Podcasts about in colossians

Welcome to In the Word with Malcolm Webber!In Colossians chapter 3, Paul moves into practical application of the extraordinary theological revelation of the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus is pre-eminent and all-sufficient theologically, so He is in our daily lives! Find out more in the second part of Malcolm's message, “Put Off the Old Man.”In the Word with Malcolm Webber is a weekly podcast featuring selected teachings from Dr. Webber's over 40 years of ministry. Find more teachings, along with books, courses, tools, and other resources from Dr. Webber at our website.Related Resources from LeaderSource* Book: The Preeminence and All-Sufficiency of Jesus Christ* Book: Transformational Teaching* Audio Teaching: Jesus' First Temptation* For More Teaching on Common Errors: Malcolm's Musings* Email Course: Who Jesus Christ IsNew to the series? Start here:More messages from Malcolm: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadersource.substack.com

In Colossians 3:1-4 we discover that those who are in Christ take advantage of the resources found in Him by looking up with a heavenly perspective.

Welcome back to In the Word with Malcolm Webber!In Colossians chapter 3, Paul moves into practical application of the extraordinary theological revelation of the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus is pre-eminent and all-sufficient theologically, so He is in our daily lives! Find out more in the first part of Malcolm's message on Colossians 3:5-11, “Put Off the Old Man.”In the Word with Malcolm Webber is a weekly podcast featuring selected teachings from Dr. Webber's over 40 years of ministry. Find more teachings, along with books, courses, tools, and other resources from Dr. Webber at our website.Related Resources from LeaderSource* Book: The Preeminence and All-Sufficiency of Jesus Christ* Book: Transformational Teaching* Audio Teaching: Jesus' First Temptation* For More Teaching on Common Errors: Malcolm's Musings* Email Course: Who Jesus Christ IsNew to the series? Start here:More messages from Malcolm: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadersource.substack.com

Prayer isn't always gentle—it's a battle. In Colossians 4:11, we see a picture of believers laboring and striving in prayer, fighting for the will of God to be accomplished in the lives of others. This isn't casual conversation—it's spiritual wrestling.In this powerful and practical message, we explore what it means to wrestle in prayer—to persist, push, and contend until breakthrough comes. You'll learn how to pray with spiritual authority, stand your ground against opposition, and partner with God's heart until His promises are fulfilled.

Some of us spend our days trying to be “good enough.”We swap bad habits for better ones. We adjust our image, polish our reputation.But what if the change God wants for you doesn't start with effort—it starts with identity?In Colossians 3, we see that life with Jesus isn't about self-improvement.It's about living from who you already are: chosen, loved, and free.Stop trying. Start living.And discover the freedom that lasts.

In Colossians 2:16-23 we discover Christians should ignore the judgment of a world that says we need more than Jesus to be saved and fulfilled. Instead we won't settle for anything less than the fullness that comes from trusting in Jesus!

Though the church at Colossae was perhaps the most insignificant church that Paul ever wrote to, they had a significant mission: to declare the mystery of Christ. In Colossians 4:2–6 we see the apostle Paul calling the Colossians to live gospel-centered lives and to proclaim by their lives and by their words the mystery of Christ. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on this passage, showing us that because of the grace of God we can declare the mystery of Christ by being watchful in steadfast prayer, by effectively walking in wisdom, and by responding with gracious speech. Sunday Morning Worship // August 3, 2025 ------------------------------- allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.

In Colossians 2:9-15 Paul boldly declares that Jesus is all we need, for it is He who gives us the fullness of life in a new nature by forgiving us of all our sins. 

