Showing posts with label testimony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label testimony. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Opportunity

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing
Announcement—I'm moving!
here's the link to the first Part: 

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.
There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—
and God took care of each and every one! 


______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison; That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty. 
Colossians 4:3, 4 (AMP)
Paul is asking for specific prayer support. Paul knows the importance of having prayer support as he traveled preaching the gospel. He also knew the "dangers" of preaching, as he ended up in prison several times. He wanted to make sure he saw and opened every possible door to share God's grace with any and all who would listen.
Open a door: Translate "door of utterance", signifies an occasion, opportunity, or entrance, for the doctrine of the Gospel.
The mystery of Christ: The Gospel, which had been hidden from all former times, and which revealed that purpose long hidden in the Divine councils, that the Gentiles should be called to enjoy the same privileges with the Jews.
That I may proclaim it fully: It was a mystery, and he wished to make it manifest - to lay it open, and make all men see it.
Adam Clarke Commentary
Colossians 4: 3, 4 are relevant to each Christian today. We each have a responsibility to share God's truth this each and everyone with whom we have contact. We are to be aware of the opportunities that God presents and use each opportunity to be a testimony for Christ. 

We also need to be praying specifically for each other that we will each have the courage to share about God's love and grace. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then God's grace and love will shine forth in all I do and say. When I have a reverence for God, I want to honor Him and make full used of each opportunity to share His Gospel.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Steadfastness

For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. Colossians 2:5 (AMP)

Steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 
Steadfastness: unwavering, adherence, faithfulness, determination, fortitude, moral fiber, resolve, tenacity

As I studied this verse, I couldn't have explained the truth better than John Gill's did here: 
and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ;
either in the grace of faith, and the exercise of it on Christ, in opposition to doubtings and unbelief; whereby God is honoured, and with which he is well pleased; souls are filled with peace and joy; Satan is resisted and overcome; and the hearts of others, particularly ministers of the Gospel, are comforted: or in the doctrine of faith respecting Christ, in which they stood fast; notwithstanding there was a majority against it, the wise and learned, the rich and mighty, did not receive it; and though it was opposed by false teachers, persecuted by profane men, and loaded with reproach and obloquy; and also in the profession of it, which they held without wavering: now to see a set of Christians, a church of Christ walking together in Gospel order, steady in their faith on Christ, abiding by the doctrine of faith, and maintaining an honourable profession, how beautiful and delightful is it! John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

What a great testimony... steadfastness of your faith, whereby God is honored, and with which he is well pleased; souls are filled with peace and joy. 

And that is only possible, when hearts are permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).