I recently took time to read and think my way through the apostle Paul’s letter to the early Christians in Colossae, the Bible book we now call Colossians. Colossae was a town about a hundred miles east of Ephesus. Ephesus was a major city on the west coast of what is now Turkey and a place the apostle Paul visited at least three times, on one occasion staying there for over two years. The gospel…

“Colossians is a remarkable letter. In the span of less than 1600 words, the apostle Paul was able to give expression to one of the most magnificent paeans of praise to Christ in all of Scripture, deliver warnings about a unique and dangerous teaching threatening the health of the church at Colossae, expound on the meaning and implications of union with Christ, voice thanksgiving to God for the…

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. – Colossians 1:1-2 ESV The ancient city of Colossae achieved its early prominence and prosperity due to its location along a major trade route that ran through the Lycus River Valley in the Roman province of Asia…

Paul encourages struggling Christians in Colossae by reminding them of Satan’s complete and total defeat.

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” ( (Colossians 2:13-15).

Satan is a thoroughly defeated foe whose end is certain, which echoes what Paul had previously told the Romans.

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20).

Everything needed to understand what Jesus was saying to the assembly in Laodicea is embedded in this post, but it needs a sleuth to work it all out. #Laodicea #Revelation# #Lukewarm

“Then, to the angel in the assembly of Laodicea write, “These things say the Amen, the Faithful and Trustworthy Witness, the origin of the creation of God: I have perceived your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. Would [you were] cold or hot! “So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am about to spew you out of My mouth. “Because you say that “I am wealthy and I have…

Thy Will Be Done

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious,…