Over the last few weeks on the program, we've been discovering how it is that God speaks to us today and how we can get about hearing Him when He does speak. The question is – when it's something big or important – how can we make sure that we've heard Him right? Because the last thing we want to do, is to get it wrong, right?   The Counsel of Others It's great to be with you again today in this last message in the four part series that I have called, “How Can I Hear God Speak to Me?" And today we are going to take a look at how God sometimes speaks to us through the people around us. Just the other night I was asked to spend some time facilitating a discussion amongst the elders, the church council, of a particular church, not far from where I live. It seems that what had been going on was that there was conflict amongst some of the leaders and that's not good. Leaders of God's people shouldn't be in conflict – they should act in unity. The Apostle Paul, writing to his friends at the church in Philippi said this – Philippians chapter 2, verse 2: Make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love and being in full accord and of one mind. We were chatting about the fact that God has made each one of us differently – Romans chapter 12 – some of us are prophets, others servers, others teachers, encouragers, givers, leaders, carers. And I can tell you, a leader is going to have a totally different view of the world compared to say, an encourager or a carer – that's because leaders are wired one way, the encourager is wired another way and the carer is wired yet another way, on the inside. That's the way it is, because we are different. We see things differently and often, that's the source of conflict. Now, in this meeting, one of the elders of the church; an older man with a great deal of wisdom asked the sixty four million dollar question. He said, "Okay, so we are all different, with different points of view – then how are we meant to discern the will of God, out of all those different views?" And that my friend, is a very, very good question. One of the things I'm prone to do is to race out and just do things – without listening to the advice of other people. It's because my personality type is the "leader". I'm an action person. I work on the theory that if I make ten decisions today and get just seven of them right, I'm way ahead than if I only made three decisions but got them all right. And my good friend Keith Henry, with whom I co-authored the book, “My Personality GPS”, he makes this point about leaders – he says that one of their natural weaknesses is they often fail because they don't listen to advice. Those detail people – you know the sort – they analyse everything to the "enth" degree – those detail people naturally drive me nuts because they slow me down. I want to get on with things and they want to analyse things first. But you know what I have learned? I have learned that without those detail people, I am going to fail at things because God is in the detail. The detail matters! And part of my growing up; my process of maturing is to value and to listen to the detail people because they are really, really, really important to me. And I have come to realise that often God will speak to me through the gifts and the abilities of other people, even – let me say – people who in the natural have a tendency to drive me nuts. I love that – God has such a great sense of humour in dealing with our own immaturity. Okay, what does God's Word have to say on this issue – this answer to the sixty four million dollar question? When there are all these different perspectives, how are we supposed to discern God's will? Well, there are a few fantastic bits of wisdom on this very thing in the Book of Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 15, verse 22, says: Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs chapter 18, verse 2: A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinions. Proverbs chapter 20, verse 18: Plans are established by taking advice; wage war by following wise guidance. Isn't that great stuff? What God is saying to us here is that, if we rush off in a fit of pride because we think we know best, well, there's every chance that our plans will go off the rails. But if we humble ourselves, instead of being more interested in our own opinions and listen to the advice of others, that's how our plans are going succeed. I have to tell you this is something I have had to learn and I have learned it the hard way and the more I have learned it, the more I have succeeded. We were recently planning something really new in the ministry of Christianityworks – quite different and quite new. And so we pulled together a group of very different people to plan and implement the project. Very different people, I have to say and with all that I am, I believe we heard God speak through this process. And with all that I am, that's exactly what I think God meant for us to do. “Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed.” It's awesome stuff! It is so easy to fall into conflict when teams of people are working together or at least trying to and yet, everyone sees things from a different perspective. And the key to discerning God's will is mutual submission - that requires wisdom. Have a listen to what God has to say about His wisdom; the wisdom that comes from above. James chapter 3, verse 17: The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. The bit I really like in there, that strikes a chord with me, is the bit that says "willing to yield" – willing to get off its high horse, listen to the skills and views and gifts and abilities of other people as godly men and women that God has put around us. It's when we yield that we hear the voice of God. Let me say it again: it is when we yield that we hear the voice of God. And there is a reason for that: James chapter 4, verse 6: Because God opposes the proud but he gives grace to the humble. So often we want to hear God speak; we want to discern the will of God: "God, what are You doing? God, what's next? God, this is a tight spot, how do I deal with this?" And yet we ignore the good advice of the godly men and women that God has put around us. Hello!! Why? Because we are proud! Let me say this loving but directly – immature and foolish and proud, because as it says in Proverbs chapter 18, verse 2: Like a fool, we take no pleasure in understanding but only in expressing our own personal opinions. We all know people like that – we have all done that. We get on our high horse; we think we are right and we are not interested in listening to anyone else. And to stop doing that we need to humble ourselves. Sometimes, as we saw last week on the programme, God speaks to us supernaturally, other times He speaks to us through the ordinary and the every day. Both are equally valid! And one of the great delights of my heart, something that I have grown to truly love is to hear God speak through the lives and the mouths and the skills and the abilities and the gifting and the experience of other people because by His grace He has taught me to get off my high horse, to shut up and to listen.   Dreams and Visions Right now I want to go on and chat about dreams and visions, because that's something the Bible; the New Testament talks about. But are they real? Does God really still speak through dreams and visions today or is this a phoney notion? I think they're reasonable questions to ask when we are enquiring as to how God speaks with us. Now maybe you are thinking, "Dreams and visions – aw, for goodness sake! Where is this joker coming from? Is he for real?" Well, my response is simply this: my heart; my passion is to dive into God's Word, the Bible, to read it, to understand it as best I can and to live it. I'm a simple kind of guy and that's how I approach life. And one of the things that happen is that God often does things in ways that I, with my rational Western mind-set, perhaps wouldn't have chosen had I been in His big shoes. Well, fortunately for you, I'm not – that's the up side. But perhaps the downside is that if we accept God at His Word, then we have to accept that He is going to do things His way, even if they don't always quite make sense to us. So, what does God's Word say about dreams and visions? I am going to share with you a passage from chapter 2, from the Book of Acts. God's Spirit has just been poured out on these Christians and they are all talking in different languages – they are behaving as though they are drunk – literally. You can read it for yourself – the fifth book in the New Testament; the Book of Acts chapter 2. Not surprisingly, the other Jews in Jerusalem at the time were pretty critical of this sort of behaviour. They are accusing these Christians of being drunk, so Peter the Apostle, stands up to explain. Acts chapter 2, beginning at verse 12: All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' See, what's going on here is that the unexpected is happening. These Christians are falling over as though they're drunk; they are speaking in different tongues. And to silence the sceptics, Peter gets up and says, "You think this is amazing? This is nothing! Wait to see what else is going to happen." And then he goes on to quote the Old Testament prophet of Joel. Remember this is Jerusalem in the first century – everybody listening knows the Scripture that he is quoting. And he promises that the Holy Spirit will cause people to have dreams and visions and prophesies – all ways that God is going to speak with us. "It's in the Bible", Peter is saying, "so don't shoot me; the messenger." And if I could personally echo that same sentiment to you, here and now – if you somehow feel uncomfortable with the notion of dreams and visions and prophesies and me talking about it – friend, it's in the Bible, so please, don't shoot the messenger. Do you know that many, many Muslims who come to put their faith in Jesus Christ, report that they saw Jesus coming towards them in a dream. In fact, this is a really, really common occurrence. Has God ever spoken to me in that way? No, He hasn't. I hear God in different ways and that's fine. We are all different and God knows that and He