POPULARITY
15 episodes with bible christianity
6 episodes with bible christianity
8 episodes with bible christianity
62 episodes with bible christianity
2 episodes with bible christianity
2 episodes with bible christianity
2 episodes with bible christianity
2 episodes with bible christianity
2 episodes with bible christianity
Psalm 125 (The Message)Andrew and Edwin discuss what the metaphor about mountains surrounding Jerusalem means about God. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=20696The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/
This episode discusses the signs of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, using biblical references from Luke 17:26-29 and Genesis 18-19. It explores the parallels between the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the state of modern society. Key Points: Identification of three classes of people: Abrahamites (the bride of Christ), Lotites (lukewarm believers), and Sodomites (unbelievers). Abraham's intercession on behalf of Sodom highlights the importance of seeking God's mercy and sparing those who are righteous. Comparing modern society to ancient Sodom, warning that many are confident in their worship but far from Bible Christianity. Pointing out the parallels between the three men (two angels and God Himself) who visited Abraham and the three outstanding ministries of this generation: Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, and William Branham. The importance of staying true to Bible Christianity and avoiding compromise with the world. This episode encourages listeners to identify their stand before it's too late and to stay tuned for more episodes exploring the themes of Sodom and Gomorrah. Next Episode: Continuation of exploring the sin of Sodom and its call for destruction by fire and stone from heaven.
What was Korah's rebellion about? What can we learn Friday n it as present day followers of Messiah? Food for thought from Numbers chapter 16. #followMessiah #faith #Bible #Christianity #rebellion
Pre New Testament Bible Christianity https://www.youtube.com/live/1CxiaR4Q4-U?si=silz8r2VAJSlHLi7
Summary This sermon discusses the need for Christianity to reset to its original form and emphasizes the importance of the cross of Jesus Christ. It explores the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and the vicarious nature of his actions. The conversation also touches on the concept of bearing the reproach of Christ and the persecution that believers may face. It highlights the role of faith in proclaiming and testifying to Jesus Christ. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the vocal proclamation and witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Taking the Land Podcast 01:23 Resetting Christianity: Returning to the Original Form 08:33 Bearing the Reproach: Persecution and the Christian Identity 21:22 Conclusion: The Vocal Proclamation and Witness of the Lord Jesus Christ Sound Bites "Christianity needs a reset to the original Bible Christianity of the first century." "The suffering of Christ as recorded in Isaiah 53 is a substitution, one suffering for another." "Identifying with the Lord Jesus Christ is much more than simply some t-shirt or some emblem." ALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISM Find a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.org SUBSCRIBE TO PREMIUM: Subscribe for only $2.99/month on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taking-the-land/subscribe Subscribe for only $3/month on Supercast: https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/ Subscribe for only $4.99/month on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3vy1s5b Visit our sponsors: ***FEATURED*** Global Passport Express: Mention this ad to get a 10% discount on all services: https://bit.ly/TTL-GPE Pastor Mike Ashcraft's Financial Services: (310) 403-6471 $100 Credit for Text In Church: https://bit.ly/TTL-TIC 10% Discount Off First Order from Advanced Creative Design: advancedcreativedesign23@gmail.com
Revelation 7 (NIV)Andrew and Edwin recognize the judgment of the sixth seal is actually in response to the prayers of the martyrs during the opening of the fifth seal.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=16358The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/
What does it mean to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? #followMessiah #faith #Bible #Christianity
Forgiveness of others is an extremely important part of Bible Christianity.
Today we read John 17:3, in which Jesus prays that knowing Him is the way to "eternal life". God has given us the Bible, the Church and the Christian religion as means to help us know Jesus. They are not Jesus - they lead us to Him.
Psalm 80 (NLT)Andrew and Edwin consider the vineyard metaphor, how it related to Israel in the contemporary prophets.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=12323The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/
The essence of Bible Christianity. Spurgeon knew it and preached it all his life. Here is a taste of that preaching.
The essence of Bible Christianity. Spurgeon knew it and preached it all his life. Here is a taste of that preaching.
