Sanctified by the Cross

4  We (have) heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5  because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6  which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.  Colossians 1:4-6 It is amazing to watch things grow. Plants grow by fertile soil, water, and sunlight. Newborn infants grow up by the nourishment of their mother’s milk.  Babies and Toddlers grow by Gerber baby food, small little bites and Sippy cups. From about 4-14 you grow astronomically just by eating Peanut butter and Jelly Sandwiches, carrot sticks and a glass of milk. That is a miracle. At some point though, we do ourselves a disservice in our growing up. We leave behind the fundamental and nourishing things that we are meant to grow up on. Without concentr...

3  We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4  since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5  because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel. Colossians 1:3-5 What happened to visible virtue?  I recently watched the movie Captain America, a superhero movie set in the throes of World War 2.  The main character, Steve Rodgers, is selected to be the recipient of enhancements that will make everything that he already has within him greater and more powerful. Virtue multiplies and evil does as well.  Thankfully, in Rodgers, they chose someone with visible, consistent, matured virtue. Those of you who have enjoyed this character know exactly what I mean. I look around today and wonder, even if fancifully, would there be anyone around we could select today?  Anyone with deep, consistent, visible virtu...