The "New Man" Church

Colossians 3:1-11 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Pastor JJ finished up his Sermon series on “The Church”, with preaching on Colossians 3 and saying that by stating that we seek truth of those things which are above, we are proclaiming that there is truth of God and that this truth can be known. In a world that believes that truth is “relative”, a disciple of the Christian church is to equip the saints (meaning those who are sanctified) by providing teaching and preaching in the Word of God (John 17:17). That is individual growth and maturity that brings the light of truth of the of God, through Jesus Christ, to a lost and dying world that is blind to the consequences of sin and the  associated ill affects upon their lives and society. By redemption, forgiveness and salvation by grace through faith in the atoning sacrificial work of our Savior and Lord on the cross, this reality should encourage us beyond our comfort zone, in expression of what God has done and is doing today. Put off the “old” sinful self and put on the “new” you in holiness and righteousness, renewed in this knowledge of truth.

Colossians 3:12-17 “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Pastor JJ urged us to fully understand what God wants out of our lives and what He wants us to do with our lives. To be a passionate and committed church because the truth in God’s Word makes sense, so put into practice God’s Word, Will, and Way by faith. When the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached in the fellowship provided in the church, there is the power for radical change because faith is acted upon. Those that receive much in forgiveness and salvation in redemption, and adoption in the family of God, and eternal life as citizens in heaven and restored relationship with Creator God, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, give much in gratitude, with passionate care and love. They make a difference in the world, even in the face of dark opposition, for all is covered by the blood of Christ and true worship flows out of their hearts. We give up sin as we put on Christ and take on that new identity to be used by the child of God in our independence from the “old” self. Do what God did for you to other people, walking the same way and accomplishing common goals, working together as the body of Christ, being loved by Christ, and bringing  the love of Christ. Always answer to God first because the fight was won on the cross. Be a refuge, a covering, an encouragement and a hospital to those around you, that they may see, hear and feel His mercy, grace and love through us for the praise and glory of God.

In Christ, Brian