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. What happens at the Lord's Supper and why Christian believers should regularly celebrate this. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #LordsSupper #symbol #Matthew26v26-30 #Passover #OldTestament #imagery #lamb #1Corinthians11 #newcovenant #remembers #Christsdeath #proclaims #sufficientSaviour #sacrament #1Corinthians10v14-17 #thanksgiving #Eucharist #communion
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. What does baptism mean? John Hall talks us through the Bible's teaching on this. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #ordinances #sacraments #baptism #initiation #localchurch #Acts2v38 #community #giftoftheHolySpirit #symbolised #seal #ownership #1Corinthians12v13 #Ephesians1v13-14 #Ephesians4v1-16 #Acts16v33 #Matthew3v13-17 #fulfilallrighteousness #1Corinthians6 #followChrist #obeyChrist #serveChrist #bringhonourandglory
Messiah said that violent people take hold of the Kingdom. What did He mean by that statement? #followMessiah #faith #Bible #Christianity #hungerandthirst
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. Baptism is the outward sign of an inward reality symbolizing the Christian's union with Christ and the washing away of sin. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #ordinances #sacraments #baptism #immerse #outwardsign #Matthew28v18-20 #water #symbol #unionwithChrist #washingaway #initiation #reception #sealing #Romans6v1-6 #Colossians2v9-13 #circumcisionoftheheart #aliveinChrist #Acts22v16 #1John1v7 #1John1v9 #outward #public #professionoffaith #persecution
What is Paul's Gospel? What does Paul mean when he says, “under law”? In this episode we seek to gain understanding on these matters and more. #followMessiah #Yashua #faith #Bible #Christianity #grace #obedience
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. In this episode, John Hall and Derek talk about deacons and membership of the local church. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #deacons #servants #Philippians1v1 #1Timothy3v8-13 #membership #Acts5v14 #1Corinthians5 #community #localchurch #1Peter2v9 #Hebrews10v24-25 #encouragement #teaching #fellowship #breakingbread #prayer #sharepossessions #baptism #submissionleadership #Ephesians4v1-16
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. Dr John Hall summarises the Bible's teaching about Jesus Christ as head of the church and the role of earthly church leaders. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #church #Ephesians1v22-23 #Colossians1v18 #Colossians3v15-17 #governs #rules #leaders #gatheredchurch #authority #elders #deacons #serve #1Peter5v1-4 #servants #1Timothy5v17-20 #Matthew18v15-18 #1Timothy3v1-8 #character #teach #Titus1v5-9 #Hebrews13v7 #mature #gentle #giveanaccount
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. “[It's] most important that we don't just run on chatting about ourselves but we think of what is going to help other people in this #fellowship and then we speak to them those sort of words which bring grace into their lives and benefit them” #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #church #purpose #fellowship #sharing #Acts2v42 #member #Christbody #Ephesians4v16 #Ephesians4v29 #love #forgiving #Ephesians4v32 #Ephesians5v1-2 #Christlike #discipline #Matthew18v15-18 #evangelism #mission #Matthew28v19-20 #Romans1v16-17 #gospel #Romans10v13-17 #preachers
The Messiah said He came to pour out fire on the earth and that He came to bring division. That doesn't sound like much of what is taught about Him. What did He mean? #followMessiah #faith #Bible #Christianity
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. What is the purpose of the church? John Hall and Derek French discuss two of these: worship and the preaching of God's word #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #church #purpose #worshipGod #teaching #preaching #truth #Bible #servingGod #Romans12v1-2 #praise #adoration #John4 #Trinitarian #Ephesians2v18 #glory #Psalm100 #Ephesians5v19-20 #Hebrews10v24-25 #Acts20v20-30 #warning #2Timothy1v13 #2Timothy2v2 #2Timothy4v2 #instruction
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. John Hall explains from the Bible what the church is (and is not). #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #church #ecclesia #people #localchurch #Acts11v25-26 #Acts14v23 #Acts15v41 #congregations #churchUniversal #Ephesians3v21 #body #Ephesians1v22-23 #unitedwithChrist #Ephesians5v29-30 #sanctified #redeemed #1Corinthians1v2 #husband #wife #intimacy #Ephesians5v25-26 #baptised #1Corinthians11v18
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. In the light of hell, Christians are to ‘love [their] neighbour and tell them about the Lord Jesus Christ and live well now'. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #unbelievers #hell #2Thessalonians1v5-9 #judgement #destruction #everlasting #Revelation21v8 #torment #decay #2Corinthians6v1-2 #salvation #plead #reconciled #2Corinthians5v20-21 #Christ #ambassador #Unbelief #1Corinthians9v24-27 #race #1Thessalonians4v7 #2Peter3v14
