Colossians 2:6 – Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.
As I was meditating on this verse, the words “As you received Christ” stuck out in my mind. These words seem to beg the question, how–how did I receive Christ? And immediately my answer is faith. We received Christ through faith (Eph 2:8). When taking a look at the context of Colossians 2, this thought becomes even more solidified.
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Have we forgotten the seriousness of sin?
Sin which resulted in death, caused destroyed fellowship with God, and produced complete and depraved separation from Him?
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In this article, Andy Naselli discusses the beginning of John 15 and Jesus’ command, “Abide in Me, and I in you” (v.4). The article seeks to answer two questions many have posed regarding this passage. First, who are those represented by first type of branch that abide in Christ and therefore bear much fruit? Does this speak of some or all believers? Are these spiritual Christians or is abiding in Christ a characteristic of every true believer? Second, who are those represented by the second type of branch that never bears fruit and is therefore cut off? Is this a once saved believer who loses his salvation? Is this a saved yet unfruitful believer whom God is chastising? Or might this simply be a professing believer is not truly saved? Obviously, such questions have immense soteriological implications.
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* Originally posted on former blog, I’m Calling Us Out.
This was a topical sermon I preached at Lake Drive Baptist Church, Milwaukee, WI in the spring of 2011 on the issue of what true saving faith is. Although more could certainly be said about the nature of true saving faith, in this sermon I addressed three vital characteristics of faith that saves: drastic, visible, and persevering.
Philippians 1:28-29 – And not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.
How do we view persecution? Many Christians probably have a tendency to view persecution as something unfortunate. But scripture presents being persecuted for the name of Christ as a privileged and honored, despite how unpleasant it may be. Continue reading
Kirk E. Miller 