speaks to us in different ways. But I have been impacted by this – absolutely. When my wife, Jacqui, first visited our church – this was before she was my wife, in fact, none of knew who she was – she came on a Sunday morning; a service when I was preaching. And she came back again on the Sunday evening. Now, in the evening, our pastor Phil was scheduled to preach that night. You may have heard me speak about Phil before – he is a practical, very down to earth kind of guy. He gets up; he is about to preach and he looked towards Jacqui – he didn't know her name; none of us knew her and he said to her, "Look, God's given me a vision for your life." And he went ahead and he described this picture; this vision he had had in a huge amount of detail. That was a pretty gutsy thing to do, I thought. Well, Jacqui is pretty quiet and shy so she didn't react. Months later though, we discovered that this was an incredibly difficult time in her life and that she had been wanting God to speak to her and that vision that Phil described to her that night, was a huge turning point in her life's journey. In fact, if Phil hadn't communicated that to her that night, she probably wouldn't be my life today. In many parts of the world, people have no problems at all with the idea that God speaks through dreams and visions and prophesies, but somehow, we Westerners, with our rational, materialistic mindsets, struggle with the idea. Let me come back to where I started. We should test everything like this against God's Word. Sometimes, people will come to us with stuff that isn't from God but sometimes it is from God and if God tells us in His Word the Bible, that all along it's been His plan to speak to us through dreams and visions and prophesies, well, I don't know about you, but I think we should be listening. Yes, it's open to abuse! In Colossians chapter 2, verse 18, Paul talks about this – about people who: ... dwell on visions, being puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking. That's why we test everything against God's Word. But friend, God does things in ways that perhaps, you or I wouldn't have done and I hunger to hear Him speak and I delight in hearing Him speak. When, how, that's His choice. Our job is to listen.   Ducks in a Row Well, here we are almost at the end of this series that I have called, “How Can I hear God Speak to Me?” And over the course of these four messages, we have looked at eight different ways that God speaks to us today. (1) The Bible, firstly, God's Word, (2) secondly, God speaks to us in times of prayer; when we get still before Him. (3) Thirdly, God speaks to us through preaching and teaching – God anointed, Spirit-filled, faithful, Christ-centred preaching. (4) He speaks to us through signs and wonders, (5) through prophets. (6) Sometimes He speaks right out of the blue – (7) other times, through the counsel and the gifts and abilities of others and sometimes (8) He speaks through dreams and through visions. And you know, you add that up and what you discover is that God is speaking rather a lot – principally, primarily through the authority of His Word, the Bible; the living Word of God. That's why we put it right up there at number one. If numbers two through eight purport to be God speaking, then they had better be consistent with number one, the Word of God. If they aren't, then they are not from God – it's as simple as that. Let's make no mistake – God is not in the business of contradicting Himself. God is not in the business of changing His mind. But He is interested in our lives – in the nitty gritty of our lives and He knows that sometimes we need His guidance. And because He loves us, it stands to reason therefore, that He is going to speak specifically into our lives as any father would. I heard a pastor; a man whom I respect greatly, stand up and preach a sermon, not too long ago, in which he basically said that God, these days, only speaks through His Word, the Bible, and through no other means – not through prophets, not through signs and wonders, not through anything except the Bible. Uh!! Well, the first thing is ... the first thing is that it's not what the Bible says. Each of the other ways that God speaks with us that we have looked at over these last few weeks – numbers two through eight, that I just listed previously – in that list we just went through, each of those is straight out of God's Word, the Bible. But afterwards, when I went and asked this pastor a couple of questions, it was interesting. The first one I asked was: "Well, how did you come to be an ordained minister in this church; in this denomination?" And his answer was: "Well, because I felt called!" And friend, that's exactly the right answer – in fact, it's God's calling that's the only answer. So my next question was: "Well, how did you discern that calling; how did you come to the conclusion that God was calling you into His ministry?" And he then proceeded to tell me about this and that, all the things we have been talking about in two through eight – through other people, through preaching, through voices out of the blue. Yet, he didn't want to acknowledge that God speaks that way, even though this man had discerned his calling into ministry that way. It stands to reason that if we feel led by God to do this or to do that, we somehow must have heard Him speak that into our lives. That's what this series of messages has been all about. We are going into God's Word and learning from Him how it is that He chooses to communicate with us. But learning to discern His calling; learning to put the pieces together sometimes isn't easy. Along the way I have made mistakes and I'm sure you have too and when it comes to the big decisions in life, that's a bit of a scary prospect. What if we think we are hearing from God but we're not, in choosing a wife or a husband or in choosing a particular career or ministry or in maybe, heading off to so some distant foreign land to become a missionary? You get the point! I mean, I do believe that sometimes – often times – God's leading leads us right into the wilderness for an experience of the wilderness, when we are expecting instant success. That's okay; I'm not bothered by that. The issue, simply uppermost for me, is if I am going to head off in this direction or in that, then I want it to be the direction that God has chosen and ordained and prepared for me. That's all! Whatever way it is, I want it to be God's way. How do you discern God's will amongst the noise and the distractions of life? A prophesy, a dream, a passage from the Bible leaps out at you, "Man, were they from God or am I just imagining this?" Before the days of global terrorism, as a frequent flyer, I was often invited up into the cockpit of a plane, to sit in the jump seat and watch take-offs and landings. They were the good old days. One time I was returning during the night to Sydney, on a flight from New Zealand and I was in the cockpit of a Boeing 767 which gives you a great view out of the front windscreen – better than most other commercial planes of the time. And flying into Sydney, well, it's a pretty big city – there were so many lights. I thought, ‘How are the pilots going to pick the runway out amidst all these lights?' I mean, I know they were flying by instruments but eventually, they had to see the runway. And then all of a sudden, we turned and the plane levelled off and the runway came into view. This bright, straight row of lights – I mean, you just couldn't miss it. All those lights in a row, clearly, unmistakably showed the pilots which direction to fly in and how to land once they were off their instruments into visual mode. And for me, it's the same thing with discerning God's will. He speaks to us in different ways at different times and learning to understand Him is a process, as it is in any relationship. But when I feel Him leading me down a particular path, inevitably what happens is, two or three or four things kind of line up in a straight line – a Scripture verse that sets my heart on fire and just won't go away and then someone else comes along with a word; a prophesy and they don't know what is going on; they don't know what I'm thinking and dreaming. And then some event – that door over there that I thought was open, slams shut in my face and this one over here, to my surprise, opens up. And all of a sudden it's like those lights on the runway – they end up in a bit of straight line, like little ducks in a row that point you in a certain direction. And sometimes, oftentimes, you can't actually see them until you start heading down the path. In fact, that's mostly the case – we have to step out first in faith, often letting go of the past, before God reveals what is coming next. That's why it's called ‘stepping out in faith'. But friend, time and time and time again, I have seen my God just line those little ducks up in a row and when I see that, I start to head down that path; prayerfully, eyes open, asking God to open doors if it is His will and to slam them shut, if it's not. Sometimes there is opposition and that's where faith comes in. But above all, I always remember this: God is a faithful God, He knows my heart; He will not lead me down a path that He doesn't want me to follow. Yes, sometimes He will take me to the wilderness; yes, sometimes He needs to prune me and cleanse me so that I can bring Him more glory. That's fine and that's His choice. I just want to make sure I'm following in His direction. And whilst I have run into the occasional dead end along the way, you know, as I look back ... look back over the last decade and a half of walking with Jesus, I can see how He has guided me to where He wants me to be. Friend, God is a faithful God. God is still speaking to us today, through His Bible, through prophesies and dreams and visions and other people and He's speaking to us in so many different ways. Can I encourage you to stop, to spend time with Him, to listen to Him, to learn to discern His voice? Jesus said we would hear His voice and we would know that it's Him. And as we grow in that and we discover how we can hear God's voice, friend, that is such a wondrous thing. God is still speaking to His people today!

