Colossians 1 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

In chapter one, Paul clarifies that Christ Jesus is Who we see is God to us. Because he stated that the Father is invisible to us, Christ is God that we can see. In Christ dwelt the Fullness of the Godhead in a body.

My intent is not to do a theological exposition on Who the Savior is. We can simply and profoundly look at this chapter to give scriptural foundation to what we believe about Christ. The Word explains THE WORD.

Phil. 4 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul declared that he had learned the secret of contentment. Whether he was abased or abounding, he achieved contentment. He called this a valuable secret.

Let’s face it, if God wanted to He could lavish upon us untold riches so that we would be in luxury. Or, He could wipe out everything and leave us destitute. He knows that in Heaven we will be blessed beyond anything we know here on earth. He just wants us to learn valuable lessons in trust.

You can’ really be content unless you trust Him.

Phil. 3:21 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

The aches and pains of an aging body make verse 21 very appealing. It’s a good thing that Christ will give us a glorious body like His because I certainly don’ want to spend eternity dealing with the shortcomings of the body I now have. My wife also has her share of the discomforts of arthritis etc. We have decent days and then …. other days.

Let’s face it. Our body is merely the vehicle for our soul and spirit. It’s not the real “us.” Gratefully, in Heaven we will be transformed and can all be olympic gold medal winners

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Phil. 2 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul commended Timothy to the Philippian church and stated that the young man showed genuine concern for their welfare. Paul knew that Timothy’s love and care were like Christ.

It’s been said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Philippians 1 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul declares that a goal of the Christian life is to be “pure and blameless” for the coming of Christ. [v. 10] Besides our activity of preaching the Gospel, we have the duty to keep moving towards lives that are above reproach. We are not only to do the works of Christ, but to become LIKE Christ.

Eph. 6 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul says there is no favoritism in Christ’s Body. [v. 9] Respect of persons, preference, treats everyone the same, always fair when he judges people. In fact, EVERYONE is God’s favorite. There are different callings and giftings, and all have access to God’s Holy Spirit which enables us to serve Him with victory and effectiveness in our lives.

Our heavenly Father is the GIVER of every good and perfect gift. Take what He has given you and be a good steward of it. Also, there WILL BE a reckoning for us on how we use what He gave us.

Eph. 6 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

The Apostle exhorted, “Children, obey your parents. Honor your father and mother. Fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath.” I love the Amplified paraphrase; do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Parents are wise to cultivate honor for God’s Word in the home. Use scriptural principles of discipline and training. Teach and model respect for God’s Word. Keep them in church. The local church functions to make your family strong. Its ministers are there for the “perfecting of the saints.” They are there to help you be a Godly parent.

Patty and I did our best to raise a Godly family. We are VERY pleased with the results.

Eph. 5 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Theologian Francis A. Schaeffer wrote a famous book called “How Should We Then Live.” The Apostle Paul wrote nearly two thousand years before his letter to the Ephesian church, of which chapter 5 does just that. It instructs us on how we should live.

We ARE the Body of Christ. How we live reflects upon Him. We are the only Bible some people read.

Eph. 2, 3 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

We are saved by grace. All we have is through and because of God’s grace shown to us by Christ Jesus.

Grace is God working in us both to will and do of His good pleasure. [Phil. 2:13]

Do you want to accomplish great things for God? Sincerely ask Him for the grace to be who He wants you to be. Then, put your seatbelt on!

Ephesians 1 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Whenever I hear about someone with a severe health challenge, I mentally commit to praying for them. Paul referred to “remembering” the Ephesians in his prayers.

Our memory is like a notepad we recall when we are bringing our prayers to our Heavenly Father. We actually release God to go to work on someone when we mention them in prayer. God’s not too busy. Are we?

The effectual fervent (persistent) prayer of a righteous man achieves much. [James 5:16b]