Tag Help

Duties of Saints, pt4. SERVE

The Preacher Leave a comment

Living the Christian Life:

In Colossians 3:1-4:6, Paul encourages Christians to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Christ. He challenges us to seek things above, focusing on heavenly things while living responsibly here on earth. The principles laid out by Paul guide our daily actions as individuals and members of one another.

These verses remind us that living as Christians involves things we can do, you and I, to embody these teachings.

1) Submit. Submission is a key theme in the Christian life, and it touches various aspects of our relationships and responsibilities. Here are several areas where Paul tells us to SUBMIT To:

a) Spouses (Colossians 3:18-19; Ephesians 5:22; 1 Peter 3:1-7)

The first place where submission begins is in the home. Wives to submit to their husbands, while husbands are to love their wives and not be harsh with them. This mutual submission creates a loving and harmonious household, reflecting Christ’s relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). If we’re married, you and I are to build marriages that mirror this sacred love and respect.

b) Unity with One Another (Ephesians 5:21; 4:1-6)

Submission doesn’t stop in the home—it extends to the church. There is mutual submission among believers out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Unity requires humility, patience, and bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2). In a world where division often reigns, you and I can stand out as peacemakers, fostering unity and love in our relationships.

c) Children (Ephesians 6:1-2; Colossians 3:20; Matthew 15:4; Mark 7:10)

Children are instructed to obey their parents, honoring them as God has commanded (Ephesians 6:1-2; Colossians 3:20). Parents, on the other hand, should not provoke their children but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. As parents, grandparents, or caregivers, you and I have a responsibility to raise the next generation with wisdom, love, and guidance according to God’s word.

d) Masters (Ephesians 6:5; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:9; Colossians 3:22; 1 Peter 2:18)

In the workplace, Christians are to submit to their employers, working wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord (Colossians 3:22). This principle applies whether you are an employee or in a position of leadership. You and I are to treat those we work with or for with integrity and respect, always reflecting Christ in our actions.

e) In the Church (1 Peter 5:5; Hebrews 13:7, 17)

Within the church, submission to spiritual leaders is essential for maintaining order and spiritual growth. We are to respect and follow those who watch over our souls, submitting to their leadership as they guide us in our walk with Christ (Hebrews 13:7, 17). You and I can contribute to the health of the church by being humble, teachable, and respectful.

f) Territory (Romans 13:1-7)

Submission also extends to governing authorities. Paul reminds us that all authority is established by God, and as Christians, we are to be law-abiding citizens (Romans 13:1-7). Whether we agree with every decision or not, you and I are to respect authority, as long as it doesn’t conflict with God’s commands, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ.

2) Earn for Our Needs (Ephesians 4:28; 6:5; Colossians 3:22)

Work is a gift from God, and earning an honest living is part of our responsibilities as saints. Paul encourages believers to work hard, not just for themselves but so they can help those in need (Ephesians 4:28). You and I are to be diligent and faithful in our work, providing for our families and contributing to the well-being of others.

3) Relieve the Afflicted (1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Peter 4:9)

Hospitality and care for the afflicted are essential aspects of Christian love. Peter exhorts us to show hospitality without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). Whether through financial support, emotional encouragement, or practical assistance, you and I can bring comfort to those who are suffering, offering a tangible expression of Christ’s love.

4) Visit the Widows and Orphans in Their Need (James 1:27)

True religion, according to James, is marked by care for the most vulnerable: widows and orphans. Visiting and helping them in their distress is a way to practice our faith in action (James 1:27). You and I can look for opportunities to serve those who are often overlooked, offering them hope and support in their times of need.

5) Edify the Saints (1 Timothy 1:4; Ephesians 4:12, 16, 29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Romans 14:19, 15:2)

Finally, Christians are to build one another up. Whether through words of encouragement, teaching, or acts of service, our goal is to strengthen the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). You and I can help fellow believers grow in their faith and love for God.

Conclusion

In summary, Paul’s teaching in Colossians 3:1–4:6 provides a clear path for how you and I can live as Christians. By submitting in various relationships, working diligently, caring for the afflicted, and edifying the church, we embody the character of Christ and reflect His love to the world. These are practical actions we can take every day to live out our faith and bring glory to God.

Agape,

spencer

This is part 4 of a series of lessons on the Duties of Saints, pt1

Here is part 2 on the Duties of Saints.

Loving the LORD pt4 DELIVERANCE

The Preacher Leave a comment

4 Things about Loving the LORD

4/4

The LORD DELIVERS those that Love Him.

Psalm 145:20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

Psalm 31:23 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

Psalm 18:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,>> I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

2Cor 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

2Tim 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Things to do at HOME during COVID-19 Isolation.

The Preacher Leave a comment

COVID-19 & The things we can do.

In prayerful response to the COVID-19 concern, the church at Franklin & Juniper will cancel all services for the next 2 weeks.
We will continue to evaluate & update as the situation changes.

This decision is similar to how we cancel services during times of severe weather as well as how some make the personal choice to remain home when they are sick.

For some, if their condition prevents them from doing secular activities, it will prevent them from assembling with the saints.

This is not just a local situation, nor a national. It is an international situation.

Just because we’re practicing SOCIAL DISTANCING if we must go out for groceries (or take out) it doesn’t mean we’re no longer interacting with people in other ways. We may be in ISOLATION, but this is no time to be IDLE. There are several things we can do during the time we self-quarantine at HOME.

The first thing we can do is HEAL. This virus has a 14-day incubation period. Many may be asymptomatic, meaning they have the virus but have no symptoms. Let’s take time to HEAL our bodies.

We can HEED the warnings about limiting physical contact. We can HELP the helpless. There may be some who have compromised immune systems or other risk factors. Perhaps as some gather necessities, you could look out for their needs.

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” [Phil 2:4]

We can OPEN OUR BIBLES. Far too many have lived hectic & harried lives. While you may still be able to work from home, almost every non-essential activity has been canceled. What a great time to start that Bible Reading Program you resolved to do this year.  It only takes about 20 hours to read the New Testament. Everyone could read the entire NT during this time. (30 min in the morning & evening.

“Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Chris)” [ Eph 3:4]

Another great thing we can do is we can now have MEALS with the family. This is a lost tradition in modern times. What a great way to return to this wonderful custom where we can connect & talk with our family. Resist the urge to graze all day long, eating our meals in front of electronics.

Married couples can find ways to improve their MARRIAGES. This goes beyond the physical and looks to the Spiritual.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” [Eph 5:25]

Let’s remember the lonely and we can connect to the lonely through MESSAGING & calls. There are some among us who were lonely before this and are now more so.

Lastly, just because the building is closed there is no reason to shut down EVANGELISM. Crisis causes many to turn to God. We see this repeatedly in Scripture. Keep you EYES & EARS open to how your friends & family talk about the present distress. As Christians we are have the comfort of God’s word that removes all fear.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…” [2Tim 1:7-8]

We must maintain our hope & excitement for the Lord. When unbelievers see our enthusiasm, they may want to know why. Be ready to answer. [1Peter 3:15]

Be aware of a real phenomenon called cabin fever as well as the tendency for tempers to flare during confinement. Remember to ESTEEM others better than self. [Phil 2:3]

Trust in God, although our OUTWARD man is perishing, our INWARD man can be renewed daily. [2Cor 4:16]

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

–Spencer