in love and respect for the God who loves us. The life Jesus lived on earth can indeed be replicated, but many fail to realize the power that lies in His Spirit, just as the disciples often did. Appreciate God the Father and Christ Jesus who delivered us from the power of sin and darkness, and welcomed us into the kingdom of His dear Son.

Walk in love,

Ell

All peoples united in Christ

Ephesians 2:11-22

“A hopeless journey”, is the theme of the lives of all who are maneuvering their way through life without God. In a world where sin abounds, and wickedness is spreading like an untamed wildfire in every country, it’s impossible for any man to live in purpose, except he be in God. Countless men and women have alienated themselves from the divine purpose God predestined for their lives, and have chosen to live by their own judgment and understanding. This is disheartening, because it makes it seem as if the great sacrifice Christ made for the world was of none effect. But, Christ looked past the faults of men, and made it possible so that everyone can be included in God’s plan of redemption, and contribute as an active member of His body. Christ was responsible for tearing down the wall of partition that separated the Jews and Gentiles, and reconciled both unto God in one body, by the cross. The enmity between men and God was slain, and the liberty to be in union with the Father was then accessible to all.

The purpose of men and women on this earth is not to get rich and live lavish, but to fulfill God’s will to convince the lost of their need for salvation. As hard as it may be to believe, this world is not our home, and will soon be wiped away. Why else would Jesus have left a perfect Heaven, come to an imperfect earth, suffer unimaginably, then give His life for men who hardly cared for themselves? Sin stained God’s beautiful creation, thus allowing for Him to execute His plan of redemption, and create a new Heaven and earth.

There are many things we grow attached to like cars, houses, travel sights, and even relationships, but all those things will come to an abrupt end, then eternity will begin. How you live and treat others today will be noted in the afterlife. We will be judged by all the works we perform here on earth, and whether your works are pleasing to God or not, will determine where your eternal address will be. The only way to be freed and delivered from the impending judgment of sin is to accept Christ Jesus as your personal savior. Although there are many who are deceiving innocent people into believing false doctrine, especially the power of the universe mess I keep hearing about, trust and believe that Christ is the only way to God, and all power comes from Him, and not from the “universe” He created. Hold fast to your faith in God, cling tight to those who are fighting the same fight of faith as you are, speak positive over negative, render blessings to those who curse you, and love all men the same, no matter what.

Walk in love,

Ell

Pursue unity in the church

1 Peter 3:8-12

The single most important aspect of the Christian community is, relationship among the brethren. The body of Christ is joined together by many members, yet all operating in different gifts and functions. What makes the body effective is when all members are of one mind, one heart, and operate in one Spirit. Just as blood runs through the human body and gives life to all its systems, love motivates and stimulates the believer to act in ways that are pleasing to God.

This lesson is of great importance to the church today, because many have lost their focus, and are living outside the bounds of togetherness. When an athlete breaks a bone in their arm or leg, their whole body feels the pain, and suffers greatly. In the same way, when a member of the church falls by the wayside, or gives up to the pressures of life, the entire body of believers should feel their pain, and extend offers to bring them back to their place in God. Unfortunately, many tend to spread the business of those who fall to others that gossip, rather than covering their brother or sister in prayer. We are living in a sad time, where “church people” willingly seek to bring other members down, rather than love them as Christ commanded. These are the days where more fights break out in religious gatherings, than in the boxing ring. What happened to our standard? Where has the fear and reverence for God gone? Why is it almost easier to trust your personal business with a friend of the world, than your own Christian brother or sister? The church needs to become unified again. God established His principles that the church should live by, so that we can show the world the love of God through our living. But how can we expect to convince the lost to come to Christ, when our own homes and churches have more drama going on than Lifetime Movie Network?

There are times in my life when it’s embarrassing to call myself a Christian, not because I’m ashamed of what I believe, but because of those who claim the title, but live contrary to what it stands for. In God, holiness is the standard, and anything contrary to godliness is shunned away. Now is the time for men and women of God to regain their focus, and live in love, as they were commanded to do. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Walk in love,

Ell

Christ, the source of life

1 John 5:6-12

What is life? Some dictionary definitions of life include the existence of an individual human being or animal, also the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death. Although those are how men define the term life, the Bible defines living from a different perspective. Merriam-Webster’s account actually comes close to the biblical definition of life where they list it as the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual, or one or more aspects of the process of living. According to God, living is more than simply breathing in oxygen, but it’s the culmination of how your days are spent in this life, while walking according to His purpose, that solidify your eternal reservation with Him in glory.

There are millions of men and women who are physically alive, yet spiritually dead. Some even believe they are living the good life based on their material wealth and other worldly accumulations, but nothing carnal has the power to bring life spiritually, except by the blood of Jesus. The good life is only obtained through fellowship with Christ. Verse twelve sums the message up perfectly as it reads, “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” In other words, you’ll never begin to live until you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior, so until then, you’ll forever be walking dead.

