First pick or last? John 15:16

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Do you remember playing a game as a child and then choosing up teams? Remember how it felt to be picked........last or close to last? The big thing was not to be picked last. If you were the last pick, then you were on the team by default.Ugh! This does not really boost your self-esteem. Well, read this, then rejoice.

John 15:16 "You didn't choose me. I CHOSE YOU. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."

Wow! You are a chosen one. You ARE NOT THE LAST PICK! Jesus made the first choice-to love and to die for us, to invite us to live with him forever. We make the next choice - to accept or reject his offer. Without his choice, we would have no choice to make.

Are you glad you accepted Jesus' invitation. You were chosen! Rejoice, go boldly into the world and share the news with others. It is great to be chosen. But even greater to be chosen, not only by the King of kings, but the CREATOR!! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Servant or Friend? John 15:14,15

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Earlier I mentioned love vs like. Do you love you home or do you really like your home? What about Jesus? Do you "LOVE" Jesus? Or do you just really "like" Jesus?

John 15:14,15 "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."Love is not an emotional feeling. Love is the act of giving. To be a friend of Christ means to obey him.

Jesus Christ is LORD and Master, and he should call us servants; instead, he calls us friends! How comforting and reassuring this should be to us, to be chosen as Christ's friend!

Because He is LORD and Master, we owe him our unqualified obedience, but most of all, Jesus asks us to obey him because WE LOVE HIM! Self check, look what Jesus did for you. Let us go from the 'like' zone to the "LOVE" area; putting Christ first, always. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Do you truly LOVE? John 15:12,13

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

What is love to you? I love my wife. I love my car. I love my home. I love my dog. I love.......... Does love have a true meaning to you? Or is it used synonymously as like?

John 15:12,13 "This is my commandment; Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."

Does this love sound the same a like? I think not. We are to love each other as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. Would you give your life for me? Would I give my life for you?

We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love like "listening", "helping", "encouraging", or "giving".

Today, try to do just one of these (or more) like listening. When you listen are you thinking of what you can say in return or are you concentrating on what they are saying. Are you focused on them, their words, their movements and actions?

Give all the love you can today, then try to give a little bit more tomorrow. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Good mood or God mood? John 15:11

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Have you every noticed how easy it is to worship and praise God when things are going well? Yet, when things don't go so well, we tend to put our Lord and Saviour on the back burner. When things don't go well we are depressed and begin thinking woe is me. Poor little me. Where does your joy come from?

John 15:11 "I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!"

Jesus, in verses 9 & 10 just told us He loved you as the Father loved Him. Also, that as you obey the commandments you remain in His love.

Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with His, He will help us walk through adversity without sinking into a destructive low and manage prosperity without moving into unrealistic highs.

The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily will keep us levelheaded, no matter how high or low our circumstances. Start your daily with a prayer of forgiveness and then one of thanksgiving. See how that goes for you. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Galatians 2:19-20 But mommy, won't he show through?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

First, I would like to welcome Kevin. May your days be long and Christ be the epi-center of your life.

Galatians 2:19-20 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law-I stopped trying to meet all its requirements-so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but CHRIST LIVES IN ME. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Some people wake up daily waiting to die. Some people wake up daily living for Jesus.
Some people wake up daily hating work. Some people wake up daily enjoying their work.
Some people wake up daily grumbling about their spouse. Some people wake up daily loving their spouse more and more.
And we could go on and on about the grumbling. As they say, some see the glass half full, some see it half empty, and engineers see that the container was not correctly constructed for the volume of water.
Where are you eyes focused? Who is in control of your attitude?

Who lives in you? Your old sinful nature or CHRIST? Christ must be the epic-center of our lives - we must live for HIM.

A mom was explaining to her daughter about God. Mommy where is God? God is everywhere. Mommy how big is God? God is bigger than anything you can imagine, bigger than you or me. Mommy where does God live? Well, honey, he lives in your heart. But mommy, if God is bigger than me, and lives in me, won't he show through?

