In his message to the church in Colossae, the Apostle Paul makes it very clear that we need to stay rooted in the saving gospel of Jesus. Only by being rooted and connected with Christ can we find salvation and have the strength to live well and obediently in a world of false gospels. In Jesus, we have everything we need! Why? Because just as plants draw nourishment and living water from the soil through their roots, we draw lifegiving strength from Christ. Jesus called Himself the living water and the bread of life. So, the more we live our lives in Him, drawing our daily nourishment and strength from Him, the less we are fooled by those who would tarnish His true, saving gospel.
Paul wants us individually and collectively to be built-up on the most solid foundation of Christ. When we get this right, we get better together. He wrote, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7) Living our lives in Him means walking as Jesus walked. This fact doesn’t mean you need to choose disciples and perform miracles. No. You can’t copy the ministry of Jesus. Jesus had a special mission that only He could physically do. But we can walk in Christ today by faithfully obeying His teachings, following His example of complete obedience in loving God and loving others through serving them.
What does it mean to be “built up” in Him? It means making decision after decision to continue walking in His magnificent light. It means being established in the faith. Growth is an essential part of “walking in Christ.” We are ever and always under on-going construction. A brick here, a board there, but always and persistently being built up by divine grace.
Yes, ever so often we try to dismantle what God has done, tearing down his handiwork and experiencing painful disintegration. But God will not give up on us. What He began by grace, He’ll finish by grace. The building will be completed. God has bound Himself to us. He has formally pledged Himself to our growth in the grace and mercy of His Son.
He has sealed the document of ownership. We are His and He is ours. What an incredible feeling and blessing that is! Only one response is possible to this amazing goodness God has done in us and for us: thanksgiving!
At LECC we overflow with thankfulness in our sanctuary at 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula. We’d be pleased for you to join us for small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and Wednesday night activities at 6:30 p.m. Join us in celebrating how God gave us something we desperately needed, but did not deserve, and could never earn. He “qualified us to share in the inheritance of His people who live in the light.” (Colossians 1:12). Awesome and astounding! If you keep your eyes open, you’ll see God’s goodness every day. Stay rooted!
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