The end of our faith and hope is eternal life with Christ, but all who are not in Him can never obtain it. What’s hard for me to understand is, people constantly reject God’s offer of salvation and eternal life when it has no price tag attached to it, but will “sell their souls” to the devil, in exchange for temporary pleasure and fame. As believers, it’s our duty to help others see past the now, and focus on where they’ll spend eternity. Satan is already doomed to the lake that burns with fire, and he plans to drag as many as possible down with him. The church must stand strong and remain on a steady course, so that we can help others become aware of the wiles of the enemy, as well as the sincere and unadulterated love that comes from God. “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” (1 Peter 3:10-11). “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore” (Psalm 121:7-8).

Walk in love,

Ell

The new covenant’s sacrifice

Hebrews 9:11-22

Imagine a world, where God never sent Jesus to fix the mistake the first Adam made. If we still lived under the old covenant system in 2019, what state would the people of God, and the world be in? I’ve already expressed my feelings on animal sacrifices, so I won’t reiterate those thoughts, but I can for certain admit that finding a suitable high priest to atone for the sins of God’s people would be a difficult thing to do. My reasons for assuming such are based on how leaders have become today. Men truly have become lovers of money, rather than lovers of God, and coming before God in sin demanded the life of an unfit priest. Once a year, the high priest went before God with blood sacrifices, to atone for the sins of himself, his family, and the people, so it was important that he first cleanse himself, before he atones for the sins of the people. Men are so evil and corrupt these days, until they’d all probably be convicted and afraid of dying in the holy of holies, and refuse to enter the veil to atone for the sins of the people. If Jesus had not died, then all who weren’t Jews would still be lost, and unable to have their sins forgiven. The law of Moses would also be in effect, and men would remain unrighteous in the eyes of God. But I’m forever grateful for the death of Jesus and all it accomplished including demonstrating God’s profound love for the world, allowing for all men, besides Israel to become children of God, taking away our misery and shame, removing the enmity between God and men, being an eternal atoning sacrifice to God for sin, setting the standard for all disciples to live by, defeating the power of evil, healing us, and reconciling us to one another. While the first Adam sold us out to sin, the second Adam redeemed us back to our rightful place in God.

Walk in love,

Ell

Christ, the final sacrifice for sin

Hebrews 9:23-28

The more I think on the days of old, and how the children of God were required to do certain things according to the old covenant, the more I appreciate Jesus for making the new covenant less strenuous and stressful. For example, blood sacrifices were the norm back then, when men would take the blood of goats, rams, and sheep to bring it before God as an offering. I’m all for being obedient to God and following His commands, but I’m not too comfortable killing animals, so I’m glad those laws were replaced by grace, through the blood of Jesus. Now don’t get me wrong, I have no problem squishing man’s most formidable foe, the cockroach, but slaughtering innocent lambs for blood would more than likely make me vomit every time. My blood sacrifice would probably be mixed with last night’s dinner… my bad God, just being honest. In any case, what Jesus did on the cross was necessary for men to be able to live in His absence, with His Spirit, while He represents us before God in Heaven.

Jesus died once, but Christ lives forever. All men have an appointment with death, whether they choose to embrace it or not. What makes death seem less of a scare and more of a moment of joy is, the hope in knowing that one day soon, Christ will return to take His people away from this sinful world. Many people are hesitant to make decisions in situations where they’re unaware of the possible outcomes. For instance, some men refuse to approach a woman they may be interested in for fear of rejection. Or, some reject the message of the Gospel, because they have yet to see a good example of a disciple of Christ. When a person is reborn into the family of God, they are guaranteed a reservation in His eternal Kingdom, and no one can take that away from them, but it is possible that some who are in God can miss their opportunity for eternal life. Jesus made it possible for all men to come to the Father, and receive His free gift of salvation, but being born-again doesn’t give anyone the license to live careless, while abusing grace. While many teach and believe, “once saved, always saved”, I believe that if you remove yourself from the confines of God’s protection, and wait too late to repent, then you’ll for sure miss the wedding when Christ comes for His bride. What more could a man desire, than to be in the presence of God, and have all their needs cared for? Unfortunately, many will give in to worldly lusts and desires, that will cause them to miss Heaven.

It’s important that we stay rooted in God’s Word, so that when moments come when we’re tempted to slip, the Holy Spirit will bring to our minds an encouraging scripture to keep us standing firm. Jesus died for all our sins, so be sure not to let what He died for keep you from enjoying eternal life with God.

Walk in love,

Ell

The time has come

Hebrews 9:1-10

Believers today are living in the time of reformation. The days of the law of Moses and its faults are long gone, and have been substituted with a perfect covenant that meets every need where the law failed. Just as the blood of bulls and goats sanctified to the purifying of the flesh, the blood of Jesus allowed for our conscience to be purged from sin, and make us inwardly holy and righteous before God. God the Father doesn’t use up His unlimited resources, because He’s the source of their supply, but we who have been redeemed can benefit tremendously from the treasures stored in Heaven for those who believe.