[Original airdate: 7/12/24] Mary Danielsen chats with Creation instructor Brian Young about the genetic code of life and how God designed it to adapt to life in a fallen world. In Colossians we learn that God holds all things together until the day He dissolves it all in favor of a new heavens and a new earth. Until then, all of creation is groaning and travailing. How was the curse manifested in all we see and perceive?  Epigenetics is the latest subject in the area of DNA and genetics and further combats evolution. Brian is an internationally known speaker and author, was a teacher and principal for ten years before becoming director of Creation Instruction Association and has a creation museum in Broken Bow, Nebraska. He has been doing high energy talks on the topic of creation and Biblical authority for over 25 years, doing debates at Universities, going into prisons, and sharing at churches, schools and camps around the world to kids and adults alike. He uses scientific demonstrations and high-energy talks filled with Scripture and science, all to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to lift up Biblical authority in every aspect of life. A fascinating hour.

It is humbling to watch what God is doing, but even more humbling to know that He invites us to be a part of it. God did not send you here to sit. He did not save you to sit. He wants to use you to build His Kingdom. In Colossians 4, we are reminded that God uses all kinds of people for His purposes. Some are steady and faithful, while others come from a painful past, some have experienced failure, and others are recognized for their prayer, generosity, or unique gifts. No matter who you are or what your story looks like, God has a plan for you. Your past does not disqualify you. It may be the very thing God wants to use for His glory. He wants to save you, redeem you, and use you. If you will make yourself available, God will open the door. There is a seat at the table, and God wants to use you to build His Kingdom. Listen to the final sermon in our In The Word series, walking through the book of Colossians.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/EI_wGAnJRl4Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

In Colossians 2 we hear how Christ Alone is sufficient, but we are also called to ask the question: Do we believe that?

The Sermons on the Amount - Part 2  "Owner - A Question: Who is Lord Over All?" MESSAGE SUMMARY: This Sermon series assembles important Biblical references to all aspects of money and finances and their influence and impact on us; therefore,  helping us to apply these Scriptures to our lives today. The reason for this series is because money and possessions have captivated our culture. In Colossians 1:16, Paul establishes Jesus' Divinity and primacy: “For him {Jesus} all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.". Jesus is the Creator and owner of all things both Earthly and Universally. Also, the Psalmist, in Psalms 24:1-2, establishes the supremacy of God's “ownership” of all things: “The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.". God's aspects of “ownership” include our: 1) time – we can't change time or add time to a twenty-four-hour day or our earthly lives; 2) land – we are but passing through with only temporary stewardship for the land we occupy before our death; 3) animals – God created and owns all animal life; 4) gold, money and finances – as God tells us in Haggai 2:8: “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts.”; and 5) all that we possess (tangible and intangible) – health, mind, family heritage, creativity, bodies.   When we realize that Jesus owns everything, even though we have worked hard to obtain and enjoy the benefits of land, money, time and the other tangible and intangible components of our lives then and only then do we obtain a freedom to truly live our lives to the fullest. Everything that we “have” and “enjoy” is because of and from the ownership of God, as we are told in 1 Chronicles 29:14-15: “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.”. Jesus is either the Lord over all, or He is not the Lord at all! In the New Testament, the word “Lord” means the one that rules over us for our own good. In these times today, we must be intentional to have Jesus as the “Lord” over our lives, money and possessions. Intellectually, we must come to a place where we recognize and accept that Jesus is the owner. Most people in Western Christianity never come to this realization and acceptance of Jesus' ownership and “Lord” over all. The Lord wants to bless us and reward us while we recognize His ownership and use, to His name, of all that He has permitted us to use and possess in our lifetime. It helps to openly acknowledge God's ownership of all that we possess – acknowledge to God that we are in partnership with Him for all that He has permitted us to possess while we are on this earth. In his writings, Andrew Murray recommends guidelines that we: 1) receive all our money with thanksgiving and as coming from God; 2) lay everything down before God as belonging to Him; 3) let our dealings with money be a part of our spiritual life; and 4) make the study of the Word of God, relating to finances and money, become a key part of our lives.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 6:19-24; Colossians 1:15-20; Psalms 24:1-2; 2 Peter 3:8; Matthew 6:27; Leviticus 25:23; Daniel 4:17-30; Deuteronomy 8:18: Psalms 50:10; Matthew 6:26; Haggai 2:8; Job 1:20-21;   1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Chronicles 29:14-15. (Click the Bible References, in blue, below to read the full Bible text for these Scripture References.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “God Sees Jesus Followers as “In Christ”: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