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. “What happens to those who refuse to believe in Christ for the forgiveness of their sins?” #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #unbelievers #Hades #hell #conscioustorment #death #Luke16v19-31 #chasm #condemnation #John5v28-29 #Daniel12v2 #Acts24v15 #Matthew25v41-46 #selfcentred #eternal #Matthew13v40-43 #Mark9v47-48 #Gehenna
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. “If the Christian has been saved, why is he or she to be judged when Christ returns?” #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #judgment #separation #reward #loss #2Corinthians5v10 #2Timothy4v1 #Revelation20v12 #Matthew25v46 #fruit #1Corinthians3v11-15 #livewell #servingChrist #newheavennewearth #perfection #Revelation21 #Revelation22 #Revelation7 #2Peter3v10-13 #righteousness #John14 #holiness #eternallife
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. What happens to believers when they die - John Hall speaks about the Bible's teaching on this subject. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #resurrection #sleep #death #Philippians1v21-24 #Luke23v43 #paradise #2Corinthians5v8 #separation #soul #Revelation6v9-10 #Lazarus #Luke16v19-31 #reunited #Philippians3v20-21 #1John3v1-3 #pursuingholiness #1Corinthians15v22-23 #1Thessalonians4 #transformed #John6v40 #lastday
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. An overview of the Bible's description of what will take place when the Lord Jesus returns. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #resurrection #1Thessalonians4v13-1 #John5v28-29 #judgment #separation #Matthew25v31-46 #sheepandgoats #blessed #inheritance #selfgivingservice #hell #2Corinthians5v10 #millennium #Revelation20v11-15 #deeds #2Peter3v10-13 #obey #purelives
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. Being prepared for the Lord's return – a look at the scriptures' teaching with Dr John Hall #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #prepare #besaved #serving #Matthew25 #ready #vigilant #lasttimes #turmoil #Matthew24v9-13 #Hebrews1 #falseprophets #deceived #expansion #Matthew24v21-22 #2Thessalonians2v1-11 #delusion #lovethetruth #2Timothy3v1-7 #antichrist #1John2v18-22
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. In this episode, John Hall unpacks what the Bible teaches (and doesn't teach) about Christ's second coming. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #ChristsSecondComing #bodily #Matthew25v31 #SonofMan #Daniel7v13 #Matthew24v30 -31 #Acts1v11 #visible #1Thessalonians4v15-17 #bodies #timing #Matthew24v36-42 #sudden #unexpected #2Peter3v3-10 #1Thessalonians5v1-3 #beprepared
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. To live the Christian life and to grow in purity and Christlikeness, fellowship of other believers is essential. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #Godspeople #churchcommunity #Acts2v42 #oneanother #Romans15v7 #John13v34 #Romans12v10 #1Peter5v5 #Ephesians4v11-16 #gifts #belong #serve #worship #fellowship #Hebrews10v24-25 #encourage #mission #outreach #Matthew28v18-20
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. Dr John Hall shows us that to grow in personal holiness of life is done through prayer and the word of God. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #Personalholiness #sanctification #Effort #Christlikeness #James1v5-17 #wisdom #prayer #Ephesians6v18 #Bible #wordofGod #learn #2Timothy3v15-16 #Romans12v1-2 #Psalm119v9-16 #obeying #delight #know
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. Dr John continues the theme of sanctification of our final destination as believers. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #Sanctification #finaldestination #newheaven #newearth #assurance #Romans8v28-30 #justified #glorified #calling #Philippians1v6 #suffering #1John3v2-3 #Philippians3v20-21 #pursueholiness #Hebrews12v14 #effort #pursuingChristlikeness
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. Holy living is what the Christian life is about and Dr John Hall explains what our responsibilities are in this. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #Sanctification #2Peter1v3 #effort #holiness #spiritualwarfare #Ephesians6v10-18 #inhismightypower #armourofGod #James4v7 #1Peter5v8-9 #resist #Ephesians4v25 #Ephesians5v1-2 #Romans13v11-14 #disciplined
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. Holiness is what the Christian is all about and Dr John Hall explains more about the process called sanctification. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #Christianity #Sanctification #holiness #Romans6 #conversion #Ephesians2 #1Corinthians6v9-11 #1Corinthians1v2 #sanctified #Spirit #Christlikecharacter #Philippians2v12-13 #1Thessalonians5v23 #process #conflict #Romans8v13-14 #Colossians3v5 #battlewithsin #Hebrews12v1
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. With the aid of several helpful illustrations, Dr John Hall explains in more details how a Christian is made holy. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #Sanctification #holiness #separation #consecration #Leviticus8v30 #purity #Isaiah6 #Ephesians1v4 #Romans8v29 #conversion #Colossians1v12-14 #rescued # rescue #Romans6v1-7 #baptism #1Peter2v24
