Day 65 - Chapter 4

The last chapter of Colossians includes Paul's last set of instructions for prayer and final greetings to the people from himself and all his fellow believers in chains. 

Colossians 4:5-6

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Apostle Paul was talking about non-Christians when he said "outsiders". We must be careful in the way we act and practically live our lives, for if they know that we are believers of God and His Son Jesus Christ then we must shine as light and be like salt to them (Matthew 5:13-16). We must show them that the goodness that comes out of us is the result of His grace and our faith. Additionally, we must not be quick to judge those who are outside the church (1 Corinthians 5:12-13) for they know nothing about God, they do not know what they do and they live for themselves therefore we leave the judgment to the Most Powerful One. 

Words can mentally and emotionally destroy a person like nothing else. As Christians we must not succumb to gossip or bad language no matter how tempting they can be or easy to commit for if we have clothed ourselves with righteousness then we have promised to turn from our evil ways (Romans 13:14). Our daily conversations must be seasoned with salt, wholesome, helpful and edifying to our fellowmen. 

*taken from my Facebook notes

Day 64 - Chapter 3

In Colossians 3, apostle Paul instructed the people of Colosse on how to live holy lives and verses 2-4 sum them up by saying..

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  

I first hid these verses in my heart when Matthew shared them to me from years back through text. I was going through quite a tough time- I did not have a job and I badly needed money to support my new life in London but with Chu quoting verse 3 encouraged me to not easily give up but treat the troubles in life as "earthly things". 

Apostle Paul mentioned in the following verses to put to death our earthly nature which involves sins considered as idolatry. We also must get rid of anger.. filthy language.. lies.. and put on our new selves, which are being renewed in knowledge in the image of our Creator. I must admit, it was easy for Paul to say but mentally and physically wrestling with these sins is a struggle. However, if Paul could achieve the ultimate holiness, why can't we? Aren't we saints as well just like him? 

I believe that if we love the Lord that much we would do everything with all our strength and help of the Holy Spirit to be able to fight evil.  

*taken from my Facebook notes

Day 63 - Chapter 2

I once attended a North England Easter Conference in Wales together with all the Chinese Christian churches in the Yorkshire region in 2007. Colossians 2:6-7 was the bible verse chosen to support the theme "Roots and Wings" and the speakers focused on the issue of post-modernism. 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Leeds Chinese Christian Church

 What is postmodernism? Postmodernism is defined by Merriam Webster (referring to literature) as a reaction against an ordered view of the world and therefore against fixed ideas about the form and meaning of texts. We know that people of today do not accept a fact as fact unless there is a scientific or reasonable explanation backed up with hard, tangible evidence and, sadly, the bible has not escaped full criticism and skepticism. 

Just yesterday, our church minister talked about Ate Tin's Jewish employer (a perfect example of a postmodernistic man) about how to respond to his questions about the authenticity of the bible. Bro Alan cited 1 Peter 1:20-21

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 

Bro Resty also added that, "and if he still does not believe, it will be entirely up to him - this is where faith comes in. We leave the seed planted in his heart and we allow the Holy Spirit to work in him so that his heart will be opened" 

Be encouraged Ate Tin! 

*taken from my Facebook notes

Day 62 - Chapter 1

Colossians 1 reminds me of a very important person who inspired me to continue to read and search the scriptures to discern God's great plans for me, for us - Julee is the name. I can still vividly remember where we actually talked about this chapter - it was at a cafe right across Leeds University and I was with Lynda. Julee, you see, was our cell leader that time.. the moment I met her, she has shown me so much warmth and understanding (together with her cell group) and I have learnt so much from her and from then on, I have always looked up to her. Always. 

Colossians 1:15-17

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

I remember Julee asking us (in typical Malaysian accent) - "So what is this, by Him, in Him, through Him, for Him thing about? What do you think is the significance of this?" and I remember Lynda and I just sat there in deep thought. I was 21 then and Lynda was 19, Julee was 23. My my, how time flies!

Apostle Paul put emphasis on the supremacy of Christ, how God revealed His invisible self through Jesus Christ and how the Son is supreme over all created things. Paul reiterated this to the people of Colosse because of the rising heresies where they failed to grasp the fullness of Christ and tended to worship thrones or powers or rulers or authorities over God. 

To be able to worship, we have to be constantly reminded that God is the Lord of all and John 3:16. Sometimes, we get so spent in the worries and cares of this world that we forget what TRUE worship means. The prince of the power of the air is always at work 24/7, do not let what happened to Colosse happen in our Christian lives today. Be equipped with the sword of the Spirit, nurtured by prayer, fellowship and the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross! 

*taken from my Facebook notes