The Sermons on the Amount - Part 2  "Owner - A Question: Who is Lord Over All?" MESSAGE SUMMARY: This Sermon series assembles important Biblical references to all aspects of money and finances and their influence and impact on us; therefore,  helping us to apply these Scriptures to our lives today. The reason for this series is because money and possessions have captivated our culture. In Colossians 1:16, Paul establishes Jesus' Divinity and primacy: “For him {Jesus} all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.". Jesus is the Creator and owner of all things both Earthly and Universally. Also, the Psalmist, in Psalms 24:1-2, establishes the supremacy of God's “ownership” of all things: “The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.". God's aspects of “ownership” include our: 1) time – we can't change time or add time to a twenty-four-hour day or our earthly lives; 2) land – we are but passing through with only temporary stewardship for the land we occupy before our death; 3) animals – God created and owns all animal life; 4) gold, money and finances – as God tells us in Haggai 2:8: “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts.”; and 5) all that we possess (tangible and intangible) – health, mind, family heritage, creativity, bodies.   When we realize that Jesus owns everything, even though we have worked hard to obtain and enjoy the benefits of land, money, time and the other tangible and intangible components of our lives then and only then do we obtain a freedom to truly live our lives to the fullest. Everything that we “have” and “enjoy” is because of and from the ownership of God, as we are told in 1 Chronicles 29:14-15: “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.”. Jesus is either the Lord over all, or He is not the Lord at all! In the New Testament, the word “Lord” means the one that rules over us for our own good. In these times today, we must be intentional to have Jesus as the “Lord” over our lives, money and possessions. Intellectually, we must come to a place where we recognize and accept that Jesus is the owner. Most people in Western Christianity never come to this realization and acceptance of Jesus' ownership and “Lord” over all. The Lord wants to bless us and reward us while we recognize His ownership and use, to His name, of all that He has permitted us to use and possess in our lifetime. It helps to openly acknowledge God's ownership of all that we possess – acknowledge to God that we are in partnership with Him for all that He has permitted us to possess while we are on this earth. In his writings, Andrew Murray recommends guidelines that we: 1) receive all our money with thanksgiving and as coming from God; 2) lay everything down before God as belonging to Him; 3) let our dealings with money be a part of our spiritual life; and 4) make the study of the Word of God, relating to finances and money, become a key part of our lives.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 6:19-24; Colossians 1:15-20; Psalms 24:1-2; 2 Peter 3:8; Matthew 6:27; Leviticus 25:23; Daniel 4:17-30; Deuteronomy 8:18: Psalms 50:10; Matthew 6:26; Haggai 2:8; Job 1:20-21;   1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Chronicles 29:14-15. (Click the Bible References, in blue, below to read the full Bible text for these Scripture References.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “God Sees Jesus Followers as “In Christ”: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

As adults, we continue to change—our personalities, our characteristics—but the transformation Paul talks about in Colossians 4 is something much deeper. It's the transformation that happens when we've been raised with Christ. Salvation is in Christ alone, through Christ alone, and by Christ alone. Anything added to that is not the gospel at all. False teachers were trying to add to the gospel, saying you had to do more to get more of God. If you've been saved by grace, you already have all of Jesus. This transformation isn't about getting more of Him; it's about Jesus getting more of us. He must increase, but we must decrease. In Colossians 4:2–6, Paul shifts the focus to how we live out this transformation in front of a watching world. When our lives are transformed, people notice. Every day is an open door for us to reflect His image. Every day is an open door for people to see the transformation that God has done in and through us. Do people see the transformation in you? Listen to this sermon about being transformed and putting it on display in the eighth part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of Colossians.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/gSMgSbGSlCgSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

How to study the Bible: Part VIV. Cutting off of sin: God covenant with Abraham; One part of the covenant was cutting off of the flesh of the foreskin; and for it to be a token of the covenant between the two of them. Today do we keep the same agreement, some say yes, some say no. Let's look into it more deeper. In Philippians 3:1-3: Paul says: in verse 3, "For we are the circumcision. which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." In Colossians 3:5: Paul says "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chatting-from-the-word-hosted-by-oscar--4081759/support.

Does faith ever feel fruitless? In Colossians 1, we are reminded that spiritual fruit comes from staying rooted in the Gospel. Join us as we consider what is growing in our lives and how we can cultivate a life of lasting fruit.Catch the sermon on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or bridge.tv/sermons.Support the show

In Colossians 2:6-7 Paul reveals to us that Just as we have trusted Christ to save us, we too must trust Him for each day's problems to grow in our faith and deepen our spiritual roots.

In Colossians 1 we hear how Jesus is Build Different and how this truth should push us to a place of Awe-some worship of Christ Jesus

Substance over ShadowsJuly 13, 2025 • RD McClenagan • Colossians 2:16-23This Sunday, RD continues our summer series on Colossians. In Colossians 2, Paul urges believers to grow into spiritual maturity by holding fast to Christ, who is the message and the means of transformation, not adding human traditions or self-made religion to the gospel. He reminds the Colossians that God made them alive in Christ by forgiving all their sins, canceling their debt, and triumphing over spiritual powers at the cross. True growth comes from clinging to Christ, the head of the body, through whom the church is nourished, held together, and grows with God-given strength. In contrast to the slavery of self-righteous effort, the gospel produces love, joy, freedom, and worship as we behold Christ and are made more like Him.WEBSITE: https://fellowshipknox.org/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fellowshipknox/

In Colossians 1:28-2:5 we see that those who cherish the Gospel the maturity and resilience needed to flourish in this broken world. 

All sin is bad and to be avoided. It will hurt you and left unchecked it will ultimately destroy you. So you don't want to make excuses for it. What's to done about sin? Today on a Daily Walk we're given practical counsel from God's Word. In Colossians chapter three we're told put off the old - and put on the new. And this is especially needed in light of the Lord's return. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29

What if you've forgotten who you really are?In The Lion King, Simba wanders through life, haunted by guilt and running from his true identity. But when he looks beyond himself, he hears a deeper voice: “Remember who you are.”In Colossians 3:1–10, Paul gives us that same call—to set our minds on things above and put to death the old self. You've been raised with Christ. You're not who you were. You're called to live like who you truly are in Him.This week, we unpack the truth that when we see Jesus clearly, we see ourselves rightly. Don't miss this powerful message in our Blockbusters series, where the Gospel meets the greatest classics of the 90s.From all of us at Eastern Hills Bible Church, we're delighted that you're here and we want you to know that you're among friends. Whether you're new to the area, looking for a church home, or just exploring your faith, we invite you to join us as we help people become fully engaged in Christ, at church, and on mission. Come as you are and discover the warmth of our community.

As a Jesus Follower, the Greatest Witness for the Gospel that You Can Give Is for Others to See Jesus IN You MESSAGE SUMMARY: We live in a hurting world, but God wants more for you. You need to live as a Jesus Follower in whatever you do – at home; in your job; in the way that you drive; and in the way that you treat your friends. To achieve God's desire for your life, you must stay in fellowship and communion with God; and you must let God work in your life. In Colossians 3:17, Paul challenges us: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”. If you live your life, in all places and situations, in the name of Jesus, you will live a better life in our hurting world. As Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.". Remember, the greatest witness for the Gospel, as a follower of Jesus, that you can give is for others to see Jesus in you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Colossians 3:16-17; Matthew 21:21-22; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalms 43:1-5. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Prayer for America” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Nailed to the CrossJuly 6, 2025 • Greg Pinkner • Colossians 2:8–15This Sunday, Greg continues our summer series on Colossians. In Colossians 2, Paul warns the Colossians against false teachings that diminish Christ, distort grace, and pull believers back into legalism and human traditions. These teachings made Christ out to be just another created being, not the sovereign Lord, and suggested that salvation still required human effort. However, Christ is fully God, the head over all rule and authority, and believers are made alive in Him. True transformation comes from a spiritual change of heart, not outward religious performance. It is through Christ's death and resurrection that God has forgiven sin, defeated the powers of darkness, and brought believers into His victory, not as captives, but as beloved family.WEBSITE: https://fellowshipknox.org/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fellowshipknox/

In Colossians 1:24-27 Paul reminds us that the Gospel we've received is No Cheap Gospel because it has come to us through suffering endured by its messengers, and the mystery revealed to the Saints.

Welcome back to In the Word with Malcolm Webber!In Colossians 2:16-23, Paul is reminding the Colossians that Jesus has abolished the law through His death. And because the law with all its ceremonies and rituals has been abolished, therefore, they should not follow teachings that bring them back into bondage to it. This is true for you today: you are complete in Christ and you have new life in Him. Don't allow anyone to turn you to anything else! Find out more in the second part of Malcolm's message, “The Reality Is Found in Christ.”In the Word with Malcolm Webber is a weekly podcast featuring selected teachings from Dr. Webber's over 40 years of ministry. Find more teachings, along with books, courses, tools, and other resources from Dr. Webber at our website.Related Resources from LeaderSource* Book: The Preeminence and All-Sufficiency of Jesus Christ* Book: The Christian and the Law* Audio Teaching: The Law of Moses, Pt. 1* For More Teaching on Common Errors: Malcolm's Musings* Email Course: Who Jesus Christ IsNew to the series? Start here:More messages from Malcolm: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadersource.substack.com

We all have a king that rules our life. And no, I don't mean Charles!  We all surrender our lives to something or someone that ultimately rules us. The question is not whether we have a king but rather what king do we serve. And the king we choose to serve will ultimately enslave us. The list is endless - relationships, family, money, career, beauty, fitness, technology. And the consequences of this slavery are a whole range of behaviours that are unhealthy, undisciplined and ultimately ungodly. In Colossians 3, Paul makes a list of such behaviours that ultimately lead to death.Take your next step Receive prayer - https://gatewaybaptist.com.au/prayer Learn more about Jesus - https://gatewaybaptist.com.au/alpha Get Baptised - https://gatewaybaptist.com.au/next-st... _______ Gateway Baptist Church meets across five locations in South-East Queensland and also online. For more than 90 years we've been a community dedicated to leading people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. To learn more about us, visit https://gatewaybaptist.com.au or join us on Sundays at https://gatewaybaptist.online.church

Welcome back to In the Word with Malcolm Webber!In Colossians 2:16-23, Paul is reminding the Colossians that Jesus has abolished the law through His death. And because the law with all its ceremonies and rituals has been abolished, therefore, they should not follow teachings that bring them back into bondage to it. This is true for you today: you are complete in Christ and you have new life in Him. Don't allow anyone to turn you to anything else! Find out more in the first part of Malcolm's message on this passage, “The Reality Is Found in Christ.”In the Word with Malcolm Webber is a weekly podcast featuring selected teachings from Dr. Webber's over 40 years of ministry. Find more teachings, along with books, courses, tools, and other resources from Dr. Webber at our website.Related Resources from LeaderSource* Book: The Preeminence and All-Sufficiency of Jesus Christ* Book: The Christian and the Law* Audio Teaching: The Law of Moses, Pt. 1* For More Teaching on Common Errors: Malcolm's Musings* Email Course: Who Jesus Christ IsNew to the series? Start here:More messages from Malcolm: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadersource.substack.com

Jesus – He's our subject today on a Daily Walk! In Colossians chapter one the apostle Paul presents Christ for who He really is. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29

In Colossians 1:19-23 we discover that Christ's death made a way for all to come to God by removing the sin barrier that blocked our relationship with the Creator.

In Colossians 1:9-14, we learn that when a church puts Jesus at it's center, they are able to know and do God's will and find the means to have genuine gratitude for his finished work in the Gospel.

BOUND TOGETHER IN UNITY!In Colossians 3, we are instructed on the qualities that believers should embody as members of the body of Christ. We are called to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, treating one another with love and grace. Through forgiveness and understanding, we can foster unity among fellow believers and reflect the character of Christ in our relationships.

Does anyone like to suffer?The apostle Paul knew a lot about suffering. He suffered beatings, imprisonments, and shipwrecks. In Colossians 1:24, Paul said he “rejoiced” in his sufferings. What? How could he rejoice in suffering? Because God used it to advance the gospel.Paul also pointed out that suffering strengthens our perseverance, character, and hope.Most of us have little experience with real suffering. We don't even like minor inconveniences like waiting in a long line.No matter your circumstances, God has a purpose and plan for your life.Let's ask God to help us see and teach our boys the value of suffering for His kingdom's sake.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

In Colossians 1:15-17 we discover that Jesus Christ is worthy of our Worship because He is the pre-eminent Christ, the Lord of Creation and its Sustainer.

In Colossians 1:1-8, Paul's gratitude for the Colossian church reveals three essential marks of a healthy Christ-centered church, Gospel hope, Gospel fruit, and Gospel messengers. 

He has the Whole World in His HandsJune 8, 2025 • RD McClenagan • Colossians 1:15–17This Sunday, RD continues our summer series on Colossians. In Colossians 1:15–17, Paul emphasized Jesus as the visible image of the invisible God—fully divine and fully human, holding all things together. Jesus is not moderately important—He is central to everything, supreme over creation, and the one who restores the broken image of God in us through the gospel. Even in suffering, we can trust Jesus, who also bears wounds, not only reigns but also suffers with and for us.WEBSITE: https://fellowshipknox.org/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fellowshipknox/

Many people have a small view of Christ. Some are skeptical of his existence, while others believe he was merely a good person, a religious leader, or a prophet. Even some Christians who believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord, but go no deeper, have a conception of Jesus that is too small. In Colossians 1:15–20 the apostle Paul calls us to meditate on the deep things of God, on the deep structure of reality—to meditate on Christ. In a passage where every phrase is bursting with significance, Pastor Luke Herche summarizes what we see under three declarations about the glory of God: He is the image of God, over all creation. He is the fullness of God, the reconciler of all creation. He is the head of the church, the beginning of the new creation. Sunday Morning Worship // June 1, 2025 ------------------------------- Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions: What are various views of Jesus...that are too small? What are they missing? What is Jesus in relation to creation, redemption, and the church? Why do you think it is important to have a big understanding of the bigness of Jesus? What happens when we have a small view? How can we remedy that? What do others need to know about the bigness of Jesus, and how can we show them that in the way we live our lives? ------------------------------- allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.

Paul begins to talk about the mindset of “no pain, no gain” and how he has embraced the battle and responsibility of being a disciple of Christ. In Colossians 1:24-29, he shares his testimony to build credibility and inspire the Colossians, teaching that salvation is not the finish line but the starting line for a mission with God. Salvation means we have not only been saved from something, but we have been saved for something. Salvation marks the beginning of discipleship and the responsibility to proclaim, warn, and teach. Paul shows us that while our insecurities may make us hesitant, we must strive with God's strength and not let them rob us of our obedience. Even in suffering, Paul reminds us to trust God's plan and see our struggles as opportunities to know Him deeper. What has God saved you for? Listen to this sermon about in the third part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of Colossians.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/ZP4VuIU7k0oSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

In Colossians 4:2-5, we read Paul's passionate call for followers of Jesus to pray with perseverance and purpose, act with boldness and clarity, and watch how we live and love others. In doing this, we can “live sent” and proclaim the gospel with our lives. churchofthelakes.org

Have you ever marveled at the fact that a Holy God would save sinners such as you and I? It is incredible to think that a Holy God would see us, who are prone to wander and so easily distracted, and have mercy on us and save us from our sin.In Colossians 2, Paul shares the great lengths that our savior went to so that we might be saved. This week, we will look at what Jesus has done on our behalf in Colossians 2:11-15.I'd love for you to join us this week!

In Colossians 3:16-24, we see what it looks like to live with Jesus in our everyday lives – in our homes, our workplaces, and in our relationships. When we let the gospel of Jesus Christ “dwell in us richly,” we are reminded that we are on mission for Christ every day, even in the mundane […]

How many spam calls have you received this week? Is your email inbox full of junk trying to take advantage of you? It seems we live in a world that is constantly trying to deceive and take us captive. There is no shortage of "the next best thing" advertising that makes promises that it can't deliver.In Colossians 2, Paul gave a warning to the Colossian Church. He urged them to not be deceived by the world around them; instead imploring them to walk in Christ. The fullness of God and truth.

In Proverbs chapter 3, King Solomon writes to his children to “bind his Torah around their neck.” What does it mean to bind something around your neck? How do you “write” something on your heart? It seems that Solomon is instructing us to take action, but hasn't it “all been done for us”? What are the three things Torah does for us? Rabbi Steve Berkson begins this final episode of the series by expounding on how pursuing the Torah of Yahweh can bring peace into your life. Then, moving into Jeremiah chapter 23, Rabbi Berkson ties it to Proverbs chapter 3 and discusses the responsibility of being a proper anointed/appointed teacher of the scriptures. How did the teachers of Jeremiah's day scatter the people? For what were they being reprimanded and punished? Is there a Messianic reference in this chapter? How is Yahweh going to fix the problem of inadequate and problematic teachers? Moving on from Jeremiah to Luke chapter 8, we see the event where Yeshua, leaving His disciples in charge of getting them to the other side, took a nap. Then a great storm came upon them, causing the disciples to cry out, “Master, we are perishing!” Rabbi Berkson points out a great deal of insight from the telling of this event in the Gospel of Luke that can be applied to our life today. In Colossians chapter 3, Rabbi Berkson teaches about “the Above,” the world that is Yahweh's, and “the Below,” the world that is not His. He provides clear instruction, stating that if you are of “the Above,” raised with Messiah Yeshua, then you should diminish your passion for or any connection with “the Below.” Subscribe to take advantage of new content every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org. https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide https://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.