Welcome to our second episode, God's Guidance on Money. In this episode, we talk about what the Bible (Christianity) and other religions (Islam, Hinduism, & Judaism) say about money. Next, we delve deeper into how our religious beliefs impact the way we handle our finances and how it has impacted our financial decisions.During this episode, you will meet Dr. Troy Muhammad a practicing Muslim with a great perspective on money and religion. Dr. Muhammad is an educator at one of the leading Cancer Research Centers in the world, in Shady Grove Maryland. He is the Program Manager for the Post-Doctoral Fellowship program which prepares today's Doctors of Chemistry, Biology, Epidemiology, and Genetics for research success through workforce optimization initiatives. He served in the U.S. Navy for 11 years and after his service went on to teach Math and Science at several local charter schools in underdeveloped communities. Crusaders for Change, LLC (C4C) provides financial counseling, coaching, and classes for those who are ready to get out of debt, improve their credit, save, and much more. To learn more about C4C by visiting www.crusaders4change.org.Schedule a Free 15-minute Clarity Call Today!We would love to hear from you. What are your thoughts on today's episode? How has your faith or religion influenced your finances? If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions on topics you would like to hear on Yahweh's Money, please email yahweh@crusaders4change.org. If the transcript is not available on your podcast directory, please visit our podcast webpage to view it. Follow us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitter
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. Living the Christian life means holiness of life which, Dr John Hall tells us, pleases God. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #enjoyingGod #pleasingGod #fear #respect #grieve #delight #joy #holinessoflife #1Peter1v15-16 #LordJesusChrist #Paul #Silas #Acts16v25 #praising #praying #Joseph #Genesis39 #Potiphar #dishonouring #Psalm119v12 #Godsword #Psalm119v34 #understand #obey
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. Turning to the subject of living the Christian life, Dr John Hall explains that this means pleasing God, being holy and being like Christ. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #Christian #pleaseGod #1Peter1v15-16 #Leviticus11v44-45 #sanctified #HolySpirit #1Peter1v1-2 #honouring #obeying #Godsword #obedience #John14v15 #2Corinthians10v5 #glorify #enjoy #1Corinthians10v31 #Psalm73 #Psalm37v4
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. The concluding part of our look at salvation by faith in Christ alone (justification). #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #salvation #Justification #justify #notguilty #sinful #Romans4 #trusting #believing #faithinChristalone #Circumcision #religious #Galatians2v15-16 #2Corinthians5v21 #righteousness #law #Romans10v3-5 #Romans5v1 #peace
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. What happens place when someone comes to true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Derek French and John Hall discuss union with Christ, a radical break with sin, and our justification. (see also previous episodes on Union with Christ) #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #salvation #unionwithChrist #radicalbreak #sin #justification #Romans6v1-8 #death #resurrection #spiritual #vine #John15 #marriage #Ephesians5 #Ephesians2v1-10 #tyranny #newmaster #newheart #justifiedbyfaith #notguilty #declarerighteous #Romans3v21-26 #freegrace #atonement
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. In this episode about salvation, Dr John Hall on why does our faith, needs to be in Jesus Christ rather than in someone or something else. And Malcolm Ryan reflects on the apostle Paul's experience of being a servant of God. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #salvation #savingfaith #Jesus #allsufficientSaviour #faithalone #bridge #Philippians1v29 #Ephesians2v8-9 #grace #Acts13v48 #believe #John10v25-26 #Mark10v47 #Pastoral #Direction #Philippians3v12-14 #Frustration #Christlikeness #Romans8v29 #lookedforward #2Timothy4v7
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. In another episode about our salvation, Dr John Hall explains the importance of having true saving faith. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #salvation #savingfaith #trustinJesusChrist #Ephesians2v8 #John6v40 #believing #1Peter1v1 #gift #knowthetruth #Hebrews11v1-6 #1Corinthians15v3 #historicalfacts #1Corinthians15v11 #rest #John3v16 #John3v18 #John3v36 #Acts10v43 #forgiveness #righteous #Romans3v22 #trust #Romans10v9-13 #confess
A look at the dual parable Messiah taught about new and old garments and new wine in old wine skins. #faith #followMessiah #Yashua #messianicjudaism #Bible #Christianity
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. Dr John Hall continues to unpack the biblical meaning and significance of repentance. And Malcolm Ryan on what the Bible says about trusting God. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #salvation #repentance #sorrow #sin #2Corinthians7v8-10 #cleansing #Acts2v38 #Romans2v4 #obeyGod #2Corinthians7v11 #1Thessalonians1 #serveGod #Pastoral #understanding #Trust #plan #Isaiah55v8-9 #mystery #Romans8v28 #trusting #wisdom #promises #Proverbs3v5-6