Does God show through in you? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Luke 10:41 Details of the world or of the word?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

People say discouraging things.
People say encouraging things.
Is there a problem? Yes, and the problem lies within you. How do you receive what is being said or what is being done?

Luke 10:41 "But the LORD said to her, 'My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it and it will not be taken away from her."

How many times do we become so obsessed or pre-occupied with the here and now, the little things, that we forget the long term goal. Are you so wrapped up in service that you forget your spiritual?

You feel like everybodies doormat? That is your problem - where should your eyes be focused?
You hear discouraging words and hang your head. Why - you are a child of the KING!
We should be concerned about household chores, doing our job, taking care of family, however, we must get our priorities in proper perspective. We are not running a sprint, we are running a marathon and must focus on the finish line, aka home with Jesus.
The daily routine and little details are diversive tactics to get our eyes away from Jesus and focused on the world. May today be the day you begin focusing squarely on Jesus, taking care of business at hand, but giving glory to God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Be encouraged 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Discouraged? Have you noticed how easy it is for people to tell us or others how we should act or respond? Some people, I do believe, live their life to be miserable, to complain, and to make everyone around the unhappy or discouraged. You know who I am talking about!

But....but....but.... No BUTS! Get encouragement! Where? The Bible. It is comforting, consoling, and encouraging. Can we escape the discouraging, the troubling, the problems here on earth? No! We can't. However, we can encourage one another to be strong in their faith in the face of persecution and other troubles. Have an accountability partner that you can share with.

1 Thessalonians 3:2-4 "and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God's co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come-and they did, as you well know. "

We cannot turn to God with the hope of escaping suffering on earth. But God doesn't promise that. Instead, he gives us power to grow through our sufferings. The Christian life involves obedience to Christ despite temptation and hardships.

I say to you, my friend, STAND STRONG, BE NOT DISCOURAGED, for GOD is at hand. Love you all. I read a quote, to paraphrase; why do we believe the lie of someone we hardly know, but don't accept the truth of someone we do know.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Don't be Discouraged Isaiah 41:10

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

What is discourage? According to Websters the definition of DISCOURAGE:
1: to deprive of courage or confidence : dishearten
2a : to hinder by disfavoring b : to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something

What are some synonyms: chill, daunt, demoralize, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, frustrate, unman, unnerve, throw cold water on.

Do you ever feel discouraged in your Christian walk? Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

Jesus came to save us all. All believers are God's chosen people, and all share the responsibility of representing him to the world. One day God will bring all his faithful people together.
We need not fear because: 1)God is with us ("I am with you"),
2) God has established a relationship with us
("I am your God"),
and 3) God gives us assurance of his strength, help and
victory over sin and death.
Are you aware of all the ways God has helped you? Do not be discouraged my friend. There are people out there who will daunt, demoralize, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, frustrate, unman, and unnerve you, BUT, you have the strength of the SPIRIT!
Go forth today my friend, with boldness. Speak to that co-worker or person on the street and tell them of the good news. You are the sower; God is the master of harvest. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Accountability? Well....uh.....

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

I belong to a men's group that meets every Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. at What-A-Burger in Gresham, Tx. We get together, share, and do a devotional. Last week Doug mentioned being accountable; Chrsitain accountability. So, what are we doing? We talked about starting with prayer and being accountable for a certain amount of time in prayer everyday. I did some research on Biblical accountability and here is some of what I found.


Christian Accountability - A Need for Support
Accountability is essential for any society to function and Christian accountability is no different. We are all held accountable in one way or another. For example, there are laws to obey and if we fail to be obedient, we may have to suffer the consequences set by the officials who hold us accountable. Accountability is simply being responsible for one's actions.

There are several accountability groups that specialize in assisting people who would like to overcome an issue, addiction, or other tendency. As humans, we find support, comfort, and motivation from others who are struggling with similar life circumstances.

There are Christian accountability groups as well. Christians need support and comfort and often find this through Christian accountability. There are two essential elements to accountability: trust and the ability to relate.

