Today in the Word for July 15-19
Today in The Word
Monday July 15, 2019
Can we know the true gospel of Jesus? Is there gospel truth? Welcome to the Word with Pastor David. Paul says there is in Colossians 1:5-6: “…the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world---just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.” Paul says there is a ‘true message of the gospel.’ And he says it has something to do with truly understanding God’s grace. In fact, a few verses later he explains more precisely an aspect of this gospel in Colossians 1:14-14:“…the Son…in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” One critical part of the true gospel is that we have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Our sin has separated us from a healthy relationship with God and Jesus has handled what we could not. He has redeemed us by paying the penalty for our sins for us. What is one key part of the true gospel? We have sinned, but Jesus offers forgiveness for our sin. We can be redeemed!
And that’s the Word from Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in The Word
Tuesday July 16, 2019
Is there a true gospel of Jesus? Welcome to the Word with Pastor David. Paul says there is in Colossians 1:5-6 when he mentions: “…the true message of the gospel that has come to you...” He goes on to describe one aspect of that true gospel that God has given in Colossians 1:13: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” Some people think they are their own boss and they answer to no one. But all of us answer to someone. The critical question is whom do we serve? The true gospel states that it is possible for God to rescue us for the dark kingdom that Satan is constructing. We can stop having Satan as our master, and start having Jesus as our master. Notice that we do not have the option of having no master at all. But the true gospel offers a better one. Which kingdom would you like to serve? Would you like to move from a dark one to a Kingdom of Light? If so, it is time to call in a rescue. The gospel describes a Jesus that is in the rescuing business.
And that’s the Word from David Baker of Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in the Word
Wednesday July 17, 2019
Is there a true gospel of Jesus? Welcome to the Word with Pastor David. Paul says there is in Colossians 1:5-6 when he mentions: “…the true message of the gospel that has come to you...” He goes on to describe one aspect of that true gospel that God has given in Colossians 1:12: “…the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” What kind of a relationship has he qualified us to share in? Galatians 4:6-7 makes it plain: “…God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” One aspect of the true gospel is that we have been adopted into the family of God. Because of Jesus’ work on the cross to remove the penalty of our sin, we are now qualified to become part of God’s family. We are not just minions in God’s Kingdom, we are sons and daughters in God’s family. No matter what kind of an earthly family we have, the gospel offers us full membership in the greatest family of all—the family of God!
And that’s the Word from Pastor David of Deer Lodge Assembly. Join our Wednesday adult Bible Study tonight at 6:30 for more of the Word from Pastor Shani!
Today in the Word
Thursday July 18, 2019
Is heaven relevant to you and I? Welcome to the Word with Pastor David. Heaven seems to get mocked or dismissed as out of date to many today. But what does Paul say about the value of eternal life with God in Colossians 1:4-5: “…we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven…” Paul says the hope of eternal life in heaven is relevant to our lives in two ways. First hope of eternal life in heaven helps us trust the Jesus who makes inclusion in heaven possible. Jesus has gone to make a place for us and is coming back for us. So, we can place our faith in him. Second, hope of eternal life helps us love the folks we will be spending eternity with. Since we are going to be enjoying each other’s company in heaven, we might as well start loving each other now in this life! Heaven is very relevant to our life now. It is a springboard for our faith in Jesus and our love for each other.
And that is the Word from Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in the Word
Friday July 19, 2019
Is it possible to became an adult—spiritually? Welcome to the Word with Pastor David. The pastor of the Colossian church thinks so in Colossians 4:12. He prays for his flock: “…that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” He thinks they can grow up. What are some indicators that we are becoming spiritual adults? Paul lists some in Colossians 1:10-12: “…bearing fruit in every good work…” Adult animals and plants reproduce. Adult Christians reproduce as well. If we are to grow up, we must pass along our faith to others. “…growing in the knowledge of God...” Adult Christians devote time and energy to learning the Bible. The word of God helps us know God—what his character is like and how we can become more like him. “…being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance…” Most 17-year-old boys are all bones, hands and feet. But check back with them at an adult 25 and they have put on some muscle. Adult Christians put on muscle to be able to endure the challenges of life. They do so with God’s power, but they put on spiritual muscle nonetheless. Spiritual adults reproduce, learn, and put on muscle.
And that’s the Word. You can enjoy more of the Word this Sunday at 10:45 at Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.