Series to help preachers teach the basics truths of the Christian faith to new and untaught believers. In this episode and the next, we hear from Dr John Hall about two vital elements of repentance. #Pastors #Churchleaders #preach #Bible #Christianity #basics #salvation #repentance #changeofmind #Acts11v18 #Acts2v37-38 #sorrow #sin #hatred #convictionofsin #Luke15v18 #rebellioushearts #grief #sorry #Psalm51v1-4 #David
Series: Colossians: Supreme!Title: “How to resist deceptive cults, religions, and philosophies of this world and why”Scripture: Colossians 2:8-10(Commentary helps listed at the end)Bottom line this week: Resist instead of settling for the deceptive philosophies of this world by embracing the fullness of Christ Jesus himself in you.Opening story:People are easy to fool. P. 255“That little incident is a good illustration of all the earth-born religions. People talk about having faith; they tell you to look in a direction there is absolutely nothing. (Like look inside yourself) Some poeple are so desperately in need of seeing something that they will look till they are almost blind, yet they never catch a glimpse of anything real.” -Donald BarnhouseMany of us have heard of family members, church members and friends who've left and followed a cult leader or false religion deceived by a charismatic leader or deceptive lies. It happens. If it wasn't seductive, it wouldn't happen. If it didn't sound credible, no one would fall for it. But it is. And they do.Philosophy = love of wisdom“Everything that had to do with theories about God, the world, and the meaning of human life was called philosophy, both in the pagan and Jewish schools of the day. Both Judaism and Christianity are philosophical because they make holistic claims about the nature of reality and set values to guide life.” -Hughes“What Paul was warning against was a dangerous philosophy made up of both elements of Judaism and Greek Gnosticism. Greek Gnosticism taught that a person must work his or her way up a long series of lesser gods, called emanations, before reaching the ultimate god. Here false Jewish teachers combined Hebrew rites and ascetic regulations with their philosophy as a better way to move up the spiritual ladder. It was all very mysterious, complicated, astrological, and snooty. But worst of all, it was very deadly because it mixed some of the truth of Hebrew religion with the delectably enticing mysteries of Eastern mysticism and Greek philosophy. This was presented as “something more” that would elevate the ignorant Colossian Christian's from their crude baby-faith to the truly deep things of God. Evidently some succumbed.” -HughesTransition: Paul states his concern (shared with Epaphras) in 2:4. He then calls them to resist and gives them reasons to resist along with the power to resist. Spoiler alert: It centers on Jesus Christ.Outline: (based on Hughes)I. Charged to Resist. (2:8)Paul's warning notes 4 characteristics of this dangerously seductive philosophy:It (the Gnostic philosophy) was deceptive. It sounded great but was “empty deceit.” (8)It was purported to come from ancient and primal “human tradition.” (8) ex. If someone jumps off a cliff will you jump too?It was demon controlled, depending on the “elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (8b)Human traditionsElemental — stars, planets i.e. astrology, horoscopes, ouiji boardsThis was happening then. This happens today.It is enslaving. “See to it that no one takes your captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.” (8) “Take you captive” means to carry off, as prisoners were led away by victorious armies. “Cultic teaching asserts a death-like group on its followers, and few come out of it. Paul is saying, stay away from false teaching if you value you life.” (Refer back to v. 4 and last week) -Hughes “How is it possible for one not to be sucked in by a philosophy that is subtly deceitful in its language, logically compelling within its system of reason, and enticingly moral? The only answer is the fullness of Christ.” -HughesII. Reasons to Resist. (2:9-10)Because Christ is full of deity.“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” (9)Re-read Colossians 1:15-20Umbrella = Covering that comes when I stay under his authority analogyWould you rather be full of Christ or full of yourself?Because we are full of Christ who is full of deity himself.Christ is more than merely Godlike. More than simply overflowing with the character of God.