Christian Accountability - The Essential Element of Trust
In order to establish Christian accountability, there needs to be trust. Developing trust is a slow process and it takes time to develop and grow. As people meet together to share, they begin to establish a rapport with one another. How is this accomplished? Let's see what the Bible says.

Active listening is essential to developing trust. James 1:19 says, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
A non-judgmental attitude is another essential element. Remember, we can be accepting of an individual while being discerning of the situation. Matthew 7:1-2 says, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Caring for each other is also essential. 1 John 4:21 says, "And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."

Accountability involves a willingness to open yourself up and share sensitive or personal information. This is why trust is so imperative. If you sense trust, you are more open to share your innermost thoughts without concern of betrayal.
Do you have an accountability partner? Do you feel you need one? Remember, character is what we do when no one can see us. How is your character? Is it something you could share with an accountability partner? Love you all. Think about it.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Good people go to heaven. Jude, chapter 2

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Good - this word can be an adjective, adverb, noun, or interjection. What does it mean? morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: a good man; satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree: a good teacher.
The word has many definitions going from here down to ample, acceptable. So, being good can be from just acceptable to morally excellent; virtuous and righteous.

And if you look in your Bible at Jude, Chapter 2 it says "All good men get to heaven. If you are good it is okay." Check it out and see.

Many places in the Bible it talks about 'good.' i.e. "fought the good fight," "everything God created was good," "hold tightly to what is good,","it is good when you obey," and on and on. However, no where does it say if you are a good and moral person you will go to heaven.

You mean good and moral people can't go to heaven? That is not what I am saying. Let's go to John 3:16-21 KJV "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 he that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

So, do good moral people get into heaven? The answer is "only if",.....what? They accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Have you? Do you know people who don't know Jesus? Have you shared the Good News with them? This weekend, be a good and faithful servant and share the Good News with someone.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Can you follow the rules? GOD's rules! Psalm 119: 27, 28

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Psalm 119:27, 28 "Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word."

Our lives are cluttered with rule books, but the authors never come with us to help us follow the rules.
BUT GOD DOES!
That is the uniqueness of our Bible. God not only provides the rules and guidelines but comes with us personally each day to strengthen us so that we can live according to those rules. All we must do is invite HIM and respond to HIS direction.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Where are you going? Do you have a map? Psalms 119:18,19

Good morning all! God is good all the time, s tthe time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Sorry I did not inform you that I would be on vacation Monday and Tuesday. Let's look at Psalm 119:18-19 "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don't hide your instructions from me.

Almost any long trip requires a map or guidance. The writer is a foreigner in the land and needed to be guided.

As we travel through life, the Bible should be our map, our guidance, showing us safe points and pointing out obstacles.

We are simply Pilgrims here on earth, and need to study God's map to learn the way. If we ignore God's map we will wander aimlessly through life and fail to reach our destination.

Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you have a happy heart? Proverbs 15:1, 13, 15

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Today as traverse our vast society take time to think about Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." Let go of that road rage; let go of that anger against a spouse, fellow worker, child, relative or friend.

Proverbs 15:13 "A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit." Go forth with a glad heart. Enjoy living for God; enjoy living; enjoy family, friends, and co-workers.

Proverbs 15:15 "......for the happy heart, life is a continual feast." May you life be a continual feast.

Remember, today, right now, is the beginning of the rest of your life. (Time before this is history.) So, have a happy heart which makes a happy face and life is a continual feast. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hebrews 11:1 What do you expect?

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

HEBREWS 11:1 "nOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN." KJV

Do you remember how you felt when you were very young and your birthday aproached? You were excited and anxious. You knew you would certainly receive gifts and other special treats. But some things would be a surprise. Birthdays bring assurance and anticipation, and so does faith.

Faith is the confidence based on past experience that God's new and fresh surprises will surely be ours.

The beginning point of faith is believing in God's character; He is who he says.

The end point is believing in God's promises; He will do what he says.