How fulfilling would it be if you, and your entire family lived a full life of pleasing God? What if after your confession and conversion, you spent every day striving to maintain a level of faith and righteousness in all your dealings? Not only are we living in the time of reformation, but we are currently living in the age of distraction as well, where men and women are constantly shuffling time between God, and those things that seem so entertaining in the world (TV, movies, clubs, sporting events, etc.). Jesus didn’t die so that we could live our best life now, as many prosperity preachers proclaim to the masses. Instead, His death made it possible for the believer to utilize the power of God, in its fullness, on the earth, as well as allow for men to regain access to eternity in the presence of the living God. If the purpose of the body of Christ was to be rich and wealthy on the earth, then Paul and the other apostles lived their lives without purpose. The men and women of old faced persecution and rejection to the highest degree, and hardly found moments to take vacations (as many of us strive for), or kick their feet up and enjoy the sunrise. In my most honest opinion, the body of believers have become soft as cotton, and have not portrayed the life Christ taught us to live.

As Jesus hung on that rugged cross, I can imagine all the good thoughts that ran through His mind of how on fire we would be for God in 2019. While there is a remnant of those who continue their fervent drive toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, it would be a sad sight for Christ to see how many have actually fallen away from the faith, and given in to the influences of the son of perdition. I think the problem with many Christians is, they don’t realize how much power they have access to in God, and find other things to latch on to that gives them a sense of assurance. The Spirit of God lives within us, and helps us understand what the will of God is for our lives, but it’s hard to hear and understand what the Spirit tries to say when our focus is broken, and we are investing too much time into the wrong things.

I admonish all my readers once again to take full advantage of the new covenant made possible by Jesus Christ, and make use of all the benefits available to you. God loads us with benefits daily, and expects that we take advantage of every opportunity to use them effectively. Make sure you show your appreciation for what Christ did by living the life you were predestined to carry out. The time has come for believers to stand up, get right, and live according to the doctrine of Jesus Christ. I’ll close out this lesson by leaving you with wise counsel from the apostle Paul. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12).

Walk in love,

Ell

Entering the Sanctuary by Jesus’ blood

Hebrews 10:19-25

The death of Jesus on the cross may have been misunderstood by some, and unappreciated by others, but His act of sacrifice was responsible for allowing access to the most amazing benefit anyone could desire. Just as a child born into a wealthy family, by default, inherits all their father possesses, men and women born into the family of God receive full access to all the Father owns as well.

In our text, the apostle Paul helps the church understand the terms by which we have been granted full access to Heaven. It’s because of the blood of Jesus, believers can boldly enter the holiest place in Heaven, any time they desire. Having the liberty to draw near to God by our new high Priest (Jesus Christ), we are able to come with a pure conscience, clean bodies, and unwavering faith. Sin had once stained us, and caused separation between men and God, but now we are reunited with our Creator, and it feels so good 🎵🎶.

The body of Christ has also been admonished to put others before themselves to avoid harboring a selfish spirit, make gathering among the Saints a healthy habit, and exhort one another daily. During these days, some might have forsaken Christian gatherings, possibly because of the persecution mentioned in the succeeding verses. It’s high time that believers encourage one another in the faith, seeing that Christ is soon to come. We should no longer fight and bicker among ourselves, but should build up and edify each other, because time is drawing near when we’ll soon leave this place. Satan desires nothing more than to keep as many as he can from making it into the Kingdom of Heaven, so we should do all we can, not to help him succeed.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, and allow His love to guide your ways and actions. Before allowing the cares of this dying world to bring your emotions under evil subjection, use your access granted by Christ, to come to God with all your cares and troubles, and let Him give you what you need to become better. What sense does it make to be in financial need and have access to a bank account with unlimited funds, yet you refuse to access it? Never forget that the earth belongs to God, and everything in it, and Heaven is His dwelling place. He alone has unlimited resources that are reserved for all who come to receive them, but you must “come boldly before the throne of grace, so that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Walk in love,

Ell

Redeemed and purified

Titus 2:11-15

Throughout life, I’ve often heard people quote the phrase, “experience is the best teacher”. This proverb can be traced back to the times of the great Roman leader, Julius Caesar, and later by the Roman author Pliny the Elder who said, “Experience is the most efficient teacher of all things”. While its true most people learn by doing something rather than reading about it, I’ve grown to realize that there’s another teacher who may have the upper hand on experience. We learn from the Scriptures that grace is God’s unmerited favor, or being bestowed things you don’t deserve, but have you ever considered grace to be a teacher? Grace is responsible for all things godly, including making salvation available to everyone. It’s by the grace of God that we are saved, delivered, and set free from sin and bondage. Verse twelve helps us understand that grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and the lusts of the world, and that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. That’s such an impactful and vital lesson to all believers, because many are lost and confused as to how they should carry themselves in such a sin-sick world, but grace helps us to live right by influencing us to adhere to godly wisdom and standards.

Since the days of old until now, many have heard that Jesus is coming back, and He surely is, so we must maintain a lifestyle that follows after holiness, despite all the evil influences that plague this world. The Holy Ghost is another teacher who helps believers remember the words of Jesus, as they live each day on this earth, but it’s by the grace of God, that we have something to look forward to; a place beyond the stars, where we’ll forever be in the presence of God. Grace gives men hope, that soon and very soon, God will appear, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will make His presence known as well. Just as some remember their favorite teachers from their school days, never forget grace, and all the good things you’ve learned, and will learn for the rest of your days.

Walk in love,

Ell