Saturday, January 25, 2014

CHRISTIAN CHARACTERISTICS



            Text: Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.
            The church of Colosse was about one hundred miles east of Ephesus. This church was established as a result of Pauls' preaching in Ephesus.  Epaphrus was a convert of Paul in Ephesus and is probably the founder of the church in Colosse.
            Paul was contacted by this church because of some false doctrine that sprung up within. These teachings were probably a mix of Judaism mixed with some pagan philosophy.
            We will be looking at some of these. First let's take a look at the spiritual assets of the church.
            Why was Paul thankful for the Colossians?
1. Their faith. Verse 4
            Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for he is faithful that promised.
            Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
2. Love for the saints. Verse 4
            1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
            1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
            1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
            1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not see
            1 John 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
3. Their hope. Verse 5
            Romans 8:24 For we are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
            Romans 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
4. Their fruit. Verse 6
Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
5. Love in the spirit. Verse 8
            Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
            Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
            Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
February 1, Work day.  
Wednesday, Bible discussion, Gifts of the spirit.
 February 19 Annual business meeting...
Bible study available (Foundations of Faith).
Lunch after Service.
Remember the brown box, building fund, bicycle, and sewing machine jar.
Cans and food donation.  New Year.

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