“This statement that ‘in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily' (9) forever blasts the Gnostics' idea that the fullness came through the emanations and angelic mediators. We can see the fullness of God in his work in the heavens and creation around us. But in Christ we see the face of God.” -Hughes“This out to steel us against being taken captive by deceitful, empty philosophies.” -HughesEven more breath-taking: “Christ, full of Deity, fills us.” (10)Illustration: “My wife and I once stood on the shore of the vast Pacific Ocean—two finite dots alongside a seemingly infinite expanse. As we stood there, we reflected that if I were to take a pint jar and allow the ocean to rush into it, in an instant my jar would be filled with the fullness of the Pacific (which is huge but finite). But I could never put the fullness of the Pacific Ocean into my jar! Thinking of Christ, we realize that because he is infinite, he can hold all the fullness of Deity. And whenever one of us finite creatures, dips the tiny vessel of our life into him, we instantly become full of his (infinite) fullness.”Our souls are elastic in this sense. Our capacity is infinite because he made us to be able to contain the infinite fullness of Christ. Wow!His fullness meets our individual needs. “He gives us what the moment requires: wisdom, strength, courage. We must remember too that as we experience the satisfaction of his fullness, a continual stream filling and overflowing our lives.”He is a path, if any be misled;He is a robe, if any naked be;If any chance to hunger, he is bread;If any be a bondsman, he is free;If any be but weak, how strong is he!To dead men, life he is, to sick men health,To blind men sight, and to the needy, wealth.-R.E.O. White“If you are full of Christ, and growing in that fullness, if you are overflowing with Christ, the Gnostic appeals of the empty philosophies of our age will bear little appeal to you. If you are full of him, how can you want anything else?” -HughesHow do we resist? See 2:6-7 againAnd embracing the fullness of Christ that is already in us.Alexander Maclauren put it this way:“Though all the earth were covered with helpers and lovers of my soul, ‘as the sand by the sea short unnumerable,' and all the heavens were sown with faces of angels who cared for me and succoured me, thick as the stars in the Milky Way—all could not do for me what I need. Yea, though all these were gathered into one mighty and loving creature, even he were no sufficient stay for one soul of man. We want more than creature help. We need the whole fulness of the Godhead to draw from. It is all there in Christ, for each of us. Whosoever will, let him draw freely. Why should we leave the fountain of living waters to hew out for ourselves, with infinite pains, broken cisterns that can hold no water? All we need is in Christ. Let us life our eyes from the low earth and all creatures, and behold ‘no man any more,' as Lord and Helper, ‘save Jesus only,' ‘that we may be filled with all the fullness of God.”“Let us covenant with God to invite more of his fulness.” -HughesBottom line this week: Resist instead of settling for the deceptive philosophies of this world by embracing the fullness of Christ Jesus himself in you.ConclusionWe need to learn to treat our Bibles like love letters from God. How did you treat your love letters?Why did I hold it, read it, re-read it, smell it? Because of what it said. Yes, in part. But mainly because of who sent it.PrayLord's Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:17-32OtherPace notesMain idea: “God calls us to grow in our walks with Christ in order to strengthen our faith and find our fulfillment in him.”I. We must deepen our intimacy with Christ. (2:6-7)II. We must denounce the insufficiency of Christ. (2:8-10A. False teaching 1) deceives us and 2) denies Christ. (8) (This is the fundamental flaw) “depends on” vs. “rooted and built up”False teachings about person of Jesus Christ. (Who he is)False teachings about works of Jesus Christ. (What he's done/doing)Our culture does this throughPersuasive philosophiesWorldly valuesTo combat, we must“Recognize the infinite worth of Christ” (person and work) “as the only source of truly fulfillment (being in the word) and “Denounce any teaching to the contrary.” (Based on the word)B. Faithful teaching 1) edifies us and 2) exalts Christ. (9-10)Intimacy with Christ + Sufficiency of Christ + Defining our identity in Christ = Strengthening of our faith in ChristFaith in Christ must be exclusive and singular. There's no room for Christ + anyone/anything.Person and work of Jesus Christ is at stake!False teaching —> Deceives us + Denies ChristFaithful teaching —> Edifies us + Exalts ChristQuite the contrast!Another contrast is the barren emptiness of deceptive teaching vs. the divine fullness of Christ.Cf. “God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him” (1:19)W.W.I. Keep making spiritual progress. (2:4-7)Colossians 2:6 (BEC): Paul had already encouraged his readers to “walk worthy of the Lord” (Col. 1:10), and later he used this image again (Col. 3:7; 4:5Colossians 2:7a (BEC): The tree (v. 7a). Rooted is an agricultural word. The tense of the Greek word means “once and for all having been rooted.” Christians are not to be tumbleweeds that have no roots and are blown about by “every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14)By reviewing these pictures of spiritual progress, we see how the growing Christian can easily defeat the enemy and not be led astray. If his spiritual roots are deep in Christ, he will not want any other soil. If Christ is his sure foundation, he