Friday, April 29, 2011

MAN MADE RELIGION

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - COLOSSIANS

Read Colossians 2

     Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.   Colossians 2:4-5 NKJV
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     This newly formed church worshiped in a city with a mixed culture of pagan religion and strict Judaism. The Jews insisted on keeping the traditions of the law while pagan philosophers called for extreme neglect of the body through self imposed religion and worship of angels. 
     Paul warns the Colossian church, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (2:8-10)
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     Lord, I praise You that we are complete in You. I pray that as I have "received Christ Jesus the Lord, so (I will) walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as (I) have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." (2:6-7) Thank You Lord, for the free gift of Your salvation.
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     "And you, being dead in your trespasses...He has made alive together with Him...having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross."   Colossians 2:13-14 NKJV

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