When we believe that God will fulfill his promises even though we don't see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate true faith. Continue as the birthday child, looking forward to great things. With God, this will happen. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Galatians 3:1,2 Is your faith tainted?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Yesterday in Galatians 2:3 we talked about by faith or by law. Let's look at Galatians 3:1,2 "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2This only I want to learn from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"

Paul is chastising the Galatians here. Why? Because they are allowing parts of the law to come into play and be joined with "Christianity." What? They are taking parts of the law to add to the grace and accepting of Jesus by faith. This reminds me of a saying I once read, to paraphrase, that goes: why is it people would rather believe the lie of a person they don't know than the truth from someone they do know?

As humans we read, we interpret, and then add to the Bible. If you look at the religions around and what do you find? You can't dance; there is no speaking in tongues; you have to be baptized by submersion; you can or can't have music; you can't have any alcohol; and on and on. Where are these listed in the Bible.

We tend to read, interpret, and then make a "rule" or "law of the church." How are you saved? By faith! Faith in who or what? Who! Jesus Christ. So why do we wish to be saved in the spirit and then walk in and with the world.

Standing on the promises (Bible) of Christ our King. Are you?
Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How are you justified? By law? Galatians 2:3

By law or by faith? Galatians 2:3

Mar 8th, 2011 by buford

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

I woke this morning with this verse on my mind, Galatians 2:3. Why? I don't know, I do believe God has a reason so let us continue on.

Galatians 2:3 KJV "Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised."

Titus, whose mother was Jewish and father was Greek, had not been circumcised according to the Jewish law. There is the key, the Jewish law. When Christ came and died for us he fulfilled the law. So what is happening here?

We are saved by grace, yet these "brethren" were trying to pull some of the old law into play. Even Peter got caught up in this and Paul talks about the hypocrisy they were caught up in. These people were pulling the law in and giving a good argument to make it valid. Once again, how are we justified? Verse 16 says it well.

Galatians 2:16 "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified."

So, do you need to be circumcised? How are you justified? One man, two words: JESUS CHRIST. Any questions? Talk to God. Call 1-800-He's God! (a free call from you knees). Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Faithful, Obedient, Are you really? Hebrews 11:7,11

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Okay, here is a question to pose to you. First, how strong is your faith?

Noah was told rains would come and flood and he was to build an ark. Noah told God "okay." Could you have told God okay if you were in Noah's place and: 1. did not know what rain was; 2. did not know what a flood was; and 3. did not know what an ark was. Would you have been faithful?

What about Abraham and Sarah. Sarah will give Abraham a son. Yeah, right! Sarah is thinking I am 90 years old; my child bearing time is up. Who you kidding? What are you thinking God? This can't happen.

Hebrews 11:7, 11 "It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He OBEYED God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By hisfaith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith."

11:11 "It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise."

Sarah believed and a great nation came forth.

Noah not only did not know what we mentioned above, but he experienced rejection. Here is Noah, built a "boat" in complete "dry land." Wow! Was he a weirdo according to his neighbors. He was "different." But you know what, Noah was OBEDIENT to GOD, and God gave him the strength and courage to continue on. Don't you think God will do this for you as well?

God loves you. God will protect you, love you, and care for you the way which is best for you. Take time to STOP, LISTEN to GOD, and spend time telling you Father in Heaven how much you love Him. Thank you. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Colossians 1:6 So? Are you reaching out?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

LIFE - is it a burden or an opportunity? What did you decide?

It, life, should definitely be an opportunity. Let's look at Colossians 1:6

"This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace."

Wherever Paul went, he preached the Good News- to Gentile audiences, to hostile Jewish leaders, and even to his Roman guards. Whenever people believed in the message that Paul spoke, they were changed.

God's word is not just for our information, it is for our transformation. Becoming a Christian means beginning a whole new relationshp with God, not just turning over a new leaf or determining to do right.

New believers have a changed purpose, direction, attitude, and behavior. They are no longer seeking to serve themselves, but they are bearing fruit for God.

So, how is the Good News reaching others through your life?

