OLD GARY

Miracles and Faith is such a common thought and a real stumbling block for many. To believe without seeing Christ risen from the grave is truly a step of Faith. If we could see the miracles and have been in the upper room then we could easily believe but I believe it is a stronger Faith to believe without seeing. The Bible tells us what happened and how things transpired but it is still the written and inspired word versus Jesus standing by us in person and letting us act as a doubting Thomas. We know that our Faith sees us through difficult times and lets us believe God is by our side.

The "WORD" makes Jesus God in the writings of John. The book starting out as does Genesis gets ones attention and then stating Jesus is the word is a statement that leaves no doubt as to John's thoughts. These are the inspired words of God so this is the way God wanted John to express who Jesus is. What a exciting beginning of Johns message. It can only get more exciting as we follow John an his writings.

As the lesson starts with some question as to the correct interpratation we can only ponder the full facts. Paul is expressing that Onesimus can be of greater use to Philemon as a Christian and follower of Christ. Since Philemon leads a home church and is a Christian leader perhaps he will better care for his slave. Returning a slave was the civil law of the time. Paul cannot betray a fellow Christian and friend such as Philemon by keeping his slave. We can only hope that Paul is correct in sending back this slave and he will be accepted as a Christian and treated properly while serving his earthly master. This is a very touchy subject as we are judging an act of the AD 60-62 time frame and realizing things would be much different than today. I wonder if the fact that Paul is an old man and in prison effecting his handling of the situation. A very interesting passage to ponder. Since letter writing is somewhat of the past I recall that starting a personal letter usually was upbeat and with praise so Paul did not do anything unusual in his greeting. We are fortunate that Paul was a vorious letter writer.

Archippus is found to be the key leader or elder in the Colossian Church. He was given the abilities of leader and inspired to preach, teach, and inspire the congregation to fullfill their roll and spread the message of salvation to the non-believers. He must hurry back to the Church and fulfill his God given roll to lead them forward and keep them a loving and cohesive group. His absence weakens the congregation. At times I have also been blessed or burdened with the roll of being the chosen leader of a group. I take the responsibility serously and try to lead the group to fullfill their destiny and roll in society.

Paul says "Devote Yourselves to Prayer" Devotion is the key through persistence, alert to loss of attention, watchful to direction and be Thankful in prayer. To follow this guidance would rejuvenate my prayer life and give it a new sense of direction and purpose. This is simple but yet says so much to get my prayer life on target and properly directed and give thanks to God for all I have. So much substance in this pair of verses.

Learing obedience to parents fosters a mental state that makes adapting to authority in the workplace and adult world more natural and more responsive. Resistance or refusal to accept parental authority frequently develops into antisocial and a total resistance to any authority in life. In raising of the child correction and leadersip is needed to foster the differance between right and wrong and the ability to make wise and learned life decisions. Correction of children who fail to obey should be done lovingly but forcefully to avoid a confrotational situation. It is a fine line when a child crosses into adulthood. Many factors of these directions are definetly influenced by socity and its level of acceptance of behavior. Children are frequently more influienced by peer groups than parental rule. "To rear a child obediently and lovingly will give great parental pride as they become adults"

Christian virtues make us Christ like and emulate his way. Christ is pleased to see his followers make a conscience effort to be like him in our conduct of life. The Church is built on the Christian values or virtues and it is imperative the members behave accordingly to assure the Church succeeds and flourishes as a happy and trusting community of believers- without the virtues the Church will fail. Non Christians see the virtues of a Christian and know they are trustworthy and many Non Christians will respond and respect the conduct- they may even see how beautiful the Christian way is and convert. In our homes the Christian virtues provide harmony and trust among the members. A home with such virtues should be a pleasant and happy home of beleivers.

Sins of the tongue are easy to slip into as they are considered very worldly in our modern times. Some groups feel swearing and gray area truth are a sign of belonging. The damage to our stature as Christians and family role models is not doable without the virtues of the tongue. The ability to adapt and adopt these virtues make us trustworthy and family members to trust, believe, and respect as Christians. When we are under the spell of our tongue sinning we must pray for strength to stop this and change our habits.

Sexual **** is a natural desire and the design of humans. We are designed to be attracted to the opposite sex for the intimacy that perpetuates our socity. Modern times with such liberal and pornographc ideas and the promotion of sexual activity has increased the problem, Man must learn to subdue these desires and turn our attention and drive to worshipping Christ God our creator. Knowing our weakness makes it possibble to control these weaknesses.

To follow a religion based on mans laws does not make for salvation. The various religions are of man and unless tehy are devoted strictly to the teachings of Jesus and salvation through Jesus they have no basis. It is amazing throughout history how many Christian religions have surfaced by the interpretation of a man and his followers. What is the true Church? If a Church teaches rules and regulations based on a leaders interpretation it takes away from salvation through Jesus christ. How are we to know the real Church today or are we as gullible and afraid as the Christians of Colossians?

This is very important as previously we were bound by the law and now Jesus dying on the cross and being resurectated has defeated Satan and eleminated the need for the law. The cross and Jesus being nailed to it defeated Satan and the law became unneeded. The law was from Judaism and now the Gentiles and the Jews are under the new covenant and the law is gone. We are dead to sin under the law but under Christ we are forgiven.

Any preveailing belief built on falsehoods and lies are not going to bear fruit. Things of man may sound great but will not assure the salvation as promised by Christ. Being a Christian is not easy as are following the hollow teachings and actions of some false teachings. In modern times we are sometimes seduced to spend time and money for gain that is only for the philosopher or promoter to gain from and we are left empty and broke in finances or spirit.

The mystery is revealed. The Gentiles are also eligible to be saved. Christ has included the Gentiles in the plan of salvation. What a wonderful disclosure of Christs plan of salvation. It is amazing that for all history the Jews were the chosen and now the message has changed or been revealed. Christs Glory is revealed that even the Gentiles can be saved and Go To Heaven and be part of the Glory and the Light. It is amazing to me that this is such an earth shaking event and yet today the Jews are the ones who generally do not accept the Christ as the Savior. Perhaps Christ could foresee that the only hope for this new Christianity was to include the Gentiles who have today traveled and spread the Word.

Jesus paid for us as a sacrifice on the cross ans teh new covenant was formed. Paul suffered for following Jesus and testifying to his message of salvation. Paul confirmed his faith and belief and attested to it by his sacrifice and sufferring. Anyone can give lip service to belief but human sufferring gives a strong testimony of belief. Paul as a Servant of the lord gave of himself 100% which is what a good servant must be willing to do. What could be more convincing that sacrificing ones self for the Lord. This testimony gives credibility to Pauls teaching and testimony. My sufferring for the Church is nothing by comparsion to Paul. How can we know what we are willing to suffer if not challenged? In America our freedom to worship is assured but in other countries true martyrs will be found. I pray I would be worthy and willing if challenged in my belief in Jesus my Savior.