Sanctified by the Cross

23  If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:23 How many hobbies have you started and not seen through? A dusty sewing machine? A neglected exercise bike? New golf clubs propped up in the corner? We have a problem with perseverance.  We lack stick-to-it-ness.  This bleeds over into our relationship with God.  That is why Paul here encourages us to Continue, Stable & Steadfast. Meaning to persist, adhere to, stick with.  His call is not to keep being religious, trying really hard to be disciplined, nor striving really hard for God to accept you.  He’s saying, if you continue, and I’m sure you will if you are really a Christian, you prove that you are truly saved.  This is a strong warning not to shift from the hope of the gospel. Why do we shift from the hope...

  21  And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22  he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. Colossians 1:21-22 God starts nature’s spring cleaning routine early. Many of us here in the northwoods wonder if God sometimes forgets spring altogether. God however begins to think about the spring renewal and set it in motion even during the fall and winter months.  Think for a second of what your upcoming spring cleaning routine looks like.  You and I wait until the actual spring to accomplish it.  God in his perfect wisdom starts early.  Here’s how it works. In order to have an “in with the new” experience what must happen? “Out with the old. Enter the fall and winter seasons.  The same is true in our spiritual lives. In order for the in with the new spiritual life that God offers through Christ, there must be an out with ...