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Is life a burden or opportunity? Colossians 1:4,5

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Do you consider life a burden or an opportunity? Think now! BURDEN or OPPORTUNITY?!

A burden by Webster is (a : something that is carried : load b : duty, responsibility or 2: something oppressive or worrisome.

An opportunity is : a favorable juncture of circumstances 2: a good chance for advancement or progress.

So, is life to you oppressive or worrisome? Or, is it a good chance for advancement or progress?

Colossians 1:4-5 "For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News."

Gnostics believed that it took special knowledge to be accepted by God and Christ alone was not the way of salvation. Life to these was probably more of a burden as they believed they had to have special knowledge and it was what we know that brought salvation.

Seeing an opportunity is in the realms of the Christian beliefs. It is not what we know, but who we know that gives us salvation. That who is Jesus Christ. Knowing Christ is knowing God which equals salvation, aka eternal life.

Life is an opportunity. We are free to live for Christ and love others. We can have confident hope because we know that our future destination and salvation are sure, in heaven with what God has in store for us. Praise God! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hagios, holy ones - Colossians 1:2

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Syncretism - have you thought about it? The combining of ideas, philosophies to come up with your own ideas. Some may call this eclectic, taking many ideas to create your own. Is this bad? Not necessarily so, unless you begin compromising our LORD and Savior.

Colossians 1:2 "To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

To the saints, Gr: hagios, speaks of their divine relationship. It means "holy ones," born again believers, not some special group. It also means "separated ones"; separated to God, separated by God, and separated from the world.

The main idea is not excellence of character, but separation to God, for His purpose and for His service.

And faithful brethren - believing brethren. They were loyal to Christ; full of faith, trustful and trustworthy. God has one spiritual family and all are equal.

In Christ speaks of the spiritual position of believers in union with Christ. We have a brotherly relationship to other believers as well as our relationship to God.

Grace - grace gives us what we do not deserve; mercy withholds from us what we do deserve. Grace always precedes peace.

And peace - peace with God and the peace of God. Peace speaks of the calm tranquility of heart amidst disturbing circumstances.

From God, who is the source of Grace and peace.

History: The city of Colosse was 100 miles east of Ephesus on the Lycus River. It was a trading center, a crossroads for ideas and religion. Colosse had a large Jewish population; ones who fled Jerusalem due to the persecution of Antiochus III and IV. Paul had not yet visited this church, but he wrote to counter the heretical teachings about Christ that had been causing confusion among the Christians there.

Mixed ideas and teachings about Christ, God, the Bible. Does this ring a bell of somewhere else? Possibly the U.S.A.? So, what are we to do? Pray and stay strong in the Word of God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

SYNCRETISM is invading Christians today!

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Have you heard things about the Bible such as: The Bible is outdated, it was made for times back then; The Bible was written by chauvinistic men and does not apply today; I don't believe all that is in the Bible. I pick and choose what to follow from the Bible. The Old Testament is full of erroneous information. Some of it is impossible, Noah could not have 2 of every species on the Ark. And on and on. You may have heard this, maybe not, doesn't matter - those thoughts and more are out there.

"SYNCRETISM" tends to creep in. What is SYNCRETISM? Syncretism is combining ideas from other philosophies and religions (paganism, strains of Judaism, Greek thought, etc) with Christian truths. The result is best known as Gnosticism and denying Christ as God and Savior.

To fight against these errors, Paul stressed Christ's deity - his connection with the Father - and his sacrificial death on the cross for sin.

Only by being connected with Christ through faith can anyone have eternal life, and only through a continuing connection with him can anyone have power for living. Christ is God incarnate and the only way to forgiveness and peace with God the Father. Paul also emphasized believers' connections with each other as Christ's body on earth.

Colossians 1:1 "This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus and from our brother Timothy."

Do you feel like an apostle? Apostle means "one sent out by God to preach the gospel."

Do you feel chosen by the will of God? You are appointed by God. How committed or devoted are you? Really? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny