Many of God’s children struggle with the gap between our “then” and “when” - the then of the day we trusted Christ as our Savior, and the when of the time we’ll meet Him in heaven. But what about today? What does the gospel do for me today?
As we venture into the book of Colossians, this is an introductory message to acquaint us with the city, the founding of the church, and its focus on the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ in all things.
What a great illustration for us from the life of the Apostle Peter, that one can be a follower of Jesus Christ, yet not be converted or changed into a fruitful believer. Usually this change comes into our lives by suffering and pain, and learning to depend upon God for everything.
This passage is one of the “mysteries of the kingdom” parables. Here we find truth concerning the nation of Israel as the covered treasure, and the church as the costly pearl. Rejoice in the truth that each one is valuable in the sight of God, and Jesus is what makes them valuable!
We really only have two choices when it comes to ruling and directing our life: either you are the lord of your life, or Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life. Decisions made in those spheres of living impact everything in our life and in the lives of those we have influence over. What an example we have in the life of Ornan in today’s text. He was all in!
The most significant question in our world is answered completely in the person of Jesus Christ! Truth is not a textbook to study, feeling to act upon, or a status to achieve; it is a person to know!
We’re all making a life right now, not just making a living. We are either wasting our life on things with no eternal importance, or we’re building a worthy life, one that God can look at and say “Well done!” The Apostle James reminds us that the brevity of life makes it very valuable. Will you pursue God and His will in every aspect of your life, or pursue earthly accomplishments that don’t matter in eternity?
Ingratitude is the soil in which so many other sins grow and mature. Certainly the children of Israel forgot the blessings of God and did their share of complaining and murmuring; but are we present day Christians just as guilty? Let’s learn from their mistakes and cultivate a thankful heart to God!
As we look at God’s judgement being poured out on earth with the 5th and 6th seal judgements during the Tribulation, we will notice two prayers mentioned in these verses: the prayers of Tribulation saints in heaven, and the prayers of Tribulation sinners on earth. Oh how different and revealing they are, as we see the unrepentant heart of man under God’s hand of wrath.
Even David, a “man after God’s own heart”, had his weaknesses and moments of fear. Often when God allows tests and trials to come into our lives we panic. When we do we are saying, “I can’t trust God to handle this situation.” Our panic will always bring repercussions that harm ourselves and others.
Great heros are born for great moments. David seemed like the most unlikely candidate to face the Philistine giant Goliath, but his trust in the Lord God was resolute. He cared more about the name of the Lord than his own safety. Our hero, the Lord Jesus Christ, also trusted in His Father to win the battle over sin, death and hell. Today He is helping us defeat our goliaths!
All of the events in this signature chapter of scripture occur around the throne of God. It is amazing for the Christian to imagine one day standing before the throne of Almighty God! There is no doubt we will experience the sights and sounds of all that we see in this passage of God’s Word. Heaven will be wonderful, not because of the place, but because of the Person!
The Lord has a path laid out for each of His children, a journey for us to travel in His will. King Saul got off the path of God and it cost him dearly. What are the warning signs that reveal to us that we’ve lost our way?
