Like he did with all of his epistles, Paul identified himself as the author. Along with him in his ministry, although not necessarily in writing the epistle, was his close companion Timothy. Paul had not founded the church in Colosse, nor is it likely that he had seen them personally, yet his love for them …
Continue reading Colossians 1:1-8
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance, the only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” – C.S. Lewis It is a shame that so many express an attitude of indifference toward Christianity. For some, it is not a matter of unbelief (in the most general sense), but is …
Continue reading The Patternists: No Middle Ground
“If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is …
Continue reading Sin Leading to Death vs. Sin Not Leading to Death Paul had great affection for the brethren in Philippi. He answered the Macedonian call, and laid the foundation of Christ (cf. Acts 16:6-40). He witnessed the gospel working on the heart of Lydia and her household, and experienced a distraught man in the jailer transition to a state of rejoicing in the Lord with his …
Continue reading Philippians 2:19-24
“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you” (1 Corinthians …
Continue reading Puffed Up – Failing To Practice Church Discipline The Catechism of the Catholic Church suggests sin can be separated into two categories regarding severity: [1861] “MORTAL sin is a radical possibility of human freedom, as is love itself. It results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of grace. If it is not redeemed …
Continue reading The Patternists: Venial and Mortal Sins? Up to this point, the inspired Apostle had discussed God’s plan of salvation, the structure of His church, the need for moral living, and the correct way to act in various relationships. In conclusion to this great epistle, Paul boils everything down to the great struggle the church, and individual Christians are having to endure. …
Continue reading Ephesians 6:10-13 “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha” (1 Corinthians 16:22, KJV). In his salutation in his letter to Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote with his own hand (v. 21) two Aramaic words which were likely familiar to his audience. The first word, “Anathema,” has reference to being delivered …
Continue reading The Patternists: “Let him be Anathema Maranatha” The Galatians had begun their race as Christians. They were making strides of growth in Christ, yet, in the way laid an obstacle preventing further progression. Judaizing teachers had infiltrated the congregation, and were binding aspects of the Mosaic Law. The Galatians had already reverted to observing “days and months and seasons and years” (cf. …
Continue reading Galatians 5:7-12 The enemies of Paul in Corinth waged war with carnal weapons. They boasted in the flesh of things which actually presented them as foolish. Yet, the Corinthians put up with their folly, and were being deceived by their false doctrine (11:3-4). In order to shock the Corinthians back to normalcy, Paul stooped to reluctant boasting. …
Continue reading 2 Corinthians 11:16-21