has no need to move. If he is studying and growing in the Word, he will not be easily enticed by false doctrine. And if his heart is overflowing with thanksgiving, he will not even consider turning from the fullness he has in Christ. A grounded, growing, grateful believer will not be led astray.II. Watch out for spiritual perils. (2:8-10)Colossians 2:8–10 (BEC): Paul continued the military image with this warning: “Beware lest any man carry you off as a captive” (literal translation). The false teachers did not go out and win the lost, no more than the cultists do today. They “kidnapped” converts from churches!Colossians 2:8–10 (BEC): How is it possible for false teachers to capture people? The answer is simple: These “captives” are ignorant of the truths of the Word of God. They become fascinated by the philosophy and empty delusion of the false teachers. (This is not to say that all philosophy is wrong, because there is a Christian philosophy of life. The word simply means “to love wisdom.”) When a person does not know the doctrines of the Christian faith, he can easily be captured by false religionsColossians 2:8–10 (BEC): is a true Christian tradition (1 Cor. 15:3ff; 2 Thes. 2:15; 3:6; 2 Tim. 2:2). The important thing about any teaching is its origin: Did it come from God or from man? The religious leaders in our Lord's day had their traditions and were very zealous to obey them and protect them (Matt. 15:1–20). Even the Apostle Paul, before he met the Lord, was “exceedingly zealous of the traditions” (Gal. 1:14).Colossians 2:8–10 (BEC): But in ancient Greece, this word also meant “the elemental spirits of the universe, the angels that influenced the heavenly bodies.” It was one of the words in the vocabulary of the religious astrology of that day. PColossians 2:8–10 (BEC): The gnostics believed that the angels and the heavenly bodies influenced people's lives…The fact that this teaching is not after Christ is sufficient to warn us against horoscopes, astral charts, Ouija boards, and other spiritist practicesWhy follow empty philosophy when we have all fullness in Christ? This is like turning away from the satisfying river to drink at the dirty cisterns of the world (Jer. 2:13). Of course, the false teachers in Colossae did not ask the believers to forsake Christ. They asked them to make Christ a part of the new system. But this would only remove Him from His rightful place of preeminence.My thought:We all do this. We add idols to our worship of God making us double-minded in all that we do.Back to WW:So Paul gave the true and lasting antidote to all false teaching: “All fullness is in Christ, and you have been made full in Him. Why, then, would you need anything else?” (see Col. 2:9–10)We have seen the word “fullness” (pleroma) before (Col. 1:19). It means “the sum total of all that God is, all of His being and attributes.” This word was used by the gnostics, but they did not give it the same meaning as did Paul. To them, the pleroma was the source of all the “emanations” through which men could come to God. The highest point in gnostic religious experience was to share in the pleroma.Of course, there are no emanations from God. The gulf between heaven and earth was bridged in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. He is declared to be “Emmanuel, God with us” (Matt. 1:23). Jesus Christ is the fullness of God, and that fullness dwells continually and permanently in Him bodily. Once again, Paul refuted the gnostic doctrine that matter was evil and that Jesus did not have a human body.When Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He went in a human body. It was a glorified body, to be sure, but it was real. After His resurrection, our Lord was careful to assure His disciples that He was the same Person in the same body; He was not a ghost or a spirit (see John 20:19–29). There is a glorified Man in heaven! The God-Man, Jesus Christ, embodies the fullness of God!Now, the remarkable thing is this: every believer shares that fullness! “And you are complete in Him” (Col. 2:10). The tense of the Greek verb indicates that this fullness is a permanent experience.When a person is born again into the family of God, he is born complete in Christ. His spiritual growth is not by addition, but by nutrition. He grows from the inside out. Nothing needs to be added to Christ because He already is the very fullness of God. As the believer draws on Christ's fullness, he is “filled unto all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:19). What more does he need?Indeed, there are spiritual perils that the Christian faces. The fundamental test of any religious teaching is, “Where does it put Jesus Christ—His person and His work?” Does it rob Him of His fullness? Does it deny either His deity or His humanity? Does it affirm that the believer must have some “new experience” to supplement his experience with Christ? If so, that teaching is wrong and dangerous.III. Draw on your own spiritual provisions. (2:11-15)WW outline for a message:In this chapter, Paul gets to the heart of the problem and denounces the false teachers. He asserts clearly the sufficiency of Christ for every need. He sounds