In Colossians 2:20-3:5, we discover more about what it means to have “Jesus over everything” in our lives. The truth is, legalism is powerless to change us. However, real change happens when we have a resurrection mindset, and we kill the old life in order to live into the new life that Jesus offers us. […]

In Colossians 1:24-29, we are reminded that pain isn't pointless when we are in Christ. We suffer with purpose, we steward the mystery of God as Christ is “in us,” and we persevere with the Holy Spirit's power. churchofthelakes.org

In Colossians 3:15-17 we find a trilogy of commands for believers to submit to Christ in specific ways. Join us as we examine these 3, as well as the absolutely necessary heart posture for all believers in these areas.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9You don't have to study Scripture long to realize that God's wisdom differs sharply from what the world considers wise. John Cortines joins us today to talk about the nature of wisdom, and spoiler alert— it's a Person, not a thing.John Cortines is the Director of Grantmaking at The Maclellan Foundation. He is the author of our new study on the book of Ecclesiastes, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, as well as the co-author of God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School and True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart.The True Nature of WisdomIn our modern world, we often equate wisdom with knowledge, education, and the ability to make good decisions. While these aspects are certainly part of it, Ecclesiastes teaches us that wisdom is far more than intellectual mastery or a collection of best practices. In fact, wisdom is not just a set of principles—it is a person. That person is Jesus Christ.Throughout Ecclesiastes, the Preacher (likely King Solomon) wrestles with the big questions of life: What is our purpose? Where can we find joy? How should we handle money? The book explores the various paths people take—seeking pleasure, accumulation, and status—but ultimately concludes that all these pursuits are vanity, or "chasing after the wind."The key takeaway? True wisdom is found in fearing God and keeping His commandments. But it's not merely about following rules—it's about cultivating a relationship with God through Christ.Ecclesiastes isn't just a book about the limitations of human wisdom; it points us to the deeper truth that wisdom is found in a relationship with God. Near the end of Ecclesiastes, we read that "the words of the wise are like goads," and these words come from "one shepherd."Interestingly, this shepherd's identity is made clear in the New Testament, where Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in the Gospel of John. Not only does Jesus impart wisdom, but He is wisdom. In Colossians, we learn that Jesus is the one who orders and sustains all things—He embodies wisdom.Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Jesus became "to us wisdom from God, righteousness, and sanctification." This concept shifts our understanding of wisdom from a set of teachings to a relationship with a person.Ecclesiastes and the Limitations of Human WisdomEcclesiastes acknowledges the limits of human wisdom. Even Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, struggled to make sense of life's paradoxes. He sought knowledge, but it never gave him lasting meaning. In fact, knowledge alone cannot answer the deeper questions of life, such as suffering, uncertainty, or death.True wisdom isn't found in education or achievement; it's received from outside ourselves. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and in the knowledge of the Holy One, there is insight. True wisdom is about trusting in Christ, who alone leads us into all truth and understanding.Walking in Wisdom with ChristIf wisdom is a person, the way to grow in wisdom is to walk closely with Jesus. John offers some practical ways to deepen our relationship with Christ and grow in wisdom:Spend time in God's Word: Not just for information but to encounter Christ and be transformed.Pray and seek His guidance: God promises to give wisdom to those who ask for it.Live in obedience: Wisdom isn't just knowing what is right; it's living it out.Surround yourself with wise counsel: Engage with fellow believers who are also walking with Christ.Trust God in times of uncertainty: Lean on Christ in suffering and hardship.Develop a heart of gratitude: Recognize and enjoy the simple gifts God gives us each day.These steps, though simple, shape our lives and our relationship with God. They allow us to grow in wisdom and understanding as we live in step with Christ.The Connection Between Wisdom and FinancesOne area where wisdom plays a critical role is in our financial lives. The way we handle money is closely tied to our spiritual journey, and the book of Ecclesiastes speaks directly to this. Money is often viewed in our culture as a means of fulfillment, but Ecclesiastes teaches us that wealth is a tool, not our source of meaning.In Ecclesiastes 11, we are reminded of the importance of generosity: "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." Giving reflects God's nature and His wisdom, and it produces Kingdom fruit. Generosity is a key part of living for Him.Ecclesiastes teaches us to appreciate the simple gifts God provides, while also reminding us that money and possessions are fleeting. As we apply the wisdom of Christ to our finances, we see the balance between frugality, generosity, and enjoying the blessings God has given us.The Ultimate Wisdom: JesusAt the heart of Ecclesiastes—and of all Scripture—is the call to fear God and keep His commandments. In the New Testament, we understand that this means following Jesus Christ, who is wisdom incarnate. Our pursuit of wisdom isn't about accumulating knowledge or living by a set of moral principles. It's about knowing Jesus personally and living in relationship with Him.If you're seeking wisdom, the answer is not found in more knowledge or better strategies—it's found in Jesus Christ. As we follow Him, we grow in wisdom, and our understanding of life's challenges—including money and possessions—becomes clearer. Wisdom is a person, and that person is Jesus.For those interested in diving deeper into the book of Ecclesiastes, our new study, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, offers a comprehensive exploration of this biblical text and its profound teachings on money, work, and contentment. Visit FaithFi.com/shop to get your copy today or to place a bulk order.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a son who has separated himself from our family. We haven't spoken in two and a half months. I want to know if there are any biblical references that would support changing my will to take my son out of it, given our current strained relationship.I made an insurance claim for a new roof, which was necessary. Now my insurance company has raised my rates, and my next payment is $163 higher than usual, which I can't afford this month. Do I have any recourse, and what should I do besides looking for another insurance company?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineTrue Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart by John Cortines and Gregory BaumerSplitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy WhiteWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Bert placed his debit card atop the restaurant bill. The waiter scooped it up and then paused to ask, “Wait, who is this guy who says ‘I am the way the truth and life?’ That’s so conceited!” Bert realized the waiter was reacting to the words printed on the card by his Christian financial company—Jesus’ words from John 14:6. Amused at the waiter’s response, Bert explained the identity of “this guy” and His sacrificial offering to bring us to God. When we encounter people who know nothing about our faith, we might respond with ridicule or even judgment. But the apostle Peter challenged us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Then he warned, “Do this with gentleness and respect” (v. 16). In Colossians 4:6, Paul explained the power of such a response, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Just as salt on our food enhances flavor, salty answers invite others closer to faith. Questions may come in surprising settings from those completely unfamiliar with Jesus Christ. When we respond with gentleness and grace, our answers offer a saltiness that entices questioners to yearn for more.