three warnings, and these warnings are needed just as much today as in his dayColossians 2:1–10 (WEONT):I. Beware of Empty Philosophies (2:1–10)A. Walk in Christ (v. 6).As you were saved by faith, so walk by faith. As you were saved by the Word, so walk according to the Word. As you were saved through the work of the Spirit, so walk in the Spirit. The Christian life continues as it began, by faith in God.B. Grow up in Christ (v. 7).Have roots that dig down into the richness of the Word. Have foundations that are strong, laid upon Jesus Christ. How important it is to be taught the Word of God! Believers fall prey to religious philosophies unless they are rooted in Christ, grounded in the Word, and built up in Bible truth.C. Make Christ the test (v. 8).Test every high-sounding religious system by asking, “Does it give Christ the place of preeminence?” Almost every religious system today gives Christ an eminent place, but only true Bible Christianity gives Him the preeminent place.D. Draw on His fullness (vv. 9–10).Realize that there is no substitute for Christ and that in Him we have all that we need. When believers drift into worldly living, or are taken prey by man-made systems, it is usually because they feel they lack something that Jesus Christ cannot supply. “You are made full in Him!” What a wonderful position we have in Christ!OTHER ILLUSTRATIONS:Sacrifice happens inside the Temple“Sacrifice happens inside the temple.” -Chris KarpusIn the OT, sacrifice happened first inside the Tabernacle and later the Temple.In the NT, we Christ-followers—individually and collectively—are the temple in which the Spirit of Christ resides. Therefore, sacrifice happens inside of us as we gladly submit and surrender all to him.Fighting WolvesI recall a story about a pastor who was concerned about some unsavory businesses that had opened near a school. His protests finally led to a court case, and the defense attorney did all he could to embarrass the Gospel minister.“Are you not a pastor?” the lawyer asked. “And doesn't the word pastor mean ‘shepherd'?”To this definition the minister agreed.“Well, if you are a shepherd, why aren't you out taking care of the sheep?”“Because today I'm fighting the wolves!” was the pastor's quick reply, and a good answer it was.Knowing that there were enemies already attacking the church in Colossae, Paul offered encouragement. By heeding his admonitions, the Colossians would overcome their enemiesYou made converts, not disciplesThen there's the MS story. This middle eastern woman comes to Christ and immediately starts making disciples who make disciples. When her future husband meets her she's already started 25 house churches of about 250 people in 5 cities.When she moves to America with her new husband (Pastor X) she eventually finds herself depressed saying,“The western Church is under a satanic lullaby and I'm going to sleep. And every time I want to wake up the lullaby goes faster.”When they returned to this middle eastern country she was from, the movement then grew to 5,000.Leaders are “making a mess of the country and Jesus is just the cleanup crew.” -Pastor X1,300 leaders arrested that year—enemy #1 was the house church movement.Q. Why is persecution not growing the church? pastor x asked God.God answered, “You made converts, not disciples. Converts run away from persecution. Disciples will die for me.”“Because she encountered me she will die for me. You must give the word of God but it must be sealed by the power of God.”Now doing a disciple making movement (DMM).As some are running to the mountains for their lives and staying in caves, they are also starting up their zoom meetings so they can reach more people for Jesus. Wow.20:21 mark: “The only way to change a nation is through discipleship.” -Steve T. “…Through love.”As I reflect on Tim Keller's summary of Larry Hurtado's main points in his book, I see a lot of wisdom to help me lead our church going forward.I learned about this article while having lunch with Neal McGlohon. He summarized the o5 points in a slightly different order . Neal shared it this way:1. The early church was multi-racial and experienced a unity across ethnic boundaries that was startling. (Democrat, Progressive concerns)3. The early church was famous for its hospitality to the poor and the suffering. (Democrat, Progressive concerns)2. The early church was a community of forgiveness and reconciliation. (What both sides thinks it's doing when in fact what we see is fighting for power)4. It was a community committed to the sanctity of life. (Republican; conservative concerns)5. It was a sexual counterculture. (Republican; conservative concerns)MAIN COMMENTARY HELP:Exalting Jesus in Colossians by Scott PacePreaching the Word: Philippians, Colossians and Philemon commentary by R. Kent HughesESV Global Study BibleBible in One Year by Nicky GumbelBible Knowledge CommentaryThe Outline Bible, WilmingtonPaul for Everyone, The Prison Letters, NT Wright's commentary on Philippians and ColossiansGospel Transformation BibleNIV Study BibleThe Bible Exposition Commentary, Warren WiersbeBQ = Better Questions
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
